Microsoft KB Archive/26345

Word: Brother HR Printer Cable Configuration and Setup PSS ID Number: Q26345 Article last modified on 06-30-1993 PSS database name: M_WorD

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MACINTOSH

Summary:

To connect a Brother HR 15, 25, or 35 printer for use with Microsoft Word, an additional cable is needed. The ImageWriter cable may be modified through construction of an additional adapter cable, or a separate cable may be constructed to connect the printer to the Macintosh. In both instances, pins 4, 5, 6, and 8 need to be jumpered together at the male Brother connector. Note: The Comrex series of printers may be compatible with the Brother driver.

More Information:

The settings recommended for DIP switch 2 on the back of the printer are as follows:

9600 baud 5, 6, 7 closed No parity 3 open

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 Brother 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 additional Mac II 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 male Mac II 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 Brother HR printer:

Table 3
Male     Mac+ or             Brother   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 want to check the “Computers: Supplies and Parts” section of your local Yellow Pages directory.

Additional reference words: mswdprint

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.