How to communicate with a Macintosh: Models: 5700/57000 series
How to communicate with a Macintosh: Models: 5700/57000 series
A. HOW DO YOU CONNECT THE PLOTTER TO A MACINTOSH:
The P/N for the 57000 User's Guide is M0014-870 (the 57000 User's
Guide may be used for both 5700 and 57000 plotters).
The 5700/57000 plotter series supports ONLY the CalComp 907/PCI
vector format.
HPGL and HP/GL2 ARE NOT SUPPORTED (and there are NO optional
upgrade packages for these formats). Neither PostScript nor the
AppleTalk interface are supported.
CalComp Raster Format (CCRF) is supported IF YOU PURCHASE THE CCRF
UPGRADE OPTION (the 5700 series requires both the CCRF option and
an XP controller. The P/N for the XP controller is 701460-8). The
57000 series requires only the CCRF upgrade kit. The CCRF upgrade
is processed by logging in a call with CalComp's service at
1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).
The 5700/57000 series plotters were designed to be connected into a
dedicated system. This means only one of it's two ports (one serial
and one parallel) is recognized by the plotter as being active at
any given time. To switch from one port to the other, you must use
a terminal and change the COM parameter called MODE (see Note #A-4).
SPECIAL NOTE: The 5700/57000 series electrostatic plotters were
manufactured to be custom configured to meet any host computer's
connectivity specifications. These plotters were not user-
installable devices. Unit installation by a trained field engineer
was included in the original purchase price. Because of this,
although most units were configured as DCE devices, some were
configured to be DTE. All of the information in the following notes
are for the most commonly used device configuration, which is DCE.
CalComp does not keep records as to exactly how each unit was
configured for a customer site. That information should be
available from the original operator or system administrator. (The
baud rate on these plotters is fixed and was also set during the
original installation. Changing the baud rate requires an service
call with CalComp UNLESS the optional 4-to-1 MUX was installed. The
4:1 MUX gives your plotter 4 serial ports, one Terminal port, and
NO parallel ports.)
The P/N for the 5700/57000 User's Guide is M0014-870
1. CONNECT ONE OF THE PLOTTER'S SERIAL PORTS TO THE MAC'S MODEM
PORT :
a. This requires CalComp P/N 16623-0029, a specially
designed cable which is connected directly to the Mac's
Modem port (a mini DIN-8, RS-232 serial interface) and
either the 8501 serial port for plot data or the 8503
serial port for Terminal Operations. This cable can be
extended in length by 25 feet with CalComp cable P/N
11772-0250. The maximum serial cable length is 50 feet,
unless a specially designed cable is acquired. For
information on custom cables see the problem summary,
WHAT KIND OF CABLE DO I NEED FOR THE PLOTTER?
NOTE: Both the data port (#8501) and the terminal
port (#8503) can be used (active) at the same
time. The parallel (#8502) and serial
(#8501) data ports cannot. Only one plot data
port can be active at a time with the
5700/57000 plotters.
2. HOW TO CONFIGURE THE PLOTTER'S SERIAL PORT FOR THE PLOTTER
DRIVER:
NOTE: The baud rate on 5700/57000 plotters cannot be
configured by the operator. Setting the baud rate requires a
re-programming of some of the internal switches on the
plotter's controller. CalComp does not provide hardware
assistance for this over the phone. An onsite service call is
required to reset the baud rate UNLESS you have a 4-to-1 MUX
(multiplexer) installed. If you have a 4:1 MUX, the baud rate
can be configured using a terminal.
a. For most CAD applications (the one exception being
AutoCAD), CalComp recommends MacPlot Professional.
MacPlot Professional is a Chooser level driver supplied
by Microspot (408-257-4000). MacPlot Professional fully
supports the CalComp 907/PCI standard. For more details,
please see the problem summary note; WHAT DRIVER SHOULD
BE USED WITH A MACINTOSH.
b. The plotter's port configuration must match that of the
application's 907/PCI plot driver. This is the sync code
vale, the number of sync codes, the end of record code
(also called EOM or EOB), the checksum (either ON or
OFF), and the stepsize (either 400 or 2032). If you are
using MacPlot Professional, here is the required default
port configuration (If your particular CalComp plotter
model is not listed, select ANY 907/PCI model listed.
For example; the 104x or 102x series will work fine.):
Sync code = 2, # of Syncs = 1, EOM = 3, Checksum =
NO, Stepsize = 2032
The default serial configuration MacPlot uses is: 9600
baud, 7 data bits,1 stop bit, and EVEN parity (9600, 7,
1, E), and MODE = DIR (hardware) handshake.
Here is the AutoCAD 12/13 default 907/PCI file
configuration:
Sync = 16, # of Syncs = 2, EOM = 0D, Checksum = YES,
Stepsize = 400
9600 baud, 7 data bits,1 stop bit, and EVEN parity
(9600, 7, 1, E), and MODE = DIR (hardware) handshake.
Here is the AutoCAD 10/11 default 907/PCI file
configuration:
Sync = 16, # of Syncs = 2, EOM = 0D, Checksum = YES,
Stepsize = 2032
9600 baud, 7 data bits,1 stop bit, and EVEN parity
(9600, 7, 1, E), and either MODE = ACK/NAK (preferred)
or XON/XOFF handshake.
3. VERIFY THE PLOTTER OPERATION BY RUNNING THE CONFIDENCE PLOT:
The Confidence Plot tests the plotter's engine. Run this test
using the following procedure:
a. Be sure the plotter is turned on and is in (AUTO) mode.
When in AUTO mode the plotter is ready to receive plot
data and the AUTO light is ON.
b. Put the plotter into MANUAL mode by pressing the
MAN/AUTO key once. The MANUAL light should now be ON.
c. Next, press the key marked TEST, then press 0 and then
the ENT key.
The self-test should now begin to process. If you can't get
the CONFIDENCE PLOT to work, Call CalComp for further
assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).
4. HOW TO VERIFY AND CHANGE THE PLOTTER'S PORT CONFIGURATION:
There is only one way to change the plotter's port. You must
use a DUMB TERMINAL (or a software communications program
running in terminal mode) which is setup to talk to the
plotter's TERMINAL port. The plotter's terminal port is the
serial port which is numbered 8503 and is located on the back
of the plotter. Details on using Terminal Operations are found
in the problem summary; HOW TO SETUP A TERMINAL FOR THE
PLOTTER (and in the User's Guide, Chapter 6).
Suggested Macintosh communications programs which work well
with the plotter in terminal mode are; ZTERM (a commonly used
shareware program), and White Knight (a commercial program).
a. The plotter's port settings are called COM parameters
(in Terminal Operations) and are summarized as follows:
COM
PARAMETER EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
--------------------------------------------------------
MODE sets the plotter for a DIR
specific data protocol
DIR, XONXOFF, (DIR, XONXOFF,
and ACKNAK are serial
protocols. CENT is for
centronics parallel)
SYNC sets Sync Code value and $16,$16
the number of Syncs 6,
(2 sync codes shown, with a
value of hexadecimal 16)
EOB sets the End-of-Byte code $0D
CSUM sets Checksum to either ON Y
or OFF (Y = ON)
FRAME sets plotter's character 7,1,E
framing (required for
serial port only)
CLOCK should always be set to ASYNC
ASYNC for IBM PC's &
Compatibles
When using Terminal Operations to configure the
plotter's port, the Sync code and EOB values are to be
entered as hexadecimal numbers. The plotter s operating
system differentiates decimal numbers from hexadecimal
by marking them with a preceding character; the dollar
sign ($). For example; the Sync Code value of 16 would
be entered as $16. The Sync Code value of 2 would be
entered as $2. The 0D (for EOB) would be entered as $0D
(using a terminal, see chapter 6 of the 57000 User's
Guide).
b. To verify the plotter Stepsize, enter the command
STEPSIZE (at the terminal prompt). The plotter should
then ECHO back the current stepsize setting. To change
the Stepsize, enter as follows (at the terminal prompt);
STEPSIZE = 400 (or 2032, for example).
c. To find out what revision your plotter's controller is,
enter REV at the terminal prompt. The plotter should
then ECHO back the firmware revision for your plotter
(example: 908K, rev 3.11).
B. HOW TO MAKE A CENTRONICS PARALLEL CONNECTION:
The Mac is not manufactured to support a centronics parallel
interface. They do, depending on the model type, provide a certain
number of open slots so that an interface card could be added. This
note refers only to the MacPlot raster mode driver, which requires
a parallel interface.
1. The plotter's parallel port can be used with a Mac if you
obtain MacPlot Electrostatic DMA (NOTE: Please contact
Microspot at 408-257-4000 for the latest driver update info).
This package comes with a CCRF raster driver and a parallel
card for the Mac. It works ONLY on the plotter's parallel
port. This driver will allow users to plot virtually anything
from the Mac, including photos and gradient fills, etc.,
however, it is not the best choice when the you want to run
strictly CAD applications. This is because the vector mode
driver (MacPlot Professional) is optimized for CAD and can
plot the CAD data much faster than a raster mode driver.
2. NOTE ON 5700 SERIES CENTRONICS COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS:
The 5700 series plotters using the standard CalComp 908K
controller do not have 100% reliable centronics interfaces. In
order to work reliably in centronics parallel mode, the 908K
controller must be upgraded to either an XK controller,
revision 1.02 or greater, or an XP. (The XP controller is
recommended. It may be ordered with P/N 701460-8.)
The 57000 series electrostatic plotters DO NOT have a
centronics compatibility problem.
C. THE PLOTTER IS NOT RESPONDING ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER AND CABLE
ARE CORRECT:
1. Run the CONFIDENCE PLOT (listed above in Note #A3, and given
in the User's Guide in chapter 1, page 10).
2. CONFIRM YOUR CABLE CONNECTION: Double check that your cable is
connected to the plotter COM port configured to work with your
Mac software plotter driver. Be sure there is good, solid
connection. Be sure that it IS the correct type of cable
specified by CalComp's documentation.
3. CONFIRM YOUR PLOTTER'S PORT CONFIGURATION:
Incorrect plotter port configuration is the most common reason
for plotter response problems. The only way to confirm what
the plotter's port settings are is to attach a terminal to
the plotter's terminal port (8503). See Note A-4, above.
4. CONFIRM YOUR 5700 SERIES PLOTTER'S CONTROLLER REVISION:
The 5700 series plotter must be equipped with an XP Controller
(or an XK Controller with a minimum revision level of 1.02).
If your 5700 series plotter has the standard 908K controller,
CalComp cannot guarantee that it will perform reliably when
running in centronics mode.
If you do not know what your plotter's controller revision is,
you need to set up a terminal and enter REV, at the terminal
prompt.
57000 series plotters DO NOT have a centronics interface
problem.
5. Be sure the plotter is ONLINE. (the AUTO light should be ON)
6. Be sure the plotter and your software application driver match
(see Note #A2 above for MacPlot Professional). If you are not
using a driver supplied by Microspot, please refer to your
application software's help references. You must be certain
that the plotter port is configured to match the plot code
format being created by the plotter driver. CalComp does not
provide in-depth assistance on any product other than the ones
we manufacture.
7. IF A SWITCH BOX IS BEING USED: (A/B manual or electronic)
Switch boxes often create connectivity problems which can only
be isolated and confirmed by removing the switch box and
running a test. Remove the switch box and try to run another
plot from your application. If the plotter now works correctly
then you may be sure that there is good basic connectivity
with your Mac computer and the CalComp plotter.
CalComp provides assistance only on equipment which we
manufacture. If problems appear to occur only while a switch
box is connected, please contact the switch box manufacturer's
help line or consult their support documentation.
8. OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES:
a. Defective cable
b. Defective computer MODEM port
c. Defective CalComp plotter COM port (or parallel port if
MacPlot DMA is being used)
9. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES:
This step (a) presumes that the port configuration on the
plotter matches EXACTLY what is setup on the Mac, and the
plotter is able to run its Confidence Plot.
a. SERIAL CABLE TEST: Test the serial cable for correct
*pin assignments, electrical continuity, and possible
shorts (A short occurs when cable wires which should be
isolated are connected to one another. For example;
pin's 1 on both ends of the cable are supposed to be
connected and test OK, however, pin 1 and pin 3 also
test as being connected - this is a short). *Call
CalComp for assistance IF you do not know what your
cable's wiring is supposed to be.
Another way to test is to try a second serial cable that
is currently working with another printer or plotter.
Be sure the second serial cable meets the CalComp
plotter requirements. If your tests prove that you have
a good serial cable but the plotter still does not work
Call CalComp for assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).
b. PARALLEL CABLE: One way to test a centronics parallel
cable is to connect it to any other device which
supports parallel (MOST printers have a centronics
parallel port) and is currently in use as a parallel
device. If the cable being tested does not work, it is
probably defective. If it does work, either the plotter
port setup is wrong, the plotter port is defective or
the computer port is defective.
Another way to test is to try a second parallel cable
that is currently working with another printer or plotter
c. THE COMPUTER OR PLOTTER MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE INTERFACE:
This step presumes that, for 5700 series plotters, you
have an XK or XP revision controller, a cable that is
confirmed to be good, the port configuration on the
plotter matches EXACTLY what is setup on the Mac, and
the plotter is able to run its Confidence Plot.
i. SERIAL INTERFACE: The Mac may give a
communications error if it has an internal hardware
problem (refer to your Mac helpline or
documentation for further information on error
messages which are displayed). Whether or not Mac
system errors have been displayed, perform the
following test:
ia. Reboot the Mac while holding the SHIFT key
(this allows the Mac system to come WITHOUT
loading any INIT programs).
ib. Try to plot again. If the plotter works
there is apparently a system conflict on your
Mac involving one or more of the INIT
programs. CalComp does provide assistance in
isolating and resolving system conflicts.
ic. If there were NO error messages and the
plotter still doesn't work, try a different
computer. ANY computer (IBM or Mac) can be
used to test the plotter further. If another
computer setup with all of the correct
configuration parameters and cable is used
and the plotter does not work, call CalComp
for assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).
ii. PARALLEL INTERFACE: The Mac may give a
communications error if there it has an internal
hardware problem (refer to your Mac helpline or
documentation for further information on error
messages which are displayed). Whether or not Mac
system errors have been displayed, perform the
following test:
iia. Reboot the Mac while holding the SHIFT key
(this allows the Mac system to come WITHOUT
loading any INIT programs).
iib. Try to plot again. If the plotter works
there is apparently a system conflict on your
Mac involving one or more of the INIT
programs. CalComp does provide assistance in
isolating and resolving system conflicts.
iic. If there were NO error messages and the
plotter still doesn't work, try a different
computer. ANY computer (IBM or Mac) can be
used to test the plotter further. If another
computer setup with all of the correct
configuration parameters and cable is used
and the plotter does not work, call CalComp
for assistance 1-800-CALCOMP (800-225-2667).