Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

JohnBHanson · 14th Aug 2013, 6:32 pm

I have a brother AX25 that has a 15way D connector on the side for a computer interface. This is for an IF20 interface that converts from centronics. I am guessing that the 15 way D connector.

Pins 1,2,3,4 appear to be ground
Pins 8,15 are +5 volts

The others appear to TTL level, and I suspect that there are 7 data bits, a strobe and a busy. Does anyone have the pinout of this connector to save me some experimentation or the circuit diagram of a brother IF20 interface, or a brother typewriter with this interface on (eg AX25 but it has been used on a lot of typewriters).

Also is there a magic key combination required to turn the typewriter into online mode?

Thank you.

WorldWar2 · 15th Aug 2013, 1:31 pm

can you show a picture of the connections on the back ?

JohnBHanson · 15th Aug 2013, 6:29 pm

I have not worked out how to dismantle the typewriter as I cannot remove the platern to get the top off. The connector for the interface is the same as used for the game port on a PC - although the functionality will be totally different. I hope that helps.

WorldWar2 · 15th Aug 2013, 7:42 pm

game port/midi connector.

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This might be what you need

JohnBHanson · 15th Aug 2013, 8:14 pm

Actually I know the connector, just not the signals that I have to supply on each pin of the connector which is what I would like the help with.

14th Aug 2013, 6:32 pm	#1
JohnBHanson Heptode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Worthing, Sussex, UK. Posts: 661	Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer I have a brother AX25 that has a 15way D connector on the side for a computer interface. This is for an IF20 interface that converts from centronics. I am guessing that the 15 way D connector. Pins 1,2,3,4 appear to be ground Pins 8,15 are +5 volts The others appear to TTL level, and I suspect that there are 7 data bits, a strobe and a busy. Does anyone have the pinout of this connector to save me some experimentation or the circuit diagram of a brother IF20 interface, or a brother typewriter with this interface on (eg AX25 but it has been used on a lot of typewriters). Also is there a magic key combination required to turn the typewriter into online mode? Thank you.

15th Aug 2013, 1:31 pm	#2
WorldWar2 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Harwich, Essex, UK. Posts: 22	Re: Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer can you show a picture of the connections on the back ?

15th Aug 2013, 6:29 pm	#3
JohnBHanson Heptode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Worthing, Sussex, UK. Posts: 661	Re: Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer I have not worked out how to dismantle the typewriter as I cannot remove the platern to get the top off. The connector for the interface is the same as used for the game port on a PC - although the functionality will be totally different. I hope that helps.

15th Aug 2013, 7:42 pm	#4
WorldWar2 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Harwich, Essex, UK. Posts: 22	Re: Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer game port/midi connector. This might be what you need

15th Aug 2013, 8:14 pm	#5
JohnBHanson Heptode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Worthing, Sussex, UK. Posts: 661	Re: Interfacing a brother AX25 to a computer Actually I know the connector, just not the signals that I have to supply on each pin of the connector which is what I would like the help with.