So I have my C=64 (Breadbox), (2)1541's, (1) 1541-II, (1) 1581, an MPS-803 and the Flyer all serialed together and today I noticed my 64 was randomly resetting after no set period of time. I had the printer off and the 1541-II. After the second reset I turned everything on and it seemed stable except I was using Dracopy to copy like 75 files from the 1581 to the Flyer and the program seemed to garble after awhile. Since I've never really used that program I'm not sure of its stability.

I guess I'm asking if anyone else has that much chained together and if they ever noticed that kind of behavior. I'm hoping I don't have anything to worry about.

Best,
J
_________________

I have no problem with my C128 resetting, but notice that the drives do not work properly when some are off (I have 2 1571's, a 1581, and uIEC hooked up at the same time and have to have at least 3 of them on for any of them to work). Or I just unplug the serial cables from all but the one I want to use and it is fine. I think they need to be on for enough power to go through the cables.

Anyone have a workaround for this? It is annoying to have to turn them on when all I want to do is use the uIEC.

I'm guessing that's what it is (they all must be on). I didn't have this trouble until I added my printer and the Flyer. Before I just had the (2)1541's, the 1541-II and the 1581 and I could just turn on the 1541 and be good..

I'm going to re-organize the IEC connections with the most frequently used devices 1st and the least used towards the back of the chain and see. Logically, I just added the printer and the flyer to the back end of the chain and they are the 2 things that are now getting the most use.

Best,
J
_________________

I had problems with my printer causing random issues on my serial chain. I actually have left it unplugged and only plug it in when I needed it. No resets just weird issues with loading programs, etc...

I would love to buy a switch that you could turn off each device. Kinda' like a one of those old computer power workstations that went right under your monitor. One for the input and 4 to 6 outputs for devices. Since they do not seem to make to many 5PST switches or even 6PST switches that are small and affordable. I guess the best way would be to get a relay that would do it with a SPST switch attached. But the only one I could find it here and at $60 USD a pop. I think not. Hmmm.. So, to save money. You could put 2 3PST relays in. I found some here for just under $9 a piece and hook up a DPST switch here to it. You'll need a 12 Volt power source. So if you wanted to do just 4 ports with relays and switches alone they'll cost you ~$108 USD. Then you need to get female IEC plugs and a female power socket to fit a 12VDC power supply to.
_________________

You should use very short cables (1 foot) if you're going to put 4 drives on the bus. Also, you should be sure to leave all connected drives on, since they drag the bus down when off. You can get by with 2 drives if one is off, but you'll start having problems with more than that. The voltage when the bus is idle gets too low.

Jim Brain built something like this, although it doesn't do proper isolation for all lines, only ATN. This means the disabled drive won't talk on the bus, but its other lines still add loading.

http://www.go4retro.com/2010/1...adportiec/
http://www.go4retro.com/2010/1...b-arrival/

That's good info, nlem. Thanks.

I was running a BBS I had (2) 1541's (1) Indus GT (1541 clone +) (1) 1581 and an MPS-801 on the bus and never had a problem. I always left all on and the Lt. Kernal was on the expansion port of course. If only we could store a gig on a micro card...(sigh)

Well.. I Definitely think the printer (MPS-803) was the problem, I turned leave it off and the there's no issues... However, I will be running a BBS soon and will have all on anyway.. and with the REU and the heavy duty power supply, I'm hoping all will be well..

Best,
J
_________________