Check your electronics store.
You can pick up some DB9 to RJ-45 converters.
You'll have to figure out the pinouts.
You'd be suprised how far a serial cable can go.
I've had to run some over 40 feet without issues at work.
Yes, give that man a prize!
I use Cat5 (which I make by crimping the RJ45 connectors onto the cable) along with the DB9 to RJ-45 converters, too.
Now, you should use the correct pinning of the cable.
- follow the normal RJ45 wiring pinout -
... so
pairs are twisted together and terminated as appropriate.
The adapters go for somewhere between $2 and $6, if memory serves.
And, you have to plug the wires from the RJ45 socket inside it, into the desired pins of the DB9/DB25.
That sets the pinout, for such things as crossover or straight-through.
- never make the cable with RJ45's on each end, a unique wiring plan -
Always make the changes in the RJ45-to-DB9 adapter. (and document it)
In tests I've run, I was able to get 100 kilobaud over 100+ feet, without trouble.
I've also run at least 50 feet (maybe more - I can't recall) from a parallel port using a DB25 to RJ45 adapter, too.
If in doubt, try a test with about twice as much cable as you think you'll need.
If that works, then half as much should be pretty reliable.
Also, they usually come in both sexes, so you could have DB9/25 male or female, as required.
Could I run Cat5 cable from the receiver to the computer and solder on DB9's on both ends?
Solder?
Sorry, I got caught up in the fun.
Yes, that'll work even more cheaply.
You'll probably be using
solid wire cat-5, so don't be flexing it a lot.