Localtalk network between PB 1400cs and Mac Plus

[sega dude]

How would I set up a localtalk network between my PowerBook 1400cs and my Macintosh Plus? It it as simple as connected the two with a serial cable and choosing the computer from the Chooser? Do I need any special equipment?

 

[LCGuy]

Yep, just use an Apple serial cable to connect the two machines, enable AppleTalk on both, and on the 1400, use the AppleTalk Control panel to make sure the Printer-Modem port is selected. Note that the Plus will need to be running System 7 in order to share files. On older versions it can access files shared by the 1400, but System 7 (or a third party file sharing solution) is required to share files from the Plus.

 

[gsteemso]

The only thing to watch out for is that some, relatively rare, serial cables were wired backwards (straight through [pin 1 to pin 1, and so on], rather than each end’s Transmit pins to the other end’s Receive pins). As far as I can tell these cables were intended for some early model of printer, though I’ve no idea which. I want to say it may have been the original ImageWriter, but I think that dated back to when Apple was still using DE-9 connectors for Mac serial ports, so really I’ve no idea.

 

[sega dude]

I don't own any Apple serial cables but I was planing on buying one from Monoprice. Will one from them be the correct type?

 

[gsteemso]

All I can say is “probably”. I had a mini-DIN-8 Mac-serial rotary switch box once that was wired in this incorrect way. As long as you’re aware of the possibility you should be OK—once you turn on AppleTalk it’s pretty much guaranteed to Just Work if the cable is right.

 

[olePigeon]

What about using PhoneNet adapters? Then you don't really have to worry about wiring, and the cable is cheaper.

 

[sega dude]

How does that work? I just get two phonenet adaptors and connect them together with a normal phone line?

 

[mcdermd]

Basically. But you do need terminators on phonenet

 

[unity]

Basically. But you do need terminators on phonenet

Terminators are easy to make. Honestly when I used these to build a network I never used them. No one was really clear as to why terminators were needed. Had 30 some odd macs working fine without them. So no clue. But they are easy to make with a phone plug end and resistor. You can even cut the end off of a made cord and put the resistor between the two wires as needed. Not sure which two though.

 

[mcdermd]

Good to know. I've never tried it without the terminators before.