_____________________________________ Xx ZMAG HARDWARE REVIEW .... The Spider (tm).... _____________________________________ General description: The Spider (tm) is the name of a series of intelligent serial interfaces. These devices contain four or eight RS232 compatible serial ports, 8K, 64K or 256K of memory, and their own processor and operating system, programmable from a computer attached to one of the ports. Uses for the Spider range from operating a multiline BBS from one serial port of a computer to sharing printers and other serial devices among several computers. Simple networking schemes between computers can also be set up using a Spider. Basically, the Spider is a device based on a 65C02 and has four or eight RS232 ports under direct control of that processor. The controlling computer connects to port 0 and other devices are connected to the remaining ports. A program running in the controlling computer can control the activity among all ports by command. A program running in the Spider, uploaded to it by command from the controlling computer, can also control the activity among the ports. Various combinations where some of the programming is done on the controlling computer and some is uploaded to run on the Spider is also possible. Programming the Spider: Since the Spider does have its own processor (the 65C02) and memory (8K, 64K, 256K or 1 meg) it was programmed to allow software to be added to it by uploading from the controlling computer. This software is sent to areas of memory determined by the uploading command and may be in the form of additional commands or as stand-alone programs. The Spider is a computer, with the CPU, RAM, ROM and I/O ports. A memory map and instructions for programming are available. Some instruction, adequate for most general applications, is included in the user manual supplied with the Spider. For more specific applications and for programmers intending to create packages to market, there is also a developer's kit available, which contains much more detailed information about how to program the Spider. Currently, all programming intended for upload to the Spider must be written in 65C02 machine language. However, there are a few people working on various interpreters for the Spider. When these interpreters are complete it will be possible to upload the interpreter to the Spider, then program the Spider directly using a terminal emulator on the controlling computer system. The finished program can then be sent back to the controlling computer so that it can be stored on disk. Position the Spider uploading commands into the proper places in the program and the file on the controlling computer's disk becomes an application that can be simply sent to the Spider directly by a user from any computer used as the controlling computer system. How to order a Spider: The Spider (tm) may be ordered directly from Nite Lite Systems. Only prepaid orders are being accepted for this device. Send a check or money order for the exact amount of the configuration you request, including the 5% Mass. sales tax if you are ordering from a Massachusetts address, plus $5.00 for shipping and handling to: Nite Lite Systems P.O. Box R Billerica, MA 01821 Different versions of the Spider will become available over the next few months. Currently, the four-port Spider and the developer's kit (a four-port Spider and developer's documentation, plus access to more help on-line) are available. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Pricing for these units are as follows: 4-port Spider $209.95 Developer's kit $314.95 Any questions concerning this product can be directed to the SysOp either in any message base on this BBS or in a logoff comment. If you wish to be contacted by telephone, leave your name and telephone number in a logoff comment along with other information required to return your call. If you want your name added to our mailing list, leave a logoff comment requesting that and include your name and address with zip code. Dealer and distributor inquiries are invited.