Re: Serial Port Y Adapter?

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <May.24.10.06.23.1994.1743@er4.rutgers.edu>,
Kid <neiderma@er4.rutgers.edu> wrote:
> I want to use AppleTalk, a modem, and a printer all at the same time.
> 
> Is there a "Y" adapter of some sort that I can hook up somehow to my
> modem or printer port?

You could use a serial switch box to toggle between a serial modem and
printer.  I have two IIgses and I use a switch box to connect my modem
to either machine.

You might run into problems with serial port configuration - you would
have to change control panel settings between Printer and Modem mode,
or use software which can deal with printing through a port configured
in "modem" mode (e.g. Ctrl-A instead of Ctrl-I as the command character).

You cannot switch AppleTalk and a normal serial port, because the
serial port operates in a completely different manner when AppleTalk
is active.  AppleTalk also requires more of the pins than a standard
RS-232 connection to a modem or printer.


Another option would be to get an AppleTalk printer.  In particular,
if you have an ImageWriter II, get the AppleTalk option for it so that
you can put it on the network.  This is what I did for my ImageWriter II.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand