Old Printers can be a pain

[Michael]

Back in my previous blog entry I mentioned I'd picked up up an Apple LaserWriter 16/600, well finally got to adding it to my network to use. The printer came with an ethernet adaptor, so no problems putting it on the network, but with no console on the printer, how was I to route output to it.

Fortunately with OS 9.22 on my Bondi Blue iMac I was able to find the printer via the local AppeTalk (printer was called "loaner"), but I wanted to be able to print to it from my main machines, which are running OSX 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6. A quick Googling confirmed the availability from Apple of a MOS9 version of the printer utility, and when run on the iMac, I was able to change the IP address from a 192.168.x.x to my 10.1.x.x range, and changed the name from"loaner" to "LaserWriter", and added the printer to my laptops and desktop machines, and whamo! Brand new old laser printer on the network for all to use.

Print quality is good, and as it uses the same Canon engine as the HPLJ4/5 range, cartidges seem to be still available at reasonable prices. For a 1994 printer, I think it has some good years ahead of it.

All in all, another device saved from becoming "e-waste".

Next project is to get the PowerBook250 running on the network so I can try to copy my old 400KB and 800KB floppy disks from my Apple //c to try and recover some ancient data files.

Any advice for getting a MOS7 machine onto an IP network (I got a SCSI to RJ45 adaptor with the PB250) would be appreciated.

Michael

PS. Just watched the 2100 kids' fireworks over Sydney Harbour, not long until the big one at 2400!!!!! Happy New Year everybody!!!!!!

[Lars (WhyOSX)]

A great and successful 2010 to you and everyone on the RMC and the rest of the world !

[Ken]

Happy New Year!