[mod.computers.laser-printers] Apple LW and Unix problem

mkhaw@TEKNOWLEDGE-VAXC.ARPA (Michael Khaw) (03/18/87)

Does anyone know of a solution to the following?

We have a VAX 8650 running Ultrix 1.2 (4.2bsd derivative) and 2 Apple
LaserWriter Pluses hooked up to it.  We use Adobe's Transcript software
to print.  One of the printers works like a charm.  With the other one,
stuff gets to the spool directory just fine, but the printer daemon (lpd)
that's forked just sits doing nothing until you "tip" to the printer
(there's an entry for the printer's port in /etc/remote), at which point
the print filters start running (even before you exit from "tip") and
it starts printing.

The printer that works is maybe 100 yards from the VAX.  The one with the
problems is maybe 200 yards from the VAX.

One more clue:  the printer with the problems shows a steady green light and
a flashing yellow light even when it's idle and there's nothing in the print
queue.

Advance thanks,
Mike Khaw
internet:	mkhaw@teknowledge-vaxc.arpa
usenet:		{hplabs|sun|ucbvax|decwrl|sri-unix}!mkhaw%teknowledge-vaxc.arpa
voice:		415/424-0500
USnail:		Teknowledge, Inc., 1850 Embarcadero Rd., POB 10119, Palo Alto, CA 94303