Subject: Does anyone use a HP 7475A Plotter?

From: David W Hoskin <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 07:07:33 +0100

Not strictly engineering, but many of us use computers to prepare
drawings...
Recently I bought a used HP 7475A -but without any documentation.  I am
assured that it works, but so far not for me!
I am probably doing something daft, but it doesn't help when you don't
know what all the buttons are for.  Can anyone tell me what the DIP
switch settings are?  What state the machine should be in when info is
sent to it? (I have discovered for example that the buttons P1 and P2
move the pen to opposite corners of the page -but which is the 'normal'
one?).  I'm using it with Windows 3.11.  I'm fairly sure the cable is
OK.  Print Manager shows that the data has been sent successfully, but
the plotter just sits there blinking the orange error light at me.  It
looks as if its either waiting for something else, or can't make sense
of the data because the RS232 protocol settings are wrong.  Can anyone
help?
BTW I've tried using both the driver the comes with Windows and the one
supplied as part of the AutoSketch programme, but with similar results.
--                    
Regards,              **************************************************
David Hoskin          The business of finding fault is very easy: that
East Yorkshire, UK    of doing better, very difficult.(Francis de Sales)
                      **************************************************

---

From: mailhost.primenet.com (srb)
Date: 11 Jun 1996 08:53:01 -0700

In article <[email-masked]>, David W Hoskin

>supplied as part of the AutoSketch programme, but with similar results.

You can order the manual from HP the part # is 07475-90002
You'll really need it to configure your system.
steve

---

From: [email-masked] (Doug White)
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 96 21:58:16 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>,
   mailhost.primenet.com (srb) wrote:
<In article <[email-masked]>, David W Hoskin
<<[email-masked]> wrote:
<
<>Not strictly engineering, but many of us use computers to prepare
<>drawings...
<>Recently I bought a used HP 7475A -but without any documentation.  I am
<>assured that it works, but so far not for me!
<>I am probably doing something daft, but it doesn't help when you don't
<>know what all the buttons are for.  Can anyone tell me what the DIP
<>switch settings are?  What state the machine should be in when info is
<>sent to it? (I have discovered for example that the buttons P1 and P2
<>move the pen to opposite corners of the page -but which is the 'normal'
<>one?).  I'm using it with Windows 3.11.  I'm fairly sure the cable is
<>OK.  Print Manager shows that the data has been sent successfully, but
<>the plotter just sits there blinking the orange error light at me.  It
<>looks as if its either waiting for something else, or can't make sense
<>of the data because the RS232 protocol settings are wrong.  Can anyone
<>help?
<>BTW I've tried using both the driver the comes with Windows and the one
<>supplied as part of the AutoSketch programme, but with similar results.
<>--                    
<>Regards,              
<
<You can order the manual from HP the part # is 07475-90002
<You'll really need it to configure your system.
<steve

You also have to make sure your cable is correct.  HP plotters require a 
slightly oddball serial cable, or a special null-modem.  This should be 
covered in the manual as well.  I think some of the other DIP switches 
control baud rate, parity etc.

Doug

---

From: [email-masked] (Airioch)
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 16:55:28 -0600

> supplied as part of the AutoSketch programme, but with similar results.
Try HPs web site. They have all sorts of technical notes, drivers as 
well as configuration information. http://www.hp.com/

---

From: [email-masked] (Bob Harbour)
Date: 12 Jun 1996 00:03:46 GMT

David W Hoskin ([email-masked]) wrote:
>  Can anyone tell me what the DIP switch settings are?
suggest you set the switches on the rear panel to: B3,B1 closed, 
B4,B2 closed for 9600 bd, one stop bit. S1 off for no parity. D/Y switch 
for D (closed), US/MET for your choice US or Metric. 

  What state the machine should be in when info is sent to it?
: the plotter just sits there blinking the orange error light at me. It
: looks as if its either waiting for something else, or can't make sense
: of the data because the RS232 protocol settings are wrong.  

push the paper load lever to paper load, put a piece of paper in the tray, 
on the pinch rollers and move the load lever back toward you. Should have 
the pen carousel in place with a pen in the #1 position at least.
It should take data now and plot. The flashing error light could be an 
RS232 protocol error or a data error.
To run the self test, put pens in all the carousel locations, put paper in 
as described. Turn machine off. Hold the P1 and P2 buttons down and switch 
on the power. Wait until the machine makes a tapping sound, and release 
the buttons. The plotter should draw a demo/selftest plot with no external 
data source. This will tell you if the machine mostly works.

Good Luck

--
Bob Harbour
[email-masked]

---

From: [email-masked] (ErnieLeim)
Date: 14 Jun 1996 01:00:53 -0400

Thought I'd mention, all you need to get a 7475a plotter to work on your
Mac is an Imagewriter 1 cable and Macplot Pro. It works great. I've handed
off about 16 of them from Boeing salvage to freinds and family. To use a
7550a you need a gender switcher on the end of the cable. Don't try to
connect it to the one that looks right, but instead you need to connect it
to the other one using the afor mentioned gender switcher. I have one of
the few 7550 + 's that has shown up down there, and it runs great. To get
Macplot Pro check with a local drafting supply shop that offers a plotting
service. Some of them give it away to allow you to generate Plot files for
them to print for you.
It just happens that it is a fully function, if older, version.
New Macplot costs about $400, so use the free one.

I still have four 7475a's from their last price drop, and I have yet to
find homes for them. 

Best of luck

@}---------------------------------------------------{@
                    Ernie Leimkuhler                                      

                  Stagesmith Productions                                  
                                          
                 Custom Metal Fabrication                                 
               
*    ABANA   SCA     AWS    USITT   IATSE local 15, 488   *
                        Renton, WA                                        
   
*    "Death is like being on holiday with
          a group of germans" ---- Rimmer ( Red Dwarf )
@}------------------------------------------------------{@

---

From: [email-masked] (Larry Strollo)
Date: 12 Jun 1996 16:47:52 GMT

David;

Here's some info I got from the HP web page when I was trying to get a
7575a and a 7550a working with my mac.

Also see http://www.hp.com

Larry Strollo

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Cable Pin-Outs for Hewlett-Packard Plotters

 The following RS-232 Cable Pin-Outs are for IBM PC Compatibles and the
 Hewlett-Packard Desktop and Large Format Plotters.

 9 Pin
 Hewlett-Packard part-numbers HP 24542G Female to Male
                              HP 24542H Female to Female*
                              *(Use with the 7550 Plotters)
 Plotter                                  Computer
 ===================================================================
 Request to Send        4 ----------- 1   Rec'd Line Signal Detect
 Transmit Data          2 ----------- 2   Receive Data
 Receive Data           3 ----------- 3   Transmit Data
 Clear to Send          5 ---|------- 4   Data Terminal Ready
 Data Set Ready         6 ---|
 Signal Ground          7 ----------- 5   Clear to Send
 Data Terminal Ready   20 -------|--- 6   Clear to Send
                                 |--- 8   Data Set Ready
 Data Carrier Detect    8 ----------- 7   Request to Send

 25 Pin
 Hewlett-Packard part-numbers HP 17255D Female to Male
                              HP 17255F Female to Female*
                              *(Use with the 7550 Plotters)
 Plotter                                  Computer
 ====================================================================
 Signal Ground          1 ----------- 1   Signal Ground
 Transmit Data          2 ----------- 3   Receive Data
 Receive Data           3 ----------- 2   Transmit Data
 Signal Ground          7 ----------- 7   Signal Ground
 Data Terminal Ready   20 -------|--- 5   Clear to Send
                                 |--- 6   Data Set Ready
 Clear to Send          5 -------|---20   Data Terminal Ready
 Data Set Ready         6 -------|

            Copyright  Hewlett-Packard Co. 1993
   The information contained herein is subject to change
                      without notice.
   Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for incidental or
  consequential damages in connection with the use of this
                         material.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DESKTOP PLOTTER INTERFACE CONVERSIONS

The interface on desktop plotters can be changed between Serial (RS-232),
Centronic (Parallel) and HP-IB by replacing the main PCA.  The following
table lists the parts required to make the interface conversion.

 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
 |                HP ColorPro      HP p/n        HP p/n     HP 7550 PLUS |
 |  Convert to: | (p/n 7440A) |    7470A    |    7475A    |    7550B     |
 |--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|
 | Serial       |             |             |             |              |
 |==============|             |             |             |              |
 |     Main PCA | 07440-68101 | 07470-60121 | 07475-68101 |              |
 |   Rear Panel | 07440-00101 |  7121-2495  | 07475-00011 |              |
 | Standoff (2) |  0570-1316  |  1251-7828  |  1251-7828  |              |
 |              |             |             |             |              |
 |--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|
 | HP-IB        |             |             |             |              |
 |==============|             |             |             |              |
 |     Main PCA | 07440-68102 | 07470-60122 | 07475-68102 |              |
 |   Rear Panel | 07440-00102 |  7121-2497  | 07475-00012 |              |
 | Standoff (2) |  0380-0644  |  0380-0644  |  0380-0644  |              |
 |   Washer (2) |  2190-0034  |  2190-0034  |  2190-0034  |              |
 |              |             |             |             |              |
 |--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|
 | HP-IB/Serial |             |             |             |              |
 |==============|             |             |             |              |
 |     Main PCA |             |             |             | 07550-68240  |
 |   Rear Panel |             |             |             | 07550-00031  |
 | Standoff (2) |             |             |             |  1252-0699   |
 |   Washer (2) |             |             |             |  2190-0577   |
 |              |             |             |             |              |
 |--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|
 | Centronics / |             |             |             |              |
 | Serial       |             |             |             |              |
 |==============|             |             |             |              |
 |     Main PCA |             |             |             | 07550-68241  |
 |   Rear Panel |             |             |             | 07550-00032  |
 | Standoff (2) |             |             |             |  2190-0577   |
 |   Washer (2) |             |             |             |  1252-0699   |
 |              |             |             |             |              |
 |--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|

The parts above may be ordered by calling HP Support Materials Organization
at 800-227-8164.  It is recommended that the installation be performed by
HP service-authorized technicians.  To find an authorized service dealer in
your area call 800-752-0900.            

            Copyright  Hewlett-Packard Co. 1993
   The information contained herein is subject to change
                      without notice.
   Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for incidental or
  consequential damages in connection with the use of this
                         material.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dip Switch Settings for the HP 7440, 7470 and 7475 Plotters
-----------------------------------------------------------

Set Dip Switches as defined below for a particular setting

Parity Selections:

  Desired Setting   Switch Setting
  ===============   ==============
     No Parity         S1=0 S2=0
     Odd Parity        S1=1 S2=1
     Even Parity       S1=1 S2=0

Paper Size:

  Desired Setting           Switch Setting
  ===============           ==============
  English 8.5 x 11 in       US/MET=1 A3/A4=0
  Metric 210 x 297 mm (A4)  US/MET=0 A3/A4=0

Baud Rates:

  Baud Rate        One Stop Bit         Two Stop Bits
 ==============|=========================================
  Dip Switches |    B4  B3  B2  B1       B4  B3  B2  B1
 --------------------------------------------------------
  External     |    --  --  --  --        0   0   0   0
     75        |    --  --  --  --        0   0   0   1
    110        |    --  --  --  --        0   0   1   0
    150        |     0   0   1   1       --  --  --  --
    200        |     0   1   0   0       --  --  --  --
    300        |     0   1   0   1        1   0   1   1
    600        |     0   1   1   0        1   1   0   0
   1200        |     0   1   1   1        1   1   0   1
   2400        |     1   0   0   0        1   1   1   0
   4800        |     1   0   0   1        1   1   1   1
   9600        |     1   0   1   0       --  --  --  --
               |
  =============|=========================================

The configurations below set the plotters for the following settings:

  Baud   = 9600
  Parity = None
  Paper Size = U.S. 8.5 x 11 inches
  Operating Environment = Direct (For 7475 and 7470 only)

Color Pro
7440 Dip Switch Settings           7470 Dip Switch Settings

 S2 = 0                             S2 = 0
 S1 = 0                             S1 = 0
 US = 1                             Y  = 0
 B4 = 1                             US = 1
 B3 = 0                             B4 = 1
 B2 = 1                             B3 = 0
 B1 = 0                             B2 = 1
                                    B1 = 0

7475 Dip Switch Settings

 S2 = 0
 S1 = 0
 Y  = 0
 US = 1
 A3 = 0
 B4 = 1
 B3 = 0
 B2 = 1
 B1 = 0

Self-test instructions

7440   -   Press the Enter and Paper Load keys while turning on
           the plotter

7470       Press the Pen-Up key while turning on the plotter.
           The self-test will repeat itself approximately every 4
           minutes until the power is turned off and back on
           after running the initial self-test.

7475       Press the P1 and P2 keys simultaneously while turning
           on the plotter. (The plotter will make a slight
           grinding noise, which is normal.)

            
            Copyright  Hewlett-Packard Co. 1993
   The information contained herein is subject to change
                      without notice.
   Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for incidental or
  consequential damages in connection with the use of this
                         material.

--

LMS

==========================================================================
Larry Strollo          Digital & Applied Imaging     Eastman Kodak Company 
[email-masked]                                     Rochester, NY 14653-5400
==========================================================================

---

From: David W Hoskin <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 15:57:52 +0100

Hi Everyone,

Very many thanks to all of you who sent e-mails or who posted here.  As
a result of your generous help I am now up and running.  Even when I had
everything configured correctly it still didn't budge until I checked
the "Fast printing direct to port" box in WindowsFWG 3.11 printer setup.
Its clearly an elderly plotter, but the results are spot on.  Thanks
again. 
--                    
Regards,              **************************************************
David Hoskin          The business of finding fault is very easy: that
East Yorkshire, UK    of doing better, very difficult.(Francis de Sales)
                      **************************************************

---

From: [email-masked] (Bob Harbour)
Date: 13 Jun 1996 00:48:31 GMT

Bob Harbour ([email-masked]) wrote:
: David W Hoskin ([email-masked]) wrote:
: >  Can anyone tell me what the DIP switch settings are?
: suggest you set the switches on the rear panel to: B3,B1 closed, 
: B4,B2 closed for 9600 bd, one stop bit.

That should be B3,B1 closed, B4,B2 open. yesterday was a REAL long day.
Sorry.

currently dining on crow,
--
Bob Harbour
[email-masked]

---

From: [email-masked]
Date: 12 Jun 96 13:00:31 -0500

>>  Can anyone tell me what the DIP switch settings are?

I second the notion that you should get the manuals from HP! However, until
they arrive, here is some info:

Here's what the HP-7475 switches do:

S1  1 = parity  0 = no parity
S2  1 = odd     0 = even
D/Y D = direct connect Y = use an eavesdrop cable ("Y" cable)
                           between the computer and a remote computer
US/MET determines if you use US(ANSI) or European(ISO) paper sizes

The last 4 switches control baud rate and stop bits:
 
         | One Stop Bit   | Two Stop Bits |
Baud     ----------------------------------
Rate     | B4  B3  B2  B1 | B4  B3  B2  B1|
-------------------------------------------
External   --  --  --  -- |  0   0   0   0
75         --  --  --  -- |  0   0   0   1
110        --  --  --  -- |  0   0   1   0
150         0   0   1   1 | --  --  --  --
200         0   1   0   0 | --  --  --  --
300         0   1   0   1 |  1   0   1   1
600         0   1   1   0 |  1   1   0   0
1200        0   1   1   1 |  1   1   0   1
2400        1   0   0   0 |  1   1   1   0
4800        1   0   0   1 |  1   1   1   1
9600        1   0   1   0 | --  --  --  --

Recommended (by HP) settings for an IBM-PC:
  
S2 S1 D/Y US/MET A3 B4 B3 B2 B1
0  0   0    1    0  1  0  1  0

HP recommends a HP cable of course, but here are the connections assuming a 25
pin connector on the computer:

pins 2, and 3 cross connect
pin 20 on the plotter end is conected to 5, and 6 on the computer end.

Hope this helps!

-- 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Wechtaluk       INET:  [email-masked]
Corning Incorporated    Phone: (607) 974-6569
Any opinions are my own, and do not reflect those of my employer.

---

From: [email-masked] (Peter Brooks)
Date: 14 Jun 1996 17:31:09 GMT

Our 7475 plotter is semi-retired, and works with the IEEE-488 (HPIB)
interface.  I don't know about any RS-232 version, but here goes:

The dip switch is used to set the HPIB address.  I believe your driver
should tell you, but 5 was common at one time.  The other switches are for
US (A == 8.5 x 11", B == 11 x 17") vs ISO (with a selector for A3 vs A4)
for paper sizes.

If you really have an RS-232 version, I'd put put money on the Dip switch
covering baud rate, and possibly some protocol stuff.  It should be
pretty clearly marked.  (It's possible that the switch is unused, but that's
fairly unlikely.)

The P1 and P2 buttons are used to set the corner limits.

Hit P1, and it will go to what it thinks is P1.  Move the pen with the buttons,
then press 'enter', and some light should blink til you hit P1 again.
Then, you've set P1.  The same thing goes for P2.

You can get error conditions fairly easily, especially if you've not set the
paper quite right.  I think if you get P1 and P2 backwards, it doesn't
know what to do.  However, the defaults (assuming you are on paper) should be
OK.

Pete Brooks

---

From: [email-masked] (Siddhartha Mukherjee)
Date: 16 Jun 1996 16:33:36 -0400

i .. i didnt see the original article but i have the original manulas f
for 7475 plotters bot rs232 and GPIB(ieee-488)..

if the original poster still needs , please email me and i can email
or post..

i also have an rs232 cable for it that i can get the pinouts for 
since i made it meself about 7 yeears ago .....
.

---

From: Ben <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 96 11:19:36 -0500

Don't know where this started....but....
 
Get yourself a GPIB card and cable, forget the RS232. The HP plotters are set up
to work best under GPIB. And, like someone else mentioned, get the _HP_ driver,
don't use the Micro$oft one....
 
(We used to use HP plotters all the time....until laser printers got cheap, and
software gave us better printer graphics.....)
 
Ben Rondeau

--
Ben Rondeau              |    WWW      AA      WWW
QACA Site Administrator  |     WWW    AAAA    WWW
Wyeth-Ayerst Labs        |      WWW  AAAAAA  WWW   WYETH-
Rouses Point, NY         |       WWWAAA  AAAWWW    AYERST
[email-masked]   |         AAA    AAA      LABORATORIES
[email-masked]      |
 
*** Views expressed are not the views of Wyeth-Ayerst Labs or
      American Home Products ***