Test reports
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Test reports
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| Tested device: | HIGHSCREEN quadruple-Auto-Data-Switch |
| Fitting software: | amias154p.lha from the Aminet |
| Article no.: | 8969 462136 |
| Type: | Automatic data switch for 4 computers / 1 printer |
| or 4 printers / 1 computer | |
| Bought from / price: | Vobis Superstore Hannover, Germany / 99.95 DEM (approx. 50.99 Euros) |
| Tester: | A.Teichmann@gmx.net |
| Test duration: | 2 months |
| Used hardware: | Amiga4000/040, OS3.0 25Mhz, 16 MB Fast-RAM, 2 MB |
| Chip-RAM | |
| Intel Pentium II 200MHz, Canon BJC 610, HP Laserjet | |
| 4l, Canon BJC 7000, Star LC 10 | |
The device is connected to with 25-pin-cables to each of the up to 4 computers. Exiting of the automatic switch you have to connect the printer. That's it. The device doesn't need any external power supply.
Inverted the switch can be used as a port multiplier, so you can use 4 printers with 1 computer, but you need an extra software for the switching.
Design:The device appears quite compact and professional. The case is just big enough for the interfaces and switches.
Includes is a PC-DOS formatted disk, which contains the software for DOS and Windows to use the switch in the mode 1 computer / 4 printers. On disk there is the source code in C and Clipper to port it to other sytems.
Manual:The manual is limited to one DIN-A4 page (approx. US-Letter format), which includes the warranty informations, the installation instructions and the switch connections.
Practical hardware test:Connecting the cables brought the least problems. Switching multiple computers to one printer (Amiga, PC, Laptop) to on printer is functional and done very good. There are no complaints. The device works fine, as its "cheaper" collegues for less than 30/40 DEM (approx. 15.31/20.41 Euros). The manual mode worked without problems, too.
The other mode "1 computer / 4 printers" that makes this switch interesting needs the use of a software, which transmits some "control sequences", that allows the switch to select the correct port, before executing the print job. Unfortunately there is no software for the Amiga, so I first tested this function on a PC. The includes software is more functional than nice. After sending the switch to the "Printman" programmer Stephan Rupprecht, he developped a control software for it, which works fine with this switch, a short time after that.
(Practical software test:)
In the moment the software is just one program, which handles all functions fine. The manual is in English only, but easy to understand.
The software can be used via parameters in the CLI to allow other programs a switching or to use it with a little user interface from the WB, where you can give each button an on name.
The software supports IOBlix, Multiface 3 and with a small modifications of the hardware the internal parallel port of the Amiga. The software works fine with printer spoolers à la "Printman".
The program is shareware (5 DEM, approx. 2.55 Euros) and runs completely. According to Stephan Rupprecht an integration as device is also planned to get use of it using Turboprint.
The software for the switch box can be evaluated as well done and very flexible, because there aren't any alternatives.
Positive:Very good quality and function. Possibility to extend to parallel port up to 4 interfaces without re-plugging.
Software solution in the Aminet for the Amiga is of better quality than for the PC.
Negative:Quite expensive. Unfortunately no software for the Amiga included. Quite short manual.
Conclusion:Since there is a software for this interface multiplier the device can be strongly recommended. Who doesn't need the functions of the 4 selectable interfaces, but just wants to share one printer to multiple computers is better served with cheaper devices, because you have to switch off the bi-directional data transfer, as well as with PCs.
Axel Teichmann <A.Teichmann@gmx.net>«
