Re: Printer port problem!?
Bryan W. Headley (bheadley@interaccess.com)
Sun, 30 Nov 1997 23:30:31 -0600
On Nov 30, 11:55pm, jmd wrote:
> Subject: Printer port problem!?
> Hi Friends,
>
> I have a DEC UDB 166 that I am trying to setup to print thru the parallel
> port. Thus far, I have setup printcap file, and created a spool directory
> as per instructions in "Running Linux". However, when I lpr a text file,
> nothing prints. I have a parallel port cable connected to a Centronics
> port on an IBM 4019E laser printer.
>
> After I lpr the file, I do lpc status command, and it i says the file has
> been spooled and it is waiting for the printer to be put on-line. When I
> press the on-line button on the printer, it makes no difference. Another
> invocation of lpr/lps status indicates another item sent to the spooler,
> and nothing printed.
>
> I substituted an old line printer with a paralel port. When the cable was
> connected from the old line printer to the UDB, I could not put it on
> line, or to recognise that I put paper in the printer. When I removed the
> printer cable from the UDB, I could force the printer on-line, it
> recognized the paper was in or out, and I could get it to print an
> internal test print.
>
> Im confused! This seems so straight forward of a task. Im thinking that
> the UDB's printer port may be defective. Does any of you have any tips on
> how to determine the problem?
>
> Sorry to ask this simplistic a question, but I have wasted a fair amount
> of time trying to figure this out.... in vain.... thus far.
>
> Is there a linux command to sense if a printer is on/off line?
2.0.30 had nothing weird about supporting printers, as I remember. 2.1.x has
two configuration items you have to answer "y" to before printing will work,
even on a PC.
This printer cable is pretty wild. It sounds like a Tandy/Radio Shack printer
cable. Before I go insane, is it? Or this old line printer? They used to cheat
to get the printer status by modifying the Centronics standard, the result of
which is, non-Tandy printers would be forced to off-line mode. Unless you told
it to ignore pin 24... Or something like that. We're talking 10 years ago, and
compatibility with the crimes they committed in the late 70s, so excuse my poor
memory.
I have no reason to believe the UDB is in any way weird with it's parallel
port. I'll be watching the printing UDB public help you with this with
interest...
--
Bryan W. Headley Home: bheadley@interaccess.com
211 East Pineview Drive Office: bryan.headley@abnamro.com
Round Lake Park, IL 60073 Phone: 847 740-1446
--
To unsubscribe: send e-mail to axp-list-request@redhat.com with
'unsubscribe' as the subject. Do not send it to axp-list@redhat.com
Feedback |
Store |
News |
Support |
Product Errata |
About Us |
Linux Info |
Search |
JumpWords
No Frames |
Show Frames
Copyright © 1995-1997 Red Hat Software. Legal notices