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Re: Serial Ports.



Peter Schepers wrote:
> 
> In article <ufd94zbjse.fsf@ftp.ardi.com>,
> Clifford T. Matthews  <ctm@ardi.com> wrote:
> >>>>>> "Matthew" == Matthew Ballard <mballard@lausd.k12.ca.us> writes:
> >In article <1.5.4.32.19960418021002.0066ea08@lausd.k12.ca.us> Matthew Ballard <mballard@lausd.k12.ca.us> writes:
> >
> >
> >    Matthew> When Executor supports serial ports, will it also support
> >    Matthew> AppleTalk via a port on my computer, because it would be
> >    Matthew> useful access the AppleTalk networks at my school.
> >    Matthew> Thanks, Matthew
> >
> >Probably not.  Most likely we'll support AppleTalk over ethernet, instead.
> 
> I have been following this discussion on Appletalk over serial ports for
> some time now, and I have one question...
> 
> How can someone even start to support a protocol, which runs at ~230
> kilobaud through unbuffered 8250's (16540's) that run at max. 115
> kilobaud? Besides the baud difference, unbuffered UART's would likely be
> losing characters at an astronomical rate (as is evidenced by
> multi-tasking OS's like OS/2 which need at least a buffered UART just to
> do 9600 without bit loss.
> 
> However, supporting appletalk over an ethernet card (ethertalk?) would
> also seem to be very limiting because of the cost for individual users.
> How could you hook up your PC to a standard appletalk laser printer using
> an ethernet card, while not incurring much more expense?

Well, I have a bunch of Tops Local Talk adapters for the PC. Also, Shreve 
Systems, Sun Remarketing and a few other companies still have a supply of 
PC Appletalk cards for around $29.00. IF the cards are available in 
enough numbers, perhaps ARDI might support them further down the line.

But, truthfully... Ethertalk is where the Mac is going. I probably does 
make more sense to buy an AppleTalk to EtherTalk router for an older 
network rather than dumbing down the PC to be compatible.

- Al Hartman -

"Just my two cents, adjusted for inflation..."




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