[comp.unix.aix] 4208-001 printer on AIX 2.2.1

markw@airgun.wg.waii.com (Mark Whetzel) (11/02/89)

I have been working with my IBM SE to find out why I can't support in 
at least some functions the 4208-001 printer that I ordered with my RT.

At the time I ordered my RT this 24 pin printer was IBM's premier proprinter. 
It has since been made obslete by later models of the 4208 line. I have been
using the printer by defining it with devices as a 4201 proprinter.  For
normal 10 pitch draft mode, this is fine.  BUT... for any other mode of
printing with the print command  I.E.  print -elite or -cdp (condensed
print) or non-10 pitch printing, this printer has a complete screw up.
Margins are reset improperly, page breaks are at wrong places, ignores any
requests for condensed or elite settings, ect..

Investigation on IBMLINK shows that an APAR (IX05432) is pending for AIX
on the PS2 for exactly what I want.. backend and devices command support
for 4208 printers.  

Guess what... IBM won't accept an apar for adding this support to AIX 2.2.1
for the RT!!  They closed my problem as doc with suggestion for future 
supprort!!!  They say that the code being developed for AIX on PS2 won't
work for AIX on the RT!!   IBM's take is that the original announcement letter
for the 4208-001 printer indicates that it is supported in 
'4201 compatibility mode only'

Well... The 4201 has condensed print and elite print and nlq modes!! And they
won't make it work for the RT!  IBM support indicates that the 4201 printer
escape codes are incompatable for the 4208!  If so, how come the announcement
letter indicates that the printer is supported 'in 4201 proprinter only'
functions?
Documenting a pile of $#!+ does not make it smell any better!

Well... enough of my shouting, has anybody written a backend (that is all
I believe that is needed, screw the devices command!) for the 4208 printer? 
I don't want much, just elite, condensed, and LQ modes by command parameters.
Is this too much? Is any thing like this available? 

Thanks in advance for any assitance that you netlanders may be for my problem.

Mark Whetzel

-- 
Mark Whetzel     My comments are my own, not my company's.
Western Geophysical - A division of Western Atlas International,
A Litton/Dresser Company           DOMAIN addr: markw@airgun.wg.waii.com
...!texbell!moray!airgun!markw     UUNET address:  uunet!airgun!markw