Using FastLynx 3.3 to Transfer Files To/From Old/Modern PCs
By 'modern PC', I am referring to a PC that is modern enough to run say, Windows 2000.
By 'old PC', I am referring to either an 8088 or 80286 or 80386 or 80486 based PC, running DOS.
Introduction
FastLynx 3.3 is a modern commercial product that is capable of file transfers, via serial or parallel cable, between an 'old' PC running DOS and a 'modern' PC.
The cable required is the same one used for Laplink and INTERSVR/INTERLNK.
FastLynx 3.3 includes a DOS program named SL.EXE (a 'slave' program) that is run on the old PC. One then interconnects the 'modern' and 'old' PCs using the fore mentioned cable, and then runs FastLynx 3.3 on the 'modern' PC.
Obviously, to use FastLynx 3.3 in this way, you need to be able to get the SL.EXE program on to your 'old' PC.
USB to Serial Adapter
If you are choosing to transfer via serial ports rather than by parallel ports, and you lack a serial port on your 'modern' PC, then you have the option of using a 'USB to serial adapter'.
Be wary. Some types do not have drivers for Windows 7. Some have drivers for the 32-bit version of Windows 7, but not the 64-bit version.
Click here to see an adapter that I use in the 64-bit version of Windows 7, one that I've used successfully with FastLynx 3.3
USB to Parallel Adapter
Careful. The ones that I have seen and used are designed only for use with old printers that have a parallel port. They do not present an LPT port to Windows, and thus do not appear to FastLynx.
Problems
By default, FastLynx 3.3 serial port operations are at 115,200 baud. I had connection problems until I reduced that rate to 38,400 baud.
To do that:
1. On menu bar, choose CONNECTION then DISCONNECT.
2. In right pane, click on the SPECIFY REMOTE CONNECTION PARAMETERS button. A 'Remote Connection Parameters' window will appear.
3. In the 'Remote Connection Parameters' window, click on the CONNECT AS CLIENT option.
4. In the 'Remote Connection Parameters' window, change the MAXIMUM BAUD RATE figure to 38400.
5. In the 'Remote Connection Parameters' window, click on the OK button.
It is possible that the baud rate may need to be dropped further for some scenarios.
FINISH