DEC MMJ plugs

As someone who has done this recently, I have a few suggestions, but you have to buy some stuff. First and foremost, I didn't have a crimper that would work with mmj. You can use just a standard rj11/rj12/rj21 crimper if you are willing to break of the clip, but I didn't want that. I did not solder straight into a DB9 connector with a housing, but you could do that if you wanted. I basically wanted to leave the modular connector attached to my pc and the microvax II and that way I could fab any length cable I needed with MMJ connector ends. Just snap them in or out as needed. The longest cable I have fabbed has been about 30', and it does work, but I don't know the limit for the strange microvax II 9 pin port (NOT RS232). I bought this crimper. Its expensive, but cheap crimpers make a frustrating experience. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YO83I/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00 This cable: http://www.computercablestore.com//1000FT_Silver_Satin_Modul_PID2.aspx These connectors: http://www.computercablestore.com//Modular_Connectors_RJ1112_PID2061.aspx These modular adapters (I know they look male, but its because they use the same image for both male and female): http://www.computercablestore.com//Modular_Adapter_Kit_DB9_F_PID958.aspx You probably will need some female connector pins for the connectors since you will have to connect multiple wires to a single pin on the modular connector whether you are going to a MMJ device, or RS232. I had quite a few, so I didn't need to buy any. Mine were the solder type, which I prefer. My container was labeled bendix, but might have just been the brand. If you need the pinout for connecting to a PC RS232 port(blatantly copied from http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/cable/dec-mmj.html) H8571-J female DB9 RS232 to MMJ adapter For most of us at this moment the most important MMJ adapter is the adapter to connect a normal PC to a DEC MMJ cable. The original part number for this adapter is H8571-J. This adapter has a female DB9 connector on one side, and a female MMJ socket on the other. The wiring is explained in the diagram. H8571J adapter, PC RS232 serial port to MMJ DB9 (PC) MMJ socket Function 4 1 DTR DTR 3 2 Tx Tx+ 5 3 + 4 Signal ground Rx? + Tx? 2 5 Rx Rx+ 1 + 6 + 8 6 DSR + CTS + CD DSR The H8571-J adapter shown here can for example be used to connect a DEC printer with serial MMJ cable to a normal PC RS232 port. Note the connection between pin 1, 6 and 8 in the RS232 connector at the PC side. This connects the printer DTR line through the cross cable BC16E to the PC's DSR, CTS and CD inputs. Some programs need these connections to prevent paper-out and printer off line messages. Just my $.02.