kjg@psuecl.BITNET (07/31/86)
Does anyone know how to cheaply convert a hp 82905b printer with only
the 002 (the hp protocal port option) so that i can use the centronics port.
I now have about three machines in my office but only one printer. I like
this printer but need to have it work on my other centronic machines. I can
handle any electronic modifications myself and the printer is no longer under
warranty.
thanks
everett@hp-pcd.UUCP (everett) (08/04/86)
I can't suggest that you open up your printer, as that would violate the UL approval. However, there are four screws on the bottom case that will cause the top case to fall off if those four screws happened to vibrate loose and the printer was upside down. You should be aware of that as it's a potential hazard! Also, if that DOES happen, you should be VERY careful that the four screws and grounding strap on the HPIB interface board are not removed, because if they are, the board could accidentally be pulled loose. If that should happen, whatever else you do, DO NOT forget to put the HPIB interface board back in before replacing the accidentally removed top case, because without the HPIB interface board in the printer, the only way to talk to the printer is through the parallel printer interface. IF that should happen to you, however, never fear, there is a solution! All you need to do is get yourself a computer that can talk to the printer over the parallel interface, and voila, your printer will still be useful!
hoff@hp-sdd.UUCP (Tom Hoff) (08/07/86)
In article <331@PSUECL> kjg@psuecl.BITNET writes: > > Does anyone know how to cheaply convert a hp 82905b printer with only >the 002 (the hp protocal port option) so that i can use the centronics port. >I now have about three machines in my office but only one printer. I like >this printer but need to have it work on my other centronic machines. I can >handle any electronic modifications myself and the printer is no longer under >warranty. > > >thanks > > I was only able to use the Centronics port on my 82905B after removing the HPIB board from the printer. It seems that the HPIB board's output is tied directly to the input of the Centronics port and that the HPIB board is really no more than a HPIB to Centronics converter. Anyways, the data and handshaking lines on the Centronics port end up looking like OUTPUTS rather than the inputs one would expect when one sees this connector on the back of their printer. In fact, one might even be able to use their 82905B printer as a HPIB to Centronics converter by hooking another Centronics device to the 82905B's Centronics port, but don't blame it on me if it doesn't work. By the way, it has been a long time since I have seen the insides of my 82905B, and my memory just might be in need of a refresh cycle, so don't quote me. -- ############################################################################### # The above are not opinions, but merely statements of fact. Therefore, no # # disclaimer is necessary. # ###############################################################################