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From: boyle@ANL-MCS.ARPA (James M. Boyle)
Newsgroups: mod.computers.laser-printers
Subject: Re:  Laser printer servers
Message-ID: <8703142044.AA13846@anl-mcs.ARPA>
Date: Sat, 14-Mar-87 15:44:37 EST
Article-I.D.: anl-mcs.8703142044.AA13846
Posted: Sat Mar 14 15:44:37 1987
Date-Received: Mon, 16-Mar-87 04:24:10 EST
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Approved: laser-lovers@washington.arpa

Most any PostScript printer, such as the QMS 2400PS, can be attached 
to an Ethernet via a Bridge terminal concentrator or Encore Annex 
terminal concentrator.  Of course, the transmission rate is a max of 
19.2Kbaud between the concentrator and the printer, but this is 
adequate for many applications (perhaps not for lots of bitmaps).  I'm
not sure about what software is available to drive a printer in such a
configuration.  This is enough of a problem that we are running our
QMS 2400PS on an RS232 line from our VAX 780 running 4.2bsd Unix.

When delivered almost a year ago, our 2400 was very slow--ran the same
speed as the Apple LaserWriter+; however, we just received and
upgraded controller a few days ago that has corrected much of that
problem.  So this is a printer you may wish to consider if the DEC one
is too pricey.

Someone complained about QMS, Dataproducts, and some other printer
producing lines that are too thin.  I repeat something that has been
said before--this is the "write-white engine" problem.  If you are
used to LW+ output (write-black engine), then the write-white output
will look anemic in comparison.  What to do?  Get one of these fast
printers for "routine" output and a couple of LW+s for final copies of
papers, etc.  No doubt all could share the same Ethernet box.

Incidentally, one should not complain about buying an Ethernet
concentrator for these printers when in fact DEC forces him to buy a
micro-VAX to connect its printer to an Ethernet.  Incidentally, does
anyone know the transmission rate and medium between the micro-VAX and
the DEC printer engine?  Is it RS232?

		Jim Boyle
		Math and Computer Sci. Div.
		Argonne Nat'l Lab.