Accessing SMB shares on Apple IIGS

One of the coolest new projects in the Apple II space in recent years is the The SMB FST for GS/OS, which allows an Apple IIGS to access file servers using the SMB protocol if you have a network device. Since it's a file system, the Apple IIGS treats it more or less like any system drive. You can save documents to it on any application, and you can even run applications directly from it.

I did have to modify my Rocky Linux samba configuration file to get full compatibility with GS/OS resource fork system. These lines were added to the smb.conf file:

        vfs objects = catia fruit streams_xattr
        fruit:encoding = native
        fruit:metadata = stream
        fruit:resource = stream
        ea support = yes
        streams_xattr:prefix = user.
        streams_xattr:store_stream_type = no

Now, I don't know if all these lines are necessary, but it's working so I didn't mess around with them more.

Atari 130XE

A little bit of 80s computer history on display in Lansdowne Centre in Richmond, BC, in a side hallway showcasing the history of the mall:

For the latest in computer technology "Atari" word processing and computer system includes "Atari" 130XE computer, 1050 disk drive, printer and AtariWriter, including software. $599.95 complete. 270-7127 COMPUCENTRE

TIP: Use Lithium AAA/AA batteries

Unless you are using them on a daily basis, I suggest replacing all the alkaline AAA or AA batteries in your retro computers (i.e. say a TRS-80 Model 100) with a Lithium (non-rechargeable) battery. For example, Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA Series.

Why:

• Much lower leak risk. Lithium almost never leak.
• Long shelf life. Claims up to 20-25 years.
• They tend to maintain usable voltage longer, so you get more “it just works” time and fewer surprise “why is the LCD faint?” moments.
• Lower self-discharge than NiMH rechargeables. NiMH rechargebles are preferable to alkaline due to the also lower leak risk. But the self-discharge is the highest.

Of course removing the batteries when not in use is still preferred.

Greaseweasle settings

Took a while to get the Greaseweasle I purchased working, However, the problem was really just that my floppy drive head was stuck from lack of usage and all that was needed was for me to unjam it (i.e. literally push it out with my finger). A lot of the jumper work were pointless. 

Nevertheless, the working jumper settings on my Matsushita JA-551-3 5.25" Double Sided Double Density drive via image:

Notes:

• Ribbon cable connect to the "A" connector (i.e. end of cable, after the crossover).

TRS-80 Model 100 Telecom Settings

When using the TRS-80 Model 100 with The Old Net Serial Wifi Modem, set the terminal to 300 baud, 8 Bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit, and Software Flow Control.

"Software Flow Control" is sometimes called "XON/XOFF flow control", in contrast to "hardware flow control" like RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR.

On the TRS-80 M100, select TELCOM. For RS-232C communications, the configuration description consists of a five character string of the format rwpbs, where:

• r Baud Rate. This is a number from 1 to 9, where 1 = 75; 2 = 110 ; 3 = 300 ; 4 = 600 ; 5 = 1200 ; 6 = 2400 ; 7 = 4800 ; 8 = 9600 ; 9 = 19200. M may be used. M sets built-in modem to 300 baud.
• w Word Length. This is a number from 6 to 8, where 6 = 6 bits; 7 = 7 bits; 8 = 8 bits.
• p Parity. Either E,O,N, or I where E = Even ; O = Odd ; N = None; I= Ignore.
• b Stop Bits. Either 1 or 2, where 1 = 1 stop bit; 2 = 2 stop bits.
• s XON/XOFF Status. Either E or D, where E = Enable; D = Disable.

To set up for use the wifi modem:

stat M8N1E

And then hit (Term - F4) Puts TELCOM into the Terminal Mode. And then you can do your AT commands.

Note: On the wifi modem the baud rate is set to 600 baud perhaps: Hold the Flash button down on the modem for 5 seconds and it will reset to 300 baud (one time). 

References: 

The TRS-80 Model 100 Quick Reference Guide
Old Net Wifi Modem Manual

Hello World!

First post. I think this title makes sense.

Here's a photo of a Laser 128/EX I have: