GYPSY-2000 SCSI-to-Versatec Adapter

Product Description

The Gypsy-2000 interfaces any plotter with a Versatec^tm VPI interface to your computer SCSI^tm bus. The Gypsy-2000 is small (3 1/2" form factor), very fast, and comes as an external package or can be mounted internally under the skin of the plotter or computer. Adapting plotters via the SCSI bus saves valuable internal computer "bus slots" and allows up to 7 plotters per SCSI bus. Very easy installation of hardware/software and SCSI target address selection. Package includes adapter, driver software, and documentation.

Product Features

Keeps plotter moving paper at full speed.
Uses SCSI bus external from host.
One plotter may support multiple hosts.
Is easily moved from system to system. Does not occupy a slot.
Has a quarter of a megabyte of internal RAM.
Compatible with an "RPM" box.
Can replace an old (unsupported) VP-130.

Supported Systems

IBM RS/6000 (user-level and kernel-level)
Sun SPARC
SGI IRIX (user level) (See SGI's GYPSY-2000 web page.)
Macintosh PowerBook
Windows NT
DEC Alpha

These drivers are written by Tri-Millennium Technologies, Inc. Each provides compatibility for applications using the IKON^tm calls. Additionally, the user may interface using ASPI or CAM from their application. (Trademarks owned by respective owners.)

SCSI-2 Support and Special Features

Performs SCSI-2 buffered mode of operation.
Capable of disconnecting while sending data to the plotter.
Programmable plotter handshaking datarate.
Independent timeouts for PLOT and FORMAT commands.
Can supply line terminates at user-specified line lengths.
Interfaces with A.V.S. UNIRAS^tm applications.

Gypsy-2000 SCSI Tutorial

For more details on the SCSI-2 interface implemented by the Gypsy-2000, see the tutorial which steps through each of the commands listed below, or click on a command of particular interest to be taken right to its description within the tutorial. This tutorial assumes very little SCSI background, but familiarizes the reader with the controls available from the host computer. It is 50KB and about 14 pages when printed.

Supported SCSI-2 Commands

FORMAT: Sets Print/Plot mode and sends Remote commands for Form Feed, Line Terminate, End Of TRansmission, Clear, and Reset.
INQUIRY: Returns SCSI device type of Printer.
MODE SELECT (6): Selects operating mode options and sets PLOT and FORMAT command timeouts.
MODE SENSE (6): Returns current (or default) MODE SELECT parameters.
PRINT (PLOT): Passes data from the host to the printer device.
RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS: Returns diagnostic counters.
RELEASE UNIT: Releases the printer device from exclusive use. This is useful in a multiple host environment.
REQUEST SENSE: Returns current or deferred error information for diagnosing exceptional conditions.
RESERVE UNIT: Reserves the printer device for exclusive use by one host. This is useful in a multiple host environment.
SEND DIAGNOSTIC: Currently clears the diagnostic counters.
STOP PRINT: In an orderly fashion, stops the transfer of buffered data to the printer.
TEST UNIT READY: Returns the availability of the printer device.

Gypsy-2000 Connector Details

The plotter connector may be known by the common name DB-37F. It has 37 conductors. The signals going to the plotter are so-called "differential", meaning it takes 2 wires for each signal. This allows the plotter to be physically distant from the Gypsy-2000.

The SCSI-2 connector is a high-density 50 pin female connector. Provisions are made to latch a cable to the connector. As an option, the SCSI bus may be terminated inside the Gypsy by installing 3 resister packs.

The power connector is a standard DIN-5 (not mini-) female connector, like that used on older personal computers to connect keyboards. All power supplies provided with the Gypsy-2000 will mate with this DIN-5 connector. Power supplies are available with the IEC-320 power entry module for country-unique line cords.

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