TITLE
    Personal LaserWriter NT: Connecting to a Windows Based PC
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		30991
5/19/99
6/1/99
TOPIC

    I have a Personal LaserWriter NT and would like to connect it to my Windows based PC. What do I need to do to print from my PC to the Personal LaserWriter NT?

DISCUSSION

    There are three items that need t be addressed to correctly connect a Windows based PC to an Apple Personal LaserWriter NT:
    - Obtaining the correct cable
    - Configuring the printer for the desired printer description language
    - Configuring the driver in Windows.

    The Personal LaserWriter NT has two I/O connection options:
    - A DB-25, RS-232 serial port
    - A Mini-DIN 8 RS-422 LocalTalk port.

    For port identification, review:
    Tech Info Library article 24473: " Personal LaserWriter Series: Port Illustrations "

    The only option for connecting to a PC is the RS-232 port. The most common mistake is not using the proper cable. The proper cable is a Null modem cable. For those who prefer to make their own cable, the cable pinouts are listed below.
    Null-Modem Pinouts
    DB-25 to DB-25
    Pin
    Pin
    2
    to
    3
    3
    to
    2
    4
    to
    5
    5
    to
    4
    6 & 8
    to
    20
    7
    to
    7
    20
    to
    6 & 8
    Null-Modem Pinouts
    DB-9 to DB-9
    Pin
    Pin
    1 & 6
    to
    4
    2
    to
    3
    3
    to
    2
    4
    to
    1 & 6
    5
    to
    4
    7
    to
    8
    8
    to
    7
    Null-Modem Pinouts
    DB-25 to DB-9
    Pin
    Pin
    2
    to
    2
    3
    to
    3
    4
    to
    8
    5
    to
    7
    6 & 8
    to
    4
    7
    to
    5
    20
    to
    1 & 6

    On DB-25:
    - Pin 7 is Signal Ground. Signal Ground is not optional.
    - Pin 1 is Chassis Ground. This is optional.

    The next step is configuring the communications settings of the printer using the configuration switch, to the left of the I/O ports, on the back of the printer. The Personal LaserWriter NT supports three printer description languages.
    - PostScript Level 1
    - HP PCl Emulation
    - Diablo 630 Emulation

    The configuration switch controls both the selection of the printer description language and the serial port settings.

    Tech Info Library Article 7439: " Personal LaserWriter NT: Switch Settings " explains all of the options settings.

    Finally, Windows needs to be configured to know the printer it is printing to, the printer description languages to use, and what port to send the data via. Most versions of Windows come standard with the printer driver for the Personal LaserWriter NT, using Postscript.

    For specific details on configuring Windows printer drivers, contact Microsoft.

Document Information
Product Area: Printers
Category: LaserWriters
Sub Category: Personal LaserWriter NT

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