Paper punch and reader mayhem

[Synoptic]

Hi! I got my hands on a paper puncher/reader.
Branded OKUMA.
It works with the following settings:
4800 bauds
N82

It uses a proprietary pinout and I have a custom db25 cable to be able to plug it into a computer. The cable makes the device as DCE. The cable also ties DSR/CTS together on the puncher side.


Using teraterm I am able to successfully punch 4k basic and the read back is correct.

I am trying to load 4k basic on the clone.
I use the MBL ROM and set its option to
(0001 0011 rest all 0)
I have the port to which the puncher is connected set to 88-SIO 06/07 at 4800 bauds 8N2.


I then press Start and the tape flies through but nothing on the altair.

I see the lights showing data is getting ingested for a short period but that’s it.

I can maybe make a video if that helps.

Thank you for your help!

[AltairClone]

The Altair Clone serial ports are DCE. That means the punch needs to be wired as DTE to be compatible. If the reader/punch is working with TeraTerm and a PC (that plug is DTE), then that proves your reader/punch is wired as DCE you'll need a null modem inserted to be compatible with the Altair Clone serial ports.

Mike

[Synoptic]

Hi Mike,
I am aware of this, and I do have a null-modem cable.
In fact, I have many cables which are custom made.
I also have a commercial null-modem cable

The puncher uses a non-standard pinout on its DB25 connector.

For this reason :
I have a cable that is used to connect the puncher to my Windows machine. (CABLE A)
I have another cable that is used to connect the puncher to the Clone. (CABLE B)

Using CABLE A on my computer works
Using CABLE B + the commercial null modem cable on my computer that, works too.

I then assume both of my custom cables are properly wired.

In the operating manual of the puncher, I have this pinout table :

Code: Select all

PIN NO | SIGNAL
1      | TX
2      | DTR
5      | RTS
7      | GND
10     | RX
11     | DSR
12     | CTS

The cable that is used to connect the puncher to my Windows machine (CABLE A) is wired like this : (to make a DCE to DTE Cable)

Code: Select all

CABLE A
  PUNCHER SIDE PIN POS. | COMPUTER SIDE PIN POS.
                  1(TX) | 3
                 2(DTR) | 6
                 5(RTS) | 5
                 7(GND) | 7
                 10(RX) | 2
                11(DSR) | 20
   12(CTS) (tied to 11) | Not connected to PIN 4

The cable that is used to connect the puncher to the clone (CABLE B) is wired like this : (to make a DCE to DCE Cable)

Code: Select all

CABLE B
PUNCHER SIDE PIN POS. | CLONE SIDE PIN POS.
                1(TX) | 2
               2(DTR) | 20
               5(RTS) | 4
               7(GND) | 7
               10(RX) | 3
              11(DSR) | 6 (Bridged to 5)
              12(CTS) | 5 (Bridged to 6)

If I do not bridge pins 5 and 6, the puncher will not start reading the tape.

[Synoptic]

OK, I'M JUST A DUMB ASS

I'm such an idiot lol... I forgot to start reading the tape where the leading pattern starts (0xC2). I was starting it before that, it kept sending 0x 00 at the beginning.

Sorry for all the trouble.

[AltairClone]

lol, glad it’s working :)

Mike

[Synoptic]

Oh and my little hack to have a signal on pin 5 of the cassette port works like a charm.