CGP-115 print commands differ between CoCos and Model 3..4

[RizThomas]

I was just finished reviving a CGP-115 plotter (gear problems) and also built a serial printer cable to connect it to Color computers (CoCo2/3). On testing the plotter, I proceeded into typing some small program which I had hoped that the plotter works right away.. On my dismay, nothing was working (plotter works on self-test)...so I spent so much time checking on my cable, search the internet for cable schematics, etc.
But then, I happened to scan the manual and found out that the Plotting command differs between type of RS systems..
for TRS80 models 2...4, the command is LPRINT
FOR CoCos...the command is PRINT#-2

I am trying to find out why they came out with 2 methods..was it a Microsoft against Microware?

BTW. ..all works now but I find typing the "PRINT#-2" syntax pretty cumbersome.. (Mind you it is no better in Commodore 64 BASIC).

 

[TRS-Ian]

It was confusing when I first encountered this, and I recall an explanation of the difference in Tandy's mind when deciding on the command names (may have read it in an early Rainbow or Hot Coco magazine) LPRINT refers to sending a line of characters to a parallel printer port and PRINT#-2 refers to sending a line of characters to a serial port. Coco has no parallel port so no LPRINT for the Coco.

Ian.

 

[RizThomas]

Thanks Ian...that info makes sense...
At least my CGP-115 plotter is now usable!!...