I have been researching what I need to be able to run MMCD, Tunerstein, and TMO on my laptop and found most everything goes back to RS232 (DB9).

I am no wiring expert by any means but since I would only be using 3 wires on the DB9 female connector (Data in, Data out, and Ground), I was wondering why I can't use a 4 pin female usb connector like this one: http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/392234-connector-usb-b-female-pcb-mount-a-usbsb.html . According to this website: http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml there is a data in, data out, and ground that can be used. That will allow me to connect to my newer laptop (which doesn't have a DB9 connection) using cables I already have laying around the house rather than having to buy a usb to serial cable, install the drivers, etc.

Thoughts?

Won't work totally different protocols and data rates.

The more research I do...the more I am finding that to be true.

I know they sell USB to serial cables and have been researching the schematics for the wiring necessary to do this and it seems like a little more than it is worth. I am beginning to think the $35 that RadioShack charges for their cable, might actually be worth it.

$35 sucks. PM me and I can save you some money for one.