What driver should be used with a Macintosh: Models: 5800/58000

The P/N for the 58000 User's Guide is M0014-790 (the 58000 User's Guide
may be used for both 5800 and 58000 series plotters).

A.   WHAT IS THE BEST DRIVER TO USE WITH THE PLOTTER:

     Note:     This plotter series DOES NOT support the following (and
               there are NO upgrade options available for these).

               -    PostScript or AppleTalk interface.
               -    CalComp Print Bridge external interface
               -    HPGL or HP/GL2

     1.   There are two kinds of  plotter driver which are recommended
          for the Mac. Both are Macintosh Chooser-level drivers. One
          creates vector data and is designed to be used with CAD
          applications. The other is a raster mode driver and is
          designed to be used with any graphics application where
          gradients, complex fills, photo-images, or bit-mapped graphics
          output is desired.

          Both drivers are available from Microspot (408-257-4000). The
          vector mode driver is called MacPlot Professional and supports
          the CalComp 907/PCI format. The raster mode driver is called
          MacPlot Electrostatic DMA and includes a parallel card for the
          Mac. This driver supports the CalComp Raster format (CCRF).
          The MacPlot vector and raster drivers are updated regularly.
          Please call Microspot for the latest information.

          To summarize:
          For high volume CAD plotting, use the vector mode driver. If
          there is a strong requirement for graphics image output and
          some CAD, consider the raster mode driver (or use both).

     2.   What Macintosh applications provide their own CalComp?

          a.   AutoCAD 10/11/12/13 provides a CalComp 907/PCI driver

               i.   AutoCAD 12/13 lists the 58000 series among the
                    supported models. The 5800 series is not listed,
                    however, the plot code created for the 58000 is
                    100% compatible with the 5800 series.

               ii.  Select the 104x for AutoCAD versions 10/11.

               iii. AutoCAD for the Mac use the same port configuration
                    as on the PC and is listed as follows:

                    Sync = 16,  # of Syncs = 2,  EOM = 0D,  Checksum = YES,
                    Stepsize  =  400 steps (for versions 12/13) and
                    2032 steps (for 10/11)

          b.   Microstation 4.x and 5.x provides a CalComp 907/PCI
               driver:

               i.   If your model is not listed select the 104x or any
                    driver listed as supporting 907 or PCI.

               ii.  The default port setting for Microstation is:

                    Sync = 2,  # of Syncs = 1,  EOM = 3, Checksum = NO,
                    Stepsize = 2032

          c.   Ashlar Vellum provides a CalComp 907/PCI driver:

               i.   If your model is not listed select the 104x or any
                    driver listed as supporting 907 or PCI.

               ii.  The default port setting for Vellum is:
                    Sync = 2,  # of Syncs = 2,  EOM = 3, Checksum = NO,
                    Stepsize = 2032

                    NOTE: The Ashlar Vellum driver requires a unique
                    configuration of two beginning of record sync
                    codes, with a value of 2.

     3.   Is MacPlot recommended over the 907/PCI other drivers?

          a.   If AutoCAD is the primary application, use the AutoCAD
               driver.

          b.   MacPlot Professional is recommended for all other CAD
               applications, however, is suggested you contact your CAD
               software vendor for their recommendations when using
               applications where a CalComp driver is supplied.

     4.   How is MacPlot Professional configured?

          a.   If your model is not listed select the 104x or any
               driver listed as supporting 907 or PCI.

          b.   The default port configuration for MacPlot Professional is:

               Sync = 2,  # of Syncs = 1,  EOM = 3, Checksum = NO,
               Stepsize  =  2032

          c.   MacPlot Professional requires a serial connection to the
               plotter. We recommend CalComp P/N  16623-0029. This
               cable connects directly to the Mac's MODEM port and one
               of the plotter's COM  (serial) ports. The default serial
               configuration MacPlot Professional uses is: 9600 baud, 7
               data bits, stop bit, and EVEN parity  (9600, 7, 1, E),
               and hardware (MODE = DIR) handshaking. It also supports
               other baud rates up to 38,400 bits per second

          d.   MacPlot Professional is a powerful CalComp 907/PCI
               vector mode driver. Many CalComp plotters are listed as
               being supported, including the DrawingMaster. Please
               call Microspot for information on the latest version or
               update plans (408-257-4000).

     5.   What will the MacPlot Professional vector mode driver allow me
          to print outside of CAD applications?

          a.   The vector mode driver is versatile and can be used with
               word processors such  as MS-Word, spreadsheets such as
               Lotus and Excel, and to a limited extent, graphics
               programs such as Freehand and Canvas, etc.

               MacPlot Professional is not recommended to be used with
               Pagemaker and Quark, or any programs which generate
               primarily paint/bitmap files and photo-images, etc.
               These require the raster mode driver, MacPlot
               Professional DMA (or the latest equivalent CalComp
               raster format (CCRF) driver offered by Microspot, 408-
               257-4000).