- Email: [email protected]
Push-button dialling
Intelligent terminal range A range of intelligent terminals which can be used as standalone data entry systems, media conversion devices and programmable desk-top computers has been introduced by NCR. Programming language is BASIC + 6, an enhanced version of BASIC with file manipulation facilities making the 7 500 range an up-todate entry level data processing system. Cassettes or floppy discs can be processed either on inhouse computers or at one of NCR's four data centres. Upgrade kits are available for users of NCR 7200 terminals. The media conversion facilities provide an interface between NCR computers and terminal systems and other manufacturers' systems. Data thoroughput can be improved by converting data to a magnetic mediu m with a faster transfer rate. In addition, the computer user no longer needs avariety of peripherals to read input prepared on different media. Three models are available: the 7510 handles data entry to cassette tapes and cassette-to-cassette conversion and copying; the 7520 offers floppy-disc data entry and conversion from floppy disc to floppy disc or magnetic tape, and the 7530 provides data entry to cassette tapes or floppy discs and conversion between cassette tapes, floppy discs and magnetic tapes. An optional
binary synchronous communications adaptor enables the terminals to communicate with each other and with NCR Century and 8000 series computers. All models support the IBM 2780/3780 communications protocol. Comprehensive data validation facilities are provided, including checks involving arithmetic, batch totalling and check digit generation and verification.
Multipurpose terminal range All models have a basic memory of 48 kbyte, providing storage for programs and screen formats. If used, BASIC+6 occupies approximately 22 kbyte leaving approximately 26 kbyte for user programs and data storage. Options include a matrix printer, international character sets on read-only memories and a 12 in, 2 000 character screen as an alternative to the standard 9 in screen with 512 characters. (NCR Ltd. 206 Marylebone Road, London NWl 6LY, UK. Tel: 01-723 7070) []
Programmable protocol converter A protocol converter has been developed by Mator that allows almost any two computers and/or terminals with standard RS232compatible communications interfaces to be connected together. Both synchronous and asynchronous protocols with datarates of u p to 9 600 bit/s can be handled. The converter is compatible with the British Telecom telecommunications network, and may be used in
vol 3 no 6 december 1980
any network incorporating modems. As the converter is software-controlled, it may be programmed for tasks other than simple protocol conversion. The contents of messages may be modified in any way desired, for instance to reformat VDU screen layouts, to change character code sets from ASCII to EBCDIC, or for data reblocking. The converter is a'black box' connected in series between two com-
puters and/or terminals. Modems can be placed anywhere in the configuration. If several links are involved, one converter is used for each link. The converters may then be located separately (e.g. alongside a remote terminal) or together in a rack. The converter is based on a multibus-compati ble I ntel-8085 A- based single-board computer with a maximum of 12 kbit of PROM and 16 kbit of RAM, two independent RS232 communications controllers (USARTs), a real-time clock and full interrupt control. The principle of the software is that of a queueing system linking two independent line-handling processes. (Mator Ltd. 12 Grand Avenue, Hove, Sussex BN3 2FO~ UK. Tel: Brighton (02 73) 720451) []
Push-button dialling A press-button microcomputercontrolled telephone from British Telecom carries out a variety of functions that are expected to become standard on telephone instruments in the future. The I1-1-SAA 6002 microcomputer used in the telephone is programmed to enable direct press-button dialling of an unlimited number of digits, and repertory dialling, where ten telephone numbers of up to 16 digits including access pauses can be held in memory and automatically dialled using two press-buttons and last number redial, where the last number dialled can be redialled repeatedly. The telephone has its own digital display which provides a readout of telephone numbers as they are entered, either for direct dialling or for memory storage. Stored numbers are displayed when they are dialled or for verification purposes. The display also acts as a clock or stopwatch and can be used to give a indication of call cost. (I'IF Semiconductors, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, Kent, UK. Tel: 01-300 3333) []
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binary synchronous communications adaptor enables the terminals to communicate with each other and with NCR Century and 8000 series computers. All models support the IBM 2780/3780 communications protocol. Comprehensive data validation facilities are provided, including checks involving arithmetic, batch totalling and check digit generation and verification.
Multipurpose terminal range All models have a basic memory of 48 kbyte, providing storage for programs and screen formats. If used, BASIC+6 occupies approximately 22 kbyte leaving approximately 26 kbyte for user programs and data storage. Options include a matrix printer, international character sets on read-only memories and a 12 in, 2 000 character screen as an alternative to the standard 9 in screen with 512 characters. (NCR Ltd. 206 Marylebone Road, London NWl 6LY, UK. Tel: 01-723 7070) []
Programmable protocol converter A protocol converter has been developed by Mator that allows almost any two computers and/or terminals with standard RS232compatible communications interfaces to be connected together. Both synchronous and asynchronous protocols with datarates of u p to 9 600 bit/s can be handled. The converter is compatible with the British Telecom telecommunications network, and may be used in
vol 3 no 6 december 1980
any network incorporating modems. As the converter is software-controlled, it may be programmed for tasks other than simple protocol conversion. The contents of messages may be modified in any way desired, for instance to reformat VDU screen layouts, to change character code sets from ASCII to EBCDIC, or for data reblocking. The converter is a'black box' connected in series between two com-
puters and/or terminals. Modems can be placed anywhere in the configuration. If several links are involved, one converter is used for each link. The converters may then be located separately (e.g. alongside a remote terminal) or together in a rack. The converter is based on a multibus-compati ble I ntel-8085 A- based single-board computer with a maximum of 12 kbit of PROM and 16 kbit of RAM, two independent RS232 communications controllers (USARTs), a real-time clock and full interrupt control. The principle of the software is that of a queueing system linking two independent line-handling processes. (Mator Ltd. 12 Grand Avenue, Hove, Sussex BN3 2FO~ UK. Tel: Brighton (02 73) 720451) []
Push-button dialling A press-button microcomputercontrolled telephone from British Telecom carries out a variety of functions that are expected to become standard on telephone instruments in the future. The I1-1-SAA 6002 microcomputer used in the telephone is programmed to enable direct press-button dialling of an unlimited number of digits, and repertory dialling, where ten telephone numbers of up to 16 digits including access pauses can be held in memory and automatically dialled using two press-buttons and last number redial, where the last number dialled can be redialled repeatedly. The telephone has its own digital display which provides a readout of telephone numbers as they are entered, either for direct dialling or for memory storage. Stored numbers are displayed when they are dialled or for verification purposes. The display also acts as a clock or stopwatch and can be used to give a indication of call cost. (I'IF Semiconductors, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, Kent, UK. Tel: 01-300 3333) []
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