Grex Micros Conference

View Responses

Grex Micros Item 25: Help Solve a mystery...READ this....
Entered by n8lic on Mon Apr 13 05:11:26 UTC 1992:

   I recently aquired a Burroughs Tdo series terminal, just like the
State of Michigan used to run in the 60s and 70s. The problem is
I have no idea how to set the communications protocol or for that
matter, how to operate the darned thing. Does anyone out there run
on of these? do you know anything about it? can you offer any help?
anything would be appreiciated.

4 responses total.

#1 of 4 by steve on Thu Apr 16 03:13:10 1992:

   First thing I'd try, is to make a cable that goes from your CP/M
system to it.  I'd start with pins 2 - 3,  3 - 2,  7 - 7, going from
terminal to computer.  Then I'd get into the terminal program and
start sending data from the keyboard (you might want to turn local
echoing on) and see if I found any garbage on the screen.  If you do
get garbage of any sort, then at least the physical connection is
correct.  You can then vary the baud rate till you find one that
matches, parhaps.

   If you never get anything on the terminals screen, try reversing
pins 2 and 3 on the terminals end.  Then repeat the above.  There is
at least some chance that you can learn something about the unit
that way.

   I suppose giving a call to Burroguhs field service might be in
order, too.  But didn't they change names a while back?

#2 of 4 by n8lic on Thu Apr 16 22:47:01 1992:

  I called UNISYS on Monday (namely, kt8k) and asked him if he could 
find any documentation on this particular machine. He told me that he
would ask around and get back to me. This morning, while still bleary
eyed and cotton eared (complete with brain in low gear) kt8k called 
and told me that he had some good news and some bad news...

   He said that this particular terminal in NOT an ascii terminal, 
but rather it's part of a mainframe comp system. He also told me that
he is sending me some documentation on how to configure it for data
checking (?). whatever that is (was).

#3 of 4 by jdg on Fri Apr 17 01:22:16 1992:

Burroughs had terminals for their proprietary bi-sync networks for many 
years.  I don't know any of the technical particulars, but I guess that
you've got something that would need to connect to an old burrough's
control unit via coaxial cable...which would then be connected via bi-sync
to the Burroughs B2000 or something similar.  Look on the back for a BNC
or other coaxial connector.  If so, you've probably got yourself a conversation
piece and not a useful device in an "at-home" environment.

#4 of 4 by n8lic on Fri Apr 17 04:09:57 1992:

  The unit is now for sale. read item 108 in classified. BTW there is
NO BNC connector on the back or for that matter anywhere.

Response not possible - You must register and login before posting.