mp@allegra.UUCP (Mark Plotnick) (06/23/85)
We have an inkjet printer that only has a Centronics interface, but we'd like to feed it serial data from our VAX. We're currently using a 3B2 as a null modem, but would like something simpler. The Black Box gadgets do a bit more than what we really need, too. Any suggestions? Mark Plotnick allegra!mp
bb@wjh12.UUCP (byer) (06/23/85)
> Mark Plotnick ( allegra!mp ) writes: > We have an inkjet printer that only has a Centronics interface, > but we'd like to feed it serial data from our VAX. .... > The Black Box gadgets do a bit more than what we really need, too. The problem here is not just wires & connectors, but Flow-Control. If you are using a non-DEC serial line controller, you might be equipped with DTR or CTS control. In this case, a simple adapter can be obtained which will `tie' the Centronics' <rdy/busy> line to the DTR/CTS. I have seen this adapter advertised in Byte (in the back among the flock of 1" x 2" ads) for < $100. If you have to use x-on/x-off flow control, you had better dig deeper into your pocket. One possibility is a `printer buffer' as is common among mono-tasking devotees. If you can find one that does what you need (and/or vice-versa), pls report back to the Net. If that fails, it's either hack-it-yourself (from a single-chip computer?) or call Black Box ($450, I think). Brent Byer (harvard!wjh12!bb) ``Hey, Paro, I think he broke the President.''