Microsoft KB Archive/26344

Word: Diablo Printer Cable Configuration and Setup PSS ID Number: Q26344 Article last modified on 06-30-1993 PSS database name: M_WorD

1.00 1.05 3.00 3.01

MACINTOSH

Summary:

To connect a Diablo 630 or 620 printer to a Macintosh for use with Microsoft Word, an additional adapter cable or a separate cable is needed. It may be constructed by modifying the ImageWriter cable or constructing a new cable. In both instances, pins 4, 5, 6, and 8 need to be jumpered together at the male Diablo connector.

More Information:

The settings recommended for the DIP switch on the front of the printer are as follows:

1200 baud 3 off, 5 on Disable parity 2 off

The following tables should help with selecting the proper ImageWriter cable modification for the hardware in use. Table 1 lists types of cables produced by Apple at present and/or in the past, Table 2 describes the necessary modification, and Table 3 gives the necessary pin hookups for constructing the needed cable or adapter.

Table 1
Cable Connector    Cable Connector Cable Type at Macintosh at Printer/Cable ———————————————————–

ImageWriter male DB-9 male RS-232 (from 512 to IW)

ImageWriter II male DB-8 male DB-8 (from Plus to IW II)

“Pigtail” adapter male DB-8 female DB-9 (from Plus to IW cable)

Note that a DB-8 connector is a round, 8-pin connector; a DB-9 is a 9-pin connector also known as RS-422; and an RS-232 is a standard 25-pin serial connector.

In general, the ports on the Macintosh and ImageWriter are always female, hence the cable connectors are always male, except with the “pigtail” and other adapters. The port on the Diablo printer is also female.

Table 2
Type of Cable Macintosh Type Modification Needed ———————————————————–

512, 512E IW Construct additional RS-232 adapter cable to connect to printer end of cable, which jumpers pins 4, 5, 6, and 8.

512, 512E IW II It is easiest to construct a new cable (DB-9 male to RS-232 male) with jumper as described.

Plus, SE IW Pigtail at Mac and construct an Mac II additional RS-232 adapter cable for use at printer end of cable, which jumpers pins as described.

Plus, SE IW II Construct DB-8 female to RS-232 Mac II male adapter with jumper as described for use at printer.

The following pin connections need to be used, in addition to jumping pin numbers 4, 5, 6, and 8 at the printer, when constructing a cable from scratch to connect a Macintosh with a Diablo printer:

Male   Mac+ or             Diablo  IW II        Mac 512        IW (original) Pin Function (RS-232) (DB-8/Round) (DB-9/RS-422) (RS-232) ——– ——– ———— ————- ——–

Transmit Data 2 5 9 2 Receive Data 3 3 5 3 Signal Ground 7 4,8 3,8 7 DTR 20 2 7 20

For more information, cable parts, or assistance with cable construction, please contact your nearest Apple dealer, Inmac ([800] 547-5444), or GDT Softworks ([800 663-6222 or 604-291-9121). You may also wish to check the “Computers: Supplies and Parts” section of your local Yellow Pages directory.

Additional reference words: mswdprint

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.