Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uwm.edu!wuarchive!sdd.hp.com!mips!news.cs.indiana.edu!maytag!xenitec!zswamp!root From: root@zswamp.fidonet.org (Geoffrey Welsh) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems Subject: 16550AFN Message-ID: <7177.28006987@zswamp.fidonet.org> Date: 8 Apr 91 06:53:15 GMT Organization: Izot's Swamp BBS - Kitchener, Ontario Lines: 31 J. Luce (luce@aurs01.UUCP ) wrote: >A quick question... would an 8 Mhz. 286 - AT clone with an >8250/16450 >that is *NOT* multitasking and whose only task would be >Zmodeming (or >some such protocol) drop characters and need the 16550? Or >is that >scenario for slower machines or machines that are >multi-tasking. >In other words, do I *need* this chip for reliable data >transfers under the above scenario?? I hate to be vague, but the only answer that I'm willing to guarantee is "That depends..." For instance, you didn't specify what baud rate. I don't expect trouble at 9600 or 19,200 bps, but 38,400 bps is questionable. Also, all bets are off if you're using a Perstor ARLL controller card for your hard drive; they'll screw *anything* up. -- UUCP: watmath!xenitec!zswamp!root | 602-66 Mooregate Crescent Internet: root@zswamp.fidonet.org | Kitchener, Ontario FidoNet: SYSOP, 1:221/171 | N2M 5E6 CANADA Data: (519) 742-8939 | (519) 741-9553 The mile is traversed not by a single leap, but by a procession of coherent steps; those who insist on making the trip in a single element will be failing long after you and I have discovered new worlds. -- me