Step 1: Create PostScript Files
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If the applications you are using do not generate PostScript files, or if you want to print plain text files, you need a tool to translate plain text into PostScript. TranScript is one such application from Adobe Systems, Inc., which does this. The TranScript software converts non-PostScript language files such as Tek 4014, Diablo 630, troff, ntroff, plot and ASCII into PostScript language files. TransScript is distributed by the Qualix Group.
Step 2: Create a Printer Description
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Once you have text to PostScript software installed, set up an entry in the /etc/printcap file for the PostScript printer. Sample printcap entries can be found on the internet. One anonymous ftp site is "ftp.unt.edu" which contains the file printcap-city located in the /pub/unix directory. The entry should look similar to:
#LASERWRITER PLUS (GENERIC) -----------------------------------
lp|lw|ps|PostScript|LaserWriter|laserwriter|postscript|Apple:\\
:lp=/dev/lw:br#9600:\\
:fc#0000374:fs#0000003:xc#0:xs#0040040:rw:\\
:if=/usr/lib/psif:of=/usr/doctools/lib/psof:\\
:gf=/usr/lib/psgf:nf=/usr/doctools/lib/psnf:\\
:tf=/usr/lib/pstf:\\
:vf=/usr/lib/psvf:\\
:sd=/usr/spool/lpd0:lf=/usr/spool/lpd0/log:\\
:mx#0:sf:sb:
Step 3: Make Connection
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Connect the printer to the workstation. Adjust printer and port communications settings appropriately.
Step 4: Check the Connection
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Send data to the printer using the commands your UNIX workstation requires. Here is a generic example, you may need to use a different command. This command does not print anything, it only checks the connection.
echo "Hello" > /dev/port &
After sending the command you should see the lights on the printer flash as the data is received. If you do not see the lights flash, there may a problem with the physical connection. You should check the cable, UNIX system serial port setup, or LaserWriter setup.
Step 5: Printing a PostScript File
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The final step is to print a PostScript file. If you have a PostScript file available, you should be able to print it with the following command:
cat filename > /dev/port &
This article provides information about a non-Apple product. Apple Computer, Inc. is not responsible for its content. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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