Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!bloom-beacon!apple!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!ostroff From: ostroff@aramis.rutgers.edu (Jack H. Ostroff) Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp Subject: HPIB to parallel (Centronics) converter for HP3000 Keywords: HPIB, Centronics, HP3000 Message-ID: Date: 6 Apr 89 02:55:46 GMT Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 22 We have several HP LaserJet printers (mostly Series II) spooled on our HP3000 (currently 70, eventually to move to 950) connected via 9600 RS232. We're looking to significantly speed up printing. It seems as though an HPIB/RS488 to Centronics/parallel converter would do the trick. (Parallel extenders over twisted pair wiring are available for $200-$300.) I know of three: Apex has a converter which also emulates CIPER protocol. However, for nearly $2000, I'm not sure it's worth it. Quasitronix has one for under $300, but they admit it doesn't work on a Series 70 (something about timing of ENQ and carriage return signals). They haven't tested it on a 900 Series, but they suspect it won't work there either. (It apparently works fine on 1000's or 9000's.) IO/Tech has one for about $600, they claim it will work, but that seemed more like a sales pitch than a technical claim. Sorry to be so long winded, but does anyone have any experience with any of these devices/companies, or at least any significant comments on what I'm trying to do? Thanks for any suggestions. Jack (ostroff@aim.rutgers.edu, ...!rutgers!aim!ostroff)