> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Thursday, April 22, 1999 9:36 PM
> To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> Subject: AW: ARCnet
>
> Tja, YOUR RIGHT! Maybe even 10 feet! But I will have a look:
> Most of them are SMC pc130(E) cards.(12) They use smc22063 chips
> ther are only 4 with com90c65 chips (2 SMC, 2 Connect Int.)
> 3 8-bit cards (Miniware) with com9026 (1 has ncr 90c26, should be the
> same)
> and 2 16-bit cards with com90c26 (SMC PC500FS, the only one still
> supported by Novell Netware)
> And one very special: Xircom Pocket Arcnet adapter.
> For almost all of the cards, manuals and software (5 1/4") is there too.
> In the SMC Arcnet Active Hub are no big chips.
> So, if you stay with your type of chip, then I don't have anything for
> you!
>
>
Well, I had a look at the specs of the com90c66, which is the only
software-compatible one to the com90c26, and the only one which has
documentation on the Internet (besides the COM20020, which is still used
quite often,but not as a LAN device, but for proprietary communication in
industrial applications.
> Why not make a connection based on NE2000 compatible chips? (like UMC
> UM90xx) Most of those cheap lanadapters have even less components. Should
> be even easier. And probably more people could enjoy your effort, because
> I think Arcnet cards are getting even more scarse then MSX computers! But
> then again, I am no expert.
>
I didn't look at the possibilities of NE2000 yet, but I chose ARCnet
mainly because it has a very easy interface to program on the MSX. Most
stuff is done in the chip itself. I don't know how this is for NE2000
Ethernet.
My primary goal was to link the MSX to the PC, not even using
multiple nodes (this shouldn't be a problem however). I have considered a
simple parallel interface, but then I would have to program a lot on the MSX
(handshaking, error detection, the works), making it slower. And the cable
would be big and limited in length. As I have some experience with this
COM20020 chip (I have PASCAL sources to control this thing) I was thinking
of it first.
So I guess... I have to keep looking (or just buy some of those
20020's, hoping they're not too expensive...)
Thanks a lot anyway. I see if I can find more information on the
SMC22063, maybe those are more compatible to the 20020.
Greetz,
Patrick
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