Date   : Fri, 06 Sep 1985 18:25:26 GMT
From   : Rick Bensene <rickb%tekig4.uucp@BRL.ARPA>
Subject: Re: BSR controller

> Radio Shack has an inexpensive box now which can contol BSR units, but the
> software is meant for a Color Computer. It attached via a RS-232 port and
                                                            ^^^^^^
> runs independant of the computer except for the setup commands. It also
> has backup power.

INCORRECT!   The unit from Radio Shack is *NOT* controlled by an RS232
port!  The unit connects to the  Color Computer's CASSETTE TAPE interface,
and there is *NO* documentation on how the CoCo communicates with
the box.  Th link is bi-directional, meaning the controller box
can download it's contents to the CoCo for updating, and once
finished, the CoCo uploads the updated information back into the
controller.  Once the controller has been programmed with events
it may be disconncted from the CoCo and runs by itself.  I recently
purchased one of these, and while the software supplied with it
(in CoCo ROMPack form) is cute (graphic oriented), it's tedious and
slow to use.  If anyone out there has **ANY** information on how
this beastie communicates with the  CoCo, I'd really appreciate
hearing from you.


Rick Bensene
{ihnp4, decvax, allegra, cbosg, ucbvax}!tektronix!tekig4!rickb
Phone: Weekdays (503) 627-3559
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