UK02728@ukpr.uky.edu (06/22/91)
Does anyone out there have any experience using a product called ex-PORT which adds AT-Bus expansion slots to both desktops and laptops through the parallel port of the computer? It is available from CCSI in Stone Mountain, GA (1-800-782-3525). Their price is $279 for a 1-slot expansion box and $495 for one with 6 or 8 slots (I forget). I have a PS/2 55sx (MCA) computer and need more slots. This product seems like a good idea since it would not only allow me to have more slots, but it would also allow me to use less expensive ISA cards. The only problem is that it seems a little too expensive... Any suggestions??? Thanks, Nolan Whitaker uk02728@ukpr.uky.edu CHBS63A Prodigy 73030,427 CIS
Conan.Dickson@umagic.FIDONET.ORG (Conan Dickson) (06/28/91)
Does ex-Port really work? How slow would it be to use a 8- bit parallel port into a 16-bit 8Mhz bus. I don't know, but it must be really slow, I would not put anything that requires a lot of use on that bus. I have a IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21. I would use a TransFormer 2 for your purpose because it has to be faster that a parallel port. It is made by Advanced Digital Corporation. Description: Converts the MCA bus to PC XT computer bus so you can use PC XT computer interface card with PS/2. This cost more that $1000 though. I'm going to call CCSI and look into this product you brought up. It would be great, but I know the parallel port is slow! for a computer bus, lots of wait states. Conan -- * Conan.Dickson@umagic.FIDONET.ORG via Micro Magic BBS
Conan.Dickson@umagic.FIDONET.ORG (Conan Dickson) (06/28/91)
I just called CCSI and found out that the ex-port only supports hard and floppy drive cards, he also said that the product would not work on a MCA machine. From experience it is better to sell your MCA machine and buy a EISA if you want ISA support. It is hard to go from one bus to another without many wait states. Their are over 1000+ MCA cards on the market today with one for every use. Ask your IBM dealer or IBM for the "IBM Catalog of Micro Channel Expansion Adapters" The book includes product not from IBM. "This catalog includes information about 1,030 adapter products from 362 developers of which 95 are bus master adapters from 50 developers. Of the 1,030 total adapter products listed, 1,004 are currently available." If you would like to look up a few adapters call the IBM NCS BBS at 1- 404-835-6600. IBM runs a free and great BBS for their users. Type DA to access the Adapter listing which is updated every month at least. Conan -- * Conan.Dickson@umagic.FIDONET.ORG via Micro Magic BBS