Digest Articles Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 by Richard Kanarek From: Richard Kanarek Subject: Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 05:26:46 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit References: <199801230002.QAA12074@xxxxxxxx> Hello. Regaring: > So, it should be possible to build a pin-to-pin adaptor to connect the poqet > to a standard ISA slot. Then, a parallel port card or even a MFM controller > could be used directly with the poqet... > > That's in theory... but what about doing this for real ? Three things to consider in case anyone might be considering such a course of action: a. The ability of the Poqet to recognize 8bit XT cards like a HD controller would depend upon whether or not its bios searched for installed ROM's like real XT's (& AT's, & etc.) do. b. Think Heath/Zenith data system's 158. This computer-- which I own-- was built around a backplane. Cards (some extra large with an additional connector) were installed into it in order to construct the computer. c. http://www.meci.com/ has acquired a bunch of elderly ZDS parts; perhaps they would have the above backplane too? It should certainly be cheaper than a new industrial card. Again, the above was only offered for your consideration; I am certainly not recommending anything. Cordially, Richard Kanarek RKanarek@xxxxxxxx R.Kanarek@xxxxxxxx (Addrs's Obfuscated to confuse junk mailers; I'm sure you can figure out the proper addresses!) Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 by Michael Fetterman From: Michael Fetterman Subject: Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 10:15:26 -0500 (EST) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII In-Reply-To: <199801230002.QAA12074@xxxxxxxx> Regarding an MFM Poqet cable, I doubt the Poqet BIOS would support it..I'd guess that a SCSI interface, via parallel port or ISA bus cable would be more frootful. Michael Fetterman Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami d005041c@xxxxxxxx Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 by Peter Vieth From: Peter Vieth Subject: Re: Digest poqetpc.v002.n041 Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 19:36:28 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit References: <199801230002.QAA12074@xxxxxxxx> > --------------- MESSAGE poqetpc.v002.n041.3 --------------- > > From: Virtual Bob > Subject: RE: Digest poqetpc.v002.n038 > Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 13:24:55 -0600 (CST) > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII > In-Reply-To: <199801221346.FAA13102@xxxxxxxx> > > >>>support for a parallel, serial, or FDD connection)? > >>It is true that the expansion port on the Poqet is a superset of the IBM-PC > >>ISA bus. The reason it's a "superset" is that the expansion port also > >>contains all the RS-232C standard signals (RxD, TxD, RTS, CTS, etc.). > > >So, it should be possible to build a pin-to-pin adaptor to connect the poqet > >to a standard ISA slot. Then, a parallel port card or even a MFM controller > >could be used directly with the poqet... > > > >That's in theory... but what about doing this for real ? > > Mostly in materials. First, where would you get the connector for the > Poqet? I sure don't fancy making one myself (since I don't know the exact > itching process). An ISA backplane is simple enough to aquire -- just go > to one of those industrial computer dealer and order an blank backplane > with everything already installed. > > Of course, this won't be anywhere as portable. Since the ISA slots would > need a power supply that Poqet can't do, you'll need a geniune power > supply that plugs into AC (or battery power with voltage regulator of > sort). Technically it's doable. But would anyone *wants* to do the > thingie understanding that it'll be as portable as a desktop PC/XT? > I don't know, my friend and I investigated this but gave up because it was too difficult. We got pin assignments for all sorts of standard and non-standard devices like floppy drives and even some hard drives. We couldn't find the Poqet equivalent for several of the floppy pins-- and even one wrong pin means it won't work. Now its quite possible to get a laptop floppy drive and hook up some batteries. It won't be AS portable, but a lot more functional. There are also a lot of small modems out there. Finally, you could build yourself a docking station-- perhaps the size of a suitcase. It would be practical enough to carry around in a car and then just hook the poqet in at the end of the day or something. -- Peter Vieth Fitek@xxxxxxxx IGZ Handle: Fitek ICQ UIN: 3660410 Web page: http://www.netcom.com/~Fitek/index.html Apocalypse Software E-mail: Apocalypsesw@xxxxxxxx Apocalypse Software web page: http://www.keast.com/apocalypse