Little Bits
By Andrew Roughan
Copyright (c) 1994 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
o Have you been having problems getting ProTERM to talk to your AVTEK modem?
The initialisation string which ProTERM uses, tries to set a modem register to a value which is unacceptable for some AVTEK modems. The AVTEK consequently reports an error each time the string is sent by ProTERM. To fix the problem use a hex/text block editor to replace all occurrences of "S7=99" or "S7=90" with "S7=30" in the file PT3.CODE0. Note that the high bit is not set. Reinstall (OA-I) your hardware settings after making the changes.
This solution was posted on the internet by Adam Barclay a student at the University of Wollongong.
o Econ Technologies have released a statement regarding impending upgrades to Universe Master (working optimise feature - free to current owners), AutoArk (selection of compression, Manager compatibility - US$5), and Digital Session (bug fixes, stand alone package to work with all stereo cards). The statement also mentions that the SoundMeister stereo card is still available, but unfortunately kills popular revival rumours regarding the SoundMeister PRO. This project has definately been stopped.
o The latest Apple // hardware product to be developed in Germany is the "BlueDisk" floppy controller. This card will allow you to attach IBM standard 5.25" and 3.5" disk drives directly to an Apple //. It supports 720K, 1.44MB and 2.88MB DD, HD and ED MFM drives as SmartPort devices.
The cards are available now with beta drivers and a preliminary manual for the introductory price of US$109 plus US$26 shipping/handling.
two packages: $109 each plus $31 s/h
three packages: $109 each plus $34 s/h
One year limited warranty on parts and labour.
BlueDisk works with the Apple IIgs and enhanced Apple IIe.
///SHH SYSTEME
Dipl. Ing. Joachim Lange
Bergstrasse 95
82131 Stockdorf
Germany
GEnie: J.LANGE7
o In the vapourware department, Richard Wifall has stated on the internet that send and receive fax software for the Apple IIgs is nearing completion. No mention was made of a publisher. Fax software has been considered in the past by
ECON Technologies and Quality Software, although they have now both stated they won't be pursuing it.
o Rumour has it that the General Electric GEnie information service may have a local Sydney node opening in the future. GEnie is home to a large Apple // family in the USA. If you'd like to access GEnie cheaply as much as I do, call General Electric IS department on (02)957-9200 and ask them when it will be available. Hopefully they'll get the message and speed up their act.
In the mean time it has come to my attention that GEnie IS available in Australia through the Public Data Network AUSTPAC. To get an AUSTPAC Network User ID (NUI) call 008-077-222. You'll then need to call GEnie IS 0011-1-301-251-6475 to arrange a GEnie account.
Total access charges when going through AUSTPAC are high ($40-$70 an hour) but software is readily available to minimise your online time to a couple of minutes each day or about 15 minutes each week. The cost will also drop if a local node becomes available.
o National Communications, who make the Easy Connect line sharing device which I reviewed in the February magazine, have a large range of new products that should grant all those wishes that you wanted a phone line to do. How about Answering Machine/Fax/Modem line sharing devices, Line Access Controllers, and hold Music?
My personal favourite is a testing box which acts like the telephone system through which two devices can be connected. It is ideal for testing modems in close proximity without needing two phone lines. It can also be used as a scanner if you connect a regular fax machine to a fax/modem.
Contact National Communications for more details (02)905-6670.
Permission is hereby granted for non-profit user groups to republish this content. PLEASE CREDIT THE AUTHOR AND THE SOURCE: Applecations, publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia