[NTLK] Getting confused with serial ports

[Grant Hutchinson]

> On Oct 2, 2025, at 3:55 PM, Stephen Pereira <stephen.m.pereira.sr at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I’m back again with more newbie questions.

And we’re here to (hopefully) help. :)

> I just received my new-to-me Newton 2000 with a MP2100 tag on the rear serial and power ports.
> 
> First, when I use NewtInfo, it shows the Internal Ram Size = 3984K (close to 4MB)
> I thought if it had been upgraded to a 2100 it would have another 4MB added so it should be close to 8MB.

An upgraded MP2000 or MP2100 has 4MB of DRAM (system memory) and 4MB of Flash RAM (internal storage) for a total of 8MB.

A stock MP2000 has 1MB of DRAM (system memory) and 4MB of Flash RAM (internal storage) for a total of 5MB.

From the Newton FAQ ... specification differences between models:

https://newtonfaq.com/newton-faq-hardware.html#IIA1e

> Next, my previous 2000 had an internal board added for USB serial I/O.
> Along with that, it had a memory card with four packages on it for SerialChannel3 at four different high bit rates.
> One of those was for 38400 BPS, and I selected that speed for connecting to NCX on my Mac laptop.
> My new-to-me 2000 does not have this USB upgrade, so I believe I do not have a Serial Channel 3.

Serial channel 3 is not required specifically, but you do need to match connection speeds on both the Newton and your Mac.

Included in the NCX 3.0.2 disk image is a package called ‘Ser115200.newtonpkg’ which will allow your newton to connect over serial at 115,200 bps.

If you no longer have the disk image, grab it here:

https://newtonresearch.org/connection/NCX302.dmg

Again, make sure you select that speed in both the Dock and NCX.

g.