[comp.sys.zenith] Zenith MiniSport/NEC V20/16550A UART

Darius Vaskelis <U39648@uicvm.uic.edu> (04/28/91)

Well, I can't resist, I plan to buy one of those discontinued Zenith
MiniSports, but I have a few questions:

1. I understand the Zenith MiniSport can use an internal modem also from
   Zenith.  Are there any third-party internal modems for the MiniSport?
   I'd specifically be interested in a 2400 bps modem that supported MNP 5.

2. The MiniSport uses a 4.77MHz/8MHz Intel CMOS 80C88.  Can it be replaced
   with an NEC V20?  (i.e. Is the NEC V20 a CMOS chip?  If not, is there a
   CMOS version of the V20?)

3. Does the MiniSport have a UART that can be replaced with a 16550A?

4. I also understand the MiniSport HD has some kind of improved battery,
   can this improved battery be used with MiniSport Model 1s and 2s?

5. Lastly, the MiniSport has maximum of 2M RAM.  Have there ever been any
   third-party products for RAM expansion beyond this?  While we're on the
   subject, have there ever been any MiniSport third-party products of any
   kind whatsoever?

- Darius
=========================================================================
   BITNET: U39648@UICVM             | "I'd rather laugh with the sinners
 Internet: u39648@uicvm.uic.edu     |         than cry with the saints,
====================================|  the sinners are much more fun,
  "Don't set fire to strangers."    |  and only the good die young."
  - Mr. Zarniwoop                   |  - Billy Joel

DSP@MTUS5.BITNET (David Paxson) (04/29/91)

In article <91118.140836U39648@uicvm.uic.edu>, Darius Vaskelis
<U39648@uicvm.uic.edu> says:
>
>Well, I can't resist, I plan to buy one of those discontinued Zenith
>MiniSports, but I have a few questions:
  ....
>2. The MiniSport uses a 4.77MHz/8MHz Intel CMOS 80C88.  Can it be replaced
>   with an NEC V20?  (i.e. Is the NEC V20 a CMOS chip?  If not, is there a
>   CMOS version of the V20?)
>
    The MinisPort is actually a 10 MHz 80C88 chip.  I'm not sure if it can
    be replaced by the NEC V20.

  ....
>4. I also understand the MiniSport HD has some kind of improved battery,
>   can this improved battery be used with MiniSport Model 1s and 2s?
>
    Yes.  I have done this to test new MinisPort's models 1 & 2.
  ....
>
>- Darius
>=========================================================================
>   BITNET: U39648@UICVM             | "I'd rather laugh with the sinners
> Internet: u39648@uicvm.uic.edu     |         than cry with the saints,
>====================================|  the sinners are much more fun,
>  "Don't set fire to strangers."    |  and only the good die young."
>  - Mr. Zarniwoop                   |  - Billy Joel

- David Paxson
Internet:  dsp@mtus5.cts.mtu.edu        BITNET:  DSP@MTUS5