#Mac transfer
3 messages in this thread
I am a novice Toaster 4000 user exploring the world of 3D animation. My
background is Mac-based desktop publishing and now getting into the multi-media
field. I hope someone can help me with the following goad.
I would like to create my texture maps in Photoshop on my Mac fx and transfer
them for use in Lightwave. I have recently purchased Debabelizer for file
conversion on the Mac side (I also have ADPro on the Amiga) and am using
SmartCom communications software (mad). Except for communications software on
the Amiga (suggestions anyone??) I think I have the necessary software products
for the job.
I could use some suggestion on the hardware requirements and transfer
procedures. I recall a product called ToasterLink that was designed for this
purpose, but haven't seen any ads for this recently. Is it still on the market
and will it do the job?
Appreciate any help I can get
Len Sloan, Montreal
A new Compuserve user
Len,
>I have recently purchased Debabelizer for file conversion on the Mac side
De-babe-lizer? Sounds like something for getting women out of your studio.
;^)
For communications software on your Amiga pretty much anything that
supports Z-modem and serial port speeds of at least 19,200 should work.
The reason for wanting Z-modem support is that you upload from 1 machine.
The machine receiving the files stores them into it's destination
directory without having to type in a filename on that machine. I use
Ncomm myself, but there are a number of programs to choose from. A lot of
people seem to like Access, JrComm, Terminus, ect. If possible find one
that will allow you to open it's screen on the Workbench. This will use
less chip ram, and you don't need a full screen interface for null-modem
transfers anyways.
As for hardware, the cheapest soulution would be a null-modem adaptor. I
assume you've got a cable that goes from your Mac to a 25 pin connector on
your modem. You unplug the cable from your modem, plug it into a
null-modem adaptor, then plug the adaptor into your Amiga serial port.
You then set both programs to use the fastest baud rate that both support,
(38,400 should be no problem) set the same transfer protocall, (Z-modem)
and set the download and upload directorys for both programs. You should
also make sure that hardware flow control is active on both machines and
comm software. (RTS/CTS).
If everything is set properly, transfering a file is a simple matter of
choosing upload on the Mac. You select the file through a requestor and it
will end up in the download directory of the Amiga with the same
fileaname. Note: A lot of software supports multi-file transfers with
Z-modem. Often if you hold down the shift key and select a bunch of files
it will upload them all and you can go grab a coffee while you're waiting.
At 38,400 it should take about 4 minutes/megabyte. I'd recommend using
JPEG at maximum quality for saving your files.
A nullmodem adaptor will cost you about $20 and you can get them at almost
any computer store.
As for TosterLink, as I recall it used the SCSI port on the Mac. If you
don't already have a SCSI controller in your 4000 you'll need to buy one
and you'll lose one of your 2 remaining slots. It would be much faster
though.
Jeff H…
Len,
I would recommend using 1.44 meg PC formatted floppys for doing transfers
to and from the Mac for the easiest solution. Ironic though it may be,
both Amiga and Mac have the ability to read and write to PC formatted
floppys. Use a PC formatted Syquest if you want to do lots of files, or
really big ones.
I routinely transfer print res image files from LW to a Mac at work. I use
ADPro 2.5 and Gigamem to load and save the files from IFF24 to Jpeg. Then
write them to a PC formatted floppy. Works great.
Theres definately more elegant options of file transfer though.
….John