Epson Multi-mode Data Controller MFJ-1278B - Manual (Page 12)

MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING
COMPUTER INTERFACING
You are now ready to connect your MFJ-1278B to your station's computer or terminal.
Throughout this manual we will use the term "computer" to refer to the computer or terminal
you use to communicate with your MFJ-1278B.
The MFJ-1278B communicates with your computer through a serial port, using signals
corresponding to a standard called RS-232C. Why an RS-232C interface? Nearly every
computer in production today either incorporates an RS-232C style serial port as a standard
feature, or has one available as an optional accessory, either from the computer manufacturer
or from a manufacturer of computer accessories. In addition to the RS-232C port, the MFJ-
1278B has a built-in TTL port to allow interfacing with computers which need TTL signals
such as the Commodore C-64, C-128 or the VIC-20.
In order to use the MFJ-1278B with your computer, the computer must have an RS-232C
serial port, or a TTL serial port. Also a program which supports the serial or TTL port must
be used. The program will typically be called a modem program, terminal emulator, or
communications program.
Since there are so many computers on the market today, it is impractical for this chapter to
provide detailed instructions for each computer. Detailed information is given for some of
the popular models available in the United States. Also provided is general computer
interfacing information.
MFJ Starter Packs
MFJ Enterprises, Inc. offers Starter Packs for some of the most popular computers. These
Starter Packs contain a terminal program and a cable for connecting the MFJ-1278B to your
computer. The Starter Packs available are as follows:
MFJ-1282B:
Commodore VIC-20, C64, C128 in 5-1/4" diskette.
MFJ-1283: Commodore VIC-20, C64 on tape.
MFJ-1289: IBM PC & compatibles in 5-1/4" diskette.
(Supports color SSTV and 16 gray-level FAX)
MFJ-1289M: IBM PC & compatibles in 3-1/2" diskette.
(Supports color SSTV and 16 gray-level FAX)
MFJ-1287B: Macintosh, in 3-1/2" diskette.
(Supports color SSTV and 16 gray-level FAX)
MFJ-1290: Amiga in 3-1/2" diskette.
(Supports 8 levels SSTV and 8 levels FAX)