Claris Applications: Basic Settings Guidelines for MacPlot

This article describes basic guidelines which ensure successful plotting using the MacPlot driver shipped with Claris applications. MacPlot places special demands on the hardware and software setup of your Macintosh and plotter. Sometimes, settings which work successfully with MacPlot defy conventional wisdom about how to configure your setup: for example, a cable which works fine with AutoCAD or other CAD programs may work unpredictably with MacPlot.

This information was provided by Claris Corporation on 16 March 1998, and incorporated into Apple Computer's Tech Info Library.
The following settings and hardware configurations have been proven to be successful with the MacPlot driver. If you wish to explore other settings which may offer benefits of speed or convenience, you should start with these then experiment with variations.

MacPlot Configuration:
Begin with the default settings for baud rate, stop bits, parity, and paper. In particular, leave the default for "stop bits" at 2 Ñ an unusual setting, but it usually works.

MacPlot Pens:
Assign each pen a pen name, carousel name (recommendation: use the default "None"), and pen position. Make sure the pen position starts at 1, and is different for each assigned pen and color.

Cabling:
Custom cables often do not meet the rigorous requirements of the MacPlot driver. If you wish to make a custom cable, follow the directions in the TechInfo article, "Custom Cable Settings for MacPlot." Better yet, use one of the cables listed in the article, "Cables Recommended for Use with MacPlot."
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012