Virtual Net96 adaptors

[Bryce]

So I took a short break from the Coloeco Adam's (no they still don't work) and made some Net96 cards. This is what mine look like. The jumper (not yet installed) in the centre disables the card. The input/output ports are 3pin connectors with GND on both outer pins and signal in the middle. This means that using a 3 pin connector, it can be connected either way around and will still have the correct polarity (and avoid shorting things inside your CPC). They are standard 2.54 header pins, so almost any compatible connector can be used, such as those used to connect the LEDs/switches inside a PC. These are very easy and cheap to find. I used 90 degree headers to avoid getting them broke, in case (like me) you tend to throw things into a box of random expansions when not in use.

Bryce.

[GUNHED]

Looks good.  Which pins of the printer port are connected in your case? (I'm asking especially for GND)

[Bryce]

On the Sub-d version pin 21, on the edge version pin 23. Chosen just because it suited the easiest routing.

Bryce.

[GUNHED]

Excellent.    Some designs use Pin 9 for GND, which is a bad idea, since some patches (and 6128 Plus) use pin 9 for bit 8 of the printer port. I just thought recently about that, don'r remember how the WizCats did it. 

[HAL6128]

Hi Bryce, I finally had the time to attach the VN96 adapter cards you made and the first test was succesfull. My fault was choosing the wrong SUB-D connector (female). I should have choosen instead a male one, so I was able to attach it to a regular and cheap printer cable (Centronics to SUB-D). But I bought adapters. Look at the pictures.The first tests with the simple terminal program out of the VNet96 bundle shows a parallel input / output on both computer. The distance between both computers is roughly 3 meters.
That's fun!

[Bryce]

Cool. Are the wrong type of connectors on the NET96 card then? Or is it just because the computer cable is in between?


Bryce.

[HAL6128]

Yes, on the card should be a male SUB-D connector. The best thing would be a centronics adapter to plug it directly to the CPC but with a regular printer cable you are also able to extend it.

[Bryce]

But, but... You specifically asked for Sub-d, so I thought you were using them on a Plus machine. If you'd wanted Centronics, I even had the correct connectors here to make them. 

Bryce.

[HAL6128]

Yes, I asked for it, you are right and it's ok. Now I can use them for the normal CPC and the Plus Range. And they Works Great. Thanks again.

[Bryce]

Yes, I asked for it, you are right and it's ok. Now I can use them for the normal CPC and the Plus Range. And they Works Great. Thanks again.

If you want a tidier solution, you could get some of these: https://www.ebay.de/itm/D25-Buchse-auf-36-Centronics-Buchse-Adapter-Konverter/401609996401

Bryce.

[HAL6128]

Also nice solution, indeed. Thanks!