Date   : Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:45:40 +0100
From   : robert@... (Rob)
Subject: Econet oddities

On 29/08/2007, Chris Priest <chris.priest@...> wrote:
>
> I can log onto the network OK, issue commands etc, but whenever I try to
> save a larger than normal file to the file server, it starts to save and
> then stops, the client eventually coming back with a Not Listening error.
>
> Now, I had major troubles even getting the *I AM command to work, this
> was due to having the terminators fitted!!  Could this be because the
> cables linking the socket boxes are quite short?  Less than 1 metre
> between them.  Removing the terminators allowed the network to function
> to a degree, Well, it pretty much all works with the exception of saving
> larger than average files (the file in question was the xfer basic
> file)  if I create a small 5-10 line program, it'll work fine.

I believe there is some recomendations as to cable length, but I never
had problems with my home made network boxes, which was usually four
sockets in parallel at either end of a ~2M length of cable!

However, with your terminator issues, it definitely sounds like
cabling issues to me.   What sort of cable is it that you are using?
For best results, you need twisted-pair (a pair each on the clock and
data lines) rather than the 'straight' cables you find in audio
connections.  (and whose cables often find their way into econet as
the DIN connectors are mainly used there too.) Shielding would help in
a very (electrically) noisy environment, but shouldn't be needed
normally.

I've not had cause to make up any cables recently (i.e. in the last 15
years..) but I would think that using some Category 5 network cable
would do the job.

Other than that, you can try slowing the clock down (usually by a row
of jumpers inside)...

Rob