Those of us who have been around the computer world for a while remember well the classic RS-232 serial cable, long before the advent of USB, FireWire or Thunderbolt. Still widely in use today for scientific and retail products, iOS users can now tap into the fun with a new serial cable ready-made for the dock connector.
Redpark Product Development has announced availability of their Redpark Serial Cable for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The meter-long cable features a male DB-9 RS-232 serial connector at one end and a standard iOS dock connector at the other end. Used in conjunction with the Redpark Serial Communications (RSC) library, developers are able to write iOS apps to communicate with serial devices.
“We’ve been receiving strong interest in serial connectivity from the hobbyist and education communities," explained Redpark president Mike Ridenhour. “We’re pleased to be able to provide tools that will enable these developers to apply the iOS platform in valuable new ways.”
Hobbyists and higher education customers are among Redpark’s target audience for the $59 C2-DB9 serial cable, compatible with the iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and fourth-generation iPod touch models. It supports communication at speeds up to 57.6 Kbps and requires iOS 4.3.x or later. The Redpark Serial Cable is now shipping and can be ordered directly from the company’s website.
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