Apple LaserWriter questions

From: Seth Lewin <sml49_at_comcast.net>
Date: Wed Jun 9 20:39:17 2004

 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
Received on Wed Jun 09 2004 - 20:39:17 BST