pinout.org - a blog about connectors, cables and other stuff...

These are the changes in v1.4 of SerialMon:

• New format of logfiles. Now it's more clear what is the source (A, B or PC).
• Better parsing of SysInternals PortMon files.
• RP570 checksum checked.
• RP570: TSTA messages translated.
• Legend added for color backgrounds
• Sending text improved (Hex/LF/CR possible)
• The last bytes no longer stuck in a buffer. Buffer is flushed after 2 seconds.
• Comments may be added to logs.
• More events from Software monitored connection. They are shown as comments.
• Software monitoring shows local time, not UTC.

Download it here.

Intel gave some clarity to the confusion surrounding USB 3.0. The blog entry from Intel claims that USB 3.0 spec will be released early in the second half of 2008.

There has been some rumors earlier that Intel would keep the spec secret for the first six months, which Intel clarifies as a misunderstanding. There is another spec called "Intel's host controller spec". It will also be released about the same time.

USB 3.0 will be ten times faster than 2.0. Data will be transfered at the rate of 4.8 Gbit/s.

It was not possible to use software monitoring in v1.2 due to a bug in the setup program. Sorry for that.

Download it here.

SerialMon is now able to monitor serialport communication without the use of a cable.

New in this version is support for the ABB SPA-bus protocol. SPA-bus is used in substation automation systems, mostly from ABB.

The NMEA 0183 protocol is also supported. Most commonly used in GPS communication.

Download it here.

The Hardware Book uses MediaWiki software. The software is great, but the search capabilities are limited. I've replaced it with Google search. This will give better results.

New version of SerialMon released. You can monitor and listen to a serial connection with this software. Use it together with some simple to build cables. It can display the data as ASCII or Hex.

It can also support the ABB RP570 protocol which is mainly used in utility electrical substations as the communication protocol to the control centers.

Olympus announced a new xD-Picture Card. This card is suppose to be compatible with Type M and be 50% faster. So I guess that it should have similar speed as Type H. The card will be available in 1 GB and 2 GB sizes.

Press release: Olympus US website & Olympus European website
Hardware Book: xD-Picture Card

I've migrated the mail from my own server (running qmail & SpamAssassin) to Google Apps, which is like Gmail but for other domainnames. I hope that Google will be able to keep the spam away. I'm receiving around 500 spams every day. I'm sorry to admit that I've been unable to answer and read all e-mails.

Please continue to send your questions and suggestions by e-mail. Or post them here at the forum. I will keep you updated about the spam. :-)