Re: Appletalked GS under Linux

[hirsch@ibm.net (Steven N. Hirsch)]

Randy Shackelford (shack@deimos.frii.com) wrote:
: In article <33A631A2.D61EA3D1@healey.com.au>,
: Dave Morrison  <deth@healey.com.au> wrote:
: >Oi!
: >
: >Just wondered if anyone has networked a GS to a PC running linux?? Linux
: >comes with appletalk preinstalled in its kernel, so I was wondering if
: >this is possible. Anyway tried it?? If so....how did it go??

I have hacked up netatalk to extend AFP (Appletalk File Protocol)
for ProDOS support.  It works quite well.  I've been looking for other
folks with significant Linux hacking skills to help me tidy this up -
to no avail.  Eventually it will see the light of day...


: You'd need a hardware router to convert the ethertalk coming from linux to
: localtalk for the IIgs. I have a Kinetics Fastpath 4 box which does that very
: thing on my home network. Can't comment on how linux would work with it since
: I only have Apple hardware which includes two Macs on ethernet plus a IIgs
: and three localtalk printers on my network.
: -- 

The Kinetics FastPath 4 is indeed the answer for IIgs <--> Linux
networking.  There _is_ driver support under Linux for the Apple
LocalTalk PC card, but it has severe problems interoperating with a
IIgs (though it will work against a IIe Workstation card).

I picked up a bunch of the LTPC cards and three FastPaths for < $50 at
a flea market.  The FastPaths work fine, but you must install a fan
(where did you physically mount it Randy?) or run them with the case
off.  Someone didn't do their homework on heat dissipation, and they
will overheat and go braindead if left to their own devices.

Steve