Looking for solution to transfer files between H8 and PC

40 views
Skip to first unread message

Eric Mack

unread,
May 13, 2025, 12:16:27 AM5/13/25
to Se...@googlegroups.com

Hello, I have recently, with Norberto’s help, set up my H8. Now, I need to refresh myself on the options to share files between H8 and PC.

 

I spent some time on the SEBHC site and I can see a number of partial solutions that people are using with varying degrees of success.

 

The most elegant solution I can think of would be to create a dial-up ISP on a Raspberry PI and call into it at 2400 baud, but that’s outside of my current expertise.

 

I would like to know what is current and any tips/advice you can offer. I don’t mind reading so feel free to direct me to SEBHC posts, etc.

 

Norberto wrote me a note: “For transferring files there is a Modem program that you can use with the H8-4 card. Send email to the SEBH as Joe created such images to get the details on how to setup the system” so Joe, if you see this, I am interested.

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Eric Mack

smb...@gmail.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 12:56:27 AM5/13/25
to SEBHC
My two favorites are:

1. Glenn's vinculum VDIP1 tool set -- lets you copy files to/from a USB thumb drive

2. My own "pinculum" (VDIP1 emulated on a Raspbarry Pi) board. lets you copy to/from a raspberry pi, which you can in turn NFS-mount or SMB-mount onto your PC. It's somewhat of a bespoke design that so far as I know, nobody but me has used, and my documentation is mediocre.

I believe some folks here have also implemented a network device, though I myself have not built one of these yet.

Transferring things with via xmodem or kermit or  similar file transfer program has a nice 80s vibe to it, but it's also find it's kind of a pain to do, and 2400 baud is slow.

Scott

glenn.f...@gmail.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 2:03:33 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com

IMHO USB transfer is the way to go. We have developed a capability based on the FTDI “VDIP” module that lets you copy files to/from any USB flash drive. These are then plainly readable/writable on any PC.  Norberto has included this capability in a number of his boards. Here’s a writeup I did a while back on this:

 

REMarks Issue 6 - 14 February 2022.pdf

 

You will still need some kind of modem transfer ability but only the first time (to transfer the VDIP software).  The software lives here: GitHub - sebhc/vdip-utilities: Utility programs for use with the FTDI VDIP1

 

Happy to help further if need be…

  • Glenn

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SEBHC" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sebhc+un...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sebhc/PH0PR13MB5999ABB97F173947F486FE1B8196A%40PH0PR13MB5999.namprd13.prod.outlook.com.

Joseph Travis

unread,
May 13, 2025, 2:07:03 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com
This subject was touched upon in a thread last week but I'm too lazy to go find it.  You didn't provide us with any H/W configuration info so I'm not sure of what type of files you hope to transfer from a PC to your H8.  If they are floppy disk based files, the VDIP1 solutions mentioned by Scott are the best method although there is also the H8D Utility program which utilizes the serial port for file transfer.

I believe what Norberto may have been referring to is a simple mod that I implemented to the H8-5 Serial I/O board which allows you to download / upload tape based programs between the H8 and a PC reliably at speeds up to 9600 baud.  The recommended program to use on the PC for this is RealTerm.  Here is some info and photos for it:

H8-5 USB - Serial I/O Mod

NOTE: Ensure the FTDI solder pads (on bottom) are set to 5V (NOT 3.3V)

1. Use clear RTV silicone to attach the FTDI board to the 8251 USART
2. Bend out the following pins on the 8251: 3, 19, 23, 25
3. Connect a wire between TxC (9) and RxC (25) on the 8251
4. Insert a 6 pin header into the FTDI board
5. Make the following connections between the FTDI board header and 8251:

FTDI <---> 8251
 GND <---> GND (4)
 CTS <---> RTS (23)
 Vcc <---> N/C
 TXO <---> RxD (3)
 RXI <---> TxD (19)
 DTR <---> N/C

NOTE: Using an 8251A USART will require you to bend out pin 17 (CTS) and
connect it to pin 4 (GND).  This modification is required due to internal
differences between the 8251 vs. 8251A and the way the USART is being used
to control the tape recorder.  Without this modification, the H8-5 will be
unable to DUMP program(s) / data to tape or PC.

Joe

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SEBHC" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sebhc+un...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sebhc/82ede64a-bccf-4a6e-b6df-8be912a76ad2n%40googlegroups.com.
H8-5 USB-Tape Mod 004.jpg
H8-5 USB-Tape Mod 001.jpg

norberto.collado koyado.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 2:34:29 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com

Joe,

 

Attached is a picture of his system. He will need to use the H8-4 serial port to connect to the PC serial port and use the modem program for file transfers.

 

Thanks,

Norberto

 

 

H8-pic.jpg

Joseph Travis

unread,
May 13, 2025, 2:57:04 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com
In that case, use port 330Q on the H8-4 Serial I/O board interfaced to a PC serial port (may require a "NULL modem" inserted between the two).  Using TeraTerm on the PC and MAPLE on the H8 you can use  XMODEM for file transfers up to 9600 baud.

MAPLE can be found on drive SY0: for HDOS or drive A: for CP/M.

Joe


norberto.collado koyado.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 3:07:44 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Joe!👍

Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 11:56:48 AM

Eric Mack

unread,
May 13, 2025, 3:44:14 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com

Could a GoTek drive handle the USB Interface on the H8 side? If so, what would I use on the PC side?

 

Joseph Travis

unread,
May 13, 2025, 4:12:44 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com
No.

glenn.f...@gmail.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 6:36:04 PM5/13/25
to se...@googlegroups.com

So while GoTek uses USB sticks in a totally different way than the VDIP module, you can make use of the GoTek drive to move files by using Darrell Pelan’s handy dandy “Disk Image Utility”. Look for H8DUTILITY on the Wiki page (Home · sebhc/sebhc Wiki · GitHub)

 

The program allows you to add and remove files from the GoTek image files. Not quite as simple as the VDIP approach but it is a way to move files back and forth. Since I see you have the WH-8-37 interface board it would be straightforward to add a GoTek to your system… (just need a ribbon cable and some kind of power supply and housing for the gotek)

Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages