HP 82321A BASIC Language Processor

The 82321A from HP (AKA, BASIC Language Processor (BLP), Measurement Coprocessor, PC-300, and Viper) is an ISA card included with HP Vetcra PCs with an entire HP Series 200 system (such as HP 9836C Technical Computer) on the card. It is fully compatible with software for Series 200 systems, down to even originally shipping with the BOOTROMs from a 9836C.

The card operates independently of the host PC system allowing for background processing in the loaded HP environment.

The host system driver creates virtual device interfaces to the HP environment for accessing system resources of the PC, such as:


 * Host HDD contents
 * Direct FDD access to read LIF disks
 * RS-232 and Parallel port interfaces

Note: The card is abnormally tall as well as being full length. It does not fit in every system, for example, it extends up too much to fit into an IBM PC/XT with the case closed.

Hardware Configuration
Up to 3 82321A's may be simultaneously run in one system. As such, there are a number of different onboard configuration jumpers and switch the change how the card is accessed and operated. The card does have silkscreen for the jumpers, but it is dark and thin making it very difficult to see. Below are the possible configurations with default options in bold with an * for the first card in a system.

W3 - IRQ
Note: The intended IRQ settings for multiple cards are #1 is IRQ 7, #2 is IRQ 9, #3 is IRQ 5

W2 - ID
Unused, leave all in the down/off position

W1 - ROM
Note: ROM IN is only for use with an unknown "BASIC ROM board".

SW1 - RAM
Note: B0 is the bank of RAM soldered directly to the board, B1 is the bank of sockets in the upper left. Each of these is 0.5MB of RAM and cards may or may not have the RAM installed making for two possible defaults. If your B1 is filled, you have 1MB of RAM.

SW2 - Multipurpose
SW2 has three settings spread across the switches. The on/1 position is towards the ISA interface.

SW2-1 - Device enable
This disables the card if turned off. Leave in on position for normal operation.

SW2-2-8 - DMA Address
Note: The intended DMA settings for multiple cards are #1 is 250h, #2 is 280h, #3 is 330h

SW2-9 - HP-IB System Controller Status
This enables or disables IEEE-488 System Controller status for the HP-IB interface on the card. If you want to access other devices from the 82321A, this must be set to on.

Related Devices

 * HP 9836C Technical Computer
 * HP 9122C Dual 1.44MB Floppy Drive
 * HP 82901M 5.25in 270K FDD