Zebra CBA-RF3-C09ZAR — Coiled RS232 Cable for 36xx Scanners
Genuine Zebra cableRS232 · DB9 female2.8 m coiledFreezer rated
The Zebra CBA-RF3-C09ZAR is a 2.8 m (9 ft) coiled RS232 cable for Zebra 36xx ultra-rugged scanners — the corded DS3608 and LI3608, and the STB/FLB3678 cradles of the cordless DS3678 and LI3678. On the host side it has a standard DB9 female connector and it delivers true ±5 V RS232 signalling, which older PLCs, industrial controllers and vehicle computers often require. It is freezer rated, so it stays flexible in cold-storage warehouses.
Many plants still connect scanners to serial ports on PLCs, weighing systems or vehicle-mount computers. Zebra built this cable for those cases: true RS232 levels for devices that do not accept TTL-level signals, power for the scanner or cradle through pin 9 of the DB9, and a coiled design that stretches to about 1.5 m of reach without hanging loose. Zebra recommends it for the VC70 vehicle computer.
Before you order: For the Zebra 36xx scanner family. The host port must supply power on pin 9 — the DS3608-ER draws up to 1 A peak; on hosts that cannot supply it, use Zebra’s external power supply or set the scanner to its 500 mA power mode. For hosts that accept TTL-level RS232 (e.g. VC80, VH10), Zebra lists CBA-R71-C09ZAR instead. Send us your host model and we will match the cable.
What's in the Box
- 1 × Zebra RS232 coiled cable, part number CBA-RF3-C09ZAR
What It Means in Practice
- Connects a DS3608/LI3608 or 3678 cradle to a PLC, serial controller or vehicle computer with a DB9 port
- True RS232 levels for older equipment that does not accept TTL signals
- Freezer-rated jacket stays flexible in cold storage
- Coiled cable stays out of the way at the workstation and stretches when needed
What Will Not Work
- It is not a USB cable — for PCs and tablets use a Zebra USB cable such as CBA-U46-S07ZAR or CBA-U61-S07ZAR (USB-C)
- It does not fit DS4608, DS2208, DS8108 or other non-36xx scanners
- It will not power the scanner if the host has no power on pin 9 (external supply needed)
- It is not a DB9-to-DB9 null-modem cable — one end is the scanner’s own interface connector
Key Features
True RS232
±5 V signalling for PLCs and controllers that cannot read TTL-level serial.
Power on pin 9
Can power the scanner or cradle from the host’s DB9 port.
Freezer rated
Built for cold-storage operations.
Coiled 2.8 m
About 1.5 m relaxed, extends to 2.8 m (9 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Part Number |
CBA-RF3-C09ZAR |
| EAN / GTIN |
0783555113547 |
| Brand |
Zebra |
| Official name |
RS232 cable, True Converter, DB9 female, TxD on 2, power pin 9 |
| Connectivity |
| Host connector |
DB9 female |
| Signal |
True RS232 (±5 V) |
| Power |
Pin 9 from host |
| Physical |
| Length |
2.8 m (9 ft) coiled, approx. 1.5 m relaxed |
| Type |
Coiled, freezer rated |
| Compatibility |
| Scanners |
Zebra DS3608, LI3608; STB3678/FLB3678 cradles (DS3678, LI3678) |
| TTL alternative |
CBA-R71-C09ZAR |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
Zebra publishes no separate warranty term for this cable — claims handled through Singular |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference from CBA-R71-C09ZAR?
Both are 9 ft coiled with power on pin 9; CBA-RF3 gives true RS232 levels and is freezer rated, CBA-R71 uses TTL levels and is not freezer rated.
Do I need an external power supply?
Only if the host cannot supply enough power on pin 9. The DS3608-ER needs up to 1 A; alternatively the scanner can be set to a 500 mA power mode.
Will it work with a PC serial port?
PC serial ports rarely supply power on pin 9, so you would usually need Zebra’s external power supply. For PCs a USB cable is simpler.
Singular Expert Insight · Buyer's Guide
Serial scanning is alive and well in factories and cold stores, but it is where cable mistakes cost the most time: TTL vs true RS232, and whether the host powers pin 9. Tell us the PLC or terminal model before ordering and we will confirm the cable and power setup. For scanners and other interface cables, see our
barcode scanners.
✓ Buy it if you connect a DS3608/LI3608 or 3678 cradle to a PLC or controller that needs true RS232, especially in cold storage.
✕ Skip it if your host is a PC or tablet (choose USB) or accepts TTL serial (CBA-R71-C09ZAR).
→ Also consider Zebra external power supply PWR-BGA12V50W0WW with DC cable if the host cannot power pin 9.
Not sure it fits your setup? Send us the model of your rack, switch or device and we will check compatibility before you order.
