The Interface Boards
A number of optional interfaces are available in case your computer
is either not provided with a parallel interface or you wish to
increase the memory capacity of your printer’s buffer.
Choosing an Interface
Optional interfaces can be divided into three main categories which
are described briefly below.
IEEE-488 interfaces offer standardized connections, trouble-free
operation, and the ability to connect computers, printers, and
other devices on the same line so that they may share data
freely.
The buffered parallel interfaces also offer trouble-free operation
and standardized connections. They provide the printer with
more memory to free the computer for other tasks when printing
large amounts of text or graphics. You can increase the printer’s
data buffering capacity by an additional 32 KB (about 10 pages).
Serial interfaces are required if your computer is not equipped
with a parallel interface or if you need an interface that conforms
to the Current Loop standard instead of RS-232C. These
interfaces also provide some combination of the following
features: X-ON/X-OFF data communication protocol, loopback
self test modes, and data buffers that increase the printer’s data
buffering capacity by 8 KB.
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Using the Printer Options