[NJARC] IBM PS/2 Model 30 Computer

[Sean O'Sullivan]

Hi Scott,


I don't post much on this email group ...I joined a few years back planning 
to restore an old radio I have....still haven't gotten to it...

Anyway, I'm a computer geek by trade...  I read your post and I had some 
ideas for you.

I'm assuming that the radio is programmed by connecting to the serial port 
of the computer...
I read your comment about the thinkpad being too fast...  that may be true..
Over the years the speeds of serial ports did go up.  A chip called the UART 
was upgraded to allow faster maximum speeds over the years.
The good news is that serial port speeds are configurable.  So it is 
possible to ratchet down the speed of modern machines.

If the machine is running Windows you can go into control panel, open up the 
System icon, go into Device Manager, go down to Ports,  open up the Com port 
(serial port) you are using, Usually thats Com1 or Com3.    Go to the Port 
Settings tab.   Inside there you can set the bits per second.... for a 
computer of that age I would set that at around 2400  (thats a guess...you 
can play with it.)
If it's an old DOS program then the speed is usually configured in the 
software program.

There are also lots of other serial port settings that can be configured.. 
You have to find out what the radio and the communications software are 
expecting and adjust accordingly.
I don't think you need to swap out the whole machine...I bet its just a 
setting...

Here's some more details on serial 
ports.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_port

If you still get really stuck I have an old XT 286 that worked when I put it 
in the attic about 6 years ago...give me a shout back if you need it.


Good Luck.
Sean O'Sullivan

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Roberts" <ng19delta at yahoo.com>
To: "NJARC Radio Club" <njarc at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 2:59 AM
Subject: [NJARC] IBM PS/2 Model 30 Computer


> Just remember
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>
> _________________________________________________________
> Hi Everyone-
> I am pretty much desperately searching for an IBM PS/2 Model 30-286 
> computer, in operable shape, so I can finally program my Motorola Syntor X 
> 9000 VHF radio which is modified for 2m ham band... Can ANYONE help me? I 
> don't need a monitor, mouse, or keyboard- I already have a few PS/2 mouses 
> and keyboards, and a VGA monitor. This programming issue has been driving 
> me totally batty for months at this point- I have a great radio in the 
> car, but can't do a thing with it until it is programmed...
>
> I picked up a nice IBM Thinkpad 360CSE, but it seems to be too fast for 
> the radio to work with... I am going to try one more thing tomorrow with 
> it, but feel a PS/2 Model 30-286 is my best bet.(PS/2 286 is what the 
> program was written for)
>
> Please e-mail me if you have one gathering dust, but which will boot up to 
> an a: prompt- I can't afford much(as usual) but I'm sure we can work 
> something out!(Especially if it a haul it away offer :) )
>
> Thanks!
> Scott
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