Conference hydra::amiga_v1

511.0. "Printer problem" by NAAD::SWARR (Learner's Permit) Sat May 23 1987 23:31

    I bought a dot matrix printer. The only intent I had in mind was
    to use the generic printer. I just wanted to get some hardcopy.
    
    However, I seem to have a problem. The printer is PAINFULLY slow!!
    I mean on the order of ONE character per second. Eventually a requestor
    comes up saying to check the cable or printer. Cable looks fine
    The only potential problem I can see with the cable is that it does
    not wire all data signal grounds (returns). 
    
    I don't think the printer is the problem because it works fine with my
    laptop MODEL 100. I can't be sure that the Amiga parallel port is
    OK as this printer is the only thing I have ever tried to hook up
    to the port. 
    
    Is there anything special to consider when buying a printer for
    the AMIGA. Keeping in mind that all I wanted was a cheap dot-matrix
    for program listings.
    
    Anybody out there have a similar problem?
                
    Thanks in advance for any sage advice I can get.

    Make sure you do not have Pin 23 of the parallel port connected
    to your printer. Also, best to have a driver specific to your printer.
    Might let us know what printer you have and perhaps we can supply
    you with the appropriate driver.
    
    Paul
    

The printer is a Tandy DMP-105. I doubt there is a driver for it.

I checked the cable and Pin 23 is not used.

I suspect that the AMIGA requires a printer with a buffer. The DMP does
not have a data buffer. Very plain printer , it prints 'em as it gets 'em.

Either that or my parellel port is shot.
                                                         

Thanks

<jim