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From: dvac@drutx.UUCP (VachonD)
Newsgroups: net.micro.apple
Subject: Re: questions
Message-ID: <860@drutx.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 11-Aug-86 10:41:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: drutx.860
Posted: Mon Aug 11 10:41:05 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 17-Aug-86 09:21:20 EDT
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 63
Keywords: communications, modem, upgrade


>I haven't touched an Apple in about 2 years, so I'm afraid that I've
>gotten a bit out of touch.  If someone could help me get up to speed by
>answering some questions I'd really appreciate it.
>
>I've now got an Apple //e, Duo disk drive, 64K and another 64K on the
>80 column card and a Panasonic printer.   I've ordered an internal
>"Hayes Command Compatible" modem, with the option to return in 30 days.
>
>Questions are:
>       1) What's a communications program that's cheap?  For
>	example, does Kermit exist for the //e?  Is there anything that
>	supports XMODEM file transfers?  I don't need a lot of fancy stuff,
>	but I'd like to XMODEM files to CompuServe and kermit them to a VAX.

    ASCII Express "The Professional" is the BEST terminal program available
for the Apple.  It runs around $120, but it has everything!!  As for Kermit,
it is available for the Apple line of computers, but works only with a modem
that is connected to the Apple via a Super Serial Port. AE Pro supports 
XMODEM.

>
>	2)  I was vaguely aware that an upgrade came out for the //e that
>	gave it the extras that the //c has, but at the time I didn't have
>	a //e.  Can anyone tell me if it's necessary (i.e. is new software
>	not going to run on an unenhanced machine?), and roughly what it
>	costs?

    I don't know a whole lot about the enchanced //e kit.  I believe it is
just the 65c02 Microprocessor that is the main part of this enchancement
kit.  The Microprocessor itself allows more machine language opcodes, plus
a few bugs were fixed.
    
>
>	3)  How does one tell whether or not a modem is "good"?   This one
>	they said ran on all commercial software they had tried with the
>	exception of ASCII Express--is this good or bad?
>

    The best modem you can get for the money on an Apple, is the Novation
Apple Cat II modem.  You could probably find one for $150 or less, and plus,
if you want, you can upgrade to a 212(1200 baud) or a 2400 baud system with
an expansion unit.  The "stock" Apple Cat II, comes with Com-Ware II software
which is really pretty good, then "The Cat" also has built into it, a 202
mode which allows 1200 baud at half duplex...Which allows you to transfer
files with other "Cat" owners using free-ware programs like cat-fur or 
disk-fer.... The "Cat" also has a BSR unit, a cassette interface that allows
an answering machine program to answer the phone with a synthesized voice,
created from the Apple Cat itself, then records the message on a cassette.
There are music synthesizers, quick-dialers, etc....for "The Cat"...The Cat
has the most software & hardware expansions out right now.  The hayes modem
just isn't the top of the market like it used to be before the Apple Cat
came out. Now, it can't even compete.  Like I said above, ASCII Pro (express)
is the best terminal program out!!

Well, hope this helps everyone out...

Take it easy....Later Days -=> Dan Vachon <=-

    The Laboratory BBS System - 300/1200 baud - (303)-423-3156
           
              (^^^ Run on an Apple Cat with a 212 expansion card,
                   on a II+ with 6 disk drives^^)