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8
GETTING STARTED
You may find that you can connect up the printer to your Personal Computer (PC), and everything
works perfectly first time. However, there are many variables, and the following information may help
if you find you need some assistance. These are only suggestions, and may not work with all PC's.
8.1
CONNECTING TO A PC – A CHECKLIST
•
First, you need to GET THE PRINTER GOING
Check that the printer wakes up when the paper feed button is pressed, and that it produces a Self
Test print (see section '2.3 Paper Feed Button'). Remember that battery packs are normally supplied
discharged, and should be charged for at least 15 hours before use.
•
Next, you need to make some HARDWARE CONNECTIONS
The back panel of a PC normally includes three D-type (keystone-shaped) connectors, typically as
follows:
D-9 Plug (male):
D-25 Plug (male):
D-25 Socket (female):
You can use either of the two serial ports for the Ap890, whichever is free. COM2: is assumed in
what follows, as most likely to be available.
Use either a standard cable from Able Systems (see section '7.2 Combined Data/Charger Adaptor
Cables'), or make up your own using the information in section '7.1 Connector'.
•
Now you will need to SET UP YOUR COMPUTER'S SERIAL PORT to match the printer
Your proposed application program may have a way of doing this, or you can get to the DOS prompt
[eg C:\>] and type the following command line (assuming you have connected the printer to COM2:):
MODE COM2:9600,N,8,2 [RETURN]
This will set up the port (COM2:) to 9600 baud, No parity, 8 data bits, and 2 stop bits which is the
default setting for the Ap890.
•
Now, SEND SOME DATA TO THE PRINTER from your computer
An easy way to do this from the DOS prompt is to type:
DIR >COM2: [RETURN]
This should send a directory listing to the printer. The lines will probably overflow, but it will at least
show that the communication between the computer and the printer is working.
You can also send data from QBASIC, for example:
OPEN "COM2:9600,N,8,2" FOR RANDOM AS #1
PRINT#1, "Hello"
Alternatively, in Windows, use the TERMINAL program to send some text to the printer.
8.2
WINDOWS™ PRINTER DRIVERS
At present, no Windows driver specifically written for the Ap890 is available. However, the built-in
Windows "Generic/Text-Only" printer driver should work in a limited manner.
8.3
YOUR APPLICATION PROGRAM
Once communications between your computer and the printer have been established, you can try
driving the printer from your application program. (Refer to Section '3 Control Code Tables').
8.4
ON-LINE INFORMATION
Able Systems' web site "http://www.able-systems.com" includes application data updates, product
announcements, and e-mail facilities for customer support.
You are always welcome to contact Able Systems or your local supplier for specific assistance.
We would also appreciate reports of any errors in our documentation, or suggested improvements.
Copyright © Able Systems Limited 2001All Rights Reserved
COM1: Serial port for mouse, serial printer, etc
COM2: Serial port for modem, serial printer, etc
LPT:
Parallel ('Centronics') port for parallel printer, etc
Ap890 and Ap892 User Guide Page 12 of 12
"ap89busg.doc"// Rev. 1: "27 Feb. 2001" / IKE
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