Smoke and Mirrors Issue 1 - The NS16550 UART
The NS16550 UART
John Chambers and Michael Hahn
From: JOHN CHAMBERS
Oh yes, forgot about that problem.
Every time I see the word UARTs I think about some weird characters in Next Generation or Deep Space Nine.
"Keptin, I'm detecting a sub-space field. Looks like it may be from a U'art ship."
"Oh no. Those U'arts are looking for trouble again."
From: MICHAEL HAHN
Mr. Data--hail the U'art vessel. (Yes, I know I changed generations--play along . . .)
There is no response to our hail, sir.
Captain, I suggest we fire full phasers, now!
Easy, Mr. Worf . . . let's try a high-speed data pulse first . . .
From: JOHN CHAMBERS
Worf: Captain, the data pulse has no effect.
Data: Captain, we seem to be picking up serial input errors in our data pulse. The U'arts are interfering with our data stream.
Captain: What can we do to fix this, Commander Data?
From: MICHAEL HAHN
Data: Perhaps if we ugraded to a 486 with a v.fast internal modem.
From: JOHN CHAMBERS
Geordie: Captain, I just completed a level three diagnostic on the serial ports. They're interfering with the transfer of the data stream. We don't have time for an upgrade! The U'arts are attacking.
Captain: Lt Worf, how are the shields holding?
From: MICHAEL HAHN
Worf: We have error recovery and serial overruns on the aft shield. Uploading has been shifted to the backup systems.
Picard: Prepare evasive maneuvers--initiate chat mode.
From: JOHN CHAMBERS
hahahahahahaha
