Not communicating or cannot print from a PC.
A. The printer does not accept text files or shift-PrintScreen commands
from the computer keyboard in DOS. The printer only accepts PostScript
files.
B. If sending PostScript data to the printer and it will not print at all,
then ensure that the cable is connected to the port that you are using.
Ensure that the connection is tight at both the printer and the
computer.
1. If attempting to use the parallel port on the printer, then
note the following:
a. A Centronics parallel cable must be connected from the
printer to the LPT port on the computer. (CalComp part #
18735-0129 Parallel cable, 10 ft.). The total cable
length should not exceed 10 ft.
b. The LPT ports on the back of the computer are female (i.e.,
no pins sticking out).
c. The parallel cable may be defective. Try another parallel
cable. Use a cable 10 ft. or shorter. (CalComp part number
18735-0129).
d. The LPT port on the computer may be defective. Try
outputting from another computer.
2. If connected to the serial port, then note the following:
a. A null-modem cable must be connected from the printer to
the serial port (e.g., COM1, COM2) on the computer.
(CalComp part # 19762-0107 Serial cable, 10 ft.).
Alternatively, a straight-through serial cable with a null-
modem adapter (CalComp part # 21617-0019 Null-modem
adapter) may be used. The total cable length must not
exceed 50 ft.
b. The COM ports on a PC are either 9-pin or 25-pin male
(i.e., pins sticking out). Connecting a 9-to-25-pin adapter
(available at a local computer supply store) is acceptable.
c. The BAUD rate, number of bits/parity, stop bits, and
handshake need to be set up correctly. First, verify the
communication settings in the software application:
i. If executing a DOS application, then the application
should have a printer setup feature that allows the
user to set/change the parameters. Once found,
record these settings in order to compare on the
printer.
ii. If a PostScript file is being sent directly from DOS,
then first issue a DOS MODE command to establish the
baud rate, parity, number of bits, number of stop
bits. The handshake is always DTR/RTS (hardware
handshake) when using DOS.
ii.1. The DOS MODE command format is:
MODE com_port:Baud_rate, Parity, Data_bits,
Stop_bits, P
where parity is one of the following: (E=even,
O=odd, N=none)
The last character of the MODE statement (i.e.,
the letter P), tells DOS to perform retries.
ii.2. If using COM port 1 at 9600 baud, No parity, 8
data bits, and 1 stop bit, issue the following
DOS MODE command at the DOS prompt and send the
file to the printer:
MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
COPY filename.ps COM1
ii.3. If using COM port 2 at 9600 baud, No parity, 8
data bits, and 1 stop bit, issue the following
DOS MODE command at the DOS prompt and send the
file to the printer:
MODE COM2:9600,N,8,1,P
COPY filename.ps COM2
iii. If using Windows, verify that the correct driver and
settings are set up.
iii.1. In Windows, from Program Manager: double-
click on Main, double-click on Control Panel,
double-click on Printers.
iii.2. Windows will display the Printers dialog
box. From the list of installed printers,
select the CalComp ColorMaster Plus 6603XF or
6613XF Windows Driver.
iii.3. Click on the button: Set As Default Printer.
iii.4. Make sure that there is no X in the box
that says: Use Print Manager.
iii.5. Click on the button: CONNECT.
iii.6. Windows will display the Connect dialog
box. Select the serial port that is to be used
(COM1 or COM2).
iii.7. Click on the button: SETTINGS
iii.8. Windows will display the Settings dialog box.
Record the values to compare with on the
printer. Suggested settings:
Baud Rate = 9600, Data Bits = 8, Stop Bits = 1,
and Flow Control = Hardware
(Note: Hardware handshake is selected on the
printer as: DTR/RTS).
To change values in this dialog box, click on
the down arrow at the right of each setting to
obtain the drop-down list and click on the
desired selection.
iii.9. Click on the button: OK. Windows will
return to the Connect dialog box. Click on the
button: OK. Windows will return to the Printers
dialog box.
iii.10. Click on the button: SETUP. Windows will
display a dialog box allowing paper tray, paper
size, and orientation. Select the desired
values.
iii.11. Click on the button: OK. Close Printers.
Close the Control Panel.
d. Verify the communication settings on the printer.
i. With the printer displaying: ONLINE, press the ENTER
key on the printer. The printer will display:
OFFLINE.
ii. Press the Down Arrow key on the printer. The cursor
on the display will be on SETUPS.
iii. Press the ENTER key on the printer. The printer
displays: SETUPS with the cursor on USER.
iv. Press the ENTER key on the printer. The printer
displays: USER.
v. Press the Right Arrow key on the printer twice to
move the cursor to the SERIAL selection.
vi. Press the ENTER key on the printer. The BAUD RATE is
displayed. If it is incorrect, press the Right Arrow
key once, press the Down Arrow key on the printer
until the desired value is displayed, and press the
ENTER key on the printer to accept the selection.
vii. Press the Down Arrow key on the printer to display
the selection: DATA BITS. If it is incorrect, press
the Right Arrow key once, press the Down Arrow key on
the printer until the desired value is displayed, and
press the ENTER key on the printer to accept the
selection.
viii. Press the Down Arrow key on the printer to display
the selection: STOP BITS. If it is incorrect, press
the Right Arrow key once, press the Down Arrow key on
the printer until the desired value is displayed, and
press the ENTER key on the printer to accept the
selection.
ix. Press the Down Arrow key on the printer to display
the selection: PARITY. If it is incorrect, press the
Right Arrow key once, press the Down Arrow key on the
printer until the desired value is displayed, and
press the ENTER key on the printer to accept the
selection.
x. Press the Down Arrow key on the printer to display
the selection: HANDSHAKE. If it is incorrect, press
the Right Arrow key once, press the Down Arrow key on
the printer until the desired value is displayed, and
press the ENTER key on the printer to accept the
selection.
xi. Press the CLEAR key until the printer displays:
ONLINE.
e. The serial cable may be defective or incorrect. The printer
requires using a null-modem cable, 50 ft. or less (CalComp
part number 19762-0107 Serial cable, 10 ft.).
Alternatively, a straight-through serial cable with a null-
modem adapter (CalComp part # 21617-0019 Null-modem
adapter) is acceptable. Try using another cable.
f. The COM port on the computer may be defective or disabled.
Try connecting to a different COM port. Try connecting to a
different computer.
3. If still unsuccessful, then the port on the printer may be
defective. If it is defective, the printer requires service.