What is this???

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Mon Jun 14 19:16:51 2004

>
> Hi all,
>
> I've just been looking through a box of old computer-stuff and found the
> following small item:
>
> It looks like a cartridge (8x5cm) for an Amstrad with a passthrough edge
> connector and a lead (70cm) comming out with a 5-pin DIN plug (male) at
> the end.
>
> On the label it says:
>
> Cirkit

Cirkit were a component-supplying company in the UK who also sold some
kits (And ready-built items).

> Prestel Link

Prestel was a British Telecom 'viewdata' service. IIRC it used 1200/75
baud modems (1200 baud from host to terminal, 75 baud from terminal to
host). Originally the only information transmitted from the terminal was
page numbers, so the slow link didn't matter.

> Amstrad Interface
>
> Any help appreciated. Searches on Google gives nothing!

My guess is that it's a very cut-down serial interface for an Amstrad.
Maybe RS232 levels, maybe not. Maybe fixed baud rates (1200 Rx, 75 Tx),
maybe not. Have you tried opening it up and seeing what chips are inside?

-tony
Received on Mon Jun 14 2004 - 19:16:51 BST