EazyLink2

Owned by patters
Last updated: Jun 15, 2024Version comment
2 min read

EazyLink2 is a re-write of the original EazyLink application to target more modern computer operating systems available from 2012 onwards, and to take advantage of reliable increased serial port speed support in OZ 4.5 and later.

It offers more features than other file transfer applications:

  • text file auto character set translations (ISO/IBM)

  • text file auto line feed conversions

  • auto selection of supported serial hardware settings, and baud rate

  • Z88 time synchronization

  • writing directly to flash

Although it is not the fastest, it is the most dependable transfer method - tolerant of imperfect USB serial dongles which can lack fully working hardware flow control (RTS/CTS).

Z88 Releases

There are a number of Z88 versions dependent on OZ version, explained below. The second part of the EazyLink2 version number indicates the underlying protocol version. In Index the application is simply named ‘EazyLink’, no mention of the 2.

OZ Version

EazyLink2 Version

Notes

OZ Version

EazyLink2 Version

Notes

4.5 - 5.0

5.4-09, included with OZ

OZ 4.5 featured a second serial driver rewrite for further reliability and performance improvements.

4.4.1

5.3-08, included with OZ

Supports Xon/Xoff for computer serial ports that do not support RTS/CTS.

4.4.0

5.3-07, included with OZ

OZ serial driver rewrite for reliability and performance improvements. EazyLink Auto-negotiates to 38400bps after 9600bps handshake.

4.3.1

5.2-06, included with OZ

Constrained to 9600bps only.

2.2 - 4.0

Use standalone version, limited to protocol v06

Constrained to 9600bps only (unreliable OZ serial driver at higher speeds, consider YMODEM instead). Can now write to all OZ 5.0 supported flash memory types.

To send EazyLink2 to an unmodified Z88, follow this guide for receiving files using the built-in ImpExport popdown.

EazyLink2 Client Releases for Windows / Linux / macOS

  • Downloads which include 64bit builds, and now an ARM build for macOS.

  • User Manual, in particular tested USB serial dongles. Many serial products have issues with RTS/CTS flow control despite claimed support. The most dependable device by far is the Keyspan one which continues to enjoy signed driver support for modern OSes - making it worth the somewhat higher price. Buy cheap, buy twice, as the saying goes. I know I did! 😅

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