11 replies to this topic

[atariportal]

The problem: SIO-cable and SIO-connectors are no more available or only some items for too much money are available.
In the past (and future) there are many new and old hardware available again that needs SIO-connection:

• SIO2IDE
  
• Midi-Interface
  
• 1050-PC
  
• SIO2PC
  
• Networkinterface (Bewesoft)
  
• at next: SIO2USB
  
• ....

We try to establish worldwide a new SIO replacement/enhancement.
At the first step it is a simple box:

• at the one end with a SIO-cable
  
• at the other end with a SIO-connector like standard SIO-connector
  
• the enhancement is: additional DSub15 connectors with a 1:1 connection to SIO

Benefit:

• New hardware needs never more SIO-cables but only the Standard DSub-connector/cable
  
• With more than one DSub15 connectors the box is also like an multiplexer
  
• Daisy-chainig will be minimized
  
• Original Hardware can be connectet like before
  
• No internal wireing needed. Simple plug and play

At the first step the enhancement is without any electronic enhancements.

Come on and discuss with us at ABBUC forum. We speak english and german. We think with about 400 members worldwide it should be possible to establish a new SIO-connection.

ABBUC

(Forum-Registration needed)

[Rybags]

I was actually considering putting PS-2 plugs into one of my drives, and the computer.

Entirely possible, since a 1050 only needs gnd, data in, data out, clock out.

But, not entirely compatible with other peripherals.

Aside from rarity, the biggest pain with SIO cables is that a> they're too short and b> they are too inflexible.

[Almost Rice]

I was thinking about using Parallel cables for my system. I have 3 different switches that I could use to create different chains. Maybe Curt should be apart of this discussion since he is involved with current 8bit production. This would reduce any conflicts and may even provide future peripherals for our legacy systems.

Edited by Almost Rice, Thu Apr 6, 2006 7:23 AM.

[atariportal]

Almost Rice, on Thu Apr 6, 2006 8:20 AM, said:

I was thinking about using Parallel cables for my system. I have 3 different switches that I could use to create different chains. Maybe Curt should be apart of this discussion since he is involved with current 8bit production. This would reduce any conflicts and may even provide future peripherals for our legacy systems.

Three switches with a 25 pin parallel cable seems to be complicated to build (if a pcb is not available)

With the first step we want to make it simple as possible, so that 1:1 connections should be used.
Developers have only to include an DSub15 connector (1:1 connection to SIO) instead or additional to an SIO. No additional intelligence is needed.

The next possible step is to include a sio2pc (and/or 1050-pc) interface.

BTW:
The new available sio2pc and 1050-pc have a little "inteligence". They can be used with all(!) available pc/mac/st/linux-software. Additional one ore more same or different interfaces can be connected at the same time. If possible, these interfaces should be included in the same new connector-box.

And of course: All information about these (hopeful) new standard will be available under GPL.

[Bryan]

Personally, I'd just switch to a DB9-pin connector since several of the SIO pins are unused by anything anyway.

-Bry

[Retro Rogue]

Its called USB.

Seriously, Joe Decuir was part of the USB specifications/standardization/design team when he worked at Microsoft. He mentioned to me that the model for USB was a direct update of the SIO platform.

[danwinslow]

I have a SIO2Ethernet, as well. I would welcome something like this.

[classics]

The easiest thing to do would be to manufacture a popular new product like SIO2USB using only the DB-15 connector.

People would have to build or buy the cable adapter, then other projects could start using it with less resistance.

Steve

[atariportal]

classics, on Thu Apr 6, 2006 6:10 PM, said:

The easiest thing to do would be to manufacture a popular new product like SIO2USB using only the DB-15 connector.

People would have to build or buy the cable adapter, then other projects could start using it with less resistance.

Steve

Yes. This product is under development. But it will be too expensive (100~120 Euro, approx. 120-150$). The USB-Cartridge is available but it supports only legacy usb and has no "intelligence". Both products are developed by the german ABBUC usergroup "R.A.F." Developers are Thomas Grasel, Harry Reminder, Carsten Strotmann (and possible any other)

The SIo2USB is not available at the moment. Last year it has won a prize (price?) as the best innovation.
SIO2USB-Project

It was shown on October 2005 at JHV.

[Almost Rice]

I thought this discussion was about using modern(easily available) connectors to replace the SIO connectors. Thereby enabling us to use switches.

[MEtalGuy66]

Has anyone actually checked to see what the remaining stock of SIO cables is at atari vendors such as B&C or Best Computer? Also has anyone actually checked to see if companies are stilll offering the SIO connector, itself, and what their remaining stock is?

I dont think the SIO connector, itself is that bad of a design. I agree the cables could be longedr and more flexible. But that is just an issue of wire..

[carmel_andrews]

How about an SIO to USB interface port or and SIO to IDE/Scsi interface port so you'r not overloading the XL/Xe's power supply with all these internal mods, as the drives themselves (that are attached to the interface ports) will draw their own power supply