info-mac@utcsrgv.UUCP (info-mac) (05/15/84)
Date: 14 May 1984 13:13:00-EDT From: uw-beaver!Kevin.Dowling@CMU-RI-ROVER Subject: Printer To: utcsrgv!peterr To: microsof!infomac The May issue of BYTE talks about the new addition to the Apple line: The Apple IIc. In addition, on page 282, they mention a new printer called The Scribe. The Scribe is a plain-paper thermal transfer printer with color capabilities (no price announced but expected to be in the $300 range) The Scribe, it is said, will print on virtually any paper surface and projection transparencies. It is designed as a printer for the entire product line including Mac's and Lisa's. The BYTE article goes on to say that output appeared to exceed the Imagewriter in quality. It operates at 80cps (draft mode) or 50cps (letter mode) Dot resolution is 160 horizontal x 144 vertical per inch or 23040 dots/sq in. Color printing is done by a color ribbon with a spectrum of colors arranged in bands on the ribbon. About $5 for a 80,000 character black ribbon and about $8 for color. Any estimates on how much text is 80,000 chars? The printhead is a proprietary device that consists of 24 resistance elements that are arranged in a vertical column. While printing, the head is pressed against a polyester ribbon with carbon filled paraffin ink on it. The resistance elements are pulsed briefly, heating them and melt the ink to deposit it on the paper. The temperature range of the resistance element goes from 300 degrees F to 95 degrees F in several microseconds. nivek ARPANET: nivek@cmu-ri-rover USmail : Kevin Dowling Robotics Institute Pgh, PA 15213 Bell : (412) 578-8830