> > For debugging, it is extremely valuable to be able to capture the output.
> > Then you can email the interesting parts to someone and say "Look! Your
> > framdazzler isn't working!" This is real easy to do with rs-232 and
> > a real pain with video. Also makes it much easier to give someone remote
> > access to the hardware.
>
> You should use the already available JTAG interface in
> this case, instead of introducing yet another hardware component.
>
> > > we should
> > > rather concentrate on the main issues than all these little details.
> >
> > A little detail that is wrong can make a product useless.
>
> I doubt that there is another graphics card out there,
> that allows accessing the JTAG interface at all, so
> don't start complaining about details that are IMHO
> unimportant to 99.999999% the users.
More exaggeration. A rs-232 port would be VERY valuable to a LOT
of users. How many? I don't have numbers, and unlike some people
I'm not going to make up exaggerated numbers in an attempt to prop
up a weak argument.
a) Use it to set the video mode. Fixed freq and limited range
multisync monitors are FAR more popular than some of you think.
Especially amoung the people that would be interested in the OGC.
b) debugging (graphics card itself, firmware, OS, ...)
- access if the video isn't working for whatever reason
- easily capture data
- remote access
c) use as the system console (this is VERY popular)
- Even if the system firmware doesn't provide
for a rs-232 console -> MORE SALES
Note that you can't do this with a rs-232 card
or a USB to rs-232 adapter, etc. If the firmware
wants a graphics console, you have to make the firmware
think it has one.
- again: easy to capture and log data, remote access
BTW, remote access includes from the other side of the
world, even if all you have is a POTS phone line.
Try doing that with video. Yes, people really do this.
d) for any rs-232 device if not needed for the above uses
Will the OGC board have this JTAG interface, or only the OGD?
What percentage of users will know what a JTAG interface is,
much less have a Binford 6100 JTAG interface access console
to talk to it? I'm a EE and I don't.
I don't see anyone arguing against having the JTAG interface,
even though nearly all OGC users will have no use for it.
And possibly most OGD users as well.
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