Hardware Virtual modems - Possible?

Andec · 14 January 2008, 10:33

Hi all.

I've had an idea for a hardware project (although I am not sure if it is worth the effort).

The other day, I was coding a virtual modem so my A500 could talk to the 'net through my PC. It dawned on me that perhaps it would be possible to build some sort of (probably embedded) device that would look like a modem as far as the A500 is concerned but have a built in TCP/IP stack (i have a few books on the subject somewhere) that could be connected to a router etc. No more need for the PC.....

From coding the virtual modem, it is easy to fool A500 comms programs into thinking they are talking to a modem by faking the Hayes AT command responses (ATZ, ATD etc) and translating them into TCP/IP.
For example. Most comms proggies will send the phone number to dial like ATD999999999999.

My virutal modem reads this through the comm port and translates it into a telnet address 999.999.999.999, opens a TCP connection and connects to the server (great for telnet BBS's).

The major problem with my idea is, I have no clue about designing something like this. The software wouldn't be a problem, but the hardware would.

I know now that there are commercial products like this, But I am saving all my money for an A1200.

Ideas? Thoughts? Insults?

alexh · 14 January 2008, 10:38

Seems like a lot of hard work for something you can buy for almost nothing.

Why do you want to get rid of the PC?

A SLIP/PPP connection to the internet from an Amiga via a PC is very easy to set-up. I used this method many years ago. It doesnt go as far as "emulating modem" it's just a serial TCP/IP connection to the PC. This is a fully software solution. Just look up Amiga SLIP/PPP Miami on google and you'll find some guides on how to do it. (I am sure you already know)

Andec · 14 January 2008, 10:45

I agree the SLIP/PPP option is easier, but....

The idea would be to do away with the PC altogether and just have a home built, modem size box sitting on the desk along side the A500. All connected to an ADSL (or something) router.

I admit that cost and time would probably make this project not worth the effort. But I am a curious kind of person.

alexh · 14 January 2008, 11:03

As you say, there are commercial products, but dedicated "serial to ethernet" servers cost a fortune (£60-80). I should know I worked as a member of a team which designed one

Some routers have an AUX connector (serial port) to allow an Amiga SLIP/PPP connection without a PC.

Probably best to buy a second hand 10baseT one off ebay for under £20! Make sure the serial is a LAN port not the WAN port.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=160177342573
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=190186380103

Andec · 14 January 2008, 11:09

Kewl, Even found one here in Oz.......

I guess I'll file this idea away as Dumb Idea # 1023 then lol

alexh · 14 January 2008, 11:58

It wasnt a dumb idea, otherwise there would be no commercial products!

Put it down as a great idea that was 8 years too late

14 January 2008, 10:33	#1
Andec Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Age: 53 Posts: 83	Hardware Virtual modems - Possible? Hi all. I've had an idea for a hardware project (although I am not sure if it is worth the effort). The other day, I was coding a virtual modem so my A500 could talk to the 'net through my PC. It dawned on me that perhaps it would be possible to build some sort of (probably embedded) device that would look like a modem as far as the A500 is concerned but have a built in TCP/IP stack (i have a few books on the subject somewhere) that could be connected to a router etc. No more need for the PC..... From coding the virtual modem, it is easy to fool A500 comms programs into thinking they are talking to a modem by faking the Hayes AT command responses (ATZ, ATD etc) and translating them into TCP/IP. For example. Most comms proggies will send the phone number to dial like ATD999999999999. My virutal modem reads this through the comm port and translates it into a telnet address 999.999.999.999, opens a TCP connection and connects to the server (great for telnet BBS's). The major problem with my idea is, I have no clue about designing something like this. The software wouldn't be a problem, but the hardware would. I know now that there are commercial products like this, But I am saving all my money for an A1200. Ideas? Thoughts? Insults?

14 January 2008, 10:38	#2
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 14,354	Seems like a lot of hard work for something you can buy for almost nothing. Why do you want to get rid of the PC? A SLIP/PPP connection to the internet from an Amiga via a PC is very easy to set-up. I used this method many years ago. It doesnt go as far as "emulating modem" it's just a serial TCP/IP connection to the PC. This is a fully software solution. Just look up Amiga SLIP/PPP Miami on google and you'll find some guides on how to do it. (I am sure you already know) Last edited by alexh; 14 January 2008 at 11:03.

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14 January 2008, 10:45	#3
Andec Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Age: 53 Posts: 83	I agree the SLIP/PPP option is easier, but.... The idea would be to do away with the PC altogether and just have a home built, modem size box sitting on the desk along side the A500. All connected to an ADSL (or something) router. I admit that cost and time would probably make this project not worth the effort. But I am a curious kind of person.

14 January 2008, 11:03	#4
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 14,354	As you say, there are commercial products, but dedicated "serial to ethernet" servers cost a fortune (£60-80). I should know I worked as a member of a team which designed one Some routers have an AUX connector (serial port) to allow an Amiga SLIP/PPP connection without a PC. Probably best to buy a second hand 10baseT one off ebay for under £20! Make sure the serial is a LAN port not the WAN port. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=160177342573 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=190186380103

14 January 2008, 11:09	#5
Andec Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Age: 53 Posts: 83	Kewl, Even found one here in Oz....... I guess I'll file this idea away as Dumb Idea # 1023 then lol

14 January 2008, 11:58	#6
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 14,354	It wasnt a dumb idea, otherwise there would be no commercial products! Put it down as a great idea that was 8 years too late

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