Rick Hanson
2003-02-17 16:22:32 UTC
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Hi Chuck. My quip is actually a celebration. The Model 100, 102 and 200
computers would never be what they are today--20 years later--if it was not
for the writers of this world. The bottom line: Writers write and the art
of writing is for the writers, not the readers. I bow to the writers.
Your thoughts on using a Model 100 for mobile reporting is "the way it is"
for your field. I will suggest that you would be far better off with a
Model 102. The reason is in the ease-of-use. Both the Model 100 and Model
102 are work-a-likes but the refinements to the keyboard, alone, make using
the Model 102 for writing so much better than a Model 100 that the contrast
is quite notable. From a technical point of view--under the covers, as to
speak--the quality of the Model 102 is superior to the Model
100. Furthermore, getting a good Model 100 is pretty difficult these days,
compared to getting a good Model 102.
Lastly, I can supply you with a like-new, fully warranted Model 102 when
you are ready. My prices are listed in the Catalog feature at the Club 100
web site (http://www.club100.org).
to find out. Until quite recently, the question of using the USB port has
not been an issue. Now it is. So, let me do a mind dump on this subject
to start the ball rolling. I will CC this message to the gang on the m100
list for further input.
What do we know to be true about computer-2-computer file transfers between
a Model 100/102/200 and any other computer?
We know that the Model "T"s support a built-in IEEE RS232C port and it is
through this port that most all file transfer support happens, although
other ports can be used, they aren't.
We know that the Model "T"s came into the world well in advance of the USB
port, that USB is a method by which USB-ready devices communicate, and that
the Model "T"s are not a USB-ready devices because they do not have the
necessary hardware and programming built in, nor is there such an adaption
available. In other words, do not entertain such thoughts cause it ain't
going to happen.
We know that without additional programming for binary transfer, the Model
"T"s send and receive ASCII characters (7-bit data). With additional
programming, 8-bit data can be sent. Such programs include xmodem protocol
for terminal-2-terminal communications (see Telcom category of our
library), Lapdos II for PC to Model "T" acting like a TPDD, MacDOS II for
the Mac (no longer available) (see Commercial... category of our library),
and DeskLink acting like a TPDD on a PC with connection made via a DOS on
the Model "T" (see Catalog).
With the above in mind, can a USB port be used as a COM port? And if so,
can it be configured to act "exactly" like COM1 or COM2? And, if so, will
DeskLink operate via this configuration? And/Or will a terminal program
operate via this configuration?
If either of the above questions can be answered yes, then your dream comes
true. This is where I will leave the subject for today. Until such
configurations are made and tested, it is a theory. However, I have been
told that USB to RS232C cables are available. I have yet to seek one out,
so I am ignorant in this area. Also, not to be taken for granted, is the
subject of the supporting programming.
That's all she wrote. So again, perhaps the gang on the m100 list will
have further annotations on this subject and perhaps someone has a working
model to share. We will have to wait and see.
At your service... -Rick-
Richard Hanson, proprietor
Club 100: The Model 100 Users Group (www.Club100.org)
rick-***@public.gmane.org | 925.932.8956 | fax 925.937-5039
For US Mail shipping: P.O. Box 23438, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
For UPS/FedEx shipping: 701 Charlton Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Hi Rick, first of all let me introduce myself. My name is Chuck Miller,
I'm a writer and reporter for various magazines and newspapers, and am
looking at purchasing my own Tandy 100 for mobile reporting (prior to
that, on road trips I would drive to the local Kinko's and write my
articles and upload them right there).
Oh my... yet, another writer!!! :-)I'm a writer and reporter for various magazines and newspapers, and am
looking at purchasing my own Tandy 100 for mobile reporting (prior to
that, on road trips I would drive to the local Kinko's and write my
articles and upload them right there).
Hi Chuck. My quip is actually a celebration. The Model 100, 102 and 200
computers would never be what they are today--20 years later--if it was not
for the writers of this world. The bottom line: Writers write and the art
of writing is for the writers, not the readers. I bow to the writers.
Your thoughts on using a Model 100 for mobile reporting is "the way it is"
for your field. I will suggest that you would be far better off with a
Model 102. The reason is in the ease-of-use. Both the Model 100 and Model
102 are work-a-likes but the refinements to the keyboard, alone, make using
the Model 102 for writing so much better than a Model 100 that the contrast
is quite notable. From a technical point of view--under the covers, as to
speak--the quality of the Model 102 is superior to the Model
100. Furthermore, getting a good Model 100 is pretty difficult these days,
compared to getting a good Model 102.
Lastly, I can supply you with a like-new, fully warranted Model 102 when
you are ready. My prices are listed in the Catalog feature at the Club 100
web site (http://www.club100.org).
So anyways... I've seen various posts, by you and others, on how to upload
text files from the Tandy 100 to a PC via a serial port. May I ask if,
rather than hooking up the cables to the IBM's serial port, could I attach
a serial-to-USB connector to the cable attached to the Tandy 100, and then
plug the Tandy and its cable to an IBM-compatible computer through that
computer's USB port? If so, what would I have to do to make sure that the
transfer of files will work?
Good question. The answer is: I don't know. But, perhaps this is the timetext files from the Tandy 100 to a PC via a serial port. May I ask if,
rather than hooking up the cables to the IBM's serial port, could I attach
a serial-to-USB connector to the cable attached to the Tandy 100, and then
plug the Tandy and its cable to an IBM-compatible computer through that
computer's USB port? If so, what would I have to do to make sure that the
transfer of files will work?
to find out. Until quite recently, the question of using the USB port has
not been an issue. Now it is. So, let me do a mind dump on this subject
to start the ball rolling. I will CC this message to the gang on the m100
list for further input.
What do we know to be true about computer-2-computer file transfers between
a Model 100/102/200 and any other computer?
We know that the Model "T"s support a built-in IEEE RS232C port and it is
through this port that most all file transfer support happens, although
other ports can be used, they aren't.
We know that the Model "T"s came into the world well in advance of the USB
port, that USB is a method by which USB-ready devices communicate, and that
the Model "T"s are not a USB-ready devices because they do not have the
necessary hardware and programming built in, nor is there such an adaption
available. In other words, do not entertain such thoughts cause it ain't
going to happen.
We know that without additional programming for binary transfer, the Model
"T"s send and receive ASCII characters (7-bit data). With additional
programming, 8-bit data can be sent. Such programs include xmodem protocol
for terminal-2-terminal communications (see Telcom category of our
library), Lapdos II for PC to Model "T" acting like a TPDD, MacDOS II for
the Mac (no longer available) (see Commercial... category of our library),
and DeskLink acting like a TPDD on a PC with connection made via a DOS on
the Model "T" (see Catalog).
With the above in mind, can a USB port be used as a COM port? And if so,
can it be configured to act "exactly" like COM1 or COM2? And, if so, will
DeskLink operate via this configuration? And/Or will a terminal program
operate via this configuration?
If either of the above questions can be answered yes, then your dream comes
true. This is where I will leave the subject for today. Until such
configurations are made and tested, it is a theory. However, I have been
told that USB to RS232C cables are available. I have yet to seek one out,
so I am ignorant in this area. Also, not to be taken for granted, is the
subject of the supporting programming.
That's all she wrote. So again, perhaps the gang on the m100 list will
have further annotations on this subject and perhaps someone has a working
model to share. We will have to wait and see.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
Chuck Miller
writer, columnist, Goldmine
author, Warman's American Records 1950-2000
when in cyberspace, visit <http://www.chuckthewriter.com>The Chuck Miller
Creative Writing Service
You're welcome and thank you for your support and goodwill.Chuck Miller
writer, columnist, Goldmine
author, Warman's American Records 1950-2000
when in cyberspace, visit <http://www.chuckthewriter.com>The Chuck Miller
Creative Writing Service
At your service... -Rick-
Richard Hanson, proprietor
Club 100: The Model 100 Users Group (www.Club100.org)
rick-***@public.gmane.org | 925.932.8956 | fax 925.937-5039
For US Mail shipping: P.O. Box 23438, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
For UPS/FedEx shipping: 701 Charlton Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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