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It took me a while to work out how to transfer files between my linux PC and the Tandy WP-3 w
Tandy WP-2 and W-3 (generally you find WP-3s in the UK) can be picked up on ebay for next t
AA batteries and are great for general word-processing where you either don't want to worry ab
PC or where you'd rather not suffer from the distractions of an internet connected device. It has
checker and thesaurus.

If you have an MS-DOS PC you can use the WP2-ARC.EXE (http://www.8bit-micro.com/downl

locally (../static/files/tandy/wp2-arc.exe)) utility to make your MS-DOS PC look like a serially co

If like me you don't use MS-DOS (or indeed Windows) very much and prefer Linux then you ha
place for information about how to transfer files between your Linux box and the WP-2/WP-3.

There are a couple of null-modem cable options which are potentially suitable for connecting th
the loopback and handshake (http://www.8bit-micro.com/full-null-modem.htm) configurations w
the TELECOM parameters on the WP-3 were set correctly. This means that you should be able
standard, off-the-shelf (or ebay!) null-modem cable (D-type 9 pin female - female). You need th
are using a USB to RS/232 adapter as these generally end in a D-type 9 pin male connector, s
would find on a PC equipped with such a port.

Whilst incorrect settings (specifically the options Printer echo - ON and Duplex - Full) didn't s
transfer it did slow to a crawl - specifically there was a large delay when each carriage return w
seemed to affect WP-3 to PC communications, it didn't appear to be a problem the other way r

The following settings can be used to connect the WP-3 to a standard PC running Ubuntu (or i
and transfer files. The setttings menu is accessed on the Tandy using the command F2 + 0 (lab
F2 down whilst pressing zero.
Mark Wickens 2014 (mailto:[email protected])

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Settings on the Tandy:

Device : RS232C
Baud rate : 9600
Word length(bits) : 8
Parity : None
Stop bits : 1
XON/XOFF : Enable
Printer echo : OFF
Duplex : Half
Transfer : ASCII
Incoming CR : LF
Outgoing CR : LF
Mode : Originate

All other entries blank

Assuming you are using /dev/ttyUSB0 as your serial port you can receive a file by first issuing
linux box:

$ cat /dev/ttyUSB0 > file.txt

You then access the Telecom option on the Tandy using F2 + 9.

To send a file to the PC press F1 + U (upload) then select the file to send.

When you see the file transfer is complete press Ctrl + C on the linux box.

The file that is sent contains an unwanted file termination character. You can remove the extra
issuing the following command on the linux box:

$ head -c -1 file.txt > file-good.txt

To exit the Transfer option on the WP-3 select EXIT F2 + Del.

If you want to get more fancy, but still use linux, you can use the program minicom to transfer
xmodem protocol.

On the WP-3 go back to the SETUP menu (F1 + minus) and page down using Shift + Down A
CRC-XMODEM transfer option:

Transfer : CRC-XMODEM

On the
Marklinux box start
Wickens the minicom
2014 program. You will need to check
(mailto:[email protected] ) the port characteristics us
Ensure the Serial Device and the Bps/Par/Bits options are set correctly. If you change any se

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setup as dfl then exit out of minicom and restart it. Changes to serial port will not be honoured
program. Depending on the privileges assigned to your serial device file you may need to start

To initiate transfer go the the TELECOM utility on the WP-3 and select F1 + U then select the f
ASCII CONVERT ON.

On the linux box enter Ctrl + A, R then pick xmodem and enter a suitable filename. The transf
automatically and you should end up with something like:

+----------[xmodem download - Press CTRL-C to quit]-----------+

| |
|rx: ready to receive rcentry.do |
|Bytes received: 384 BPS:254 |
| |
|Transfer complete |
| |
| READY: press any key to continue... |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+

The file will be transferred correctly without any errors thanks to the built in CRC error checking

Please let me know if you found this information useful or you have any feedback. Cheers, Ma

Mark Wickens 2014 (mailto:[email protected]

)

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