DAVISM@kcgl1.eng.ohio-state.edu (Michael T. Davis) (06/02/89)
Of the (only) three responses I got about my query for information regarding the WYSE terminal line, two essentially said "avoid them like the plague", and the other one very carefully side-stepped the issue of how good/ bad the terminals were, and just listed features. Since the author of the latter message was an employee of WYSE, I kinda figured on that kind of response (:-). One terminal that one of the "negative" messages mentioned (and one that I see general enthusiasm for from time to time here) is the Link MC-5 terminal. I recently obtained one of these and was quite surprised to find that it's just a WYSE terminal in disguise; at least, the words "WYSE TECHNOLOGY" are silk-screened across the main PCB. Upon reading the manual that came with the terminal-proper (for some reason the mail-order house I ordered it from decided to drop-ship the terminal itself and send the keyboard and a MODEM separately), it does appear to be almost everything I was looking for. The one feature it lacks is graphics emulation, a la WYSE 99GT (which probably explains the Link's somewhat lower price). The manual mentions a few escape sequences which invoke an optional graphics enhancement. Is there, in fact, such a device and if so, where can it be obtained and how much is it? Thanks, Mike __________________________________________________________________________ | THE InterNet address> davism@kcgl1.eng.ohio-state.edu | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | These_Thoughts := My_Own | |************************************************************************| | "Daddy, Daddy!! Why's Mommy running across the field?" | | "Shut up Son, and reload." | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
marks@mgse.UUCP (Mark Seiffert) (06/04/89)
In article <2320@quanta.eng.ohio-state.edu> DAVISM@kcgl1.eng.ohio-state.edu (Michael T. Davis) writes: > Of the (only) three responses I got about my query for information >regarding the WYSE terminal line, two essentially said "avoid them like the >plague", and the other one very carefully side-stepped the issue of how good/ >bad the terminals were, and just listed features. Since the author of the >latter message was an employee of WYSE, I kinda figured on that kind of >response (:-). I have used several Wyse 50 and 60 Terminals, they are not that bad, but the cost of replacing the motherboard when it goes out (not if, when), is way too high, it is ALMOST better to buy a new one. > One terminal that one of the "negative" messages mentioned (and one >that I see general enthusiasm for from time to time here) is the Link MC-5 >terminal. I recently obtained one of these and was quite surprised to find >that it's just a WYSE terminal in disguise; at least, the words "WYSE >TECHNOLOGY" are silk-screened across the main PCB. Upon reading the manual >that came with the terminal-proper (for some reason the mail-order house I >ordered it from decided to drop-ship the terminal itself and send the keyboard >and a MODEM separately), it does appear to be almost everything I was looking >for. The one feature it lacks is graphics emulation, a la WYSE 99GT (which >probably explains the Link's somewhat lower price). The manual mentions a few >escape sequences which invoke an optional graphics enhancement. Is there, in >fact, such a device and if so, where can it be obtained and how much is it? Link was bought out by Wyse, but the level 1.0 ROMS are worthless for Wyse emulation. A previous employer purchased 40 one time, half came in with 1.0 roms, the other half with 2.0. Link (Wyse) sent out 20 new 2.0 ROMS for free when i called them about it. The technician was very helpful in helping us find his bugs, some of which were to be fixed in the next release of the ROMs, however we were still unable to find out what caused the terminals to lock up at strange times for no apparent reason. The other thing was the level 1.0 manuals were a joke. The level 2.0 manuals were a little better, but as you mentioned, they only hint at things. The MC5 is capable of having its character set redefined, but the notes the tech was going to send to help explain how to do it never arrived. I have since left the company, 20 terminals went to one place, and 20 to a second place. Since that time a majority of the terminals at the second location have failed, i don't know all the details, but i know they are constantly having to box terminals up, and bring out a new terminal and upgrade its ROM. I think they are waiting for all 20 to die before they send them back, they seem to last 2 months before they die out. Oh one more thing, out of the first 20 opened up, 2 were DOA. But they are nice terminals while they work. What level ROM do you have? -- Mark Seiffert, Metairie, LA. uucp: rex!mgse!marks bitnet: marks%mgse@REX.CS.TULANE.EDU internet: marks%mgse@rex.cs.tulane.edu