Re: [TCLUG:14315] sun box - kind of off the subject

[Mike Hicks <hick0088@tc.umn.edu>]

Erick Stohr wrote:
> 
> I have kermit, about all i know how to do with that is set the speed to
> 9600 and connect, but i get nothing. What does the 8, n, and 1 stand for?

8n1 stands for 8 bits per byte, no parity, and 1 stop bit.  Most stuff
these days uses that format for sending data over serial lines, though
some systems are weird (well, IMO) and do stuff like 7e1 or 7e0 (7 bits
per byte, even parity, and 0 or 1 stop bit).

To explain a little bit more, there are some computer systems that use
only 7 bits per byte (no extended ASCII or anything).  This is also why
(IIRC) there are the binary and ascii modes of sending data over FTP. 
ASCII is strictly 7-bit, but binary is 8-bit.

The parity is basically a rudimentary error-checking system, if I
remember right.

The stop bits can be used to tell the system when one byte is done and
the other is beginning.

You also have to be sure that you are using a null-modem cable between
the systems.  I understand that is a huge source of problems (especially
since some null-modem cables and the like can be mislabeled..)  If you
can, it may be worthwhile to try a new cable.  Also, you may want to use
a different terminal program..  I'm not sure how good Kermit is for this
stuff (I've only used kermit a few times -- for transferring data to a
calculator, strangely enough..)

-- 
 _  _  _  _ _  ___    _ _  _  ___ _ _  __   Friction can be a drag 
/ \/ \(_)| ' // ._\  / - \(_)/ ./| ' /(__   sometimes. 
\_||_/|_||_|_\\___/  \_-_/|_|\__\|_|_\ __)                             
 [ Mike Hicks | http://umn.edu/~hick0088/ | mailto:hick0088@umn.edu ]