8-bitters and multi-whatever

[Tony Duell]

> But there were other cheapo serial networks back then: Sinclair
> bundled networking in the ZX Interface 1 for the Spectrum, which was,

The SInclair netowrk, at least from what I've read in the QL service 
manual/schematics, was similar in consept to the serial port netowrks 
mentioned here. There was a 2 wirte bus (signal and ground) linking all 
machines, terminated by ressitors at eash end [1] All the machines 
monitored the siagnal wire, any machine could drive it (and by monitoring 
while it was driving it, it detected collisions). 

The termination resistors were built into all the machines, connected up 
using the 'break contacts' of the 3,5mm jack sockets (OK 'mini phone 
socket' across the Pond'. You connected a cable from one machine to the 
next, and the empty sockets on the 2 'end' amchines automatically 
connected the resistors to the network.


> I think, compatible with the networking of the later Sinclair QL. Also
> there was Acorn's Econet, of course.
> 
> I think Econet saw a *lot* of use tho' I've never seen a system

Econet was available on just about all the Acorn computers -- 'Systems', 
Atom, BBC micro, Electron (? the Advanced User Guide for the Electron 
mentions it), ACW, Archimedes. I wouldn't be suprised if it wasn't 
available on the RiscPC too. Presumably it was used, or Acorn wouldn't 
have persisted with it.

> outside of a show stand. I don't think enough Sinclairs got used in
> schools to make the Sinclair network worthwhile.

I've never seen it used.

-tony