On June 9 Michael Sokolov wrote:
1. Are all LaserWriters 100% pure PostScript printers,
speaking nothing
but PS? I know the very original one was, but I'm not sure about whatever
happened later and whatever they make now.
2. Were there any LaserWriters made with duplex printing capability? If
so, what's the earliest duplex LaserWriter?
3. The original LaserWriter had a serial port. But given the assault on
serial ports coming from all directions, I don't expect the current ones
to have one, or do they? When was the last LaserWriter made with a serial
port? Was there ever a LaserWriter new enough to support duplex printing
but old enough to have a serial port?
4. Are LaserWriter serial ports standard EIA-232 DB25 or something Apple
proprietary? If the latter, what kind of adapter would I need to make?
1. - The LaserWriter NTX supports Diablo 630 and also a limited version of a
LaserJet emulator allowing use of Courier, Times, Helvetica in roman, bold,
italic and bold italic; communication needs to be via the printer's RS 232
interface (DB-25) at 9600 baud to use the emulator. My 1988 Apple
LaserWriter Reference text suggests checking the 1986 LaserJet reference for
more info on this, though there's a fair bit on the subject in Apple's own
book.
4. - The original LaserWriter had a 9-pin RS422. Later ones came with a
mini-DIN 8 RS422 plus a DB25 RS 232c. These machines speak AppleTalk over
their mini-DIN 8 ports when that function is selected by DIP switch
positioning - in which case the DB25 serial port is disabled.
In a later post someone suggested avoiding the CX-engined original LW in
favor of the LWII with the SX engine, mostly b/o problems with obtaining
toner - probably a wise suggestion. Plus the SX is indestructible - mine's
been in service since 1989. Total cost of repairs over 15 years of light to
moderate use: $26 for a new ozone filter.
I'll be glad to scan any material from the LW reference anyone may
want/need.
Seth Lewin