From: Marcus Andree S. Magalhaes (marcus.magalhaes_at_vlinfo.com.br)
Date: Wed Jun 23 2004 - 20:00:04 PDT
Guys,
I'd like to have the following information added to the "official"
newton FAQ. Well, it would be better if someone could verify if
this really works on other devices 1st, just in case. ;)
I've wrote about this on the newtontalk list, but new questions
about bootstrapping a dongle-less device arise quite frequently.
When serial dongles cost about $40 bucks, the idea of
transfering packages via IrDA to a newton seems very useful, logical
and inexpensive (for someone who has a IrDA compliant device, like
a not so modern powerbook).
Here go the facts.
A couple months ago, I was able to connect a messagepad 2000 to
my powerbook G3/MacOS 9.2, by making use of a program called
"Newton DIL Tester".
Its interface is, AFAIK, under development and not very gorgeous,
but this program does a remarkable job by enabling the proper
transfer of packages without serial or networked connections and,
therefore, makes the bootstrap process a lot easier. Well, it
also enables connections via serial or tcp ports....
I had a problem in the 1st time using IrDA on my newton. After
googling for it, some people wrote that, after a reset,
you have to try to send a note (or some other data) _from_
the messagepad.
This would set up the IrDA subsystem properly, even
when you know there's noone on the other side of the connection and
the transfer is doomed to fail anyway.
After "initializing" the infrared system, it was quite easy to transfer
a package.
Can't say if this information is valid also under Classic on MacOS X,
but it's a start.
<snip>
>>> and 4: How do I begin to install software and drivers onto it. I
>>> currently have a serial cable for my MP110, but there's no SER-001
>>> board in the 2100.
>
>> You need "the dongle". See:
>> http://jksalesinc.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=25_37_48 or your
>> friendly neighborhood eBay. That'll get you started with serial on the
>> Newt. You'll also need a package installer or NCU running on the Mac
>> side. The FAQ is loaded with details.
>
> Can I install an ethernet card and have it work without specialized
> drivers I need to download?
> If so, I can then transfer wireless drivers onto the Newton and use a
> WiFi card with it.
-- This is the NewtonTalk list - http://www.newtontalk.net/ for all inquiries Official Newton FAQ: http://www.chuma.org/newton/faq/ WikiWikiNewt for all kinds of articles: http://tools.unna.org/wikiwikinewt/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Wed Jun 23 2004 - 21:30:01 PDT