Black Box PCA35AE-R2, PS034E, PS035A, PCA35A-R3 manual Introduction, Application, Description

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PQ-6 PLUS (RO)

2. Introduction

2.1 Application

The PQ-6 PLUS (RO) is a “receive-only” microprocessor-based printer interface for the IBM System/34, System/36, and System/38 computers. It allows a printer with an RS-232 or Centronics compatible port to interface with IBM twinaxial cable via a male DB15 and twinax “pigtail” cable. Device address and serial or parallel output are switch selectable, and the baud rate is selectable in 16 settings from 50 to 19,200 bps. XON/XOFF and DTR are supported by the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) for buffer control. Data format is 7 bits, space parity, 1 stop or 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

2.2 Description

Data and commands are received from the twinax cable serially (1-MHz clock) by the proprietary front-end processor of the PQ-6 PLUS (RO). Those commands and data addressed to the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) as determined by the device address selection switches, are passed to the Z-80A microprocessor for further processing. The Z-80A CPU converts EBCDIC to ASCII and makes the protocol conversions it needs to change the high-speed synchronous twinax input into an asynchronous RS-232 ASCII output or Centronics compatible output. You may bypass the EBCDIC to ASCII controller to the printer using the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) command- passthrough feature (see Section 4.3).

Input data from the controlling host consists of data and command sequences normally interpreted by an IBM 5256, 5224, and 5225 printer. In addition to printable characters and carriage-control characters (such as new line, carriage return, and line feed), the controlling host can send command sequences to control output format. These commands include page width, page length, characters-per-inch, and horizontal and vertical carriage-positioning sequences. The PQ-6 PLUS (RO) interprets these command sequences and outputs ASCII characters to perform the appropriate function. For example, when a form length command is received, the value is stored internally in the PQ-6 PLUS (RO); when it receives a request for a form feed or for an absolute move to line one of the next page, the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) will cause the paper in the attached printer to eject a form of the previously specified form length. Since some commands issued to IBM printers cannot be easily implemented on RS-232 ASCII printers, these commands are interpreted by the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) and discarded. For example, a command to set the lines per inch to seventy-two is accepted by the PQ-6 PLUS (RO), but no corresponding ASCII sequence is output, since the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) cannot know in advance whether the attached printer can accommodate such a command and how to implement it.

As shipped from the factory, the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) is configured to emulate an IBM 5256 printer. If the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) is to emulate the 5224 or 5225 printer, you need to set the appropriate switch on the printed circuit board (see Section 4.5).

Serial transmission speed is switch-selectable via printed-circuit-board switches, up to 19,200 bps. Output data is asynchronous with one start bit, seven data bits, space parity, and one stop bit.

The PQ-6 PLUS (RO) supports both software flow control via XON/XOFF characters and hardware flow control via the DTR RS-232 input lead. The PQ-6 PLUS (RO) will suspend printing whenever the DTR signal drops and will resume printing when DTR is asserted. Similarly, when it receives an XOFF character (hex 13), the PQ-6 PLUS (RO) suspends printing; when it receives an XON (hex 11), it will resume printing. Both methods are always enabled. No configuration is required.

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Contents PQ-6 Plus RO PQ-6 Plus RO PQ-6 Plus RO Trademarks Contents Specifications Application IntroductionDescription Typical Application Initial Setup InstallationBoard Layout Switch Baud Rate Pin No Signal Source Description Initial Test Device Response Corrective Action Self-Test Sample Self-Test Printout 1 PQ-6 Plus RO Address Selection System Configuration and ConnectionPlacing the PQ-6 in Operation PQ-6 Plus RO Operation Operator Controls and IndicatorsAscii printer type is only selectable via the front panel Setup ModeDevice Address LPI Command Pass-ThroughExample of a Buffer Print Listing Buffer Print ModeFunctions and Options Function HEX Ebcdic HEX Ascii Description Appendix a PQ-6 Plus RO Ebcdic to Ascii Translation TablePQ-6 Plus RO Any characters not shown are not used Appendix B PQ-6 Plus RO Quick Setup Guide Park Drive Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 724-746-5500 Fax

PCA35A-R3, PS035A, PCA35AE-R2, PS034E specifications

The Black Box PS034E, PCA35AE-R2, PS035A, and PCA35A-R3 are advanced solutions designed to meet the growing demands for high-performance data transmission and connectivity in various applications. These products are known for their exceptional capabilities, making them essential tools for professionals in networking, telecommunications, and data management.

The Black Box PS034E stands out with its compact design, facilitating easy installation in various environments. It offers a range of features, including support for high-speed data transmission, compatibility with a broad spectrum of devices, and robust security protocols. This model is particularly suited for organizations looking to enhance their network efficiency while ensuring reliable, uninterrupted connectivity.

The PCA35AE-R2 model is specifically engineered to provide seamless remote access to networked devices. One of its standout features is its advanced encryption technology, which safeguards sensitive data during transmission. Furthermore, the PCA35AE-R2 supports multiple protocols, making it versatile for various applications, from industrial automation to smart buildings, further enhancing its appeal in diverse sectors.

Moving on to the PS035A, this unit emphasizes user-friendly design without compromising performance. It features plug-and-play functionality, which significantly reduces setup time and enables users to get their systems running quickly. The PS035A is also equipped with smart diagnostics, enabling users to monitor and troubleshoot issues efficiently, thereby minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

The PCA35A-R3 model incorporates cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven monitoring capabilities. This state-of-the-art feature allows for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance alerts, empowering users to address potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. Additionally, its robust design ensures high durability, making it suitable for deployment in demanding environments.

All four devices share common characteristics, such as high reliability, scalability, and ease of integration into existing systems. They cater to various sectors, including IT, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, showcasing their versatility in addressing different connectivity challenges. Collectively, these Black Box products represent the pinnacle of modern engineering, designed for efficiency, scalability, and security in an increasingly connected world.
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