Opposite of parallel port?

[magk9]

Always wondered, why don't motherboards have the com1 and com2 connections BOTH used for serial ports? What IS that other connection for? Looks like the opposite gender of the parallel port, but have never seen ANYTHING that hooks to it. I don't even bother putting them in any more, but would love to know what the HAIL they are/were ever used for!

[DanU]

What you're describing sounds like a 25-pin serial port. It's basically a 9-pin serial port with 16 extra ground pins. You'll see some external modems using them.

[daveleau]

That is a 25 pin serial port similar tot eh 9 pin. Some older modems and printers used them, but they have really become obsolete now. I would stop putting them in systems too. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Dave

[magk9]

Thanks guys, don't know why I didn't ask years ago!
;o)

[OuTpaTienT]

hmmm, and here I always thought that was an unparallel port.

[Graham]

Unparallel port LOL.

The 25 way "D" type connector was and still is the standard RS232 or X21 bis V24 connector.
It is generally only PC's and the like that use the 9 way, usually for space considerations. Lots of kit (professional) still uses the 25 way connector, modems, muxs and the like, where the other pins have extra functions like various clocks and signal quality, they never were 16 extra grounds.
I have not seen a PC with a 25 way on it for ages, and I certainly wouldnt fit one.

G