History
When the Z88 came out there was no internet or standard for communicating between different computers.
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- Faster Serial Port - OZ v3.0 slow implementation of the Serial Port - this is limited to 1200 baud.
- Protocol - it needs to be able to send binary and ascii files.
- File conversion software - PipeDream file structure is unique.
Protocols
The simplest way to get data across to different computers was to develop a known protocol for the Z88 and use it with another computer using the same file protocol.
Z-Modem
Wordmongers produced Z-Term which was designed to work with Hayes MODEMs. Z-Modem allowed files to be sent and received to Bulletin Boards.
XY-Modem
Dennis Gröning wrote this application. It runs the Serial Port at the fastest speed possible.
XY-Modem popdown application for the Z88. Version 1.1, 26 December 1999.
PC
Wordmongers wrote Tx, - File Transfer System for over 100 different micros which included the Z88. It included PipeDream to WordStar conversion.
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There was no reason why this small program was not developed for other computers i.e. Apple Mac, but this was not to be. .
Gunther Strube wrote Eazylink, improved the protocol, speeded up the serial port and added new commands which moved the software from DOS to Windows.
Rastersoft Z88Transfer can use IMP/EXP, PCLINK or EAZYLINK protocols. When the author tried this last, it would not transfer binary files. This has been documented as fixed. I need to test it again.
How do they all stack up?
Protocols | |||||||
| Manufacturer | Program | O/S | Faster S-Port | Protocol | File Conversion | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Modem | OZ | |||||
 | XY-Modem | OZ | |||||
Desktops | |||||||
| Manufacturer | Program | O/S | Faster S-Port | Protocol | File Conversion | ||
| File Transfer System | ||||||
 | PC Link | ||||||
| PC Link II | ||||||
| MAC Link | ||||||
 | Ranger Link | ||||||
| Eazylink | 16 bit | ||||||
| Z88Transfer | |||||||
Bluetooth
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