pin 7 on din8 is power, 5.55v

when powered:

din8 pin 3:  3.2v
din8 pin 4:  2.0v
din8 pin 5:  -5.25v
all other:  0v

using the following connections:

db25 outer shell -> din8 outer shell (gnd)
db25 pin 3 -> din8 pin 5 (rx)
db25 pin 20 -> din8 pin 7 (power for spaceball)

we get messages from space via 'tip hardwire' without :hf: in /etc/remote

db25 pin 2 -> din8 pin 6 (tx)

works!