Xref: utzoo comp.graphics:3540 comp.os.vms:9864 comp.sys.dec:857 comp.sys.hp:1193
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!mmlai!burzio
From: burzio@mmlai.UUCP (Anthony Burzio)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics,comp.os.vms,comp.sys.dec,comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: Need to direct drive hpp7585B from VAX-VMS 4.6
Summary: HP plotters and VAXen
Message-ID: <445@mmlai.UUCP>
Date: 5 Nov 88 15:51:20 GMT
References: <10261@ihlpa.ATT.COM>
Organization: Martin Marietta Labs, Baltimore, MD
Lines: 20

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.

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Tony Burzio          * Don't look for me when it snows,
Martin Marietta Labs * For I shall be on the slopes...
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