ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu (Mike Ciaraldi) (02/05/88)
I'm trying to help someone out, so bear with me if I
mess up on some details. I've only talked to him on the phone,
I haven't even seen his system.
This guy has an Atari 800 with a hard disk (don't know the brand).
He wants to use it to talk via modem to a VAX and emulate
a VT100 terminal. So, he has the following questions:
1) How do you connect a modem to an 800? Isn't there a
built-in serial port of some kind? Can you use this for a
modem, or is it needed for disk or printer communication?
If not, can you add a serial port easily? We would need
at least 1200 baud.
2) Can you get an 80-column by 24-line display on 800?
Do you need an add-on board? Where do you get one?
(no Atari dealers in town anymore, I think).
3) Assuming you can do the above stuff, is there software to emulate
a VT-100 terminal? It would be nice if it could also
dump the screen to disk and/or printer on operator request.
If not Vt-100, how about some other terminal (other than
a "glass TTY" with no cursor control at all!).
I hope someone can tell me if any of what we want to do is possible.
Or not, if that is true.
Thanks,
Mike Ciaraldi
University of Rochester Computer Science
Internet: ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu
uucp: seismo!rochester!ciaraldiP4O@PSUVMA.BITNET (02/05/88)
Ok,first off I've seen a term program(PD) that will emuninate the VT100
and 4 others systems as well. I will post the address A/S/A/P.
(Saw add in Antic)
To connect the Modem on an 800 you might need a Serial converter
to connect the two. You can make a homemake ringer from a relay
and connect it to a joystick port. (I have plans if you need them)
Good luck,
Patrick J. O'Toole
Worthless Worthington Penn State Campus
dave@sun.soe.clarkson.edu (Dave Goldblatt) (02/06/88)
In article <6548@sol.ARPA> ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu (Mike Ciaraldi) writes: > >1) How do you connect a modem to an 800? Isn't there a > built-in serial port of some kind? Can you use this for a > modem, or is it needed for disk or printer communication? > If not, can you add a serial port easily? We would need > at least 1200 baud. There was a device known as the Atari 850 interface which provided 4 serial ports (2 full ports, one teletype, and forgot what the other was) and a printer interface (centronics parallel). It has not been made in years, unfortunately. However, ICD (I think; it's been a while) makes a device called the "PR: connection", or something like that. (P: being the printer device, R: being the default serial) It runs between $60-100 bucks, and can usually be found advertised in Antic or ANALOG. It will allow you to put any RS-232C modem on an Atari. Atari also sells a direct plug-in modem (XM130), but I'm fairly sure they never released the 1200 baud model. > >2) Can you get an 80-column by 24-line display on 800? > Do you need an add-on board? Where do you get one? > (no Atari dealers in town anymore, I think). Again, Atari was _supposed_ to release an 80-column adaptor for the 800; it was even previewed at a show or two (like a lot of things.. :-). I don't think it was ever released. However, CDY Consulting (in Texas) sells a number of upgrades for the 800 and XL lines, including a product called OmniView, which allows 80-column output. It is also supported by quite a few programs. They usually advertise in Antic as well. > >3) Assuming you can do the above stuff, is there software to emulate > a VT-100 terminal? It would be nice if it could also > dump the screen to disk and/or printer on operator request. > If not Vt-100, how about some other terminal (other than > a "glass TTY" with no cursor control at all!). > There was a package called Chameleon, which would emulate a VT-100, and emulate 80 columns by scrolling the screen to the right. I _think_ a newer version supported the OmniView. Antic has their own software catalog they publish every once in a while -- included in there was Chameleon and a number of other programs, all at low prices. > >Thanks, You're welcome. :-) > >Mike Ciaraldi >University of Rochester Computer Science > >Internet: ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu >uucp: seismo!rochester!ciaraldi Internet: bh0u@clutx.clarkson.edu BITNET: bh0u@CLUTX.Bitnet uucp: {rpics, gould}!clutx!bh0u Matrix: Dave Goldblatt @ 1:260/360 "Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink And times when you're alone all you do is think.." -JBJ,RS
fireplace@cup.portal.com (02/06/88)
In a previous article, Mike Ciaraldi asks about VT100 emulation and serial
communications on the Atari 800.
You can connect the Atari 800 to any modem using an Atari 850 Interface (it
has 4 serial ports, 1 print port) or an ICD PR-Connection (it has 2 serial
ports, 1 print port). Another alternative is the new Atari SX212(?) 1200
baud modem... it connects directly to the computer.
A program called KERMIT65, which is available for free from various sources,
supports 80 column VT100 emulation. The 80 column screen is generated in high
resolution (320x200) so the characters are in a 4x8 matrix. It isn't the best
looking text... but it's free and it works great.
Atari has their own 80 column generator, the XEP80. It plugs into the joystick
port and gives you crisp true 80 columns and a printer port. I have no idea if
a VT100 emulator has been written to take advantage of the XEP80.
And you know how painful DEC terminals can be... fireplace@cup.portal.com
sun!portal!cup.portal.com!fireplace
~~YOUR TERMINAL DOES NOT SUPPORT HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGES - GRAPHICS SKIPPED~~cfchiesa@bsu-cs.UUCP (Sir Xetwnk) (02/06/88)
In article <6548@sol.ARPA>, ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu (Mike Ciaraldi) writes: > > This guy has an Atari 800 with a hard disk (don't know the brand). > He wants to use it to talk via modem to a VAX and emulate > a VT100 terminal. So, he has the following questions: Yes, Mike, it can ALL be done! I am using an unmodified Atari 800 to type this very message, while dialed in at 1200 baud and emulating a VT100. > > 1) How do you connect a modem to an 800? Isn't there a > built-in serial port of some kind? Can you use this for a > modem, or is it needed for disk or printer communication? > Originally, the only way to connect a modem to an Atari was through the built- in serial port. ALL Atari 800 peripherals would attach to this serial port, "daisy-chaining" from one to the next. An Atari 850 Interface Module was re- quired in order to convert Atari serial signals to RS-232 compatible signals and connectors. A software handler would boot into memory FROM the Interface Module if it was powered up before the computer were turned on. This is one way your friend can go; this is in fact the way I'm connected right now. It has a certain reputation as the "standard" configuration. Drawbacks: outlay of about $100 for the Interface Module, assuming you can even FIND one; you can't access any other serial-port peripheral (printer, disk, cassette) de- vice while the Modem port is open. Terminal software for file transfer, etc., has to close the modem channel before saving each piece of data, then close the storage (say, disk) device before re-opening the modem. The last few years have seen many different pieces of hardware and software come out for the Atari 800 and subsequent models, to let the computer use modems without needing the often-expensive-and-hard-to-find Interface Mod- ule and its handler. One such device is the "P:/R: Connection" which plugs into the Joystick port and can drive a printer (P:) or RS232 (R:) device through there, using, again, a custom handler Atari recently (1987?) came out with a 300-baud smart modem which plugs directly into the serial-port daisy chain; if you didn't require 1200 baud I'd say this was the way to go, hardware-wise (write to 'aegnor@bsu-cs' or 'atariman@bsu-cs' - two of my friends here - who have this device). The model number is XM301, I believe, and it comes with a fairly nice TTY pro- gram... Atari is supposed to release a 1200-baud version, the XM1201 I think, sometime soon. I'm looking forward to it, as the 1200 baud modm I'm currently using is borrowed from 'atariman'! > 2) Can you get an 80-column by 24-line display on 800? > Do you need an add-on board? Where do you get one? > (no Atari dealers in town anymore, I think). Yes. You can either get an add-on board (from Atari, for one, but I forget the model number. Came out last year) or software to emulate 80x24 on the Graphics 8 screen. There are several programs I am aware of which do the latter, as well as several VT100 emulations, as well as several programs with various other capabilities. Unfortunately, the ones that do a good VT100 generally don't have very versatil file-transfer, and vice versa - for all I know, it may be a memory limitation! I'd suggest getting several programs of different strengths, and using whichever one suits your needs of the moment. > 3) Assuming you can do the above stuff, is there software to emulate > a VT-100 terminal? It would be nice if it could also > dump the screen to disk and/or printer on operator request. > If not Vt-100, how about some other terminal (other than > a "glass TTY" with no cursor control at all!). I recommend OmniCom if you want a wide variety of capture/file-transfer modes, plus a half-hearted VT100 emulation; John Dunning's port of Kermit65 (from the C64) for TERRIFIC VT00 and VT52 emulation if you can stand having only Kermit file-transfer and NO "print screen;" 850 Express! or 1030 Express! if you want screen-capture and screen-print on a dumb-TTY terminal. Person- ally, I prefer J.D's ported Kermit65. I wouldn't use "V-T-10-squared" if you paid me; it's not very good at being a VT100, and there's NO capture. > Mike Ciaraldi > University of Rochester Computer Science Mike, I'm at BSU in Indiana, but I'm a Rochester native. Have you checked Leon's on CLinton Ave. downtown? If they don't carry Atari stuff I don't know who will. You might also try calling Chuck Antonelli at (cross fingers) 461-3900 or 3920, mention my name, and ask if he still does Atari business. He might be able to at least inform you of the current state of availability. At worst, if you don't have this up and running by three weeks from now, I will be coming back to Rochester for my Spring (?) Break and will bring my disks so you can at least SEE the programs and maybe copy the PD stuff. Let me know if this is good for you and your friend! Chris Chiesa (317) 288-2957 home phone <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Chris Chiesa <><><><><> <> {ihpn4|seismo}!{iuvax|pur-ee}!bsu-cs!cfchiesa <> <> cfchiesa@bsu-cs.UUCP <> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
wdao@sal36.usc.edu (Walter Dao) (02/09/88)
"always make you words sweet because you dont know when you have to eat them ."
-I heard it somewhere on T.V.-
* GULP *
After 2 days looking,testing and using assempro, I have to say that :
- XREF/XDEF can be simulated by using SLABEL/ILABEL .
For example, a SMALL.LIB (small amiga.lib that can be found on one
of the fish disk) can be created using the same trick.
Assembling All the _lvo offsets and declaring them as SLABEL (XDEF)
and then using them using ILABEL (XREF) .
Advantage : takes less space on the disk (so a bigger work disk).
the assembling is faster. (the Offsets being pre-assembled.)
- Assempro even has an "online" help (you enter the rom call name or the
instruction op-code and it tells you what kind of arguments is needed).
- Assempro does not save the object code automatically to disk . (but if you
click on the QUIT option, it reminds you to do so). (I wonder what
would happen if there is not enough memory to hold assempro, the source code
and the object code .)
- The text editor is really primitive, I miss EMACS .However the search and
replace option is really powerfull (wich is proportionally complicated).
- Click to quickly on the window(creation/deletion) and you guru. ( hell )
(The ONLY time I ever gurued using that prg)
- The demos are neat. (1 of each type, math, window,graphic etc...)
- The whole package is very compact, The only disk accesses being made are when
includes files are being used, directory/ssave/load/etc .. are being made.
jumping from the editor to the assembler or to other tools didnt seem to need
disk loading.
- Would I do it again ? (I mean buy the package ...) I think so .
The all in one package is really nice ( and heavy to use at time.)
It was a pretty good deal for all the utilities furnished . (the debugger
seems really interesting, assembler,disassembler,reassembler,text editor,
all the libs, demos) .
- It has worked correctly on my 1meg amiga 500.
a ram: disk can really speed things up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way ,What does Trap 14 do ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------cc-28@cory.Berkeley.EDU (John Kawakami) (02/09/88)
In article <377@sun.soe.clarkson.edu> dave@sun.soe.clarkson.edu.UUCP (Dave Goldblatt) writes: >put any RS-232C modem on an Atari. Atari also sells a direct plug-in >modem (XM130), but I'm fairly sure they never released the 1200 baud model. > >Again, Atari was _supposed_ to release an 80-column adaptor for the 800; >it was even previewed at a show or two (like a lot of things.. :-). I >don't think it was ever released. However, CDY Consulting (in Texas) > >Internet: bh0u@clutx.clarkson.edu >BITNET: bh0u@CLUTX.Bitnet >uucp: {rpics, gould}!clutx!bh0u >Matrix: Dave Goldblatt @ 1:260/360 > Hmm... when _was_ this written? Sure, Atari is big on vaporware, but the abovementioned products are indeed out. The sx212 is the 1200 baud modem. You must buy a separate SIO cable for direct hookup (about $6). The 80-column adaptor is $80 and has been out for about a month. It also can act as a printer buffer. So far, there is little soft- ware for this. I think the name is the xep-80. As for 80 col vt100 emulation, try KERMIT-65. It emulates 80 cols in hires mode so you may need a monochrome monitor to see the display (same for omniview). The only file transfer it supports is kermit. KERMIT-65 is public domain (I think... or is it shareware). John Kawakami c60b-at@buddy.berkeley.edu
rjung@castor.usc.edu (Robert Jung) (02/09/88)
In article <377@sun.soe.clarkson.edu> dave@sun.soe.clarkson.edu.UUCP (Dave Goldblatt) writes: >Atari also sells a direct plug-in >modem (XM130), but I'm fairly sure they never released the 1200 baud model. I know Atari vaporware is one of the biggest jokes we Atarians(?) have to live with, but the SX212 is *not* one of them. I've seen them being sold at my local Federated stores, and a few of the local BBS users around the L.A. area have bought them for use with the 8-bit Ataris. I haven't had any direct experience with it, but it IS for $99, it IS Hayes-compatable (finding a good R: handler is the trick for using it with the 8-bits), and it IS a good bargain. Just to throw some GOOD news around, --R.J. B-)
jwt@atari.UUCP (Jim Tittsler) (02/10/88)
In article <377@sun.soe.clarkson.edu>, dave@sun.soe.clarkson.edu (Dave Goldblatt) writes: > Again, Atari was _supposed_ to release an 80-column adaptor for the 800; > it was even previewed at a show or two (like a lot of things.. :-). I > don't think it was ever released. The Atari XEP80 80 column display for the 8 bit series has been shipping commercially for a couple of months in the US. It does exist. The XEP80 provides a monochrome 80 column display on a "typical" monochrome monitor. It also provides a parallel printer port. It connects to the 8-bit computer line through one of the joystick ports. Jim Tittsler, Atari Corp. {ames, portal}!atari!jwt
njd@ihlpm.ATT.COM (DiMasi) (02/11/88)
> Dave Goldblatt @ 1:260/360 writes: > > In article <6548@sol.ARPA> ciaraldi@cs.rochester.edu (Mike Ciaraldi) writes: >> >>1) How do you connect a modem to an 800? Isn't there a >>.... > > There was a device known as the Atari 850 interface which provided 4 serial >.... > unfortunately. However, ICD (I think; it's been a while) makes a device > called the "PR: connection", or something like that. (P: being the printer > .... > modem (XM130), but I'm fairly sure they never released the 1200 baud model. > I have more up-to-date information on this. It is true that the Atari 850 has not been made for some years (as I recall, Atari shut down the 850 production line when they started making XL computers or thereabouts). However, there are supposedly still some 850s left here and there. Look in the ads in one of the Atari magazines (that include 8-bit info), and you are likely to see 850s advertised (as least they were last year). ICD in Rockford, IL (I have their phone number, but it's at home - sorry, try area code 815 long distance directory assistance) makes (and sells directly if you want to buy this way) the P:R: Connection (I may have 1 extra colon in that name). Unlike the 850, the P:R Connection does not use any plug-in power supply. It gets all the power it needs from the SIO bus (5V? I'm not a h/w guy). I have heard that the P:R: Connection is almost completely compatible with the 850, and I get the impression that one does not necessarily _want_ to match the 850's characteristics exactly (a somewhat "buggy" device. It works for me, though). >> >>2) Can you get an 80-column by 24-line display on 800? >> Do you need an add-on board? Where do you get one? >> (no Atari dealers in town anymore, I think). > > Again, Atari was _supposed_ to release an 80-column adaptor for the 800; >... > don't think it was ever released. However, CDY Consulting (in Texas) > sells a number of upgrades for the 800 and XL lines, including a product > called OmniView, which allows 80-column output. It is also supported by >... Again I have some updates to this. As I understand it, the Atari XEP80 80-column add-on IS available, although I haven't looked for one. I got tired of waiting (for _years_) and got CDY's OMNIVIEW chip. It replaces the OS ROM chip, and provides, besides an 80-column display (via the E: device as I recall), a "hybrid" OS that is supposed to eliminate the need for a Translator Disk for running "old 400/800 s/w" that won't run on the XL's. (Actually, the last I saw it advertised, OMNIVIEW is available for all major flavors of Atari 8- bits, even 256K-upgraded XLs [Newell{?}-upgrade or compat., I think]). Other features of OMNIVIEW include support for a RAMdisk in 130XE or 256KXL machines (using "any DOS that doesn't hide itself under the OS ROM"), and I believe it incorporates Newell's FASTCHIP (sped-up floating point ROM code - speeds up BASIC etc.). >> >>3) Assuming you can do the above stuff, is there software to emulate >> a VT-100 terminal? It would be nice if it could also >> dump the screen to disk and/or printer on operator request. >> If not Vt-100, how about some other terminal (other than >> ... > > There was a package called Chameleon, which would emulate a VT-100, and > emulate 80 columns by scrolling the screen to the right. I _think_ a > newer version supported the OmniView. Antic has their own software catalog >... I never had the newer version of Chameleon that emulated a VT100, but it doesn't matter (to me anyway). I used the "old" Chameleon (from the defunct Atari Program Exchange) in ADM3A mode and didn't like the 80-column sideways-scrolling, so I hacked my own 40-col. adm3a40 into termcap. Then I heard about OMNIVIEW. CDY sells for $10 (the last time I got a new version) a VT100 emulator that uses the OMNIVIEW chip. This program is called OmniCom. Also, there is a shareware version of this program. OmniCom has nice features, like VT100 "keypad" (the "numeric pad") emulation, re-definable keys (single char. code OR string), Kermit, XMODEM, ASCII capture (this doesn't work properly for me though), and quick screen dump to P: (between this and XMODEM, I get along well without ASCII capture anyway). I currently have lost track of CDY (he either moved or [shudder] went O.O.B.) so I can't give you a phone number/address. It was nice for a while - he had a UNIX account down there, and I have "corresponded with him" via e-mail as recently as last May (was it that recently? here my memory really fails me?). Nick ("Looking for CDY in all the wrong places") DiMasi Uni'q Digital Technologies (Fox Valley Software subsidiary; ^ working as a contractor at AT&T Bell Labs in Naperville, IL) ( | this is an accent mark, supposed to replace the dot over the 'i') [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies] [inews munchies]
wilmott@topaz.rutgers.edu (Ray Wilmott) (02/12/88)
-------------- Yes, the SX212 is definitely not VaporWare.....I just got one today and am typing this message via it and Chameleon. It's your standard Hayes-type modem, but at a much nicer price than most - I got it for $87 from Computer Mail Order (1-800-233-8950). Be forwarned though... although you *can* just plug it right into your 8-bit via the SIO port, finding software to work that way is *extremely* difficult at this point in time. My advice therefore would be to do what I did - order a PR Connection while your at it for $59, and a RS232 cable (25 pin male D-sub to 9 pin male D-sub) for $12. Then you'll be able to use a wide range of software...Express (my favorite for Atari BBS's), VT100, Amodem, Chameleon (works great with my schools Unix system), and more. -Ray -----------
cfchiesa@bsu-cs.UUCP (Sir Xetwnk) (02/13/88)
In article <18002@topaz.rutgers.edu>, wilmott@topaz.rutgers.edu (Ray Wilmott) writes: > -------------- > [... SX212 is not VaporWare...] > [...standard Hayes-type modem, but ... much nicer price ..$87 from Computer > Mail Order (1-800-233-8950). ...] First, thanks a million for that pointer! This sounds like what I've been waiting to hear about! > Be forwarned though... > although you *can* just plug it right into your 8-bit via the SIO > port, finding software to work that way is *extremely* difficult at > this point in time. My advice therefore would be to do what I did - > order a PR Connection while your at it for $59, and a RS232 cable > (25 pin male D-sub to 9 pin male D-sub) for $12. My system includes an 850 Interface -- from what you say here, and earlier postings describing the PR Connection as "...almost completely identical to the 850..." etc., it SOUNDS as though I should be able to use the SX212 with what I already have: I've got everything right down to the 25-pin male D-sub connector-- would an SX212 operate properly when plugged into the 25-pin end of the cable connected to port #1 of the 850? I.e., this is where I plug my off-the-shelf 300-baud modem in today... Thanks in advance for info. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Chris Chiesa <><><><><> <> {ihpn4|seismo}!{iuvax|pur-ee}!bsu-cs!cfchiesa <> <> cfchiesa@bsu-cs.UUCP <> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
seg@pbhya.UUCP (Stephen Grove) (02/16/88)
>
I use the SX212 both with the 850 and a Atari XE and with an ADDS View-
point 1A, which is what I am writing this with message with. It has good
colloumn characters but sure doesn't work good with VI, the ADDS I mean,
the SX212 is fine.
pbhya!seglong@sask.UUCP (Warren Long) (02/24/88)
In article <6836@oberon.USC.EDU>, rjung@castor.usc.edu (Robert Jung) writes: > In article <377@sun.soe.clarkson.edu> dave@sun.soe.clarkson.edu.UUCP (Dave Goldblatt) writes: > >Atari also sells a direct plug-in > >modem (XM130), but I'm fairly sure they never released the 1200 baud model. > I know Atari vaporware is one of the biggest jokes we Atarians(?) have to > live with, but the SX212 is *not* one of them. I've seen them being sold > at my local Federated stores, and a few of the local BBS users around the > L.A. area have bought them for use with the 8-bit Ataris. I haven't had > any direct experience with it, but it IS for $99, it IS Hayes-compatable It may be the SX212 that I have found in the stores up here. It has both an RS232 and an Atari 800-type SIO connectors. Looks pretty tempting... The price is $179 CDN, which usually indicates the price in the US is about $90 US. Is it true that it comes with NO R: handler?? That is almost, but not quite, unbelievable. Warren (long@sask) -- =-=-=-=-=-Warren Long at University of Saskatchewan, Canada-=-=-=-=- Home: 78 Carleton Dr.,Saskatoon, Sasakatchewan, S7H 3N6 Phone: (306)-955-1237 =-=-=-=-=-U-Email: ...!ihnp4!alberta!sask!long -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
kimes@ihlpe.ATT.COM (Kit Kimes) (02/27/88)
In article <1042@sask.UUCP>, long@sask.UUCP (Warren Long) writes: > It may be the SX212 that I have found in the stores up here. It has > both an RS232 and an Atari 800-type SIO connectors. Looks pretty > tempting... > The price is $179 CDN, which usually indicates the price in the > US is about $90 US. > Is it true that it comes with NO R: handler?? That is almost, > but not quite, unbelievable. > Yes it is the SX212 and yes, it comes without an R: handler. Atari is going to package the terminal software (SX Express), the R: handler and an SIO cable and sell it to 8bit owners. This keeps the cost down for an ST owner that buys the modem and doesn't need the rest of the stuff. Most of the BBS's around here have a program consisting of AMODEM with an R: handler attached that seems to work fine for all that have tried it. There is also some (prerelease?) version of SX Express floating around that people seem to like also. Kit Kimes AT&T--Information Systems Labs ...ihnp4!ihlpe!kimes