Black Box EYN257T-0015-FF RS-232 Shielded Null Modem Cable - DB9 Female/Female - 15 ft - 4. 57 m - Gray PVC - EMI/RF Protection
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This cable supports RS-232 serial communication standards, which remain essential for connecting legacy equipment, industrial controllers, point-of-sale systems, and networking devices. The DB9 female connectors feature a standard 9-pin layout, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of serial ports commonly found on older computers, servers, and embedded systems.
The 15-foot length offers flexibility in placement, accommodating setups where devices are spaced apart in racks, desks, or equipment cabinets. Shielding throughout the cable construction protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) signals, which is critical in environments with heavy machinery, wireless networks, or power sources that can disrupt data integrity.
This section brings together practical product details such as Cable Type, Cable Length, Connector Type on First End, Product Color, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
The Black Box RS-232 cable delivers reliable performance in demanding scenarios where data accuracy and connection stability are paramount. Its design focuses on durability and interference resistance, making it a trusted choice for IT professionals and system integrators.
Enhanced Signal Integrity
Shielding and EMI/RF protection minimize external noise, ensuring clean data transfer for critical applications like industrial automation or financial transactions.
- Reduces data errors
- Maintains signal strength over distance
- Suitable for high-interference environments
Simplified Connectivity
The null modem configuration with identical female connectors allows direct cross-connection between devices, reducing the need for additional adapters and simplifying inventory management.
- Eliminates gender changer requirements
- Streamlines setup processes
- Compatible with standard RS-232 ports
Durable Construction
Metal hoods and a PVC jacket provide physical resilience against wear, bending, and environmental factors, extending the cable's lifespan in active deployments.
- Resists abrasion and impact
- Withstands frequent plug/unplug cycles
- Gray color blends in professional settings
Deployment / Use Cases
This cable is engineered for scenarios where RS-232 serial connections are still prevalent, often due to legacy system requirements or specific industrial protocols. Its null modem design makes it particularly useful for direct communication between two DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices, such as connecting two computers or a computer to a serial-controlled device.
Common applications include linking point-of-sale terminals to receipt printers, interfacing with CNC machines or PLCs in manufacturing, connecting networking equipment like routers or switches for console management, and supporting scientific instruments or medical devices that rely on serial interfaces. The 15-foot length accommodates setups where equipment is rack-mounted or spaced across workstations, providing enough reach without signal degradation.
Industrial Automation
Connect programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), or sensors in factory settings where EMI from motors and machinery is common.
- Ensures reliable machine communication
- Withstands harsh industrial environments
- Compatible with legacy control systems
Legacy IT Infrastructure
Maintain or upgrade older computer systems, servers, or networking gear that still use RS-232 ports for configuration, debugging, or data transfer.
- Supports console access to routers/switches
- Enables data migration from old hardware
- Useful in educational or government sectors
Highlights
- RS-232 serial null modem cable for direct device-to-device communication
- 15-foot length (4.57 meters) provides flexible placement options
- DB9 female connectors on both ends for cross-connection without adapters
- Shielded construction with EMI/RF protection for reliable data transfer
- Durable gray PVC jacket and metal hoods for long-term use
- Environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing
- Lifetime limited warranty for added confidence
- Ideal for industrial, commercial, and legacy computing applications
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Black Box Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | EYN257T-0015-FF |
| Brand Name | Black Box |
| Product Name | RS-232 Shielded Null Modem Cable - Metal Hoods DB9 Male/Female, 15-ft. (4.6-m) |
| Product Type | Data Transfer Cable |
| Technical Information | |
| Cable Type | Serial |
| Cable Length | 15 ft |
| Connector Type on First End | DB-9 RS-232 Serial - Female |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x 9-pin DB-9 RS-232 Serial - Female |
| Connector Type on Second End | DB-9 RS-232 Serial - Female |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x 9-pin DB-9 RS-232 Serial - Female |
| Shielding | Yes |
| Features | EMI/RF Protection |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Gray |
| Jacket Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
FAQ
What is a null modem cable, and when should I use it?
A null modem cable is a specialized RS-232 serial cable that crosses the transmit and receive lines, allowing two DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices, like computers or terminals, to communicate directly without a modem. Use it when connecting devices such as two PCs for file transfer, a computer to a serial-controlled printer, or networking equipment for console management, eliminating the need for additional adapters or gender changers in cross-connection scenarios.
What does the shielding and EMI/RF protection on this cable provide?
Shielding and EMI/RF protection minimize electromagnetic interference and radio frequency noise that can disrupt data signals. This ensures reliable serial communication in environments with electrical equipment, wireless networks, or machinery, reducing data errors and maintaining signal integrity over the 15-foot length for critical applications like industrial automation or financial systems.
Are both ends of this cable female connectors, and what are the advantages?
Yes, both ends feature DB9 female connectors. This configuration is ideal for null modem applications where you need to connect two male ports directly, such as between computers or devices with male serial interfaces. It simplifies setup by avoiding gender changers, reduces connection points that can fail, and ensures compatibility with standard RS-232 ports commonly found on legacy hardware.
What is the cable length, and is it sufficient for typical setups?
The cable is 15 feet long (4.57 meters), which accommodates most common deployments where devices are spaced apart in racks, on desks, or across equipment cabinets. This length provides enough reach for flexible placement without excessive slack that can cause tangling, making it suitable for office environments, server rooms, or industrial settings where distance between serial devices is moderate.
What materials are used in the construction of this cable?
The cable uses a gray polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacket for durability and resistance to abrasion, oils, and environmental factors. Metal hoods on the DB9 connectors add strain relief and physical protection. These materials ensure the cable withstands frequent use, plug/unplug cycles, and harsh conditions, supporting a long service life in professional applications.
Does this cable come with a warranty, and what does it cover?
Yes, it includes a lifetime limited warranty from Black Box. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the cable's lifespan, providing confidence in its reliability for long-term deployments. It reflects the manufacturer's commitment to quality, making it a low-risk investment for businesses relying on stable serial connections in critical operations.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include DB-9 RS-232 Serial - Female, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.