fseipel@hpuxa.ircc.ohio-state.edu (Frank E. Seipel) (11/22/90)
> I think there was another item released around then that allows several >8-bits to share disks, printer, etc. That might be what he was thinking of. Several people have made reference to this. A hardware add-on called the multiplexer provides this kind of functionality to the Atari 8-bits. To quote their ad: "This device brings the power and flexibility of larger systems to your 8-bit. The multiplexer is a device (actually a colection of modules) that allow up to 8 Ataris to read and write to the same drive (typically a hard disk), printer, and talk to each other. One 'master' compute (any 8-bit) is equipped with the master multiplexer interface. Then up to 8 'slave' computers can hook up to the master, each having their own slave interface. The 'common' peripherals (things that are to be shared) are connected to the master computer. On each slave, all disk and printer I/O is routed through the master, so no drives are needed on them. The master computer can be configured in any manner you wish - you can for example have certain peripherals 'local' to the slave, or routed to a different number on the master. Under development is a BBS system that will make full use of this device, allowing up to 8 lines/users to be using the system at the same time! A multiuser chat mode is a feature of this program, however, you do not NEED this program to run a BBS with the multiplexer (but be warned that not all BBS programs will run concurrently). All slaves are independent, and do not need to have the same program running on them. This system is excellent for BBS SysOps, because you can be using your hard disk(s) while still running your BBS uninterrupted! Another example is a classroom situation, or anywhere a disk needs to be shared by different people. This is an excellent programming/debugging tool as well! The Multiplexer price is $199.95 for a master and two slave units (plus $5 S/H/I). Additional slave units are $69.95 each. (716) 586-5545" Many years ago MPP (I think) released a similar device which (I believe) was called the Micro Connection. It only worked with DOS 2.5 and had some other problems. I can dig up the review of it if anybody wants, but I'm not sure it was ever even released to the public. I don't know anybody who is using the Multiplexer, but it sounds like it would be very good for running a BBS -- Bob Puff is writing the BBS software that runs under it. He calls this program the Puff BBS. BTW, the same company marketing the Multiplexer (CSS) also markets an SIO 'Y' connector with a switch, which allows you to manually switch peripherals in/out. Many years ago Corvus systems released a multiplexer that would allow up to 64 Ataris (with 9 multiplexers) to connect up to a single drive. It only worked with 8oo's and required the standard joyport 3/4 interface for each Atari. Anybody on here use Corvus equipment on the 8-bit? E-Mail me.