[NTLK] Weekend update.

[Matthias Melcher]

Newton Dongle weekend update:

Well, first and foremost, thanks to two list members who offered to flip the diodes on the boards that I messed up. The current plan is to build a hand full of serial-only versions of the dongle where the diodes don't matter. This is actually pretty neat, because those dongles will be smaller and cheaper. If nobody wants tose, I will gladly take you both up on the offer.

All PCBs and controllers should come in on Tuesday, and I hope I will find the time to solder at least a few of them this week. The serial port part of the firmware works well with macOS and NCX at the highest speed. Unixnpi works also very well on macOS. On the classic mac emulator BasiliskII, I tested NTK and NCU, and they both work. The only thing I did not get to run on any setup is the screenshot function. I can't test Linux and windows though.

Oh, and the current working title for the dongle is now NewtCOM. Any better suggestions gladly considered.

I also started the documentation for those who plan to build their own dongles, or want to base something new on my design. The docs are at https://github.com/MatthiasWM/newt_dongle/blob/master/hardware/README.md . The PCB is likely going public on Monday, pending review by the Chinese host: https://oshwlab.com/matthiasm/interconnecttousb_copy_copy_copy


Attempt at a list explaining features

NewtCOM1: Interconnect port serial to USB-C, flat case
NewtCOM2: NewtCOM1 plus MicroSD slot for installing packages from SD to Newton, eventually backup and restore
NewtCOM3: NewtCOM2 plus powering the Newton from the USB-C port, but no charging 

Also note that Jakes ESP32, even though it is on pause right now, would add Wifi, Bluetooth, and charging. 

 - Matthias