Is there a way to link two Macs together via serial cables? I have a Power Macintosh 8600, with which I would like to use to transfer files to a PowerBook 160. Both have a Printer and Modem serial cable, and while I can transfer files using floppy disks, I feel that it would be more efficient to just connect a mini din-8 cable to each and transfer files that way.
Thank you!
I have been working on a similar project, connecting an SE to a Dell PC. First off, a normal serial cable won't work, you'll need a null modem cable. They're very easy to find, just do a quick search through ebay. You'll also need standard terminal software on both computers to make the actual connection. Then transfer away! It might sound a little complicated, but once you do one transfer, it will be altogether easier.Make sure to read up on terminal transfer commands. If your two macs are both running Mac OS 7 or higher, you can put Star Gate on both machines and use that to do the transfer, this will cut the need for terminal commands. Also, prepare for a SLOW transfer rate.
Star Gate download: https://sites.google.com/site/68kmacwin/stargatefiletransferarchive
Good Luck!
Edit: Replaced 'xxx 7' with 'Mac OS 7' - IIGS User
Would you happen to have a terminal application you recommend? I'll try Star Gate later, but I am looking for something a bit lighter weight, for instance, to put onto a floppy disk, as the hard drive in the PowerBook is currently inoperative.
For Mac-to-Mac you just need a printer cable. Enable file sharing on the 8600 and set Appletalk to the printer port. Connect the cable to the printer ports on both Macs, boot the PowerBook from a Mac OS 7.5 Network Access floppy and you can browse the shared folders on the 8600 via the Chooser on the PowerBook.
Edit: Replaced 'xxx 7' with 'Mac OS 7' - IIGS User
Spam filter bullshit won't let me edit the previous post, but be sure to connect the printer cable when both Macs are switched off.
I'll try that. Thanks!
Thanks protocol 7, I didn't know I could do that, I'll have to try that my self!
It works wonderfully! Thank you!
Glad to help! LocalTalk is awesome like that.
I used something similar with my Classic II, except the 7500 which it was connected to was also connected to my network via ethernet. I ran LocalTalk Bridge on the 7500 to link the LocalTalk connection to the ethernet one. This allowed the Classic II to (slowly) access AppleShare shares on a PC running netatalk.
Protocol 7, can I use a USB to db25 printer adapter to connect an SE to an iMac G3? The G3 boots into OS 9. I'm trying to find various ways to connect compacts to more modern systems, to make it easy for beginners to transfer files.
