LPS (Digital PrintServer) questions

akb+lists.cctech(a)imap1.mirror.to (Andrew K. Bressen) wrote: Andrew, thank you very much for such a detailed answer packed with actual information! Earlier today, though, I sent someone a check for an HP LaserJet 4Si, so in all likelihood I'll be using that as my printer. I worked with those before and I love its engine and the way it's built, it's a great printer, and it can be equipped with a duplexer, which is extremely important for me. Since I'm a ClassicCmp'er, my printing consists mostly of specs, manuals and datasheets, and I need duplex for that. Though 4Si has only a parallel port on the base unit and is usually equipped with a JetDirect Ethernet MIO card, I have found that there exists an MIO parallel/serial card and an HP printer parts dealer is willing to sell me one. If I equip my 4Si with that card and with the PostScript SIMM, I could use it as a pure serial PostScript printer and pretend that it's a DEC LN03R. (I would also want to disable PCL and make it PS-only. HP doesn't really want you to be able to do it, but it can be set to PostScript personality in the menu. It doesn't disable PJL commands and those can still throw it back into PCL, but blocking the ESC character in the UNIX daemon/filter driving it will stop it.) Oh well, at least I'm glad I've found the MIO card for it with a serial port, so I won't have to connect it to Ethernet (in fact I'll remove the JetDirect card and put it in the closet out of my sight as soon as I get it). It's just awful, a protocol kitchen sink. But I may still some day get to play with an LPS, so I have saved your information-packed message for that day. Thanks again! MS