Apple IIGS: Choosing Networked ImageWriter



I have two networks at two different schools. The first network has
approximately 30 Apple IIGS systems, one Macintosh SE (acting as an AppleShare
File Server), a Macintosh SE with HD20 SC, and four ImageWriter II printers
with LocalTalk Option Cards. The network is connected with PhoneNET cabling
and the machines are placed in no particular order around the network.

When the last LocalTalk ImageWriter II is added to end of the network, the
LocalTalk ImageWriter II printers drop from the Chooser and become invisible to
the Apple IIGS systems. The Macintosh SE can still see and print to the
ImageWriters, however. If the LocalTalk ImageWriter II is moved to another
location on the network with PhoneNET cable and connector box and another
LocalTalk ImageWriter II is put in its place, the same thing happens. If the
ImageWriter II is removed from the network, the Apple IIGS systems can see the
other printers.

The second network uses a StarController and PhoneNET. One channel of the
StarController has a Macintosh SE/30 AppleShare File Server; the second
channel has 12 Apple IIGS systems, one Macintosh SE, and one LocalTalk
ImageWriter II; the third channel has 15 Macintosh SE systems and three
LocalTalk ImageWriter II printers. At some point, when enough machines are
added, the same thing as above happens -- that is, the Apple IIGS systems can't
see the ImageWriters, but the Macintosh systems can.

I ran Inter-Poll on one of these networks after the failure occurred. All
Apple IIGS systems and all ImageWriter II printers were visible.

Note that in both cases the Apple IIGS systems start up from the network.
What might cause this? Can you recommend any steps to cure this problem?

NOTE: We are assuming that when you speak of using the Chooser, you're talking
about the network ImageWriter CDEV found in the GS/OS Control Panel.

The GS/OS Control Panel network ImageWriter CDEV cannot handle more than three
networked ImageWriters. When the fourth ImageWriter is added to the network,
all networked ImageWriters disappear. There is no way to change the CDEV's
performance.

When using GS/OS applications, the only workaround is to switch off
ImageWriters until only three are active on the network; make the printer
selection via the CDEV; then power on the remaining printers. Once the
selection process is complete the printing process will work properly. Even
though the CDEV cannot locate a printer, the GS/OS Print Manager can.

When using ProDOS 8 applications, using Chooser.II allows all available network
ImageWriters to appear. Using Chooser.II does not work with GS/OS applications
because Chooser.II stores its choices in the ATINIT file associated with that
user. GS/OS applications look to the CDEV choices for printing operations.

In summary:

- For ProDOS applications, use Chooser.II.

- For GS/OS applications, use the Control Panel's network ImageWriter CDEV.

When using GS/OS with more than three ImageWriters on the network,
perform printer choices when only three ImageWriters are powered on.
Once chosen, all printers can be powered on and used normally.

Other than these workarounds, as of April, 1990, there is no solutio to the
GS/OS Control Panel CDEV problem.


Published Date: Feb 18, 2012