RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4

Name: RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4
SKU: 18828
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.43 (25 reviews)

(25 Reviews)

Get your vintage computer connected to BBS's and more! It can act as a Modem, PPP ISP or a SLIP Ethernet adapter!

Designed by The Old Net in Canada

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 1

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 2

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 3

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 4

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 5

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 6

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 7

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 8

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4 9

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$35.00

Out of Stock

Sold out since May 21, 2024

We make hardware and software to allow your vintage computer to get online again!

Get your vintage computer connected to BBS's and more! It can act as a Modem, PPP ISP or a SLIP Ethernet adapter!

Update [1/25/2023] MEGA FIRMWARE UPDATE! The Old Net Serial to WIFI Adapter now does even more with a seriously awesome firmware update. Some new features include: Over The Air Firmware Updates w…

What does it let you do?

So you are now connected to the internet with your old computer, so what, what can be done? Do you remember Bulletin Board Systems? Well they are still alive and well, only these days they are available on the internet over Telnet rather than over telephone lines.

Using this modem emulator you can open up your favorite old terminal program on your favorite old computer and connect to these BBS's at 300 - 115200 bps. It behaves just like they used to.

A PDF manual is included with full set up instructions and list of AT commands.

Not included but required is a micro-USB 5v 1000ma (or greater) power supply (standard phone charger, etc).

What makes it special?

It's simple and ready to use. I put care into coming up with a clean looking design.

This modem has the smallest footprint out of any on the market. Which means in a direct-connect set up it is less likely to prevent the use of neighboring ports!

It's built by the creator of theoldnet.com so you can expect long lived support for this device and new services that can be used by the modem such as theoldnet's telnet web proxy!

Specs

Hayes compliant modem emulator (accepts all the standard AT commands)
802.11 b/g/n WIFI radio
9-pin RS-232 standard serial interface
300bps modem by default, configurable up to 115,200 bps
Built-in phonebook capable of storing 10 IP addresses to your favorite BBS's
Firmware upgradable (Over the air or manual)
Can act as a server / Auto-answer
2MB file system
Web UI for configuration and file management

Support

User Manual

Video Quick Start

Video Overview of Version 2

Video Overview of Version 1

No country selected, please select your country to see shipping options.

Change Destination Country:

The Old Net Shipping Policy:

I try to ship all orders within 2 days to 2 weeks. Sometimes I get a quick spike in orders, if someone makes a YouTube video for example. In this case it takes me longer to put the orders together.

When you receive a shipping confirmation that doesn't mean it has physically shipped. It means I created a shipping label and updated the tracking status. This is because it's easier for me to keep track of things without making a mistake.

If I ship a product on Friday it may not get entered into the postal system until Monday. If there is a holiday in Canada it may be delayed by that additional day.

The inventory level does not represent the number of products that are pre-assembled. Products are assembled when ordered. The inventory level is a fuzzy calculation of how many raw materials I have on hand and how many finished products I think I can assemble in the estimated time frame.

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.64)

Documentation: (4.08)

Shipping: (4.64)

Communication: (4.36)

James | April 18, 2024

Product works great!

It is cheap and just works. Great device for a tinker that wants to get online.

It took over two weeks to ship.
Message to seller invoked no response, but it did ship.
Documentation will get you on a bbs quick, but expect to do leg work to figure out ppp or reflash for ethernet emulation. I was very hesitant to try to reflash with all the issues ondiscord and other more negative reviews. However, if you stay with stock you should be able to use a terminal and get internet via PPP (dialup).

Thank you for providing the product!

Patrick | Jan. 27, 2024

Support is non-existent

I purchased two of these. The web site shows V4. I received V6. I wanted to modify the firmware. The source for V6 doesn't appear to be available. I flashed using the firmware available online. Now "AT$SWAP" doesn't work so DB9 cannot be used and AT$FW generates "Error -1". Serval messages for support have gone unanswered. If the hardware is going to be changed, the software and documentation also need to be changed to reflect the new hardware. Do not purchase this product if you intend to have access to support and current documentation and firmware.

BUILD 20230905
GPL3 GITHUB.COM/SSSHAKE/VINTAGE-COMPUTER-WIFI-MODEM

setting up file system
Filesystem init failed!
initialization done.
CONFIGURE SSID AND PASSWORD. TYPE AT? FOR HELP.
WEB URL: http://theoldnet.local

OK
at$swap
Swapping to Serial 1 (DE9)
Not swapping serial because this is not a compatible PCB
Swapped Serial Port

OK

Seth | Dec. 29, 2023

The funnest thing

I had a problem with my first modem and the seller replaced it at no cost. I meant to review it forever ago but forgot until today, when I started using it again. Used it with ZTerm on a Macintosh Lisa running MacWorks and it's the best.

Oleg | Dec. 20, 2023

Device not arrived, no communication

I have not received the device. No proof it was shipped at all was provided. Both my direct messages and messages from Tindie support were ignored, and there was no response. I have returned the money through the PayPal refund.

Ross | Nov. 14, 2023

Decently built product, but the support is somewhat lacking

I have three of these modems (two of the older model and one V4) and I think the hardware build quality is great. The support via the Discord forum is somewhat lacking however. There are problems with the two older modems after the last firmware update that make them unusable (seemingly unable to turn off local echo), and there are no responses to myself or others with the same problem on the support forums. I know this is a product for hobbyists and some fiddling is expected, but some responsiveness would be appreciated.

Rockwell | Nov. 9, 2023

Wonderful!

Connected the modem to my IBM 5155 running MS-DOS 3.1 and Procomm, and I was up and running right away. The printed case is nice, and the quick-start guide was enough to get me going. I plan to install USB-A ports on a PCI bracket on the rear, wired up with 5V power from the PSU, so I can power the modem directly from the computer itself. The hardest part is finding some cool BBSes to troll. Thanks!

Carrie | Nov. 3, 2023

Works great!

Using this for my Book8088. Works flawlessly, now I can BBS on my 8088! It required very little setup.

Zacahry | Nov. 15, 2022

One of the coolest pieces of tech I've seen!

I got this not to use with a vintage computer but with a newer Z80 computer (SC503) as a standalone BBS machine and maybe some other networking novelties. The device comes with a quick-start tutorial paper and following it it worked first try! My terminal at the time was not up to the task, unable to ignore color terminal escape codes, however that's hardly the fault of this device and finding BBSs that were monochrome and later getting a terminal that could ignore color codes resolved that issue altogether.

I got the version with the 3D printed case and that was very stylish. The LED light guides were a little loose but a small dab a glue easily resolved that. Serial cables screw into it securely and you do not need to get an extra null modem. Overall very good and highly recommend.

Ethan | June 30, 2022

It's arrived!

It's better than I was expecting and after taking the case off and looking at this gen 4 I'm very pleased with the build quality. Shipping has taken over a month (Canada to U.K) but it has been well worth the wait. The instructions are all in english not programmer, so that's a plus! And they're easy to understand, it's easy to read and all relevant and important information is on this sheet.
I'll be testing it tomorrow as I don't have a DB9 male to male adapter, woops!

Response from The Old Net | Aug. 2, 2022

Thanks for the great review! If you want to tell me your particular use case for a male to male adapter I can see about stocking them in my store. I want things to work out of the box for as many people as possible.

David | April 27, 2022

Help I'm stuck

I have a Packard Bell 386SX running DOS 5.0 that I restored. Installed Telix for DOS. Can't get the modem to work. Forgive my ignorance. What model modem does this device emulate (Telix program requires this for initial configuration)? When I try to connect, the terminal display fills with a continuous string of random characters.

Response from The Old Net | April 27, 2022

Hi if you reach out to me for support with your order number that might be better for going back and forth troubles shooting. You can also hop on the discord server for help here: https://discord.gg/5xE6NEGkNK

If you are getting random characters on the screen only then you probably have a rate mismatch. Set your terminal to 300 bps, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop, no flow.

I use Telix too and you shouldn't need to specify an exact modem brand but choosing a generic Hayes modem should work.

A video of your troubles might be helpful too.

Also make sure you have the right COM port selected in telix. You might accidentally have it set to a serial mouse perhaps.

Michael | April 18, 2022

Works perfectly

As a furst time user for BBS and hyperturmal applications with help and trial and error, manged to get it figured out with lots of saport form the seller, I wold highly recommend this for anyone who wants to get there old computers back on the internet.

Paul | Feb. 13, 2022

Works well with my Atari ST

Easy to setup and get working with my Atari ST. So far I have got it to run at 9600 Baud but I’m sure I can set it faster. Great device. Thanks.

Steven | Oct. 10, 2021

Rs232 serial Wifi Modem

Great modem for vintage computers and works well although the case needs work would love to buy one more but
took my home wifi a reset before it was able to logon but it stayed connected once my home wifi was reset.

Response from The Old Net | Dec. 4, 2021

Hi thanks for the feedback. Could you give me more information on what your issue is with the case? I would like to know so I can try an make things better.

It may not be perfect but believe me a lot of time and effort has been placed into the design of the case. I've gone through at least 20-30 revisions of the design. Of those iterations this is the 4th version of the case that I've been selling.

Tegan | Oct. 9, 2021

Surfing the Web text-only on my 35yo Mac? Excellent!

First of all, have to say purchasing this was a super smooth process, I even messaged them before it got shipped out to add a cable to my order.
As for the device itself, I was able to get online with my Macintosh Plus.
While the documentation that comes with it is enough to get you going, its definitely worth using AT? and reading though all the available options.What really saved me was the handle telnet option. With the modem handling telnet, I was able to access SDF pubilc access unix system and run lynx to get online. absolutely brillient.
Plus, it shipped with an TheOldNet logo sticker! sick

Frederik | Oct. 1, 2021

Getting the Tandy 1000SX online

This product is great and perfect for vintage computing. I had to setup an serial rs232 isa card, but when that was done the rest was easy using the provided short manual. Shipment was perfect. so thumbs up.

Matthew | Aug. 31, 2021

Love this serial modem!!

This device helped me connect an HP 200LX to the internet from DOS 5.0. It would be great if it could be made to act as a wifi adapater as well, so that we could do some web browsing as well. Still being able to connect to BBS'es is great! I highly recommend this for anyone looking to do anything I've described here!

Response from The Old Net | Sept. 29, 2021

I want a 200 LX very much. I have a 360LX which is Window CE, but I would rather have the earlier DOS capable system.

I would love to see a video of your system with this modem in action!

Christopher | Aug. 16, 2021

AWESOME!

Using with a Macintosh LCII to get back into BBSing like it was the 90's. The only tricky part was finding an old school Mac serial modem cable, then I needed a DB9 to DB25 adaptor. It all worked out though. Found both as New old stock on Ebay. Using Zterm set to 9600 8N1 seems to be the best for this particular machine.

Response from The Old Net | Aug. 16, 2021

Thanks for the review! I've been hearing from a lot of people their desire for Mac connectivity (mini-DIN 8) as well as DB25 adapters.

Rest assured I plan to offer multiple adapters as addon options and I will be offering them at a reasonable price!

I have been testing out a couple different styles of adapter and seeing which suppliers can give me a decent price. Ordering a box of cables is surprisingly expensive on shipping. It's a lot of bulk and weight.

For everyone else looking for these options stay tuned, I'll likely have something in the coming weeks depending on shipping time.

Jon | May 17, 2021

My Macintosh SE/30 is online!

I connected this to my Macintosh SE/30 and have been able to both connect to BBSes over telnet and to a local PPP server to set up a full TCP/IP stack.

Response from The Old Net | June 2, 2021

I'd love to see a video tutorial for that, I have an SE/30 too! I haven't set it up for PPP with this modem yet. Was it easy?

Pavel | March 17, 2021

Very good product.

I have used this modem with CP/M machine SC126 (Z180, 18 MHz) - modem works on the first touch without any problem. Modem works as time machine - I sit again on text based monitor and I am again connecting to BBS. Wonderful!

One and half year later:
On BBS`s is a few interesting things (IMHO), but this modem is great for internet handling. I use this one for time synchro, email and file transfer from/to home NAS WebDAV server. See http://www.chstercius.cz/cpm/

Dean | March 12, 2021

Great product, bringing back memories!.

This was a great purchase. I am now able to use my old software from the dialup days, software I thought I would probably never use again. Very well designed and works exactly as advertised. Included documentation very clear and concise, and gets you up and running quickly.

Definitely five stars!

Eddie | March 11, 2021

Just what I needed!

I collect and restore vintage computers, and part of that includes re-living the online experience. While I still maintain a dial-up telephone line and modem, this RS232 Serial Wifi Modem makes it a much simpler process to get online with BBS's over Telnet. The biggest factor for my purchase decision was the portability... I can move this device from system to system with ease. That being said... I think having a few of these on-hand would be a good idea, too. ;)

Jeroen | March 10, 2021

Nice RS232 modem for retro computer

I searched for a solution to connect my Monotech Nuxt V2.0 system to BBS'es. This is a nice product that does the job. Was able to connect it easily to the Wifi network, also got file transfers from BBS'es working. Nice that the product is in a 3D printed case, so no PCB hanging wide open outside your computer.

Garrett | Feb. 22, 2021

Great product and support from the seller

Had some problems setting up and the seller was quick with the communication and tips to get it going. Answered several questions, works great. Thank you

Chris | Dec. 4, 2020

Great piece of well-designed, high-quality tech!

I recently picked up a RS232 Serial Wifi Modem and am using it with my Tandy 1000! Very easy to configure with great built-in help that you can read right in the terminal. I look forward to exploring the features. So far, I've set up my very own Renegade BBS coupled with RLFOSSIL and was easily able to connect in using this device! I've also configured telnet settings to allow telnetting to my Raspberry Pi running a straight telnet server. From one retro enthusiast to another, THANK YOU for creating this wonderful piece of tech.

RetroTech Chris

Sergei | July 5, 2020

Thank you

Thank you for an easy, pleasant transaction. Excellent seller! A+++++++++++. I wish you success in business.

+ Show 20 more

$35.00

Out of Stock

Sold out since May 21, 2024

The Old Net

Kitchener, ON, Canada

Ships from Canada.

27 Reviews | 952 Orders

View Store

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Tindie

RS232 Serial Wifi Modem for Vintage Computers V4

Out of Stock

Get your vintage computer connected to BBS's and more! It can act as a Modem, PPP ISP or a SLIP Ethernet adapter!

What does it let you do?

What makes it special?

Specs

Support

Rates to

The Old Net Shipping Policy:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product works great!

Support is non-existent

The funnest thing

Device not arrived, no communication

Decently built product, but the support is somewhat lacking

Wonderful!

Works great!

One of the coolest pieces of tech I've seen!

It's arrived!

Response from The Old Net | Aug. 2, 2022

Help I'm stuck

Response from The Old Net | April 27, 2022

Works perfectly

Works well with my Atari ST

Rs232 serial Wifi Modem

Response from The Old Net | Dec. 4, 2021

Surfing the Web text-only on my 35yo Mac? Excellent!

Getting the Tandy 1000SX online

Love this serial modem!!

Response from The Old Net | Sept. 29, 2021

AWESOME!

Response from The Old Net | Aug. 16, 2021

My Macintosh SE/30 is online!

Response from The Old Net | June 2, 2021

Very good product.

Great product, bringing back memories!.

Just what I needed!

Nice RS232 modem for retro computer

Great product and support from the seller

Great piece of well-designed, high-quality tech!

Thank you

Out of Stock

The Old Net

More From This Seller:

Telephone Line Voltage Inducer for Dreamcast LVI

We thought you'd like these too…

Simple Wifi RS232 Modem v2

Flipper Zero - Flip'n Cereal RS232 by Rabbit-Labs™

Victron VE.Direct isolated WiFi/MQTT module

ESP8266 Wireless Terminal DIY Kit