========================================================================= (C) 1993 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE and press [RETURN]. The system will prompt you for your information. ========================================================================== ************ Topic 11 Sat Mar 05, 1988 DMAY [Darryl@Atari] (Forwarded) Sub: Atari Laser Printers (SLM804 & SLM605) Discussion about the use and operation of Atari laser printers. Both the earlier model SLM804 and the newer SLM605 will be discussed. Learn how to get the most of them here! 204 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 1 Fri Apr 09, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:58 EDT I'm still a little confused about the Falcon030. On page 18 of the Jan/Feb 93 Atari Explorer, it says the Falcon has a SCSI-II w/ DMA port. I don't know what that means, but it _does_ say DMA. One of the Atari people has said here (and Bob now adds to it) that the Falcon doesn't have a DMA port, but that a couple of third parties are working on an interface. Did the Explorer goof? Higher rez for SLM804 sounds good to me. Bob, Thanks for your comments. I guess only HDs with no host adapter would be in trouble. I should have that problem. If I get a Falcon, I guess I could just keep the MegaSTE hooked up to the SLM804 for printing. :^( Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 2 Fri Apr 09, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 12:13 EDT Ken: > >I'm still a little confused about the Falcon030. On page 18 of the Jan/Feb 93 >Atari Explorer, it says the Falcon has a SCSI-II w/ DMA port. I don't know >what that means, but it _does_ say DMA. DMA stands for Direct Memory Acces, which means that a port or chip has direct access to the momory. STE sound, the Blitter, the Atari ACSI (harddisk) port are all examples of DMA devices. So, the Falcon030 has SCSI II and the SCSI cirquits have direct access to the memory (DMA). Yes, the Falcon030 doesn't have the well known ACSI (harddisk) port. Many people called the ACSI port the DMA port but that was not correct, the port does DMA but DMA was not it's name. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 3 Fri Apr 09, 1993 MJANSEN [Mark @ Atari] at 13:02 EDT Ken Van: In the original ST, the ACSI port was also called the "DMA" port; DMA refers to Direct Memory Access, and has to do with how much the machine's processor has to do to send data out the port. In general, having DMA is better than not. Perhaps the confusion lies in the fact that we're talking about three different things--SCSI, ACSI, and DMA. A computer with a SCSI port can have DMA or not, and you could theoretically design a machine with ACSI that *didn't* have DMA, but all STs have DMA. The Falcon030 has a SCSI port, not an ACSI port, which is why an SLM804 won't connect directly; DMA is a different issue. This was a design decision made because Atari felt, in the long run, it was better to let you connect readily available SCSI devices than to retain the Atari-specific ACSI port. Fortunately, SCSI makes it easy to hook up the huge hard disks required for the extensive audio/video work the Falcon so much enjoys. :-) I hope this helps, but if it doesn't, it's because I'm a software guy. :-) Mark @ Atari ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 4 Fri Apr 09, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 22:45 EDT Bob, I too would certainly applaud the arrival of high-rez printing as an addition to the Atari laser printer line! What are the chances, in your opinion, of this happening in the not too distant future? Mark Stefani ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 5 Sat Apr 10, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 08:09 EDT Hello, Wilfred. So the answer to the confusion had to come all the way from Holland! It must be that you're speaking my language. You're right that many people called the ACSI port the DMA port. Throughout the Mega STe manual, the port I have the SLM-external hard drive chain plugged into is called a DMA port. Is it any wonder those of us who just read the manual, but aren't techie types, get messed up? Thanks for your explanation. Mark, Thanks to you, too. It sounds as though Atari is fixing a mistake. Better late than never, but better never late. It should be great for new owners. Fewer machine-specific designs has to make the new computers more acceptable to the public. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 6 Sat Apr 10, 1993 NEVIN-S at 08:29 EDT There is already a 600DPI printer available for the Atari. It is called the HP4 from Hewlett Packard. It works wonderfully with PageStream and Calamus. Given the number of computers that Atari is selling, I do not see how they could make a business decision to develop their own custom laser printer, when sales of that printer would be only a portion of the sales of their computers. There is just no way they could offer a product at a competitive price when they would be selling X-hundred units per (whatever, month, year) and other companies like HP are selling X thousands printers per (month/year). --Nevin ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 7 Sat Apr 10, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 10:44 EDT Nevin, could you do a quick 'print test' for us? Using Calamus print out the same (as detailed and complex as possible) file on BOTH the HP-4 and the SLM- 804/605. Time the printout from hitting the 'print' key to the finished page dropping into the slot. Do this with the HP-4 in both 300 DPI and 600 DPI. After all this .. you can let us know if the HP's printout looks that much better at 600 dpi or not. From what I hear, the HP-4's print quality is outstanding but that you sacrifice a LOT of time in the 600 dpi mode. Thanks; Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 8 Sat Apr 10, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 11:25 EDT Nevin, my interest in the SLM 804 stems from the fact that I am able to refill my own toner at a cost of $8 per refill(250mg). Cost per page can't be beat, and quality is much better than photocopied output. You can't touch that cost with $120 a pop cartridges for the HPLJ-4(or refills at ~$50). There had been some suggestions in the past of modification to the SLM 804 to make it 600DPI or more(just like has been done on the HP printers). And, speed of the HPLJ-4 can't compete with the SLM-804. Also, American Ribbon in Florida will recoat SLM-804 drums for $79.($72 for 6 or more) Ask for Dennis. Maybe we could find someone to coat the drums with polysilicon to produce a "lifetime" drum. Anyone out there interested in extending the life of an excellent printer? Jack BTW - I'll give you $0.10 on the dollar for your old(working) SLM-804. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 9 Sat Apr 10, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 11:49 EDT Jack, I am very interested in your idea regarding a 'lifetime' drum for the 804. Does such a thing exist or are you talking of a beta product? I would also like to know how/where you refill your toners for 8.00!!! Are you permitted to pass along this info? Thanks. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 10 Sat Apr 10, 1993 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 14:00 EDT Mark, I'm not aware of any plans to do another printer at this time. I could be wrong, but I believe that there are already a few SCSI laser printers on the market (no, I'm not prepared to name names). Bill is better equipped to tell you about high rez SCSI laser printers than I. Nevin, You're right, the HP-4 is terrific! I wish there was a way to up the speed is all. regards, Bob ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 11 Sat Apr 10, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 14:23 EDT BOB-BRODIE Thanks for the offer, but the problem is the quality of the print of certain rasters generated by Touch Up and Calamus when printed on my 804 versus the output on my LJ+ clone. Worlds of difference, and basically impossible to explain via text. "A picture is worth a thousand words" is truly applicable in this case. DOUG7 and I have been beating this horse via email, and I sent him physical copies last week. I may be expecting the 804 to do something it can't, but have no way to find out. That's why I sent DOUG7 print outs from my lasers, hoping he could answer the question. If you have the time, could send you copies also (would need address), and you could post answer here and/or email. If time does not permit, tis okay. Would rather see Atari Corp. do something positive with Falcon and sell hundreds of thousands in US than answer my question about discontinued laser. May move up to laser with higher resolution, which would make question of raster printing on my 804 a moot point anyway. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 12 Sat Apr 10, 1993 P.NEREO [Philip] at 19:37 EDT Jack - Details please on refilling your own toner! What brand of toner? And do you have a phone no. for American Ribbon? Thanks. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 13 Sat Apr 10, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 23:42 EDT Jack, I'm VERY interested in information about your toner refill and American Ribbon. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 14 Sun Apr 11, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 00:44 EDT Philip, I had to try a few before I found some that work well. The one I'm using now is LASER TONER SX(in blue letters on black) and it has a blue label below that. # on bottle bottom is 971094. It came from a local company that recharges cartridges. Find one in your area and check it out. What I did was use a hacksaw to cut off the bottom of the cartridge to allow the lid to be easily replaced onto the toner hopper after I CAREFULLY refilled it. I would reccommend a face mask and a vacuum cleaner with special paper filter on its intake. From Computer Shopper page 648 Sept 92: American Ribbon Co. 1-800-327-1013 Lou, The March 9 issue of Computer Currents(S.F. Bay area free magazine) has an article on printers. Mentioned is the Kyocera Ecocys FS-1500A which uses an "...amorphous silicon print drum that never needs replacement." Maybe it's the same size as the 804? In the early 1970's, I was Chief Electronics Engineer for Unicorp, manufacturer of horizontal CVD(chemical vapor deposition) reactors for the semiconductor industry(Intel, Motorola, Siemens, Sony etc. were our customers). These reactors deposited silicon on wafers which were placed on an RF heated graphite slab. These deposits could be crystalline,or epitaxial growth, or amorphous or polysilicon growth. Growth of this amorphous silicon on cylindrical drums is straight. Our competitor at the time, Applied Material, did in fact use a cylindrical arrangement in its vertical reactor. A suitable drum material chosen for its thermal match to silicon(Kyocera probably has a ceramic that fills the bill) coupled with some hubs and a gear and voila! How many SLM 804's were built anyhow? And what about the Oasis? Anybody know where they're buried? Jack ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 15 Sun Apr 11, 1993 P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 09:36 EDT /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ P R O B L E M S O L V E D /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Thanks to Atari Corporation, Shelton Winick at Computer STudio, ICD Corporation and all the fine contributors to this, and other, forums here on GEnie for providing suggestions, advice, etc. pertaining to my *shadowing* problem using the SLM605 laser printer with an ICD ADSCSI Plus host adaptor. The problem appears to be a *combo*: The DMA cable that I was using between the hard drive unit and the SLMC605 controller was 36" in length. I purchased an 18-incher from Computer STudio, installed it, and-voila-, it cleared up the *shadowing* problem! Well, almost. There was still a slight shadow. However, I had my SLMC605 resting atop many cables that come out of the back of my STe. When I moved the controller to a position where it had some distance between it and the cables, NO SHADOW! I wish this were the end of the tale. I just printed out a Pagestream document and noticed a slight shadow there! I'll keep pluggin' away! Regards, Paul ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 16 Sun Apr 11, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 10:48 EDT Thank you for sharing that information, Jack. Sounds like refilling the toner is a tricky job. One the other hand, I have 25 empty toner cartridges with nowhere to go! :-) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 17 Sun Apr 11, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 15:50 EDT Lou, with 25 cartridges, you should be able to make a deal with one of the cartridge recharging places to do it for under $20. You still need to get the right toner. Jack ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 18 Sun Apr 11, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 16:00 EDT Philip, Thanks for the information on toner and drums. I'm not sure I understood the hacksaw part on the bottom of the cartridge. Is the cartridge the part of the printer that sets in the hopper? The lid is on the top, isn't it? Hmm. It bothers me particularly to throw away a used drum (aside from the cost). My drum had a small flaw at the edge, where the green stuff was scraped off. I wonder if American Ribbon can repair that when they resurface it. I'll have to check. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 20 Sun Apr 11, 1993 EXPLORER.5 [Robert Goff] at 17:14 EDT ::sigh:: I just threw away three empty toner carts, despairing of finding a way to refill them. Some of them have plastic plugs in the ends which might be used for refilling. |) | |)O|) Robert Goff ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 21 Mon Apr 12, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 01:02 EDT Anyone that can help, this one's real weard Last week I was printing a image that I had just scanned in from my Canon scanner. A simple operation but something went wrong. The computer froze at just the point that the SLM804 should have been spinning up. Not so strange, I have had lockups and didn't think much of it. I pushed the Reset on the back of the Mega and expected a reboot. The computer booted with only A & B disks only. I grabbed my ICD disk with ICDBOOT.PRG and double clicked. Nothing happened. I then ran IDCHECK.PRG and my drive did appear on the list at ID 1 like it should have. The strange thing though is that the SLM804 that has always been at ID 7 now read that it was an Adaptec 5500. As it turns out something had happened to the boot sectors of the drive and I ended up reformatting and restoring from my Syquest backup disk. (kicked my self for not ordering Cleanup). I was afraid that my SLM had taken a dump. I tried a test Screen Dump and all went well. I tried a test print from UltraScript and that too went well. I forgot about this NAME description of the SLM problem and went on with life. This afternoon I was formatting a new Syquest disk and was re-reminded about the NAME change when I was selecting the SCSI drive to format. At ID 7 where the SLM804 resides now appears an Adaptec 5500 7,0 and Adaptec 5500 7,1. The SLM804 does work fine but why the address change. Robert Johnstone Modesto, CA ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 22 Tue Apr 13, 1993 M.MURRAY18 [big mike] at 02:36 EDT Hi folks. About a year ago kindly sysop Sandy W. gave me some information about Phantom of the Laser which I've now misplaced. Can anyone give me a phone number or address for the company? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 23 Tue Apr 13, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 23:11 EDT big mike, Phantom of the Laser Kits: Widgets by Decker 2399 SW Palisades Crest Drive Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-638-3940 Steve is no longer making the kits, since the 804 is no longer made. I have no idea if it would work with the 605. I bought one of the last kits he had last fall. IF he is still at that address, he may give you a parts list. Nothing to lose by asking, I guess. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 24 Wed Apr 14, 1993 M.MURRAY18 [big mike] at 00:40 EDT Ken, Ack! It sounds like I really hesitated and lost on the Phantom! I'll call him anyway and make sure it's no longer available. Thanks, --big mike ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 25 Thu Apr 15, 1993 EXPLORER.5 [Robert Goff] at 22:23 EDT Don't worry. Steve will be able to send you the parts list and instructions, and the parts are easily and cheaply obtainable at Radio Shack. And I'm pretty sure the SLMC605 (the controller) is the same as for the 804. |) | |)O|) Robert Goff ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 26 Sat Apr 17, 1993 M.DRYSDALE [Drys] at 08:09 EDT RE: Phantom of the Laser As I recall, Phantom, cuts the power use on the laser. Just like the open- the-back-door trick. This is fine on the 804. However, and I'm pretty sure about this, the 605 was built with power management in mind. It stays at low power until it is time to print, then it fires up all its heaters and such. The Phantom is not necessary on the SLM605. Mike, GenTech and POWER Computers ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 27 Sat Apr 17, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 11:59 EDT RE: Phantom and 804 Phantom installs a 5w power transformer to the controller, so you can turn of the switch on the 804 itself. The controller gets its power from the 804 originally, so all the 5w transformer does is keep the contoller powered so the computer thinks the laser is on. Wish I wasn't such a procrastinator about getting it installed. :-) Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 28 Mon Apr 19, 1993 D.HOHENSTEIN [PRIMETIME] at 20:19 EDT What is this Phantom of the Laser kit? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 29 Mon Apr 19, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 23:16 EDT PRIMETIME Phantom of the Laser kit is a small kit to provide the controller with power while the main laser is turned off. That way you save on electricity, cut down on noise, and the computer thinks the laser is on. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 30 Thu Apr 22, 1993 P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 20:29 EDT Hi, lads: If anyone has the documentation for the SLM605 laser printer and wouldn't mind xeroxing it (for an appropriate fee), I'd be glad to purchase the copy from you. I purchased an SLM605 from a private party and they did not have the SLM605 documentation. I'd like to replace toner, etc. but don't want to break anything. Thanks! Regards, Paul ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 31 Sun Apr 25, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 01:52 EDT If you are looking for toner for your SLM804 laser I have found a source that seems reasonable to me. The price is $29.95. It is available at Laser Plus (209)529-1269 848 Winery Way Modesto, CAlif 95356 The owners name is Alex. Tell him that you want toner replacement for a TEC 1301. I just got one and the carton has the SLM804 listed on the outside on the compatibility list. Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 32 Sun Apr 25, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 12:28 EDT I have a couple of questions concerning SLM804 servicing. Whenever I approach a local Atari dealer about cleaning up, tuning up, or repairing (if necessary) my printer, they act like I just asked them to explain one of the "great mysteries of the universe." So... Does the technician who can handle the SLM804 have to be an Atari tech? If so, where do I find one? If not, would I assume that anyone skilled in working on laser printers in general could handle it? I understand that the SLM804 is manufactured by a company outside of Atari. Who makes it? (Sorry if this is a redundant question. I'm sure this question and answer has been addressed at some previous point in this topic). Thanks for any info and tips! Mark Stefani ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 33 Sun Apr 25, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 14:57 EDT I replaced the drum in my SLM804, yesterday, and put in starter toner. It never worked better! (I'll bet you thought I was going to give you a problem to solve, didn't you?) When I bought the printer used, it was on its original drum, and maybe original pack of toner, I think. Anyway, the counter indicated the first toner was in it. The drum had an L-shaped mark near the left margin, that caused a problem, occasionally. That's gone, now, and I can turn the darkness control to almost the lowest setting and get nice copies. There are a few things about the instructions that seem out of sequence. I removed the old drum, residual-toner container, and toner hopper, and did the cleanup of toner residue. Then I put the new drum in (in semi-darkness). I was able to lift the top cover without releasing the drum and hopper (no hopper, yet), but when I tried to close the top cover, the drum fell down. I thought I hadn't installed it properly, and didn't want that to happen with toner in the machine, so I tried adjusting it a couple more times, with the same result. I finally concluded that the problem might be because the hopper wasn't installed. Next, I followed the directions in the toner replacement kit. First, I put in the toner. Some of the following steps had been done in installing the new drum. When I got to "Cleaning the Fuser Roller", I had to remove the drum and hopper (page 9). It would seem that removing the drum and hopper should be the first step, and adding the new toner should be the last step, with removal of the old toner cartridge while the drum and hopper assembly are out of the printer. Switching of the drums would occur at this time, also, if that is due. Step 1 of the instructions for cleaning the drum charger are incorrect. You DO release the drum and hopper, and the charger is not in front of the ribbed well, but in the cover. Actually, if the drum and hopper are removed when the procedure is begun, they don't have to be released. The instructions are generally well done, except for these problems. I've gotten through toner replacement and cleanup a couple of times, but I keep forgetting to deviate from the sequence in the manual, and remove the drum and hopper first. I found Sheldon's Care and Feeding article useful, also. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 34 Sun Apr 25, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 15:10 EDT Mark, I believe the SLM804 was made for Atari by Oasys so, if you can find an Oasys technician you may be able to get some help. However, the online expert is Sheldon Winick at Computer Studio. Why not email him at S.WINICK? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 35 Mon Apr 26, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 05:26 EDT Lou: > >Mark, I believe the SLM804 was made for Atari by Oasys so, if you can find an >Oasys technician you may be able to get some help. However, the online expert >is Sheldon Winick at Computer Studio. Why not email him at S.WINICK? >---------- > The SLM804 and the SLM605 are both made by TEC Japan. Yes, Oasys used the same TEC engine for their printer. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 36 Mon Apr 26, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 23:30 EDT Thanks guys for the info! I now at least feel I have some options for servicing my printer now or in the future. I suppose I wouldn't be this paranoid about available tech support if I didn't like (or use) my SLM804 as much as I do. BTW, with all the talk and excitement about the Falcon's landing, does anyone know about future compatibility with the Atari line of laser printers. My local dealer seems to think that it would be a snap for someone like ICD to develop a SCSI to DMA adaptor, but no news as yet. It's hard for me to believe that Atari would release a new generation of computer without providing support for their own printers. It's probably the main reason, despite the attractive features, that I have yet to order a Falcon. Again, I would appreciate any comments or info. Thanks, Mark Stefani ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 37 Tue Apr 27, 1993 M.MURRAY18 [big mike] at 02:45 EDT Thanks again for the info on Phantom of the Laser. I called the number, but the phone was disconnected, so I guess I'll just cross my fingers that my mail to Widgets gets answered. It would really be great to not have to unplug the 804 from the DMA port everytime I need to record something in my studio. --Big mike ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 38 Wed Apr 28, 1993 D.HOHENSTEIN [PRIMETIME] at 23:41 EDT $29.95!?!?! That's less than half of what I just paid for a replacement toner kit! ARG! How much for the drum kit? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 39 Sat May 01, 1993 L.MANGUM1 [CONAN] at 16:55 EDT Does anyone have another source for drum recoating? I called the place in Florida but they will not lower themselves to the recoating of Atari drums. So I now have a 40lb doorstop. Any help in finding someone else to do the recoating would be appreciated. Or perhaps a cheap drum? :) Thanks in advance. You can leave messages, if any! to LMANGUM1. Thanks...... ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 40 Sat May 01, 1993 P.NEREO [Philip] at 21:12 EDT CONAN - don't say Atari, say Oasys Laser pro. Same drum, maybe they'll accept it then. Let us know. I was thinking of trying that place too. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 41 Sun May 02, 1993 L.MANGUM1 [CONAN] at 00:51 EDT Phillip - thanks for the reply. I tried that too but they didn't want my money!! It's hard for me to believe that it's the only place that would provide this service.. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 42 Sun May 02, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 15:37 EDT Conan, I was planning to contact the Florida place, too. I think I will, anyway, just on principle. If the Atari drum is a standard third-party unit, I can't see why they won't do it. Phil, I was thinking of explaining it to them, but I'll take your tip and just not bring up Atari. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 43 Sun May 02, 1993 EXPLORER.5 [Robert Goff] at 16:40 EDT Um, Conan, could you elaborate on 'they will not lower themselves...'? Did they really say on the phone "we're too good to do Atari?" |) | |)O|) Robert Goff ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 44 Sun May 02, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 19:02 EDT Yes, Conan, if they actually did say that 'lower themselves' comment I'd like to know it. I'd also like to know their phone number, it's been a long time since I've gotten to unload on someone that full of it. Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 45 Sun May 02, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 23:08 EDT I didn't ask on a drum kit price. > >$29.95!?!?! That's less than half of what I just paid for a replacement toner >kit! ARG! How much for the drum kit? > Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 46 Tue May 04, 1993 L.MANGUM1 [CONAN] at 22:38 EDT Well, I guess I'll have to 'fess up, they didn't exactly put it that way. That was just my extreme disapointment talking, I really wanted to use my printer - RIGHT NOW- and I was taking it out on them. They simply said that they " no longer handled Atari drums". I tried to find out if it was a matter of having a special set-up for each drum but thats all they would say. "Sorry..." very politely L.M. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 47 Wed May 05, 1993 D.HOHENSTEIN [PRIMETIME] at 21:18 EDT Have you tried telling them that it's a TEC drum? TEC makes all the bits for both the 804 and 605. They also make the bits for a dozen or so other printers. When I got my replacement toner there was a list of some 20 printers which are the self-same printer as my SLM 804, except with different interfaces/RAM/etc. The general public is very Atari illiterate. We have to educate them, or at least ourselves. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 48 Thu May 06, 1993 D.HOHENSTEIN [PRIMETIME] at 22:19 EDT I have here a list of 23 printers that are essentially the SLM 804. It includes Buffalo Model II, DTP Systems Laser Printer, Kaypro Page Printer, Memorex 2108, Microphonix Litewriter, Oasys Laserpro, and Tec LB-1301. Ask if they carry drums for ANY of these. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 49 Fri May 07, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 22:19 EDT PRIMETIME How about uploading the entire list? I live in the Alaskan bush and the complete list could help in getting supplies. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 50 Sat May 08, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 11:17 EDT Group: My local dealer informs me that Atari will no longer be carrying the SLM line of laser printers. Can anyone confirm this? For us dedicated SLM users, any word on the ability to somehow use the printer in conjunction with the Falcon? I've asked this before. Maybe no one knows... Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 51 Sun May 09, 1993 E.WERNER1 [mensch] at 01:19 EDT Mike Murray, Regarding Phantom of the Laser and the inability to get the product: Try using a DMA Switch manufactured by Nice & Software. This product does essentially the similar action by allowing you to attach multiple (up to 4) DMA devices to the DMA connector. I like this product so much that I have one for both my ST and TT. By attaching the SLM to one of the four available ports (A-D), you can just turn the DMA Switch to activate a port not attached to the SLM804. This allows you to leave the SLM turned OFF until you need it! It should also allow you to do what you need with regards to MIDI. The DMA Switches are available at (probably) most hardware dealers. Eric Werner ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 52 Sun May 09, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 17:29 EDT MCH, Atari reps have stated here that a third party is working on a way to use the SLMs with the Falcon. I did not get the impression that Atari was abandoning the SLMs. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 53 Mon May 10, 1993 TOWNS [John] at 00:43 EDT Mark.. Bill Rehbock is probably the guy to ask, but last I heard, Atari was working closely with a third party developer to provide a solution to this problem. I know that Atari definitely wants this solution ASAP. So, let's wait and see what happens. Maybe Bill will stop in and fill us in on what he knows.. Oh Bill? :-) -- John ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 54 Mon May 10, 1993 D.HOHENSTEIN [PRIMETIME] at 01:03 EDT Ken of the frozen North, The box I've got is for OCTuS Toner for the "Tec LB-1301" The list of "Compatible Replacement Toner" is: Atari SLM 804 PVC OASYS Laserpro 5308 Atari SLM 804 OASYS Laserpro Express Buffalo Model II OASYS Laserpro Silver Express Buffalo Model II Fold OASYS Laserpro Gold Express DTP Systems Laser Printer OASYS Laserpro 5287 Kaypro Page Printer II OASYS Laserpro Express Model 830 Memory 2108-AT ("Memorex"??) OASYS Laserpro Express Series II Memorex 2108-BT Tec LB-1301 Memorex 2108-A Tec LB-1301-1A Memorex 2108-B Tec LB-1301-1B Microphonix Litewriter Tec LB-1301-1C Microphonix Litewriter Optima The address for OCTuS is: 9940 Barnes Canyon Road San Diego, CA 92121-2784 They may have drum kits as well. Stefani, SCSI-II has all the pins DMA does. It would be little or no problem for someone to build a plug (a la ICD) that would let you plug your SLM into the SCSI chain. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 55 Mon May 10, 1993 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 13:45 EDT MCH- At this point in time, we don't have any plans for any additions to our line of laser printers. However, until one of our developers creates a DMA to SCSI- II converter, the SLM's only make sense for the existing user base to purchase. We do have both SLM-804's in stock, and SLM-605s. Sam Tramiel has indicated very strongly that he wants to see a converter box done for the SLMs for the Falcon. I'm certain that it will happen, it's more a question of when. PrimeTime, interesting list! Some of the printers listed on there are ones that I have never heard of before...like the Buffalo! Thanks for sharing it with us. regards, Bob Brodie ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 56 Mon May 10, 1993 M.WEILERT2 [matt] at 23:37 EDT Primetime and Others, RE: msg 54 I seem to remember reading in Byte many months back, that OCTuS was, no fooling, started and run by Nolan Bushnell. Anyone confirm this faint memory or provide the real scoop? Regards, Matt ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 57 Tue May 11, 1993 M.MURRAY18 [big mike] at 00:53 EDT Thanks Eric. Just to make sure I have everything straight... The DMA switcher would allow me to work on a sequence with the SLM turned off and then I would be able to turn on the SLM to print a score without exiting the program? Or would I have to power down before flipping the switch on the DMA switcher? Also, what does it typically cost? Thanks, --Michael ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 58 Tue May 11, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 02:51 EDT Michael, Just thought I'd throw in my two cents. I've been using the DMA switch box from Nice 'n Soft for the past two years without any problems whatsoever. You needn't exit an application nor power down before switching. The price, I believe, was in the $60-70 range. Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 59 Tue May 11, 1993 P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 23:06 EDT Michael: I purchased one recently from Computer STudio in Ashville, N.C. for $59 plus $4 s/h. It works like a charm-very easily installed and configured. When I used to use a DeskJet 500, I modified my parallel cable so that I didn't have to turn on the DeskJet BEFORE I needed to print. It sure is nice to have this capability back again with the SLM605. Regards, Paul ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 60 Thu May 13, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 23:52 EDT Well, I cannot get DIABLO installed properly. I have hooked up my SLM804 to the ACSI port of my TT and copied DIABLO.PRG to the AUTO folder along with the FNT files. When I boot, the Atari Hard Disk driver shows me SCSI UNIT 0 Quantum 240 ACSI UNIT 0 Not Responding. When Diablo loads I get a message that says SLM 804 not detected _after_ it loads the font file. I am sure the ACSI port works because I had my SyQuest hooked up there successfully. I have also tried changing the SCSI ID on the SLM804C controller but there is no difference. I also understand that DIABLO.PRG is picky about placement in the AUTO but I stripped out all AUTO and DAs with no luck. Does anyone have a suggestion? BTW, I have no problem printing Calamus files with this hookup. I am trying to install a printer driver that will let me use Word Write on the TT. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 61 Fri May 14, 1993 S.WINICK at 06:00 EDT Lou, Make sure you have the latest version of the Diablo emulator (it's here in the GEnie library). The older versions that were shipped with most of the SLM's will not work properly with the TT030. If you still can't get it working let me know and I can E-mail you a copy of my installed setup. It works just fine with WordWriter. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 62 Fri May 14, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 20:09 EDT Sheldon , thanks for the tip. I'm off to the library for Diablo 1.4. I had v 1.2 installed. BTW, does your WW dictionary work? Mine crashes on the TT even after installing 24BIT.PRG. Do I also have to do something with program flags? Sheeesh, I miss my Mega. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 63 Fri May 14, 1993 S.WINICK at 20:49 EDT Lou, Several folks have claimed that they were able to get the WordWriter ST dictionary to work with the 24BIT.PRG on the TT030. I gave up on it early on and have been simply using WWII without the dictionary whenever I use the program on the TT030. If you like the general functionality of WWII, you might want to check out First Word Plus which works completely on the TT030, including working perfectly on the 19" TTM195. Of course, if you're interested in something that offers even more, check out Caligrapher Gold. It is really a very nice document processor, especially now that it is no longer handicapped by GDOS. Of course, if you're like me and use Calamus for most all printing, a simple text editor such as WordWriter ST works just fine, as does First Word Plus. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 64 Fri May 14, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 21:45 EDT Sheldon, thanks again for all the info. So you also cannot make the dictionary work? OK, I'll stop wasting my time with it. As for liking WW2 it is more a case of 'too old to change' :-) However, I will check out your suggestion of First Word Plus. Any particular version? I guess I should ask Peter Zalesak. If you want the whole story, it is actually my 10 year old son who will NOT accept a mere 24 pin printout of his writing assignments. "Gee dad, how come YOU can't get the laser printer working? Gee dad, I hope THAT is not the computer I'm getting (referring to my TT, no less!) Gee dad, what do all those $%#$@# words mean, huh?" ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 65 Sat May 15, 1993 J.TRAUTSCHOL [jtrautschold] at 00:30 EDT FWIW, I've been using WordWriter quite a bit on the TT with 24BIT.PRG. The dictionary works just fine. I'm also running a number of other DAs/Auto Folder programs like Warp9, MaxiFile, Scroll Fixer, Caps Lock, XControl panel, etc. John T. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 66 Sat May 15, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 08:24 EDT Lou, I'll bet $%#$@# isn't in the dictionary for sure. Tell your son to use more conventional language. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 67 Sat May 15, 1993 M.WEILERT2 [matt] at 10:56 EDT Lou, RE: msg 60 Not wanting to sound trite, I'd suggest you do what we all can sometimes forget to do: start from a clean system and work up to the offending program. I've been using Diablo v 1.4 from virtually anything, desktop, Steno, UIS 3, and Auto folder placement doesn't seem to matter. A CPX available here in the library can readout your SCSI addresses (ASCSI too) to you, as can ICD's IDCHECK.PRG. As I'm sure you know, some SLM's respond to SCSI 3 as well as 7, while some were originally set at 5, not 7. The manual shows which DIPsticks (I mean switches...hehe) to move to set the ID of choice. Hope this helps. I'll be on a road trip this weekend, plz let me know 'round Monday what your results are. Regards, Matt ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 68 Sat May 15, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 11:17 EDT John T., I have tried a lot of combos of DAs and AUTOs with 24BIT running but everytime I ALT V to the dictionary, I get 4 bombs and a hung system. I have W9, XCONTROL and UIS3 plus FOLDER.PRG, ICDBOOT. Not much else that should cause a problem. These programs run perfectly with everything else I use. Ken, he's just an innocent little boy wondering why his dad isn't having 'fun' ;-) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 69 Sat May 15, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 12:19 EDT Thanks for the help, Matt. I have DIABLO 1.4 working perfectly with my TT and WordWriter with the SCSI ID at 7. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 70 Sat May 15, 1993 M.MURRAY18 [big mike] at 15:29 EDT Thanks for the update on DMA switcher, everyone. I'm going to call Computer STudio next week and order one. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 71 Sat May 15, 1993 J.TRAUTSCHOL [jtrautschold] at 20:09 EDT Lou... Well, I've never tried accessing the WW dictionary with Alt-V. I usually use the mouse and access it via the menu. Perhaps there's a problem when using the keystroke equivalent? I'll have to try that sometime. Try loading *only* 24bit.prg into your TT to see what happens. Also, I assume you have the latest version of WordWriter? Previous versions may not run properly even with 24bit.prg. I think the last version sold was 2.0 or 2.1 (digging deep into memory...). John T. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 72 Sat May 15, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 21:26 EDT All you WWII fans might want to look into some of the newer word processors, or at least consider Spelling Sentry instead of the dictionary built into WWII. (Sure does look like World War II, doesn't it?!) When I saw a demo of WWII years and years ago, I passed it by because it would not let me add to the dictionary, and it was slooooow. From the talk here and elsewhere, WWII has a worthy competitor in Atari Works, and of course there is Callig, which is very impressive in the demo available here. Al ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 74 Sun May 16, 1993 S.WINICK at 05:58 EDT Al, It's been a while since I've 'played' with WordWriter's dictionary, but I do believe you can easily add to the dictionary (either the main dictionary or create as many supplemental dictionaries as you like). Whoever demoed the program to you several years ago apparantly just didn't know how to use the dictionary. Most of my customers using WWII load the dictionary so it checks their spelling while they type -- it really isn't all that slow in that mode. But then again, on your TT030, WWII would not be the best choice for a word processing package. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 75 Sun May 16, 1993 J.P.C. at 09:41 EDT RE: WordWriter's dictionary Sheldon is correct about the ability to create 'personal' dictionarys. When you initially request a speelchek, WW asks you to select which dictionary you wish to load, thus you can have an unlimited number of 'personal' dictionarys (saved on disk) which apply to various areas. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 76 Sun May 16, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 21:13 EDT I'm also less than thrilled by the spell checker in WordWriter II, not so much for the speed of it but for the way it checks & displays the 'suggested' words. It's strictly an alphabetical listing, NO logic or suggestions whatever. Unless you get lucky, or have come VERY close to the correct spelling, it can take quite a while to find the right word you need. First Word Plus is similar, but it at least has a 'possible' listing available that's head and shoulders above WWII. Only problem there is it's just as slow and I dislike the way it pauses at each word waiting for you to hit 'esc' to skip or go to the menu and tell it to 'brouse', then tell it to 'suggest' (which takes forever), then.. maybe.. you find the word you need. The spell checker in WordUp (and AtariWorks) is one of, if not the very, best I've ever used. It's fast, accurate, and offers the most flexibility. And best of all you can use WordUp & AtariWorks with the SLM series of printers (that should keep the topic cops happy ). By the way, 1st Word Plus is Falcon (as well as TT) compatible! Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 77 Sun May 16, 1993 BRIAN.H [ST~SysOp] at 21:59 EDT Don't forget we do have topics for comparing/complimenting word processors. Please discuss wps there. Thanks everyone! ~~~~Brian ... Written on Sunday 16 May 1993 at 10:57 p.m. ADT ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 78 Sun May 16, 1993 TOWNS [John] at 22:54 EDT I believe that the Spelling Checker in Atari Works is very similar to the one in WordUp. When I used it, I found it to be excellent. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 79 Mon May 17, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 06:57 EDT Thanks, Sheldon. Goes to show what first impressions do -- and it confirms the importance of doing proper demos! This was at a store long since closed. Gregg, Thanks for the info on Atari Works. I'm really looking forward to it; it just may be the one that replaces Word Up in that area of my heart rreserved for Good Tries in software. (And I agree on the WU spell-checker and thesaurus -- excellent all the way.) Al ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 80 Tue May 18, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:50 EDT I'd like to continue using my SLM804, but I'd also like to get a Falcon sometime when the SLM interface is out. I'd also like to get some of the software that is bundled with the Falcon (AtariWorks, SpeedoGDOS). If I buy the software separately, I wonder if there will be any credit for it off the price of the Falcon. Sorry, Brian. I'm not sure which topic this message belongs in. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 81 Tue May 18, 1993 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 16:13 EDT Lou, There will probably be an update to the Diablo emulator for the Falcon for use under MultiTOS. I haven't used Word Writer in a Blue Moon, so I can't vouch for nothin' about it. :) Ken, I'll check with Bill Rehbock and see what the scoop is on some of the people that are supposed to be working on the SLM interface for the Falcon030. Re your software purchase (Works, Speedo, etc) that would be a good question for you to ask your dealer that you purchase that from. Are you still dealing with Mike at Power Computers? regards, Bob ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 82 Tue May 18, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 20:34 EDT I have gotten WordWriter II to run on the Falcon, but I won't make any promises about it because it still strikes me as a touch 'flaky' now and then. 1st Word Plus is 100% though, at least so far. BOTH WORK WITH THE DIABLO AND LASERBRAIN EMULATORS ON THE SLM SERIES! Bob, thanks for checking on that adapter box (SCSI/DMA) for us. I have NO wish to give up my almost instant 300 DPI printing when the time comes for me to upgrade. The HP IV is nice, but still far too slow for my taste (and expensive once you've got all the RAM it will demand for serious DTP). Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 83 Wed May 19, 1993 B.REHBOCK [BILL@ATARI] at 02:42 EDT Regarding the SLM Printer Interface for Falcon... The developer here in the U.S. that has shown interest in the product was sent the technical details of the existing SLMC804 controller and was told by his hardware engineer that "it should be really easy." They will not be looking into it in greater detail for about three weeks, however. Honestly, the design is really easy. Inside the SLMC804 is an Atari gate- array that talks to ACSI, and a Motorola 6801 micro-controller that talks to the "video" interface and control lines that go to the TEC Laser printer engine. There is also a small amount of TTL "glue" on the controller's board. Both IC's are socketed on all versions of the SLMC804. All that needs to be done is for someone to do a board that has a 5380 SCSI chip, a small microcontroller, and the ability to accept the two chips from a user's existing SLMC804, so that no complex design to talk to the laser engine needs to be done. Several other developers have requested the information and been provide it; we should see a controller in the fall. -Bill ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 84 Wed May 19, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:59 EDT Bob, I bought my MSTE from Mike a year and a half ago before he set up Power. Now he's in the same building, but another guy owns (or at least manages) Power. Mike seems not to be directly involved in any way. I don't know the new guy very well, and their new location, while a lot closer than a lot of dealers are to their customers, is not as convenient as the previous location (on the way home from work). So credit for bundled software one already has purchased will be up to the dealer. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 85 Wed May 19, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 20:14 EDT Sounds great Bill, thanks for the update. By the way, since the original system used the DMA/ACSI port all the software was written to access that port. I'm curious as to how software like Calamus/CSL, PageStream, Easy Draw, etc. will know to use the SCSI port now... Or am I missing something really obvious... again? TNX... Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 86 Thu May 20, 1993 B.REHBOCK [BILL@ATARI] at 03:33 EDT All DMA printer stuff will have to be tweaked. We would naturally release a new GDOS driver immediately, so applications that print via GDOS (Atari Works, EasyDraw, TouchUp, Wordflair, GEMvelope, GPrint, Desktop Publisher, etc.) would have no problem. DMC, and SoftLogik would have new drivers in a heartbeat, no sweat. -Bill@Atari ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 87 Fri May 21, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 22:46 EDT Thanks Bill, I'll leave the new GDOS SCSI driver in your capable (and right now overworked) hands. Take care; Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 88 Sun May 23, 1993 SANDY.W [sysop] at 23:48 EDT Any guess what would cause a SLM804 to print lighter after it has been on for awhile? Mine seems to print better when first turned on than after it has been running for awhile. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 89 Mon May 24, 1993 K.BROOKS1 [New Horizon] at 00:02 EDT Has anyone ever mused/tried to convert an SLM605 back into a real Epson EPL6000? Would it be worth calling Epson to get the card, parallel interface and RAM slots? How hard would it be? Would be nice to have something that will print in Spectre as well as Atari. Otherwise, you'll shortly see my little 605 on the block before I buy an HP or something. Keith New Horizon ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 90 Mon May 24, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:58 EDT Sandy, I had that, too. I was told it was due to my drum getting old. If you turn it off and let it cool it rejuvenates. Sound possible? Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 91 Mon May 24, 1993 SANDY.W [sysop] at 10:03 EDT Ken - Yep. I've been doing the turn off thing for awhile now. Guess it is time I found a new drum. Was there ever consensus reached on startup toner? That stuff is expensive! ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 92 Mon May 24, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 17:21 EDT SANDY.W [sysop] > >Any guess what would cause a SLM804 to print lighter after it has been on for >awhile? Mine seems to print better when first turned on than after it has been >running for awhile. That means that your DRUM is in a poor condition. The first time you turn on your laser printer the drum is rather cold but after awhile it gets heated up inside the printer and that influences the photo electric capacity of your drum. On a new drum you will not notice this effect but a old (much used) drum has less photo electric capacity and than you notice this effect. If it is a rather new drum than probable the internal logic of your printer needs an ajustment or even be repaired ? Regards, Wilfred Kilwinger ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 93 Tue May 25, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 02:03 EDT My SLM804(old drum, it's my fourth one and probably has over 20,000 copies on it) prints light, but responds to manipulation of the toner cartridge(tap-tap- tap). Seems to get a better distribution of toner on the magnetic developer roller. My next diddle will be an adjustment to the doctor blade which sets the thickness of toner on that roller. Procedures are in the archives. Regarding the conversion of an SLM604 to parallel port, make sure you keep lots of coffee on hand.(it's slow) There is one advantage to the parallel port printers and that is their external memory. I have an HP LaserJet II running on my parallel port for printing brochures, while I sort databases and run mailing lists on my SLM804. Now if I could just find a driver to run the Apple 600DPI printer out of the LAN port on my TT, I'd really be in business. Well, maybe I do need a color inkjet running out one of the serial ports. And possibly a ScanMaker on the SCSI port, to complement the Hand scanner out the cartridge port. And, a Cyril Sunrise Card out the VME bus? Now, if only Atari would put in some expansion slots! Jack(love my TT)Hickey-drifting off topic ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 94 Tue May 25, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:58 EDT Sandy, I don't think the startup toner cost much more than regular. Ask Sheldon Winick for a price. My printer does a great job since I replaced the drum recently, except some of the output from FSMGDOS-type programs seems very thin. It makes me want to use bold. Other output is terrific. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 95 Tue May 25, 1993 SANDY.W [sysop] at 13:40 EDT I have a feeling it is an old drum. If one does use start up toner, what happens to the toner that is still waiting to be used? Does it get dumped? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 96 Tue May 25, 1993 S.WINICK at 18:40 EDT Sandy, Unless you're having a toner related problem, use up the existing toner before installing the initial toner cartridge. It's also better to completely purge the hopper assembly before installing the new initial toner (but not always absolutely necessary -- it is a messy job! ;-). If you dump out the old toner from the hopper assembly, throw it out. NEVER reuse old toner. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 97 Wed May 26, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 01:31 EDT Has anyone experienced a problem with "defective" drum replacements for their Atari laser printer (SLM804)? I spoke with a technician recently who warned me about his experience with replacing drums in the Oasys LaserPro/TEC 1301 series (the equivalent, I understand, of the SLM804). He informed me that approximately one in three drums ordered were usually defective ("pitted"). My printer is about two to three years old and I've never replaced the drum (the counter shows a "red" dot). I've gone through three toner cartridges, and the print quality is steadily becoming lighter. After speaking with Sheldon Winick, I decided to replace the drum and install some start-up toner, but thought it might be wise to have the printer professionally cleaned and inspected at the same time. Having found the technicians that appear equipped to do the job, my only present concern is about this potential "defective drum" story. Is it a rumor or what? Thanks in advance for any info... Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 98 Wed May 26, 1993 K.BROOKS1 [New Horizon] at 01:35 EDT Anyone out there have a hopper assembly for an SLM804??? Can't seem to find a source for the parts and my customer is anxious to get his up and printing again! Keith New Horizon Computers ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 99 Wed May 26, 1993 S.WINICK at 06:35 EDT Mark, I have no idea where that technician is buying his drums for the SLM804, but we have not had any problem with defective products. You must be very careful in handling the drum, and installing it, as there are many metal parts in the machine which can easily cause damage to the drum if bumped or scratched against them. Of course, since you say you already found a technician who can do the job of servicing your machine, why not just buy the drum from them also so they'll have the responsibility for ensuring you get a perfect drum. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 100 Wed May 26, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:55 EDT I waited until my toner out light had come on (a few different times - it didn't stay on at first), and then changed the drum and put in initial toner. I didn't vacuum out the old toner, and got away with it. By the way, the sequence of operations in the replacement procedure instructions is out of whack. Anyway it seemed that way to me. I'd remove the old drum, do the toner replacement, and then install the new drum. Otherwise you may end up with the drum not hanging in properly when it's lifted with the cover, because it doesn't have the hopper to balance it. That's what happened to me. Also, on page 5 and 6 of the toner instructions, step 1 should be switched. Page 5 has instructions for the paper charger and page 6 has instructions for the drum charger. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 101 Wed May 26, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 10:44 EDT Sheldon, Thanks for the input. The tech in question is located here in town (San Francisco), but I got the feeling that he might be "blowing smoke" regarding these drums. He didn't know who actually manufactured the drum kits, but said he "couldn't" guarantee a refund on a defective one (due to previous problems with his vendor). He was also quick to suggest that I move to a "less obscure" printer (an HP) that would work off the parallel port. That option doesn't interest me. There is a tech in Concord (East Bay) that can do the job with only a $20 surcharge for a housecall. If I can get him to guarantee the drum I should be in business. Btw, to your knowledge are these drum kits all from the same source/manufacturer? Thanks again! Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 102 Wed May 26, 1993 SANDY.W [sysop] at 11:26 EDT Thanks, Sheldon. After some more inspection, the problem doesn't appear to be as bad as I thought, but the machine still looks like it could benefit from a thorough cleaning, etc. This is going to be soooo much fun.... :) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 103 Wed May 26, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 14:13 EDT K.BROOKS1 [New Horizon] > >Anyone out there have a hopper assembly for an SLM804??? Can't seem to find a >source for the parts and my customer is anxious to get his up and printing >again! Is the old unit really broken ? It's rather easy to get an old hopper up and running by cleaning the inside (remove all toner) and use start-up toner after the cleaning. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 104 Thu May 27, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 00:53 EDT Keith, If you find a source of hopper assemblies(under $50), let me know. I have a source of color toners I want to try. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 105 Thu May 27, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:38 EDT I guess I was extremely lucky. My drum fell from the lifted cover about three times before I got smart enough to just remove it until I completed the toner replacement and cleaning process. It's unbalanced without the toner, and just won't stay locked in. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 106 Thu May 27, 1993 AEO.5 [Ed Krimen] at 21:13 EDT >Thanks for the input. The tech in question is located here in town (San >Francisco), but I got the feeling that he might be "blowing smoke" regarding >these drums. He didn't know who actually manufactured the drum kits, but said >he "couldn't" guarantee a refund on a defective one (due to previous problems >with his vendor). He was also quick to suggest that I move to a "less >obscure" printer (an HP) that would work off the parallel port. That option >doesn't interest me. Mark, is this Computer Rock? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 107 Fri May 28, 1993 K.BROOKS1 [New Horizon] at 00:14 EDT Shall I venture into the problems with an 804????????? Sure, what the h_ll! Shipped a customer's 804 to Atari Canada a year ago. Lent the customer one of our 605's until his could be fixed. Got the 804 back about 2 weeks ago. No hopper. Couldn't fix the old one for some reason but Randy Tjin was nice enough to send me another one sans a drum or hopper. Now I have this nice 804 that I get to eat. See..., my customer has the 605 and isn't going to give it back. It works great. I get to keep the old 804 but it won't run without a hopper. If I have to eat the damn thing, I'd like it to work a little bit. I can't sell it so I might as well get some use out of it. I'll take it home and let the kids use it with an old Mega2 we have left over. Now, back to the hopper. Anyone got a hopper so I can enjoy using the 804 while my customer smiles as he uses his free 605? :-( Honest, I need a hopper. I think they're around $40 Cdn. new. Thanks all. Keith New Horizon ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 108 Fri May 28, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 01:47 EDT Ed, No, to the best of my knowledge, there is no longer any Atari technical support offered by Computer Rock. The previous tech who worked there (who serviced my printer awhile back) has since re-located to Sunnyvale. Computer Rock, from what I can gather, seems to be selling clones more than anything else. The individual I spoke to was just a laser printer technician that I found in the good old "Yellow Pages," but was familiar with the Oasys LaserPro series of printers. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 109 Fri May 28, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:23 EDT Keith, It took only a year to fix the 804? Not good. And then there's your nice customer. You mean under the law up there the customer gets to keep the 605? I'm sure you'll get the hopper you need, and then you certainly should have some recourse to get the 605 back. Good luck! Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 110 Fri May 28, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 22:38 EDT Keith, I have an extra hopper, it's used but works fine as far as I can tell. I inherted a lighten struck SLM804 and own two working slm804's I swapped the drums and hoppers from the bad printer and everything worked fine. I had since cleaned the hopper completly with an air compresser, so there is no toner in it at all. Maybe we could work something out...I am about due for a new drum. please email me. Steve Kaleita (SAK) or call me at (608) 655-3657 Kaleita Art ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 111 Sat Jun 05, 1993 B.GOCKLEY [Brian G.] at 14:19 EDT Has anyone ever done an SLM printer buffer? I just printed out a hundred page document and was curious? Brian G. @ ST Informer Magazine ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 112 Sat Jun 05, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 22:46 EDT I'm in the same boat as many of the rest of you. My SLM804 is getting real dim on the solid blacks. I called Bruce at B&C Computer Vision in Santa Clara yesterday and asked about getting a new drum. He asked me if I had put any initalize toner in reasontly. I have only done this one time. When I got the printer 4 years ago. I told him that I figured it was like break in oil in a new motor, only needed once. He told me that it should be used every third of fourth load of toner. I talked to my toner supplier here in Modesto and he is going to see if he can get initalizer toner. He can with a new drum but it seems like maybe I don't need a drum. I don't remember anything in the SLM manual saying to use initalize toner after the first one. Can somebody at ATARI please fill in some information so those of us with tired SLMs can get back BLACK. Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 113 Sun Jun 06, 1993 B.AEIN [B Man] at 04:53 EDT I just got a used 804 laser and had a few questions: When I open the printer should I have the lights dimmed? Should I use the front latch or Front and side to clear a paper jam? IS phantom of the laser still avalible or should I just pull the back cover? Any hints to do or not to do in cleaning/operating? What are good utilities and shareware on Genie that use the SLM 804? What is a good stock of paper for general use and one for Resumes and important stuff? The counter on the printer is showing a red dot, the print is in my opinion "light" but still useable, should I replace the DRUM now like the manual warns or go till it's "gone?" I paid $350 is this a good price consitering that I will need to replace the drum soon, or should I ask for a few bucks back $25-50, I bought it thinking that the drum had around 2-3000 more prints left on it. Thanks Bman ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 114 Sun Jun 06, 1993 B.ROBINSON5 [BRIANMATE] at 12:09 EDT M.STEFANI [MCH] When I purchased my SLM804 I was told to replace the drum every 3 toner replacements. After installing the third toner cartridge I ordered a new drum and initial toner so as to be prepared. The last toner lasted approx. 2 months and even though my old drum was printing OK, I put in the new one. The new drum was defective and I called the dealer and he told me to contact Atari direct. Atari said there was nothing they could do and referred me back to the dealer. After 2 weeks of discussion...Nothing! So there I was out of pocket for the price of the drum as no one would do anything about it. I put my old drum back in and ran it until I was not happy with the quality and then called another dealer and got another drum which was OK. I now will only order with a credit card which I can cancell if the purchase is defective. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 115 Sun Jun 06, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 20:29 EDT Ok, SLM questions..... let's see: As to the use of a SECOND 'initial toner' cartridge to bring new life back to an old (and obviously very tired) drum.... very unlikely in my opinion. The old drums get faint because they've lost much of their ability to retain the electrical charge given them by the laser. The toner should have little effect here unless it is able to react to weaker than normal drum charges. If this is the case, which I have to doubt, then you 'might' see a slight improvement using a single cart of initial toner, but onlyt for a short time. Given the cost of the initial toner and the fact that you're going to have to replace it anyway, I'd suggest you bite the bullet and order a new drum & initial toner cart. 'Only once in FOUR YEARS'???? If you've gotten four years of use out of that poor drum then for the love of sanity RETIRE the poor thing!!!! Second question: Dealer refusing to accept bad 'out of box' drum: Ouch... to be honest I'm not sure exactly what you can do to get satisfaction out of this situation. Why? Because it is something of a 'grey area' here. Is the manufacturer responsible (Atari), is the Dealer (you named no names), is the US Mail/UPS (who may have damaged it in shipment), or are you (for doing a poor installation). No... I'm not saying it's your fault. Far from it in fact. I'm only say- ing that this is a problem that sounds (and is) very difficult to have to live with yet has no obvious answer. Would you please leave me an Email note (or notify Atari) of the dealer involved? Did you buy it from a regular Atari dealer and was it the Atari brand drum? Keep in mind that you CAN use the Oysis LaserPro drum (identical drum and toner to the SLM-804). If you can't get satisfaction from Atari or the dealer then I'd suggest you look into using the Oysis supplies and avoid that dealer in the future. Again.... When a dealer ships a hardware item out that requries installation (such as TOS chips, SIMs, Toner/Drum sets, hard or floppy drives, etc) and the END USER is to install them then the dealer can NOT be held fully responsible for any problems that could result from a faulty installation. If you can prove or show that the item ARRIVED defective (IE: dented, broke, etc) then the dealer (or the MAIL/UPS) can be expected to replace/repair the item. However, on any product that simply fails after installation then the possibility of installation problems must be taken into account. Again, I'm NOT saying that is the situation here... just pointing out what most dealers have to deal with every day. When this is the situation then it's up to the individual dealers as to how they will handle it... Sorry, wish I could have been more positive here. Check back with your dealer and try to work something out with him. Let us know how it works out. Last questions... ALWAYS dim your lights if the drum is going to be exposed on opening the printer. you don't need to turn them off, but the drum MUST be kept out of sunlight or direct lamplight. Which way to open to clear a paper jam? depends on where the jam is. If below the drum then leave the blue release button alone. If above the drum then pull the blue release forward. If behind the drum then it's up to you.... depends on how and where the darn thing jammed. Phantom of the Laser... as far as I know it's out of business now, sorry. I usually leave the back of my laser open, but you'll have to clean and 'de- dust' the dthing more often as a result. HInts? Clean fairly often, avoid using alchol on anything rubber and don't try any of those 'rubber enhancers' unless you talk to a dealer first... Use VERY little pressure when doing the corona wires and clean the pressure roller (in the very back of the unit) whenver you clean the rest of the thing. It's a pain but you gotta do it. Again... REMOVE THE DRUM/HOPPER AND COVER THEM before serious cleaning... keep 'em out of the light and NEVER LET ANYTHINnot Q-Tips, not ANYTHING! Shareware.... LaserBrain and the Diablo Emulator. Laserbrain is an Epson emulator, the Diablo is for diablo. Both work quite well and are failry easy to use. The choice is up to you. Keep in mind you'll NEED at least two megs or RAM to use the SLM, and Four (or more) is better. Paper... I've had good luck with standard 20 lb Laser Copier paper for day to day stuff. You can use colored paper and 25 lb paper but be sure to check with the shop that they are laser and/or copier safe. Usually (as I recall), high rag content copy paper is very good. The dot is Red??? That's telling you that it's time to pull the drum. It's entirely up to you as to how 'light' is too 'light'. If you can live with it then fine, but I'd not waste any new toner carts on a dying drum if it were up to me. I can promise that your 'light' problem will only get worse as the unit warms up from constant use and the ' 'light' will start showing up earlier and earlier after the first page or two have been printed. your call.... $350 for an SLM-804 in good condition? Needing only a new Drum/Toner kit to be 100%%% Tell me, what caliber were you using? You know, in the pistol you were holding against the other guy's ribs when you closed the deal? Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 116 Mon Jun 07, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 02:58 EDT A few days ago I had a technician from an outfit called American Laser Tech pay me a visit for the express purpose of servicing my SLM804. The people were very familiar with the "TEC 1301" engine which also goes by the "aliases" Oasys LaserPro and Memorex (to name a couple). My printer is about four years old and the drum counter dot's "red," so I figured it was time for a new drum and general overhaul. The tech was quite knowledgeable and his many tips alone were worth the price of admission. After many tests, he decided to replace the drum. Interestingly enough, the drum he brought (in a "sealed" carton), was defective in two ways. There was evidence of "light damage" and a couple of "pits" to boot. He was pretty shocked at this and speculated that the drum was "refurbished" and not "new" from the factory. I had been warned about this possibility from another technician familiar with the printer. The "silver-lining" for me (at least temporarily), is that the two coronas (drum & paper chargers) shipped with the defective drum did improve the quality with my old drum to get me by for now. He gave me a good price on those and sold them to me independently of the kit. I know that I've got to buy a drum soon, but this experience has left me dubious about where to buy one. It would have to be a "local" vendor, especially if I need to return another defective drum. Btw, this tech informed me that, in his opinion, toner is "toner" and there's no inherent difference between "start-up" toner or any other. Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 117 Mon Jun 07, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 04:18 EDT Robert In reaction to your 'not solid black' question I have a few things to say to you (and others): 1) 'Officially' you have to install initional toner once after you installed a new hopper but it shows that you can improve print quality by installing it again after 3 or 4 normal cartridges. A hopper has to be replaced after 100000 copies. 2) Not solid black printing on the SLM804 can also be caused by 'slipping' belts. I mean the black rubber belts on the left side of the printer. You can clean them with alcohol (and don't forget to clean the pulleys as well) and make sure everything is DRY before you install it again. Especially after 4 years it is very likely that you have to clean your belts or have them cleaned. Greg: >As to the use of a SECOND 'initial toner' cartridge to bring new life back to >an old (and obviously very tired) drum.... very unlikely in my opinion. The >old drums get faint because they've lost much of their ability to retain the >electrical charge given them by the laser. No. it doesn't bring new live to your old drum, it DOES bring new live to your old toner hopper and therefor better transport of toner to your drum and as result a better printout. Even with a new drum the printout can be not solid black and in that case cleaning the belts and using intitional toner will help. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 118 Mon Jun 07, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:13 EDT Gregg, I guess returning a drum is like returning photo film. The dealer has no way to know what you've done with it since you got it. Unfortunately, that can put the buyer at risk, and there's no good answer. Even if the dealer trusts you, the people up the line that have handled the drum might not. Wilfred, The information on using alcohol on rubber seems to conflict. See Gregg's recent post and yours. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 119 Mon Jun 07, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 14:59 EDT Ken: > >The information on using alcohol on rubber seems to conflict. See Gregg's >recent post and yours. > We are using that for a long time long although I can imagen that rubber and alcohol don't like each other. (I have to check my correspondence with TEC but I though they approved this cleaning methode) The belts picked up some grease from the gears under the belts/pulleys. We remove that with alcohol but I can imagen that some other fluid can do the job and is healtier for the rubber. We also tested some garage sprays used for avoiding slipping belts but only some brands worked, other made the problem much worse. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 120 Mon Jun 07, 1993 B.GOCKLEY [Brian G.] at 16:49 EDT Regarding the SLM605 and PageStream, is there anything that can be done to speed up printing times? Spooler, buffer, anything? This ison a TT with 8 megs. Brian G. @ ST Informer Magazine ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 122 Tue Jun 08, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:30 EDT I haven't checked, but I wonder if the belts are easily removed. If they are, perhaps a cleaning with dishwashing soap and water would do the job. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 123 Wed Jun 09, 1993 B.REHBOCK [BILL@ATARI] at 04:57 EDT All: There is _no_one_ with more experience with TEC Laser engines than Wilfred Kilwinger. :-) If he says it will work, it will. -Bill ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 124 Wed Jun 09, 1993 M.POCHE [Mick] at 05:23 EDT First-time SLM804 looking for some help!! I've recently acquired (like, today) a friends 'spare' SLM804 for a while, but it doesn't work quite right. The problem(s) is that most of the time the printouts look stretched out, and the bottom of the page gets cropped off. To better describe the stretching effect, it appears that extra horizontal white lines appear throughout the page. This problem can be reduced (even temporarily eliminated) by printing several consecutive pages; each page shows marginal improvement. It also seems to help if I turn the density dial to a lighter setting. With enough work, I can manage to eventually get normal sized printouts, but there is _another_ problem! All vertical lines come out jaggy, like a tiny ripple is running through them. Makes text look awful! Just for reference, this printer had the same problems when tested with a new drum and toner, and the problems are equal regardless of the program doing the printing. Anyone ever had these or similar problems and want to suggest a solution? Thanks in advance.... - Mick ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 125 Wed Jun 09, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 06:04 EDT Ken/Gregg and others: I was the responsible Atari Technical Manager in the 'light print' project in which I worked together with TEC. It was a VERY difficult job to find out what caused the problem and actually it was luck that brought me to the slipping belts. Yes, TEC approved cleaning the belts with alcohol. I just checked their technical advise note TC-OEM-411 dated Sep 11, 1989 which was issued as result of our project. (By the way: if cleaning the belts doesn't work than they probable should be replaced since they became too slack) And yes I know a lot more reasons for not solid black printing but checking them is not a consumer activity. (this discussion will turn into a technical product training if I do tell them) Regards, Wilfred (By the way: Thanks to Nathan the english version of the latest Laserbrain is almost ready. Expect it next week in the file area) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 126 Wed Jun 09, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan] at 07:21 EDT Change that to a thank you to Mike Valent. He did the work on it. Thanks Mike. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 127 Wed Jun 09, 1993 DARLAH [RT~SYSOP] at 07:36 EDT This is GREAT!!! Thanks! ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 128 Wed Jun 09, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:49 EDT Wilfred, Thanks for your expert support. It's great to have you here. Ken Van Dellen d8^) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 129 Wed Jun 09, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 18:42 EDT Will this new Laserbrain be TT compatible? ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 131 Wed Jun 09, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 21:42 EDT Yes.... As for the use of alcohol on the belts... well, I have been wrong now and then.... I think the last time was when I advised Mr Nixon not to burn those tapes . Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 132 Thu Jun 10, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 01:16 EDT Wilfred, Your just the man I want to talk to. It's about a small problem I'm having with one of my SLM804's. One day all of the sudded after switching paper trays from legal to letter size paper; the printer no longer recognizes this chance.(yes; the paper tray tabs are in the correct position). Ah ha! You say; it's a bad paper select switch. WRONG! I checked it out, I even replaced it...same problem. I even traced the wires to the circuit board in the top portion of the printer...everthing looks good. I tested all the other paper sencer switches to see if they were working, and they are. I even went as far as to pull the circuit board out and swap it with my other SLM804...the board works fine in the other printer. I swapped controllers too and got the same result.(cables too) The bad printer works perfect when I select legal size paper and also when I select manual paper feed and use letter size paper. So what I'm I missing here? could it be a bad cable going from the circuit board to the board that the cable connects to? I'm stumped, and I hate to ship out the printer a couple hundred miles away for someone to tell me that repair costs will be more then the printer is worth. I can live with the problem but it's a real pain in the butt. Any help would be appreciated, Steve Kaleita (SAK) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 133 Thu Jun 10, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 13:04 EDT Lou: Yes, it will be TT compatible. Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 134 Thu Jun 10, 1993 S.FARSHIDGH [NIMA] at 18:20 EDT Hi Everyone, I am going nuts trying to print with my TT onto my SLM804 using GDOS/GPLUS. Everytime I print (i.e., using LDW, First graph), I have to reboot since the second plot will be printed on top of the first one, and if there is a third graph, that one will also be printed on the previous two (i.e., all three on the same plot), I guess the SLM.SYS doesnot clear the previouse image in memory. I was told that I needed a later version of the SLM driver (i.e., by the good people at ABC solutions,) but that one also gives me the same problem. Anyone with a TT who has a good working SLM.SYS driver will greatly be thanked/appreciated to f-mail me the file since I am in desparate need of one. Regards, Nima Genie: S.FARSHIDGH ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 135 Thu Jun 10, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 21:51 EDT Wilfred, thanks for the note. I can hardly wait for the TT Laserbrain! ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 136 Fri Jun 11, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 06:37 EDT NIMA > >Hi Everyone, > I am going nuts trying to print with my TT onto my SLM804 using GDOS/GPLUS. >Everytime I print (i.e., using LDW, First graph), I have to reboot since the >second plot will be printed on top of the first one, and if there is a third >graph, that one will also be printed on the previous two (i.e., all three on >the same plot), I guess the SLM.SYS doesnot clear the previouse image in >memory. One of the NON-TT SLM.SYS drivers had this problem, yes, it forgot to clear its buffer. On the language disk of your TT you will find the directory SLM and in that directory you will find the TT-version of SLM.SYS. Tell me in return the filesize and timestamps of the SLM.SYS files you have and I'll compare them with what I have here and email you a better version if you have an old one. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 137 Fri Jun 11, 1993 S.FARSHIDGH [NIMA] at 07:38 EDT Hi Wilfred, Thanks for your reply. I have tried that version of SLM.SYS on my TT language disk as well, but the same problem. I have currently 2 SLM.SYS which don't function properly, SLM.SYS 48399 12-12-90 SLM.SYS 48399 08-20-90 Non of the Above would clear the buffer. Nima, Genie: S.FARSHIDGH ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 138 Fri Jun 11, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 09:20 EDT SAK -it could be your software. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 139 Fri Jun 11, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 15:04 EDT Regarding the paper size switch; we have only A4 here in europe and no choice so I'm not really familiar with those switches. I will take a look in the schematics diagrams early next week to see if I can find some check points. I will not give you any advise before I looked at the schematics since I don't know by hart which signals you can expect. I think that you are right that it must be a cable problem after replacing the control board and the switch itself there not more left. You are sure that the try really touches the paper size detect switch ? Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 140 Sat Jun 12, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 02:48 EDT Wilfred, >All: There is _no_one_ with more experience with TEC Laser engines than >Wilfred Kilwinger. :-) If he says it will work, it will. Maybe you can help me. My SLM804 reports that it is a Adaptec 4000 controller when I run ICD's IDCheck program. This all happened one time when I was printing and instead seem to have written to partition C of my hard disk. The printer still works fine except if I remember correctly it won't do a screen dump any more even though I do auto run the "SLM" screen dump program. If I need parts/work where here in the states can I get it done. I check with the dealer that I purchased it from and they no longer service them. Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 141 Sat Jun 12, 1993 EXPLORER.5 [Robert Goff] at 14:03 EDT Just for information, I called American Ribbon this week about resurfacing a drum for an "Oaysis Laserpro." No mention of Atari anywhere in the conversation, and they still said "we can't do those drums." Sigh. Their price on new drums and toner was a little steep as well. |) | |)O|) Robert Goff ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 142 Sun Jun 13, 1993 P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 14:04 EDT I just wanted to extend my thanks to the people on the Atari Customer Support number for sending me a manual for the SLM605 laser printer. The customer service rep on the phone routed my request to the proper party and I receivedf the manual in a couple of days. An example of excellent customer service! Regards (and thanks again!), Paul ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 143 Sun Jun 13, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 20:22 EDT Robert > >Maybe you can help me. My SLM804 reports that it is a Adaptec 4000 controller >when I run ICD's IDCheck program. This all happened one time when I was >printing and instead seem to have written to partition C of my hard disk. The >printer still works fine except if I remember correctly it won't do a screen Your SLM804 does NOT report it is a Adaptec controller. It doesn't report anything at all. Maybe that ICDCheck assumes that a controller that doesn't reports correctly is an Adaptec controller. I'm sure ICD can tell you more about this. Actually I don't believe that it is possible to write to harddisk insteat of printing to the printer but I believe when the ACSI (DMA) channel got some problems that you will damage the software on harddisk while printing or your printer will have a shadowing effect on it's printout. These things can happen when you use the SLM printers in combination with some none Atari harddisks or other equipment or when your DMA chain is too long. >dump any more even though I do auto run the "SLM" screen dump program. If I >need parts/work where here in the states can I get it done. I check with the >dealer that I purchased it from and they no longer service them. I quess your screendump software is damaged, copy it again from the master disks supplied with your laserprinter. On a TT you need a newer SDUMP which is in the SLM directory on your TT's Language disk. Regards, Wilfred. Let me know if you have the software otherwise I can Email it to you. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 144 Mon Jun 14, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:28 EDT Yes, that's what the ICD host adaptor does. Anything that it can't identify is given the Adaptec ID. Al ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 145 Mon Jun 14, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 20:49 EDT J.Hickey6...I don't think so: everthing works fine with my other SLM804 and my other computer does the same thing with just that printer. SAK Wilfred, yes the tray does touch the select switch, I checked for continuity at the circuit board while removing and replacing the paper tray...everthing checked out. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 146 Tue Jun 15, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 14:40 EDT SAK >Wilfred, > yes the tray does touch the select switch, I checked for continuity at the >circuit board while removing and replacing the paper tray...everthing checked >out. You are giving me a hard time, the switch worked, the signal reached the control board and replacing the control board didn't help. I'll better see a fortune teller. (I have some time tomorrow to look into it) Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 147 Wed Jun 16, 1993 B.AEIN [B Man] at 01:58 EDT Does anyone know where to buy hot foil for the laser printer? What is it? It looks like colored chrome foil and sticks to the tonner on a page when sent tru the printer to fuse it to paper. Also how can one tell the SML to pass a page tru without printing on it? I think Office Depo carrys a Drum for a compatable brand of laser for the 804 and it costs $145. Does anyone know of a better price? Bman ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 148 Wed Jun 16, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 22:37 EDT B Man If you have the Diable emulator loaded, just open the accessory and click on form feed. If you do not, just ask your software to print a blank page. Laser foil is real thin and gets fused to the toner on the paper. Apparently the darker the area, the better the results. Haven't used it much, but seems to work okay. Kind of a pain (read labor intensive) to use. I though about using it for custom seals, but too much work. Available from Paper Direct and a couple of other places. Email for more info. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 149 Thu Jun 17, 1993 P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 19:12 EDT Hi, all:R-PURIFOY I've been using the laser foil (from PaperDirect) for a while (although not with my SLM605-at work with HP Laserjet II). It adds a really nice touch to proposal covers. I do various company's logos in their respective *corporate* colors on the covers. Using the foil CAN be tedious if you start doing things like placing borders on coverpages and *foiling* the borders. The foil typically uses these little *re-usable* dots to afix to one's paper. If one goes hog-wild with using different colors, one may spend a lot of time affixing dots and peeling them off for re-use (I tease the admins in my office who help me by referring to this activity as *dot management*). The foil comes in rolls -or- there's a sampler pack available that has many colors-although one 8.5 " x 11 " sheet per color. I've enjoyed good results from the use of the foil. Another interesting product PaperDirect has is sticky-backed foil (and neon-colored) label sheets. You have to cut the labels after printing with a paper cutter (or by hand) but they look great. You can do any kind of sizi of the label. What are folks using for printing envelopes with the SLM605? Any good public domain stuff out there (like Gemvelope)? Regards, Paul ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 150 Thu Jun 17, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 21:04 EDT Thanks, Wilfred... Yes...you heard it right, however; I didn't exactly try it that way. I took the control board out of the not working correctly SLM804 and put it in the working SLM804, and everything worked fine; proving that the board is OK. I didn't try it the other way. I just didn't want to subject the, for sure GOOD BOARD; to any possible damage that may happen installing it in the not working correctly SLM804. I suppose that no damage could happen, but I can't think of what I would learn, that I don't already know; by tring it the other way around. I have two sets of tray select switches; on a ohm meter the both check out. While installed in the printer, I checked for continuity at the control board while inserting and removing the tray...everything checked out. NO!...I'm not giving you a hard time...My SLM804 is giving me a hard time and I'm just relaying the message to you. It's catchie isn't it! I'm just about ready to pull out the cable that connects from the control board to the printer cable connect board, and check for continuity. But before I do that, and tear apart the printer again; I think I'll wait to see if you can direct me closer to the problem after looking at the schematics. I'll be here waiting to hear from you again... SAK (Steve Kaleita) :) Frozen North...(KEN.S) Do you suppose that the foil could be used in a HEAT PRESS machine. You know the machine that the local T-Shirt store uses to apply IRON-ON transfers to T- Shirts. I do know that there is a foil that those Stores use to apply to IRON- ONS...But I wonder if it will work on LASER PRINTED paper. Hmmm...If it does work, then it would be a peice of cake to produce custom seals. I own a HEAT PRESS machine...I suppose I should get some foil and try it, Maybe someone could send me a small peice to try out, my supplier only sells 12" * 200' rolls for $60.00. Come to think of it, I wonder If their is a screen printing adhesive ink that I could use to screen print logos on folders and then heat press them with a foil. The detail could be good compared to HOT STAMPING and maybe cheaper. SAK....out ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 151 Fri Jun 18, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 21:32 EDT SAK I've never seen or heard of a HEAT PRESS machine, so I guess you could always try it. I claim and take absolutely, positively, no responsibility if you do. :-) Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 152 Sat Jun 19, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 02:23 EDT Wilfred, I have the software and updates that are on GEnie. My system is a Mega 4 with Gadgets 030 board. The tt SDUMP program that you talk of. Is that for the TT only or should I use it with the 030 board? >Your SLM804 does NOT report it is a Adaptec controller. It doesn't report >anything at all. Maybe that ICDCheck assumes that a controller that doesn't >reports correctly is an Adaptec controller. I'm sure ICD can tell you more >about this. I realise that the ICD software is checking the DMA and through a CASE STATEMENT in their software giving a name to what it determins is out there. My problem is that it can't figure out what is out there. Since I wrote that first message I have discovered that TouchUp won't do a print to the SLM either. I have the service book for the SLM804 but it doesn't cover the SLMC804 unit. Is there any place that I can get this book? Thanks Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif Note! 107 degrees f here today. Anybody for frying eggs on the sidewalk? I wasn't ready for summer. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 153 Sat Jun 19, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 03:28 EDT Robert J, > >I have the software and updates that are on GEnie. My system is a Mega 4 with >Gadgets 030 board. The tt SDUMP program that you talk of. Is that for the TT >only or should I use it with the 030 board? I guess that version solves timingsproblems so I guess you should use it on your 030 board as well. I'll check the version number and let you know. >I have the service book for the SLM804 but it doesn't cover the SLMC804 unit. >Is there any place that I can get this book? Atari never made a service book for that interface, only a schematic diagram. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 154 Sat Jun 19, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 12:23 EDT Robert J I have a TT attached to and SLM 804 and couldn't get Touch Up to print directly to the 804 either. Finally called Migraph, and did the following: 1. Forked over $4 for S&H to get latest version, 1.84, after verifying over the phone that I was a registered user. 2. Changed SCSI # to 5. Unfortunately, now Invision Elite will not print to 804! Conclusion: Both programs are written to expect the 804 to have a certain SCSI #, no way to set the # within the software. Previously, the 804 was #7. Now, it may still work with TU and set at #7, since I tried this _before_ I did the next step. I just have not taken the time to reset to #7 to see. 3. Run with GDOS installed correctly. I use G+Plus. While selecting the 804 button still does not work when selected in TU, selecting GDOS and making sure you have the correct driver number in the dialog box, the 804 will print. And you have to make sure you have restricted the memory usage enough to let the 804 print. The 804 will require somewhere between 1-1.5 megs of free ram to print this way. I have my memory usage is the defaults box set to 1024. Hope this helps. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 155 Sun Jun 20, 1993 R.COBBLE1 [ROD] at 01:30 EDT B Man - Try Paper Direct 1-800-A-Papers for the foil. Just send a form feed with the emulator or send a blank page with your DTP program. Rod ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 156 Sun Jun 20, 1993 J.P.C. at 09:21 EDT All: FYI I have (so far at least) had no problems running buisnesscard stock (110 lb paper) through my SLM804. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 157 Sun Jun 20, 1993 B.ROBINSON5 [BRIANMATE] at 11:03 EDT Has anyone any information on suppies for the SLM804 for making iron-ons for T shirts. I would like to do 6 T shirts for a local boys club with Calamus, but can't find the materials. Thanks, Brian Robinson ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 158 Sun Jun 20, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 11:21 EDT Brian, I would recommend you ask Steve Kaleita. He is a long time Calamus user who does a LOT of T-shirts. Steve can usually be found in the Calamus category 16. I would recommend email but I am not sure about his current address. I have seen him logging on with the ST-GUEST account but I don't know if you can get mail with it. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 159 Mon Jun 21, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 00:03 EDT Brian, Lou...I am here, and yes I can receive E_MAIL with ST-GUEST for awhlie at least until my privilegies run out. Then it's back to S.KALEITA. I'll try not to get to technical, But I must warn you: I tend to get carried away. First off...I'm not real sure, (because I haven't tried it); but I believe that the toner in most laser printers and copy machines, is a SUBLIMATION toner. Meaning that under heat and pressure, the black powder(TONER), turns into a gas and migrates into the material that it is in contact with, (such as a piece of paper). Now from my understanding, different toners react at different temperatures, so this is one reason why this may or may not work. I have done a lot of screen printing with sublimation dye inks, and basically all that is done is the image is printed on a piece of paper BACKWARDS, and then the paper is put in contact with a T-SHIRT in a HEAT PRESS machine, (listening ? Frozen North); for about 20 seconds at a temperature of about 425 degrees F. Now here is the bad news...Sublimation dyes only work with synthetic fabrics, like polyester or nylon, thats how those types of fabrics are dyed. So what this means is that the dye won't dye the cotton content in a T-Shirt...only the poleyster. So the image will be faint after one washing. Now I you look around town you may find a local T-Shirt shop that is equipped with special copy machine that has a special sublimation toner in it, just for this purpose. And in order to keep the colors from fading; they have a special chemical that they apply to the shirt that holds the dye intact. Or they sell 100% polyester T-Shirts. As far as your SLM804 copy goes...all you can really do is take one to the local T-Shirt shop and have them try it on one of your old shirts, maybe they will have the special chemical I speak of. I do know for a fact that once the dye is used ONCE, if you try it again the 2nd image will be very, very faint. So, knowing that; I would say transfering the image from an allready transfered image,(laser to paper and then paper to T-Shirt); will give you a faint or washed out image. The only reason why not, is because the temperature in a heat press machine may be higher then in the slm804 and be able to re sublimate the dye. Again I don't know for sure, because I never tried it. If your looking to screen print the design on the T-Shirts...Thats a whole new ball game, and for only six pieces it could get very expensive If you want to buy everything to print them your self. Taking the job to a T-Shirt printer would be the cheapest and will still cost you between $10.00 & $20.00 per shirt, depending on where you go. Hope I didn't get carried away! Steve Kaleita (SAK) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 160 Mon Jun 21, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 07:14 EDT Steve Kaleita, thanks for the info. Boy, what you learn around here :-) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 161 Wed Jun 23, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 08:14 EDT SAK, Sorry I didn't come back to you earlier. I have surprising info for you. It could be possible that your laserprinter is 100% OK but that the problem is caused by your SLMC804 Laserprinter interface or the interface cable in between. The Laser reports the paper size with two signals to the CPU in the interface. The signals are CAS1 (pin 6) and CAS2 (pin 8). The program build in in the CPU of the interface uses these signals to talk with your computer. It is possible that your interface or the cable between your laser and the interface is not functional well. Since your are lucky to have two sets I suggest that you exchange between both sets to see what causes the problem. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 162 Wed Jun 23, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 22:11 EDT Ah, yes, the old HEAT PRESS machine. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 163 Thu Jun 24, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 18:40 EDT Lou, your very much welcome! Steve Kaleita :) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 164 Thu Jun 24, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 20:58 EDT Wilfred, Thanks for getting back to me...Well from your last post, it seems that the problem must be somewhere between the control board inside the printer and the cable connector, that the cable from the SLMC804 interface connects to. You see...my new SLM804 is hooked up to my TT with the OLD SLMC804 & CABLE and the bad SLM804 is hooked up to my MEGA 4, with the new SLMC804 controller and cable. So I know that both SLMC804 controllers and printer cables are good. I also know that both circuit boards in the printers are also good. And the paper select switches are working. So...it seems to me, that the two signals from the laser aren't getting out of the printer. It looks as though, I may have to check out the cable from the circuit board to the cable connector; after all. What do you think? Thanks again. Steve A. Kaleita (SAK) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 165 Sat Jun 26, 1993 J.SCHRAM at 00:41 EDT Does anyone know of a program like Pamphlet Lite that will work on the SLM804? Is there a driver for it or does it even have landscape mode? Double Page prints 4 pages to a sheet but dosent number them in book format. Joe Schram ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 166 Sat Jun 26, 1993 R.BEATTY3 [Buffalo Bob] at 01:25 EDT Send E-mail to R.BEATTY3 if you haven't yet found a hopper for the SLM-804. I own Neutronics, Oahu's only Atari support... and I believe I have an 804 hopper. Course, you'll have to pick it up... Bob ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 167 Sat Jun 26, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 03:56 EDT Steve, >It looks as though, I may have to check out the cable from the circuit board >to the cable connector; after all. > >What do you think? Compare the signals on the pin numbers I gave to you. Reagrds, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 168 Sat Jun 26, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:32 EDT Joe, I'm not sure what you want. I like DoublePage4. Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 169 Sat Jun 26, 1993 J.P.C. at 08:16 EDT I don't know about the rest of you SLM804 users but, using the manual feed tray is a hassle to me because I must hold the paper into the feed mechanism until it is pulled in once the printing starts. To eliviate this, I have designed a removable tray extension that clips onto the manual feed tray and extends it by about 8 inches. If there is enough interest from other users, I _could_ be persuaded to produce this device and sell it at a reasonable cost, say somewhere around $19.95 or so. If you are interested, post here or send me E-mail. J.P.C. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 170 Sat Jun 26, 1993 V.PATRICELL1 [Vince] at 18:30 EDT Joe, There's a program in the library called MAKE*A*BOOK that will print on the SLM804 in booklet format. It works quite well, the only catch is that it uses Postscript so it must be run through UltraScript or Composcript first. It's file #20131. ................................Vince ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 171 Sat Jun 26, 1993 J.SCHRAM at 22:34 EDT Ken, DoublePage4 numbers the pages to be punched and put into a 3 ring binder. I was looking for something that numpers the pages pamphlet style where you fold the pages in half and staple the center to make a book. Pamphlet Lite only has a driver for DJ but I think drivers can be made as long as the printer has Landscape mode. Vince, I found Make a Book durring my search but I don't have UltraScript. I also found Manual 2.25 which uses GDOS but it seems to have an attitude. It kept telling me something about to many characters without a space. Maybe I should consider getting UltraScript. Joe Schram ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 172 Sun Jun 27, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 10:18 EDT Joe Schram, This is an expensive way to go, but the Print and Mount module does what I think you want it to. The output is intended for eventual printing on both sides of a piece of paper, so if you staple your printer output together, you'll end up with 2 printed pages, then 2 blank pages, 2 printed pages, etc., after stapling. I don't know if there is a way to set it up for printing so you can actually print on both sides of the paper. I want to try it sometime. Maybe Nathan or someone else is watching here and can answer that question. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 173 Sun Jun 27, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 11:30 EDT Joe Schram, you are describing a function that is available in Calamus SL using its MOUNT module. If you don't have SL, I can do the booklet for you. You will need to email me the text and a return address for your hardcopy. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 174 Sun Jun 27, 1993 R.BEATTY3 [Buffalo Bob] at 12:01 EDT J.SCHRAM I think you will find Uscript to be very affordable nowadays. It is well worth the price... Not only does it work well with Make*a*Book, but it has some terrific fonts that I only wish would print directly from PageStream. If you can't find Uscript anywhere near you, you can order it from Neutronics in Honolulu. Leave me E-mail if you wish to do so. Bob Beatty @ Neutronics Honolulu, HI ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 175 Sun Jun 27, 1993 V.PATRICELL1 [Vince] at 13:46 EDT Joe, I saw someone selling UltraScript with extra fonts _dirt_ cheap in GEnie Lamp PR.....I think about $25 for the main program and a few bucks extra for the fonts. An excellent value, you really should pick it up if you can get it at that price. It prints much nicer than the regular mode of the SLM printer. ................................Vince ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 176 Sun Jun 27, 1993 J.SCHRAM at 15:01 EDT Frozen North, Thanks for the input. I don't have Calamus and didn't know about the Print and Mount module. Like you said, it's an expensive way to go so I will have to find another way... Lou, That was a very generous offer, but it's not for something specific. Someone brought some docs to our user group meeting that were done with Pamphlet Lite on a DJ and I was impressed. I would like to be able to do the same with my SLM on docs in general. Thanks!! Buffalo Bob, UltraScript is sounding better all the time. I've only had the SLM for about a month and didn't really know what Uscript was for... Vince, Someone offered to sell me Uscript a while back and I didn't think I needed it at the time. I think I will take your advice and try to find it used at a bargain price. Does it work with the Diablo emulator? Joe Schram ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 177 Sun Jun 27, 1993 B.ROBINSON5 [BRIANMATE] at 15:29 EDT Thanks for the T-Shirt info Lou & Steve. It looks like I might have to get it done by the pros. Brian Robinson ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 178 Sun Jun 27, 1993 V.PATRICELL1 [Vince] at 18:15 EDT Joe, UltraScript works fine with the Diablo emulator. You will be totally impressed with the output from UltraScript, it is really *good*! There are some impressive fonts that go with it and if you have PageStream, it will output in much better resolution that straight to the SLM (even though it is slower). You really should pick it up now that is available so cheap. I think it went for about $300 a few years back. I got mine with the system when I bought my SLM804 and Mega 4. ................................Vince ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 179 Sun Jun 27, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 21:45 EDT Is any part of the 605 Canon engine driven by belts, such as you find in the 804? Thanks Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 180 Mon Jun 28, 1993 ATARI.BENLUX [W. Kilwinger] at 04:26 EDT Ken, > >Is any part of the 605 Canon engine driven by belts, such as you find in the >804? > The SLM605 is not a Canon engine but a TEC engine. It contains only one belt which is on the toner hopper between a motor and the hopper itself. Regards, Wilfred ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 181 Mon Jun 28, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 06:56 EDT Does US work with the Mega STE? There was some reason I thought I would have to go to the Compo program if I wanted to do Postscript output, and I think that one didn't work with the Mega STE at first. Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 182 Mon Jun 28, 1993 V.PATRICELL1 [Vince] at 19:33 EDT Ken, I believe UltraScript works fine with the STE. The advantage of using Composcript is that it will work with type 3 Postscript fonts (UltraScript works only with it's own fonts or type 1) and Composcript will allow you to preview Postscript output on the screen. Composcript also costs quite a bit more, so you have to decide if it is worth it to use it with the type 3 fonts. I have a pretty good collection of UltraScript fonts and it works like a champ with PageStream. ................................Vince ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 183 Mon Jun 28, 1993 T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 22:04 EDT Ummm... you got that backward Vince. UltraScript works with it's own and Type 3's. CompoScript works with the multitude of Type 1 fonts out there (and comes with 35 fonts). -Tom McComb {9:50 pm} Monday, June 28, 1993 ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 184 Mon Jun 28, 1993 K.SPRINGER1 [FROZEN NORTH] at 22:05 EDT Wilfred, Hmmm. I thought I read in a mag article when the 605 first came out that the 605 had a Canon engine, so that it would be real easy to get new toner carts and such. Ah well, senility seems to still be creeping in! :-) Thanks for the correct information. Ken S. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 185 Tue Jun 29, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 18:12 EDT Vince, Thanks for the info. (You, too, Tom.) I knew there was some advantage in Composcript, but it's good to know UltraScript works so well. I assume you're using an SLM printer, too. Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 186 Tue Jun 29, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 19:37 EDT The 605 shares it's print engine with an Epson 6000 (as I recall) laser printer. That's why it's easier to find (and pay less for) the supplies than for the 804. The 804 was a brainless clone of the Oysis LaserPro that, though a good printer, never really made it big here in the States. I like my 804 a lot, but I'd give serious thought to trading it in for a 605 if I thought I could afford it. Gregg ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 187 Tue Jun 29, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 19:52 EDT Joe, I may be that person that offered you Ultra script...send me E- mail,if you are intrested. Wilfred, Well I did it...I removed the cable and replaced it with the a cable from my lighten struck SLM804 (I have a total of 3 SLM's) and everything is working great. I thank you for all your help; all the info you supplied me with, helped me to pin point the problem. So what did I learn from all this...Well the method I used to turn off the printer while not in use durning the day, was to open the front lid just a crack; insted of the back panal. I suppose 4 years of this can eventually cause a wire to break. Thanks again, Steve Kaleita Brian Robinson, Send me E_MAIL...I do screen printing for a living. I can easily output your design on a T-SHIRT. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 188 Tue Jun 29, 1993 V.PATRICELL1 [Vince] at 21:36 EDT Tom, >Ummm... you got that backward Vince. >UltraScript works with it's own and Type 3's. You're right about getting the type fonts backwards.....sorry for the mistake. ................................Vince ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 189 Wed Jun 30, 1993 R.BOARDMAN [Robert Board] at 00:01 EDT Speaking of the various "Scripts," anybody have any experience with Ghostscript and the 804? Ghostscript is a big download, about 500K I think, but if I can use it with the 804 (and incorporate EPS files into Calamus) that might make my system more versatile. Robert in Toronto ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 190 Wed Jun 30, 1993 TQUINN [Terry~Sysop] at 10:11 EDT Well, I don't know about using it with the 804 but I am very familiar with Ghostscript. First of all, it is strictly a Postscript interpreter. It will take a postscript (.PS) file and print it out. That is all. It will not help you incorporate EPS files into Calamus. Second, it is actually larger than 500 K since you need all of the associated font files as well so the total download is even larger. Third, it is relatively slow and uses (in its native state) a command line interface since it is a port from UNIX. To it's credit, it does do exactly what it is supposed to do and seems to have been able to handle any postscript file I cared to inflict on it. Terry Quinn ST RT Sysop and BBS Janitor ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 191 Thu Jul 01, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 00:54 EDT I've never used Ghostscript, so I can offer no feedback on this postscript interpreter. I bought UltraScript when I purchased my SLM804 four years ago. The program, I believe, was approximately $200. Though I have used US in conjunction with PageStream, I bought it primarily to print postscript music files. I've been very happy with this program! I also purchased CompoScript several months ago. I believe that COMPO has extended their discount special ($200) for owners of PageStream and other programs that sport postscript drivers. I've also seen CS advertised by mail- order vendors for around the same price. The ability to "preview" a postscript file (WYSIWYG), access to the huge library of type 1 fonts, and conversion to IMG or TIFF formats are the features that make CS such a desireable program. As far as "cost-effectiveness" goes, I suppose a used version of US would appear to be a good deal. However, since the program is no longer made or supported, it could be a problem finding the specialized fonts that Imagen originally distributed for US. In this case, CS would be a better bet (and not "too" expensive at that!). Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 192 Thu Jul 01, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:32 EDT Thanks, Terry. I'm using PageStream with my 804. Where is Ghostscript available? Mark, I don't want to start a rumor, but I think there was some sort of compatibility problem with CS initially, perhaps with PageStream. Do you know if that has been resolved? It certainly makes sense to get a program that is being supported! Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 193 Thu Jul 01, 1993 TQUINN [Terry~Sysop] at 09:40 EDT Ken Van - the Ghostscript files you want are in Library (475;3) 22 here in the ST Roundtable. The particular files you need are: 28109 GEMGS13.ZOO 27707 GS252B.ZOO 21226 GSFONTS1.ZOO 21227 GSFONTS2.ZOO In addition, you will of course need a .ZOO extractor but I don't know the number of the latest one of these. Just do a library search with the keyname "ZOO" and it should turn up. ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 194 Thu Jul 01, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 18:07 EDT The local computer dealer is moving, and has a big sale on this week. He has a couple of SLM804 drums for 25% off $199.95 (not too bad), and is selling a whole bunch of software for good prices. I was so tempted by an UltraScript PS35 font set (pkgs 1-7) that I picked it up. Now I'll have to see if I can find a used US for sale. Otherwise I can sell the font set, and I'm sure I can get more than I paid for it. I'd like to brag about the price, but I wouldn't want a potential buyer to know what a good deal I got. Are we off topic here or what? Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 195 Thu Jul 01, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 18:35 EDT Thanks, Terry. That's service! Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 196 Thu Jul 01, 1993 M.STEFANI [MCH] at 23:13 EDT Ken, You wouldn't be starting a rumor. There was indeed an incompatibility problem (with PageStream) long ago in an early version of CS. Robert took a lot of heat for it, as I recall, in the CompoScript topic (#18, Category 5). It was fixed and works like a charm now. Mark @ VISION Music ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 197 Fri Jul 02, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 07:39 EDT Thanks, Mark. I'm glad to hear it has been fixed. Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 198 Fri Jul 02, 1993 R.BOARDMAN [Robert Board] at 22:25 EDT Terry: If Ghostscript is a Postscript interpreter, that suggest I should be able to write PS files in an editor of some sort and have them printed on my 804 via Ghostscript. Is that how it's supposed to work, or is it only good for PS files generated elsewhere (downloaded from here for example)? I realized after I sent my post that EPS files in Calamus was a no- go. Talking before thinking will get you every time Robert in Toronto ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 199 Fri Jul 02, 1993 M.HILL13 [Mike] at 23:45 EDT Ken Van Ultrascript works great with my Mega STE (the SLM version of ultrascript that is). Mike ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 200 Sat Jul 03, 1993 ST-GUEST [SAK] at 00:06 EDT Ken, Who is this dealer that has the 804 drums for 25% off...I want one! Steve Kaleita (SAK) ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 201 Sat Jul 03, 1993 R.JOHNSTONE1 [Robert J] at 02:20 EDT In reading the base from the last week it seems like there is someone that knows more about fonts then I do. How do I use Type 3 fonts in my SLM version of UltraScript? Where do I get them? Robert Johnstone Modesto, CAlif ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 202 Sat Jul 03, 1993 K.VANDELLEN [Ken Van] at 06:56 EDT Mike, It looks as though I have a deal on a used Ultrascript. I'm looking forward to seeing what this SLM804 can put out. Steve, I don't know if he can do mail order. Are you in the metro Detroit area? It's Rite Way Computers, 11557 12 Mile Rd., Warren, MI [(313) 752-2454]. I think their moving sale goes through Monday. They had two drums on Thursday, and have pretty well gotten out of Atari, so they aren't likely to have sold them. I think I saw on for the 605, too. Give them a call, ask for Ron (or Lee), and tell them I sent you. That's where I got the US fonts 1-7 for $9.95. Ken Van ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 203 Sun Jul 04, 1993 M.HILL13 [Mike] at 00:16 EDT Ken, Youll enjoy Ultrascript. It gives very good quality. I don't use it as much anymore since I think the new PageStream fonts are as good of quality. And its hard as heck to find Ultrascript fonts anymore. Let alone new ones. But it still resides on my hard drive. Did our clubs newsletter with it and Pagestream for a couple years. Mike ------------ Category 14, Topic 11 Message 204 Sun Jul 04, 1993 TQUINN [Terry~Sysop] at 22:06 EDT Robert - I suppose you could write PS files in an editor but I would think it would be a long frustrating process. Much better to have the application generate them. ------------