FYI HP-HIL Re: OT HP vectra networking

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_intellistar.net>
Date: Tue Dec 8 22:36:35 1998

At 11:19 PM 12/8/98 +0000, you wrote:
>> >IIRC they're simply mirror images of each other. But the plugs are
>> >slightly different so you can't plug the cable into the wrong socket
anyway.
>>
>> I haven't tried it but that's not what HP says.
>
>I've just tried it with a spare HP-HIL cable and keyboard. The plugs
>_will_ fit in the wrong sockets, but they won't lock. So if the plug fits
>_and_ clicks in place it's right.
>
>Incidentally, one plug/socket is black and the other is white/clear, at
>least on this cable/keyboard.

  Hmm. I haven't noticed that. I'll have to take a look at mine.
>
>I was right about the wiring being a mirror image. That's exactly what it is.
>
   Strange. Why would they key the ends then?
>
>> I think there is an addressing limitation but HP says that you'll usually
>> run into the power limitation first. I'm not sure how you're supposed to
>> know when you do unless the whole system chokes.
>
>Odd... HP-HIL devices dont take that much power in general. On a
>large-ish 9000 system, I would think the PSU could easily cope with quite
>a chain of devices.

   Assuming the entire output of the PS is available to the chain. That's
a big assumetion!
>
>> >> there's only one piece of software for the HP 150 Touch Screen II
that will
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
>> >I'm pretty sure that can use the HP-HIL mouse
>> >on a 150-II.
>>
>> Yes, but not the standard 150. The TS-II uses the HP_HIL devices, the 150
>> uses a non-standard keyboard.
>
>The original HP150 uses a special keyboard and touchscreen interface. If
>you want HP-HIL it's on an expansion card. In the HP150-II, HP-HIL is
>standard and the keyboard and touchscreen are both on the HP-HIL interface.
>
>But you mentioned 'Touch Screen II' earlier. That's why I was so suprised
>that only one piece of software used the mouse on that system.

   Yes, I was surprised at that too. I wondered why I couldn't get the
mouse to work on the TS-II. I finally found one of the 150 designers and
asked him. He's the one that said that only DrawPerfect used the mouse.

  Joe
Received on Tue Dec 08 1998 - 22:36:35 GMT