Introduction
		A range of computer, links are available so that the Z88 can transfer data using its RS-232 Serial Port. Communication and file conversion software are needed as well as the cable.
		The cable that the Z88 uses is electrically different to ordinary PC cables that look the same. We can supply just the cable and an adapter for those users who want to use different programs!
The cable that links the Z88 to a PC is not standard.

Mac & PC Link Applications

Here are some Mac & PC - Z88 Link programs. I like Eazylink because it does everything, it is easy to use and it works. BUT people think that I am only saying that because we sell it. So here is your chance to try other programs (Free Link) if you want. Please read details about the Z88 - PC Cable. Click on the link to jump to the application details or the download site for the program.		We only support programs that you buy (not the Free ones). This page only lists Free Links that I have been able to run to run on my XP machine. Dennis Gröning has listed some more on his site. The PC-Z88 Cable used is the one we supply. There is also a free program that runs on RISC-DOS.

Cable 3 = 3 wire F = Full handshaking	F	F	F	F	F	F
Notes
Needs ROM in Z88 | Import/Export	E	P	X	P
USB Support | NO USB
Any COM Port | COM.1 only
12.3 | DOS 8.3 Filenames
Windows | MS-DOS Filenames			X
Save files | In one directory
Translates files | Raw data only

Making a Z88 to PC Lead When Cambridge advertised thier Z88 - PC Link we all thought it was a lot of money to pay for the cable. I made up a cable and discovered it was not as easy as I first thought. Several years on and people are still making the same mistake as I did back then. The following was taken off a Z88 site. I invite you to not burn your fingers with a soldering iron or find out that you can't fit the covers onto the plug that fits into the Z88 or use the wrong circuit diagran to wire up the lead. Save yourself all this hassle - buy the cable. I have transferred various files types on my z88 to a PC. The other day, I wanted to do the inverse process for the first time. I wasn't able. I tried the Z88XPort program and the MSDOS command, without good results. The z88 complains about "Poor data received".		Have you checked serial settings? Reset turns Xon/Xoff back on, make sure it's turned off. Yesp; the problem is that I am able to send a file from the z88 to the PC, but not in the inverse direction. As Vic points out it is likely a cable problem. So, is it possible to have a cable allowing transferrings to the PC but failing when transferring to the z88 ? I'm using a Compaq PC Laptop with Windows98. Z88-Xport needs a working hardware flow control. Z88 RTS needs to be connected to PC CTS. See Help, Cable for the full pinout. Xon/Xoff is ignored so doesn't matter. The cable I am using is a self-made one. I have followed the wirings given in the z88 book: Thank you everybody. I've re-wired my link cable, so everything works now. It's a shame I saw that wiring scheme before yours. :-D
Z88 to PC Lead The Z88 to PC Lead consists of the moulded 9 way plug that fits into the Z88 correctly and has a 25 way female connector for the PC's COM port (which was the standard connector when the Z88 came out). If your computer has a 9 way plug for the COM.1 serial port there is an adapter lead available that you use on the PC end. If the cable you have has a 25 way male connector - it is the serial printer cable, you cannot use it for the PC,		Some users have been tempted to 'build their own' only to find that the cover that fits over the plug stops the plug from fitting into the Z88 correctly. If you really want to do it yourself make sure you use a moulded plug with the locking screws removed to fit into the Z88 and have the correct connections (it is not a standard cable) - or better still just buy this correct cable.

 

© Rakewell Limited 1998 - 2008