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 881103.729
cetron@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... *******************************************************************************