Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!austing
From: austing@Apple.COM (Glenn L. Austin)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm
Subject: Re: Multiple serial port cards for Mac II?
Message-ID: <42786@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 9 Jul 90 02:11:34 GMT
References: <10511@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu>
Organization: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA
Lines: 33

mha@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu (Mark H. Anbinder) writes:

>I'm trying to find a NuBus card for the Mac II that offers multiple
>serial ports.  It seems that SuperMac's Comm card no longer exists.
>Is this true?

The SuperMac Comm card is now available from Taniwha Systems in Berkeley.
There is also the Creative Solutions dual- and four-port serial cards.

>When you install a card to provide multiple serial ports, how does
>the computer handle the extra ports?  Does it need to convince the
>software that it's talking to the modem or printer port?  Is there
>software available that knows how to handle extra ports?  Am I
>babbling? :-)

It depends on the card.  If you want compatibility with future software,
look for cards that support the Macintosh Communications Toolbox (both Taniwha
and Creative Solutions support the CTB), and also provide driver-level support
for software that is easily extended, such as MicroPhone II 3.0.
Any software and hardware that supports the CTB will be the best over the long
run, although the software developers are still working on CTB support...
(as far as I know)

-- 
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| Glenn L. Austin               | "Turn too soon, run out of room,          | 
| Auto Racing Enthusiast and    |   Turn too late, much better fate"        |
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