Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!waikato.ac.nz!canterbury!phys169
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: how to set up a remote terminal?
Message-ID: <1991Apr4.170937.381@csc.canterbury.ac.nz>
From: phys169@csc.canterbury.ac.nz
Date: 4 Apr 91 17:09:36 +1200
References: <18486@csli.Stanford.EDU>
Organization: University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Lines: 32

In article <18486@csli.Stanford.EDU>, ramaley@csli.Stanford.EDU (Alan Ramaley) writes:
> Hi folks.  I've got a question about how to connect a dumb terminal to
> a pc.
> 
> (1)	I could try to split the video signal, and put a keypad and a
> monitor in with the DJ's; but I'm concerned about issues of signal
> degradation over the 40 feet the signal would need to travel, and how
> I would go about splitting the video from a pc anyway.
> 
40ft is a bit far for video, but it could be worth trying if you're running a
monochrome monitor, just make up an extension cable, connecting all pins (don't
make a mistake, you can fry the line output circuit in the screen). The
keyboard is much easier, and should almost certainly manage the distance (you
need a pair of DIN 5pin connectors (male & female) - be careful to get the pin
spacing right as there are TWO types of 5pin DIN connector (180 & 240 degress).

> (2)	I could hook up a dumb terminal to a serial port, and write a
> program to manage it; however, I don't have the faintest idea how to
> do this.
> 
A much better idea, but a restricted range of software works with the coms port
comapred with the screen. Start by looking up the CTTY command in the DOS
manual. Remember to get all the modem signals right for the PC (4,5,6,8 & 20
should all be high, i.e. connected to either their corresponding pins on the
terminal, or swap 2&3, 4&5 and connect 6+8 together and then connect to 20 on
the terminal and vica versa). (Feel free to e-mail me if you pursue this
option, you'll need help if you do).

If you have enough money, consider buying Unix (there are some reasonably cheap
ones around now), which will save some hassles (and create some new ones!).

Mark Aitchison, Physics, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.