Replace Envizex a-Series function

[Ed Hon]

(I didn't know where to post this question.) I have an old Envizex a-Series terminal that conked out yesterday. It was running CDE. HP maintenance support ended month due to equipment obsolescence. Can its function be replaced with X-terminal emulator software on a Windows desktop? If so, are there any recommendations? Thanks.

[Bill McNAMARA_2]

Well, yes and no!
I used to do the code for these things!

You can get a crappy PC for real cheap and
install linux on it running XDMCP indirect/direct.
This is prefered.

Windows emulation used reflectionX wrq.com
Windows OS problems.

What happened to the Envizex.. they are solid boxes... do you get a bootscreen? Can you access
the config? What's the beeps sound like...
if you changed the monitor you may need to change the remote config or Alt 800 or 1024 or monitor model number etc.. to get display.

Try Shift 0 at bootup to force bootp rather that to go by saved eeprom data.

Try to telnet from the boot screen to your Boot server.

Get Linux!
I recommend Debian!

Then modify your X11 host Xstartup and Xaccess
files in /etc/ and xdmcp indirect/direct from Debian or.... just login locally to the linux box and
telnet to your hpux box and export DISPLAY=linuxip:0 and launch all your apps.

If you're looking for a replacement product with support the recommended HP replacement is another vendor..!

Bill

[Alex Glennie]

Although HP are no longer producing any new xterminal units themselves ..... I beleive they are now in partner-ship with NCD ... providing H/W and possibly S/W support :

http://www.ncd.com/ for what they can offer.

[Alex Glennie]

ps : hi Bill what are you doing these days ?

[John Bolene]

Remember that most HP X-terms use 1280X1042 as the default resolution. Running reflections-X on a PC is a real pain if you run less resolution on the PC, you are always scrolling the window.

We installed quite a few NCD X-terms but they may also quit making X-terms this year.

[Ed Hon]

Bill, the monitor is dark and the power saver light blinks. The green power light is on. I re-powered the base and the monitor but the screen still won't light up. On the monitor, I held down 'ctrl' and pressed 'reset' with no result. Does it sound like the base unit is broken?

[Curt Thompson]

Hello Ed,

Here is the step-by-step procedure I followed the last time my X-terminal did the same thing:

1) Is the monitor still working? Yes, it has leds that are illuminated, but will it display an image? If you are not sure, connect it to some other X-terminal base or possibly a PC.
Try to verify the functionality of the video cable too.

2) If the monitor is OK and connected correctly to the X-terminal base, then power on the base and listen for the beeps. After the second beep, press and release the SPACE BAR. Be quick! Now, hold down the ALT key and type in the model number of the monitor by using the numeric keypad.
For example, if the monitor is an HP A2095A, then hold down ALT and enter '2095'.
The X-terminal is now configured for your monitor.

With a known good monitor and video cable, the above proceedure will be successful as long as the X-terminal base is working properly. The only other snag is that sometimes you want to use a monitor that is not made by HP and therefore you do not know what model number to enter during the ALT configuration. In that case, repost your monitor specs (resolution and vertical refresh rate) and I might be able to help you zero in on a model number.

Good Luck,
Curt

[Ed Hon]

Curt, when I repower the base, I never hear any beeps. Does that mean the base is bad?

[Curt Thompson]

Hello Ed,

In fact, you should hear the beeps AND a fan.
The fan may be hard to hear. It is located at the back of the base unit, next to the power receptacle. If it is not turning, then that might suggest a partial power supply problem since you do have led indicators that work. If the fan is turning, the leds illuminate but no beeps and no video, then the main CPU board might be damaged. If you have an extended warranty with HP, then let them handle it. If you are working on it yourself, then pop the top case and visually inspect the interior for obvious signs of malfunction (loose connection, RAM simms need reseating, extra parts, etc) using appropriate electro-static discharge precautions.

Good Luck
Curt

[Ed Hon]

Curt, I removed the cover and looked inside. Nothing appeared to be loose and the fan was running, so I believe the unit has given up the ghost. Thanks for your ideas.

[Simon Abbott]

Hello Ed,

Just before you confine your terminal to the X server in the sky bear in mind that when I was trying to solve a problem with a different monitor on my terminal I heard no beeps as well. It turned out to be that the user had turned the beep volume down in the configuration. The terminal was working fine. I turned the volume up and the beeps were back at boot.

Best regards,

Simon.