If you need to print with LaserWriter IINTX in PostScript batch mode, here is the method for serial connection from a PC:
Step 1: Connection
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Connect a serial cable from the PC serial port to the printer serial port.
Step 2: Switch Settings
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While the LaserWriter IINTX is off, set the printers DIP switch settings to:
1 UP
2 DOWN
3 UP
4 UP
5 UP
6 DOWN
These switch settings place the LaserWriter IINTX in:
PostScript Batch Mode,
RS-232 9600 Baud,
RS-422 9600 Baud,
7 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit, with DTR/DSR handshake.
Step 3: Power On
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Turn on the LaserWriter IINTX and the PC. After a few seconds, the LaserWriter IINTX will print a test page containing its current settings.
Step 4: PostScript Code
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The PostScript code that follows is used to switch the LaserWriter IINTX into 8 data bit PostScript batch mode.
NOTE:
The "%" characters and following comments are not necessary, and can be omitted when typing in the program. Also, instances of control-z in parentheses mean hold down the control key and press z. The word "Return" in parentheses means to press your carriage return or enter key.
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 IINTX into a condition requiring service.
- For DTR/DSR, from the DOS prompt, type:
COPY CON POST.TXT
serverdict begin 0 exitserver %This exits the PostScript server loop
statusdict begin %We're using an operator from statusdict
25 9600 68 setsccbatch %set 25 pin port for 9600 Baud, 8, 1, DTR
end %Pop statusdict from the dictionary stack
(control-z) (Return)
- For XON/XOFF, from the DOS prompt, type:
COPY CON POST.TXT
serverdict begin 0 exitserver %This exits the PostScript server loop
statusdict begin %Start modifying settings
25 9600 64 setsccbatch %set 25 pin port for 9600 Baud, 8, 1, Xon/Xoff
end %Pop statusdict from the dictionary stack
(control-z) (Return)
Step 5: Batch File
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A batch file needs to be created to set up the PCs communications port and to send the PostScript code to the printer. From the DOS prompt, type:
COPY CON POST.BAT
MODE COM1:96,N,8,1,P
MODE LPT1:=COM1
copy POST.TXT LPT1
(control-z) (Return)
Step 6: Change LaserWriter IINTX to 8 data bit PostScript batch mode
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Type POST from the DOS prompt to set the NTX to 8 data bit PostScript batch mode. The printer will internally switch from the 7 data bit PostScript batch mode to 8 data bit PostScript batch mode.
Step 7: PostScript Code for testing the mode change
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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 IINTX into a condition requiring service.
The PostScript code that follows tests the mode change. From the DOS prompt, type:
COPY CON TEST.TXT
/Helvetica findfont 14 scalefont setfont
72 720 moveto
(The Options number for the 25-pin port is:) show
statusdict begin 25 sccbatch 10 string cvs show
pop showpage
(control-z) (Return)
Step 8: Test mode change
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To test the mode change, type the following from the DOS prompt:
COPY TEST.TXT LPT1
After a few seconds, the LaserWriter IINTX should print a page containing the following text:
'The Options number for the 25-pin port is xx'
Where 'xx' equals the third number in the third line of the PostScipt code created in step 4 (either 68 or 64).
Problem Solving
===============
LaserWriter IINTX does not print after test PostScript code is sent:
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Check cable connections and paper supply to the LaserWriter IINTX. Turn off any spooler commands that may be implemented on the PC. Check the PostScript files (POST.TXT) and (TEST.TXT) along with the (POST.BAT) batch file for any typing errors. If none are apparent, we suggest re-typing the code of both PostScript files from scratch.
If the LaserWriter IINTX does not receive the PostScript code character for character, the mode change or test will not work. Once the code has been re-typed, send it to the LaserWriter IINTX. If the LaserWriter IINTX prints the page, then all is well. If the LaserWriter IINTX does nothing, then start over from step 1.
LaserWriter IINTX will not print from within an application:
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Check the applications print settings to ensure that it is sending output to LPT1 or COM1. The application must support PostScript, and must be set to output to a PostScript device.
Article Change History:
22 Aug 1995 - Made minor corrections.
09 Feb 1995 - Added PostScript caution and reformatted article.
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