68kMLA Classic Interface
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| Click here to select a new forum. | | Total AppleTalk Noob wants to connect a Beige G3 to IIci | Posted by: DistantStar001 on 2026-05-14 17:15:43
Yep. Just what the title says. I am a total AppleTalk noob. I have a Beige G3 Desktop (running OS 9.1) and a IIci (running System 7.1) that I want to connect over AppleTalk so I can share files between them. The G3 has internet access through Ethernet, but the IIci, on the other hand, lacks any networking cards. I understand I can connect the two over a serial cable, but don't know how. Back in the day, I never had more than one machine capable of networking (AppleTalk or otherwise), so I never bothered. Besides, a network of one wasn't all that useful. However, now that I have multiple, I want to find the easiest way to connect them.
My hope is to be able to download files/software I need (via Ethernet) on the G3, as well as creating documents (Photoshop and Illustrator mostly) on both that can be shared over AppleTalk as opposed to floppy disks.
What do I need to make this happen (both hardware and software wise)? At the moment, all I have are the Macs and a serial cable.
Eventually, I will want to expand this to include some of my other vintage Macs, but for now, I want to focus on the G3 and IIci. | Posted by: NJRoadfan on 2026-05-14 17:21:37
If you have a proper MiniDIN 8 Macintosh serial cable, connect the two machines via the printer port. On both machines, enable AppleTalk on the Printer Port. This can be found in the "AppleTalk" control panel on the G3. The IIci will have either the AppleTalk control panel (Open Transport) or the Network control panel (classic networking) to select this.
Machines running System 7 or newer have the File Sharing control panel which can be used to share folders and setup a username and password to login. | Posted by: DistantStar001 on 2026-05-14 19:21:20
If you have a proper MiniDIN 8 Macintosh serial cable, connect the two machines via the printer port. On both machines, enable AppleTalk on the Printer Port. This can be found in the "AppleTalk" control panel on the G3. The IIci will have either the AppleTalk control panel (Open Transport) or the Network control panel (classic networking) to select this.
Machines running System 7 or newer have the File Sharing control panel which can be used to share folders and setup a username and password to login. Thank you! It worked.
I'm assuming that the process will be the same for most other Macs, but if I want to connect to more than one at a time, I'm going to need a hub, or switch, or something? But I can deal with that later. What I need now is a VGA switch so I can hookup multiple machines to one monitor. What I would like to do is have my other macs (if it matters: a IIfx, LC III, DuoDock/230, 6100, some Compact Macs, and the occasional PowerBook) connected so I don't have to keep switching cables.
My other question would be: Can I get the G3 to be seen on my regular network with my MacBook Pro? And if so, can I still stay connected to AppleTalk at the same time? | Posted by: NJRoadfan on 2026-05-14 19:40:38
The G3 will stay connected via TCP/IP on Ethernet as that is controlled separately. If you want to bridge LocalTalk to Ethernet, install Apple's LocalTalk Bridge 2.1 control panel. | Posted by: mikes-macs on 2026-05-16 09:37:24
| Posted by: Fred1212 on 2026-05-19 22:35:21
When you get your head around Classic Mac Networking A Debian server with Netatalk will be lots of fun for you to play with | | 1 |
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