Re: //c to Okidata printer

[mark@trillian.jsc.nasa.gov (Mark Manning)]

In article <John-271293090731@134.29.1.155>, John@msus1.msus.edu (John
Biederstedt) wrote:
> 
> I have connected a parallel Okikdata printer to an Apple //c using a
> "Hotlink" adapter cable.  Garbage characters are all that the printer
> prints when a document is printed from AppleWorks.  The Okidata printer is
> configured as an Epson FX printer and Appleworks is set up to print to an
> Epson FX printer.  
> 
> Am I missing something obvious?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> John@msus1.msus.edu

I own an Okidata printer but I usually connect it to the //e and //c via
the serial port.

However, the easiest way in which to test and set the Okidata is to
remove the cover from the printer.  (You DO have the manual right? :) )
If you have the manual, you can boot your //c and then go into basic.
Once there do the old "PR#1" command.  Type a letter and press return.
The same letter should show on the Okidata.  If it doesn't, check the
manual and modify one of the parameters (keep track of this somewhere).

What I mean by "modify one of the parameters" is to turn the printer off,
change one of the dip switch settings found on two (usually) blue boxes.
Write down which one you changed and then turn back on the printer.  This
should not affect the fact that the //c is attempting to use the printer
so long as you do not type anything while the printer is off.  Type the
letter again (and return again) and check the printer again.  Continue
in this manner until the right letter comes up.

Some of the things which should be set are:
9600 baud (if one of the options).
8 bit words.
No stop bits.
1 parity bit.
(Just like a modem for the most part).

Some times, printers use seven bit words with the eighth bit forced to
one or with a special command which will toggle the eighth bit on or off.
Check for that as well.

Lastly, most Okidata printers come with both serial as well as parallel
connectors.  The dealer or the manufacturer simply seals off the part
which the printer is not being sold for (ie:If it was sold as a parallel
printer then the serial port was sealed off).  Check to see if you have
a serial port.  On the Okidata printer there is just a switch to set
which port to use.  Again, turn off the printer before changing that
switch.  I found this out with my printer and now can happily change it
between being a parallel or serial printer.

I hope this helps. :)
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I saw a baby crawling, a young man walking, an old man hobbling, a coffin
laid to rest, and realized it was I and that life was just a jest. - Mark
Manning

mark@trillian.jsc.nasa.gov