Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!SLOTH.ICST.NBS.GOV!glenn
From: glenn@SLOTH.ICST.NBS.GOV (Terminator)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Two computers & one LaserWriter: HELP!!!
Message-ID: <8902162036.AA01561@sloth.icst.nbs.gov>
Date: 16 Feb 89 20:36:30 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Lines: 26

I was wondering if anyone could help me with the following problem.


We have a LaserWriter II NTX connected to both an Apple via the local_talk 
port and to a Sun via the RS-232 port.  Unfortunately, only one machine can
use the port with out changing some dip switches and cycling the power
on the LaserWriter.  Both machines are used somewhat extensively 
and we cannot afford to purchase a laser printer for each. We are
afraid that we're going to eventually break the small plastic switches. 
Is there anyway we can get around this problem.  

One idea that I thought of was a possible local_talk to RS-232 converter 
and connecting everything to a switch box.  Does anyone know if such an
animal exists?  We would still have to cycle the power but atleast the 
switches would not break.  I was also wondering if there was any kind of 
expansion card for the LaserWriter that would eleviate this problem.  
The only other alternative I can think of, is to open up the back of 
the printer and solder a heavier toggle switch to where the dip switch 
is attached, thus overriding it.

	Thanx In Advance,


	Rob Glenn
	(301) 975-3667
	E-MAIL: glenn@osi3.icst.nbs.gov