Altair Clone Firmware version 1.91

[AltairClone]

Version 1.91 of the Clone firmware is now on the support page. This release augments the serial port flexibility for the Configuration Monitor that was started in 1.9. Features added in 1.9 and 1.91 are summarized below:

• Upon first entry into the Configuration Monitor from normal (Altair) mode, the run-time (Altair) settings for port 1 are used. Once in the monitor, raising AUX-L again forces the monitor to re-start with port 1 set to 9600 baud, 8N1. This allows, for example, using a Teletype as the Altair console and continuing to use the Teletype as the Configuration Monitor console. However, if a 9600 baud console is then connected for use with the Configuration Monitor, a second AUX-L toggle will properly display on the 9600 baud console.
• Allow floppy transfer over serial port 1 (console) or serial port 2.
• Add 230.4K and 460.8K baud options for the floppy transfer rate. (see additional notes below)
• Move the admin menu floppy options into a separate "Floppy Settings" sub-menu within the admin menu. This new menu includes the addition of the option to specify the serial port used for disk image transfer.
• Reduce the verbiage of all menus so they display quicker at slower baud rates.

Disk image transfer at 230.4K or 460.8K baud is a bit hit-or-miss depending on the PC used, the OS, the USB-to-serial adapter, the USB-to-serial adapter driver version, and the terminal emulator or XMODEM transfer software used.

Mike

[toml_12953]

Version 1.91 of the Clone firmware is now on the support page. This release augments the serial port flexibility for the Configuration Monitor that was started in 1.9.
Mike

I'm afraid I already know the answer but here goes:

I need the following to work without having to disconnect and reconnect anything:

• 1. Console (TTY or ADM 5)
  2. PC Terminal for disk transfers
  3. Serial printer

Unfortunately, the console can only be on port 1, the serial printer can only be on Port 2 and the PC Terminal can only be on port 1 or 2.
I see no way of putting all three on just the two serial ports. Now if one of them could be used on port 3, then it would work.
Am I missing something? Is there a way to do what I want?

Tom L

[AltairClone]

Tom,

Unfortunately, your assessment is correct. Conceivably, adding an option to allow the 88-LPC to piggy back on port 2 or port 3 should be possible.

Mike

[toml_12953]

Tom,

Unfortunately, your assessment is correct. Conceivably, adding an option to allow the 88-LPC to piggy back on port 2 or port 3 should be possible.

Mike

If the 88-LPC were to be piggy backed off port 3, would it be limited to 300 baud if I still wanted to use the cassette I/O?

[AltairClone]

If the 88-LPC were to be piggy backed off port 3, would it be limited to 300 baud if I still wanted to use the cassette I/O?

The port's baud rate remains at the rate you have configured (e.g., 300 baud for cassette I/O) even if the LPC is piggy-backed onto the port.

Mike

[toml_12953]

The port's baud rate remains at the rate you have configured (e.g., 300 baud for cassette I/O) even if the LPC is piggy-backed onto the port.

Mike

That'd be great if it was possible to piggyback LPC off port 3. Maybe in the next firmware revision?

Tom L