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AYAP
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Q: Laser writer 4/600 PS connect to Airport express

Could LaserWriter 4/600 PS be connected to Airport Express for printing. Cable on the printer is 8-pin Din Local Talk pinout cable. Is there a converter from this cable to USB or is this more complicated than just a converter?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.3), MacBook

Posted on May 9, 2010 3:14 PM

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Q: Laser writer 4/600 PS connect to Airport express

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 9, 2010 5:56 PM in response to AYAP
    Level 9 (61,073 points)
    Desktops
    May 9, 2010 5:56 PM in response to AYAP
    It is WAY more complicated than just converting the plug. You need a computer that can still speak AppleTalk Printer Access Protocol (PAP). That support was removed at Mac OS X 10.6.

    If you have a computer still running 10.5 or earlier, you could share it from there (and connect the cable to a wired router) using an AsanteTalk or farralon EtherMac iPrint LT.

    Some other LaserWriter printers have a Parallel port that can be used with a converter, but not that one.

  • by AYAP,

    AYAP AYAP May 11, 2010 9:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 11, 2010 9:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Thank you. Saved me spending some hours on this!

  • by Tramble,

    Tramble Tramble Jun 6, 2010 7:23 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
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    Jun 6, 2010 7:23 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Please detail the sequence of steps to print beginning with the basics in System Preferences. The printer's green light is on, when the lid is lifted and cartridge out/in, the "reset" sound is heard, AppleTalk is checked "on" in the SysPref and under Printer/Fax, LesarWriter is selected in all dialog boxes. Attempts to print end up with error stating that printer isn't communicating. What am I missing?

  • by Tramble,

    Tramble Tramble Jun 7, 2010 5:51 AM in response to Tramble
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 7, 2010 5:51 AM in response to Tramble
    Please disregard the question above. Re-read previous commentary and GOT IT this time. The KEY was to re-fire up the printer, it showed up in the "add" printer box and VOILA! This ancient hardware still has life! Purchased in 1994. Amazing!