Ethernet project

This ethernet driver is for Realtek's RTL 8012 chip, used in pocket adapters that hook to PC's parallel

ports. This chip is used in Zero One Technology (ZOT), Genius and maybe other pocket adapters.

From day one ATARIs were shiped with bidirectional parallel ports but unfortunately some signals were

missing. Thus, to be able to use such an adapter, some kind of hardware is required, ie either the missing

signals should be found from existing peripherals, or a ROM cartridge to printer port interface should be

constructed. I've used the second method and have now an Ethernet LAN with ATARI and PCs.

The speed when transfering files with FTP is 72-75KB/sec, a major improvement from 6KB/sec using

the serial ports! Additionally, window$ networks refuse to use the serial ports for networking but of

course they allow Ethernet ;-) Now it's possible to use your masquerade module on the ATARI and

have access to Internet with your PC's or other clients. At the same time you can run MagiC PC / Mac

and use their clients/servers too! This is enough to drive one crazy, but it's possible. For me the main

use of this driver is to transfer files FAST between my computers, and (OK I admit it ;-) some times

to browse pages with Communicator or IE, that CAB is just too slow to display.

News : Summer 2000

 

There are now drivers for STinG (updated), MiNTNet and MagiCNet. A gcc version of the MiNTNet

driver (ported by Frank Naumann) can be found on MiNT's CVS pages.

The boards are now produced by Elmar Hilgart. Elmar has done an excellent job in redesigning the

board and it now has surface mounted devices and a professional look! Genius LAN pocket adapters

can be also ordered from him.

 

For more info and other Ethernet projects check Karl Samyn's page.

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Download the driver and schematic diagrams (v 1.06)

Download the driver's sources for STinG (v 1.06)

Download the driver for MiNTNet (v 1.2)

The driver for MagiCNet is part of the MagiCNet archive.

 

And don't forget to e-mail me with your opinion, suggestions, questions or most important ;-)

modifications to the PCB or driver.

(c) Vassilis Papathanassiou 1999
Last revised: 20 Sep 2000.