Msg: 187 *Conference*

07-08-91 22:44:27

From: JAMES FIELDS

To : SYSOP

Subj: RS232/MODEM

Rick,
     I recently read an ad from some company for the TPDD.  I don't remember
where I found it, but it had something very unusual in it.  It claimed to be
able to access the TPDD in TELCOM and still be online (when using the internal
modem).  Have you heard/seen any article or ad that made this claim?  If so,
please get me any information you can.  I may have been looking at the ad in
Portable 100 v4n4 NOV 1987, page 21.  This ad is for the TPDD2 using DISK POWER
(from our old friends at ULTRASOFT INNOVATIONS).  The very last line in the ad
says "Direct access to BASIC & TEXT when on-line in TELCOM"(?).  I am still
looking into adding a second serial port to the 100.  I've looked at the
article that you send me (The Modem 100, 80 Micro, Sept 1986, pages 53-61).  I
think that I can improve on the design by making it drive an interrupt (I think
RST 5.5 will do nicely-but no Bar Code Reader program can be run at the same
time.  If I can build this version, it will operate almost like the internal
UART (but send/receive is done through CALL's instead of PRINT#/INPUT#).  Still
have not been able to build prototype ($).  When I get one working, will send
you designs/programs.  Note on CALL's:  When doing this no memory is used up in
MAXFILES, also will let users write programs that use interface to telcom to
someone and use built-in RS232 to store to TPDD's.  I do have some of the chips
to start (BIG problem is getting the UART.  Would like to find one like the one
already in the 100 (more compatible)).  I still trying.
                Your Friend
                James Fields PS:  I read the Newletter #1, like the idea but I
no MS-DOS machine handy, send disk anyway-will find machine.  Also I have
written another program for the printer/bar code ports.  It uses both busy
lines and the bar code data line to give you a total of 27 different
keys/switches/test lines/ect.  I hope you and Mr. Benson tried the last one,
maybe you could send a copy of the file to Dr. Tracy Allen.  Someone will have
a use for it someday/maybe now?  Note on the program: only the barcode data
line can detect multiple keys press- the printer data line(s) can only detect 1
key /switch at a time (2 keys/switches zero out that line).  Good luck, and
keep up the good work.