Michael J. Mahon wrote:
I suggested a "direct" parallel port approach because 6522
hardware is available already constructed and the programming
is simpler, but there are, of course, many other alternatives.
Sure is, and the device gives you lots of other options to play with as
well.
Every parallel card I have lying around for the Apple II is a 'dumb'
parallel card that implements 8 outputs and a strobe using TTL logic,
plus an EPROM to provide the communications firmware. Still useful, but
crummy compared to a 6522 card.
I guess such cards are still easy to come by, but I admit I've not
really looked.