Re: Can you identify this thing?

[Erick Wagner <wagnere@netcom.com>]

Edhel Iaur, Esq. wrote:
> 
> On 12 Dec 1997 21:41:26 -0800, nlayton@user1.teleport.com wrote:

> but just what does the joystick/mouse port have to do
> with a modem!?

I'm sure it permitted many early Apple II users the ability to use a
modem
without purchasing a serial card.

While it's a lot of work, a little creative "bit banging" (as it's
called)
in software can eliminate the need for certain hardware and reduce the
price of a commercial product.

My guess, is that they are using one of the four annunciator (digital
output)
lines of the 16-pin game port; I didn't go look at the picture to see if
the
DB-9 game port connector was being used. If the DB-9 connector is being
used,
I don't see how the device could possibly work (other than stealing
power),
as the only signals present on this connection are power, digital inputs
(switches)
and analog inputs (variable resistors).

The original "red book" from Apple Computer provides an assembler
listing of
a program to drive an old serial teletype machine from the 16-pin game
port.
At that time, using surplus teletype machines was a cost effective
option.