Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga community support ideas => Topic started by: JimDrew on July 11, 2016, 08:06:28 PM
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I recently released the WiModem for the Commodore 8 bit computer (see: http://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58889)
I have had a couple of people ask if I would make a version for the Amiga. I took a look and it would be fairly easy to make a version for the Amiga that plugged into the serial port (via DB25). It could be powered by the Amiga.
This would give you a WiFi modem that you could use to "dial" up BBS's. We are doing that now with the C64. I am not sure how many Amiga BBS's are out there right now. There are dozens for the C64.
Is there any interest in this?
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I'm a little confused as to how it works. Is it like a serial version of the plipbox? Or is it a modem emulator? Or both? Or something else?
If it's like the plipbox, it would need a SANA-II driver so that any of the TCP/IP stacks could use it to get online. plipbox needs a separate power supply, so if this thing didn't need one, that would be an advantage.
If it's a modem emulator, how does it "dial" a BBS through Ethernet/TCP/IP? It would be cool if it could allow users to natively play direct-dial or serial-link games through the internet instead of the phone line or in-person.
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Yes, how does the 8-bit version work? Can I just plug one into my VIC-20 and somehow "dial up" an internet BBS with any piece of old terminal software? Also, will this work on the PET computer?
Found the purchase page but no mention of the PET. I know it says "for the Commodore 8-bit" but just wanted to make sure.
https://www.cbmstuff.com/proddetail.php?prod=WiModemOLED
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This is a modem emulator. It supports all of the standard Hayes commands. You could select 19200-57600 baud and use JR-Comm and other terminals.
I could look at making a SANA II driver. I do have some info from when I supported these drivers with EMPLANT and FUSION.
I think the PET user port is not the same as the VIC-20 and C64/128's user ports.
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I think the PET user port is not the same as the VIC-20 and C64/128's user ports.
The VIC-20 and C64/128 user ports aren't the same. There are differences in the 1-12 pins, only A-N are the same. As long as you avoid the differences then it's possible to create a device that is compatible with both.
The PET user port is also the same on the A-N pins, so it's certainly possible to make a device compatible across all three. Except you don't have any 5v/9v power, so you would need to cut those traces on the adapter and grab power from somewhere else.
http://www.hardwarebook.info/Commodore_PET_Parallel_User_Port
http://www.hardwarebook.info/VIC-20_User_I/O
http://www.hardwarebook.info/C64/128_User_Port
The plus 4 is entirely different, as A-N are no longer connected to a CIA/VIA. However they are connected to the 6551 UART, so RS232 (and only RS232) devices should be able to work across all four. The power pins are there too, so no cutting traces. However you will need to make sure that you are using the correct polarity for all the pins, as you can't do cheap hacks on the plus 4 by violating the RS232 spec.
http://www.hardwarebook.info/Plus4_User_Port
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The WiModem works with the VIC-20, C64, SX-64, C128, and should work with the Plus 4 (I just got one in to test). I knew the PET didn't have power available, which is why I didn't bother adding it to the compatibility list. With power added, it should also work. The Plus 4 and PET might need the UP9600 hack disabled, something you must do when using it in C128 mode.
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Just an update, the WiModem232 is now in production!
This device supports ALL of the RS-232 lines (Tx/Rx/RTS/CTS/DSR/DTR/DCD/RI) so that you can use it to run a BBS. Up to 115200 baud is supported (requires baudbandit.device or some other high speed serial.device replacement driver).
The WiModem232 is powered via a USB mini-B connector. I have been using a portable iPhone charger (with rechargeable batteries) for testing as well as 5v wall wart. This product is FCC/CE certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.
I expect to have these available next month.
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Just an update, the WiModem232 is now in production!
This device supports ALL of the RS-232 lines (Tx/Rx/RTS/CTS/DSR/DTR/DCD/RI) so that you can use it to run a BBS. Up to 115200 baud is supported (requires baudbandit.device or some other high speed serial.device replacement driver).
The WiModem232 is powered via a USB mini-B connector. I have been using a portable iPhone charger (with rechargeable batteries) for testing as well as 5v wall wart. This product is FCC/CE certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.
I expect to have these available next month.
I am definitely buying one for my SuperPET. Is there a waiting list I can be put on?
Or, if not will you be posting here when they are available at your on-line store?
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This is a modem emulator. It supports all of the standard Hayes commands. You could select 19200-57600 baud and use JR-Comm and other terminals.
I could look at making a SANA II driver. I do have some info from when I supported these drivers with EMPLANT and FUSION.
I think the PET user port is not the same as the VIC-20 and C64/128's user ports.
A sanaII driver will make this usable as a internet connection as well, and not only for BBS etc usage?
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Neat idea for the 8-bit systems.
For Amigas, I'll still use a network connection.
Amiga legacy or NG is a bit more competent that way than the 8 bit systems.
And generally we don't really need BBS' anyone, as our systems have no problem with the more graphically orient web environment.
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Will these be in the same price range as the 8 bit versions?
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Can a stock Amiga handle web pages? I struggle with an Amiga with a 68030 and plipbox running Ibrowse and have switched to using Links instead. Text only is bearable at least. I dont know if an xsurf would help me.. it seems that even the 030 can't handle the processing of the webpages.
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Can a stock Amiga handle web pages?
I used to browse with an A1200 with just some extra ram. But I suppose I was a glutton for punishment. :lol:
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This device supports ALL of the RS-232 lines (Tx/Rx/RTS/CTS/DSR/DTR/DCD/RI) so that you can use it to run a BBS. Up to 115200 baud is supported (requires baudbandit.device or some other high speed serial.device replacement driver).
What is on the Wifi/IP side? ESP8266?
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Yes, a ESP-12F module.
I have boards, but I am waiting on displays and more DB-25 connectors. You can put your place in line now by clicking on the "notify when back in stock" link. I have decided not to make a plastic case due to the cost and the lengthy delay. I will be providing the 3D printer files so you can print your own. I expect to be shipping next week!
Thanks for your patience!
https://www.cbmstuff.com/products.php?cat=2
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I used to browse with an A1200 with just some extra ram. But I suppose I was a glutton for punishment. :lol:
Me too, the extra ram was a 512k pcmcia 16 bit ram card that was left over from a project at work.
Although I mostly used an a500 with a 28mhz 68000 and a trifecta scsi hard drive.
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5GHz?
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Think of it as an embedded telnet device on your serial port, because that's pretty much what it is. If you already have Internet connection on your Amiga, it's really not if that much use compared to just using telnet command or telser.device along with Term, NComm, VLT etc. Speed is limited by the serial port used, the CPU and serial.device, don't expect much more than 57600 baud, maybe 115200 if you have 060 and some luck. More typical will be 19200. A fraction of the speed you get with Plipbox. You use AT commands to configure the ESP, to set serial speed, to configure wifi and the IP stack.
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5GHz?
Nope, only 2.4GHz and hence limited 802.11n support.
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115200 baud works fine on a stock A1200 with baudbandit.device. 57600 works fine with the normal serial.device. The WiModem232 doesn't have the stock ESP firmware that uses AT commands for changing its settings. This firmware was created by me, for this application (a modem emulator). The WiModem232 itself can handle up to 4Mbps over the serial port, but the speed is limited by the device's serial port. So, Amiga is limited to 115200, and a modern PC can use 230400 (maybe higher, depending on the serial port).
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The WiModem232 has been released. Merry Christmas!
https://www.cbmstuff.com/proddetail.php?prod=WiModem232OLED
https://www.cbmstuff.com/proddetail.php?prod=WiModem232
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I am using the RetroNET device on my A1200, but works on (almost) all (Retro) Computers
http://www.skateman.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171123_1810465.jpg
http://www.skateman.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171202_0903095.jpg
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The WiModem232 plugs directly into your Amiga's serial port and gives you the ability to run a BBS using it because all of the standard RS-232 lines are supported (Rx/Tx/RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR/DCD/RI).
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Its just great to see these devices come to market... :-)
We know that underneath they are very much alike.
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The WiModem232 plugs directly into your Amiga's serial port and gives you the ability to run a BBS using it because all of the standard RS-232 lines are supported (Rx/Tx/RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR/DCD/RI).
I've been wanting to get my BBS back online for years. But what's the advantage of using this over telnet? I suppose one might be it's a lot easier to set up as the BBS program receives it's data through the serial port device as expected. Perhaps another is this doesn't take up any ethernet network bandwidth?
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Can a stock Amiga handle web pages? I struggle with an Amiga with a 68030 and plipbox running Ibrowse and have switched to using Links instead. Text only is bearable at least. I dont know if an xsurf would help me.. it seems that even the 030 can't handle the processing of the webpages.
My Apple PowerBook G4 struggles with web pages. I can only image an Amiga trying to surf the web today.
I did use my A4000T 060, with a Cybervision card to surf the web back in the day and it was fine. Though it was dial-up at the time and web content wasn’t all that intensive. It was quite enjoyable and I sorta wish the web was a bit more simpler now.
R.
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i've had an idea of building 'retro-proxy' that would simplify web for old computers. perhaps someone already made such a thing. sort of like they do for 'smart'phones.
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I've been wanting to get my BBS back online for years. But what's the advantage of using this over telnet? I suppose one might be it's a lot easier to set up as the BBS program receives it's data through the serial port device as expected. Perhaps another is this doesn't take up any ethernet network bandwidth?
The advantage is that you just run your BBS software and that's it! Your BBS software uses the same serial.device driver that it did using a real dial-up modem.
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My Apple PowerBook G4 struggles with web pages. I can only image an Amiga trying to surf the web today.
I did use my A4000T 060, with a Cybervision card to surf the web back in the day and it was fine. Though it was dial-up at the time and web content wasn’t all that intensive. It was quite enjoyable and I sorta wish the web was a bit more simpler now.
R.
CS-MKIII 060/50 with PIV and WarpDT (datatypes.) Web browsing on all but the moderate to heaviest sites is usable for me.
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Using the WiBridge PC software you can connect your WiModem232 to your PC wirelessly, browse your PC's directories and even transfer files either direction using Zmodem or Xmodem protocols. This makes moving files to/from your retro-computer and PC a breeze!
http://www.cbmstuff.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=427
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i've had an idea of building 'retro-proxy' that would simplify web for old computers. perhaps someone already made such a thing.
Indeed:
https://github.com/tenox7/wrp