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TOPIC
The PowerBook 150, 200, 500, 2300 series computers have only one serial port. How do I set up a direct connect serial printer when I have an internal modem installed? Also, how can I communicate with an AppleTalk network?
DISCUSSION
The PowerBook 200, 2300 (Duos), and 500 series computers have only one serial I/O port which is mapped as a modem port. Depending on the individual printer driver, the Chooser may show a combo port icon (such as the ImageWriter driver), or it may have two choices: printer and modem (such as the StyleWriter II). If given two choices, you should select modem port.
AppleTalk can run through this port if LocalTalk (built-in) is selected in the Network control panel and AppleTalk is Active in the Chooser. To successfully print to a direct-connect printer, you must make AppleTalk inactive through the Chooser.
You can redirect AppleTalk to a different port using the Network control panel if you are connected to an Ethernet network, or if you have Apple Remote Access Client software installed.
Since Apple Remote Access requires AppleTalk to be active, and a serial printer requires AppleTalk to be inactive, the Remote Only selection in the Network control panel allows you to set the internal modem port for AppleTalk. This enables the external serial port for use with non-AppleTalk devices.
Normal and Compatible Mode
Figure 1-PowerBook Setup control panel
PowerBook Setup control panel
In the Normal mode, the modem is addressed via the System 7.x Communication Toolbox, and the external port is available for usage.
If your communication program is NOT compatible with the Communication Toolbox, set the PowerBook Setup control panel to Compatible (see figure 1). This mode prevents the external serial port from being addressed by other programs, as well as preventing communication with a serial printer.
Global Village PowerPort 500 or PowerPort Duo control panel
If you have installed version 2.5 of Global Village's GlobalFax 2.5 software, the setting for Compatible or Normal will no longer be in the PowerBook Setup control panel. It will be in either the Global Village PowerPort 500 control panel or Global Village PowerPort Duo control panel.
You will need to click on the "Configure Port" button in the appropriate control panel to make the selection of Compatible or Normal. The functionality of the Normal versus Compatible setting remains the same as described above in the PowerBook Setup control panel.
PowerBook 200 Series with Express Modem Software
Figure 2-Express Modem turned off
On any PowerBook Duo 200 series computer (210, 230, 250, 270c, 280, or 280c) you need to open the Express Modem control panel and do the following:
Telecom Software
If using Telecom 2.3.2 or greater, be sure the box "Use internal modem instead of Modem Port" is NOT checked if you wish to print to a serial printer (see figure 2). If the box is checked, the serial port cannot be addressed by other programs, and the serial port cannot be used by the printer.
Figure 3-Express Modem turned on
Express Modem Software
If you are using Express Modem 1.5 or 1.5.5, you need open the Express Modem control panel and change the radio button setting to External, not Express Modem in order to print to a serial printer (see figure 3). In this situation, "External" is equal to the "Normal" setting and "use Express Modem" is equal to the "Compatible" setting.
PowerBook 200 Series with Telecom Software
All PowerBook 2300c (Duo) computers must use Telecom 2.3.2 or greater software. If you have installed older software it must be removed.
PowerBook 500 Series with Express Modem software 1.5 or later installed*
On any PowerBook Duo 500 series computer (520, 520c, 540 or 540c) which has an Express Modem II* intstalled you need open the Express Modem control panel and change the radio button setting to External, not Express Modem in order to print to a serial printer (see figure 3). In this situation, "External" is equal to the "Normal" setting and "use Express Modem" is equal to the "Compatible" setting.
*The Express Modem II is only sold and supported in Europe. Apple does not support the use of the Express Modem II in any country outside of Europe.