Re: LocalTalk Cable

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

Gary Black <gblack@vnet.net> wrote:

> Could someone enlighten me on what a LocalTalk cable looks like?  I came
> across a Personal LaserWriter NT which, according to www.apple.com, is
> supposed to be compatible with the IIGS and the Mac.

Yes, I believe it will work with the LaserWriter driver on the IIgs.

> I have a IIGS and a Mac Power PC 6100/66 and I would like to be able to
> share the printer between these two machines.
> 
> I've tried the cable that can connect either of these to an Imagewriter II but
> it doesn't seem to work.

It should work when connecting either computer to the printer, provided
you have AppleTalk enabled as appropriate on either machine.

If you want a permanent setup without having to switch cables, you will
need a proper cabling system.  There are two options:

(a) Apple's LocalTalk cabling system.  This is the expensive option.

(b) "PhoneNet" or an equivalent cabling system.

In both cases, you need a "drop box" for each device on the network,
plus cables to connect the drop boxes together.  I use PhoneNet.  Every
drop box I've bought includes one connecting cable and a terminator, so
you should be able to get all you need by buying three drop boxes.

With PhoneNet, you need a terminator installed in the unused connection
points at each end of the network (this is just a modular plug with a
resistor).  Apple's LocalTalk drop box have automatic termination of
unused connectors.

If you have unusual wiring requirements, e.g. a long distance between
two of the network devices, then you are likely to find Phonenet more
convenient, as it uses standard telephone cable.


As to the software side: it is easiest to get the printer to work on the
Mac, so that would be a good place to start.  You should be able to do
this with your existing printer cable.

1. Connect the cable between the printer and the Mac, using the Printer
Port on the Mac (icon of a printer).  Make sure the printer is switched
on.

2. Go into the Chooser on the Mac, and make sure AppleTalk is "Active".
If you are running "Classic Networking" then you will have to reboot
after enabling AppleTalk (it can be enabled and disabled on the fly if
you are using Open Transport).

3. In the Chooser, pick "LaserWriter" (or "LaserWriter 8", depending on
which system software version you have), and you should see a list
appear on the right side, with the current name of the printer
displayed.  If it is not highlighted, then click on the name to select
it.

4. Close the Chooser.  If you have recent system software, then a
desktop printer icon will be created.

You should now be able to print from any application.

If this doesn't work:

- If you have Open Transport installed, then go into the "AppleTalk"
control panel and check that AppleTalk is set to use the printer port,
not the modem port or any other option.

- If you are using Classic Networking, go into the Network control panel
and check that LocalTalk is selected (I forget what the icon is labelled
with as I haven't used this for a while), not Ethernet.

Failing that, you may have a faulty printer.


Assuming you can get the printer to work on the Mac, the next step is to
get the IIgs set up properly.  I've posted general instructions on how
to set up AppleTalk on the IIgs in the past, but I'd be happy to repeat
it.

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