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From: jca@pnet01.cts.com (John C. Archambeau)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc,comp.unix.xenix
Subject: Re: Multiport Serial Boards...
Message-ID: <2494@crash.cts.com>
Date: 2 May 90 18:16:04 GMT
Sender: root@crash.cts.com
Organization: People-Net [pnet01], El Cajon CA
Lines: 49

kevin@kosman.UUCP (Kevin O'Gorman) writes:
>In article <2436@crash.cts.com> jca@pnet01.cts.com (John C. Archambeau) writes:
>>I would like some in depth information on multiport serial boards.  The system
>>that will use this board will be either a Kaypro 286i under SCO Xenix 286 or
>>a 386SX running SCO Xenix 386 or ESIX.  The three boards that I'm aware of are
>>Computone, Digiboard and Maxspeed.
>> ...
>>If there's another manufacturer of this piece of hardware, I'd like to be made
>>aware of it.
>
>Arnet Corporation, Nashville TN (615) 834-8000 or (800) 366-8844.
>
>I know some people who use their boards, but I don't have any first-hand
>information.  The info I have says they have a "full line of 4, 8, and 16
>port multiuser boards for AT and Micro Channel Machines".  There seem to
>be two product lines: the Multiport and the Smartport boards.
>
>There's also a reprinted review by InfoWorld which says "The Arnet Smartport,
>the most expensive board we tested, was also the most capable in the group."
>It also said "Good documentation, a lifetime warranty(!), and toll-free
>technical support make this board very attractive" (emphasis added).  Review
>printed in April 4, 1988 issue.
>
>Well, I have no connection with this company -- I don't even use the stuff --
>so maybe I should stop pushing.  I just hope the information helps.
>-- 
>Kevin O'Gorman ( kevin@kosman.UUCP, kevin%kosman.uucp@nrc.com )
>voice: 805-984-8042 Vital Computer Systems, 5115 Beachcomber, Oxnard, CA  93035
>Non-Disclaimer: my boss is me, and he stands behind everything I say.


Maybe I should add an extra constraint that I neglected, the board has to
support hardware flow control.  You need that if you're going to hang a US
Robotics HST or Dual Standard HST and have things run smoothly.

Only two that I know of that support hardware flow control are the Computone
and Digiboard.  One soul in e-mail told me the Maxspeed does not support
hardware flow control, ok, out goes that one.
 
     // JCA

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