From owner-freebsd-questions Mon Dec 11 16:32:33 1995 Return-Path: owner-questions Received: (from root@localhost) by freefall.freebsd.org (8.7.3/8.7.3) id QAA19928 for questions-outgoing; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 16:32:33 -0800 (PST) Received: from data.nas.nasa.gov (data.nas.nasa.gov [129.99.23.20]) by freefall.freebsd.org (8.7.3/8.7.3) with SMTP id QAA19921 for ; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 16:32:31 -0800 (PST) Received: from gizmo.nas.nasa.gov (gizmo.nas.nasa.gov [129.99.36.13]) by data.nas.nasa.gov (8.6.12/NAS.5.b) with SMTP id QAA27871; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 16:32:11 -0800 X-Authentication-Warning: data.nas.nasa.gov: Host gizmo.nas.nasa.gov didn't use HELO protocol X-Mailer: exmh version 1.6 4/21/95 To: Steve Hovey Cc: Seppo Kallio , freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Reply-To: truesdel@nas.nasa.gov Subject: Re: Connectix QuickCam In-reply-to: Your message of "Mon, 11 Dec 1995 07:42:50 PST." <9512111044.aa22548@buffnet1.buffnet.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995 16:32:10 -0800 Message-ID: <5868.818728330@nas.nasa.gov> From: Dave Truesdell Sender: owner-questions@freebsd.org Precedence: bulk -- Your message was: (from "Steve Hovey") > >It seems hard to get info about Connectix QuickCam from Connectix. > >What kind of tools there is to trace the parallel port data traffic in >FreeBSD or MS Windows. None came with it - I just bought one. > >I know QuickCAM is using one way parallel port. Somehow it can read the >picture data and control the shutter speed of the camera. It uses one way or two way - and it also plugs into the keyboard as well as the parallel port, but doesnt explain why. > >BTW: Is it illegal to trace this kind of data and publish it as C-kode? > Wouldnt be easier to tell them you wanna write a driver for freebsd and ask for specs? They have a web site - www.connectix.com -- End of Message If you haven't opened the envelope with the floppys, you should be able to return the camera, without any problems. :-) Otherwise, unless you are willing to run Windows, the QuickCam is just an expensive paperweight. And, don't bother trying to contact Connectix for programming information. From my own experience in contacting them, and from what I've seen on the net, their only response is a formletter politely thumbing their nose at anyone not using Windows or a Macintosh. The letter claims that over 95% of their customers use those platforms. I guess the remaining 5%, like me, buy their product by mistake. After all, why would knowingly spend $100+ on a camera they can't use. T.T.F.N., Dave Truesdell Wombat Wrestler/Software Packrat/NAS Newsmaster (truesdel@nas.nasa.gov)