[Leaplist] Hackfest Subject: Accel-A-Writer Printer

[patrick]

Bruce Metcalf wrote:
> patrick wrote:
>> Derek Konigsberg wrote:
>>>
>>>     While I haven't looked up the specs for that printer, I'd recommend
>>> finding out if it can talk PostScript.
> 
> I understand that it does speak PS 2.0, but it does so in an odd
> dialect. No clue what's odd about it.
> 
> 
>>> If it can, chances are that you'll be able to make it work. ... The
>>> actual printer driver is a "PPD" file, which is just a text
>>> description file that is totally OS-independent.
> 
> Sounds good, as the short-term plan is to migrate to Linux -- probably a
> Debian-like distro, if not Debian itself.
> 
> 
>>> (and worst case, you can pretent they are Apple LaserWriters).
> 
> I pretended real hard, but the LaserWriter driver still didn't work.
> 
> 
>>> If it can't talk PostScript, find out what it can talk.
> 
> I'll see what I can find.
> 
> 
>>>> It's a Xanté Accel-A-Writer 8100, a laser printer than can handle
>>>> 11x17" pages.
>>
>> I also have a few Mac Power PC machines, too.  Want one? With Monitor?
> 
> I think I'm in enough trouble already, but thanks for the offer. Perhaps
> you can explain to me why I'd want to steepen my learning curve.
>
> 

Well, I have a computer of the similar vintage, that runs OS8 and can
run that printer, which was very elite and sold for $3995 when new.  The
most of any printer!  But, the capabilities were tiptop. The printer is
a 16Mhz machine, with 12Mb RAM, expandable to 64Mb, using SIMMS.

The RISC 2900 series processor is similar to other printers of the time,
can auto sense inputs on the RS232/Centronics Parallel/Appletalk inputs,
so all can be connected and ready!  I believe the printer cartridge is
the same as for all the Canon BX engines, like the HP 4, or the toner
refills start at $7.00.

If the engine is anything like my Apple Select 360, it is expected  that
it will run at least 300,000 copies before it wears out!  Talk about
'over engineered'!

The drum is typically good for at least 12,000 to 24,000 copies between
cleanings.  Selenium surface drums have longer lives than the current
gel surface drums that should be replaced, not cleaned.

Anyway, OS8 is really great, easy to use, and can run as a network
printserver.  This computer is a small flat pizzabox, Macintosh Informa
6320CD. Has the TV card, CDrom, and talks, but, I can keep it, and use
it with other printers of that vintage, most of which came with Appletalk!

There is no 'learning curve' with Apples/Macs.  Plus, full docs and all
software is free at the Apple web site.