Communications Cables

Alicat Scientific offers many cable types and lengths to connect your mass flow meter, pressure gauge or controller to a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC). Most cables are available in both single-ended and double-ended variations. Custom cable lengths are available for all single-ended cables.

Proper data transmission is a non-negotiable requirement in your business operations, and high-quality communication cables accomplishes just that. With their ability to streamline system control, deliver accurate diagnostics, and improve troubleshooting, they play a pivotal role in optimizing your systems.

At Orange Coast Pneumatics, we are your dedicated provider of top-grade pneumatic equipment and accessories, including a wide range of communication cables. Below, you’ll find useful information about communication cables and how important they are in your operations.

What’s The Role Of Communication Cables?

Communication cables are the essential link between your pneumatic system's control elements, like the mass flow meter, pressure gauge, or controller, and your computer or programmable logic controller (PLC). They ensure the smooth and accurate exchange of data between these devices, empowering you to manage your system operations effectively.

The ability to relay accurate, real-time data from your devices to your control systems is essential in maintaining the efficiency and safety of your operations. Communication cables are crucial in providing this link, enabling your team to monitor system performance, adjust operational parameters, and swiftly identify and address any issues that may arise. 

With reliable communication cables in place, you can enhance your system control, improve troubleshooting procedures, and significantly reduce downtime, ensuring your operations run smoothly and productively.

Key Features And Benefits Of Using Communication Cables

With a multitude of devices involved in industrial operations, achieving effective communication between them is crucial. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using communication cables.

Quality Of Data Transmission

The quality of data transmission is a primary feature that sets high-grade communication cables apart. They are designed to relay accurate and real-time information from your devices to your control systems. This feature ensures you have access to the most current data, which is crucial in making timely and informed decisions, and keeping your operations running at peak efficiency.

Flexibility And Efficiency In System Control

Communication cables provide flexibility and efficiency in system control. By transmitting data from devices such as mass flow meters, pressure gauges, or controllers to computers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs), they enable real-time adjustment and fine-tuning of system operations. This flexibility allows your team to respond swiftly to changing operational needs, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.

Improved Diagnostics And Troubleshooting

In the case of system issues or malfunctions, communication cables play a critical role in diagnostics and troubleshooting. They facilitate the swift detection of anomalies in the system by providing a reliable data stream to your control units. This function enables your team to rapidly identify and rectify issues, significantly minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring your business stays on track.

DC Series 8-Pin Mini-DIN Cables

DC Series single-ended 8-pin mini-DIN cables
Starting at $30.00 (US)

DC Series double-ended 8-pin mini-DIN cables
Starting at $35.00 (US)

Single-Ended Part Numbers: DC-61, DC-251, DC-501, DC-751, DC-1001, DC-6RT
Double-Ended Part Numbers: DC-62, DC-252, DC-502

DC Series 8-pin mini-DIN cables come in single-ended and double-ended variations. All end connectors are male. Double-ended DC Series cables are perfect for connecting your meter or controller to our BB9 multi-drop breakout box. Single-ended cables come with wire colors labeled for our standard 8-pin mini-DIN pinout and are available in custom lengths.

The DC-6RT has a right-angle connector for use in tight spaces. This cable is only available in the 6-foot length (1.8m).

DC-6RT right-angle 8-pin mini-DIN cable
$35.00 (US)

DC Series Wire Colors:

• Black – primary 4-20 mA current analog output
• Brown – secondary analog output (if used, DC only)
• Red – RS-232 digital serial input
• Orange – setpoint input or remote tare (via grounding)
• Yellow – RS-232 digital serial output
• Green – primary 0-5, 1-5 or 0-10 volt DC analog output
• Blue – DC power input
• Purple/White – ground

IC Series 6-Pin Locking Industrial DIN Cables

IC Series single-ended 6-pin locking DIN cables
Starting at $35.00 (US)

IC Series double-ended 6-pin locking DIN cables
Starting at $40.00 (US)

Single-Ended Part Numbers: IC10, IC20, IC50
Double-Ended Part Numbers: IC102

IC Series 6-pin locking industrial DIN cables are great for industrial applications or any time there is a need for a more secure connection to the device. They come in single-ended and double-ended variations. All end connectors are male and feature locking collars that twist to lock. Double-ended IC Series cables are perfect for connecting your meter or controller to our BB9-I multi-drop breakout box. Single-ended cables come with wire colors labeled for our 6-pin industrial DIN pinout and are available in custom lengths.

IC Series Wire Colors:

• Black – ground
• Brown – primary DC voltage or 4-20 mA current analog output
• Red – DC power input
• Green – setpoint input or remote tare (via grounding)
• Blue – RS-232 digital serial output
• White – RS-232 digital serial input

9- and 15-pin D-Sub Cables

510368 double-ended 15-pin D-sub cable
$40.00 (US)

510199 double-ended 9-pin D-sub cable
$40.00 (US)

Part Numbers: 510199, 510368

We offer double-ended D-sub cables (female-female) for connecting male D-sub connectors to PLC’s and other devices. Double-ended cables include locking screws and come in 9-pin (Part 510199: 10 ft/3.0m length) and 15-pin (Part 510368: 15 ft/4.6m length) varieties.

*Note: Instruments equipped with 9-pin D-sub connectors do not have the same pinouts as common serial cables. Proper connection to computer serial ports is accomplished via our MD8DB9 8-pin mini-DIN to serial adapter cable (see below).

DBC-251 single-ended 15-pin D-sub cable
$50.00 (US)

Part Number: DBC-251

The 15-pin D-sub cable is also available as a single-ended cable (Part DBC-251: 25 ft/7.6m length), which is available in custom cable lengths of less than 25 feet. The DBC-251 comes with wire colors labeled for pin numbers that correspond with Alicat’s several 15-pin D-sub pinout options.

Conversion Cables

MD8DB9 double-ended 8-pin mini-DIN to 9-pin serial conversion cable
$35.00 (US)

Part Number: MD8DB9

The best way to connect a single device to a serial port on a computer is by using our MD8DB9 8-pin mini-DIN to serial adapter cable (6 ft/1.8m length). This cable directly converts the ground, transmit and receive signals from the 8-pin mini-DIN that is standard on most units to the corresponding pins on a computer’s 9-pin D-sub serial port. For connecting multiple devices to a single computer serial port, please see our BB9 multi-drop breakout box.

USB-MD8-232 or USB-MD8-485 double-ended 8-pin mini-DIN to USB serial conversion cable
$100 (US)

Part Number: USB-MD8-232, USB-MD8-485

Our instruments may be used with computer USB 2.0 ports by using our USB-MD8-232 or USB-MD8-485 serial cables. Simply specify your protocol when you order. These cables transmit digital communications but will not power your Alicat instrument from a computer’s USB port. For connecting multiple devices to a single computer USB port, please see our BB9-USB multi-drop breakout box.
Download USB Device Driver.

ISC10 6-Pin Locking Industrial DIN Cable for EXTSEN Pressure Units

ISC10 single-ended 6-pin locking cable for external sensor signals
$35.00 (US)

Part Number: ISC10

Our ISC10 is a 6-pin locking industrial DIN cable just like the IC10 above, but it is wired for connection to the ISC sensor connector on our EXTSEN pressure units with external pressure sensor capability. The ISC10 is sold in one length: 10 feet (3.0m).

IC Series Wire Colors:

• Black – ground/common
• Red – DC power input for external sensor
• Green – sensor signal input
• Brown, Blue, White – not used