TheaterFire

Photo of the Day

Posted by Current_Yellow7722@reddit | vintagecomputing | View on Reddit | 21 comments

Photo of the Day
Hewlett Packard 2703A

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21 Comments

hdufort@reddit

"Low magenta, cannot print. Replace cartridge."
View on Reddit #87413569

CoderDevo@reddit

That is also a HP [17623A](https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102704284/) Graphics Tablet. **Specifications** Active digitizing area: 295 x 225 mm (11.6 x 8.8 in.) Resolution: (points within active digitizing area): fine-2048 x 1560, coarse-51 2 x 390 (matches CRT) Repeatability: ± I resolution unit Cursor tracking rate (local): 30 pts/s Coordinate transfer rate: assumes asynchronous data transfer; de- pends on computer activity and data communication rate, e.g., ASCII @ 2400 BAUD-up to 15 pts/s @ 9600 BAUD-up to 60 pts/s Binary @ 2400 BAUD-up to 34 pts/s @ 9600 BAUD-up to 60 pts/s Heavy system activity can severely degrade these rates. Platen technology: electrostatic Document material: single sheet, electrically nonconductive, ho- mogenous, less than 0.5 mm thick Environmental range: 0° to 55°C, 5% to 80% RH (40°C), EMI meets YDE requirements with the HP 2627A and HP 2623A termi- nals on HP 1000, HP 3000, and HP 9000 series computers Power consumption: 5 W max (supplied from the terminal) Dimensions: 467 Lx 367 W x 38 mmH (18.4 in. x 14.4in. x 1.5 in.) Weight (tablet and interface module): net, 3.62 kg (8.0 Ib); shipping, 6.8 kg (15.0 Ib) **Accessories Supplied** Operator's Manual Stylus Refills (2 Inkless, 3 Ink) Overlay (I)
View on Reddit #87196566

Snoo-12780@reddit

What was the 'Ink' stylus refill for? Also... HOLY CRAP, 8LBS for a drawing tablet is ridiculous!!!
View on Reddit #87245603

CoderDevo@reddit

Pretty sure it had a grid of wires under the surface. Also required many chips and a rigid metal frame. The ink could be used on a sheet of velum paper so you could see what you are drawing live on the digitizer. Or you could still have an original drawing underneath and the ink will show what you have already traced.
View on Reddit #87246664

ksuwildkat@reddit

2400 baud in 1982! Baller!
View on Reddit #87201948

CoderDevo@reddit

Granted, that is only between the Tablet, Computer, and Plotter using the proprietary HPGL protocol. No phone lines involved.
View on Reddit #87202746

nhaines@reddit

> No phone lines involved. I just had an idea of how to do the funniest thing...
View on Reddit #87242638

ksuwildkat@reddit

From memory the Apple ][ serial card was 300 baud
View on Reddit #87203060

CoderDevo@reddit

In contrast, these are high-end workstations.
View on Reddit #87203102

Background-Wafer-548@reddit

Here's a color picture of the front: [https://www.hpmuseum.net/images/2700-45.jpg](https://www.hpmuseum.net/images/2700-45.jpg) 16 out of 4096 colors at 512 x 390, so sort of a fancier EGA.
View on Reddit #87206418

ksuwildkat@reddit

are those 8 inch drives?
View on Reddit #87189194

hyperdream@reddit

[This literature](https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/userdata/images/large/67/49/product-86749.jpg) calls them "Mini Disc Drives", so I assume they're 5.25".
View on Reddit #87192550

ksuwildkat@reddit

Ah. That picture makes it more obvious that they are 5 1/4 because of the keyboard. I had no idea what size that digitizer was. Thanks!
View on Reddit #87192749

CoderDevo@reddit

Screens back then were typically around 12 inches.
View on Reddit #87194561

ksuwildkat@reddit

> 467 Lx 367 W x 38 mmH (18.4 in. x 14.4in. x 1.5 in.) Apparently the digitizer was 18.4 inches wide
View on Reddit #87202091

CoderDevo@reddit

Yup, that adds up. About 4 inches wider than the screen on each side.
View on Reddit #87202499

Hjalfi@reddit

The fact that the operator is working on the diagram by hand while the CAD station is unused makes this image rather less of a flex than HP intended. Also, proto-MLP poster on the wall!
View on Reddit #87193570

CoderDevo@reddit

He hand draws the diagram and then brings the drawing to the digitizer to put it into the computer by tracing it. Everything was paper based back then.
View on Reddit #87194977

Ok_Study3236@reddit

He knows if he tries to use the print function the system will hang and he'll lose his work again
View on Reddit #87193713

O_martelo_de_deus@reddit

Isso me lembra as mesas digitalizadoras, no começo do mês anos 90s no AutoCAD ou no Microstation usávamos mesas pequenas para comandos e pranchetas A0 para desenho, embora esse computador seja mais antigo o design era assim.
View on Reddit #87192868

Academic-Shoulder308@reddit

nice
View on Reddit #87191054