Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Carlos Nunez]

Thank you, everyone, for the fast replies and great information. I’m going to 
start with a cable and REX#, then a Backpack Drive once they are back in stock.

Best regards,
Carlos


> On Jan 30, 2022, at 8:54 AM, Patrick McDougal  wrote:
> 
> I have this cable which has worked well without any adapters.
> 
> USB to DB25 Male Serial Converter... 
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYR6B1G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
> 
> Patrick
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Jan 30, 2022, at 02:44, James Zeun  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already, but mcomm is also a very 
>> handy method of transferring files off your M100.
>> 
>> mcomm is a bit of software that runs on Android phones and emulates a Tandy 
>> Disk drive. How I used it was I bought a rs232 to USB adapter, an OTG cable 
>> and a null modem cable. Link them together, one end going to the phone, the 
>> other going to the M100. Before I had an NADSbox, this was the most simple, 
>> cheap way of getting files on and off my M100. Oh before I forget, I'm also 
>> running a REX in my M100, which is a serious must have for anyone wishing to 
>> use an M100 computer for any length of time.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 29/01/2022 4:31 pm, Joshua O'Keefe wrote:
 On Jan 28, 2022, at 11:43 PM, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D.  
 wrote:
 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would 
 prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require 
 a serial to usb converter somewhere.
>>> 
>>> You may receive a torrent of responses, as for one reason or another this 
>>> is an area where quite a few people hold very strong opinions.  Personally, 
>>> I grabbed the first USB/serial null cable I could find that had an FTDI 
>>> chip:
>>> 
>>> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY/
>>> 
>>> It's unfortunately 9-pin so I had to pick up a 9-to-25 to make use of it, 
>>> and of course a gender adapter to use with the Tandy.
>>> 
>>> Since I'm pretty much forever going to only have DTE on the serial end of 
>>> this cable, I went with something null wired.  I use it frequently with 
>>> several different vintage systems on the other end -- in fact I originally 
>>> bought this to bootstrap an Amiga -- and it works flawlessly.  I plug it in 
>>> and it magically shows up as /dev/ttyUSB0 and I can do whatever I want with 
>>> it.
>>> 
 Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that walk through the 
 null modem cable file transfer stuff?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> TPDD emulation is the main way by which folks get files in and out of the 
>>> machine.  Personally, I just keep a TPDD emulator (LaddieAlpha, as it 
>>> offers directory support) running in a Docker container and plug in 
>>> whenever I need to get files in and out, but I have the advantage of having 
>>> TS-DOS in ROM on the Tandy -- REX makes it possible!
>>> 
>>> Before I got set up with a REX, I bootstrapped TEENY.CO to the system using 
>>> dlplus and fumbled my way around getting that working.  After finding TEENY 
>>> kind of inconvenient, I bit the bullet and brought TS-DOS over to sit in 
>>> RAM.  It's a satisfactory solution but doesn't leave a ton of working room 
>>> on the computer.
>>> 
>>> The easiest solution by far is a REX: plug in the board, go through the 
>>> brief, documented steps to get the REX up, plug into your favorite TPDD 
>>> emulator, fire up TS-DOS from the REX, and files come and go as you please.
>>> 
>>> I've got a Backpack I want to try for when I start traveling again, but 
>>> while I'm mostly in the house I prefer to write directly to the ZFS pool 
>>> over a serial cable.
>>> 
>>> As far as I've seen, nobody's written a step-by-step guide to getting up 
>>> and running.  There are a lot of choices depending on what you're doing, 
>>> where you're going, what hardware you have and plan to carry with you, and 
>>> how Windows-y or Android-y a person you are.  The basics of how all this 
>>> works are pretty straightforward once you get your head around the 
>>> fundamentals but there are tool choices to make for which a 
>>> one-size-fits-most guide appears somewhat hard to write beyond: "Get REX, 
>>> set up TPDD emulation to your taste."
>>> 
>>> 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Patrick McDougal]

I have this cable which has worked well without any adapters.

USB to DB25 Male Serial Converter... 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYR6B1G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Patrick

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 30, 2022, at 02:44, James Zeun  wrote:
> 
> 
> I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already, but mcomm is also a very 
> handy method of transferring files off your M100.
> 
> mcomm is a bit of software that runs on Android phones and emulates a Tandy 
> Disk drive. How I used it was I bought a rs232 to USB adapter, an OTG cable 
> and a null modem cable. Link them together, one end going to the phone, the 
> other going to the M100. Before I had an NADSbox, this was the most simple, 
> cheap way of getting files on and off my M100. Oh before I forget, I'm also 
> running a REX in my M100, which is a serious must have for anyone wishing to 
> use an M100 computer for any length of time.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 29/01/2022 4:31 pm, Joshua O'Keefe wrote:
>> On Jan 28, 2022, at 11:43 PM, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D.  
>> wrote:
>>> 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would prefer 
>>> the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require a 
>>> serial to usb converter somewhere.
>> 
>> You may receive a torrent of responses, as for one reason or another this is 
>> an area where quite a few people hold very strong opinions.  Personally, I 
>> grabbed the first USB/serial null cable I could find that had an FTDI chip:
>> 
>> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY/
>> 
>> It's unfortunately 9-pin so I had to pick up a 9-to-25 to make use of it, 
>> and of course a gender adapter to use with the Tandy.
>> 
>> Since I'm pretty much forever going to only have DTE on the serial end of 
>> this cable, I went with something null wired.  I use it frequently with 
>> several different vintage systems on the other end -- in fact I originally 
>> bought this to bootstrap an Amiga -- and it works flawlessly.  I plug it in 
>> and it magically shows up as /dev/ttyUSB0 and I can do whatever I want with 
>> it.
>> 
>>> Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that walk through the 
>>> null modem cable file transfer stuff?
>> 
>> 
>> TPDD emulation is the main way by which folks get files in and out of the 
>> machine.  Personally, I just keep a TPDD emulator (LaddieAlpha, as it offers 
>> directory support) running in a Docker container and plug in whenever I need 
>> to get files in and out, but I have the advantage of having TS-DOS in ROM on 
>> the Tandy -- REX makes it possible!
>> 
>> Before I got set up with a REX, I bootstrapped TEENY.CO to the system using 
>> dlplus and fumbled my way around getting that working.  After finding TEENY 
>> kind of inconvenient, I bit the bullet and brought TS-DOS over to sit in 
>> RAM.  It's a satisfactory solution but doesn't leave a ton of working room 
>> on the computer.
>> 
>> The easiest solution by far is a REX: plug in the board, go through the 
>> brief, documented steps to get the REX up, plug into your favorite TPDD 
>> emulator, fire up TS-DOS from the REX, and files come and go as you please.
>> 
>> I've got a Backpack I want to try for when I start traveling again, but 
>> while I'm mostly in the house I prefer to write directly to the ZFS pool 
>> over a serial cable.
>> 
>> As far as I've seen, nobody's written a step-by-step guide to getting up and 
>> running.  There are a lot of choices depending on what you're doing, where 
>> you're going, what hardware you have and plan to carry with you, and how 
>> Windows-y or Android-y a person you are.  The basics of how all this works 
>> are pretty straightforward once you get your head around the fundamentals 
>> but there are tool choices to make for which a one-size-fits-most guide 
>> appears somewhat hard to write beyond: "Get REX, set up TPDD emulation to 
>> your taste."
>> 
>> 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[James Zeun]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already, but mcomm is also a 
very handy method of transferring files off your M100.


mcomm is a bit of software that runs on Android phones and emulates a 
Tandy Disk drive. How I used it was I bought a rs232 to USB adapter, an 
OTG cable and a null modem cable. Link them together, one end going to 
the phone, the other going to the M100. Before I had an NADSbox, this 
was the most simple, cheap way of getting files on and off my M100. Oh 
before I forget, I'm also running a REX in my M100, which is a serious 
must have for anyone wishing to use an M100 computer for any length of time.




On 29/01/2022 4:31 pm, Joshua O'Keefe wrote:
On Jan 28, 2022, at 11:43 PM, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. 
 wrote:
1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would 
prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will 
require a serial to usb converter somewhere.


You may receive a torrent of responses, as for one reason or another 
this is an area where quite a few people hold very strong opinions. 
 Personally, I grabbed the first USB/serial null cable I could find 
that had an FTDI chip:


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY/ 



It's unfortunately 9-pin so I had to pick up a 9-to-25 to make use of 
it, and of course a gender adapter to use with the Tandy.


Since I'm pretty much forever going to only have DTE on the serial end 
of this cable, I went with something null wired.  I use it frequently 
with several different vintage systems on the other end -- in fact I 
originally bought this to bootstrap an Amiga -- and it works 
flawlessly.  I plug it in and it magically shows up as /dev/ttyUSB0 
and I can do whatever I want with it.


Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that walk through 
the null modem cable file transfer stuff?


TPDD emulation is the main way by which folks get files in and out of 
the machine.  Personally, I just keep a TPDD emulator (LaddieAlpha, as 
it offers directory support) running in a Docker container and plug in 
whenever I need to get files in and out, but I have the advantage of 
having TS-DOS in ROM on the Tandy -- REX makes it possible!


Before I got set up with a REX, I bootstrapped TEENY.CO to the system 
using dlplus and fumbled my way around getting that working.  After 
finding TEENY kind of inconvenient, I bit the bullet and brought 
TS-DOS over to sit in RAM.  It's a satisfactory solution but doesn't 
leave a ton of working room on the computer.


The easiest solution by far is a REX: plug in the board, go through 
the brief, documented steps to get the REX up, plug into your favorite 
TPDD emulator, fire up TS-DOS from the REX, and files come and go as 
you please.


I've got a Backpack I want to try for when I start traveling again, 
but while I'm mostly in the house I prefer to write directly to the 
ZFS pool over a serial cable.


As far as I've seen, nobody's written a step-by-step guide to getting 
up and running.  There are a lot of choices depending on what you're 
doing, where you're going, what hardware you have and plan to carry 
with you, and how Windows-y or Android-y a person you are.  The basics 
of how all this works are pretty straightforward once you get your 
head around the fundamentals but there are tool choices to make for 
which a one-size-fits-most guide appears somewhat hard to write 
beyond: "Get REX, set up TPDD emulation to your taste."

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Ben Wiley Sittler]

I've been using dlplus rather than LaddieAlpha and it seems to work fine
and is very easy to use from the Cygwin command line. Most of the time I
use a backpack drive though, and just move the microsd card to a modern
laptop to move files on and off of it

For cables connecting modern laptop to model 100 and relatives I use an
FTDI-based USB to 9 pin RS-232 cable/adapter (except on a couple laptops
with their own 9 pin serial ports), then a 9 pin to 25 pin adapter, then an
RS-232 null modem, and finally a 25 pin RS-232 cable. I also tried using
some much shorter "zero inch cable" adapter but I worried about the amount
of strain put on the port

On Sat, Jan 29, 2022, 18:32 Scott McDonnell 
wrote:

> As an additional cable option, I have this and used it with my M100 no
> problem. Both with an Android Set-top box and with a Windows PC.
>
>
>
> It is a direct connection. No adapters needed.
>
>
>
>
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYR6B1G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8=1
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *Tom Wilson 
> *Sent: *Saturday, January 29, 2022 3:19 PM
> *To: *m...@bitchin100.com
> *Cc: *m100@lists.bitchin100.com
> *Subject: *Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner
>
>
>
> And on cables: I use Amazon.
>
>
>
> I have several cables in my kit, but the set I use most is just a standard
> DE-9 serial port and a DE-9F to DB-25M null modem cable. That ends up being
> pretty long, but that does let me position my 102 pretty far away from my
> PC when I’m transferring files.
>
>
>
> I also have a REX installed. That is super handy, as it lets me switch
> between different application ROMs and save active memory off to flash
> memory on the REX.  With that feature, I don’t need to go back to my PC
> often, as it keeps the Tandy pretty self contained.
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jan 28, 2022 at 11:43 PM Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. 
> wrote:
>
> To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…
>
> The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I
> mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like
> to mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years
> in my tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a
> little. I like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things,
> and I’m learning Assembly Language on my CoCo.
>
> I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and
> robots and gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun
> assembling my own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo
> cartridge slot and can run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the
> non-electronic parts I use. All of that being said, I am somewhere between
> novice and competent in most of the things I’ve listed.
>
> Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…
>
> 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would
> prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require
> a serial to usb converter somewhere. Also, any good online information
> and/or tutorials that walk through the null modem cable file transfer stuff?
>
> 2. Aside from this mailing list, are there any other good Discord servers,
> subreddits or forums that are active? I am already on the Slabtop Computer
> Discord server, so looking any others.
>
> 3. Is there a new/different OS available for the Model 100? Do you have to
> swap out the rom chip to do this?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> --
>
> Tom Wilson
> wilso...@gmail.com
> (619)940-6311
>
>
>

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Scott McDonnell]

As an additional cable option, I have this and used it with my M100 no problem. 
Both with an Android Set-top box and with a Windows PC.

It is a direct connection. No adapters needed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYR6B1G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8=1


From: Tom Wilson
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2022 3:19 PM
To: m...@bitchin100.com
Cc: m100@lists.bitchin100.com
Subject: Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

And on cables: I use Amazon. 

I have several cables in my kit, but the set I use most is just a standard DE-9 
serial port and a DE-9F to DB-25M null modem cable. That ends up being pretty 
long, but that does let me position my 102 pretty far away from my PC when I’m 
transferring files. 

I also have a REX installed. That is super handy, as it lets me switch between 
different application ROMs and save active memory off to flash memory on the 
REX.  With that feature, I don’t need to go back to my PC often, as it keeps 
the Tandy pretty self contained. 

On Fri, Jan 28, 2022 at 11:43 PM Carlos M. Nunez, M.D.  
wrote:
To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…

The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I 
mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like to 
mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years in my 
tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a little. I 
like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things, and I’m learning 
Assembly Language on my CoCo.

I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and robots and 
gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun assembling my 
own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo cartridge slot and can 
run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the non-electronic parts I use. 
All of that being said, I am somewhere between novice and competent in most of 
the things I’ve listed.

Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…

1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would prefer the 
PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require a serial to usb 
converter somewhere. Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that 
walk through the null modem cable file transfer stuff?

2. Aside from this mailing list, are there any other good Discord servers, 
subreddits or forums that are active? I am already on the Slabtop Computer 
Discord server, so looking any others.

3. Is there a new/different OS available for the Model 100? Do you have to swap 
out the rom chip to do this?

Thanks in advance!
-- 
Tom Wilson
wilso...@gmail.com
(619)940-6311 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Tom Wilson]

And on cables: I use Amazon.

I have several cables in my kit, but the set I use most is just a standard
DE-9 serial port and a DE-9F to DB-25M null modem cable. That ends up being
pretty long, but that does let me position my 102 pretty far away from my
PC when I’m transferring files.

I also have a REX installed. That is super handy, as it lets me switch
between different application ROMs and save active memory off to flash
memory on the REX.  With that feature, I don’t need to go back to my PC
often, as it keeps the Tandy pretty self contained.

On Fri, Jan 28, 2022 at 11:43 PM Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. 
wrote:

> To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…
>
> The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I
> mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like
> to mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years
> in my tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a
> little. I like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things,
> and I’m learning Assembly Language on my CoCo.
>
> I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and
> robots and gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun
> assembling my own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo
> cartridge slot and can run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the
> non-electronic parts I use. All of that being said, I am somewhere between
> novice and competent in most of the things I’ve listed.
>
> Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…
>
> 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would
> prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require
> a serial to usb converter somewhere. Also, any good online information
> and/or tutorials that walk through the null modem cable file transfer stuff?
>
> 2. Aside from this mailing list, are there any other good Discord servers,
> subreddits or forums that are active? I am already on the Slabtop Computer
> Discord server, so looking any others.
>
> 3. Is there a new/different OS available for the Model 100? Do you have to
> swap out the rom chip to do this?
>
> Thanks in advance!

-- 
Tom Wilson
wilso...@gmail.com
(619)940-6311

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[John R. Hogerhuis]

Brian mentioned Laddiealpha...

Laddiealpha works on Linux just fine... Just requires mono installed which
is generally available via all package managers.

If not already installed, for me I think it was

apt-get install mono-complete

In my experience getting mono installed is only a problem on OSX, and not a
big one even there.

I used to maintain dlplus but when I found that I could make one cross
platform version that works for everyone I wrote Laddiealpha in C#.

There are other choices too and perfectly good reasons for choosing them on
all platforms. Like if you need an injector... Laddiealpha doesn't provide
one, yet anyway. TBACK generally serves that purpose on Windows and there
are other ways to inject clients.

If you have the TSDOS client built into ROM or REX you don't need an
injector.

I guess we need a decision matrix somewhere.

-- John.



On Sat, Jan 29, 2022, 3:30 AM Brian K. White  wrote:

> On 1/29/22 02:43, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. wrote:
> > To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…
> >
> > The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I
> mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like
> to mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years
> in my tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a
> little. I like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things,
> and I’m learning Assembly Language on my CoCo.
> >
> > I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and
> robots and gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun
> assembling my own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo
> cartridge slot and can run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the
> non-electronic parts I use. All of that being said, I am somewhere between
> novice and competent in most of the things I’ve listed.
> >
> > Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…
> >
> > 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable?
>
>
> http://tandy.wiki/Model_T_Serial_Cable
>
>
>
> >   I would prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it
> will require a serial to usb converter somewhere. Also, any good online
> information and/or tutorials that walk through the null modem cable file
> transfer stuff?
>
>
> That is kind of a large question with a lot of different answers, and
> all answers are somewhat opinionated to the person answering.
>
> A full answer covering all bases is so much I'm just not going to
> bother, and instead I'll just say what I'd do.
>
> First, transferring files *conveniently* involves using a tpdd emulator.
> You install a tpdd client on the 100 and a tpdd server on the modern
> machine, and they talk to each other.
>
> There are several tpdd clients, several ways to get a tpdd client
> installed onto the 100, and several tpdd servers.
>
> The simplest and best way to get a tpdd client onto the 100 is to buy a
> REX#, and it has TS-DOS in rom. That makes life better in several ways.
> TS-DOS is the most user-friendly tpdd client, but it's one downside is
> it uses a lot of ram, except, if you have the rom version then it uses
> essentially no ram. And the REX#, having it in rom, means you never have
> to bootstrap it to get it installed. It's always available even after
> hard resets the wipe all ram.
>
> If you don't have a REX# or REX Classic, the next best option is to use
> a bootstrapper program on the modern machine that can install things
> onto the 100. On linux or mac, there is a good bootstrapper built in to
> dlplus. On Windows there is a powershell script called tsend.
>
> The other half of the equation is a tpdd server. LaddieAlpha is the best
> tpdd server for Windows. It also runs on linux and mac but needs some
> fiddling with mono to get running, but since you already needed dlplus
> for the bootstrapper, and dlplus is already a tpdd server, you can just
> use that. However Laddie supports TS-DOS subdirectories and dlplus
> doesn't yet.
>
> Each of these has their own directions. Now I'm just going to dump a
> bunch of links on you...
>
> (serial cable already linked above)
> http://tandy.wiki/TPDD_client  (background, other tpdd clients besides
> ts-dos)
> http://tandy.wiki/TPDD_server  (background, other tpdd servers besides
> laddie or dlplus)
> http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rex  (you want a REX#)
> https://github.com/bkw777/tsend  (bootstrapper for windows)
> bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=LaddieCon#LaddieAlpha  (tpdd server
> for windows)
> https://github.com/bkw777/dlplus  (bootstrapper and tpddserver for any
> unix-like, including linux & mac)
>
> There are a bunch of other options. For instance, the Backpack and
> PDDuino that was just recently discussed here. They are small hardware
> devices that emulate a TPDD drive and include bootstrappers to install
> TS-DOS or other tpdd clients onto the 100 pretty conveniently just like
> the 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Joshua O'Keefe]

On Jan 28, 2022, at 11:43 PM, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D.  wrote:
> 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would prefer 
> the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require a serial 
> to usb converter somewhere.

You may receive a torrent of responses, as for one reason or another this is an 
area where quite a few people hold very strong opinions.  Personally, I grabbed 
the first USB/serial null cable I could find that had an FTDI chip:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY/

It's unfortunately 9-pin so I had to pick up a 9-to-25 to make use of it, and 
of course a gender adapter to use with the Tandy.

Since I'm pretty much forever going to only have DTE on the serial end of this 
cable, I went with something null wired.  I use it frequently with several 
different vintage systems on the other end -- in fact I originally bought this 
to bootstrap an Amiga -- and it works flawlessly.  I plug it in and it 
magically shows up as /dev/ttyUSB0 and I can do whatever I want with it.

> Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that walk through the null 
> modem cable file transfer stuff?


TPDD emulation is the main way by which folks get files in and out of the 
machine.  Personally, I just keep a TPDD emulator (LaddieAlpha, as it offers 
directory support) running in a Docker container and plug in whenever I need to 
get files in and out, but I have the advantage of having TS-DOS in ROM on the 
Tandy -- REX makes it possible!

Before I got set up with a REX, I bootstrapped TEENY.CO to the system using 
dlplus and fumbled my way around getting that working.  After finding TEENY 
kind of inconvenient, I bit the bullet and brought TS-DOS over to sit in RAM.  
It's a satisfactory solution but doesn't leave a ton of working room on the 
computer.

The easiest solution by far is a REX: plug in the board, go through the brief, 
documented steps to get the REX up, plug into your favorite TPDD emulator, fire 
up TS-DOS from the REX, and files come and go as you please.

I've got a Backpack I want to try for when I start traveling again, but while 
I'm mostly in the house I prefer to write directly to the ZFS pool over a 
serial cable.

As far as I've seen, nobody's written a step-by-step guide to getting up and 
running.  There are a lot of choices depending on what you're doing, where 
you're going, what hardware you have and plan to carry with you, and how 
Windows-y or Android-y a person you are.  The basics of how all this works are 
pretty straightforward once you get your head around the fundamentals but there 
are tool choices to make for which a one-size-fits-most guide appears somewhat 
hard to write beyond: "Get REX, set up TPDD emulation to your taste."

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Lloyd Johnson]

Carlos,

I have a null modem cable..It is basically a straight through RS-232 cable 
but with bins 2 & 3 swapped so transmit goes to receive and receive to 
transmit.   My PC laptop does not talk RS-232 but does talk USB.   I don't use 
the null modem cable.

I bought a USB to RS-232 using a female DB9 connector.  
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0769DVQM1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8=1
  ($11.99).


You will need to convert a DB9 to DB25.   This connector should work fine.   
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KVFCGT6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8=1
  ($5.74).

After connecting the NEC 8201A to my PC, I found that the null modem was not 
necessary when using the USB to RS232 cable.

I'd recommend starting with RS-232 communication to the machine using your 
favorite terminal program. Move a few programs to your computer.   When you 
save the file, it will be a .DO.Load it into BASIC and then save it.   The 
resulting file will be a .BA which is a tokenized form of your program.You 
can (and should) delete the .DO file at this point to save space.   When you 
send a program to your computer, save it from BASIC with a ,A option to save as 
ASCII.  (Save "MyProg",A).   Now you will have a MYPROG.DO that can be sent 
back to your PC as a text file. I use 300 baud for receiving files and 1200 
baud for sending them.   You have to be patient, but it is an old computer.   
I've not had any luck with the cassette interface.   Getting the levels correct 
is an exercise in frustration.

My purpose in getting back to the Model 100/NEC PC-8201A was to do similar 
things you are planning such as writing (rewriting) BASIC programs.   

I've posted four of my NEC 8201A/TRS-80 M100  projects on github at 
www.github.com/LEJ-Projects.   I've provided an article on each of these.   

I also have an interest in Arduino and old computers.  I have a couple of 
Altair 8800 based on an Arduino Dual.   I've learned (relearned?) 8080 assembly 
language and developed a 3D (rats eye view) of a 10x10 maze in assembly 
language.   Perhaps I can convert it over to the TRS-80 Model 100 since the 
8085 uses the same instruction set.I will first get the maze posted to some 
Altair groups.

Anyway, welcome to the group.   I'm a fairly new user myself and I have found 
people on this group to be very helpful.

Lloyd  



-Original Message-
From: M100  On Behalf Of Brian K. White
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2022 5:30 AM
To: m100@lists.bitchin100.com
Subject: Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

On 1/29/22 02:43, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. wrote:
> To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…
>
> The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I 
> mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like to 
> mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years in 
> my tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a 
> little. I like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things, and 
> I’m learning Assembly Language on my CoCo.
>
> I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and robots 
> and gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun assembling 
> my own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo cartridge slot and 
> can run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the non-electronic parts I 
> use. All of that being said, I am somewhere between novice and competent in 
> most of the things I’ve listed.
>
> Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…
>
> 1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable?


http://tandy.wiki/Model_T_Serial_Cable



>   I would prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will 
> require a serial to usb converter somewhere. Also, any good online 
> information and/or tutorials that walk through the null modem cable file 
> transfer stuff?


That is kind of a large question with a lot of different answers, and all 
answers are somewhat opinionated to the person answering.

A full answer covering all bases is so much I'm just not going to bother, and 
instead I'll just say what I'd do.

First, transferring files *conveniently* involves using a tpdd emulator. 
You install a tpdd client on the 100 and a tpdd server on the modern machine, 
and they talk to each other.

There are several tpdd clients, several ways to get a tpdd client installed 
onto the 100, and several tpdd servers.

The simplest and best way to get a tpdd client onto the 100 is to buy a REX#, 
and it has TS-DOS in rom. That makes life better in several ways. 
TS-DOS is the most user-friendly tpdd client, but it's one downside is it uses 
a lot of ram, except, if you have the rom version then it uses essentially no 
ram. And the REX#, having it in rom, means you never have to bootstrap it 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Brian K. White]

On 1/29/22 02:43, Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. wrote:

To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…

The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I 
mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like to 
mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years in my 
tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a little. I 
like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things, and I’m learning 
Assembly Language on my CoCo.

I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and robots and 
gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun assembling my 
own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo cartridge slot and can 
run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the non-electronic parts I use. 
All of that being said, I am somewhere between novice and competent in most of 
the things I’ve listed.

Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…

1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable?



http://tandy.wiki/Model_T_Serial_Cable




  I would prefer the PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will 
require a serial to usb converter somewhere. Also, any good online information 
and/or tutorials that walk through the null modem cable file transfer stuff?



That is kind of a large question with a lot of different answers, and 
all answers are somewhat opinionated to the person answering.


A full answer covering all bases is so much I'm just not going to 
bother, and instead I'll just say what I'd do.


First, transferring files *conveniently* involves using a tpdd emulator. 
You install a tpdd client on the 100 and a tpdd server on the modern 
machine, and they talk to each other.


There are several tpdd clients, several ways to get a tpdd client 
installed onto the 100, and several tpdd servers.


The simplest and best way to get a tpdd client onto the 100 is to buy a 
REX#, and it has TS-DOS in rom. That makes life better in several ways. 
TS-DOS is the most user-friendly tpdd client, but it's one downside is 
it uses a lot of ram, except, if you have the rom version then it uses 
essentially no ram. And the REX#, having it in rom, means you never have 
to bootstrap it to get it installed. It's always available even after 
hard resets the wipe all ram.


If you don't have a REX# or REX Classic, the next best option is to use 
a bootstrapper program on the modern machine that can install things 
onto the 100. On linux or mac, there is a good bootstrapper built in to 
dlplus. On Windows there is a powershell script called tsend.


The other half of the equation is a tpdd server. LaddieAlpha is the best 
tpdd server for Windows. It also runs on linux and mac but needs some 
fiddling with mono to get running, but since you already needed dlplus 
for the bootstrapper, and dlplus is already a tpdd server, you can just 
use that. However Laddie supports TS-DOS subdirectories and dlplus 
doesn't yet.


Each of these has their own directions. Now I'm just going to dump a 
bunch of links on you...


(serial cable already linked above)
http://tandy.wiki/TPDD_client  (background, other tpdd clients besides 
ts-dos)
http://tandy.wiki/TPDD_server  (background, other tpdd servers besides 
laddie or dlplus)

http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rex  (you want a REX#)
https://github.com/bkw777/tsend  (bootstrapper for windows)
bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=LaddieCon#LaddieAlpha  (tpdd server 
for windows)
https://github.com/bkw777/dlplus  (bootstrapper and tpddserver for any 
unix-like, including linux & mac)


There are a bunch of other options. For instance, the Backpack and 
PDDuino that was just recently discussed here. They are small hardware 
devices that emulate a TPDD drive and include bootstrappers to install 
TS-DOS or other tpdd clients onto the 100 pretty conveniently just like 
the actual TPDD2 had. If you have one of those, that's actually super 
convenient, but you can't buy a Backpack right now, and although you can 
build a PDDuino, it's a fair little project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3es0NLJmd2c
https://github.com/bkw777/PDDuino


There is an Android app called mComm that is both a tpdd server and 
bootstrapper that runs on Android devices, but I think it has problems 
on the last few versions of Android. There is an older Windows version 
of mComm too, but I can't get it to work at all on current Windows10. 
There is a python version which works, at least on linux, but requires a 
little hacking to get it working and it doesn't include a bootstrapper.

http://www.club100.org/memfiles/index.php?direction===Kurt%20McCullum


Most of the old DOS tpdd servers and bootstrappers are actually still 
usable today even from linux by using a dos emulator. In a couple of 
those links above I have some dosbox commandlines just to document the 
flags to make the serial port work.


And of course there 

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Carlos M. Nunez, M.D.]

To answer the question of what I envision doing with the Model 100…

The computer serves two purposes for me, the first being nostalgia. As I 
mentioned, the Model 100 was my second computer, and I sometimes just like to 
mess around and mentally time travel to my youth and the formative years in my 
tech journey. I also like to code a little and mess with hardware a little. I 
like to write simple programs in BASIC to teach myself things, and I’m learning 
Assembly Language on my CoCo.

I’m also a bit of a tinkerer and maker. I like to build circuits and robots and 
gadgets, mostly on the Arduino platform. I have recently begun assembling my 
own PCBs with old school EPROMS that plug into the CoCo cartridge slot and can 
run programs or hold data. I 3D print a lot of the non-electronic parts I use. 
All of that being said, I am somewhere between novice and competent in most of 
the things I’ve listed.

Now I have a few more simple questions to get me started…

1. Are there any recommended sources for a null modem cable? I would prefer the 
PC end to terminate in a USB plug, so I believe it will require a serial to usb 
converter somewhere. Also, any good online information and/or tutorials that 
walk through the null modem cable file transfer stuff?

2. Aside from this mailing list, are there any other good Discord servers, 
subreddits or forums that are active? I am already on the Slabtop Computer 
Discord server, so looking any others.

3. Is there a new/different OS available for the Model 100? Do you have to swap 
out the rom chip to do this?

Thanks in advance!

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Lloyd Johnson]

Regarding REX, I got mine from Stephen Adolph for my NEC.I highly recommend 
REX as well.

 

From: M100  On Behalf Of Tom Wilson
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 3:31 PM
To: M100 Mailing List 
Subject: Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

 

The two things I'd get right away are either a backpack drive or a null-modem 
cable. LaddieAlpha is a great program for transferring files from the PC, once 
you have TS-DOS installed on the 100. 

 

The other must-have accessory, in my opinion, is the REX. After putting one in 
my T-102, I don't know how I could use that computer without one. Its biggest 
feature is the ability to swap out RAM to its flash storage, and right behind 
that is the ROM storage. I can throw any M100/T102 ROM on there that I want, 
and REX will not only let me switch out ROMs, but it can even install the hooks 
automatically, so I don't need to remember the CALL statement for every single 
module.

 

I think the current REX is the "REX#". Looking back through the mailing list, 
you should be able to find the person making them. 

 




Tom Wilson
wilso...@gmail.com <mailto:wilso...@gmail.com> 
(619)940-6311 

 

 

On Thu, Jan 27, 2022 at 12:55 PM Lloyd Johnson mailto:lloydel...@comcast.net> > wrote:

Dive in!

What do you envision  yourself doing with the M100?

The biggest issue you may have is getting data and programs to & from the
Model 100. I suspect you will use RS-232 with a terminal emulator
program.  I use Tera Term.   

The backpack drive is also a great method in that it uses a micro SD card.
I bought mine from Jeff Birt.  It doesn't get much more slicker than
that.   See his video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3es0NLJmd2c.   To
get your own,  you will need to contact him.

Good luck & enjoy
Lloyd


-Original Message-
From: M100 mailto:m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com> > On Behalf Of Carlos Nunez
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 12:37 PM
To: m100@lists.bitchin100.com <mailto:m100@lists.bitchin100.com> 
Subject: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself as a new (again) Model 100 owner. The
TRS-80 Model 100 was my second real computer. In the mid 80s I worked-part
time at Radio Shack, while going to college. My first real computer purchase
was a 64K Color Computer 2, then about a year later I bought a Model 100. I
have spent the better part of the last year re-learning the Color Computer
hardware and software, and I have decided to do the same for the Model 100.
If there are any good resources for someone just getting back to the Model
100 after a few decades, please send the links!

Best regards,
Carlos Nunez

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Tom Wilson]

The two things I'd get right away are either a backpack drive or a
null-modem cable. LaddieAlpha is a great program for transferring files
from the PC, once you have TS-DOS installed on the 100.

The other must-have accessory, in my opinion, is the REX. After putting one
in my T-102, I don't know how I could use that computer without one. Its
biggest feature is the ability to swap out RAM to its flash storage, and
right behind that is the ROM storage. I can throw any M100/T102 ROM on
there that I want, and REX will not only let me switch out ROMs, but it can
even install the hooks automatically, so I don't need to remember the CALL
statement for every single module.

I think the current REX is the "REX#". Looking back through the mailing
list, you should be able to find the person making them.


Tom Wilson
wilso...@gmail.com
(619)940-6311



On Thu, Jan 27, 2022 at 12:55 PM Lloyd Johnson 
wrote:

> Dive in!
>
> What do you envision  yourself doing with the M100?
>
> The biggest issue you may have is getting data and programs to & from the
> Model 100. I suspect you will use RS-232 with a terminal emulator
> program.  I use Tera Term.
>
> The backpack drive is also a great method in that it uses a micro SD card.
> I bought mine from Jeff Birt.  It doesn't get much more slicker than
> that.   See his video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3es0NLJmd2c.   To
> get your own,  you will need to contact him.
>
> Good luck & enjoy
> Lloyd
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: M100  On Behalf Of Carlos Nunez
> Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 12:37 PM
> To: m100@lists.bitchin100.com
> Subject: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> I just wanted to introduce myself as a new (again) Model 100 owner. The
> TRS-80 Model 100 was my second real computer. In the mid 80s I worked-part
> time at Radio Shack, while going to college. My first real computer
> purchase
> was a 64K Color Computer 2, then about a year later I bought a Model 100. I
> have spent the better part of the last year re-learning the Color Computer
> hardware and software, and I have decided to do the same for the Model 100.
> If there are any good resources for someone just getting back to the Model
> 100 after a few decades, please send the links!
>
> Best regards,
> Carlos Nunez
>
>

Re: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

[Lloyd Johnson]

Dive in!

What do you envision  yourself doing with the M100?

The biggest issue you may have is getting data and programs to & from the
Model 100. I suspect you will use RS-232 with a terminal emulator
program.  I use Tera Term.   

The backpack drive is also a great method in that it uses a micro SD card.
I bought mine from Jeff Birt.  It doesn't get much more slicker than
that.   See his video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3es0NLJmd2c.   To
get your own,  you will need to contact him.

Good luck & enjoy
Lloyd


-Original Message-
From: M100  On Behalf Of Carlos Nunez
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 12:37 PM
To: m100@lists.bitchin100.com
Subject: [M100] New (again) Model 100 owner

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself as a new (again) Model 100 owner. The
TRS-80 Model 100 was my second real computer. In the mid 80s I worked-part
time at Radio Shack, while going to college. My first real computer purchase
was a 64K Color Computer 2, then about a year later I bought a Model 100. I
have spent the better part of the last year re-learning the Color Computer
hardware and software, and I have decided to do the same for the Model 100.
If there are any good resources for someone just getting back to the Model
100 after a few decades, please send the links!

Best regards,
Carlos Nunez