I'm trying to get a parts list together for radio shack to build my own cable. I think I figured out some of the parts but need help on a few of them. This is the guide i'm using http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/aldl_hardware_cont.htm

First what type of capacitor do I need to use?
10.0µF 50V 20% Axial-Lead Non-Polarized Electrolytic Capacitor Cat.# 272-999
or 10µF 35V 20% Radial-lead Electrolytic Capacitor Cat.# 272-1025
or 10µF 35V Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor Cat.# 272-1013

Second are these resistors ok?
10K ohm 1/4W 5% Carbon Film Resistor pk/5 Cat.# 271-1335

Third I can't find a max232 chip in their online catalog, does anyone have a catalog # or a better description to look it up by?

Do you need to put this together on a board?
Does anybody have pictures of a cable they built befoer they covered all of the connections up?

All help is appreciated

 

If it were me I would not buy parts for this particular project at Radio Shack. Find yourself another electronics supplier and get the parts there. They should have the Max232 chip. IF not you can get it from a number of places online. You can even go to the manufacturers website. www.maxim-ic.com . I got them to send me some evaluation samples for another project, they will do this for free. Or if you would like to order online froma good supplier try Jameco, www.jameco.com . Here is a link to their page with the Max232 chip http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncomme...&search=max232 . I hope this helps you with your project.

For this application, you must use a quality capacitor. If you do not you run the risk of a noisy signal while communication with your ECM. This is a BAD thing. To answer the question, "Does this need to be on a board?" I would say yes, if you just solder everything together in a wad, you run a very high risk of creating a short.

FWIW, I like doing things myself too, I bought the kit from AKM and assembled it myself. It saved me the trouble of haveing to etch the board, drill it and run the risk of missing a trace or some other mistake. His kit is top notch and he has done all the hard stuff for you.

Anyway good luck and again I hope I helped.

 

Thanks
If you can't tell yet I'm electronically challenged.
If I can't get some of this stuff figured out I'll just buy a kit or maybe even just a cable.

 

If you are as you say "electronically challenged" then DO NOT attempt to make this cable, save some headaches for yourself and buy the ready made one. If you goof, you run te risk of frying your PCM just for a few bucks.

 

I think I could get it together if I knew the exact parts but your right I most likely need to just get a cable .
Thanks