@splorp, I finally got around to setting things up to allow me to try out BatteringRamPro. Thanks for the tips. Just writing this followup in case someone else comes here trying to do the same and was in the same ignorant state I was in.
I couldn't figure out how to load packages directly onto a flash storage card from the PCMCIA slot on either of my old laptops with card slots (PowerBook G3 / Powerbook 540c). and I couldn't establish a connection to the locked device (because it was locked).
So, because I had an unlocked 130, my plan was to install it to the card by putting the card in the 130, then transferring the card with BatteringRamPro over to the locked 120.
I hadn't set up Newton Connection Utils, and I had forgotten the process to install software. So here are the steps I went through to be able to install a package on the Newton.
Steps for installing software on a Newton:
- So, first things first, get yourself an old Mac with a serial connection.
- Next, install Newton Connection Utilities (NCU) from http://www.unna.org/unnasearch/entry.php?pkey=507 (or the Apple Software Recovery CD)
- Then, fix the package file type problem. unna.org is a great resource for old Newton software in .pkg files. Do yourself a favor and get the package fixer software (http://www.unna.org/view.php?/macos/MacPKGFixer). Basically when you download the .pkg files, the file type information is incorrect and this allows you to drop those .pkg files on the fixer and it sets them to the correct file type. After doing this, you will be able to select those .pkg files for installation in NCU. Drag any .pkg files you downloaded onto this PKG fixer app and you should see the icon and file type information change.
- Disable AppleTalk on you modem/printer port if it's enabled (I've forgotten so much about how old Mac OS worked).
- Open NCU on the Mac and go to Edit->Preferences and selecting Printer-Modem Port in the "Listen for Newton device on" section. Click OK.
- Your Mac should now be ready to accept a connection from your Newton.
- On you Newton, go to Extras and find the Connection app and launch it. Make sure "Connect via" is set to "Serial" and click the Connect button. If everything goes to plan, all the buttons in NCU on the Mac should now be enabled.
- Click the Install Package button in NCU and you should now be able to select the pkg files you'd like to install (if you completed step 3 above).
I then took a spare 2MB card, popped it into the unlocked 130. I didn't initially do this, but after installing BatteringRamPro onto the internal storage (and realizing quickly that you cannot move the software from internal storage to the card after install because it is copy protected), I realized I needed to first set up the Newton to install new packages onto the card. I did that, and then reinstalled BatteringRamPro to the flash card. I then took the memory card out of the 130, installed it into the 120. When the message about loading packages from the card came up, the Lock Screen went away! Success!
However, the PIN was still enabled. And to remove it, you need to know what the PIN is. Fortunately, BatteringRamPro has you covered. Go to Extras on your now unlocked Newton and launch the BatteringRamPro app. A simple window will show up, tap "Decipher" and it will get your PIN and display it for you. You can then go into the Security preferences and use the deciphered PIN to permanently unlock the device or change the PIN to your own.
Next adventure: figuring out how to set the date on these old devices. I've found a date fix for newer devices, but the 1xx Newtons don't seem to have the same fix.
