AppleShare PC 2.0: PCLAN Compatibility


I am trying to use a PS/2 Mod 70/25 as a bridge between a broadband-based PCLAN
server and AppleShare. I need to be able to update files on an AppleShare
server from an SMB server every 30 seconds, and AFE's SMB Transfer Utility
can't handle this repetitive task.

I installed a DayStar Digital MCA LocalTalk card in the PS/2 along with
AppleShare PC 2.0. Both printing and file services worked as advertised. When
I issued a "net use" to start up the PCLAN program, I was disappointed. I got
some obscure DOS message about "out of buffer memory".

Next, I reconfigured the system to load PCLAN first. When AppleTalk tried to
load, I got an error message stating that the session was already bound. After
reading the AppleShare PC Read Me file, I came to the conclusion that I was
having an interrupt conflict over 5C. Can I change the interrupt in AppleShare
PC 2.0?

My next adventure actually worked. I installed the DayStar software, and after
changing the load order, I was able to mount both an SMB server and an
AppleShare volume on the same machine. I was able to copy files back and
forth, and this appears to give me what I need. However, I would feel better
using Apple's software, if possible.

Can I get AppleShare PC and PCLAN to co-exist?

It is possible to configure AppleShare PC 2.0 to use different interrupts and
DMA channels.

The card being used must first be configured via its hardware (DIP switches,
and so on) to also use those different settings. Once you have the settings for
the card, you have a couple of options available to configure AppleShare PC 2.0
properly.

The first is described on pages 20 through 22 of the AppleShare PC 2.0 manual
(Apple Part #030-3002-A), and involves using the configuration menus supplied
for the hardware you are using.

The second method is to edit the NET.CFG file, which is created during
the configuration process mentioned above. Appendix C of the AppleShare PC 2.0
manual describes the various entries in this file and the different possible
settings. It is important to remember that the card being used must have
already been configured for the settings you choose in AppleShare PC, or the
software will not run.

This should -- no guarantees, unfortunately -- let the two networking packages
coexist peacefully. As a final note, Appendix C also contains information on
setting buffer sizes as well as the interrupts and DMA channels.


Published Date: Feb 18, 2012