Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!apple!fernwood!uupsi!rodan.acs.syr.edu!amichiel
From: amichiel@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Allen J Michielsen)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Re: Help needed with HP-Deskwriter & Localtalk
Message-ID: <1991Jun9.050154.26462@rodan.acs.syr.edu>
Date: 9 Jun 91 05:01:54 GMT
References: <3592@opal.cs.tu-berlin.de> <961@goblin.ntg.com>
Organization: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Lines: 31

In article <961@goblin.ntg.com> dplatt@ntg.com (Dave Platt) writes:
>In article <3592@> aes19@opal.cs.tu-berlin.de ( aes19) writes:
>>Can anyone tell me how to connect an Deskwriter to appletalk ? Because
>>this printer is the only device on the net i won't buy the appletalk-

>you _will_ need some form of LocalTalk kit, the DeskWriter are designed
>to detect whether they are connected to a LocalTalk network, or a
> RS-422/423 (232) interface.
>If you connect a DeskWriter directly to your Mac, it will insist on
>going into direct-connect mode.
>There might be some way to "spoof" the DeskWriter's connection-sensor...
>I'd suggest that you buy two inexpensive PhoneNet-clone connectors.

   The edited portion of the quoted article says it all, as well as anyone
needs to know.  It is not impossible, just nearly so, so use a deskwriter
with a mac in serial mode.  Essentially, when the HP senses a serial
connection, the assumption is that it is going to be used with a IBM type
computer and when the localtalk network is sensed, a MAC type computer is
assumed.  
   Any information in regards to fooling a HP DeskWriter into working with 
a MAC while actually using a cheap serial(rs232/422)  cable would be 
appreciated.

al



-- 
Al. Michielsen, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University
 InterNet: amichiel@rodan.acs.syr.edu  amichiel@sunrise.acs.syr.edu
 Bitnet: AMICHIEL@SUNRISE