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General => Community Marketplace => Topic started by: Protools5LEGuy on January 03, 2017, 10:31:39 AM

Title: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Protools5LEGuy on January 03, 2017, 10:31:39 AM
http://alexhixon.com/ (http://alexhixon.com/) sells clones of the GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort.

It's called Jamport G4 http://alexhixon.com/jamport/ (http://alexhixon.com/jamport/)

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What is it?

Starting with the PowerMac G3, Apple began removing the old serial port/GeoPort connectors on their product lines, and replacing them with USB.

This was fine if you'd purchased some newer hardware that supported USB, or Firewire. However, if you wanted to use some older device that used the serial port, you were fresh out of luck.

However, most Apple hardware until the PowerMac G5, still (internally) supported the serial port! It was just tucked away on an internal connector!

Jamport allows you to access this hidden serial port and use it on your Mac, as long as you're willing to replace the modem card with it.


What are the alternatives?

There were a number of products that solved this dilemma in the same fashion. These included:

    GeeThree G4+ Stealth Serial Port
    Griffin GPort (G4Port)

However, these are no longer manufactured, and the eBay availability (and prices!) are sometimes a bit ridiculous.

They too, like this device, access the serial port by otherwise unmarked lines on the modem port.

(http://alexhixon.com/jamport/img/front-populated-thumb.jpg)


(http://alexhixon.com/jamport/img/back-populated-thumb.jpg)

[youtube]NLinSKK1oNA[/youtube]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLinSKK1oNA

(http://alexhixon.com/jamport/img/comms_ok.jpg)

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Supported Hardware

The following machines will definitely work:

    PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics
    PowerMac G4 Gigabit Ethernet
    PowerMac G4 QuickSilver
    PowerMac G4 Digital Audio
    PowerMac G4 Mirrored Drive Doors (MDD)

The PowerMac G4 Cube may work; you must ensure it has a similar looking 40-pin connector, as shown in the above photo.

PowerMac G4 (PCI Graphics) is unsupported for the moment, since it has a different internal connector. Head to the bottom of this page for details.

The Powerbook G4 may also work, but requires soldering an additional connector to the logic board. Again, see the bottom of this page for details.
Purchase

Please note there is a currently a 1-2 week lead time while new stock arrives.

Includes:

    Jamport G4
    PCI bracket with female mini-DIN-8 socket and internal connector

Quote
Ship to Australia - AU$50
$45 + $5 flat shipping

Ship to Worldwide - US$60
$45 + $15 flat shipping

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Installation

Consult the PowerMac G4 service manual for more detailed instructions and photos to accompany you with the following steps:

    Power down, and remove cable. Open the Mac using the little hook thing on the right hand side to flip the motherboard out.
    Disconnect the antenna cable by unclipping it.
    Unscrew the screws surrounding the modem card.
    Push the holder clip outwards and pull the card up out of its slot.
    Now, insert the Jamport in the same place the modem card was previously, and screw it up.
    Insert the PCI faceplate with female mini-DIN socket into a free slot, and connect to Jamport.
    Install the relevant driver for your OS, and reboot.

Drivers

In theory, either driver should work roughly the same since they (well, at least for the OS X drivers) just appear to be the Apple drivers with different copyright strings on them. For more information, see the Technical page

I suggest the Stealth Port drivers since I've tested with those.

In any case, to get the Jamport to work with your computer, just install one of the following based on your OS:
OS 9

Extract, install by dragging to System Extensions folder, and restart.

Stealth Port Driver (recommended; 30KB, .sea.hqx)

gPort Installer v1.2 (193KB, extension)
OS X

Mount the disk image, and run the installer.

Stealth Port Driver for OS X 10.4 (133KB, .dmg)

gPort Driver v1.2 up to OS X 10.2 (954KB, .sit)

You can get the 10.3 and 10.2 GeeThree drivers, as well as Serial/Core MIDI drivers for both brands on their respective websites. I might put them up if there's interest and you can't find them.
Technical Details/How It Works

Please see here for technical information on AppleTalk, pinouts and implementation.
I have a PowerMac G3/Powerbook G3/Powerbook G4. You said it could work there too?
Powerbook G4

The Powerbook G4 should work with the Jamport G4, but is currently untested.

Unfortunately, you will need to solder a connector to the logic board that is needed to plug in the Jamport:
(http://alexhixon.com/jamport/img/a1101_debug_thumb.png)

(http://alexhixon.com/jamport/img/a1107_debug_thumb.png)

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At this stage, I also don't know where the mini-DIN socket would be placed. This presumably requires modification to the case, or perhaps you could remove the modem jack instead.
Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) / Power Mac G3

Work in progress.

Powerbook G3

At this point, I am not sure what the connector looks like, nor its pinout.

If you have more details, such as a high resolution photo of the logic board, or know the pinout of the debug connector, please contact me.

More tech info also on http://alexhixon.com/jamport/tech.html (http://alexhixon.com/jamport/tech.html)
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: mrhappy on January 03, 2017, 10:57:54 PM
Hey...nice to know! ;D
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: MacTron on January 07, 2017, 04:00:32 AM
A great find!. Really  :D
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: nickbirkby on January 11, 2017, 09:06:46 AM
Wow and it works well with midi? I always heard that the stealth port didnt work well with midi for some reason.
I have used a beige G3 for years (since 98) mainly because of the Opcode64XTC interface works so nicely with it on the serial port. I also have a 128X something as well now.

Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: MacTron on January 12, 2017, 08:14:09 AM
Wow and it works well with midi?
Yes it does. In fact it's one of the best ways to connect MIDI devices to G3 and G4 Macintosh.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Knezzen on January 12, 2017, 08:17:46 AM
Im getting one! Feels like a must-have.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: MacTron on January 12, 2017, 08:28:05 AM
Im getting one! Feels like a must-have.
I have two of them. I used them for years without any issue.
BTW, It works without any extra drivers. The extension included it's only to be used with the chooser (old serial printers or appletalk on serial port) , but not it is not necessary to be used with MIDI devices.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: MacOS Plus on January 25, 2017, 08:24:46 PM
  I realized another machine variant this should fit in by default.  The iMac G4 ('iLamp') uses the same modem as the tower machines.  Other than removing the phone jack to feed out the cable, it should work with no further modifications.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: rvense on January 27, 2017, 12:35:56 PM
I e-mailed the guy with the suggestion to make a Powerbook version but haven't heard back. The Lombard and (I assume) Pismos use the same board.

For me, a Lombard with SCSI, USB, *and* real serial would be fantastic.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Irisman on September 06, 2017, 01:33:33 AM

I purchased a couple of Jamport cards.  Fast delivery and well product.

Installed very easily on the MDD 2003, it does the work perfectly!

OMS "New Studio Setup" recognized the Studio4 on the serial port, as well as the Unitor8/AMT8 connected to the USB port.

Great addition at great price!   



Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: macStuff on September 06, 2017, 03:28:29 AM
too bad it has to take up a pci slot to mount the bracket
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Irisman on September 06, 2017, 03:31:37 AM
too bad it has to take up a pci slot to mount the bracket

That is no problem for me, as the MOTU PCI424 takes almost all bandwidth of the PCI bus, if you make extensive use of the CUEMIX.  8)
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: teroyk on December 17, 2017, 12:04:14 PM
Has anybody tested Jamport to Powerbook?
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/powerbook-g4.html
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: hageir on March 06, 2019, 05:37:27 AM
Has anybody tested Jamport to Powerbook?
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/powerbook-g4.html

I've been looking into this for my PowerBook G4 15"
Instead of going for the debug port on the motherboard
or possibly wiring a Mini DIN 8 Pin to Modem RJ11 cable and using the modem port,
what about utilizing the Cardbus (PCI) Slot?? ;)

(https://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImage/A86V_1_20151001536372243.jpg)+(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31o6bKwFxxL._SX466_.jpg)

Has anybody tried this combination out? 8)

I have a TDK Music Card (PCMCIA) with MIDI IN & OUT for my Toshiba 480CDT and that works flawlessly...

*just noticed this is in the marketplace LOL, gonna post it over at Oldschooldaw*
http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php/board,66.0.html (http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php/board,66.0.html)

-Geiri
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: macStuff on November 10, 2019, 09:22:02 AM
has anyone been in contact with alex hixon?
i been trying to reach him for some time without any reply
i hope the guy didnt get hit by a bus or somethign
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: teroyk on November 30, 2019, 02:41:06 PM
Has anybody tested Jamport to Powerbook?
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/powerbook-g4.html

I've been looking into this for my PowerBook G4 15"
Instead of going for the debug port on the motherboard
or possibly wiring a Mini DIN 8 Pin to Modem RJ11 cable and using the modem port,
what about utilizing the Cardbus (PCI) Slot?? ;)

I started to think for more this.  So my question can I have second cardbus-slot from airport-cardplace and wire from card to outside through modem port hole?  Of course I have take out connector from card and extra plastic too.

Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: part12studios on June 26, 2020, 09:01:47 AM
might need to take this one down.. or update it..  the guy no longer sells or makes these cards. 
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: teroyk on June 27, 2020, 12:36:17 PM
might need to take this one down.. or update it..  the guy no longer sells or makes these cards.

Did you get an answer from Alex Hixton (the maker)? I hope that he release information that we can continue his work, can somebody ask about this?
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: rvense on June 28, 2020, 10:38:17 AM
Most of the required info is on his technical page:

http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/development.html

If he doesn't want to build them anymore, maybe he wants to release his design files as open hardware.

I believe the connector is Molex part 52885-0474, available here (https://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/Molex/52885-0474?qs=%2Fha2pyFadujhBvPnPpxoBjPfJNk1T9qi62aKb6yKWKqyFQ9%2F9q7zFw%3D%3D). I bought one and it seemed to fit, but I never managed to make a a board for it.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: no_doz on July 24, 2020, 09:18:44 PM
I wrote him today, I'm looking for a few of these (or the original variants).  I'll let you know what I hear!
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: 9646gt on August 20, 2020, 08:14:13 AM
I just emailed him as well! If this turns out to be a bust, is there anyway pci cards or anything I can buy to let me hook my Roland SC-88 up to my MDD 867DP and be able to use it with OMS for MIDI in games under OS9 and possibly OS X?!
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on August 20, 2020, 01:17:04 PM
any usb oder firewire midi interface?
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: zefrenchtoon on March 13, 2022, 05:40:48 AM
Hey!

Sorry for unearthing this post …

I wanted to share this info:  another guy is working on a clone of GeeThree Stealth Port / Griffin gPort / Jamport etc

Here is the link:  https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-circuittalk-localtalk-for-powermac-g4.40182/page-3
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on March 13, 2022, 06:28:41 AM
50 euro superb.

whenever i will reactivate my stealth port for midi i will buy one of these so that i have a replacement.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on March 13, 2022, 06:33:35 AM
Quote
All in good time. Don't expect these soon™. I don't even own a Mac Mini G4 yet and simply cannot afford one at the moment.

does somebody have a spare one he can donate to him? he is in the UK as it seems.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: mopar300m on March 13, 2022, 09:12:04 AM
I'd be very interested in one of these so I could run an older MOTU Midi Timepiece.  They are cheap and plentiful on ebay unlike the USB MOTU Timepiece AV.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: zefrenchtoon on March 13, 2022, 01:13:53 PM
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All in good time. Don't expect these soon™. I don't even own a Mac Mini G4 yet and simply cannot afford one at the moment.

does somebody have a spare one he can donate to him? he is in the UK as it seems.

He already got one for its tests. ;)

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@ArmorAlley has very kindly donated a Mini G4 to the cause so development of "CircuitTalk Mini" will begin soon! This version will also be the basis of the PowerBook G4 and eMac variants.

 -afro-
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: zefrenchtoon on March 17, 2022, 01:54:16 PM
Just got a CubePort from Griffin Technology on french marketplace.

If it can help someone, I shared an image of the provided CD on the garden:
https://macintoshgarden.org/apps/griffin-software-driver-collection

This CubePort will be useless to me as I don't have a Cube but I took it to save it from potential bin … and to help CircuitBored if it can.  :)

If someone is "really" interested by it … tell me
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Philgood on April 19, 2022, 12:16:22 PM
I would be interested in it as I have a Cube AND this CubePort but I can’t get it to work. As soon as I install it the Cube wouldn’t boot anymore.
I would like to buy a second one to try it out again and maybe repair the other one.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: CircuitBored on April 28, 2022, 06:21:33 AM
Hi all, CircuitBored here. Sorry for lurking all these years without ever making an account!

It's really nice to see people getting excited about my work. If you're interested in buying one of my StealthSerial/gPort clones then please get in touch. Kits are £40 plus postage from the UK.

I'm not sure if posting this message here is the "done thing". Admins, if you'd like me to create my own thread then please just let me know.

All the best,
CB
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on April 28, 2022, 06:46:58 AM
welcome!
there is an introduction thread here http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php/topic,1991.675.html but nobody is obilgated to use it.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Protools5LEGuy on April 29, 2022, 08:42:36 AM
Hi all, CircuitBored here. Sorry for lurking all these years without ever making an account!

It's really nice to see people getting excited about my work. If you're interested in buying one of my StealthSerial/gPort clones then please get in touch. Kits are £40 plus postage from the UK.

I'm not sure if posting this message here is the "done thing". Admins, if you'd like me to create my own thread then please just let me know.

All the best,
CB

So, you are Alex Hixon?

Wellcome aboard!
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: CircuitBored on April 29, 2022, 09:42:11 AM
Quote

So, you are Alex Hixon?

Wellcome aboard!

Cheers! I'm glad to be here.

No, I am not Alex Hixon - I should have made that clearer! I reached out to Mister Hixon about his cards about six months ago and have heard nothing back. It seems as though he's gone off the grid (or this part of the net, at least) - hopefully he's alright.

The development page on Hixon's website was invaluable to getting my project off the ground although I went a slightly different route, opting to use the DS8925 chip from the original serial cards rather than something modern. Might as well put those old, plentiful chips to use. I also use the original modem port's housing for mounting the serial connector, which means you don't waste a PCI slot on a non-PCI device and gives the upgrade a stock-alike look.

I've sold about fifteen kits so far and people seem really happy with them, which is great to hear.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Architecture on July 03, 2022, 03:57:39 PM
Quote

So, you are Alex Hixon?

Wellcome aboard!

Cheers! I'm glad to be here.

No, I am not Alex Hixon - I should have made that clearer! I reached out to Mister Hixon about his cards about six months ago and have heard nothing back. It seems as though he's gone off the grid (or this part of the net, at least) - hopefully he's alright.

The development page on Hixon's website was invaluable to getting my project off the ground although I went a slightly different route, opting to use the DS8925 chip from the original serial cards rather than something modern. Might as well put those old, plentiful chips to use. I also use the original modem port's housing for mounting the serial connector, which means you don't waste a PCI slot on a non-PCI device and gives the upgrade a stock-alike look.

I've sold about fifteen kits so far and people seem really happy with them, which is great to hear.

Very interested in this, where can I contact you?
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on July 03, 2022, 09:04:47 PM
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/index.html

https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-circuittalk-localtalk-for-powermac-g4.40182/post-438620
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Protools5LEGuy on July 04, 2022, 04:29:47 AM
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/index.html

https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-circuittalk-localtalk-for-powermac-g4.40182/post-438620

PM to CircuitBored
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Architecture on July 04, 2022, 07:48:51 AM
http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/index.html

https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-circuittalk-localtalk-for-powermac-g4.40182/post-438620

http://alexhixon.com/projects/jamport/index.html

Thanks guys, made contact  8)

https://68kmla.org/bb/index.php?threads/introducing-and-interest-check-circuittalk-localtalk-for-powermac-g4.40182/post-438620

PM to CircuitBored
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: teroyk on July 04, 2022, 01:22:14 PM
Any new news about Powerbook version?
Some Powerbook G3 has separate modem-card that is easy get out...and I just wondering how about those IRDA-ports...they are also serialports.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: CircuitBored on July 05, 2022, 02:32:04 AM
Any new news about Powerbook version?

The card itself works fine in the G3 powerbooks it fits in. All that needs to be figured out is a custom mini-DIN that will fit in the spot previously occupied by the RJ-11. As you might imagine, designing custom connectors is no small task. I'm still in the pre-prototype phase at the moment, figuring out how much room there is to play with in the Pismo and the Wallstreet.
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: zefrenchtoon on July 05, 2022, 11:37:40 AM
As you might imagine, designing custom connectors is no small task. I'm still in the pre-prototype phase at the moment, figuring out how much room there is to play with in the Pismo and the Wallstreet.

Why don't you use a USB-C connector ? it should fit and there are enough pins to make it reversable ?   -afro-     ;D
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: IIO on July 05, 2022, 01:30:15 PM
that sounds dangerous. :)
Title: Re: GeeThree Stealth Port and the Griffin gPort new clones!
Post by: Metrophage on September 23, 2022, 08:56:14 PM
It's great to see that others are making serial port adaptors! I am tearing apart my place looking for my stash of Stealth ports and can't find them - which is driving me nuts because I saw them like a week ago when I was looking for something else! Which led me on a brief search because the electronics are not complicated. I was going to make my own a few years back but wasn't able to find out what the modem connector part is.

As for PowerBook use, I did test a Stealth in my Pismo (RIP) and it worked great, apart from (as CircuitBored noted) needing to install the jack somehow. I just left the cable hanging out the back of mine for like a month before I decided to remove the card. Didn't try my TiBook because it's delicate and a PITA to work on.

Definitely looking forward to the mini version! Also psyched to see that people are playing with the I2C and GPIO pins.