The Macintosh XL has AppleTalk built into the ROM so you can print to the LaserWriter as you would from a Macintosh 512k. You need a DB-25 LocalTalk cable to connect to the Macintosh XL's serial port.
Once you have the cabling connected between the Macintosh XL and the LaserWriter, make sure the LaserWriters mode switch is set for "AppleTalk", use the Control Panel to make AppleTalk active, and then use Chooser to select the LaserWriter.
Here are the pinouts needed to make an adapter from a Macintosh AppleTalk Connection Module (DB-9) to a Macintosh XL connector (DB-25).
Macintosh Macintosh XL Signal
DB-9 Female DB-25 Male Mnemonic
----------- ------------ --------
8 19 RXD+
4 20 TXD+
9 3 RXD-
5 2 TXD-
SHIELD SHIELD GND
A word of caution is necessary. Because there are signal losses in cables longer than 18 inches, the AppleTalk Connection Module cable is supposed to be no longer than 18 inches, and the modules are constructed with an 18-inch cable already on them. There is a risk in connecting an adapter from the module to the Macintosh XL because the extra cable in the adapter might create signal losses that result in erratic operation of the Macintosh XL node. To minimize this risk, make the adapter's wiring as short as possible.
CAUTION! To avoid FCC Class B signal violation, this cable should be fully shielded, as the data is at a very high rate and is not attenuated by the connection boxes normally used in AppleTalk.
Article Change History:
17 Oct 1994 - Reviewed for technical accuracy, combined similar articles.
Support Information Services