A.J. wrote:
Is there a way that I can extend the range of my null modem connection from PC to GS by a long distance, say 100 feet? I don't want to keep lugging my GS all the way from my bedroom to my living room every time I want to make a file transfer. I looked at various wireless serial adapters, but I'm hard-pressed to find a pair of adapters within my price range (i.e. under $100 total).
You don't say why the data transfer currently fails, or the data rate, but I'll assume you get data errors during the transfer. This could be because the cable you're using is unshielded and picking up a lot of noise. Or your two machines could have radically different ideas of what 'ground' is. Or one machine is implementing TTL-level serial ports and not +- 12V RS-232.
One solution would be to use something besides RS-232. RS-422 would be a solution: you can get RS-232<->RS-422 converters from blackbox.com. Put one on each end. Likely cost is over $150 but give them a call if nothing else works.
Another solution might be to use a better cable, like your basic UTP Cat-5 Ethernet cable. This is likely the cheapest thing you can try. Divide up your RS-232 signals across the four pairs, with liberal ground wires, and see if that helps.
You might also look at how the cable is physically placed - does it run parallel to power lines? Stereo speakers? Flourescent lights? TVs and Radios? Avoid what you can, and cross the other at 90 degrees.
Kelly