robert@peregrine.peregrine.com (Robert Young) (09/26/89)
A while ago I posted a request for information about protocols converters but I think the request got lost somewhere. So here it is again: We are developing graphics interface between our Database System and Postscript printers. Our database runs on IBM mainframe under MVS X/A on a 4381. Our software will take a print a PRINT request and conver the data into a series of Post- Script commands that generate the graph (or graphs). The idea is the following: User Requests to create a graph based on some input data A program massages the input data and generates PostScript commands These commands are sent (via a printer) to a direct attached protocol converter which will convert the ebcdic data (postscript commands) into ascii data (the same postscript commands) which goes to a PostScript printer. The idea works as we have tried it on an APPLE LASERWRITER printer using a Black Box protocol converter. We tried a QMS-80 postscript printer but had no luck with it. We would like to: 1) Know if there are other protocol converters to choose from that we can test. Price is an important factor as the one from Black Box cost about $1300. Too much for a protocol converter I think. 2) Know of people who have done this already and would like to share their experiences. 3) Know about other PostScript printers that may already have an embedded protocol converter. We are waiting for a cartridge from Pacific Data which is supposed to make our HP LAserjet Series II work like a PostScript printer. Then we will be able to test the HP printer. Any clues, hints, etc... will be appreciated. Robert Young Peregrine Systems