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Stamp editor and Old Powerbook — Parallax Forums

Stamp editor and Old Powerbook

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-02-21 04:35 in General Discussion
I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
Ian

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-18 16:39
    Hi Ian,
    The wierd multi pin square port is actually a SCSI port (Apple
    propritary connector, standard SCSI protocol)
    You can find a manual for this laptop at:
    <http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/powerbooks/0306899
    APWRBK190UG.PDF>
    You could get a PCMICA serial card for it.

    Hope this helps,

    Kevin

    Original Message
    From: <iphillips@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 9:54 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook


    > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > Ian
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-18 17:34
    Thanks for the PC card idea, hadn't thought of that. Have you used a Mac
    with the stamp?
    Ian

    Original Message
    From: Kevin Lavigne [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=L-VMJTwCSHNSQnAPfJJPJEER-vA2zmAuDaY9NwcpRoNTpQHqsp7XFBJ42T21JPq4hMD2NPeBcAeKObbz]klavigne@c...[/url
    Sent: February 18, 2003 11:39 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook

    Hi Ian,
    The wierd multi pin square port is actually a SCSI port (Apple
    propritary connector, standard SCSI protocol)
    You can find a manual for this laptop at:
    <http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/powerbooks/030
    6899
    APWRBK190UG.PDF>
    You could get a PCMICA serial card for it.

    Hope this helps,

    Kevin

    Original Message
    From: <iphillips@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 9:54 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook


    > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > Ian
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >


    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-18 18:26
    Hi Ian,
    I do not use a Mac but in one of my past careers worked at a PC retailer
    and managed to pick up on hardware/interface differences.
    Check the files section of this board and search the past messages.
    There are a bunch of Mac based Stamp people out there and there have been
    numerous posts on this subject.

    Have a good day,

    Kevin

    Original Message
    From: "Ian Phillips" <iphillips@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 12:34 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook


    > Thanks for the PC card idea, hadn't thought of that. Have you used a Mac
    > with the stamp?
    > Ian
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: Kevin Lavigne [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=qcAS2AemiR3ffypilb9RgcCNc6-w_6Uy9X--fNFQvqMNxUqAkFi9PU-uWYVFNuTgzgEgHGYWkRzs-YrpIV4]klavigne@c...[/url
    > Sent: February 18, 2003 11:39 AM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    >
    > Hi Ian,
    > The wierd multi pin square port is actually a SCSI port (Apple
    > propritary connector, standard SCSI protocol)
    > You can find a manual for this laptop at:
    > <http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/powerbooks/030
    > 6899
    > APWRBK190UG.PDF>
    > You could get a PCMICA serial card for it.
    >
    > Hope this helps,
    >
    > Kevin
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: <iphillips@s...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 9:54 AM
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    >
    >
    > > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > > Ian
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-18 19:03
    Hi Ian,

    The PB190 does have a serial port.

    However, it is RS422 - not RS232.

    With a little adapter cable you can talk to RS232 based devices.

    However, you will not be able to program a Stamp with it, but you can talk
    to a stamp with it during run time (I do it all the time on my Powerbook).

    The RS422 port is the one with a printer/modem icon.

    Cheers,


    Ben.

    --

    http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE

    Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.

    Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    Mb: +64 21 536 627
    87 Spencer Street
    Crofton Downs
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is
    half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."

    No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although the
    Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those of you
    with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that
    there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards.

    > From: "iphillipsca <iphillips@s...>" <iphillips@s...>
    > Reply-To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 14:54:11 -0000
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    >
    > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > Ian
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    > of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-19 01:00
    The Powerbook 190cs (68k version of the 5300) does have a serial port.

    Mac Serial ports are 8 pin mini-din connectors(1) (little round 8-pin ps/2
    size connector). This laptop has one serial port, it's labeled with two
    icons, a telephone handset (modem port) and a printer (looks like an Apple
    Imagewriter II to me.) The port performed double duty. The versions of
    MacOS that I've run on the 5300 call this the "Printer/Modem port".

    Search on Google for "Basic Stamp Mac" will turn up a bunch of results for
    how to program stamps from such a computer.
    Here's one that explains software and pin-outs of Macintosh Serial ports.
    http://www.43south.co.nz/stamps/

    I'd advise you to find a copy of SoftPC. It will run reasonably on this
    machine. Virtual PC will be overkill.

    The "multipin square port" is the SCSI port. Check out this link for more
    information on the laptop. (Manuals, Specifications, Software). You can
    download MacOS 7.5.3 and the update to MacOS 7.5.5 for free from this site.
    http://www.apple.com/support/

    Joshua

    (1) well, there are 9 pin mini-din geoport connectors, these provide power
    for the geoport modem. Could be useful for small projects, powering the
    stamp from the laptop instead of its battery while programming, but that's
    for another discussion.


    --On Tuesday, February 18, 2003 2:54 PM +0000 "iphillipsca
    <iphillips@s...>" <iphillips@s...> wrote:

    > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > Ian
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-19 06:46
    In a message dated 2/18/03 6:55:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,
    basicstamps@yahoogroups.com writes:

    >
    > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > Ian
    >
    >
    >
    >

    Ian,

    Your powerbook *has* a serial port. Your pronter port (round 8 pin port) is a
    rs485 serial port. a conversion dongle TO RS232 can be easily obtained- I use
    one from a Palm Mac connect Kit which costs about $10. I use it for a lot of
    PC software that I run on a PC emulator.

    The only remaining problem is software. Neither Parallax nor anyone else has
    published software that I have seen that is reliable on a broad spectrum of
    Macs.
    One continues to hope, but I don't think it has happened yet. You read
    occasional reports of someone being able to make the transition to
    programming from a Mac with emulator software, but there have been many more
    failures in this respect that successes. There are timing issues with Stamp
    connect software that Parallax has never properly addressed. I can write
    programs just fine, but they just won't load, no matter what efforts are
    made.
    Lately, with the release by Parallax of compiler software, some folks have
    done conversions for OS 9 and OS 10, but your machine (and mine ) won't run
    these and they invariably depend on USB ports.

    Your best bet is to get someones throwaway PC and curse Parallax's
    indifference to the Mac or seek other Pic solutions.

    Larry



    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-19 08:56
    Hi Ian,

    Ben here again.

    1. Visit that url that was given before for 43south.co.nz. It is run by a
    workmate of mine (we both work for Apple Computer here in NZ), and he (James
    Tolchard) is pretty switched on .

    I have never tried his suggestions on any Macs, but they should work.

    The PB140 is a 68LC040 based Mac, which will run OS8.1 maximum (therefore,
    USB PC Cards are not an option if you were thinking of using a Keyspan USB
    to RS232 adapter).


    2. If you manage to get a (free?) G3 or higher based Mac, then go with my
    ideas on my web site - they work well for me.


    Cheers,


    Ben.

    --

    http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE

    Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.

    Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    Mb: +64 21 536 627
    87 Spencer Street
    Crofton Downs
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is
    half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."

    No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although the
    Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those of you
    with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that
    there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards.

    > From: LJGeib@a...
    > Reply-To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 01:46:48 EST
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    >
    > In a message dated 2/18/03 6:55:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,
    > basicstamps@yahoogroups.com writes:
    >
    >>
    >> I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    >> anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    >> be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    >> One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    >> multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    >> Ian
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >
    > Ian,
    >
    > Your powerbook *has* a serial port. Your pronter port (round 8 pin port) is a
    > rs485 serial port. a conversion dongle TO RS232 can be easily obtained- I use
    > one from a Palm Mac connect Kit which costs about $10. I use it for a lot of
    > PC software that I run on a PC emulator.
    >
    > The only remaining problem is software. Neither Parallax nor anyone else has
    > published software that I have seen that is reliable on a broad spectrum of
    > Macs.
    > One continues to hope, but I don't think it has happened yet. You read
    > occasional reports of someone being able to make the transition to
    > programming from a Mac with emulator software, but there have been many more
    > failures in this respect that successes. There are timing issues with Stamp
    > connect software that Parallax has never properly addressed. I can write
    > programs just fine, but they just won't load, no matter what efforts are
    > made.
    > Lately, with the release by Parallax of compiler software, some folks have
    > done conversions for OS 9 and OS 10, but your machine (and mine ) won't run
    > these and they invariably depend on USB ports.
    >
    > Your best bet is to get someones throwaway PC and curse Parallax's
    > indifference to the Mac or seek other Pic solutions.
    >
    > Larry
    >
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    > of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-19 19:41
    I program Stamps from a PowerBook G3 using the Parallax suggested
    method (Check Parallax's site for their PDF).

    I have Mac OS 9.1, then run Virtual PC 3.0 with Windows 98, and BASIC
    Stamp Editor V1.04. The USB port of the Mac has a KeySpan USA 19 USB to
    DB-9 adapter.

    It was a bit of an outlay for VPC and the adapter, and took a bit of
    fidgiting to get it all set, but it is now very solid and I get a lot
    of use out of it. The speed is fine and its nice to not have to keep a
    second computer (and a PC at that) up and running to do Stamps.

    If your machine can run OS9 and add a USB to D-9 converter then it
    might work for you too.

    Roger


    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Lavigne <klavigne@c...>
    wrote:
    > Hi Ian,
    > I do not use a Mac but in one of my past careers worked at a PC retailer
    > and managed to pick up on hardware/interface differences.
    > Check the files section of this board and search the past messages.
    > There are a bunch of Mac based Stamp people out there and there have been
    > numerous posts on this subject.
    >
    > Have a good day,
    >
    > Kevin
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Ian Phillips" <iphillips@s...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 12:34 PM
    > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    >
    >
    > > Thanks for the PC card idea, hadn't thought of that. Have you used a Mac
    > > with the stamp?
    > > Ian
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: Kevin Lavigne [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:klavigne@c...]
    > > Sent: February 18, 2003 11:39 AM
    > > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    > >
    > > Hi Ian,
    > > The wierd multi pin square port is actually a SCSI port (Apple
    > > propritary connector, standard SCSI protocol)
    > > You can find a manual for this laptop at:
    > > <http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/powerbooks/030
    > > 6899
    > > APWRBK190UG.PDF>
    > > You could get a PCMICA serial card for it.
    > >
    > > Hope this helps,
    > >
    > > Kevin
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: <iphillips@s...>
    > > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > > Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 9:54 AM
    > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Stamp editor and Old Powerbook
    > >
    > >
    > > > I was just given a Powerbook 190cs for free and was wondering if
    > > > anyone else was using the same for working with the Stamp. It would
    > > > be nice to use if I can for ease of updates, troubleshooting, etc.
    > > > One thing though, it doesn't have a serial port. Just this weird
    > > > multipin square port. Any help appreciated.
    > > > Ian
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > > and
    > > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-02-21 04:35
    that won't help someone with a 190. The emulator runs too slow for the stamp
    timing.
    an old Mac is one that won't rum anything newer than OS 8.1.
    I have a 1400 and it's too slow.


    Larry


    In a message dated 2/20/03 7:21:52 AM Pacific Standard Time,
    basicstamps@yahoogroups.com writes:

    >
    > I program Stamps from a PowerBook G3 using the Parallax suggested
    > method (Check Parallax's site for their PDF).
    >
    > I have Mac OS 9.1, then run Virtual PC 3.0 with Windows 98, and BASIC
    > Stamp Editor V1.04. The USB port of the Mac has a KeySpan USA 19 USB to
    > DB-9 adapter.
    >
    >



    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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