25 Feb
2008
25 Feb
'08
3:50 p.m.
I didn't find a lot of information from IBM support on the 6094 - but
I did get some. I have uploaded a old copy of IBM's RS/6000 Graphics
Handbook which describes the IBM 6094 LPFK. The LPFK information is
found in section 4.5.
The good news - in can be attached to a serial port on an RS/6000 or
PC - which means that it shouldn't be difficult to find the protocol
for the critter.
Not a lot of info in the manual - but something is better than
nothing ;-)
You can download a PDF of the manual via anonymous FTP from my
website:
ftp://bickleywest.com/IBM6094
Lyle
--
Lyle Bickley
Bickley Consulting West Inc.
Mountain View, CA
http://bickleywest.com
"Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"
25 Feb
25 Feb
6:33 p.m.
I didn't find a lot of information from IBM
support on the 6094 - but
I did get some. I have uploaded a old copy of IBM's RS/6000 Graphics
Handbook which describes the IBM 6094 LPFK. The LPFK information is
found in section 4.5.
The good news - in can be attached to a serial port on an RS/6000 or
PC - which means that it shouldn't be difficult to find the protocol
for the critter.
I wonder who made it? I got the second lot so anyone can have as many
as they want. One of those in the new lot is supposed to be SGI.
If it is serial how hard would it be to make a USB interface to plug
into the serial port on the keypad?
I just took a quick look and it looks like the same pinout (DIN?) as
an Apple Serial Cable. The square moulding on the cable keeps it from
plugging in.
Interesting, Thanks Lyle.
Paxton
--
Paxton Hoag
Astoria, OR
USA
9:35 p.m.
Ok.
USB solution:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/EvaluationKits/TTL-232R-WE.htm
One could just get an 8 pin din connector 806-KMDAX-8P from Mouser,
take out the MAX232 on the board (and its caps),
put that connector on the FTDI cable, and hook it up.
Do NOT forget to change the power consumption setting in the FTDI
descriptor. The keyboard is speced for 500mA, the FTDI connector for
90mA. Which is technically above the USB power consumption...
But I think removing the MAX 232 makes the keyboard consumption less.
Which means though, that you'd have to use a powered hub!
Maurice
Paxton Hoag wrote:
I didn't
find a lot of information from IBM support on the 6094 - but
I did get some. I have uploaded a old copy of IBM's RS/6000 Graphics
Handbook which describes the IBM 6094 LPFK. The LPFK information is
found in section 4.5.
The good news - in can be attached to a serial port on an RS/6000 or
PC - which means that it shouldn't be difficult to find the protocol
for the critter.
I wonder who made it? I got the second lot so anyone can have as many
as they want. One of those in the new lot is supposed to be SGI.
If it is serial how hard would it be to make a USB interface to plug
into the serial port on the keypad?
I just took a quick look and it looks like the same pinout (DIN?) as
an Apple Serial Cable. The square moulding on the cable keeps it from
plugging in.
Interesting, Thanks Lyle.
Paxton
26 Feb
26 Feb
11:10 p.m.
New subject: IBM 6094 Lighted Programmable Function Keypad - Some Documentation...
I tried debugging mine again. I'm still where I was six months ago.
The RS232 breakout box is showing me:
Negative 10 volts on pin 2 of the DB9 serial connector.
Pins 1 (CD), 6 (DSR) , 8 (CTS), 9 (RI) - positive 5 volts
Everything is measured with respect to pin 5, which is ground.
So, my interpretation .. it just never sends any bits on pin 2. There
is a 'loopback' switch on the back of the unit which changes the
behavior of the unit, but does not cause any bits to be sent. In the
'normal' position the unit appears to be inert. In the 'loopback'
position the lights respond to key presses, but it doesn't send data.
(Nor should it.)
I have 2 or three that behave like this.
Does anybody have one that they know works on something other than an
RS/6000? Mind is connected using the serial cable option and a wall
wart for power.
Mike
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3 comments
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participants (4)
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lbickley＠bickleywest.com -
maurice.smulders＠gmail.com -
mbbrutman-cctalk＠brutman.com -
paxton.hoag＠gmail.com