🚀 go-pugleaf

In <15450003@hpdml93.HP.COM>, stephen@hpdml93.HP.COM (Stephen Holmstead) writes:
>I would *LOVE* to see standardization of cables (eg, SCSI means 50 pin
>cable, serial interface means DB-25 cable, etc.).  Speaking of standard
>cables, what possessed Commodore to use a DB-23?!?!?!? :-)

This is the second comment I have seen recently wondering why CBM used a DB-23.
Thankfully, yours was not in the nature of a flame.

There is a very good reason. Take a look at the back of an IBM or clone
sometime, and tell me how many ways you can plug the wrong thing into the wrong
place. Now do the same with the Amiga. Many folks have fried things on the
clones, because they plugged something in wrong.

Additionally, the two devices that do have the 23 pin connectors are not
'standard' in the industry. The floppy in particular has an extra bit of
interface that means you cab't just plug in a stock clone floppy, and that you
can't just use an Amiga floppy on anything but an AMiga.

It was only a slight problem for a few months, until DB-23s became more
available.

While I'm at it, I may as well voice my pet peeve about connectors. IBM did the
RS-232 WRONG. I know it isn't in the spec, but up until these clowns got hold
of it, most manufacturers used FEMALE connectors on their equipment (not as
easy to short out). Now we have CBM, who did it right on the A1000, then
decided to kowtow to the IBMishness and use a male RS-232. Grr.

-larry

--
" All I ask of my body is that it carry around my head."
         - Thomas Alva Edison -
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|   //   Larry Phillips                                                 |
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