13 Sep
2007
13 Sep
'07
2:15 p.m.
But there were other cheapo serial networks back then:
Sinclair
bundled networking in the ZX Interface 1 for the Spectrum, which was,
The SInclair netowrk, at least from what I've read in the QL service
manual/schematics, was similar in consept to the serial port netowrks
mentioned here. There was a 2 wirte bus (signal and ground) linking all
machines, terminated by ressitors at eash end [1] All the machines
monitored the siagnal wire, any machine could drive it (and by monitoring
while it was driving it, it detected collisions).
The termination resistors were built into all the machines, connected up
using the 'break contacts' of the 3,5mm jack sockets (OK 'mini phone
socket' across the Pond'. You connected a cable from one machine to the
next, and the empty sockets on the 2 'end' amchines automatically
connected the resistors to the network.
I think, compatible with the networking of the later
Sinclair QL. Also
there was Acorn's Econet, of course.
I think Econet saw a *lot* of use tho' I've never seen a system
Econet was available on just about all the Acorn computers -- 'Systems',
Atom, BBC micro, Electron (? the Advanced User Guide for the Electron
mentions it), ACW, Archimedes. I wouldn't be suprised if it wasn't
available on the RiscPC too. Presumably it was used, or Acorn wouldn't
have persisted with it.
outside of a show stand. I don't think enough
Sinclairs got used in
schools to make the Sinclair network worthwhile.
I've never seen it used.
-tony