HP 9915A (industrial version of HP 85A)

From: gil smith <gil_at_vauxelectronics.com>
Date: Tue Oct 8 20:15:05 2002

Hi folks:

I am new to the classiccmp list. I am an EE, and collect teletype machines
and HP test gear. My first computer was an RCA VIP 1802-based board. My
second was an Apple II. I got to play with some bigger stuff when I worked
at Cray Research a decade ago. But I digress.

I have also been collecting HP 85 computer stuff (85A, 85B, 3"/5"/8"
drives, roms, cards...), and I just got a 9915A, which is the industrial
version of the HP 85A (cpu-only in a half-rack box).

This 9915A does not have the tape drive (option 001), but has the operator
interface card (opt 002), which provides connectors for keyboard (DB-25F),
control (DB-15F), and video (BNC). The problem is, I have no keyboard,
monitor, or documentation of any sort for the 9915. I have most of the
useful 85 docs (short of the service manual), but nothing on the 9915.

Judging from the number of pcb connections to the keyboard connector, I'd
guess it uses a special parallel keyboard. I found reference to a 98155A
keyboard in a post about a 9915B (85B-compatible), and I presume that is
the same keyboard used with the A version.

I hooked the video up to the composite input of a tv, and saw text and
graphics when I ran the self-test from the front-panel buttons of the 9915.
 The image seemed wider than the screen, and I'm not sure if is just my tv
adjustment, or if the video signal is not quite ntsc composite.

As for the control connector, I have no idea what that might be used for.
There is also a little board inside that has eight sockets, four of which
are populated with 2732 eproms. I am wondering whether this is part of the
cpu system, or if it is for embedded program storage like the programmable
rom card for the 85.

I presume that I can hook up a disk with an hp-ib card (and rom), so it
should be usable once I find a keyboard and appropriate monitor.

Anyone have any docs/info/tidbits/keyboard...?

thanks,

gil smith
 

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Received on Tue Oct 08 2002 - 20:15:05 BST

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