Whoever thinks about reproducing an interface for the Aladin, should first of all be aware of the fact that there are two different versions of the interface. The first version, easier to assemble, enables the user to transfer dive data from the Aladin to the personal computer. The other version, a more complex construction than the first one, enables the user both to transfer data from the Aladin to the PC and to configure some Aladin features via the PC. For both versions the original UWATEC software for the PC is required. The program for receiving data from the Aladin and afterwards analysing the monitored dive is called DATATrak. It displays a depth-profile of the dive and several additional data the Aladin records during the dive. It can thus be used as a virtual logbook since you can enter your own informations and store as many diveprofiles as you like. The configuration program for which the second version of the interface is required, is called DATATalk. Dependant on the model different features can be configured:

  So you can change the measurement units from imperial to metric units (psi/bar - feet/m) of all Aladin models. All models except the Aladin Sport feature configurable Beeps for the operating menus (no acoustic warnings can be disabled) The AIR-series feature variable sensitivity for the "out-of-breath" warning and variable limits for the airbackup of the bottle while the NITROX series have programmeable breathing-gas relativities. Average Aladin Pro or Aladin Sport users will normally not alter the default settings of the divecomputer and will therefore only need to reproduce interface version one, which can only receive data from the Aladin. Since the construction of such a one-way-interface is easier than constructing a version two inteface both types are referred to here. Important note: The do-it-yourself-interfaces does not work with the MS-Windows versions of the DATATrak and DATATalk software. The diveprofiles and the logbook data can be edited and administered using the MS-Windows version of those programs, just the transfer of the data doesn't work with the Windows versions. You can also download your Aladin with the ADLT (Aladin Download & Logbook Tool) or with Wlog if you absolutely don't want use the DOS-Programs.

   Version 1:

   This interface can ONLY be used to receive data from the Aladin. It is NOT possible to configure the Aladin with this version. This interface does not work with the MS-Windows version of the program DATATrak from UWATEC. So you can ONLY READ the diveprofile, temperature etc. data from the computer using the MS-DOS Version, the ADLT (Aladin Download & Logbook Tool) or Wlog. The interface is plugged to the Aladin using two short cables (red and black) which are connected to the red and black declared connections in the schematic. The red cable is the ground cable for the transfer and is plugged into the BASE contact of the divecomputer (see divecomputer instructions). The black cable is the transfer cable, it is plugged into the - -contact of the Aladin. A wrong plugging order does not evolve any damage, but nothing will happen. The data coming from the Aladin has a very low voltage and therefore the plugging cables have to be relatively short. (red cable <10 inches; black cable <5 inches; my tip: both cables 4 inches, so there's one problem out of question) In addition to that a voltage amplifier within the interface is required for correctly receiving the data. The transfer cable from the interface to the PC should not be langer than 3 feet and it should be screened off. The four cores of this cable should be equipped with a serial plug (9-terminal Sub-D or 25-terminal Sub-D). The layout of those plugs is displayed below. This interface is really simple to reproduce. The resistor and the diode can be soldered directly onto the IC and afterwards protected by a shrinking tube. This way the interface is just a lengthening part of the 4-core cable. The diode can be any silicium-based diode. In some cases it's recommended to put another diode in row to increase the threshold of the interface. The interface works with any resistor between 15k and 25k. Even the IC choice allows many possibilities (e.g.: LM 741; LM 747; LM 318; LM 301; LM 358;......). To avoid damage during soldering you should use a socket!!!!! The parts should be available at a price below 5 €. In spite of the fact that all schematics presented here have been tested by me I do NOT guarantee expected functionality and do NOT take responsibilty for any damage. Before the first usage a detailed visual control of the interface is strongly recommended!

Version 1 (ONLY Aladin -> PC): Parts list:
-1 IC: UA741CN or equal
-1 Resistor 1/4 Watt, 22K Ohms (Kiloohms)
-1 Diode 1N4148 or equal
+ Cables, plugs (see below), cases...

Radio Shack Part # 's:
- UA741CN : 276-007 - price $0.79 each
- SOCKET for IC : 276-1995A - price $0.59 for 2
- Resistor 1/4 Watt, 22KOhms : 271-1339 - price $0.49 for 5
- Diode 1N4148 : 276-1620 - price $2.29 for 50
- 9-pin sub-d female conector : 276-1428A - price $1.49 each
- hood for sub-d : 276-1513 - price $1.49 each

The shematic of version 1 and the circuit included into a SUB-D9:

Version 2:

   This interface is a bit more complex to reproduce. It has the same functions as version 1 has, but you can ALSO configure the Aladin divecomputer with it. This interface does not work with the MS-Windows versions of the programs DATATrak and DataTALK from UWATEC. So you can only READ the diveprofile, temperature etc. data from the computer using the MS-DOS Version, the ADLT (Aladin Download & Logbook Tool) or Wlog and WRITE with the DOS-Version of Uwatec's DataTALK ONLY!! Principally the schematic is not much different from version 1 but here the black cable can be used for sending data to the Aladin, too. Due to this feature a 5-core cable to the PC is required. It's the same here: the data coming from the Aladin has a very low voltage and therefore the plugging cables have to be relatively short. (red cable <10 inches; black cable <5 inches; my tip: both cables 4 inches, so there's one problem out of question) In addition to that a voltage amplifier within the interface is required for correctly receiving the data. If you have problems with this interface try a LF 353 instead of the LM258!! To avoid damage during soldering you should use a socket!!!!! The transfer cable from the interface to the PC should not be langer than 3 feet and it should be screened off. The five cores of this cable should be equipped with a serial plug (9-terminal Sub-D or 25-terminal Sub-D). The layout of those plugs is displayed below. The parts should be available at a price below 10 €. In spite of the fact that all schematics presented here have been tested by me I do NOT guarantee expected functionality and do NOT take responsibilty for any damage. Before the first usage a detailed visual control of the interface is strongly recommended!

Version 2 (Aladin <-> PC) -Parts list:
- 1 IC LM258 or equal - 2 Diodes 1N4148 or equal
- 2 Capacitors 4,7 uFarad (Microfarads= 1* 10-6 F)
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 100kOhm (Kiloohms)
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 330kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 22kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 220kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 2k7=2,7kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 3k3=3,3kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 47kOhm
- 1 Resistor 1/4Watt 470kOhm
+ Cables, plugs (see below), cases...

To include the version 2 into a SUB-D9-plug, you should use SMDs (surface mounted devices). The parts and the board are MUCH smaller, so don't forget a magnification lens :-). Have a look at http://www.tele.ucl.ac.be/PEOPLE/DOUXCHAMPS/aladin.html

Frank Loozer made a layout using stadard components that fits into a SUB-D9-Case. Here you can find the layout and a parts list .

Some of the alternative shown ICs have a DIL 14 case. To use this kind of IC you have to use the following pin-layout:
(LM258) <-> (LM324)
Pin 1 <-> Pin 1
Pin 2 <-> Pin 2
Pin 3 <-> Pin 3
Pin 4 <-> Pin 4
Pin 5 <-> Pin 5
Pin 6 <-> Pin 6
Pin 7 <-> Pin 7
Pin 8 <-> Pin 11

The Layout of a single IC:

 
Pin-Layout of Sub-D-Plugs (soldering side!)

PDA-Interface: to use your DOS-Interface with a PDA (like Palm Pilot) you have to build the following adapter (both plugs are seen from the soldering side!):

            +-------------------------------------------+
   I    +---|-------------------------+     |      
   N    |   | +-----------------------|---+ |  
   T    | +-|-|-----------------------|---|-|-------+
   E  __|_|_|_|______               __|___|_|______ |  P     
   R  \ 5 4 3 2 1   /               \ 5 4 3 2 1   / |  D     
   F   \ S1 (Male) /                 \ S2 (Male) /  |  A     
   A    \ 9 8 7 6 /                   \ 9 8 7 6 /   |       
   C     ¯¯¯¯¯|¯¯¯                     ¯¯¯|¯¯¯|¯    |      
   E          |                           |   +-----+
              +---------------------------+

Interface 2 -> PDA 3
Interface 3 -> PDA 2
Interface 4 -> PDA 6
Interface 5 -> PDA 5
Interface 7 -> PDA 8

A great Idea from Rein von Koten:
He uses the same interface for his PDA and PC. Both Plug-layouts are used in a single housing!

Aladin using the the Macintosh?
Here you can see the pinlayout of a RS422-Plug and an Apple Desktop-Plug.

Apple Desktop Bus, male RS422-Stecker, male

If you run the Software VirtualPC and use the DOS-Version of Uwatec's DataTRAK, it's possible to read out your Aladin but it's not possible to configure your Aladin-settings using DataTALK.

Aladin-Plugs:
Due to the many requests about the best plugs for the Aladin interface I decided to publish some possibilities. There are surely more possibilities, but these have been tested by me and are reliable. When buying plugs, just take along your Aladin and check out the diameter of different plugs. Apart from the fact that all plugs that are 'compatible' have to fit in the little sockets on the Aladin the divecomputer should be useable with the moisted fingers even when the cables are plugged. That means that the plugs must not be fully isolated. Soldering pins are my personal favourites. They are pewtered for better contact and fit without any problems (1,30mm diameter). A package with 100 pieces should be available at 1,5 € at the local Radio Shack.

This is a simple brass drawing pin. This idea came from Richard Dunstone. It is easy to solder onto the under side and you have a big flat smooth surface to operate the computer when the pins are in place.

Another (expensive) alternative is the middle pins of BNC plugs. Since they are only available per piece, one pin is as expensive as the 100pieces package of soldering pins. But they are easier to find in electronically-oriented shops. The BNC plugs are not assembled, so you have direct access to the middle pin which fits perfectly into the Aladin due to the conical shape.

You can also use a single paper clip as a contact to the Aladin. The open end of the red cable can be used for inputs