Racore/Rapport add on Parallel Port

[Chuckphd53]

is the Parallel port on these expansion units BiDirectional?

If not has anyone done a MOD for them ?

[Chuckphd53]

Checked my LPT1 and with LPT_TEST it reported that the Bi-Directional FAILED.

So I have to assume the Racore/Rapport add-on's did not come with BiDirection LPT's

I did manage to get the ZIP 100 drive working, it was pretty easy.


only needed two items
Device = jrconfig.sys /d3 ( the /d3 indicates there are three drives attached, I have two floppies, and the Zip100)
Device = Palmzip.sys ( note: there is a 7 minute timeout with the unlicensed version)

you can ordered the licensed version from http://leute.server.de/peichl/palmzipe.htm , it was $10, but well worth it.
you can also download the latest version there.

[Brutman]

They are definitely not bi-directional, but they can probably be modified just like most parallel ports of the era.

I think you've got a problem in your config.sys ... To recognize more floppy diskettes use the -d option on jrconfig. That option overrides the BIOS setting of just 1 floppy drive when you have more than one floppy drive connected to the controller. The -t option sets the screen mode.

The -d option has no effect on the Zip drive ... Palmzip is handling all of that. I am a registered user of Palmzip and it's worth having in the tool box.

[Chuckphd53]

Yes you are right

I've edit / updated the POST above..

thanks

[Chuckphd53]

had a follow up question, since I cannot find any schematics for the Racore/ Rapport units, and I have searched...
Does , or has, anyone gotten a 3rd floppy drive working with tese units?
Assuming you can just daisy chain the ribbon cable and then jumper the correct Drive Select in the floppy drive.
As well as specifying the /-d3 option..

[Trixter]

I have a PCjr that came donated with 3 simultaneous working floppy drives. I don't know how the mod was done, so I'm hoping Mike can chime in.

[Chuckphd53]

I’d be interested in how the Drive select jumpers wer set on each drive.
and if it is functional, what are the config.sys and autoexec.bat start up files set to...

[Trixter]

I have no autoexec.bat/config.sys for it, it didn't come with a boot disk. In fact, now that I think of it, I'm not sure I've ever tested it. The next time I get a PCjr monitor on the bench I'll give it a shot.

[Chuckphd53]

Great, I have not seen anything, formal, at least that documents 3 drives or explains what equipment, Racore/Rapport, or the Floppy controller mods will work in this config, so it would be good to get that info..

Thanks
chuck