Re: Dot Matrix and Apple IIGS

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

Chris <trasgo@netins.net> wrote:

> I wrote:
> 
> -  Upon my return, I began to set up my new contraptions, and located a
> -parallel port so as to attach one of my new printers.  It's a Printech
> -II.  I slipped it into slot 1, snapped the wiring into the card and the
> -printer, and crossed my fingers.  I went into GPLE, a BASIC
> -editor, and typed in PR#1.  But, when I listed a program, nothing
> -happened.  The select light was on, and the power was flowing through
> -everything.  Then I went to AppleWorks and attempted to print something
> -there, changing the configuration to Apple Dot Matrix.  (I named it
> -Sally.)  Still, upon printing, nothing happened.
> 
> <lo corto>
> 
>   Well, scratch that.  I got the printer working, by simply changing in
> the Control Panels Slot 1 from Printer Port to Your Card.  However, I am
> in desperate need of a new ink ribbon.  That I can attend to.  But, I also
> get some craaaazy stuff printed out.
> 
> GO280
> GO280
> ...
> 
>   This, I infer, is the printer command for forcing a newline.  (280
> pixels.  But maybe I'm wrong?)

Not likely.  Printers generally accept a simple Line Feed (usually
preceded by a carriage return) to go to the next line.  Could be part of
a graphics command which isn't recognised by this printer.

> Anyway, besides that, my actual message
> does print, sorta.  I typed "hiya, people" and got (at least, I think I
> did.  The ribbon's fading fast):
> 
> hhx'- peopme

This sounds suspiciously like your parallel cable or printer is faulty.
Having a look at the ASCII characters:

  "hiya, people" = 68 69 79 61 2D 20 70 65 6F 70 6C 65
  "hhx`- peopme" = 68 68 78 60 2C 20 70 65 6F 70 6D 65

(Not sure about the 2C and 2D for comma and dash without looking them
up.)

The bottom bit appears to be randomly set wrong - forced clear for the
some of the characters at the beginning, forced set for some near the
end.  Could be the cable, the printer card, the print head, or even the
flexible connector between the print head and the printer motherboard.

>   *sigh*  Well, I must go tinker with the other options in the control
> panel.  Thanks for listenin'.  (And thanks for the responses too.  I don't
> know what good I'll do any of ya, but I owe ya one.)

Regarding your signature:

> 4F4E 4345 2055 504F 4E20 4120 5449 4D55 2054 4845 5245
> 2057 Chris -- trasgo@netins.net -- AIM - Yarntail 4153
> 2041 a.g.f-f website: www.netins.net/showcase/gog 2052
> 454C 4D2E 2020 5348 4520 5741 5320 464F 4F45 5921 2121

Hm.  One hand translation of ASCII later:

"ONCE UPON A TIMU THERE WAS A RELM.  SHE WAS FOOEY!!!"

Is that supposed to mean something?  I assume the "TIMU" is a typo
(should be 5449 4D45 = "TIME"), but the ending has me baffled.

:-)

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