🚀 go-pugleaf

I want to use a micro to run an electronic camera and to manage the resulting
images. I want the following capabilities:
   1) IEEE-488 interface to talk to the camera controller;
   2) interface to ethernet;
   3) the ablility to display 8-bit color images (512x512 pixels) on a
      separate dumb monitor;
   4) the ability to write 1/4" cartridge tapes for transport to a Sun
      Workstation.

I have been blissfully ignorant of the world of micros, so I am trying to
become educated enough to make sensible decisions in choosing hardware (and
software) for this system. I would appreciate advice on the following:

a) Do I want a Mac (IIx) or an IBM (model?)? I am unfamiliar with both.
   I care about the hardware and software interfaces, and also the
   programming environment (for C or Fortran).

b) Specific hardware vendors and/or products for these four capabilities.
   My understanding so far is that 1) the IEEE-488 interface is
   straightforward; I need a board (and driver);  2) again, a board is
   needed; with a Mac, an external connection from Appletalk is possible, but
   not preferred (due to slower speed).  3) a board and a monitor are both
   needed; 640x480 pixels would be acceptable resolution.  4) on a Mac a tape
   drive could be hung on the SCSI port; eventual compatibility of the tapes
   with a Sun is important.

c) What software is necessary to handle the display on a separate monitor?
   Does this software exist (especially in the public domain)?

d) What software is necessary to write Sun-compatible cartridge tapes? Does
   this software exist?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

John B. Laird				Internet:	laird@andy.bgsu.edu
Department of Physics and Astronomy	BITNET:		LAIRD@BGSUOPIE
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH  43403
419-372-7244