User`s manual
Section 7
The Parallel Printer Connection
Most printers purchased today are equipped with a centronics jack. This type
of
connection is normal for most computers. The C-64/l2S are connected to
the printer via the serial port. usually to the disk drive. In order
to
use a
centronics printer. commodore users must hook up their computer
fll'St
to an
interface. These interfaces are little computers in themselves. This explains
why every print program you own must
be
suited to the printer and interface
before use. In fact the serial connection isn't efficient at all for GEOS users.
as
it
slows down the system drastically. Its much better to connect the
computer to a centronics printer with a cable from the user port. This type
of
cable is not very commonly available in the U.S. as
it
is in Europe. but
we
at
CMD are aware
of
some sources and can supply you with this
infonnation at your request
If
you have a bit
of
experience
in
soldering you can probably make your
. own. In any case. make sure the interface is removed before using your
computer.
If
not. serious damage to the printer. computer and/or interface
could occur. The user port was not intended to serve as a printer connection.
and can.
in
rare cases. cause some problems. This may often be solved by
using the file "LQConnect GCSlow" for the Print System.
If
this does not
work. check your cable
and
user
port
They may be defective. The only other
alternative is to hook up
the
printer with the serial connection.
The one disadvantage
to
having your printer parallel connected is that this
connection is not supported by the operating system
of
the computer. Some
programs, however, do support the parallel connection.
If
you wish to print using a parallel connection from within basic programs,
then use the program "INTERFACE" located on the back side
of
the LQ
program disk.
It
is loaded with LOAD"INTER*",S,l (then type NEW) and
started with SYS5l000. You can also find a smaller version on the disk,
which is loaded with WAD"CEN*" ,S,l and started with SYS828. It is then
possible
to
communicate to the printer using basic commands. Both
programs only run in 64 mode. More information is contained in the
"READ ME" file on the back side
of
the program disk (it's a BASIC
program).
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