Hi goolias,

There is a cheaper alternative using transistors for a level shifter but the transfer rate is lower and it support less devices. For your application since you want to maximize compatibility with other devices for reuse, I shall use a MAX232 (my version is compatible with 3.3V).

You can use this Max232 level shifter for both your D-Link 2640T and DNS323, so you only need one serial console. For this serial console, I will use a pin header for connection to TTL devices and a Female RS232 9pin serial connector to connect to a PC's serial port, like what you requested.

What type of pin header do you want? Will a 4-pin in-a-row (3.3V TX RX GND) header do?

Do you need a cable to connect the serial console's 4-pin header to your DNS323 board?

Price quote:
JTAG Cable = 25
Serial Console (universal, supports 3v-5v TTL devices) = 58
Discount for both = -5
If you need the 4-pin-header-to-DNS323-board connector = +6

can teach me how to de-brick using this jtag bro

Hi goolias,

Firstly, let's get the male/female naming convention correct. I think you have mixed them up. When looking at serial sockets, we look at the smaller individual 9-pins for male/female identification. Please look at my Post #3 as I've already linked pictures for the serial sockets.

Since you will also need a serial cable for connecting the serial console to the PC, how about I directly wire the cable to the serial console and with a FEMALE serial socket (serial socket on PC is MALE)? Cable will be 1.5 meter. Price stays the same.

On a side note: For best performance, it's a general practice to keep the cables as sort as possible to avoid any interference. However, this is not critical, 1.5 meter is still fine. Just thought you might want to know.

Btw, thanks for answering my question for kakarocht. 
Hi bro, this JTAG cable works fine for Linksys WRT54G, like goolias mentioned, it's a standard. However, you might want to double check to see if you have a JTAG header on your board so that you can connect this cable. Although, to my knowledge all versions of WRT54G come with a JTAG header. If it doesn't you'll have to solder one on.

Sorry for the poor illustration of the 1.5 meter cable. No, it's not a ribbon cable. I'll be using a shielded cable to protect against signal noise. The soldered points will be reinforced with hot glue and part of the cable bind down to the PBC board. Don't worry about flimsy connection as I emphasize quality. Is this ok or would you still prefer otherwise?

---

Added on July 28, 2010, 12:24 am

So what do you want at the device end of those 4 TTL cables? Just bare wires? Single pin header connectors may not be compatible with your D-Link 4-pin socket.