tfilm@ihlpa.ATT.COM (Lindenmeyer) (11/03/88)
We are trying to operate a hp 7585B plotter directly
connected to a VAX running VMS 4.6, but are having nothing but
problems. The plotter goes wild at certain points in the test
plot file that indicate something about the buffers filling up.
We have tried changing buffer sizes using hp control language
with little success and now think that the plotter and the VAX do
not handshake properly. As a last resort, we will connect the
two through a data kit system that will provide for buffering;
however, this is not my idea of the most effective or efficient
way to interconnect the two.
I hope someone is doing or has done something similar and
can offer some advice. This problem is beginning to make a good
number of people restless, myself included.
Thanks.
M. E. Lindenmeyer, ihlpa!tfilm
881103.729cetron@wasatch.UUCP (Edward J Cetron) (11/04/88)
hmm, we have several that work just fine. you do have to be VERY careful about setting up the x-on/x-off handshaking. Them hp manual gives several good examples about using the N and M commands to set the various characters and 'levels'... Also verify that the vax terminal line is set to x-on/x-off (I seem to recall that its ttsync) -ed cetron@wasatch.utah.edu
burzio@mmlai.UUCP (Anthony Burzio) (11/05/88)
In article <10261@ihlpa.ATT.COM>, tfilm@ihlpa.ATT.COM (Lindenmeyer) writes: > > We are trying to operate a hp 7585B plotter directly > connected to a VAX running VMS 4.6, but are having nothing but We have a Draftsmaster II 7586 (very similar) connected to our VAX. I found that you can't connect the plotter directly to the VAX because the HP plotter replys to each command as it is loaded down. You have to write a program (mine's in FORTRAN) that reads a line from your plot file, sends the line to a unit opened on the terminal line to the HP, and then reads the reply from the plotter before continuing. In addition, if your plotfile does not have an IN; initialization command you should put it in. The size will be incorrect as the scaling will be from the previous plot. Don't forget to pause for 5 secs or so while the plotter initializes; the input is ignored during this time... If you want the code, send me mail. ******************************************************************************* Tony Burzio * Don't look for me when it snows, Martin Marietta Labs * For I shall be on the slopes... *******************************************************************************
gwyn@smoke.BRL.MIL (Doug Gwyn ) (11/09/88)
In article <10261@ihlpa.ATT.COM> tfilm@ihlpa.ATT.COM (Lindenmeyer) writes: > We are trying to operate a hp 7585B plotter directly H-P traditionally uses poor judgement in implementing its RS-232-C interfaces. I suspect the plotter in question drops DTR in an attempt to flow-control (even if you ask for DC3/DC1 flow control); with a bit of experimentation you may be able to figure out a good way to hot-wire the handshaking signal lines. Even then you will probably have trouble; let us know if you find a way to use one of these plotters at a high baud rate. (We never did get our 7550A to work entirely right.)