Short: PAR: access using the SIMPLEST of ARexx Author: wisecracker@tesco.net (Barry Walker) Uploader: wisecracker tesco net (Barry Walker) Type: dev/src Version: 1.00.01 Architecture: m68k-amigaos Distribution: Public Domain, Emailware. ============================================================================ Requirements Are:- ------------------ Any Classic Amiga, SEE TEXT BELOW. Standard Kickstart 2.0x and Workbench 2.0x or better. RexxMast running, and RX in the path. PAR: Device installed. PAR_READ.lha from the hard/hack drawer of AMINET. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 04-05-2008. ----------- Version 1.00.01. Added very simple ARexx code to write to the PAR: VOLUME. 16-05-2006. ----------- Version 1.00.00. First upload. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a project to use PAR: as a VOLUME in READ mode only, NOT as a DEVICE. I have NOT included PAR: in WRITE mode as this is easily done. For example connect a standard parallel port printer to the parallel port and from a CLI or Shell type:- Echo > PAR: "This is a test line." This is a test line. Is printed to by the printer, so WRITE mode is possible without any special knowledge. PAR: in READ mode however is not so easy and was intended to accept binary data IN through the parallel port to the computer WITHOUT ANY knowledge of the HW registers or DEVICE offsets at all. The ~-ACK~ line must be toggled for this to work and a very simple EXTERNAL modification is all that is needed for correct operation. It is a wire link only. See PAR_READ.lha in the hard/hack drawer of AMINET for full details. As the offsets are not required for correct operation then PAR: acts for all intents and purposes like a disk in a disk drive and can be written to, or, as in this case, READ from, and binary data aquired from the port displayed onto the screen. (I hope you enjoy messing with it like I do... :) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The archive is Public Domain/Emailware and you may modify them as you please for your OWN experiments. See below. (Original idea goes to B.Walker, G0LCU. Joint copyright, (C)2006, B.Walker and A.Hoffman. First upload to http://amiga.serveftp.net/ (C)A.Hoffman.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT:- ----------- The Legal Stuff:- ----------------- These programs are Public Domain and no profit will be made from them, also all of the files must remain unaltered and intact including this one. The author is not responsible for any damage to, or loss of, or failure of equipment or data caused in any way by the use of these programs. There is NO warranty with the use of these software releases and YOU USE THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Testing Evaluation:- -------------------- An A1200 in 2MB, 6MB and 10MB modes using trapdoor memory AND/OR PCMCIA memory expansions. All memory expansions were ~DISABLED~ using the NoFastMem program from the System drawer. Also tested on two A600s with various memory configurations, a 1MB A500+ and an old style A500 with a 0.5MB memory expansion at $C00000 using the A500+ emulator and Workbench 2.04, and LBNL an A600 emulating KS3.0x and running Workbench 3.0x. Also tested on an A4000 with various upgrades and OS3.9x. All test conditions were/are running STANDARD KS2.0x to 3.9x, and using standard ~topaz 8~ fonts throughout. I have no idea what a strange configuration setup will create so refer to the ~The Legal Stuff~ above. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING. -------- 1) DISCONNECT any faulty equipment under test from the MAINS supply. 2) If a DC supply is used do NOT reverse polarity the connections. 3) Do NOT power up any electronic item until it is safe to do so. 4) CHECK and RECHECK all of your construction and repair work thoroughly. 5) Handle ALL tools used with care. 6) Beware of ALL types of solvents, glues and etching fluids. 7) NEVER leave a soldering iron switched on unattended. 8) KEEP everything OUT of the reach of small children. 9) Switch OFF the AMIGA before disconnecting or connecting any hardware. 10) And finally read 1) to 9) again. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact:- --------- Mr Barry Walker, G0LCU, 70 King George Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2PA, England. Email:- wisecracker@tesco.net URL:- http://homepages.tesco.net/wisecracker/G0LCU.HTM Author of the ~TestGear?~ projects in the ~hard/hack~ drawer of AMINET. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A very useful HardWare related site, (C) Anthony Hoffman, for modifications, schematics, repairs and the like is:- http://amiga.serveftp.net/ ============================================================================