Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!cbmvax!bpa!drexel!jeff
From: jeff@drexel.UUCP (Jeff White)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Need opinions on Orange Micro Macintosh Grappler interface
Message-ID: <570@drexel.UUCP>
Date: 28 Mar 88 03:09:46 GMT
Organization: Drexel University, Phila., Pa.
Lines: 25
Keywords: grappler orange micro serial parallel interface



   I have a Mac Plus computer and a CItoh Prowriter 2 printer (same as 
Apple Dot Matrix Printer except 15") which has a parallel interface.  The
printer was originally bought for and still used with an Apple II+ computer.
I've been looking for a while for some type of support for the CItoh on 
the Mac, like the hardware/software products that support so many other 
dot matrix printers.  Unfortunately, I never did find anything, so I decided
to wait until I found an inexpensive serial to parallel converter and at least
be able to get some order ascii output.  I finally found one (made by a company
called Scooter, anyone heard on them?) for $56.  I was ready to order one,
when I saw that the Grappler, which integrates a serial to parallel converter
with support for other printers (none of them mine) for onyl $10 more ($66).
I know that I can't use this feature (at least with this printer), but I'm
thinking that for the extra $10, the Orange Micro name and support, and the
potential for using the emulation at a later date make the unit a better 
investment.  
  My question is in anyone else on the net had used one of the Grapplers, and
if so, what is your opinion of it?  Can it be used as an ordinary serial to
parallel converter without having to emulate any printer?  Any comments would
be appreciated.

						Jeff White
						Drexel University - ECE Dept.
						rutgers!bpa!drexel!jeff