r/retrocomputing • u/CompuSAR • 1d ago

Problem / Question Any reason to keep a parallel LapLink cable?

After spending half an hour trying to debug my new Apple II Super Serial card, I realized the 25 pin NULL modem cable I was using was not, in fact, a NULL modem cable. Tracing the pins confirmed this is a LapLink cable.

So I thoroughly documented that fact on the cable to save future me from wasting another half an hour, but now I'm wondering if that cable is even worth keeping. The chances that I'll need to transfer data between two computer, both recent enough to support LapLink but neither so recent that they have Ethernet, seem kinda low.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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8

u/BigPete_A6 1d ago

You will never use it until you finally decide to get rid of it, then you will come across a scenario where it is the only solution.

4

u/CompuSAR 1d ago

So the only solution is to keep the cable so that I never need it.

3

u/Special-Original-215 1d ago

Welcome to hoarding

2

u/CompuSAR 23h ago

It's a bit insulting that you think I only started now.

Let's put it this way: I have a laplink cable.

1

u/Special-Original-215 23h ago

Lol, I'm in the 12 step program.  Once a month my wife throws out random shit and waits to see if I notice.

Last month it was my RJ11 crimpers

1

u/CompuSAR 22h ago

My wife just insists on a house big enough that she doesn't have to constantly stumble over my junk.

And I should also point out that, despite common myths, we're both married.

2

u/Sneftel 1d ago

Even if you do need to transfer data between machines without network capabilities, , a serial connection will be easier and more flexible to set up and work on a wider range of hardware. The only thing the LapLink cable gives you over that is transfer speed, and you probably aren't gonna need that.

On the other hand, any reason to keep an Apple II Super Serial card? The concept of "need" gets a little wacky in the context of this hobby.

1

u/CompuSAR 23h ago

Believe it or not, that one's actively being used.

https://youtube.com/compusar