On 10/19/2022 11:15 PM, Alastair Wiggins wrote:
Hi everyone,
I recently picked up a near mint WP-2 to complement my NEC PC8201A.
Whilst researching the former, I came across an interesting article on
"electronic typewriters". This mentioned some different AlphaSmart
models, including the Dana. This had a pretty neat way of transferring
text, which emulated a keyboard.
You just plug the Dana into virtually any PC/Mac/etc and the Dana
appears to the PC as a standard USB HID keyboard. Now you just fire up
your text editor of choice and click send on the Dana. Voila - the
text is transferred! OK, not the most efficient way of transferring a
file, but very universal and saves having to use any special software
on the PC.
I then did some Google searching and found an RS232 to USB HID
keyboard adaptor cable on eBay. Took about 2 weeks to arrive from
China, but I am pleased to say it works with both machines (no real
surprise there). You need a null modem (swap Rx and Tx lines) and
don't extend the RS232 too far, otherwise the adapter won't work (that
threw me for a while).
Might help a few people out there who want a painless way to transfer
text files from Kyocera clones and similar devices (like the WP-2).
Regards,
Alastair
Of the AlphaSmart models, the Dana is perhaps the most problematic. It
runs PalmOS, its battery life is more limited than (for instance) the
Neo, the screen is (according to the Web) harder to read.
I have a Neo that I am very happy with.
I am happy to hear that you have found a good serial-USB connector for
your 8201A. I have one that I think I need to re-cap, and I'd love to
get it working again.
--
Tommy Phillips
[email protected]
303-981-4310
