[[RS232 ]] Interface for the Amstrad CPC by [[Schneider]]. Schneider is the German distributor for Amstrad CPC hardware (however, this interface was Schneider's own invention, not an [[Amstrad]] product).
Not much is known about this specific device or accompanying == Clones == The original [[Schneider RS232 Interface]] was released around 1985. Two years later, in 1987, a software but it looks like -compatible clone was released as DIY schematic in a standard German book ([[Maschinenspracheprogramme und Hardware-Erweiterungen für Schneider CPC's|link]]). Even later, around 1996, a copy of that DIY schematic also circulated in the internet ([[Tim Riemann's RS232 interface|link]]). The DIY portaddress, timings and handshake signals are exactly the same as in the original Schneider version - except that DCD (Data Carrier Detect) isn't implemented in the DIY version. If you have more details please do provide them!
== Pictures ==
<gallery caption="The Schneider RS232 interface">
Image:Schneider rs232.jpg|InterfaceImage:schneider rs232 1.jpg|DescriptionImage:Terje Schneider RS232 PCB top.jpg|PCB topImage:Terje Schneider RS232 PCB bottom.jpg|PCB bottomImage:Schneider RS232 Interface.jpg|InterfaceImage:Schneider-sio-front.jpg|Front PlateImage:Schneider-sio-label.jpg|LabelImage:Schneider-sio-lead.jpg|Expansion Port CableImage:Schneider-sio-psu.jpg|Power Supply
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Schneider RS232 interface 300dpi scans by Robcfg">Image:Schneider_RS232_Unit.jpg|InterfaceImage:Schneider_RS232_Unit_Bottom.jpg|Front PlateImage:Schneider_RS232_PCB_Top.jpg|PCB TopImage:Schneider_RS232_PCB_Bottom.jpg|PCB Bottom</gallery> == I/O Ports == Default I/O addresses are F8E0h-F8EFh (though the interface can be jumpered to use different addresses). F8E0h - [[Z80-STI]] Indirect Data Register F8E1h - [[Z80-STI]] General Purpose I/O Data Register F8E2h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt Pending Register B ;\ F8E3h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt Pending Register A ; F8E4h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt in-Service Register B ; not used F8E5h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt in-Service Register A ; F8E6h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt Mask Register B ; F8E7h - [[Z80-STI]] Interrupt Mask Register A ;/ F8E8h - [[Z80-STI]] Indirect Index and Interrupt Vector Register F8E9h - [[Z80-STI]] Timers A and B Control Register ;\ F8EAh - [[Z80-STI]] Timer B Data Register ; not used F8EBh - [[Z80-STI]] Timer A Data Register ;/ F8ECh - [[Z80-STI]] USART Control Register F8EDh - [[Z80-STI]] Receiver Status Register F8EEh - [[Z80-STI]] Transmitter Status Register F8EFh - [[Z80-STI]] USART Data Register Aside from the above 16 directly addressable registers, there are 8 indirectly addressable ones. For details on the direct & indirect registers, see [[Z80-STI]]. == Software == * Supported by "Starwriter".* BASIC example (for the official version) is found in the Schneider RS232 manual (see below scans)* ASM example (for the DIY version) is included with [[Tim Riemann's RS232 interface]] == Manual (German) == <gallery>File:SchneiderSioManualPage1.jpg|Page 1 (cable / jumpers)File:SchneiderSioManualPage2.jpg|Page 2 (schematic)File:SchneiderSioManualPage3.jpg|Page 3 (z80-sti registers)File:SchneiderSioManualPage4.jpg|Page 4 (blank / footer)</gallery> == Note == The uncommon shape of the housing dates back to a Schneider BTX modul (which was being intended to be plugged into Schneider Television Sets). Apparently Schneider produced too many housings, and re-used them for the RS232 interface. Actually, a RS232 interface is very much the same as a BTX interface (the actual BTX modem must be rented separately from Deutsche Bundespost), so even the PCB may be (almost/exactly?) the same for both devices. == Reviews == A review appeared in German magazine [[CPC Schneider International]] (issue 12-1985, pages [[Media:Schneider International 8512-p038 - Schneider RS232.jpg|38]], [[Media:Schneider International 8512-p039 - Schneider RS232.jpg|39]]). == Datasheet == * A [[Media:Mostek_3801_Data.pdf|"Z80 STI"]] is a 40pin [[CategoryMedia:HardwareMostek_3801_Data.pdf|MK3801]] chip from Mostek. Details on that chip are from the "MOSTEK 1982/1983 Microelectronic Data Book" (kindly made available by John Robertson). [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Serial_interfaces]]