[Ham-Mac] has anyone tried... Mac/Doze file transfers?

[Steve Hellyer]

Hi Chas,

If you have a network you could turn on SMB file sharing on the Mac  
and login to your Mac from your window laptop and just drop the files  
where you want.  Use your Mac's admin username and password and you  
should see all the volumes.

Here's a quick how to how on Apple support site.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1812

And here is a site dedicated to Mac - Windows integration.
http://www.macwindows.com/

Comports are definitely on the Mac however there are not built in like  
many PC today (much like modem are become extinct). Use a USB serial  
adaptor to give your mac (or PC a comport).

I like the Keyspan (now Tripp Lite) as they have some good drivers in  
my experience.
http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=518&txtModelID=3914

Other serial adaptors come by many names. Some of the online sellers  
of cables identify the chipset. One to also look for is FTDI chipset.

Examples but there are many....
http://www.liquidware.com/shop/show/FTDI/FTDI+USB-+Serial+adapter+cable
http://www.tronisoft.com/2455.php

FTDI Drivers for various OSes including Mac OS X can be found here. http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Another chip maker is Prolific.  Drivers found here... http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=31
(Not sure how good they are as have not tried Prolific. Other say they  
are great.)

If you have need to control a number of serial devices Rotor, Radio1,  
Radio2, etc... Multiport serial adaptor are also available.

One usb connection to 4 or more RS-232 serial ports.

http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=518&txtModelID=3916
http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-4FTDI-B.html

Spoiled for choice. They key seem to be good software drivers as poor  
drivers can make your computer unstable or at the very least drive you  
nuts troubleshooting.

Hope this helps.

73
Steve -VA3SPH

On 1-Jul-09, at 3:38 AM, chas wrote:

> Has anyone tired transferring files from an XP HDD in a MacPro bay to
> a windows laptop?
> what software would be needed and would a regular USB cable work?
>
> since we are using Intel chips now, this should be possible.
>
> I have to have the laptop to run MARS digital software like MixW and
> Winlink, etc. so, I need to transfer the files back to the MacPro for
> manipulation.  The need for an external soundcard and TNC preclude my
> using the Parallels or Fusion software.  What really hurts is the lack
> of a serial connection on the Mac. also, controlling Comports which I
> do not even think exist on a Mac but which the Windows software is
> looking for all of the time.
>
> easiest way is to simply use the old null cable trick to move files
> from the ThinkPad to the Mac and back.  but is there a Mac/Doze
> software for file transfer?
>
> thanks
> chas, Houston, TX