8bitfiles.net/archives/archives.tar/archives/compuserve-file-archive/16 Vendor Support/PRINT1.THD

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#: 14846 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    27-Jun-88  18:15:45
Sb: #USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: all

   Used to be there were several dot matrix printers that stood out from the
crowd, namely the Star 10X(and later SG10), the Epson FX line, and the
Panasonic 1080 and 1090.  But of late these have been dropped from the
respective printer lines, and not much has been published on the new
replacements.
   I would appreciate hearing from some of you who have recently purchased or
upgraded your printer.  Many of our users are or soon will be considering their
first printer, and that decision would be much easier with some information on
the printers available now.
   So please take a minute and pass along your likes and dislikes about your
printer.  Some of the things I would like to know about are:

   Did you have trouble finding an interface that would work with your printer?
   Did you have any trouble finding software that works with it?
   If you use Geos, does your printer work well with Geos?  Some printers only
give a partial page printout, and some compress or distort the printout.
   What graphic software have you found that does/doesn't work with the printer
you use.
   And thanks in advance for taking the time to share your findings with our
membership.
   SteveN



#: 14890 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    01-Jul-88  12:24:40
Sb: #14846-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Paul McDonald 70147,2401
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

I used to use Cardco ?+G but found that it didn't print Commodore Keyboard
graphics characters.  But I recently bought Super-G and it works real good.  I
just wish it would print faster than 80 cps.

-Paul I have the Mannesmann Tally Spirit 80 printer.  I think it is a very good
printer.  It has great graphics capabilities because of its square head
needles.  It works great with Print Shop, Newsroom, Geos, but does not work
well with Print Master!





#: 14908 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    03-Jul-88  20:08:49
Sb: #14890-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: Paul McDonald 70147,2401

Paul,
   Thanks for the information on the Mannesman/Tally.  I have known several
users who used it...and never heard anything bad about it.  When you run into a
program (ala PrintShop, Newsroom, et.al.) that does not list the Mannesman what
do you use as a substitute?   I have had some luck using the Epson settings
with my Star SG10, and wonder if you might have tried something like this with
the MT.
   SteveN




#: 14912 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    04-Jul-88  00:35:56
Sb: #14846-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

I don't have a new printer/interface, but rather a set-up that works very well
with everything: GEOS, Timeworks, Precision, Wordstar, Bradford, CP/M, and
everything else. I have a Panasonic KX-P1091 with a CARDCO SuperG interface.
It never fails, though finding the BEST driver with Wordstar 4.0 took a while.


#: 14934 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    06-Jul-88  18:01:21
Sb: #14846-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Al Davis 73250,41
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

I am currently using a Seikosha SP128 VC printer. It directly replaces the
Commodore 1525/MPS 801 printers. Commands are direct 1525 emulate and does not
need an interface to run.  Will also use e.g. Xtec interface for special needs.
Uses SeikoshA SP 100/800 ribbon, and will print 40 to 80 standard columns.

List price in '87 was $169.00.

It's a great printer for the money.



#: 14937 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    06-Jul-88  20:23:50
Sb: #14934-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: Al Davis 73250,41

Al,
   Thanks for the information on the Seikosha.  I have seen them advertised in
a number of publications but did not know anyone who had one.  The direct
emulation of the CBM printers would be a definite asset in figuring out what
drivers to use....and it totally eliminates the worry about what software will
work with the printer.
   SteveN


#: 14956 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    07-Jul-88  17:17:31
Sb: #14846-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Allison E. Horne 71330,1055
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

I own the Seikosha SP-1000VC.  It is one of the better printers around. It
interfaces directly to your machine so there are no worries about how to find
an interface.  There is a small problem with some programs not supporting it,
but under most circumstances, any Commodore Compatible driver will work. In
fact, you use the Comm. Compat. printer driver in Geos.  I may be writing a
driver for the Seikosha soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
                  AEH/KEM



#: 14958 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    07-Jul-88  19:12:40
Sb: #14956-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: Allison E. Horne 71330,1055

Allison,
   A driver specific to the Seikosha would be most welcome by Seikosha users.
We will be looking forward to seeing it.
   Thanks
   SteveN


#: 14964 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    08-Jul-88  08:03:43
Sb: #14846-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Dave Wittman 71340,2754
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

I've been using the Okidata 180 printer with the Xetec Super Graphix interface
with Geos and all my other programs for some time now. I'd have to double
check, but after experimenting with a few drivers, I've found the FX-80 driver
to be the one that works the best with Geos (with the interface on transparent
mode). Using the printer with the parallel interface instead of the Commodore
interface gives access to 80 dpi. I really like the 180 and if I ever switch to
a different computer, (besides my Tandy 102), I'll still be able to use the
180. I'm real happy with it!


ri 14990


#: 14990 S13/The GEOS Connection
    09-Jul-88  21:00:56
Sb: great printers
Fm: edward j. lo russo 73117,2452
To: [F] Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

to steve nye Ed Lorusso here, I just bought the STAR NX-1000 Great printer for
me, works fine with GEOS. Print master and color me kids are great too. Have
not tried for down loading yet. Works fine with the xetec interface




#: 15006 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    10-Jul-88  21:02:00
Sb: #14908-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Paul McDonald 70147,2401
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

Well...What I usually go for (if my printer isn't listed) is Epson, also. But,
if that doesn't work then I start at the beginning of the list and try them
all.  Most software developers have been good about listing substitutes for the
various printers. For GEOS they say to use the Blue Chip M120 and it works
GREAT! The most perfect resolution!!!!!!!! Now...with Outrageous Pages I had
some trouble and when I called them they told me to use a certain Epson driver.
I did...and it worked to some degree.  At least I was getting a printout, but I
was getting minute line spacing which was leaving a small blank line inbetween
each pass of the print head.  Oh well..I gave up! Other than that I love my
printer (...do wish it would print faster than 80 cps)  :(

Later.....Paul




#: 15039 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    12-Jul-88  16:11:12
Sb: #14846-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Transactor HQ 76703,4243
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

Hi SteveN:

I have a MPS-1000. I bought it and a geoPrint cable so I could use the IBM mode
and parallel interface. WELL.... The printer driver for IBM and parallel has
yet to function correctly. Bad line spacing. Paperclip worked fine with the
cable and IBM mode. So I thought that the printer driver was perhaps sending
the wrong line spacing command.

Using IBM mode with the serial interface, I can get all the IBM features from
BASIC. Very strange. I decided to hack the driver but only got as far as a
partial disassembly (at least I found out how the parallel printing works). A
printer driver from Mystic Jim for IBM via serial just hung. Maybe it was
supposed to be via parallel and an interface?

In any case, I really like the printer but I don't use it much with GEOS. When
I do, I use the MPS driver and get 60 dpi. If I really NEED 80 dpi, I use a
1526 at the office. You know the problem there - SSLLOOWW!!

With any luck, I'll return to the project one day and get the thing working.

Malcolm

P.S. From where I sit, the Stars seem to be most popular with the Roland &
Panasonics doing well too.



#: 15060 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    14-Jul-88  01:07:05
Sb: #15039-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115
To: Transactor HQ 76703,4243

Have you tried the drivers from Mystic Jim that are for the geoCABLE?  There
are about 40 drivers on on of his disks, about 5 or so are for the cable. I'd
like to get an Alps when somebody comes out with a 24-pin driver.





#: 15041 S13/The GEOS Connection
    12-Jul-88  16:37:40
Sb: #14891-#Printer Woes
Fm: Transactor HQ 76703,4243
To: Ed Flinn 73127,1476 (X)

Hi Ed:

GEOS printer drivers begin with a jump table to various routines. Two of the
entries in the jump table are: PrintASCII and SetNLQ.

In printers that don't have NLQ, the routine might turn on emphasized or just
return without doing anything. But, obviously, all printers print (PET)ASCII in
"draft mode".

N.B. Forget about "skip over perf". When you choose draft, everything on the
geoWrite page comes out as a "page" even if it will really cover 2.

Malcolm



#: 15047 S13/The GEOS Connection
    12-Jul-88  20:21:48
Sb: #15041-Printer Woes
Fm: Ed Flinn 73127,1476
To: Transactor HQ 76703,4243 (X)

Malcolm,
    Yeah, I have used the "draft" mode in the driver for my Olivetti, and have
seen it blow past the perforation when using fonts small enough to fit that
many lines on a geoWrite page.  Eventually it hits the end of the geoWrite
page, sends a formfeed, and gets back in line.
    Being a 110 dpi printer, the PR2300 presents some challenges, in graphics
mode, to the driver, and the authors met these with, I guess, the best possible
compromise <sigh>.  I live in an apartment building, and the near-silence of
this printer is a great asset to me, since I do seem to find myself often still
banging away at 3 in the morning.  Someday I'm going to run out of the little
dry ink ampules this thing uses, and have to go looking for another printer. I
wonder how I'll be able to afford anything this quiet when that time comes. I
wonder if anybody knows how to reload the ampules (grin)   <ed>





#: 15060 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    14-Jul-88  01:07:05
Sb: #15039-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115
To: Transactor HQ 76703,4243

Have you tried the drivers from Mystic Jim that are for the geoCABLE?  There
are about 40 drivers on on of his disks, about 5 or so are for the cable. I'd
like to get an Alps when somebody comes out with a 24-pin driver.


Date:  14-Jul-88 03:11 CDT
From:  Jim Dutton [72237,561]
Subj:  User Poll/Printers


Steve,
  I use a Star Micronics NX-1000 Color printer, which is a relatively new
animal. I purchased it with a parallel interface for use with my C64 rather
than with the Commodore serial interface, and also purchased a Xetec "GOLD"
printer interface which works just great (between it and the printer itself,
there are almost too many fonts and other capabilities to keep straight).
The NX-1000 Rainbow is FULLY compatible with GEOS - it will handle from 60 DPI
up to 240 DPI, and is a nine pin printer. Even the colors are compatible with
GEOS though brown comes out too dark (close to black). I use the Epson JX-80
GEOS printer driver for everything within GEOS (the FX-80 driver also works
properly, but is only for black and white).

  I also use VIP/XL Terminal and it works just fine with the NX-1000 Color
printer. The printer is Centronics compatible, has an 8K internal data
buffer, and will emulate either an Epson LX-800 (which is what I use) or
an IBM Proprinter II. It will print up to 120 CPS in draft mode and 30 CPS
in NLQ mode, and will print bidirectionally in draft mode. Paper may be fed
via tractor feed or friction (platten) feed, and offers a "paper parking"
feature where paper loaded via the tractor feed can be "rolled back" and
"stored" (still connected to the tractor) so individual sheets can be fed in
via the "friction feed" (which I find quite handy and which also helps to keep
the loaded continuous forms/paper from curling, which it will do when left
ready to print).

  The Xetec GOLD interface has a 30-32K data buffer and offers MANY emulation
modes and has a large number of special commands/functions it will perform. It
also provides for CLEAR and RESET keys which are invaluable when you want to
cancel something being printed, but you can't get your printer driver to
respond fast enough. The interface comes with its own small power pack, but
its Centronics (printer) cable is only about 1 foot long, so it has to be fairly
close to the actual printer.

  The NX-1000 Color printer manual is very good, though all programming
examples are given in terms of "big blue" languages/capabilities, and it
has a good index. It clearly shows how to set up the printer and what the
proper command syntax is for all of its internal commands.

  The printer provides for three NLQ fonts (plus italics): Courier, Sanserif,
and Orator. It can print double width and/or height, and quadruple width and
height, and has four print pitches: Pica (10 CPI), Elite (12 CPI), condensed
Pica (17 CPI), and condensed Elite (20 CPI). It also supports proportional
spacing in any of the four pitches. The standard column width is 80
characters.

  About the only thing I might be dissatisfied with concerning the printer,
is that the Star Micronics black ribbon is not as heavy a black as you would
expect from a typewritter, but it is quite definitely black and it doesn't
fade or smudge (which a heavier inking probably would do).

  The PRINT SHOP, DESIGNER'S PENCIL, and FLEXIDRAW 5.5 all work with the
printer, but are quite limited in output control which is really the fault
of the software, not the printer. Abacus's SUPER-C works just fine with the
printer, and Oxford's PASCAL seems to work OK, though I have not given it
an extensive test to really find any faults yet.

  The ribbon cartridges are easy to install/replace and the colors print
fairly cleanly - no strikingly outstanding overlapping of lines such as is
common with thermal color printers (though there may be a little overlapping).
I purchased the printer some 6 months ago or so, and paid around $225 for it
which is quite cheap compared to most 24 pin printers and ALL laser printers.
All in all, I think the NX-1000 Color printer is a very nice package and is
an execellent choice for GEOS users printers.
All in all, I think the NX-1000 Color printer is a very nice package and is
an execellent...


#: 15101 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    17-Jul-88  07:20:16
Sb: #15055-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Veep Vreeland 73170,1055
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032 (X)

Steve I brought a Blue Chip M120 about 6 months ago (my first printer). It
works fine but the documentation is not designed for the novice. It took me
hours to get it to work. In addition I have to play around with the internal
switches to change it from GEOS compatible to all my other software (i.e.
anything I download into a sequence file or any of my other WP software.) In my
opinion it is a very good printer for the 64 but the documentation could be
easier and some better switching system could be devised. I doubt that the
little flip flops on a chip are going to last that long. Hope this helps. Veep
Vreeland 73170,1055


#: 15107 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    17-Jul-88  13:53:50
Sb: #15101-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: Veep Vreeland 73170,1055

Veep,
   Thanks for the information on the Blue Chip.  As to the chips, the
flip-flops on the chips will probably outlive both of us <smile>.  It is the
switches themselves that will go bad with continuous use.  Those little DIP
switches were just not designed for continuous changing.
   It is regrettable that we cannot design a simple, easy to use peripheral
considering how much effort has gone into making the computer itself
`user-friendly'.
   SteveN


#: 15123 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    18-Jul-88  09:49:27
Sb: #15060-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Transactor HQ 76703,4243
To: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115

Hi Alan:

If I remember correctly, I think I tried MJs IBM5152+(GC) driver and got the
same results (bad line spacing). I think that's the Berkeley driver.

I'll keep plugging and hopefully get the proper results one day (RSN).

Malcolm


#: 15148 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    19-Jul-88  21:04:33
Sb: #15123-#USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115
To: Transactor HQ 76703,4243 (X)

Sounds odd, I seem to recall several GC drivers on the driver disk. I saw
elsewhere that there is a 24 pin driver for Epson/Star, but it does not fully
support all the printer's features. When does the new T come out?



#: 15153 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    20-Jul-88  11:00:05
Sb: #15148-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Transactor HQ 76703,4243
To: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115

Hi Alan:

I am pleased to be able to report that V9I1 is at the printers now. Our "street
date" is Aug. 9. It's been a long, harrowing wait. Details of the snafu will be
in the following magazine.

Malcolm

#: 15167 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    22-Jul-88  00:20:14
Sb: #15055-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Bruce Sass 72060,1007
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032

I purchased a Star NX1000 about three weeks ago.  As this is my first printer I
cannot tell if it is 'good' or not.  It has all the features I needed, plus a
few I thought might come in usefull, someday. It looked like the best for the
bucks. I purchased a Xetec - Super Grafix Jr. interface at the same time, the
combination seems to work fine. One beef I do have is that the interface seems
to use dot addressable graphics to print out some of the CBM only characters,
ie:british pound and left arrow.  This screws up the format of a document when
printing in NLQ, condensed or proportional modes.  The only way around this is
to set the interface to TRANSPARENT, which screws up the case of the letters.
This is relatively minor because most WP's I have tried work best with the
interface transparent.

later... Bruce


#: 15175 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    22-Jul-88  19:16:01
Sb: #15055-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Phil Fisher 73117,1035
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032

I have used the Okimate 20 for several months now.  It is very easy to use and
so far works with all of the programs I have tried.

Geos has a printer file for it and I have printed geowrite and geopaint files
with no problem.  I have had it print doodle, print shop, multiplan, and music
shop files with no problems.  It has an applications disk that allows color or
gray printing of many other graphics files.

It has a NLQ mode that to me is very near letter quality.

If I can answer any other questions, please let me know.

Phil Fisher


#: 15178 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    23-Jul-88  02:00:42
Sb: #15055-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Todd Heimarck/Sysop 76703,3051
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032

I use the Commodore 1526 and the Okidata 192+.
   I don't think Commodore still makes the 1526 (or the MPS-802) anymore, but
I'm happy with its sturdiness and reliability.  The output looks better than
the 1525, 801, or 803, too.  It's not great for graphics, but I don't do much
with printer graphics.  Mostly I just print out program listings or letters.
   The Okidata is hooked up to my other computer.  I use it mostly for program
listings or letters.  I couldn't say if it's a good choice for Commodore users.
   Unfortunately, this is a wishy-washy review of my printers.  I wouldn't
really recommend either one to Commodore users.  If you can get a 1526 or 802
for under $50 at a yard sale, I'd say go for it if you can find ribbons for it.
I like the Okidata printer a lot, but I've never hooked it up to the 128
because the 1526 has been such a reliable soldier.
   ToddH


#: 15180 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    23-Jul-88  03:08:52
Sb: #15153-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Alan R. Dickey 72220,115
To: Transactor HQ 76703,4243

Looking forward to it.  The magazine continues to amaze me.  Keep up the great
work.


Date:  20-Jul-88 23:58 CDT
From:  Jim Dutton [72237,561]
Subj:  User Poll/Printers

Steve,
  I also bought the NX1000 Color printer with a parallel interface with an
eye towards some day being able to afford an Amiga, and being able then to
more or less "simply" unplug the printer from my C64 into the Amiga and go.
I also was fairly impressed with its color printing (which obviously was
the biggest decision factor in getting the NX1000 Color printer in the
first place), having been very disappointed in the thermal color printers.
Now if only GEOS could be told to "dump" a certain amount of output without
closing and reopening the serial bus after each page, maybe I could get
better use out of the 32K buffer in the Xetec GOLD printer interface I use.
I do get some "spooling", but wish I could get more from GEOS - oh well.
I also find the "paper parking" feature real neat and a good design on the
part of Star Micronics - I can easily reuse the back side of any single
sheet by merely "parking" the paper (put the printer offline and press two
buttons), put the paper guide in its "up" position, insert the single sheet,
pull back on the "bail lever" (platten 'thingy') and ZIP - the sheet
is loaded and ready for printing.


#: 15159 S13/The GEOS Connection
    20-Jul-88  21:38:49
Sb: #15157-#GEOS/printer
Fm: Ed Flinn 73127,1476
To: james r. thompson 71641,1573 (X)

Randy,
   I'm not Betty, but I do what I can to help out with GEOS questions here.
I've looked at the most recent READ ME file I have from the drivers side of a
GEOS product disk, and can't find any reference to the Seikosha SP180ai.  I've
taken a look at the drivers we have here in LIB 13, our GEOS section, and can't
find anything there either.  Is there any mention of the printer manual of what
printers, if any, the Seikosha is compatible with?  It may be that there is a
driver that will work properly with your printer.
   From your message, it sounds like you've already begun exploring these
paths.  If we get lucky, another member of the forum will be using that printer
in GEOS, and will already know what driver to use.  I use an Olivetti PR2300,
which is not an ideal GEOS printer, but does have an official driver, so I
don't have any personal knowledge of what you need.   <ed>




#: 15278 S13/The GEOS Connection
    29-Jul-88  00:22:54
Sb: #15159-GEOS/printer
Fm: dave borland 72335,1462
To: Ed Flinn 73127,1476

Hi Ed. I have the Seikosha sp1000-vc which is similar to yours. I use the
commodore compatible print driver. I would imagine that you have allready tried
that one. You might try the epson drivers. I understand  that seiko and Epson
are somehow connected.
                Regards
                   Dave





#: 15279 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    29-Jul-88  07:18:01
Sb: #15266-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: dave 72027,2222
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032

I have used my commodore 64 for about 3 years and have now upgraded to a
Commodore 128.  I started with an infamous Vic-20.  The first printer that I
bought was a Commodore 1526.  I soon found that this printer would NOT work
with any graphics programs that I had unless the program would allow you to
save the screen to a disk file.  With the use of a program to load and display
a graphics screen and a screen dump, it was possible, but very time consuming
and ted
   I started working at a computer company where I worked with OKIDATA
printers.  I found that they held up rather well.  When I found the
OKIDATA-120, I decided to try one I am quite pleased with it so far.  It works
with every graphics program that I have tried with it so far.  It needs no
interface, it comes with a commodore cable and port.  It has many features and
opytions that may be changed to suit your needs.  Underlining, bold and
double-strike print, draft and letter quality to name a few.
    Although I am a new GEOS user, it seems to work fine with this also. I am
quite pleased with this printer and would recommend it to anyone thinking of
upgrading their printer or just starting.  The price was reasonable, and
affordable for just about anyone.


                                      Dave Plude



#: 15290 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    29-Jul-88  18:48:34
Sb: #15279-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032
To: dave 72027,2222

Dave,
   I too started with a VIC20, and my first printer was an old Oki 110.  (UPPER
case only!!!).  I had to install an extra I/O chip and burn an eprom for it. It
was my first effort at real hardware mods.  Worked like a champ, and held up
like a tank.  I have never heard anyone say anything bad about Oki's...and
don't expect I ever will.  I am sure you will be very satisfied with the 120.
   Thanks for the information on the printer.  We will add it to the thread and
hopefully it will save our new users some time and effort in researching a
printer purchase.
   SteveN


#: 15321 S1/Help/Data Lib Tools
    02-Aug-88  16:54:27
Sb: #15266-USER POLL/PRINTERS
Fm: Hugh Summers 72220,2313
To: Steve Nye/Sysop 76703,4032

I started with the C=64 and have since upgraded to the 128-D. My first and only
printer has been an Epson-LX8Cardco G+ interface. This printer does not do
Commodore graphics, but works with all of the Geos functions just fine.
kCompute Magazine has just printed a new printer drive (multi-density) that
works very well. I have no complaints about my present system.