Personal LaserWriter NTR: Communication Switch Settings

This article describes the communication switch settings on the Personal LaserWriter NTR printer.
Warning: If you choose a non-LocalTalk setting for the LocalTalk (8-pin) port while the printer is connected to an AppleTalk network, you can do permanent damage to devices on the network! Settings 1, 4, 5, and 6, (and possibly 9, since you can customize 9) are non-LocalTalk settings for the 8-pin port. Before you choose one of these settings, disconnect any LocalTalk connector box connected to the printer.

If you have a non-Macintosh computer that requires special settings to work with the Personal LaserWriter NTR, you can choose a different group of settings. You use the ten-position push-button switch on the back of the printer to choose a group of settings.

If you need to change the setting, check the following table for the switch position that corresponds to the setting you need. If you need additional settings and have access to a Macintosh computer, you can program position 9 using the LaserWriter Utility software.

Settings

Switch Number
Port Name
Connect Type
Baud Rate
Parity
Data Bits
Stop Bits
Flow Control
Protocol
Mode
0
Din-8 LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS
1
Din-8Serial
9600
None
7
1
XON/XOFF
-
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
7
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS
2
Din-8LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
HP
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
HP
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
HP
3
Din-8LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
HP
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
DTR
Normal
HP
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
HP
4
Din-8Serial
1200
None
7
1
XON/XOFF
-
PS
RS-232Serial
1200
None
7
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS
5
Din-8Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS
6
Din-8Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Binary
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Binary
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Binary
PS
7
Din-8LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS
8
Din-8LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
HP
9
Din-8LocalTalk
-
-
-
-
-
-
PS
RS-232Serial
9600
None
8
1
XON/XOFF
Normal
PS
ParallelCentronic
-
-
-
-
-
Normal
PS

PS - PostScript

HP - HP PCL 4

* - Nonprinting input: This is used when a device-such as an automatic sheet feeder-is connected to the serial port and receives special commands from a computer connected through another of the printer's ports.

Available settings
The following table briefly describes the communication settings and lists the options available for each.

Setting
Description
Options
Baud RateThe speed of transmission between the computer and the printer.300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 19200, 57600
ParityThe method used to compare transmitted and received data to check for errors.None, odd, even, mark, space
Data BitsThe number of bits used to represent each character.7, 8
Stop BitsThe number of bits used to indicate the end of each character.1, 2
Flow ControlThe method used to prevent transmitted data from exceeding the rate at which the receiving end can accept it.XON/XOFF, DTR, ETX/ACK
ProtocolThe digital format in which the data is presented.Normal, raw, binary
ModeThe communication standard used to transmit data.PostScript, HP Printer Command Language 4, and Nonprinting Input (not intended for a computer connection)
Published Date: Feb 19, 2012