Re: Printer Problems

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

Ron Royer <rrnh1@ibm.net> wrote:

> I need some help getting DB Master Pro working with my HP DJ 550C on a IIgs.
> It used to work fine but I can't seem to get the settings right.  When I try
> to print to the HP, the system hangs and I have to reboot.  I attempted to
> use the drivers in DB Master Pro but I must be doing something wrong.  APW
> prints fine to the HP so I know it is a software and not hardware problem.

I've never used DB Master of any variety, so I can't help much with this
one.

> While I am at it.  I recently got a free IW II printer.  I tried hooking it
> up to the GS using the modem port but I can't get anything to work.  Any
> suggestions?  Do I need a printer driver for the Imagewriter II?

Under what environment?  With GS/OS desktop applications, you do need a
driver, and it is supplied with the system software.  Under ProDOS-8, it
depends on the program.  For example, AppleWorks has ImageWriter
settings (it is even the default printer in a freshly installed copy).

The main point: in the Control Panel, you will have to change several of
the default settings.  In particular: "Connected Device" must be
"Printer", not "Modem", and you should change the baud rate to 9600 (the
default setting for the ImageWriter II).  I think the other settings
will be OK, but compare it with the printer port settings.

If you have a ROM 3, you need to set the connected device using the
Slots page, not the Modem Port page.  For a ROM 00 or 01 machine, the
setting is on the Modem Port page.

(This setting changes the command set and prefix character used by the
serial firmware.  Most programs expect printer mode when talking to a
printer.)

In applications, all you should need to do is tell them to use slot 2
instead of slot 1 (the usual default).

> Is the IW II a parallel or serial printer?

Serial.  Apple's last (only?) parallel printer was the Apple DMP, which
predates the ImageWriter I.

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