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[[RS232 ]] Interface for the CPC by [[Schneider]]. Schneider is the german German distributor for Amstrad CPC hardware (however, thisinterface seems to be was Schneider's own invention, not an [[Amstrad ]] product). == Clones == The original [[Schneider RS232 Interface]] was released around 1985. Two years later, in 1987, a software-compatible clone was released as DIY schematic in a German book ([[Maschinenspracheprogramme und Hardware-Erweiterungen für Schneider CPC's|link]]). Even later, around 1996, a copy of that DIY schematic also circulated in the internet ([[Tim Riemann's RS232 interface|link]]). The DIY port address, timings and handshake signals are exactly the same as in the original Schneider version - except that DCD (Data Carrier Detect) isn't implemented in the DIY version.
== Pictures ==
<gallery caption="The Schneider RS232 interface">
Image:Schneider rs232.jpg|InterfaceImage:schneider rs232 1.jpg|DescriptionFileImage:NoPictureTerje Schneider RS232 PCB top.gifjpg|PCB topImage:Terje Schneider RS232 PCB bottom.jpg|PCB bottomImage:Schneider RS232 Interface.jpg|InterfaceImage:Schneider-sio-front.jpg|Front PlateImage:Schneider-sio-label.jpg|LabelImage:Schneider-sio-lead.jpg|Expansion Port CableImage:Schneider-sio-psu.jpg|Power Supply</gallery> <gallery caption="Schneider RS232 interface 300dpi scans by Robcfg">Image:Schneider_RS232_Unit.jpg|InterfaceImage:Schneider_RS232_Unit_Bottom.jpg|Front PlateImage:Schneider_RS232_PCB_Top.jpg|PCB TopImage:Schneider_RS232_PCB_Bottom.jpg|Circuit BoardPCB Bottom
</gallery>
== I/O Ports ==
== Software ==
* Supported by "Starwriter".* BASIC example (for the official version) is found in the Schneider RS232 manual (see below scans)* ASM example (for the DIY version) is included with [[Tim Riemann's RS232 interface]] == Datasheet Manual (MissingGerman) == <gallery>File:SchneiderSioManualPage1.jpg|Page 1 (cable / jumpers)File:SchneiderSioManualPage2.jpg|Page 2 (schematic)File:SchneiderSioManualPage3.jpg|Page 3 (z80-sti registers)File:SchneiderSioManualPage4.jpg|Page 4 (blank / footer)</gallery> == Note == The uncommon shape of the housing dates back to a Schneider BTX modul (which was being intended to be plugged into Schneider Television Sets). Apparently Schneider produced too many housings, and re-used them for the RS232 interface. Actually, a RS232 interface is very much the same as a BTX interface (the actual BTX modem must be rented separately from Deutsche Bundespost), so even the PCB may be (almost/exactly?) the same for both devices. == Reviews == A review appeared in German magazine [[CPC Schneider International]] (issue 12-1985, pages [[Media:Schneider International 8512-p038 - Schneider RS232.jpg|38]], [[Media:Schneider International 8512-p039 - Schneider RS232.jpg|39]]).
* The MK68901 seems to be A [[Media:Mostek_3801_Data.pdf|"Z80 STI"]] is a newer/similar 40pin [[Media:Mostek_3801_Data.pdf|MK3801]] chip from Mostek. Details on that chip (but neither port addresses nor pinouts are backwards compatiblefrom the "MOSTEK 1982/1983 Microelectronic Data Book" (kindly made available by John Robertson).