Can I get 5vdc out of a T23 serial port?

[skygodtj]

Anyone know if I can get 5vdc out of a T23 serail port? I want to power a mouse-type GPS receiver without running the PS2 pigtail.

Thanks

[MadMikeSS]

Check this out: http://www.aggsoft.com/rs232-pinout-cab ... signal.htm

To answer your question, that has to be a No. Every pin of the 9 pin serial connection, with the exception of the ground, is a signal pin, not a steady voltage line. If you require your serial port connection to transmit data, then you are stuck. If not, you might be able to have it toggle a signal line to always on at 5V. However, the amount of current that it provides will likely not be enough to power the device you are needing it for. So we get back to the answer above, No.

[danage]

Neither the COM nor the LPT connectors offer +5VDC. You could get it out of your PCMCIA slot, USB ports (up to 500mA), the Ultrabay and the Dock connector on the bottom.
Just out of curiosity: What's the disadvantage of using the PS/2 plug?