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PROBLEM: PRINTS GARBAGE
SYMPTOM: MISSING CHARACTERS
CAUSE: Incorrect printer cable type.
SOLUTION: See
Appendix A
for correct pinouts
between Print Master and printer. Check
handshaking. A way to check is to force an error
condition at the printer (i.e. remove paper tray
from laser printer or turn off-line with power still
applied). Send print job to printer. If printer LED
goes off, you can conclude no handshaking was
done. If your printer is connected in serial, check
printer's configuration and match handshaking
(i.e., you must use CTS/DTR or XON/XOFF for
both Print Master and printer). Also check pin 20
(DTR) on serial ports or pin 11 on parallel ports
for continuity by using an ohm meter to check
resistance from end to end.
CAUSE: Parallel cable length.
SOLUTION: Parallel cable should not exceed 15 feet.
Use shorter length or higher-quality cable.
CAUSE: Configuration problem.
SOLUTION: Check baud rate, word size, stop bits and
parity on serial ports. Verify that these
parameters match those of your equipment.
