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Software for Cluster adapter
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 11:14 am
by OldComputerGuy
Is there software required to connect 2 PCjr's with Cluster adapters?
Re: Software for Cluster adapter
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 12:36 pm
by 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.
Re: Software for Cluster adapter
Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2019 3:07 pm
by OldComputerGuy
Brutman wrote: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?
Re: Software for Cluster adapter
Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2019 3:26 pm
by 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.
Re: Software for Cluster adapter
Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 7:34 am
by OldComputerGuy
Brutman wrote: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.