Editing Apple Newton accessories (section)

== Connecting to a computer ==
=== Newton Connection Kit ===
The Newton Connection Kit is Apple's desktop software for viewing, editing, synchronising and backing up Newton data and for installing packages, sold with a serial cable and manual. In 1993 it cost US$129, and a Connection Pro version with import and export cost US$199.<ref name="mw93" /><ref name="dspl" /> Version 2.0 came as Newton Connection Kit 2.0 for Macintosh (H0030Z/C), which needs a 68030 or faster Macintosh with System 7, 4 MB of RAM and 3 MB of disk, and for Windows (H0029Z/C), which needs Windows 3.1 on an 80386DX or better with 4 MB of RAM and 8 MB of disk.<ref name="dspl" /> The Windows version was written for Apple by Traveling Software.<ref name="nckw">Apple Computer, ''Newton Connection Kit for Windows User's Guide'', 030-5277-A, 1994. Hosted as [[:File:Newton Connection Kit for Windows User's Guide (1994).pdf]]; listed on [[Apple Newton User Manuals]].</ref> For Newton 2.0 devices Apple supplied the [[Apple Newton Backup Utility]] and later the Newton Connection Utilities instead, but recommended the Connection Kit for devices staying on Newton 1.x.<ref name="nbu">Apple Computer, ''Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for the Macintosh Operating System'', 008-0027-A, 1995, p. 1. Hosted as [[:File:Newton Backup Utility User's Guide for Mac OS (1995).pdf]].</ref><ref name="ds2100">Apple Computer, ''MessagePad 2100'' data sheet, November 1997. Hosted as [[:File:MessagePad 2100 data sheet (1997).pdf]]. Newton Connection Utilities software included.</ref>

A MessagePad 1x0 connects to a Macintosh with a standard mini-DIN-8 serial cable, and to a PC with a mini-DIN-8 to 9-pin cable plus a 9-to-25-pin adapter where needed.<ref name="cables">Apple Computer, ''About Cables'', 030-8266-A, 1995, held by UNNA as [https://www.unna.org/unna/apple/documentation/misc/AboutCables.pdf AboutCables.pdf].</ref> On a PowerBook with an internal modem, the modem port may have to be switched to an external modem first, and AppleTalk must be off when the printer port is used.<ref name="mac">Apple Computer, ''Connecting a Newton PDA to your Macintosh'', 030-7372-A, 1995, held by UNNA as [https://www.unna.org/unna/apple/documentation/misc/ConnectingMPtoMac.pdf ConnectingMPtoMac.pdf].</ref>

=== Newton Serial Adapter ===
The Newton Serial Adapter (order number H0227Z/A) converts the 26-pin Newton InterConnect port of the MessagePad 2000 and 2100 to a round serial socket for the Newton Keyboard, Mac and PC serial cables, printers and modems. Apple describes it as InterConnect to DIN 9, compatible with RS-232 and LocalTalk; the Newton FAQ describes the socket as a standard mini-DIN-8.<ref name="ds97" /><ref name="faqadapter">''Newton FAQ'', Part II: Hardware, 1k "What makes a grey Newton Serial Adapter different from a black one?" and B10 "Are there any accessories that use the Interconnect port?", [http://newtonfaq.com/newton-faq-hardware.html newtonfaq.com] (read 2 October 2026). Four known variants (black "Taiwan N 1", grey "Taiwan N 2", black "China N 1" and "China N 2"); part number 590-0756 moulded into every one; the grey version made for the pre-production DVT MessagePad 2000, after a pin in the port was changed between EVT2 and DVT; Apple's only InterConnect accessories being this adapter and an InterConnect-to-DB-9 cable.</ref> Apple's eMate Service Source calls it the Newton Interconnect Adapter and uses it to test the eMate's 26-pin port.<ref name="ssem">Apple Computer, ''eMate 300'' (''Service Source''), Symptom Charts: Serial Port, PDF p. 40. Hosted as [[:File:EMateServiceManual.pdf]].</ref> Every adapter has part number 590-0756 moulded in. The grey ones were made for pre-production MessagePad 2000s; one owner reports them electrically identical to the black production adapter, which the Newton FAQ has not confirmed.<ref name="faqadapter" />

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|+'''InterConnect to DIN 8 serial wiring (Apple specification, Table 1-1)'''<ref name="ic">Apple Computer, ''Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification for the MessagePad'', draft of 13 August 1997, Table 1-1 and pp. 1-8 to 1-11. Hosted as [[:File:Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification (1997).pdf]]; see [[Newton Interconnect Port Hardware Specification]].</ref>
! Signal !! HSKo !! HSKi !! TXD− !! Gnd !! RXD− !! TXD+ !! GPI !! RXD+
|-
! InterConnect pin
| 19 || 20 || 18 || 23 || 8 || 6 || 7 || 21
|-
! DIN 8 pin
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8
|}
The adapter's locking bumps grip the InterConnect socket hard, and the socket's solder joints on the MessagePad 2000 and 2100 board crack from the strain of plugging it in and out. Owners file down the bumps on the top of the adapter, and resolder a loose socket.<ref name="faqprob">''Newton FAQ'', Part II: Hardware, C6f "How do I fix the broken serial port on my MessagePad 2000/2100?", [http://newtonfaq.com/newton-faq-hardware.html newtonfaq.com] (read 2 October 2026).</ref> Apple also sold the Newton Serial Cable for Mac OS (H2246LL/A, a standard DIN 8 cable) and for Windows (H0229Z/A), both used through the adapter on a 2000 or 2100.<ref name="ds97" />