New Zealand Vintage Computer Forums

Hi - I am trying to configure some network switches which require an RS232 connection. I thought I had just the machine when I fired up my PC/XT. Turns out the thing has a parallel port on a mono card (yes, a mono graphics card which also has a parallel port on it, weird I know - the card is called a PERSYST MONO II). Anyway, I would be very grateful if anyone out there could arrange a suitable price of either a multi i/o card (parallel & serial to replace this mono card which I thought was a multi i/o), or failing that, just a standard 8250 or 16550 UART based serial controller with RS232 (either DB9 or DB25 is fine).

The card will need to be compatible with an IBM PC/XT, so it needs to be an 8-bit card, not an EISA/16 bit card.

I looked on Trademe first but right now there's nothing out there.

Thanks very much,

Ali.

You are in luck. http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/vint ... 289447.htm has two cards that should suit your requirements.

<edit> whoops, as per your question and sellers answer!

haha yeah, most of those mono cards had a printer port stuck in there.
I'll go digging, I know I have heaps of options. I can test and configure with a 5160 XT.
Would swap for that mono card if you don't want it.

FYI 16 bit multi IO cards will work fine in the XT - just need to disable the floppy/IDE parts.

Edit: testing a multi IO card for you now, just plugged it in to the IBM 5160 XT and all appears well - came up with GAME,LPT2,COM1,COM2 - just setting up a laptop to see how fast I can crank the RS232 ports (both 9 pin). It has a 16 bit connector, but as above, this is not a problem at all.

Just used it to transfer FirstChoice at 115,200 baud to the XT. If interested just PM me, and I can get it to you this week.

Wow, you guys rock! Spidersweb, see PM!

What an awesome board. I'll introduce myself properly on the intros section.


Cheers,

Ali