Date   : Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:59:31 +0100
From   : julesrichardsonuk@... (Jules Richardson)
Subject: Emulating Econet hardware?

Alex Taylor wrote:
> Hi
> 
> Here's a completely random thought after reading a previous post.
> 
> Would it be possible to emulate an Econet server and clock using a
> PC's parallel port, and suitable software and cabling?

I think the last time this came up the general feeling was that yes, it could 
be done - then things got bogged down with too many people starting a flamewar 
about how parallel ports are obsolete, and that this should be done with 
FPGAs/USB/FireWire/ExpressCard instead ;-(

One of the more useful issues raised I think was the lack of Econet driver 
chips (68B45 from memory??) - I'm not sure what collective thoughts were on 
finding sufficient numbers[1], emulating one with other off-the-shelf bits, or 
using some sort of programmed device for the emulation. I don't think the 
Econet chip was a particularly complex device; it was just more convenient to 
do it in one larger chip than a handful of common TTL/line drivers/whatever.

If the chip needs to be emulated and needs some sort of programmed device to 
do it, then it starts to make a "keep it simple, just use a parallel port" 
approach a little less viable anyway.

[1] I think I've got around 30 here, mostly attached to Master Econet modules, 
nearly all of which I don't have any use for.

cheers

Jules