[NTLK] How do I get (additional) software onto MP 2100

[Grant Hutchinson]

> On Apr 7, 2022, at 1:14 PM, Alexander Shendi <Alexander.Shendi at web.de> wrote:

Welcome, Alexander!

> There seems to be a (proprietary?) connector at the top of the device, but I don't have any cable or adapter.

The Newton Interconnect port requires an adapter (also known as a “dongle destroyer”) to provide a more standard mini DIN-8 serial port. They are available on eBay, but tend to be fairly expensive. I might be able to locate an extra one in my collection and let you have it for a reasonable amount.

Using the aforementioned adapter and a serial to USB cable with an integrated FTDI chip such as the cable from Pawel Piotrowski [1] or one similar to this cable I purchased through Amazon a couple of years ago [2], you can connect directly to your computer and install packages using a utility like Newton Connection for Mac OS X (NCX) [3].

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CNm0KbvgPhd/
[2] https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QUZY4L0
[3] https://newtonresearch.org/connection/

> So what would be the best procedure to connect the MP 2100 to the outside world. I have a D-Link D-660 PCMCIA ethernet card, but I think it won't work without additional drivers.

That is correct. You will need the Newton Internet Enabler packages as well as the appropriate wireless drivers for your D-Link card. More information (and downloadable packages) can be found here:

https://www.pda-soft.de/body_ethernetconnectivity.html

> I also would like to know, if and where I could
> purchase an ordinary battery pack (4xAA)?

Again, someone on the list might have a spare battery cage kicking around.

g.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Grant Hutchinson
NewtonTalk List Dad & Interweb Custodian