20140626 Make your own FTDI cable (CHEAP)
I needed a extra FTDI cable, and I did find a cheap FTDI from China awhile ago, I think it was 7 bucks, about half of what everone else wants for a “real” FTDI. But I really don’t want to spend even this much for a FTDI.
This cable will cost about $3.50 but does require some work to make.
http://letsmakerobots.com/node/23728 It uses a CA-42 USB2.0 Nokia Data Cable, Seems like a lot of things for the old Nokia phones will work with our micro-controllers. The link explains what you need to do, but in short, unsolder the wires that are on the chip, put 6 new wires on it, and solder pins to the end. And you have a DIY-FTDI cable for right around $3.50.
Drivers: Linux should have the drivers built in. For Windows you might need this:
Thou there is some debate on the website as to if this is the correct driver for the cable, you may have to hunt, but the drivers should be able to be found.
The best place to find the cable now is eBay:
IF making your own cable is not your thing then take a look at this:
FV88 FT232RL USB To Serial Adapter Module USB TO 232 Download Cable For Arduino
This is the chip that the FTDI is based on, I haven’t tried it yet, but looking at the pin-out of the chip it matches up to my $7 dollar FTDI, The biggest difference it seems this has male header pins, and most FTDI have female header pins, it’s even got a switch for 3v and 5v. Coming from China of course, but this seems to be the closest I’ve seen to a true low cost FTDI, order one and waiting. Cost $3.50, no work, unless you want to change the header out.
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