Re: Connecting a LaserWriter to a IIgs via AppleTalk

[shack@crash.cts.com (Randy Shackelford)]

In article <368lnj$2s4@kaiwan.kaiwan.com>,
Mark Miller <markm@kaiwan.com> wrote:
>
>I am considering the connection of an Apple Personal LaserWriter 620
>to my Apple IIgs.  The only interface to the LaserWriter is via
>LocalTalk.  Since I have never used the AppleTalk interface on the GS,
>I would like to learn more about it.  I have several GS reference
>manuals, but none provide very much detail in the system function of
>the AppleTalk protocol.

It's not real complicated. Set the control panel, install the appropriate
stuff, and fire it up. There are some IIgs network manuals around but hard
to find nowadays like all other IIgs stuff, if you want the details.

>The Installer added several new files to my System folder after
>installing the Networked LaserWriter.  What are the functions of the
>following files:
>
>*/System/Drivers/AppleTalk
>		/ATalk
>		/ATP1.ATROM
>		/ATP2.ATRAM

these are port driver things I think

>		/LaserWriter

the printer driver like you need for any printer

>		/SCC.Manager

a driver needed for Appletalk

>*/System/System.Setup/ATInit

where your user name on the network and the name of the selected printer are
stored

>		     /ATResponder

dunno

>If anyone else has connected a LaserWriter to their GS, I would
>enjoy hearing what kind of results you've encountered.

I have a Laserwriter NTR on my network in addition to an Atalk IW II
 
>What are the pros and cons of using a LaserWriter on a GS?

You have to download the IW emulator to get 8 bit software to print. Big deal 
though. The advantages of laser output are pretty obvious

>Can TrueType fonts (Pointless) be used for printing documents to a
>LaserWriter?

When the Westcode dudes were are around (did they fold?) they said that 
Pointless didn't help any with the laserwriter driver.
--
Randy Shackelford                                Huh huh, that was cool.
shack@crash.cts.com