Re: Original LaserWriter Question

[Randy Shackelford <shack@onyx.southwind.net>]

David Empson <dempson@actrix.gen.nz> wrote:

:> I recently got an original LaserWriter for the best price possible (free)
:> but it didn't come with any instruction or users manual.
:> 
:> It prints the status page when it is initially turned on, but the test
:> light blinks, sometimes rapidly, sometimes slowly, and I can't get it to
:> print whether I use the 9-pin port or the 25-pin port.  Are they both
:> serial ports?  What does the blinking Test light mean?

: The 9-pin port is for AppleTalk.  It has the same pinout as the original
: Macintosh (128K and 512K models).  It is not compatible with a PC serial
: port, and you are likely to damage something if you tried to use a
: normal serial cable - at least two of the pins provide power outputs
: from the laser printer.

: To use this port, you need a LocalTalk adaptor, either one of Apple's
: genuine ones, or a third-party replacement such as PhoneNet.  Another
: one would be needed on the host computer (Mac, IIgs or IIe with
: Workstation Card).

Plus you have to select which port you want use with a little dial. These
old timers can't auto select which one.

: The 25-pin port is probably a serial port.  I expect it is configured as
: a DTE, which is natural for a printer.  This means that you would need a
: null-modem cable to plug it into a PC, or a standard Mac/ImageWriter I
: cable to plug it into a Mac or IIgs.  For a IIe, you would need a Super
: Serial Card with the jumper block pointing at TERMINAL and a
: straight-through cable.

: I don't know whether the original LaserWriter supports the Diabolo
: emulation that is supported by later models.  If not, you would only be
: able to send Postscript data via either port.

: I have no idea what the blinking light means.  I take it you have put
: paper in the printer?  Other than that, I'd guess it is an error
: indication, which may be reporting a hardware fault.

I have one of these which works but smears toner all over printed pages. I'm 
not sure if it's a problem or if turning it sideways to get it out of the
attic dumps toner around. I might pull it out and try some more. It does
take forever to warm up after powerup and it isn't a speed demon printing
either so once you you have cabling (I recommend using a DB9 localtalk box
and setting the dial to appletalk) give it a try but have a little patience.
I believe a blinking amber light means a paper jam.
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