MAI COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL FIELD INFORMATION BULLETIN SERVICE GROUP(S): MINI MFG: BASIC FOUR NACS TYPE(S): 4601 MFG. MODEL(S): PROTOCOL CATEGORY: MISCELLANEOUS I/O DESC: CONVERTER *** TABLE OF CONTENTS AS OF 07/31/91 *** FIB 00001.Installation and cable information..........................02/20/89 FIB 00002.Error in Service Manual - switches shown inverted...........01/12/87 FIB 00003.Jumper Settings For MBF Printer Protocol converter..........05/23/85 FIB 00004.Protocol Converter-to-VDT & VDT Firmware Compatibility......07/29/88 FIB 00005.P150/300 on GPx40/70 Requires New Version of Protocol Conver08/07/90 FIB 00006.PCBA & Firmware P/Ns & General Info for 13xx & GPx Converter02/18/91 FIB 00007.New Protocol Converter [ WPSF 672 ]........................02/21/91 FIB 00008.Printer.stops on MPx/ASx at m.6H OS [ WPSF 714 ]...........06/19/91 MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------Table Of Contents Pg01 of 01 FIB 00001 02/20/89 *** Installation and cable information *** PROTOCOL CONVERTER INSTALLATION INFORMATION: The MAI Basic Four Serial Printer Protocol Converter (SPPC) is a device that allows communications between a serial Basic Four Protocol port and either a standard serial RS232 interface printer or a Centronics interface parallel printer. The converter may be cabled for local operation as well as remote operation through modems. Below is a list of cable numbers for the different configurations. L O C A L O P E R A T I O N 1. 4-8 way to converter (8000) Cable # 907116 I/O panel to converter (8000) Cable # 907647 4-way to converter (2000) Cable # 907752 CMB to converter (2000) Cable # 907753 4-8 way to converter (210, 310, 410, 1600) Cable # 906693 I/O panel to converter (510, 610, 730) Cable # 906694 2. Converter to parallel printer Cable # 907148 3. Converter to serial printer Cable # 906694 R E M O T E O P E R A T I O N (Converter located at remote end) Host. 4-8 way to modem (8000) Cable # 907117 I/O panel to modem (8000) Cable # 907648 4-way to modem (2000) Cable # 907752 CMB to modem (2000) Cable # 907753 4-8 way to modem (210, 310, 410, 1600) Cable # 906918 *4-8 way to I/O panel (510, 610, 730) Cable # 906917 *I/O panel to modem (510, 610, 730) Cable # 906916 1. Modem to converter Cable # 906694 2. Converter to parallel printer Cable # 907148 3. Converter to serial printer Cable # 906694 * Both Cables needed for modem operation The converter has two eight position DIP switches. SW-0 sets the Host input parameters. SW-1 sets the Printer output parameters. There are several jumpers on the logic board. They should be set according to the following table: PROBLEMS: Although use of the SPPC is essentially transparent to the user, the following should be noted: o 300 LPM printers may show diminished speed due to: 1. Baud rate (must be at 9600 for maximum speed). 2. Programming (multiple print statements take longer). For example 1000 PRINT(7)@(10),"STATEMENT ONE", 1010 PRINT(7)@(30),"STATEMENT TWO", 1020 PRINT(7)@(50),"STATEMENT THREE" will print slower than 1000 PRINT(7)@(10),"STATEMENT",@(30),"STATEMENT",@(50),"STATEMENT" MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB001 Pg001 3. 13xx system spooling (faster without spooler use). 4. 2000 CMB port (use four-way port). o Baud rate limitations and recommendations: 1. For maximum cable length of: 250 feet use 9600 Baud 500 feet use 4800 Baud 1000 feet use 2400 Baud 2. For maximum speed (standard alphanumeric output) on printer type: DMP or 150 LPM use 4800 Baud minimum (2400 Baud adequate at 60% print density) 300 LPM use 9600 Baud (4800 Baud adequate at 60% print density) DIP SWITCH SETTINGS SW-0 (Host) | on | off | SW0-1 | Parity | Enable *| Disable | SW0-2 | Parity | Even | Odd * | SW0-3 | Baud Select 3 | | -| SW0-4 | Baud Select 4 | | |- See Chart Below SW0-5 | Baud Select 5 | | -| SW0-6 | Dis RTS/CTS | Disable*| Enable | SW0-7 | Stop Bits | Two | One * | SW0-8 | Data | 8 Bits | 7 Bits * | Baud Selection (SW0) Baud Selection (SW1) | 3 | 4 | 5 | Function | | 3 | 4 | 5 | Function | . | off | off | off | Self Test | | off | off | off | Parallel Interface | | on | off | off | 300 Baud | | on | off | off | 300 Baud | . | off | on | off | 600 " | | off | on | off | 600 " | . | on | on | off | 1200 " | | on | on | off | 1200 " | . | off | off | on | 2400 " | | off | off | on | 2400 " | . | on | off | on | 4800 " | | on | off | on | 4800 " | . | off | on | on | 9600 " | | off | on | on | 9600 " | . | on | on | on | Not Valid | | on | on | on | Not Valid | . SW1 (Printer) | On | Off | SW1-1 | Parity | Enable *| Disable | SW1-2 | Parity | Even | Odd * | SW1-3 | Baud Select 3 | |-| SW1-4 | Baud Select 4 | | |- See Chart Above SW1-5 | Baud Select 5 | |-| SW1-6 | Printer Type | MVP |150/300 | SW1-7 | Stop Bits | Two | One * | SW1-8 | Data | 8 Bits | 7 Bits * | * Denotes Normal Settings for serial printer MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB001 Pg002 THE FOLLOWING CHARTS SHOW NORMAL SETTINGS FOR ON-LINE AND SELF TEST Serial Self Test Serial On-line ------------------------------ ---------------------------- SW0-1 Off SW0-1 On SW0-2 Off SW0-2 Off SW0-3 Off SW0-3 --| see SW0-4 Off SW0-4 --| baud rate SW0-5 Off SW0-5 --| chart above SW0-6 On SW0-6 On SW0-7 Off SW0-7 Off SW0-8 Off SW0-8 Off SW1-1 On SW1-1 On SW1-2 Off SW1-2 Off SW1-3 --| see SW1-3 --| see SW1-4 --| baud rate SW1-4 --| baud rate SW1-5 --| chart above SW1-5 --| chart above SW1-6 On if MVP, Off if 150/300 SW1-6 On if MVP, Off if 150/300 . SW1-7 Off SW1-7 Off SW1-8 Off SW1-8 Off Parallel Self Test Parallel On-line ------------------------------ ---------------------------- SW0-1 Off SW0-1 On SW0-2 Off SW0-2 Off SW0-3 Off SW0-3 --| see SW0-4 Off SW0-4 --| baud rate SW0-5 Off SW0-5 --| chart above SW0-6 On SW0-6 On SW0-7 Off SW0-7 Off SW0-8 Off SW0-8 Off SW1-1 Off SW1-1 Off SW1-2 Off SW1-2 Off SW1-3 Off SW1-3 Off SW1-4 Off SW1-4 Off SW1-5 Off SW1-5 Off SW1-6 On if MVP, Off if 150/300 SW1-6 On if MVP, Off if 150/300 . SW1-7 Off SW1-7 Off SW1-8 Off SW1-8 Off (continued on next page) MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB001 Pg003 JUMPER SETTINGS --------------------- | JUMPER WIRE TABLE | --------------------- | JUMPER | PIN | PIN| --------------------- | 1 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 3 | 2 | 3 | --------------------- | 5 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 6 | - | - | --------------------- | | 4 | 5 | | 7 ------------ | | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 8 | - | - | --------------------- | 9 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- DRAWING INFORMATION: See Mini Alert 399 hardcopy for drawings. ORIGINATOR: J. Buscaglia/J. Tank MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB001 Pg004 FIB 00002 01/12/87 *** Error in Service Manual - switches shown inverted *** Figure 2-2, page 2-7 in the Serial Printer Protocol Converter Service Manual (BFISD 8048P) is drawn inverted in relation to the PCBA. This may cause incorrect switch settings since the switch numbering is reversed. as well as the on-off direction. ORIGINATOR: N. JONES MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB002 Pg001 FIB 00003 05/23/85 *** Jumper Settings For MBF Printer Protocol converter *** The following are the jumper settings for Basic Four Printer Protocol Converter: --------------------- | JUMPER WIRE TABLE | --------------------- | JUMPER | PIN | PIN| --------------------- | 1 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 3 | 2 | 3 | --------------------- | 5 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 6 | - | - | --------------------- | | 4 | 5 | | 7 ------------ | | 1 | 2 | --------------------- | 8 | - | - | --------------------- | 9 | 1 | 2 | --------------------- ORIGINATOR: J. Buscaglia MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB003 Pg001 FIB 00004 07/29/88 *** Protocol Converter-to-VDT & VDT Firmware Compatibility *** SYMPTOM: Slave Printer malfunctions/inoperative on Protocol Converter Certain MBF Video Display Terminals are incompatible with parallel or non-BFIS serial printers connected to a Protocol Converter between the Printer and VDT. The following table shows the various VDT types and known compatibility status. BFIS Protocol Converter Required VDT Firmware level VDT TYPE Compatibility for Protocol Converter support ======== ================== ============================= 7270 YES (see note 1) 165009-039 & -040 4309 YES " " " 165031-098, 099, 100 (displays REV. G) 4310 ** " " " Compatibility not established 4312 ** " " " Compatibility not established 4313 YES (see notes 1 & 2) 165047-090,-091,-092 (displays REV. E) 4314 YES (see note 1) (must display REV. C or above) NOTES: 1. Protocol Converter must be attached and powered ON when the VDT is turned ON in order to respond to the poll sent by the VDT for the purpose of determining whether the attached 'printer' is MBF- serial or Word-Processing type. 2. 4313 Rev. E firmware may be released as low-cost customer option due to its support of non-BFIS serial Slave Printer. Spare VDT Logic PCBAs will include Rev. E firmware, however. ORIGINATOR: J. VanderHeyden MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB004 Pg001 FIB 00005 08/07/90 *** P150/300 on GPx40/70 Requires New Version of Protocol Converter *** The Printronix P150/300 LPM printers are now supported on the GPx40/70 systems utilizing a new protocol converter (market code QN038AB - same hardware as the existing protocol converter but with new firmware). The protocol converter converts the parallel printer to industry standard serial. It cannot be used on the parallel port. An existing customer with a protocol converter can purchase a PROM and convert it to the current version by ordering market code NE008AA. MARKET CODES: QN038AB - Protocol converter Centronics parallel to Industry Standard serial. NE008AA - Conversion kit for Protocol converter 13xx type to GPx type. UG007AA - Cable, protocol converter to P150/300 printer SYSTEM SUPPORT: GPX Series 40 ------------- The 4201 with Protocol Converter is supported beginning with BOSS/VX release level 1.0A. On level 1.0A and 1.0B, the 4201 should be configured as a 4224. On 1.0C and leter, a Printer Definition File for the 4201 will be added. Therefore, on these releases, the printer should be configured as a 4201. GPx Series 70 ------------- Supported beginning with BOSS/VX release level 1.0A. The printer should be configured as a 4201. The Serial Printer Protocol Converters (SPPCs) can be identified by the prom P/N at location 1C. Part numbers are: 165046-007 - MBF serial printer protocol (original model), used to communicate with host through a port using BFISD protocol. 165046-012 - Industry standard interface (new style), used to communicate with host through a port using standard protocol. ORIGINATOR: Norm Jones/Barry Matthews MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB005 Pg001 FIB 00006 02/18/91 *** PCBA & Firmware P/Ns & General Info for 13xx & GPx Converters *** SYMPTOM/TEXT: The PCBA is the same for both types of converters. When you order the PCBA it comes with the prom in location 1C that is used for the 13xx type of converter. In order to replace a board in a GPx type converter a replacement prom must also be ordered and put in location 1C of the new board, or transferred from the old board. 13xx TYPE GPx TYPE (MBF Serial Prtr Protocol) (Industry Standard Protocol) PCBA MM320182/B903510-001 PCBA MM320182/B903510-001 PROM MM320001/165046-007 PROM MM320181/165046-012 NOTE: The switch settings are the same as with the original proms, the following settings are correct for a parallel P series printer running at 9600 baud: SW 0 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ON OFF OFF ON ON ON OFF OFF SW 1 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF As with the original Protocol Converter firmware, there is a self test which can be run to verify correct operation of the converter, it is activated by setting SW-0 positions 3,4,5 to the OFF position and cycling power. Reset SW-0 to the original settings for normal operation. ORIGINATOR: John Tank MODIFIED by: Norm Jones MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB006 Pg001 FIB 00007 02/21/91 *** New Protocol Converter [ WPSF 672 ] *** FIELD BULLETIN SUBJECT : PROTOCOL CONVERTER BOX AUTHOR : ANTHONY J. KACZOROSKI FOR GPx SYSTEMS TYPE : INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE : This Field Bulletin provides information on the new protocol converter box that is to be used on the GPx systems. The only difference between the original Protocol Converter box and the GPx Protocol Converter box is the Prom at location 1C. The part number for this new GPx prom is 165046-012. Cables: GPx host to Protocol Converter Box (Host DTE Connection) 916484-xxx Protocol Converter Box to Centronix Parallel Connector 907148-002 Switch Settings: SW-0 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ON OFF OFF ON ON ON OFF OFF SW-1 -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF As with the original Protocol Converter Box, there is a self test that can be run to verify the switch settings and correct operation of the box. The self test is activated the same as before by setting SW-0 positions 3,4 and 5 to the off position and then cycling power to the box. After completing use of the self test, return SW-0 to the origina settings for normal operation. ORIGINATOR: T KACZOROSKI MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB007 Pg001 FIB 00008 06/19/91 *** Printer stops on MPx/ASx at m.6H OS [ WPSF 714 ] *** MPx/ADVANCED SERIES 714 m.6H vs PROTOCOL CONVERTER DON LUQUE 6/91 CODE '9' TYPE: Problem PURPOSE: Inform the field of a problem with the Protocol Converter box, model 4601, when used on the m.6H OS with MBF-serial printers model 4201 (150/300LPM) and models 4214/4219 (DMP/MVP) printers. SYMPTOM: Some print jobs, when submitted to an MBF-serial printer (models 4201/4214/4219) through a protocol converter will always stop at the same percentage completed and will not finish printing. This is true whether the printer is in SPOOLED or NON-SPOOLED mode. When the same job is sent to a printer that is not on a protocol converter, the job completes without stopping. This does not happen on all print jobs. Printer models 4214/4219 may go into a WAITING mode, in which case the system will need to be reloaded to regain access to the printer. CAUSE: m.6H has a bug that causes this condition. SOLUTION: This is not a problem in the m.6G or m.7A (when released) OS releases. ORIGINATOR: Don Luque MISCELLANEOUS I/O-BASIC FOUR-PROTOCOL---------------FIB008 Pg001