One workaround to this limitation is to use Shiva's NetSerial device. With a NetSerial interface, you can share serial device like plotters and direct-connect ImageWriters among several users on an AppleTalk network.
The lastest version of the Shiva Net Serial Device is 3.6.6 (as of 10/22/91).
The following is important:
1. Under Configure - go to the pop up menu to Shiva Config.
2. Select modem port under serial emulation.
3. Be sure and turn off 'Narrate" and "never disconnect."
(This must be done from every workstation.)
4. Go to the Chooser, select Net Serial and then the MacPlot driver. Be sure to also select Modem port.
The NetSerial is normally able to emulate the printer port via AppleTalk and should not need to tie up the modem port as in this workaround. This is a valid workaround, however, the problem here lies in MacPlot. It checks to see if AppleTalk is busy rather than if the port is busy. This means that MacPlot thinks because AppleTalk is on then the port must be busy. This is not the case when the NetSerial is emulating the printer port.
Microspot says that their Professional version 4.0 fixes this. You can contact them at:
Microspot
Suite 6
12380 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
(800) 622-7568 Sales
(408) 253-2000 voice
(408) 253-2055 fax
(408) 257-4000 Technical Support