Re: A cheap, easy PC to apple transfer idea

[Bob Keyes <bobk@sinister.com>]

Nathan Mates wrote:
> 

>    I'm not sure all PC sound cards can be run in full duplex
> (i.e. simultaneous input & output) mode, which may be required for
> tape emulating.

? Since tape recorders certainly don't operate in full-duplex mode, I
can't see that being a problem. I am sure that most sound cards can be
switched. I was thinking of starting with a Sound Blaster - is this
full duplex? 

> Also, as anyone who's used them can attest, the
> cassette interface could be GLACIAL...maybe 300 baud or so. Any
> sizeable transfers, you're probably better off buying an Apple II
> serial card and running at 9600-19200

I am not sure of the tape interface, but wouldn't be surprised at 300
baud. However, since I believe the fidelity of the tape was the limiting
factor, and most modern sound cards can sample much higher (44 khz).
I think I remember that the actually timing of the tape interface was
done with a program in the roms. It might be possible to use the
original rom software at whatever the slow, original speed is to
download a program into the apple that would load at a higher speed. Not
sure yet, just hypothesizing.

Buying a serial card is bound to be difficult, and not much of a hack.