Apple LocalTalk interface box

[Trianon]

Hi all,

Can you connect 2 macs on an AppleTalk network with only a serial cable (as for a printer) or do you always need to the interface boxes ?
I searched the internet and it suggest it would be possible, but not working for me. I do think it should not work from what I read in the specs.

It's really difficult to find those boxes in Belgium (up to now I found only 1 as part of the big package of cables only as pick-up).
Has anybody any experience in building an alternative ?

Br,
Steve

 

[Phipli]

Can you connect 2 macs on an AppleTalk network with only a serial cable

Yup I don't even remember where my boxes are as I rarely need to connect more than two macs.

Just use a serial cable, nothing else required. Good luck!

 

[Trianon]

Thanks for the confirmation,

I will have a good look at youtube how it's done as I know the HW is good (works with ZTerminal).
Up to know I was not able to see the other computer in the list of AppleTalk control panel.

Br,
Steve

 

[Trianon]

My main goal is to write a "sceen-saver" program the runs on multiple Macs in parallel,
showing a Amiga ball (or whatever) bouncing over all the screens.
AppleTalk could be a solution to communicate to each mac where the ball will go next.

 

[Phipli]

Up to know I was not able to see the other computer in the list of AppleTalk control panel.

It will be software setup. Look for something like "setting up appleshare".

showing a Amiga ball (or whatever) bouncing over all the screens.
AppleTalk could be a solution to communicate to each mac where the ball will go next.

Yeah, there is an API for applications to communicate over the network. It's not the worst. Even HyperCard supports it - I wrote a mandatory network chat program as a kid

You do need to specifically turn it on though. There are two switches, one for applications to talk, and one for file sharing.

 

[shirsch]

I believe you need a crossover cable to wire the machines directly together.

 

[cheesestraws]

I believe you need a crossover cable to wire the machines directly together.

All official Apple serial cables are crossed over, even the ones for printers.