Steve Dirickson b894 WestWin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>BOTTOM LINE
>If you're ordering, or considering ordering, a 9x9KS box to upgrade your
>current system, you might want to consider alternatives before you spend
>a bunch of money to replace or convert your existing HPIB peripherals.
>
<snip>
 
>Question: What does "does not support" mean? I'm not sure, but I've >found a
few partial answers, as will be discussed.
>
<snip>
 
>Partial Answer #1: "does not support" does not mean "can't be installed
>into the box."
>
<snip>
>
>Partial Answer #2: "does not support" does not mean "the hardware can't
>see the HPIB adapter."
>
<snip>
>
>Partial Answer #3: "does not support" does not mean "won't see HPIB
>devices on the bus."
 
><snip>
>
>Partial Answer #4: "does not support" does not mean "can't be used by
>MPE/ix."
>
>We now have the HPIB 2564B as the system printer; the HPIB 7980 and
>C1511A are attached, though they probably won't stay that way for long.
><snip>
>
>Steve Dirickson         WestWin Consulting
>(360) 598-6111  [log in to unmask]
 
Steve,
 
As a lab engineer in HP's Commercial Systems Division, I guess I'll take
a nervous stab at answering your fundamental question:  What does "does
not support" mean?
 
"Does Not Support" can mean any of the following:
 
o  HP has chosen not to test that particular configuration.
o  HP does not warrant that the peripheral will perform up to spec
   in all circumstances.
o  The lab found problems during testing that we chose not to fix.
   (For example:  perhaps your peripherals will not recover properly
   from a power failure).
o  HP has chosen to "phase out" those particular peripherals by not
   supporting them on new platforms.
o  HP has decided that a particular processor-peripheral mix is not
   appropriate.  (For example:  perhaps this particular processor is
   to fast for this particular bus architecture).
o  The Response Center / Field organization is not prepared to support
   this particular mix and is under no obligation to assist you with
   making this mix work.
 
In this particular case (9x9KS's & HPIB), I believe that several of the
above answers apply.  Your particular configuration was not tested by us,
therefore, we cannot warrant that the peripherals will perform up to
spec, and the Field is not prepared to support, etc. ...  You get the
idea.
 
I admire your tenacious tinkering and wish you success.
 
 
Jon Cohen
HP -- Commercial Systems Division