jimv@vrdxhq.uu.net (10/07/88)
(Submitted for a friend's company; please contact them and not me. This
is summarized from their glossy data sheet. --JimV)
The Arbitor(tm) provides a civilized solution to the problem of printer
sharing in a multi-PC environment. With a single Arbitor from Kulus
Research's family of printer sharing devices, up to three computers can
harmoniously share a single printer. Three Arbitor models currently
exist: one for parallel interfaces and two for serial interfaces.
The Arbitor is a digital logic device that multiplexes computer output to
the printer connection. When a computer attempts to send data to the printer
and the printer is not in use, the data is sent directly to the printer.
When a computer attempts to send data to the printer and the printer is
already busy, the data is held up until the printer is idle.
The Arbitor utilizes an idle time delay specifying how long the printer
must be idle before it can be reassigned. This prevents premature
reassignment. The Arbitor will not assign the printer to a computer
unless the computer wants to print and the printer is ready to print.
The Arbitor also will not deassign the printer until the idle time
delay has elapsed after the printer has successfully completed printing.
LED's on the Arbitor's front panel indicate which computer (if any)
is currently talking to the printer.
The Arbitor offers several key features:
(1) Multiple computers can transparently share one printer. No
special purpose software is required for the Arbitor to work.
(2) The Arbitor is simple to install: just add one cable from each
computer to the Arbitor, and use the existing printer cable from
the Arbitor to the printer.
(3) The Arbitor does not suffer the problem introduced by mechanical
switches: hunting down the other users to make sure that the
printer is available and that you can use it.
(4) Unlike mechanical switches, the Arbitor improves the quality
of the signals driving the printer. This allows the printer
to be further from the computer and continue to work.
(5) The Arbitor is designed for unlimited daisy-chaining. For example,
by connecting the printer port of one Arbitor into a computer port
of a second Arbitor, five computers can have access to a single
printer.
The parallel model provides the user with a continuously variable idle
time delay. Due to signal crosstalk over long lengths of standard
parallel cables, Kulus extended distance parallel cables are strongly
recommended for environments where the computer and the Arbitor are
more than 15 feet apart.
The standard serial Arbitor supports DTR handshaking, 8 data bits, no
parity, 1 stop bit, 9600 bps. (Custom configurations of communication
parameters are avaiable.) A fixed idle time of 30 seconds is used.
Minimum cost 3 wire serial cables can be used to connect the computer
to the Arbitor.
The configurable serial model is similar to the standard serial model,
but allows the user to individually configure the communication parameters
of each channel, including 300-19200bps, XON/XOFF handshaking, and printer
trailer sequences. The user-settable options are retained even when the
power is cycled.
The Arbitor comes in a sturdy and stylish steel case. The three models
of the Arbitor list at the following prices:
ARB-3PA - Parallel Model $199.95
ARB-3SA - Standard Serial Model $219.95
ARB-3SXA - Configurable Serial Model $249.95
Call for quantity discounts.
To order, or for more information, please write or call:
Kulus Research
P.O. Box 5367
Beaverton, Oregon 97006
503/645-1670