Transputer in the Apple II

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Transputer in the Apple II
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I have a Transputer card from Axel Muhr

and recently got hold of some TRAMs (TRAnsputer Modules).

The card itself works like it should (tested with Mandelbrot under GSOS) and im starting to build a PC system to be able to develop programs for this little bugger Smile

Is there anyone here, who is interested in combining Transputers and the Apple II? Maybe someone with experience in this architecture?

-Jonas

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

What do these cost to Purchase???

MarkO

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

Drop an email at Axel's address. I would expect more than 45€ (>$50) for a card without processor module, but you have to ask.
I could provide a single T2A2 card including a small TRAM to a serious developer for $50.
Help and support can be provided by the Transputer NetworkBlum 3

But beware, its not very easy to develop applications for this Architecture as it was more or less dropped in the late 90s.
There is an Transputer emulator based on Java available, but I haven't tried it.

Axel cannot split himself into several persons, therefore don't expect a rapid evolution of the implementation.
It took him around 2 years to go from prototype to V1.0 ...

He talked about the possibility to develop a SANE driver for GSOS but don't expect anything soon.

BUT this is exactly why im posting this. There is a need for interested developers.

-Jonas

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

BTW:

About prices of Transputer hardware:

A acceptable price tor a TRAM is around $30, don't pay $200+
With a bit of digging you can obtain TRAMs for $10 or even less in bulk.

Don't run around and flood every available seller with quotes.
It can take a few years before you get what you want for the price that you like...

The main problem is, that Transputers were used in supercomputer clusters in the 80s and early 90s.
Some of these clusters were used until the 2000s.

Most suppliers have TRAMs from the 80s when a single CPU did cost >$1000 (bare chip).
They might say that these modules have a much higher worth.
But you can always find a supplier who is pretty realistic ($10-$50 per TRAM).

Most Transputer enthusiasts are very hesitant to sell their TRAMs :-)

-Jonas

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

For anyone actually interested to develop software for Transputers without having the hardware:

https://sites.google.com/site/transputeremulator/

-Jonas

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

.... what does it do except fit into a apple ii?

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

.... what does it do except fit into a apple ii?

Right now you can only calculate a Mandelbrot set on it with a IIGS software

... therefore

DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS !

Blum 3

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

I have to admit, I don't really understand what this is, but that might be because I'm a moron.

So you couldn't create a Mandelbrot set on a IIgs without this?

It looks neat, and I admire all the work that went into it, and I went to the website...but I just don't see what you would use this for, in the sense of, what can you do WITH it that you can't do WITHOUT it? What new functionality / capabilities does it provide?

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Re: Transputer in the Apple II

I have to admit, I don't really understand what this is, but that might be because I'm a moron.

Just look up the word, "Transputer" and you'll understand.

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