Re: //c hardware question

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) writes...

>Lippdinos <lippdinos@aol.com> wrote:
> 
>> I was taking apart my //c+ and I found a neat little plug labeled 'modem'
>> near the power supply. does anyone know what exactly goes there? I never
>> heard about a built in modem for the system, that's why I ask.
> 
>It is an option for an internal modem card.  I haven't seen a IIc+, so
>I'm not sure how they were going to make the telephone connector
>accessible (probably a removable panel in the case).

    I was wondering this myself, though after a close inspection, it 
looks as though you could at least squeeze some phone chord wire out
through the security port in back. The IIc Plus has the same security
port as the Apple IIgs and Macintosh, for using the Kensington anti-
theft kit (it's above the joystick and modem port).

    There's no room for an RJ-11 connector to squeeze through mind
you, so most likely a little adapter box would have plugged into the 
security port and provided a single or dual RJ-11 plug.

>The modem slot provides serial signals (the same ones that are used on
>the external modem port) and power.  If a modem is fitted, you would
>lose the ability to use the external modem port (I expect a chip would
>have to be removed to prevent electrical conflicts).
> 
>As far as I know, noone has ever made a modem card that would plug into
>this slot.  The slot doesn't exist in earlier IIc models.

    There was at least one prototype made, but it was never mass 
produced or sold publicly. Unless someone plans to build one now,
or something else to use it (which is very doubtful), the internal 
"modem" connector is useless.

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca