MICROPRINT 45CXA With Variable Resolution

This product and related documentation must be reviewed for familiarization with safety markings and instructions before operation.

Verify that the product matches the available line voltage. Refer to the INSTALLATION PROCEDURE and SPECIFICATIONS sections of the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH manual.

POWER MODULE - The power module cannot be repaired; if it is defective it should be discarded or returned to the supplier.

The MicroPrint 45CXA/CH interface converter allows parallel printers with Centronics parallel interfaces to be used with the IEEE-488 (HP-IB/GPIB) bus. The device supports the IEEE-488 subsets: SHO, AHI, TO, TEO, L1, LEO, SRO, RLO, PPO, DCO, DTO, and CO.

This MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is equipped with the Variable Resolution option which allows you to select the size of the graphics output when using HP-compatible printers. See the Variable Resolution section below for more information.

The MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is an interface converter, not a printer emulator. Your software must send the correct data format to the MicroPrint and printer. Consult your computer or software manual to ensure the printer you wish to use is supported before connecting the MicroPrint.

The input connector is a 24 pin IEEE-488 female "D" connector with metric screw lock hardware. The output connector is a female 25 pin "DB25" type connector with screw lock hardware. The pinout of the parallel port is compatible with the IBM PC-type parallel printer interface cable. The MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is powered by a ETL/CSA rated 9 VAC wall-mounted power adapter.

The MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is a one-way converter: from HP-IB to Parallel. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION (i.e., with the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH Centronics output connected to a computer parallel output port). Because it is a one-way converter, the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is not compatible with plotters with bi-directional Centronics interfaces.

HP printers use Printer Control Language, or PCL, to control printing features (fonts, graphics resolution, print quality, etc.). With the exception of default settings, most of the printing features are available only by sending commands, or "Escape Sequences," to the printer via the I/O interface(s). This does not present a problem when using the unit with computers since most application software provides automatic or manual control of the required features. However, when the printer is used in conjunction with a product that does not provide control, such as most test equipment, erratic results are sometimes encountered. In particular, the graph may be to large resulting in graphs being truncated; or too small resulting in "postage stamp" plots.

The Variable Resolution Option for the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH HP-IB to Centronics converter allows owners of HP ThinkJet, PaintJet, QuietJet, DeskJet, and LaserJet printers with Centronics parallel interfaces to select the graphics resolution of their printer by setting switches on the MicroPrint before powering on the unit. Once the resolution has been set, it remains in effect until the switch settings are changed and power reapplied. Note that the VR option sends the resolution commands to the printer only when the MicroPrint is first turned on; any subsequent graphics resolution control characters sent to the printer by the computer or test equipment will override the commands sent by the MicroPrint. Also, turning the printer off and then on without cycling the power on the MicroPrint, will result in the printer being reset to its default condition. If you wish to change the printer resolution, always power on the MicroPrint after the printer has been turned on and is in the ready state. To cycle power on the MicroPrint, unplug the DC power connector on the side of the unit, wait a few seconds, and plug in the power connector.

In general, all HP DeskJet printers, as well as LaserJets with 300 dpi(dots per inch) maximum resolution, have graphics resolutions of 75, 100, 150, and 300 dpi. Exceptions are the members of the LaserJet 4 family that also implement 200 and 600 dpi. ThinkJet and QuietJet printers have 96 and 192 dpi; PaintJet printers have 90 and 180 dpi resolutions. With the exception (to date) of the DeskJet Portable, all printers default to their lowest resolution on power up. The DJ Portable defaults to 300 dpi.

The configuration switch on the side of the MicroPrint, next to the power connector, has 8 positions. Positions 1 through 4 are used to set the 14 possible HP-IB addresses plus "Listen Always." Positions 5 through 8 set the graphics resolution of the printer or disable the Variable Resolution feature on the MicroPrint. To "shrink" the graphics size, raise the resolution; to expand the graphics size, lower the resolution.

1	2	3	4	Address	5	6	7	8	Dots/Inch
0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Default
1	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	75
0	1	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	90
1	1	0	0	3	1	1	0	0	96
0	0	1	0	4	0	0	1	0	100
1	0	1	0	5	1	0	1	0	150
0	1	1	0	6	0	1	1	0	180
1	1	1	0	7	1	1	1	0	192
0	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	1	200
1	0	0	1	9	1	0	0	1	300
0	1	0	1	10	0	1	0	1	600
1	1	0	1	11	1	1	0	1	Undefined
0	0	1	1	12	0	0	1	1	Undefined
1	0	1	1	13	1	0	1	1	Undefined
0	1	1	1	14	0	1	1	1	Undefined
1	1	1	1	*Listen Always	1	1	1	1	Undefined

In the table above, a "0(zero)" indicates the switch is turned OFF; a "1" indicates the switch is turned ON. Positions 5 through 8 OFF is the printer "default" condition; i.e. Variable Resolution is disabled.

*In the Listen Always mode, the MicroPrint will respond to any command or data sent over the bus. Use this setting only in a "stand alone" configuration where the computer or test equipment is to talk to only one device( via the MicroPrint).

If you happen to set the switches incorrectly, here's a couple of things that can happen. If you set a non-ThinkJet printer to the resolutions shown for the ThinkJet, the printer will reset to its default resolution. If you set a resolution number that is not recognized by the printer, the printer will default to the next highest resolution. If you obtain these, or other, strange results recheck the switch settings and remember to turn the MicroPrint power off before setting the switches; and turn it back on after the switches are set.

1) Set the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH to the correct HP-IB address and resolution using the eight position switch on the side of the MicroPrint. The MicroPrint is set at the factory for a listen address of 1 - Positions 1 ON and 2 through 4 OFF; and Variable Resolution is disabled - Positions 5 through 8 OFF. To change the address or resolution, set the switch on the side of the MicroPrint for the desired HP-IB address and resolution. (Refer to the SETTING THE MicroPrint SWITCHES section of this manual.)

2) Attach the HP-IB cable from the computer/controller to the "HP-IB" connector on the MicroPrint. Attach the cable from the printer or other peripheral to the "Centronics" connector on the MicroPrint.

NOTE: Ensure that both connectors are on securely BEFORE tightening the retaining screws. The latter should screw into the connectors easily and be "finger tight."

3) Plug the wall mount power supply connector into the female connector located on the side of the MicroPrint. Plug the wall mount power supply into an AC outlet which will activate the red LED indicator next to the Centronics connector. The MicroPrint is now ready for use.

NOTE: Since the MicroPrint reads the address switch setting only during power-up, it is necessary to interrupt the DC input power to the MicroPrint after any change to the switch settings. Also, it is advisable to "power up" the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH after other devices on the HP-IB bus.

If no output is obtained on the printer, or the output is incorrect, after the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is installed, check the following before calling your Intelligent Interfaces representative:

1) Check that the MicroPrint 45CXA/CH is connected to the "low speed" HP-IB output port on the computer.

3) Check that the MicroPrint is connected to the printer with a 25 pin male to 36 pin male parallel printer cable(see PRINTER CABLE/SIGNAL WIRING table below).

4) Ensure that all cable connections at the computer, MicroPrint, and printer are seated correctly and tight.

5) For HP-UX applications, use driver #21 (primitive 8 bit driver) with the MicroPrint. For HP RISC computers, use the INSTR0 "driver."

6) Check that your computer has a "driver" (software routine, usually listed in a set-up or configuration menu) that supports the printer you are using. The MicroPrint is an interface converter, not a printer emulator. The computer must be configured for the parallel printer with which it is to be used. A configuration error is usually evidenced by "stray" or strange characters being printed. Consult your software documentation to properly "set-up" your printer with your computer.

For application support, contact Intelligent Interfaces Inc. by mail, phone or FAX at::

During the one(1) year Warranty period, defective units will be replaced. After the one(1) year Warranty period, Intelligent Interfaces will repair or replace the defective unit, at Intelligent Interfaces' option, at the customer's expense. Contact Intelligent Interfaces at the number above to obtain a return authorization number before returning the unit for repair.

*Maximum data rate possible. Actual data throughput will vary depending on computer/controller hardware, software, and peripheral used.

Intelligent Interfaces Inc. certifies that the product purchased was carefully inspected and tested at the factory prior to shipment, and has been found to meet all published specifications.

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: In the U.S. and abroad, all products purchased from Intelligent Interfaces Inc. are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If you transfer ownership, this warranty is automatically transferred to the new owner and remains in effect for the original one year period.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY: This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification by other than an authorized Intelligent Interfaces Inc. representative, or by hardware, software, interfacing, or peripherals or cables not provided by Intelligent Interfaces Inc.. Intelligent Interfaces Inc. shall have no obligation to modify or update hardware or software products once manufactured. Modifications or updates to Intelligent Interfaces Inc. hardware or software products will be according to the agreement between the parties

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Intelligent Interfaces, Inc.
P.O. Box 99
Mill Spring, NC 28756
PH: 1-828-625-0800
FAX: 1-828-625-4700
Web: http://www.intelligentinterfaces.com
Email: service@intelligentinterfaces.com