[comp.org.decus] Noisy terminal lines

oyster@uwmacc.UUCP (03/27/87)

In article <1592@tekigm2.TEK.COM> jimb@tekigm2.UUCP (Jim Boland) writes:
> >If there isn't any idle time,
>>the problem is most likely a terminal line which is passing transmit
>>data to receive data, using lots of CPU time echoing the same thing
>>over and over. 
...
>We traced it down to a noisy terminal line which had nothing connected at the
>other end.  Disconnecting unused terminal lines solved the problem.
>
>There was a software routine printed in DEC PROFESSIONAL(I believe) in
>Fall of 85 that checks for terminal activity.  I don't remember which
>issue and my issues don't go back prior to Dec 1985.  I remember the
>article,though, and we tried the program.  It helped to find our problem.

  That's the February 1986 issue (Volume 5, Number 2).  The basic algorithm
is:
   1) Examine KB; if logged in, go to next KB, else continue.
   2) Determine speed setting of KB.
   3) Set speed to zero.
   4) Time some arbitrary calculation & display result.
   5) Set speed back to normal.
   6) Repeat calculation & display results
   7) Next KB

   The author printed results of a sample run where two terminals were causing
problems; they ran the calculation at ~60% of the "zero speed."
--

 - Joel Plutchak, ex-RSTS system manager
   uucp: {allegra,ihnp4,seismo}!uwvax!uwmacc!oyster
   ARPA: oyster@unix.macc.wisc.edu
   BITNET: plutchak@wiscmacc

Disclaimer:
   If subpoenaed, the U of W will disavow all knowledge of my actions.

jfh@killer.UUCP (04/02/87)

[ Line eater at work - munch - munch ]

In article <1300@uwmacc.UUCP>, oyster@uwmacc.UUCP (Vicarious Oyster) writes:
> In article <1592@tekigm2.TEK.COM> jimb@tekigm2.UUCP (Jim Boland) writes:
> > >If there isn't any idle time,
> >>the problem is most likely a terminal line which is passing transmit
> >>data to receive data, using lots of CPU time echoing the same thing
> >>over and over. 
> ...
> >We traced it down to a noisy terminal line which had nothing connected at the
> >other end.  Disconnecting unused terminal lines solved the problem.

When I worked for Pinnacle Systems, we had a number of customers complaining of
the same problem - we had it real bad at our office because the serial cables
run in the ceiling over noisy stuff like light fixtures.  The best fix I
ever found was to tie the RxD line to ground with a 10K resistor.  If you
do this on the computer end of the cable, you don't have to disconnect the
unused (or switched off, like with a T-switch) cables.

- john.		(jfh@killer.UUCP)

John F. Haugh II
Ex Technical Support Analyst, Pinnacle Systems, Inc.

Disclaimer:	I don't work for Pinnacle anymore, much less speak for them.