How to transfer files using FastTerm
One of the most common questions I receive is about how to transfer files from a Model 4 to another computer. Here is one of the simplest techniques I have found for a null-modem cable transfer.
You will need to use a null-modem cable to connect your Model 4 to another computer and run a communications program on both computers. Both communications programs need to be capable of performing YMODEM transfers. If your other computer is running Windows, then HyperTerminal (which was bundled with Windows XP and earlier) is a good choice.
In my opinion, the best communications program for the Model 4 was FastTerm, by Mel Patrick. For file transfers, the version that you need is FastTerm II version 4.62. That was the final version and the only one released as a full registered version that supported YMODEM batch transfers. You can download it here as a disk image or as a ZIP file.
After you connect your null-modem cable to each computer, you then need to start the communications program on your other computer and FastTerm on your Model 4.
After starting FastTerm, you will see the main screen. Notice that the second line of the screen is the menu bar.
You can open the FastTerm menus by pressing the F1 key, and move from menu to menu using the left and right arrow keys. The baud rate in FastTerm starts out at 300 baud, so you need to change it to match the baud rate used on your other computer. Select the Uart menu and press the B key to select among all of the possible baud rates. 9600 baud is probably a good choice.
Now use the arrows to open the Transfer menu. You want to start a YMODEM batch transfer, so press the B key.
Press the E key to select typing filenames.
Type in the name of the first file you want to transfer and press ENTER.
Type in the names of the rest of the files you want to transfer, up to nine in total, pressing ENTER after each one.
Make sure that your other computer is ready to accept a transfer and press ENTER. That’s it! The YMODEM transfer should start and your files will be transferred without any further interaction.
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