WiFi modem for all Amigas?

[Zippy Zapp]

Originally Posted by amiga1

I left instructions on the sys.cbm news group a week or more ago on how to do this yourself with a raspberry pi and a max-232. I used an older 2011 first gen Pi with a wifi USB dongle. Cheers, c

The WiModem is a *stand-alone* device. I certainly don't want to tether to a Pi or a computer just to connect to BBSs. This is more of a plug and play device. People have been tethering to PCs with NULL modem serial cables for years now, it is nothing new except that now people are tethering to Pis and other small devices which is cool if you are a Pi fan, which I am. But still this is for the rest of the people that just want to plug something in and jump on a BBS.

[JimDrew]

Originally Posted by mattsoft

So you ditched the idea of powering it from the computer? I guess only certain computers provide the necessary current over serial to power this thing? Either way, very cool and I'm in on one. Looking forward to "dialing up" some BBSs.

There is no usable power on a DB-25 or DB-9 based the serial port but you can power the WiModem232 from a wall wart or from a 5v connection from your computer.

The WiModem232 will have all of the same features of the WiModem for the 8 bit machines. The baud rate will be maxed at 230400 (unless I can figure out how to make the Amiga go faster). This device will work on all computers (Amiga, PC, Tandy, etc.) that have a DB-25 (or DB-9 with a DB-25<>DB-9 adapter). You will be able to order which gender DB-25 connector you want. Some PCs (and the A1000) are backwards from the rest of the Amiga family.

Being that the baud rate can be 230400, I am going to look into how well this will work as a SLIP replacement. Does anyone know what the baud rate is for SLIP devices? I am not familiar with the SLIP/PLIP stuff at a technical level.

There is a 3MB virtual drive built in, so using an Amiga device driver you will have a mini hard drive capable of storing up to 3MB worth of files (good for 3+ .adf's worth of storage). This is something I am testing for the C64 version right now.

[nogginthenog]

Something like a HyperCOM will work at 230400 but I doubt the internal port will cope with this speed. I have a Zorro HyperCOM in my A4000, but I think there are clockport versions for the A1200 etc.

115200 is probably the limit. A replacement serial.device might help (e.g. 8n1.device). Even that will require a fast Amiga and a low screen depth.

Hardware handshaking (RTS/CTS) will probably help lots (something I need to get around to testing).

My notes on this are here:
http://c0dedbad.co.uk/raspberrypi-amiga-ppp/

[JimDrew]

I have implemented RTS/CTS (along with DCD, RI, etc.). You can use a few different serial.device replacements to get 115200 and 230400 baud rates. Yes, the WiModem is a stand alone device - not requiring anything other than power.

[bubbob42]

@JimDrew: did I get this right - the serial.device is user selectable, so the device might work with 3rd-party serial port cards?

[RobA1200]

as per the general comments above really, genuinely interested in one of these for any amiga, although 1200 or 4000 would be my choice. and as easy to use software setup as possible for those with all the gear but no idea

maybe a poll would give a better idea of numbers?

[JimDrew]

Originally Posted by bubbob42

@JimDrew: did I get this right - the serial.device is user selectable, so the device might work with 3rd-party serial port cards?

No, this device can use any serial.device driver for the Amiga.

[kolla]

How do one keep the tcp-stack updated and deal with vulnerabilities?

[JimDrew]

Ok, so after changing everything in my life so I can pursue making CBM hardware full time (again), I finally got the WiModem232 into production. I will have pre-production samples tomorrow. The case has been designed and sent off for tooling.

The WiModem232 supports ALL of the standard RS-232 lines (Rx/Tx/RTS/CTS/DSR/DTR/DCD/RI) so you will be able to run a BBS with it. Proper buffering insures that there will be no harm to your computer. It plugs into a DB25 serial port (or DB9 with adapter) and is powered via a USB mini-B connection. You can use any type of 5v power system for the USB mini-B, such as wall chargers, portable power supplies, etc. I am using a 90 degree USB mini-B to 2.1mm bullet adapter with a standard 5v wall wart with 2.1mm barrel plug. The WiModem232 has all of the same features as the popular WiModem for the C64/128 that I have been selling for over year. Baud rate support is up to 115.2Kbps using baudbandit.device or any other high speed serial.device replacement. The stock serial.device is limited to 57.6Kbps, just like the good old days.

FCC/CE certified with a lifetime warranty.

There is no exact release date, but I am hoping for next month.

[sean_sk]

Hi Jim,

This looks really interesting. Just wanted to know if this can act as a null modem over wi-fi both locally and over the internet, say, with the possibility of playing null modem games like Stunt Car Racer and Lotus II. I know there could be latency issues but just wanted to know if we still have that option.
Thanks for this product, looks great!

[JimDrew]

We can already use the WiModem for the C64 for transferring files between the C64 and PC directly like a NULL modem cable. This version will be no different. So, I think it should be possible to make any games that used NULL modem cables to talk to each other after some setup on each WiModem232 before hand.

[appiah4]

So I can IRC on my Amiga over Wi-Fi? And run a BBS (I missed this bandwagon!)? Write me up on the list for one, if there is such a thing. Super awesome..

[E-Penguin]

What are the minimum lines it needs? I'd like to get my CD32 online with something like this, but the AUX socket only exposes (inverted) TTL RX and TX lines. I don't mind doing an AUX->DB9 board but I wouldn't know where to start generating the flow control lines.

[JimDrew]

@appiah4 - Yes, you can run IRC or a BBS over WiFi.

@E-Penguin - You really need to have RTS/CTS as a minimum. You would need at least DCD for running a BBS. You could always get the expansion module for the CD-32 to give you all of the ports.

[E-Penguin]

Without adding CIAs I don't think I'm going to easily get flow control. I wonder whether I'd need to use something like an arduino to act as an intermediary. Or start learning about CPLDs...

I'd like to run a normal IP connection over SLIP, rather than run a BBS.

[JimDrew]

I thought the SX-1 expansion module had CIAs??

By the way, I am testing the pre-production samples. I am able to connect two WiModems together. In fact, I connected the WiModem232 on my A1200 to my WiModem on my C64 and was able to connect and transfer files.

[sean_sk]

Thanks Jim for the heads up on that. Good to know.

[JimDrew]

I have boards, but I am waiting on displays and more DB-25 connectors. You can put your place in line now by clicking on the "notify when back in stock" link. I have decided not to make a plastic case due to the cost and the lengthy delay. I will be providing the 3D printer files so you can print your own. I expect to be shipping next week!

Thanks for your patience!

https://www.cbmstuff.com/products.php?cat=2

[Sir_Lucas]

Originally Posted by JimDrew

I have boards, but I am waiting on displays and more DB-25 connectors. You can put your place in line now by clicking on the "notify when back in stock" link. I have decided not to make a plastic case due to the cost and the lengthy delay. I will be providing the 3D printer files so you can print your own. I expect to be shipping next week!

Thanks for your patience!

https://www.cbmstuff.com/products.php?cat=2

This is a really great news. Can you check if you can connect with two modems to play Lotus II or any other NULL-MODEM game? Thank you.

[JimDrew]

I have connected a C64 and Amiga 1200 together and I was able to transfer files between them. You would just need to 'connect' the two systems together first before playing a NULL modem game.