Questions tagged [printer]
For questions concerning use, maintenance, restoration or emulation of printers used along with retrocomputers.
16
votes
7answers
4k views
Why didn't PostScript eliminate the need for printer drivers?
In the days of dot matrix printers connected by RS-232 or the IBM/Centronics parallel port, each with its own quirky set of commands, it's obvious why printer drivers were a necessary and important ...
2
votes
3answers
459 views
Daisy wheel graphics using the period?
Although it would have absolutely beaten the hardware to death, did anyone ever try to write a graphics driver for daisy wheel printers that would use the period symbol to painstakingly construct a ...
14
votes
3answers
490 views
Is there a line printer sound simulator?
To improve "authenticity" of a mainframe simulator and for an additional nostalgic effect, I'd like to add sounds of a line printer to it. They should be similar enough to the original sounds for ...
14
votes
9answers
3k views
What was the typical thickness of fanfold printer paper?
Fanfold paper was commonly used for computer printouts from the 1950s to the 1980s. What was the typical thickness of such paper?
The answer must be a measure of thickness, not weight. I am well ...
42
votes
3answers
7k views
Why did line printers have 132 columns?
From what I read, most line printers have 132 columns. Also, the VT-220 and presumably other terminals may be switched between 80 columns (that's a usual width) and 132 columns.
As I recall, 80 ...
9
votes
1answer
263 views
Connecting Panasonic “Penwriter” RK-P400C to modern PC using USB to serial cable
I have a Panasonic "Penwriter" model RK-P400C electronic typewriter/plotter from circa 1985 I'd like to be able to connect to a modern PC. And hopefully even use to draw graphics! Bought in almost new ...
2
votes
4answers
1k views
Why were teletype printers not used for DOS computers?
Prior to the introduction of DOS in 1981 teletype printers were probably the most common hardcopy printer being used - usually in govt, educational or research facilities. When DOS arrived, teletype ...
24
votes
3answers
4k views
Where did DOS store graphics fonts?
I remember using a wysiwyg print program called Fontasy for CGI graphics in DOS because of a lack of standardized graphics fonts. Companies were selling "font packs" for other type fonts. Prior to Win ...
6
votes
3answers
580 views
Serial Receipt Printer Garbage
I connected a vintage serial matrix receipt printer (datamega DPN-233) via FTDI to my macbooks usb.
It performs its own Selftest without problems, prints an example and the RS 232 configuration (19200....
8
votes
4answers
4k views
How to renew and re-ink old printer ribbons?
What is the proper way to restore and re-ink old typewriter, calculator, dot matrix printer, and mainframe lineprinter ribbons?
Usually fabric ribbons or open-cell foam sponge rollers were used to ...
11
votes
2answers
263 views
Where to find thermal paper for Aquarius or Commodore printer?
The thermal printer that was sold for use with the Mattel Aquarius or VIC-20 / Commodore 64 is an Alphacom VP42.
This uses thermal paper, 4 3/8" wide. Original paper for these printers is very ...
