The PostScript information below may be useful for users who are using Apple LaserWriter 8500 printers with systems, typically UNIX-based, that do not provide PostScript driver support for selecting paper trays.
NOTE: This information only applies to the Apple LaserWriter 8500 printer; commands may vary between printer models.
NOTE: The information below does not apply to users with Mac OS and Windows-based computers, since this functionality is built into the PostScript printer drivers for these operating systems.
If your printing system lets you append PostScript to your jobs, the following PostScript code fragments will allow you to change the paper tray selection on a per-job basis. Information on how to change the printer's default tray selection is also provided.
The details of how to automate this process on a per-job basis vary from system to system (if it can be automated at all). Please consult your system's documentation for specifics.
CAUTION: If you choose to use the PostScript code provided in this article, you assume all risks involved in making these changes. PostScript code, if not entered correctly, can place the LaserWriter into a condition requiring service.
250 Page Tray (Standard Cassette)
-------------------------------------------------
%!
currentpagedevice /InputAttributes get 0 get
dup null eq
{ pop }
{ dup length 1 add dict copy
dup /InputAttributes
1 dict dup /Priority [0 1 2 3] put
put setpagedevice
} ifelse
%% End PostScript
Multipurpose Tray
-------------------------------------------------
%!
currentpagedevice /InputAttributes get 1 get
dup null eq
{ pop }
{ dup length 1 add dict copy
dup /InputAttributes
1 dict dup /Priority [1 0 2 3] put
Ê put setpagedevice
} ifelse
%% End PostScript
Optional Cassette 1
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Ê %!
Ê currentpagedevice /InputAttributes get 2 getdup null eq
{ pop }
{ dup length 1 add dict copy
dup /InputAttributes
1 dict dup /Priority [2 0 1 3] put
put setpagedevice
} ifelse
%% End PostScript
Optional Cassette 2
-------------------------------------------------
%!
currentpagedevice /InputAttributes get 2 get
dup null eq
{ pop }
{ dup length 1 add dict copy
dup /InputAttributes
1 dict dup /Priority [3 0 1 2] put
put setpagedevice
} ifelse
%% End PostScript
Changing the Default Tray
-------------------------------------------------
Use the following information to change the default paper tray selection for the Apple LaserWriter 8500 printer. These settings will remain until the defaults are changed again. The PostScript code fragments below should be downloaded by themselves; they should not be appended to any other PostScript jobs like the per-job fragments discussed above.
The tray selections below are based on the following numbering scheme:
0 (StandardCassette)
1 (Multipurpose)
2 (OptionalCassette1)
3 (OptionalCassette2)
This is the PostScript Level 2 code format for changing the default tray:
%!
serverdict begin 0 exitserver
1 dict dup /InputAttributes 1 dict dup /Priority [2 1 0 3] put put
setpagedevice
%% End PostScript
This sets the paper tray priority to:
1st Priority: Optional Cassette 1 - designated by the "2" in the array above.
2nd Priority: Multipurpose Tray - designated by the "1" in the array above.
3rd Priority: Standard Cassette - designated by the "0" in the array above.
4th Priority: Optional Cassette 2 - designated by the "3" in the array above.
You can change the paper tray priority order by changing the order of the values in the "/Priority" section, above. For example, /Priority [0 1 2 3] makes the standard cassette first priority, then the Multipurpose tray next, then optional cassette 1, and finally optional cassette 2.