[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Enhanced parallel port for Apple 2?

In the PC world, the parallel printer port features bidirectionnal data transfer with DMA capability. This feature was introduced around 1995 and was used to connect webcams, scanners, ZIP drives, etc. but I've never heard about LAN adapters. The BIOS setup names for that feature are ECP and EPP modes. Can't remember what that mean. On the Apple 2 side, the parallel port is strictly unidirectionnal (ex: good ol'Grappler card). On the 2gs, there's no such thing as a parallel port! To use parallel port adapters on an Apple 2, one should first design a true parallel port card. This could be simple as wiring up an interface chip such as the 6522 VIA chip (pretty old technology isn't it?) and some 'glue' logic to the Apple bus.
The tough part is finding the byte command/data format to initialise the LAN adapter. I have found a little bit of info on parallel port adapters at the following address: 

http://www.palmtoppaper.com/ptphtml/31/31000033.htm
One clever hack I'm thinking about is to implement an 8-bit ISA slot to my PC Transporter card trough the numeric processor socket. Don't know yet if I can get all the required address/data/control signals from the V30 processor. 

Good luck,

Yves.

P.S. Check this NG again, the LANceGS IS available.


Scarletdown wrote:


On Mon, 04 Nov 2002 11:57:54 -0500, Yves McDonald
<""yves.mcdonald\"@NO SPAM sympatico.ca> wrote:
Glad to hear that, you've been quick enough to get one before SHH goes silent as Laz stated. Ah well, let's see what Linux can do with AppleTalk. 

Bart wrote:
The LANceGS Works GREAT! I bought one soon after it was anounced. I use it almost every day to at 

As an alternative, would anyone possibly have the skills and
willingness to hack out some sort of drivers for a Parallel Port
Ethernet Adapter?  One in particular I would like to be able to use on
any of my Apples is the Gateway G/EtherTwist LAP (this is not Gateway
2000 BTW).  Unfortunately, I've been able to find very little info on
this device, not even M$-DOS drivers or any documentation.  I'm
starting to think that despite having it sitting in front of me on the
desk here, that this unit is merely the figment of a deranged
imagination.  :p

-- Scarletdown
(The Xircom Pocket Ethernet Adapter; if I'm remembering the name
correctly, would be another good Parallel Port adapter to create
drivers for)