Introduction

A principle feature of HUNTER’s architecture is its powerful and flexible communications facility.

HUNTER can communicate freely with most other types of computer, from micros to mainframes, using a variety of easily selected communication ‘Protocols’. These protocols, of both synchronous and asynchronous varieties, are chosen for compatibility with other systems and are not special to HUNTER.

To establish communications, HUNTER uses the universally accepted RS-232/V24 communications interface. This interface, used in virtually every computer system, terminal, printer and modem, allows HUNTER to ‘plug in’ to other systems without modification.

HUNTER is equipped to act as a ‘Data Terminal Equipment’ (DTE), and together with appropriate protocol selections can resemble (partially emulate) many popular computer terminals. In this mode, it can be used as a portable computer terminal, accessing and communicating with other systems.

Alternatively, HUNTER can act as a self-contained computer, directly supporting peripherals like printers without additional equipment. Remember that in this mode, HUNTER may need a ‘crossed cable’ or ‘modem simulator’ to communicate with other terminal-equipped devices.

HUNTER’s can communicate with each other, either side-by-side on the bench or over thousands of miles by telecommunication channels.