Date   : Sun, 07 Mar 1999 09:00:02 +0000
From   : Mike Tomlinson <mike@...>
Subject: Re: Econet, etc.

In article <19990306205310.B1423@...>, Tom Lees
<tom@...> writes

>It looks like I'm going to have to find a datasheet for the 68B54 somehow
>to even know if it'll be difficult :(

Someone posted a URL to the list a couple of weeks ago containing on-
line datasheets for some of the major ICs used in the Beeb.  Can't
remember if the 68b54 was among them.  I've had a look through previous
messages but think it must have expired.  Anyone?

>Any idea as to why the copro was needed?

Probably for the extra memory.  Level II also needed a real-time clock
module plugged in to the Beeb's user port.  I don't think the calls to
this were compatible with OSWORD 14.

>Out of interest, was there ever a network interface for the Electron?

Pass.

>Ah. Now I do actually have one of these. Its in a black box marked "Econet"
>and "Acorn Computer" in green writing, and it also has two 5-pin DIN
>sockets, and 12V AC PSU. Inside, it seems to have a PCB marked "Econet 2",
>and about 5 links.

You also need two terminators to go on the ends of the cable.  The clock
goes in the centre.

>Was there ever a level 3 clock box?

SJ made an improved clock box which I suppose could be called a level 3.
Don't associate the clock level number with the fileserver level number
- it isn't related.  The Acorn Level 2 clock you have will work fine.

>(*) Actually, it now works in all situations EXCEPT when I try to use it
>with the Master MOS+ 3.50. Any ideas why? 

Memory management in the Master's MOS is very different.  Could it be
something to do with that?

>HiBASIC, etc. seem to work fine,
>and View{,sheet,store,...} all report around 48K free memory. Also, it
>doesn't beep (CTRL+G beep) on startup. Is that normal?

Yes.

-- 
Mike Tomlinson
See the sci.electronics.repair FAQ mirror at  
http://www.jasper.demon.co.uk/repairfaq/