Re: Yet another ImageWriter II question

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Ian Roth <philian@fast.net> wrote:

> Here's my problem:
> 
> I want to connect a ImageWriter II to a Windows 98 PC using the parralel
> port or serial port.

You won't be able to use the parallel port without some extra hardware,
namely a parallel to serial converter.  It would make a lot more sense
to use the serial port.

> I have a null modem cable, a IIgs to Modem cable with hardware handshaking
> (Alltech Electronics part number CAB006R), a IIgs to Modem cable (Alltech
> Electronics part number CAB007), and a RS-232 wiring adapter but more
> parts could be purchased.

I don't know the precise pinout of any of these cables - the flow
control lines could be implemented in a variety of ways, so it is
probably easiest to specify the cable pinout you should be using.  You
can probably rig one up from this.

First, for those who came in late, here is the pin numbering of the
Mini-Din-8 that I'm using, which matches Apple's diagram in the IIgs
Owner's Guide.  The following picture is looking into the socket on the
printer, or into the back of the Mini-Din-8 plug on the cable.

  8  7  6

 5    4  3

    2  1

IWII (Mini-Din-8)     PC (DB-25F or DE-9F)

  1  HShkOut  ------  CTS   5         8
  2  HShkIn   ------  DTR  20         4
  3  TxD-     ------  RxD   3         2
  4  Gnd      ------  Gnd   7         5
  5  RxD-     ------  TxD   2         3
  6  TxD+             (not connected)
  7  (unused)         (not connected)
  8  RxD+     ------  Gnd   7         5

I'm assuming that the PC doesn't care about the state of its DSR flow
control input when talking to a printer.  If it needs DSR active, then
you should connect IWII pin 1 (HShkOut) to both pins 5 and 6 on the PC
for a DB-25F, or pins 8 and 6 for a DE-9F.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand