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- @title{TABLET}{Tablet/Digitizing Table Notes}
- @keyword{Tablet Digitizing Digitising}
- @index{Tablet Setup}
- @index{Digitizing Tablet Setup Serial}
-
- Digitizing tables (tablets) are used to physically point to a position (on
- a flat map, for instance). In PCI software, such applications include:
-
- - vector digitization of maps,
- - ground control point collection for image-to-map registration
-
- A tablet consists of a flat surface and a pointing device. Depending on
- the manufacturer and model, the surface can range from 12 inches by 12
- inches to 60 inches by 48 inches.
-
- For PCI applications, a 16 button cursor is usually required.
-
- The basic function of a tablet is to transmit the coordinate (position) of
- the cursor back to the host computer. PCI software generally supports
- three modes:
-
- - Point mode: a coordinate is transmitted each time the user pushes a
- button and releases it.
-
- - Switch-Stream (track, intermittent) mode: coordinates are transmitted
- continuously as a user holds down a button.
-
- - Stream (run) mode: coordinates are transmitted continuously, regardless
- of whether a button is held down or not.
-
- Most tablets have a physical resolution of 1000 lines per inch (40 lines per
- millimeter).
-
- Note: When PACE applications are run, they will automatically attempt to
- set the tablet to a "known" state by using software commands. This "known"
- state may differ from the initial powerup state. If other, non-PCI
- applications are run which require the tablet, it may be necessary to
- power the tablet off and on again to restore the initial powerup state.
-
- See Also: TBTEST, GCPWorks, GCIM, VECDIG
-
- 1 Connecting Tablets
-
- Tablets are usually designed to act in a manner similar to terminals. That
- is, they are attached to RS-232C ports (terminal ports).
-
- Like other RS-232C devices, it is critical that the tablet and the port to
- which it is connected be configured to allow communication.
-
- Most tablets come with jumpers or toggle switches that give a range of
- possible baud rates, parity, data bit size and stop bits. Check the
- documentation for the tablet to find which characteristics can be changed
- and how to interpret the current settings. In most cases the factory default
- settings should be used with PCI software.
-
- For most systems, two things have to be done to enable using a digitizing
- table:
-
- - Logins must be disabled on the port to which the tablet is connected.
-
- - Second, the port must be set to match the baud, parity, data bits and
- stop bits of the tablet.
-
- Both of these are very dependent on the operating system involved, and on
- the tablet to be used.
-
- 2 Summasketch
- @keyword{Summasketch}
- @index{Summasketch}
-
- The factory default setting is for the Summagraphics Summasketch to
- transmit coordinates in packed binary mode. However, PCI software
- requires the Summasketch to transmit coordinates in ASCII mode.
- Instructions for changing the appropriate jumpers are contained in the
- PCI Installation Guide for your computer.
-
- Note: For Windows 3.1 only, when using the PACE programs GCIM and VECDIG,
- the tablet must be in packed binary mode. However, when using GCPWorks
- for Windows 3.1, the tablet must be in ASCII mode.
-
- Proper communications settings for the SummaSketch with PCI software are
- as follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- Odd Parity
- 8 data bits
- 1 stop bit
-
- 2 Micro-Grid II
- @keyword{Micro-Grid II}
- @index{Micro-Grid II}
-
- The Summagraphics Micro-Grid II tablet comes in a variety of sizes with
- a 4 or 16 button puck (cursor). The Microgrid is expected to be
- transmitting in ASCII mode (default). See the instructions that accompany
- your Microgrid to ensure that it is set up to transmit properly. Proper
- communications settings for the Microgrid with PCI software are as follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- Odd Parity
- 8 data bits
- 1 stop bit
-
- 2 IBM 5084
- @keyword{IBM 5084}
- @index{IBM 5084}
-
- NOTE: This tablet is only supported on the IBM Risc System 6000 workstation
- under the AIX operating system.
-
- PCI software expects that data from the IBM 5084 is sent in Binary Data
- Format. This format is the factory default.
-
- 2 GTCO DigiPad
- @keyword{GTCO DigiPad}
- @index{GTCO DigiPad}
-
- NOTE: This tablet appears to belong to a family of tablets. PCI has
- only tested the DigiPad 12. From the documentation with the tablet, many
- members of the family appear similar.
-
- These tablets are very flexible, and require the user to set them up prior
- to use with the computer. On the model 12, PCI software will work with
- the number 12 and number 64 settings. To set the tablet into the correct
- mode on the model 12, choose the `S' on the superset menu, then `1' `2' or
- `6' `4'. These are associated with `ARC/INFO' from ERSI and ROCTEK
- products respectively.
-
- Proper communications settings for the GTCO Digipad with PCI software are
- as follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- No Parity
- 8 data bits
- 1 stop bit
- ASCII mode
-
- 2 Gentian/Altek
- @keyword{Gentian Altek}
- @index{Gentian}{Altek}
-
- On the Gentian (or Altek) logic board are switches which allow some
- flexibility in selecting the communication characteristics. Refer to
- the manufacturer's documentation supplied with your Gentian. PCI assumes
- that the Gentian or Altek tablet has the standard firmware installed and
- factory default settings in place.
-
- Proper communications settings for the Gentian with PCI software are as
- follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- Odd Parity
- 7 Data Bits
- 2 Stop Bits
- Report Format 1 (controlled on Logic Board)
-
- 2 CalComp 9100
- @keyword{Calcomp 9100}
- @index{Calcomp 9100}
-
- Using the Digitizer menu located on the CalComp, it is possible to set the
- baud rate, parity, stop bits and data bits. The installation/reference
- manual supplied with your tablet gives more information on interpreting the
- current settings and making modifications.
-
- Please note: using a CalComp 9100 with a 4 or 12 button puck has not been
- fully tested, and is not guaranteed to work.
-
- If the tablet seems unresponsive, switch the power off and on again. This
- forces a hardware reset.
-
- Proper communications settings for the CalComp with PCI software are as
- follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- Odd Parity
- 7 Data Bits
- 1 Stop Bit
-
- 2 CalComp 9500
- @keyword{Calcomp 9500}
- @index{Calcomp 9500}
-
- Using the Digitizer menu located on the CalComp, it is possible to set the
- baud rate, parity, stop bits and data bits. The installation/reference
- manual supplied with your tablet gives more information on interpreting the
- current settings and making modifications.
-
- Proper communications settings for the CalComp with PCI software are as
- follows:
-
- 9600 Baud
- Odd Parity
- 7 Data Bits
- 1 Stop Bit.
-
- 1 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting up communication between a computer and a tablet tends to
- vary extensively depending on the operating system in use. In many
- cases, PCI attempts to handle the details of this; however, not all
- operating systems allow setting all the necessary parameters in a
- controlled manner.
-
- PCI software generally has the ability to set the baud, parity, data bits,
- and stop bits for a port to which a tablet is connected, while the tablet
- is being used. Once the application completes, all settings revert to
- their original state. Some operating systems, however, require alternate
- methods of setting these parameters. In all cases, users should examine
- the sections discussing System Specific setup to ensure all the correct
- steps are taken.
-
- PCI software will generally attempt to read the desired tablet settings
- out of the Parameter file (PRM.PRM), if one exists; or, in the case of
- windowing based software (such as GCPWorks), a control panel is displayed
- to the user to allow this configuration. The rest of this section will
- discuss the setting of entries in the parameter file. However, in the case
- of the windowing software control panel, the type of information set is
- the same; it is just achieved by selecting the appropriate values from
- various menus.
-
- The TB00, TB0: and TB0: parameters in the parameter file hold information
- on the port name and configuration options. When a PCI application is run,
- these parameters are used to access the correct port and (optionally) modify
- the baud, parity, data bits, and stop bits settings.
-
- Configuring these parameters is easiest done through the EASI procedure
- CONFIGUR, which provides a menu driven interface for setting device
- parameters. To run CONFIGUR, enter the following command at the EASI
- prompt (or select CONFIGUR from Xpace):
-
- EASI> r configur
-
- When the menu appears, select `D' for Digitizing Table, and change the
- device name and configuration appropriately.
-
- To make the changes manually, enter the following commands at the EASI prompt:
-
- EASI> TB00 = "TB0:"
- EASI> TB0: = "actual_device_name"
- EASI> TB0# = type, baud, parity, data bits, stop bits
-
- where `actual_device_name' is the device name of the port to use on your
- system (e.g. /dev/tty01).
-
- The TB0# parameter values have the following definitions:
-
- type: 1: ASCII Summagraphics Summasketch
- 3: Gentian (Altek)
- 4: CalComp 9100 (4 button)
- 5: CalComp 9100 (12/16 button)
- 6: Summagraphics Microgrid II
- 7: CalComp 9500 (16 button)
- baud: 0: Retain current baud rate
- 9600: Change to 9600 baud
- parity: 0: Retain current parity
- 1: Odd parity
- 2: Even parity
- 3: No parity
- data bits: 0: Retain current number of data bits
- 7: 7 data bits
- 8: 8 data bits
- stop bits: 0: Retain current number of stop bits
- 1: 1 stop bit
- 2: 2 stop bits
-
- For example: TB0#=3,9600,1,7,2 would be for a Gentian tablet configured
- for 9600 baud, odd parity, 7 data bits and 2 stop bits.
- TB0#=7,0,0,0,0 would be for a CalComp 9500 series tablet where
- the port options already match the tablet, so no
- modifications have to be made.
-
- 2 OSF/1 (Digital AXP)
-
- Digital AXP workstations usually come with two serial ports, (typically
- the device names are /dev/tty00 and /dev/tty01). Users should note
- that the first of these (/dev/tty00) is configured as a console
- terminal/printer port and cannot be used as a normal serial port. This
- usually limits digitizing tablets to being connected to the second port.
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/inittab for the line containing
- the terminal device name. The line should look something like this:
-
- tty01:23:respawn:/usr/sbin/getty /dev/tty01 9600 vt100
-
- where /dev/tty01 is the port to which the table is connected. Edit the
- file, if necessary, commenting out the line (by placing a `#') at the
- beginning of it):
-
- #tty01:23:respawn:/usr/sbin/getty /dev/tty01 9600 vt100
-
- Next, you must force the initialization process to close and to open the
- terminals according to the contents of the /etc/inittab file, by entering
- the following command (note this must be done as root or superuser):
-
- # /sbin/init q
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/inittab file will be
- automatically referenced so the init command does not have to be reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under OSF/1 should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
-
- 2 OpenVMS (Digital AXP)
-
- Digital AXP workstations usually come with two serial ports, (typically,
- under OpenVMS, the device names are TTA0: and TTA1:). Users should note
- that the first of these (TTA0:) is configured as a console terminal/printer
- port and cannot be used as a normal serial port. This usually limits
- digitizing tablets to being connected to the second port.
-
- Unlike on most systems, PCI's software does not change terminal port
- settings under OpenVMS. To do so, the "SET TERMINAL" command is used.
- This allows setting of both the communications parameters, and disabling
- logins on the port.
-
- Additionally, the protection code on the port must be set to allow general
- users permission to access the port directly. This is done using the
- ``SET PROTECTION'' command.
-
- 3 Port Settings
-
- The SHOW TERMINAL command can be used to check the current characteristics
- of the device associated with the port. The SET TERMINAL command can be
- used to change these characteristics to match them up with those of the
- tablet. The following list shows some of the more important characteristics
- and the usual settings:
-
- $ SET TERMINAL characteristic term:
-
- Where `characteristic' is one of the following:
-
- Echoing: Usually the host AXP echos any data /NOECHO
- transmitted to it back along the line.
- Echoing must be disabled for tablets.
-
- Baud rates: The baud rate (usually 9600) /SPEED=9600
- on the line and for the tablet should match.
-
- Parity: Tablets transmit with even, odd, or /PARITY=EVEN
- no parity. Most lines under OpenVMS are set /PARITY=ODD
- to no parity initially. /NOPARITY
-
- Eight bits: Each character of data is sent as /NOEIGHT
- either 7 bits or 8 bits. /EIGHT
-
- Type_ahead: It is best to allow buffering of /TYPE
- coordinates in the typeahead buffer.
-
- Broadcasting: It is best to prevent broad- /NOBROADCAST
- casting of messages to the tablet in case
- they are interpreted as commands.
-
- Permanent: This must be used to ensure that /PERMANENT
- changes are permanent. This may require
- system manager privileges.
-
- Other settings should be left at the default values.
-
- The SET TERMINAL command is normally inserted into the system startup
- command file, which is executed when the AXP system is rebooted.
- (The system startup command file is called: SYS$MANAGER:SYSTARTUP_VMS.COM)
-
- 3 Port Protection
-
- Setting the protection on the port is done by the command:
-
- $ SET PROTECTION=(S:RWLP,O:RWLP,G:RWLP,W:RWLP)/DEVICE term:
-
- As with the SET TERMINAL command, this too can be inserted into the
- system startup command file (SYS$MANAGER:SYSTARTUP_V5.COM).
-
- 3 Example
-
- The following shows an example output of the SHOW TERMINAL command for
- a port configured for a Summagraphics Summasketch tablet:
-
- Terminal TTA1:, device type unknown, is online, record-oriented device,
- carriage control.
-
- Error count 0 Operations completed 28711
- Owner process "" Owner UIC [PCI]
- Owner process ID 00000000 Dev Prot S:RWLP,O:RWLP,G:RWLP,W:RWLP
- Reference count 0 Default buffer size 255
-
- Terminal: _TTA1: Device_Type: Unknown Owner: No Owner
- Input: 9600 LFfill: 0 Width: 255 Parity: Odd
- Output: 9600 CRfill: 0 Page: 66 Terminate on parity errors
- Terminal Characteristics:
- Passall No Echo Type_ahead No Escape
- No Hostsync No TTsync Lowercase Tab
- No Wrap Hardcopy No Remote Eightbit
- No Broadcast No Readsync No Form Fulldup
- No Modem No Local_echo No Autobaud No Hangup
- No Brdcstmbx No DMA No Altypeahd Set_speed
- No Line Editing Insert editing No Fallback No Dialup
- No Secure server No Disconnect No Pasthru No Syspassword
- No SIXEL Graphics No Soft Characters No Printer Port Application keypad
- No ANSI_CRT No Regis No Block_mode No Advanced_video
- No Edit_mode No DEC_CRT No DEC_CRT2 No DEC_CRT3
- No DEC_CRT4
-
- 2 DG/UX (Data General AViiON)
-
- Each Data General AViiON typically comes with at least three serial ports.
- The device names for the first three are /dev/tty00 for RS-232 A,
- /dev/tty02 for RS-232 B, and /dev/tty01 for RS-232 C.
-
- If you are using a port other than one of these, contact your system
- manager to find out the device name.
-
- These serial ports come with 15-pin sockets, and are compatible with PC type
- 15-pin to 25-pin adaptors.
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, the serial ports will be examined using `sysadm'.
-
- To use `sysadm', log in as root and enter the command: sysadm
-
- To examine the serial ports, go into the `ttymgmt' submenu and select the
- `lstty' option.
-
- If the serial port you wish to use is present (note /dev/tty01 is
- `TTY 1'), and the State is `on', then it will be necessary to turn it off.
-
- To turn off getty for that serial port, enter the `modtty' option on
- the `ttymgmt' submenu, and change the logical state to a value of "off"
- while not changing any other values.
-
- 3 Port Protection
-
- Sometimes the serial port is write protected and normal users cannot
- read/write to it properly (though the superuser, or root can). The port
- should be have full read/write access. This can be done using the
- following command (issued by root or superuser):
-
- # chmod 666 /dev/ttynn (where nn is port number)
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under DG/UX should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 HP/UX (Hewlett Packard 9000/7xx)
-
- Each HP 9000/7xx typically comes with at least two serial ports. Normally,
- a terminal device already exists for each serial port, and there is
- no need to create a new device. Usually, the device name for `RS-232 1'
- is /dev/tty00, and for `RS-232 2' is /dev/tty01. However, if these
- terminal devices do not exist, they can be created using `sam', HP's
- system management utility. To use sam, you must log in as root or become
- superuser, and enter the command: sam
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/inittab for the line containing
- the terminal device name. The line should look something like this:
-
- a0:2:respawn:/etc/getty -h tty01 9600
-
- where tty01 is the port to which the table is connected. Edit the
- file, if necessary, commenting out the line (by placing a `#') at the
- beginning of it):
-
- #a0:2:respawn:/etc/getty -h tty01 9600
-
- Next, you must force the initialization process to close and to open the
- terminals according to the contents of the /etc/inittab file, by entering
- the following command (note this must be done as root or superuser):
-
- # /etc/init q
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/inittab file will be
- automatically referenced so the init command does not have to be reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under HP/UX should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 IRIX (Silicon Graphics Iris)
-
- Each SGI Iris comes with at least two serial ports. The device names for
- the first two are usually /dev/ttyd1 for port 1, and /dev/ttyd2 for port 2.
-
- If you are using a port other than one of these, contact your system
- manager to find out the device name.
-
- These serial ports come with 15-pin sockets, and are compatible with PC type
- 15-pin to 25-pin adaptors.
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- Disabling logins on the Iris is done by setting the serial port to `off'
- through the System management utility under 4Dwm. To do this you will
- have to be the superuser or log in as root. Turning the serial port
- `off' does not mean it cannot be used, it merely prevents the Iris from
- configuring it for a special purpose (e.g., modem or terminal).
-
- - Note: one option for this port that will be offered is `tablet'. DO NOT
- select this option.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under IRIX should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
- - Note: SGI Iris systems are VERY sensitive to the number of stop-bits set.
- Most systems tend to ignore the number of stop-bits, but the Iris
- requires that these EXACTLY match what the tablet is set for.
-
- 2 PC Systems (Windows 3.1, NT and OS/2)
-
- Most PC systems have one or two serial ports. Typically, the device names
- are COM1 and COM2.
-
- For Windows 3.1 systems only, the PACE programs GCIM and VECDIG
- require the PCI provided driver called CDDRVR (Coordinate Digitizer Driver)
- to be installed. However, the GCPWorks program does NOT require CDDRVR.
- CDDRVR does NOT have to be installed for Windows NT or OS/2 systems.
-
- 3 MODE Command
-
- For Windows 3.1 systems, the first command you must issue to enable tablet
- communication is the MODE command. This ensures that the serial (COM) port
- to which the tablet is connected runs at the proper baud and is configured
- properly for your type of digitizing table. The format of this line depends
- on the digitizing tablet being used. This command should probably be added to
- your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
-
- 3 CDDRVR Driver
-
- If you are using the GCIM or VECDIG programs on Windows 3.1 systems, you must
- also install the CDDRVR digitizing table driver. The format of the CDDRVR
- command varies for each type of digitizing table. You do NOT have to install
- CDDRVR is you are using GCPWorks instead of GCIM or VECDIG.
-
- 3 Summasketch
-
- The MODE and CDDRVR commands for a Summagraphics Summasketch tablet
- connected to COM2: are as follows:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,O,8,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /P/2
-
- Please note that unlike other systems, Windows 3.1 expects the Summasketch
- to be transmitting in Packed Binary format for the GCIM and VECDIG programs,
- not ASCII format. Note: GCPWorks uses ASCII format on all systems.
-
- 3 Gentian/Altek
-
- For a Gentian or Altek digitizing table configured with factory default
- settings on COM2:, the following two lines properly set the Mode and
- CDDRVR commands:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,O,7,2
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /G/2
-
- For Gentian or Altek digitizing tables configured to be compatible with
- Autocad, use the following two lines:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,N,8,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /G/2
-
- 3 CalComp 9500
-
- For a CalComp 9500 digitizing table on COM1:, use the following two lines:
-
- MODE COM1:9600,O,7,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /E/1
-
- 2 AIX (IBM RISC System/6000)
-
- IBM RISC System/6000 workstations usually come with two serial ports,
- (typically the device names are /dev/tty0 and /dev/tty1).
-
- All configuration of the serial ports is done using the `smit' system
- management utility. This includes disabling logins and setting all the
- communications parameters for the port.
-
- If smit is not used to configure baud rate, parity, ... then it is
- possible to do this directly with PCI software; however, this is not
- the recommended method, and some settings will have to be done using
- smit regardless.
-
- 3 Using Smit
-
- Configuring the serial port is done using the system management utility
- smit when logged in as root or as superuser. Serial ports are considered
- to be `devices' of type `tty'.
-
- When changing the characteristics of the tty device, Logins should
- be set to `disabled'. The BAUD rate, PARITY, BITS per character
- (data bits) and number of STOPBITS should be changed to match the
- hardware configuration of the tablet. Changes to other settings
- may be required.
-
- One additional setting that is required is that the `STTY attributes
- for RUNTIME' must have `clocal' added to the list.
-
- It is recommended that interaction between the tablet and IBM RISC System
- 6000 be tested to ensure proper data transmission before PCI software is
- run. Often this is possible by using the AIX (UNIX) cat command:
-
- % cat /dev/tty? (where ? is the serial port number 0 or 1)
-
- When buttons are pressed on the digitizer cursor (puck) characters
- should appear on the terminal window. If this happens, communication
- has been established (though it still may not be proper).
- Use <Ctrl>-C to abort the the cat command.
-
- The PACE program TBTEST may also be of use. This is run from EASI after
- some level of communication has been established.
-
- 2 SCO ODT (IBM PC)
-
- Most PC systems running SCO ODT have one or two serial ports,
- (typically the device names are /dev/tty0 and /dev/tty1).
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/ttys for the line beginning
- with the terminal device name. The first four entries on this
- line should be as follows:
-
- ttyn none unknown off
-
- where ttyn is the port to which the table is connected. Edit the file, if
- necessary, so that the port is defined as above. Next, you must force the
- initialization process to close and to open the terminals according to the
- contents of the /etc/ttys file, by entering the following command:
-
- # kill -HUP 1
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/ttys file will be
- automatically referenced so the kill command does not have to be reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under ODT should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 SunOS (Sun Sparcstation)
-
- Sun workstations usually come with at least two serial ports, (typically
- the device names are /dev/ttya and /dev/ttyb).
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/ttytab for the line beginning
- with the terminal device name. This line should be entered in the file
- as follows:
-
- ttynn none unknown off
-
- where ttynn is the port to which the table is connected. Edit the file, if
- necessary, so that the port is defined as above. Next, you must force the
- initialization process to close and to open the terminals according to the
- contents of the /etc/ttytab file, by entering the following command:
-
- # kill -HUP 1
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
-
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/ttytab file will be
- automatically referenced so the kill command does not have to be
- reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under SunOS 4.1.X should be done through
- PCI software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 Solaris (Sun Sparcstation)
-
- Sun workstations usually come with at least two serial ports, (typically
- the device names are /dev/ttya and /dev/ttyb).
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (ttymon) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/inittab for the line containing
- the terminal device name and ttymon. Edit the file and comment out
- this line by putting a `#' at the beginning of it.
-
- Next, you must force the initialization process to close and to open the
- terminals according to the contents of the /etc/inittab file, by entering
- the command:
-
- # init q
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/inittab file will be
- automatically referenced so the init command does not have to be
- reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under Solaris 2.2 should be done through
- PCI software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 Ultrix (Digital DECstation)
-
- DECstation workstations usually come with two serial ports, (typically the
- device names are /dev/tty00 and /dev/tty01).
-
- 3 Disabling Logins
-
- To ensure that a login process (getty) is not running against the port for
- the digitizing table, search the file /etc/ttys for the line beginning
- with the terminal device name. The first four entries on this
- line should be as follows:
-
- ttynn none unknown off
-
- where ttynn is the port to which the table is connected. Edit the file, if
- necessary, so that the port is defined as above. Next, you must force the
- initialization process to close and to open the terminals according to the
- contents of the /etc/ttys file, by entering the following command:
-
- # kill -HUP 1
-
- Note: This will NOT affect terminals which are already logged in, and
- therefore can be executed on a running system with active users.
- The next time the system is booted the /etc/ttys file will be
- automatically referenced so the kill command does not have to be
- reissued.
-
- 3 Communication Parameters
-
- Setting communication parameters under Ultrix should be done through PCI
- software as described in the general section, above.
-
- 2 VMS (Digital VAX)
-
- Digital VAX/VMS systems usually come with at least two serial ports,
- (typically, under VMS, the device names are TTA0:, TTA1:, etc.).
-
- Unlike on most systems, PCI's software does not change terminal port
- settings under VMS. To do so, the "SET TERMINAL" command is used.
- This allows setting of both the communications parameters, and disabling
- logins on the port.
-
- Additionally, the protection code on the port must be set to allow general
- users permission to access the port directly. This is done using the
- "SET PROTECTION" command.
-
- 3 Port Settings
-
- The SHOW TERMINAL command can be used to check the current characteristics
- of the device associated with the port. The SET TERMINAL command can be
- used to change these characteristics to match them up with those of the
- tablet. The following list shows some of the more important characteristics
- and the usual settings.
-
- $ SET TERMINAL characteristic term:
-
- where `characteristic' is one of the following:
-
- Echoing: Usually the host VAX echos any data /NOECHO
- transmitted to it back along the line.
- Echoing must be disabled for tablets.
-
- Baud rates: The baud rate (usually 9600) /SPEED=9600
- on the line and for the tablet should match.
-
- Parity: Tablets transmit with even, odd, or /PARITY=EVEN
- no parity. Most lines under VMS are set /PARITY=ODD
- to no parity initially. /NOPARITY
-
- Eight bits: Each character of data is sent as /NOEIGHT
- either 7 bits or 8 bits. /EIGHT
-
- Type_ahead: It is best to allow buffering of /TYPE
- coordinates in the typeahead buffer.
-
- Broadcasting: It is best to prevent broad- /NOBROADCAST
- casting of messages to the tablet in case
- they are interpreted as commands.
-
- Permanent: This must be used to ensure that /PERMANENT
- changes are permanent. This may require
- system manager privileges.
-
- Other settings should be left at the default values.
-
- The SET TERMINAL command is normally inserted into the system startup
- command file, which is executed when the VAX system is rebooted.
- (The system startup command file is called: SYS$MANAGER:SYSTARTUP_V5.COM
-
- 3 Port Protection
-
- Setting the protection on the port is done by the following command:
-
- $ SET PROTECTION=(S:RWLP,O:RWLP,G:RWLP,W:RWLP)/DEVICE term:
-
- As with the SET TERMINAL command, this too can be inserted into the
- system startup command file (SYS$MANAGER:SYSTARTUP_V5.COM).
-
- 3 Example
-
- The following shows an example output of the SHOW TERMINAL command for
- a port configured for a Summagraphics Summasketch tablet:
-
- Terminal TTA1:, device type unknown, is online, record-oriented device,
- carriage control.
-
- Error count 0 Operations completed 28711
- Owner process "" Owner UIC [PCI]
- Owner process ID 00000000 Dev Prot S:RWLP,O:RWLP,G:RWLP,W:RWLP
- Reference count 0 Default buffer size 255
-
- Terminal: _TTA1: Device_Type: Unknown Owner: No Owner
- Input: 9600 LFfill: 0 Width: 255 Parity: Odd
- Output: 9600 CRfill: 0 Page: 66 Terminate on parity errors
- Terminal Characteristics:
- Passall No Echo Type_ahead No Escape
- No Hostsync No TTsync Lowercase Tab
- No Wrap Hardcopy No Remote Eightbit
- No Broadcast No Readsync No Form Fulldup
- No Modem No Local_echo No Autobaud No Hangup
- No Brdcstmbx No DMA No Altypeahd Set_speed
- No Line Editing Insert editing No Fallback No Dialup
- No Secure server No Disconnect No Pasthru No Syspassword
- No SIXEL Graphics No Soft Characters No Printer Port Application keypad
- No ANSI_CRT No Regis No Block_mode No Advanced_video
- No Edit_mode No DEC_CRT No DEC_CRT2 No DEC_CRT3
- No DEC_CRT4
-
- 3 MODE Command
-
- The first command you must issue to enable tablet communication, is
- the MODE command. This ensures that the serial (COM) port to which
- the tablet is connected runs at the proper baud and is configured properly
- for your type of digitizing table. The format of this line depends on the
- digitizing tablet being used. This command should probably be added to
- your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
-
- 3 CDDRVR Driver
-
- In addition to issuing the proper Mode command, you must also install the
- CDDRVR digitizing table driver. As with the Mode command, the format of
- the CDDRVR command varies for each type of digitizing table.
-
-
- 3 Summasketch
-
- The MODE and CDDRVR commands for a Summagraphics Summasketch tablet
- connected to COM2: are as follows:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,O,8,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /P/2
-
- Please note that unlike other systems, the PC expects the Summasketch
- to be transmitting in `Packed Binary' format, NOT `ASCII' format.
-
- 3 Gentian/Altek
-
- For a Gentian or Altek digitizing table configured with factory default
- settings on COM2:, the following two lines properly set the Mode and
- CDDRVR commands:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,O,7,2
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /G/2
-
- For Gentian or Altek digitizing tables configured to be compatible with
- Autocad, use the following two lines:
-
- MODE COM2:9600,N,8,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /G/2
-
- 3 CalComp 9500
-
- For a CalComp 9500 digitizing table on COM1:, use the following two lines:
-
- MODE COM1:9600,O,7,1
- C:\PCI\DRI\CDDRVR.EXE /E/1
-
- 1 Trouble Shooting
-
- The following are the most common problems encountered when using digitizing
- tablets. Please note that some of these may be operating system specific
- and therefore may not be relevant to you.
-
- 2 Port incorrect
-
- It is possible that the tablet is connected to the incorrect port. For
- example, the user may think that the port (device) name is /dev/tty00 but
- in fact the physical connections have been made to port /dev/tty01.
-
- 2 Communications incorrect
-
- Double check the settings on the tablet and the line to ensure that the
- communications settings for the tablet and in the TB0# parameter in the
- parameter file match. Please refer to the section on Communication
- Parameters and the section for your specific tablet, for more information.
-
- 2 Cabling incorrect
-
- One of the most common problems, especially on initial configuration, is
- incorrect cabling. Refer to the installation manual supplied by the
- manufacturer of the tablet and double check all connections. A common
- error that occurs is in the connection of the tablet to the serial line.
- Often it is necessary to use a connector that flips pins 2 and 3 (receive
- and send), called a "null modem".
-
- 2 Tablet hung
-
- Occasionally tablets will "hang", that is, refuse to communicate. Often
- this can be cleared up by powering off the tablet, waiting a few seconds
- then powering it back on.
-
- For Summasketch tablets this is a common occurrence. In this case, since
- the older Summasketchs have no on/off switch, the power pack must be
- physically unplugged and then plugged back in again after waiting 5 or so
- seconds.
-
- 2 Invalid serial port
-
- Some computer systems have serial ports dedicated to special purposes. For
- example, the Digital AXP systems dedicate the first serial port as a
- console port, which then cannot be used by application software. Please
- check the system specific section for information on any such port
- limitations.
-