PC to ATARI File Transfers (CHEAP!)
From: Michael Current (aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 09/11/92-10:36:11 PM Z
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
Subject: PC to ATARI File Transfers (CHEAP!)
Date: Fri Sep 11 22:36:11 1992
Reprinted from comp.sys.atari.8bit/Info-Atari8 Digest
from Uncle Fester
Here is a way for those people without a double-
density drive for the Atari to transfer files
from a PC to an Atari 8-bit. (810 drives or
stock 1050)
This method _does_ require that you have a modem
for both machines.
I used to do this a couple of years ago before
I discovered the 'util' programs that are for
transferring files via a MY-DOS formatted double-
density disk with a PC's 360K drive.
I used both BobTerm and 1030 Express! with my
1030 modem. My PC uses Telix.
You will need three lengths of telephone line
with a RJ11C connector plug at each end and one
'Y' adaptor plug (splitter).
Hook things up as per the following:
---- ----
PC ------------------------------------ Atari
---- ----
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ /
\/
Splitter at Phone
Jack (wall plug)
Hook the PC modem to the Atari modem via the 'line'
jacks or the 'to telephone' jacks.
From the splitter at the phone jack, run a wire to
each of the remaining jacks on the PC and Atari
modems. This will provide the needed 'carrier'
that a modem requires for its signal.
Boot your comm programs on each computer.
With the comm program of each machine, set one to
'originate' and the other to 'answer'. Follow your
comm programs instructions on establishing the
connection. NOTE: On some telephone systems, when
you attempt this, it will disconnect after a short
time. (NO CARRIER). This is because some systems
have an automatic "alarm" to draw attention to the
fact that you have left the phone off the hook. This
is actually what you are doing when you use this
method. It then "hangs up". To get around this, you
need to have a phone hooked up to one side of the
line from the PC to ATARI line connection. Yes, you
need another splitter. Hold that phone 'off hook' and
listen to the nice beeps and buzzes that the phone
company so nicely provided to keep you from accidentally
leaving your phone off hook. Wait until it is
completely through having this fit, and then while still
holding it off hook, establish your connection as
outlined previously. Once the two computers are
connected via your comm software, go ahead and put the
phone back down. They will now be properly 'connected'.
Make sure your parity and duplex are set properly. Type
a word from each keyboard and see that the other responds
in the same manner and that one keyboard is not producing
'echoed' lines of your text.
Now you can tranfer files between the two computers using
whatever protocol both comm programs support between the
two. Just like you dialed up your favorite BBS, this
method will only transfer the files at whatever baud rate
your receiving modem can support. 1030, 835, and XM301
modems only support 300 baud. This is a very slow way
to transfer files, but IT WORKS.
I have used this method many, many times in the past and
there was no damage to either my modems or computer.
You may have to 'play' with the arrangement in order for
it to work properly. For example, if you have the two
modems hooked together via the plug marked 'line jack',
you may have to change so that they are hooked together via
the 'to telephone' plugs. The lines from the splitter
will of course go the the remaining plugs.
This is an economical way to do things as compared to
the cost of finding and buying an XF551 double-density
drive or a modified 1050, or some other 3rd party drive.
It is also cheaper than a 'null modem' cable arrangement
but not as fast. No 850 interface or equivalent required.
While I emphatically state that no damage was done to any
of my equipment, I will not be responsible nor take any
responsibility should things turn out differently for you.
Modems were designed to hook up to telephone lines, just not
in this manner. The principle is still the same though and
there should not be any problems as a result of doing this.
For best results on the Atari side, you really should use
BobTerm.
Good Luck!!
Uncle Fester
--
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: Me and Rex took the kar : thester@nyx.cs.du.edu : on 100% :
: to town. Stay home. Stay! : -or try- :recyclable:
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--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp -->> go atari <<--
The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG is the Central Atari Information Network
Internet: currentm@carleton.edu / UUCP: ...!umn-cs!ccnfld!currentm
BITNET: currentm%carleton.edu@{interbit} / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
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