Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!portal!cup.portal.com!Classic_-_Concepts
From: Classic_-_Concepts@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: DigiView blowing parallel port
Message-ID: <24076@cup.portal.com>
Date: 15 Nov 89 04:04:51 GMT
References: <38792@srcsip.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 27


   You plugged and unplugged the DigiView with the Camera on??  I've been
using a DigiView since they came out and, while I've unwisely risked
plugging and unplugging it from the parallel port without powering down 
the machine (which I ought to), I have never risked plugging a live video
signal into it.  This is the sequence I use and which has not caused any
problems:
     -  unplug printer cable
     -  plug in DigiView
     -  plug in video camera cable
     -  power up camera
     -  run Digi-View software 
   However, recently I did what I should have done LONG ago and was silly
not to (and which I heartily recommend).  I got a simple A-B switcher.  For
the uninitiated, a switcher is a little box with a knob and straight pin
pass-throughs.  They range in price from $20 to $150, depending on the
shielding and how much 'smarts' they have.  Unfortunately, most have 3 female
ports, so you need a gender-bender (or 2, for a 1000), which adds a little
more hardware and might degrade the signal slightly, but ....
      you can have your printer and DigiView plugged in simultaneously and
just switch between the two--what a concept.  I went for a well-shielded,
simple $32 model.  It saves mucho wear and tear on me and the machine and
GREATLY reduces the chance of frying Ami.  A switcher is cheaper than an
hour in the shop ...
      Now, internal ports cause a little more problem, some extra cabling
might be needed, but you get the idea.
                                                 Julie (LadyHawke)