Microsoft KB Archive/26340

Word: Cable Configuration and Setup for NEC 7710 Printers PSS ID Number: Q26340 Article last modified on 06-30-1993 PSS database name: M_WorD

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MACINTOSH

Summary:

To connect a NEC 7710 or other 10-series printer for use with Microsoft Word, the ImageWriter cable may be modified through construction of an additional adapting cable, or a separate cable may be constructed to connect the printer to the Macintosh. In both instances, a female-to-female adapter needs to be constructed, connecting lines 2, 3, and 7 between the cable and the printer.

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

1200 baud speed: 1 on, 2 off, 3 on XON/XOFF DIP switch 6 on Disable parity parity: 1 and 2 off

Note that this series of printers is not compatible with the Macintosh Plus, SE, or Mac II computers due to a hardware change made in the newer Macintosh machines. For more information, contact NEC at (617) 264-8383.

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.

Cable Connector    Cable Connector   Cable Type at Macintosh at Printer/Cable ———- ————— —————- ImageWriter Male DB-9 Male RS-232 (from 512K 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 NEC printer is RS-232 male.

Type of Cable 2. Macintosh Type Modification Needed ——— —– ——————-

512, 512E IW Construct additional female-to-female RS-232 adapter cable to connect to printer end of IW cable.

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

The following pin connections need to be used when constructing a cable from scratch or adapting a cable to connect a Macintosh with a NEC 7710 printer:

Male                                  IW             NEC        IW II        Mac 512     (original) Pin 3. 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

For additional information, cable parts, or assistance with cable construction, contact your nearest Apple dealer, Inmac (1-[800] 547-5444), or GDT Softworks (1-[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.