davis@umn-cs.UUCP (02/15/86)
[*] Can one 1541 disk drive be shared between two C64s ? I find that I use my C64 exclusively to run 2 programs: Kermit and PaperClip. Both use the user RS232 port, one for the modem, the other for a serial printer. I also need to keep reloading "the other" program from disk because I often switch between these programs. I am thinking of investing in a second C64, so I can keep each C64 loaded with one program, and connect the modem to one and the printer to the other. I would like the two C64s to share the same disk drive (while both computers are on), as well as the same monitor. As my monitor has two inputs, I can switch between the two C64s. The big questions: 1. Can the disk drive be shared? i.e. can I plug one C64 into one of the ports on the back of the 1541, and the other C64 into the other port on the 1541? 2. I suppose this is a funny form of daisy-chaining; will any of the devices involved get screwed up? 3. Can I define the drive to be device 8 to both C64s? Device 8 to on C64, device 9 to the other? Note that I do not want one C64 to talk to another through the drive, but merely share the drive without having to unplug the cables or re-boot. (A most primivitive form of multitasking, I suppose.) Any help or comments welcome; please post to the net or reply by mail. Thanks, Jay davis%umn-cs.csnet@csnet-relay
joels@tekred.UUCP (Joel Swank) (02/20/86)
> Can one 1541 disk drive be shared between two C64s ? > > The big questions: > 1. Can the disk drive be shared? i.e. can I plug one C64 > into one of the ports on the back of the 1541, and the other C64 into > the other port on the 1541? NO > 2. I suppose this is a funny form of daisy-chaining; will any of the > devices involved get screwed up? Yes. The serial bus can have only one controller. > 3. Can I define the drive to be device 8 to both C64s? Device 8 to on C64, > device 9 to the other? No, the disk can have only one device number at a time. > > Thanks, Jay > > davis%umn-cs.csnet@csnet-relay What you really need is a switch. I built one for my VIC and C64. There was an automatic switch available (called VIC-switch I think). It worked well and handled up to 6 computers connected to a disk. Cost $150. I don't know if it's still available. Get a 4 pole double throw switch. Wire it in a box and connect the SRQ, ATN, CLK and DATA lines to it. Make GND common. Do Not connect RESET (unless you want all three devices to always reset together). Joel Swank Tektronix, Redmond, Oregon