Date   : Tue, 16 Oct 1990 17:03:56 GMT
From   : husc9!citro@husc6.harvard.edu (Gil Citro)
Subject: Help with Kaypro 1 / Qume Sprint 5 / Wordstar / CP/M <-> DOS.

     I have a Kaypro 1 which serves the word processing function I
need but I have two problems with it and I would appreciate any
suggestions anyone can offer.

     The first problem is that I am trying to connect the computer to
a Qume Sprint 5 printer without much success.  The printer has a
D-shaped connector on the back with space for 5 pins.  Pins 0 thru 7,
20 and 25 are present.  I was told by a cable manufacturer that by
purchasing a special cable called a "null modem adapter," which was a
normal cable with some lines switched, I could connect the computer to
the printer.  The cable switched lines 2 and 3, 4 and 5, and 6 and 20,
but it did not enable me to connect the printer and the computer.

     I have called Qume, Kaypro, and Wordstar about this but nobody
seems to know what to do.  I would like to get this printer working
because it would allow me to have the word processing functions I need
(I am a college student) without spending much money (which I don't
have).  If I can't get it working I think I'm just going to have to
trash the printer, so I would really appreciate and suggestions for
last ditch attempts to get this thing up and running.

     The only other problem I have with this setup is that I am
worried that one day I will be working on something important and my
computer will gasp it's last breath leaving me with important files
representing lots of work in CP/M format with no way of getting to
them.  Finding CP/M machines around these days isn't easy and I'm not
sure where I would look or how long it would take - so I feel like I'm
treading on thin ice by entrusting important files to the Kaypro.

     The ideal solution would be some kind of file conversion program
which would allow me to read CP/M files on a MS-DOS machine, so that
in an emergency I could move my files to a PC and edit them there.  I
have heard of one program which does just that, but it is fairly
expensive (about $70) and with my budget that is more than I am
willing to pay for a little extra safety.  But if there is some
program in the public domain which can accomplish this function for me
I would appreciate hearing about it.  It doesn't have to be fast or
fancy or anything - I just want to have it around to save my neck in
case I have trouble with my Kaypro.

     Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can give me.  If anyone
reading this is having similar problems, just send me mail and I'll be
happy to pass along any useful tips I get.  If I get anything which I
think would be of general interest, I'll post a summary.

                                   Gil Citro
                                   citro@husc9.harvard.edu

                                   Gil Citro
                                   citro@husc9.harvard.edu
                                   
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