Re: Commodore drives can be controlled on Apple II serial!

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Supertimer writes ...
> 
> Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net> wrote:
> 
....
> > It looks like the interface
> >will have to come from the GS (II+, IIe, ...) 16-pin Game port.
> 
> That's a novel idea!  All the slotted A2s since the II+ had this port,
> so it is ideal.  Would additional hardware be needed?  Or can the
> interface be a simple cable from the 16-pin Game port to the 1571?
> ....

     For the 1541 drive, it looks like bit times are long enough so that
any Apple II could interface via the Game port. Probably, just looking
at the in-ROM code for the C-64 would supply enough information to come
up with interface software.

     From what has been posted about "Burst Mode" transfers on newer
drives, the cycle time (uS per bit) is much shorter. Since the interface
would, in any case, require a special cable, it might be best to go
ahead and put together something with IC's designed for the job. If the
C128 can handle full-speed transfers with the newer drives, its design
and firmware would be worth checking.

 
Rubywand