If you are interested in a PIC-based serial cable, you can get a complete kit of parts from Ken Hewitt, see “Ordering Complete Kit of Parts”:

http://www.welwyn.demon.co.uk/fms_lead/fms_lead.htm

I built two of these interfaces. They are fun to build and they work great (smooth - no glitches). You have to be able to read resistor color codes, but this is quite simple – see:

http://webhome.idirect.com/~jadams/e...stor_codes.htm

The PIC controller comes pre-programmed. The circuit only has about 13 parts to solder together and all the necessary parts are included for ~$15.00 shipped. I paid by PayPal. It took less than a week to receive the kits here in the U.S (NJ). All you need are some basic tools (soldering iron and the like).

It would be tough for me to build a PIC-based cable for less (e.g., a PIC programmer is needed to program the chip). Perhaps you have a PIC programmer available to you. In that case, you can build one of the other PIC-based cables out there on the web. Anyway, I am not affiliated with Ken Hewitt.

Good Luck,
Moses