Palm Multi-Connector

The Palm Multi-Connector (also Athena Connector) is a power, audio and data interface connector used by

* LifeDrive
* Tungsten E2
* Tungsten T5
* Treo 650
* Treo 680
* Treo 700p
* Treo 750
* Palm TX
* Palm Centro

Palm, Inc. has changed the connectors it uses over time:

* some machines connect via Palm Universal Connector (Old Standard for Palm Handhelds)
* some machines use a standard Mini USB (Some Low-Budget Handhelds)
* some machines use a Multi-Connector (New Standard for PalmOne and Palm Handhelds)

The Connector can be used to charge the device, transfer data to a computer, HotSync, and play audio. It is the new standard to replace the previous Palm Universal Connector, which performed similar functions but did not have an audio output capability.

This port has also been used to connect to an [http://www.jamerican.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=94 external microphone] or to [http://www.efrontier.co.nz/estore/product_info.php?osCsid=212496d50a7fbe223aeb38d9d07a6664&currency=NZD&products_id=21 GPS units]

The connector is divided in two sections: the longer one has thirteen pins numbered from right to left (5 to 17); the shorter one has three pins, on the left (3), top (2) and right (1). The cable shield connectors (4,18) are located on each side of the thirteen pins.

Pins 10 and 11 have TTL levels and can't be directly connected to the RS232 port.

The Multi-Connector has received criticism from users who were familiar with previous connectors such as the Universal Connector. Users have been frustrated with the requirement to update their Universal Connector cables, cradles, keyboards, sleds, and attachments as they are incompatible. Another criticism is that the connector is fiddly, harder to remove and feels fragile.

All that is needed to charge the Treo is to connect +5 V to VDOCK and 0 V (negative) to VDOCK_RTN.

External links

* [https://pdn.palm.com/regac/pdn/ViewDocument?docId=3409 Palm Developer Guide, Palm OS Platform.] Look at section 14 for Multi-connector pinout
* [http://pinouts.ru/PDA/palm_treo650_pinout.shtml Palm Multi connector pinout]
* [https://pdn.palm.com/regac/pdn/index.jsp Palm Developer Network]