Anyone with FIC VA503+ help - COM ports dead or serial cable wrong type?

[Virtual Infinity]

Both com ports seem to be dead? Windows reports no mouse. Both enabled in BIOS no conflicts. Tried with other serial cables lying around - no effect.

Question - Does this mb require a differently wired serial cable as I notice pin 10 is missing from both ports (ie 9 pin instead of 10)?

Help me please no mouse in Windows.

[ThiemeMD]

Whoa.... Deja-Vu.... I just had the very same problem two days ago, when I switched out a FIC VA503+ for a DFI board. I reused the FIC serial cables and both com ports were dead. I then proceed to install the serial cables that came with the DFI board and, lo and behold, they worked! So I got out the old trusty ohm-meter and traced the wires. They are different! The FIC cables are wired straight down the side of the connector:

12345

6789

While the DFI cable alternates top to bottom:

13579

2468

I've got an extra set here I could mail to you if you need..

Good Luck!
ThiemeMD

[M1pilot]

Good call ThiemeMD.......you have to use the serial connectors that come supplied with the 503.

-M1pilot

[Virtual Infinity]

I thought as much.

I don't suppose anyone knows where I can get a set of COM ports in the UK or mail order as well as some 10 pin USB connectors for the same board.

Thanks for the offer ThiemeMD but I'm guessing u live in the US.

[ThiemeMD]

Yes. I do live in the US. If all else fails, the offer is still open. Just let me know by e-mail if you want those serial cables.(no charge, just shipping) My address is in my profile. I can't help you with the USB ports though....

ThiemeMD

[cedar2]

The 12345 pinout is the "Intel" version and the 13579 is the "IBM" version. You should be able to get the required version for your situation at any computer shop. As far as I know, these are the only two different types of com port connections.