Software for Cluster adapter

[OldComputerGuy]

Is there software required to connect 2 PCjr's with Cluster adapters?

[Brutman]

Yes ...

One side is the server, which runs on an XT or AT class machine. On the PCjr side I think the cluster adapter has enough of a BIOS extension to do a remote boot from the server. There is also software for passing messages. I'm not sure what the file sharing solution looks like; it has been ages since I tried it.

I've not posted the software because of copyright issues.

[OldComputerGuy]

Yes ...

One side is the server, which runs on an XT or AT class machine. On the PCjr side I think the cluster adapter has enough of a BIOS extension to do a remote boot from the server. There is also software for passing messages. I'm not sure what the file sharing solution looks like; it has been ages since I tried it.

I've not posted the software because of copyright issues.

So you cant connect 2 jrs directly to each other? You need a PC?

[Brutman]

Technically speaking, it is an Ethernet-like network, so you don't connect any machines to each other - you connect them to the same segment of wire. The problem is that the software assumes a client/server setup, where PCjrs are clients and there is a server on the network. It's possible to send data from one machine to any other machine, but you need to write your own software to do that.

When I have a lot of free time I want to make a version of mTCP that runs on cluster. That would give you TCP/IP between the machines. I'll have to do something to make a gateway between the cluster network and Ethernet to make it usable though.

[OldComputerGuy]

Technically speaking, it is an Ethernet-like network, so you don't connect any machines to each other - you connect them to the same segment of wire. The problem is that the software assumes a client/server setup, where PCjrs are clients and there is a server on the network. It's possible to send data from one machine to any other machine, but you need to write your own software to do that.

When I have a lot of free time I want to make a version of mTCP that runs on cluster. That would give you TCP/IP between the machines. I'll have to do something to make a gateway between the cluster network and Ethernet to make it usable though.

Sounds like null modem cables would be the best way to directly connect 2 junior's, then, if it's too difficult to do with cluster adapters.