Simple Breakaway Connection

[ContestID67]

I read the interesting thread about PDA connections (and others)
preventing canopies from ejecting properly. I had considered putting
the PDA on the rail of the canopy. I had to rethink that.

One possible simple "break away" connector that was recently
recommended to me is a USB connector. They are simple, reliable, and
inexpensive gold plated slide connectors with four contacts. Purchase
a USB "extension cord" which has a male and a female connector (don't
ask me which is which). Cut the cord in the middle and splice it into
your serial connection to the PDA

All you need are four connections;

USB Pin 1 - Power +5Vdc - DB-9 pin 8 (may be vendor specific)
USB Pin 2 - Transmit - DB-9 pin 2
USB Pin 3 - Recieve - DB-9 pin 3
USB Pin 4 - Ground - DB-9 pin 5

Anyway, if you cut the PDA cradle cable, there should only be four
wires. Three may be a shield which you should connect to the shield of
the USB. Connect each to whatever you want at the USB connector and
call it the "<fill in your last name> proprietary cabling standard".

- John