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BLU (Basic Lisa Utility) compatibility with macOS and USB to Serial adapters
ried:
I've been experimenting with various combinations of hardware and software to enable BLU's built-in serial communication / file transfer capability between Lisa and modern Mac hardware, like a MacBook Pro. So far, I have been successful with the Lisa 2/10 across the following configurations:
System #1:
Late 2013 13” MacBook Pro (Intel, macOS Big Sur 11.7.10)
Software:
CoolTerm.
Lisa is connected to:
C2G 6’ DB25 Male to DB9 Female Serial RS232 Null Modem Cable.
Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI chip
or
Sabrent CB-DB9P USB 2.0 To Serial DB9 Male (9 Pin) RS232 Cable Adapter, Prolific chip
Note: Flow Control = DTR on, CTS off.
System #2:
Late 2020 13” MacBook Pro (Apple Silicon, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1)
Software:
CoolTerm.
Lisa connected via:
C2G 6’ DB25 Male to DB9 Female Serial RS232 Null Modem Cable
Sabrent CB-DB9P USB 2.0 To Serial DB9 Male (9 Pin) RS232 Cable Adapter, Prolific chip
USB-A to USB-C adapter
Note: Flow Control = DTR on, CTS off.
I have also been experimenting with another macOS app called Serial and text communication seems to be working, but file transfers do not. I have asked the developer for more information.
I have not yet found a working combination for Lisa 1/5 machines, but I am working on that also. Seems to be related to pin 4 (RTS) where the Lisa 2/10 features a 10k pull-up resistor and the Lisa 1/5 does not, or null modem wiring (TBC).
Hopefully this info helps someone with a Lisa 2/10 (or Mac XL) that wants to use BLU's built-in serial communication capability. Special thanks to sigma7 for creating that software, and for continuously providing his insight while I continue looking for solutions.
For reference, here's a screenshot of CoolTerm's working serial port configuration:
ried:
Does anyone have a working configuration that enables a Lisa 1/5 running BLU to communicate with a modern Mac via serial to USB adapter? I am having a devil of a time trying to figure one out. The Lisa 2/10 was comparatively easy.
It's so frustrating that I might end up using Windows :P
Lisa2:
OK, I just tried using BLU V0.9 on a Lisa2/5 ( port B ) connected to my M1 Mac Mini running MacOS Monterey and CoolTerm 2.3.0. I have a FTDI based USB to serial adapter. It all worked straight out the box, I started CoolTerm, picked my port and set it 56K baud. Are you trying to say this may be a specific issue with a Twiggy Lisa?
Rick
ried:
That's amazing. Can you please share your specific make & model of FTDI-based USB to serial adapter? Which null modem cable (or other DB25 to DE-9 adapters) are you using? The more detail you have on the exact hardware you're using, the better. Thank you!
AlexTheCat123:
I'm also able to connect with my 2/5s without any issue. I use Serial instead of CoolTerm, and everything works fine (including file transfers), so I'm not sure what's causing your issues there. I'm out of town right now, but I can get you more info on my USB to serial adapter once I get back!
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