damnloudprinter
Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2024
- Messages
- 10
Hello from the UK and my first post
I'm not actually a retro computer person, but do have a Juki 6300, an IBM Proprinter (early model 4201_001) and a soon to arrive IBM Proprinter XL24.
I'm impressed with the quality of the Proprinter, and really dislike the trend for lightweight, flimsy plastic, made as cheaply as possible. I must be one of the few who enjoys the aesthetics and heft as much as performance.
Enough waffle
The Proprinter 4201_ 001 has a rear Centronics interface. Immediately above is a contoured bulge that looks as if it should be removed in order to fit (stack on top) the optional IBM Serial Interface Card. Thing is, I can see no join or means to remove this bulge. Inside and just behind are all the fittings to accept said card. Maybe they used internals that were future proofed for only later models. Or, maybe one is supposed to break the plastic out with a strong hand. I see no join though or thinner plastic to snap. Only way I could imagine is to cut with a knife or mini saw. Fear not, I won't do anything until I get proper advice.
Lastly, is the 'Proprinters Asynchronous Serial Interface Module' (PN 56X9652) suitable for both the aforementioned models?
Ah, one more question: does the IBM Technical Reference Proprinter Hardware Reference Library # 6328947 cover the same two models mentioned?
Any other tips for an Arch Linux user appreciated, as both these printers (plus the Juki) have been acquired over a single month. All three are in mint condition and each bought for less than £40.
I will of course come back with any progress/results in order to help other users
I'm not actually a retro computer person, but do have a Juki 6300, an IBM Proprinter (early model 4201_001) and a soon to arrive IBM Proprinter XL24.
I'm impressed with the quality of the Proprinter, and really dislike the trend for lightweight, flimsy plastic, made as cheaply as possible. I must be one of the few who enjoys the aesthetics and heft as much as performance.
Enough waffle
The Proprinter 4201_ 001 has a rear Centronics interface. Immediately above is a contoured bulge that looks as if it should be removed in order to fit (stack on top) the optional IBM Serial Interface Card. Thing is, I can see no join or means to remove this bulge. Inside and just behind are all the fittings to accept said card. Maybe they used internals that were future proofed for only later models. Or, maybe one is supposed to break the plastic out with a strong hand. I see no join though or thinner plastic to snap. Only way I could imagine is to cut with a knife or mini saw. Fear not, I won't do anything until I get proper advice.Lastly, is the 'Proprinters Asynchronous Serial Interface Module' (PN 56X9652) suitable for both the aforementioned models?
Ah, one more question: does the IBM Technical Reference Proprinter Hardware Reference Library # 6328947 cover the same two models mentioned?
Any other tips for an Arch Linux user appreciated, as both these printers (plus the Juki) have been acquired over a single month. All three are in mint condition and each bought for less than £40.
I will of course come back with any progress/results in order to help other users