c60a-3ac@tart1.berkeley.edu.BERKELEY.EDU (Class Account) (05/09/87)
Two days ago, I bought a brand new, 2400 baud modem for just over $200.
This is the Courier 2400, by US Robotics in Skokie Illinois.
I rushed home to connect my new toy to my computer. Get the old serial
interface out of the drawer, dust it off, plug it into my Apple II's
slot 5, set dip switches on both units, connect them, turn everything on,
type pr#1, and wait expectedly.
Nothing.
I tried slot 1, 2, 4, and 5. No matter where I put it, when I type pr#x
the machine hangs.
This is the Apple Serial Interface Card, vintage 1978. Dip switches
set as follows:
1: \
2: > these determine baud rate - set to either 1200 or 2400, same result.
3: /
4: on.
5: this and number 6, when both on, send output not only to peripheral
6: but also to standard display.
7: on.
I thought that maybe lines 2,3 in the rs232c cable may have been exchanged-
the Courier has a set of dip switches to take care of this. Both positons,
same problem. But: when lines 2,3 switched, the modem lit up more lights,
I think the rd light was among them.
But no matter how the modem is set, the apple interface card should echo my
characters to the screen if dips 5,6 on. But when I type pr#x, HANG!
Well, I thought the interface was screwed, it being so old, so I went to
the local Used Computer Store, and bought a new one for fifty smackers
(I was desperate to get my toy online!).
Same problem.
Am I making an obvious error? If any of you have any information that
could help me, I'd be grateful. (full of grates?) I've been living with
300 baud for 6 years, dreaming of the time when I could afford 2400bps.
Now, when I finally get a chance to drink the nectar of the gods, my
cup has a dribble hole in it. If you need more info, let me know!
Thanks in advance,
Dave Wuertele
c60b-hf@buddy.berkeley.edumdavis@hp-sdd.UUCP (Morgan Davis) (05/09/87)
Two things. One, using PR#<slot> will not activate the terminal mode ability of some serial interface cards. If it even provides this feature, you should use IN#<slot>. However, the interrupts are non-existent in the firmware on these boards, and connecting at 2400 bps will surely cause you to lose characters even if you did connect. I suggest getting a decent terminal program to complement your decent modem choice (heck, you bought one of the top modems, why not invest in some good terminal software?). --Morgan UUCP: [ ihnp4 akgua hplabs!hp-sdd sdcsvax nosc ] !crash!pnet01!pro-sol!mdavis ARPA: crash!pnet01!pro-sol!mdavis@nosc INET: mdavis@pro-sol.CTS.COM