Original Question:
>
>
> We have a couple of Versatec plotters, a V80 monochrome and a 2766 colour.
> We used to have these connected (not particularly successfully) to a 3/180
> via the VMEbus Systech interface. The 3/180 is on its way out but we now
> have a resurgence in the need to use the plotters. It would be really useful
> if we could plug them into a SparcStation (we have 1,1+ and 2). So, is there
> an SBUS card which will drive Versatecs?
>
> My Sun catalogue lists the following possibles (ie, parallel interfaces)
>
> SBus Printer Card X1130A
> Serial Parallel Controller X1008
>
> Will either/both of these do? Are there 3rd party alternatives?
>
> Also any tales of woe/happiness relating to the topic of Sparc/SunOS/Versatec
> would be very welcome.
IKON 10105 TTL Versatec interface $ 640 now
Bill Waddington 10104 Differential Versatec $ 640 now
Tel: 206-728-1633 interface
Fax: 206-728-1633
Suggestion that this is preferred by Valid who are, like us, now Cadence.
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TEXAS MICROSYSTEMS SBC-70: Differential Versatec $795 now
Telemarketing interface
Tel: 800-627-8700
Fax: 713-933-1029
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VERSATEC Model 116 Versatec Plotter $1,200 now
Lily Lee Louie interface
Tel: 408-988-2800
Fax: 408-970-0287 750 quid UK from Versatec salesdroid
We use a Versatec 8836 with serial interface. It does a good job, but is
slow for > 2 Mbyte jobs.
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We have an 10S(single parallel) and a 210S(single parallel,
dual serial) that has been tested with a versatec 86xx series plotter.
The V80 hasn't been tested but I don't see a problem with this
configuration working. If you have any questions concerning pricing
information contact Ed Pacyna at 617-290-4800.
Jeff Martin
Sr. Support Analyst
Aurora Technologies
617-290-4800
jeff@auratek.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------Danford Corp. makes two products that have parallel interfaces (Centronics).
Our SPPE (serial parallel port expander) is an SBus card that has 4 serial
ports and 1 parallel port. The HPPP (high performance parallel port) is
an SBus card that has a single parallel port. The HPPP can sustain transfer
rates of over 2Mbytes/second. Both products come with a loadable device
driver. Danford is located in San Pedro, CA, USA at (310) 514-9334.
Bruce T. Hill
Project Manager
Danford Corporation
350 W. 5th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(unclear if this is suitable, as I am unclear if versatec is a "normal"
parallel interface-Al)
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We drive a 2700 from a SBus Printer Card. We also drove it from a Sun 3/80 but
with less pretty results. In fact any Centronics port should do it.
//Z\\
Jim Ziobro
(Interesting, does this mean that the Sun X1008 will do the job? We are
considering buying one of these anyway-Al)
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Conclusion: There are a number of cards on the market, the cheapest being the
Ikon (which is also the one mentioned in the SunOS manual, which is a good
sign). On the other hand it *may be* possible to drive it from the "normal"
Sun parallel ports. If I get word that this is really possible, I will
email to anyone who wants to know.
Thanks to all who responded.
Alastair Young
Systems Supervisor
EuCAD
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