H AND J

Q: Adding LaserWriter 4/600 PS

Hi there, folks

 

I have an Apple LaserWriter 4/600 PS that I do NOT know how to configure/add printer.

I have a LocalTalk to Ethernet Bridge (Dayna Mini EtherPrint) and a Linksys 5-Port Workgroup Hub.

I previously had no printer(s) and/or Ethernet device(s)/service(s). Using Wi-Fi for Internet Access.

Do I need the Ethernet hub or can I just connect with the LocalTalk to Ethernet Bridge?

 

I have previously used the Apple LaserWriter 4/600 PS on a Windoze PC running OS XP and a Power Macintosh 8600.

 

My particulars: MacMini (4,1), OS X (10.6.8).

 

Any insight/input/info would be greatly appreciated

 

Thank You for your time, James

Apple LaserWriter 4/600 PS, Mac OS X (10.6.8), LocalTalk to Ethernet Bridge

Posted on Jan 20, 2016 3:44 PM

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Q: Adding LaserWriter 4/600 PS

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  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 25, 2016 12:21 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 25, 2016 12:21 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan,

     

    Like I said before, I'd rather "NOT" add another computer into the mix!

    Yes, I could use the PM8600, just for the purpose of generating a test page, but too much of a "PAIN" in the neck to get up & running.

    Yes, She (PM8600/350) has all the item(s) you mentioned including the Zip drive, Jan.

    Besides, I have a ZIF carrier and a ZIF CPU, that I never got to install into the PM8600/350 to make into a hybrid G3.

    I like the idea of a compact host/print server (iBook), less space/power/accessories/etc.

    Yeah, I rather use the iBook to try to have the printer generate an internal test page.

    I'll check which version(s) of Mac OS Classic I have that came with the iBook, beside other version(s) I might have.

    From what I understand, the Mac OS Classic environment was just a "software" thing and really NOT much of a "hardware" thing?

     

    James

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 25, 2016 1:38 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 25, 2016 1:38 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Grant,

     

    Yeah, working with CUPS on the host/print server via Terminal sounds like too much HARD work!

    Yes, I miss read the info on CUPS on the Wiki page about the Printer Utility, oops my bad!

    I will research the add-ons (software) for capability with 10.4.6, unless you, Grant, know for certain that none of them with work under 10.4.6?

     

    Yes, I understand that an ideal network should be neutral, i.e., not needing any specific hardware, but software/protocol friendly.

    Yes, I recently did replaced my cable service providers single-band Wi-Fi router with a dual-band Wi-Fi router!

    I am using the 5GHz band for the fixed MacMini and the 2.4GHz band for the wireless device(s).

    The reason I am NOT using a wire for Internet/Ethernet is the distance, over 50 feet & would run across several rooms!

    I would run a wire for an AppleTV (shorter distance), if and when I get one & get rid of the cable converter box for the analog TV!

     

    So what your telling me, Grant, is that AirPrint printers have a build-in Wi-Fi router to receive print job(s) from a wireless device(s)?

    I will check the link: About AirPrint - Apple Support, for more info, thx, Grant

     

    The main reason for adding the LW 4/600 PS in the first place, was that my local fedex office/staples/ups store could NOT print a PDF I sent via email.

    They said the PDF was too big/needed flattening/distilling/etc., sounds like their equipment is too old!

    But now, I don't need their expensive service(s)! Thanks to you, Jan & Grant!

     

    And now for my next project, straightening out my FireWire device(s)/hub(s) issue(s)/problem(s)!

    Do either of you fine gentlemen have any experience/knowledge about FireWire?

    If not, could you please direct me to another fine individual like yourselves, much appreciated!

     

    I Thank You for your time, James ("Grasshopper")

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jan 25, 2016 1:57 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 9 (60,692 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 25, 2016 1:57 PM in response to H AND J

    So what your telling me, Grant, is that AirPrint printers have a build-in Wi-Fi router to receive print job(s) from a wireless device(s)?

     

    They usually have a Wi-Fi receiver, so that they can be Wi-Fi nodes on an existing Network created by a Router. They can not establish their own network, and can not accept print jobs in the absence of a Router. They can alternatively be directly attached by USB to a computer, as long as the computer has Shared them onto the network.

     

    When you Print to any "wireless" printer, INCLUDING AirPrint Printers, the data are sent from the iDevice to the Access Point {Router, base station} by ANY medium and it is then sent on the Network (by any medium) to the Printer.

     

    You can be far, far away from the Printer itself, as long as your Print data can reach the Router, you can print.

     

    The "magic" of AirPrint has nothing to do with the "Air" part of its name. The magic is that you do not need ANY Drivers, anywhere, and your documents still get printed and look great. That most of these Printers are Wi-Fi capable is an accident.

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 25, 2016 3:33 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 25, 2016 3:33 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Grant,

     

    Silly me, I was under the assumption that AirPrint printer(s) where standalone printers.

     

    So, if I can connect the iBook (host/print server via AirPort) to my dual-band Wi-Fi router, I should be "good to go" with a "virtual" AirPrint printer?

    Grant, I will try your suggestion:

    "Also, your current Mac can act as a primitive Wi-Fi gateway through Internet Sharing, so you can fiddle around with this before you buy anything."

     

    Thx, Grant

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 26, 2016 6:50 AM in response to H AND J
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Jan 26, 2016 6:50 AM in response to H AND J

    James,

     

    If/when experimenting with wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, please note that the AirPort card for the iBook model in question is an 802.11b variant. In spite of an earlier Apple Support article specifically listing requirements for WPA, it still appears to be unclear whether this security protocol actually works with an original AirPort card (not the AirPort Extreme 802.11g card used in later iBook models). Anyway, there are alternatives.

     

    A USB wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter, with support for the latest security standards WPA/WPA2, could be connected to the USB port. Even if this adapter per se would be capable of using faster g or n speeds, the port is USB 1.1 (limiting the speed to theoretically 12 Mbps). The most important issue is that USB adapters require special driver software. Not all adapters have Mac support, especially not for early system versions.

     

    A better way (since your iBook is intended for "desktop use") could be a wireless Ethernet bridge (also known as a media or gaming adapter) connected to the Ethernet port of the computer. One example would be Netgear's WNCE2001, but there are several models from other manufacturers. A wireless Ethernet bridge does not normally need special drivers, and can be used for almost any Ethernet-enabled device, under almost any operating system.

     

    One wireless Ethernet bridge would allow a computer (or another device with an Ethernet port) to wirelessly connect to, for instance, a Wi-Fi router. Two wireless Ethernet bridge devices could also form a "wireless Ethernet link", replacing a long Ethernet cable.

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 26, 2016 2:12 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 26, 2016 2:12 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan,

     

    Your info about the AirPort card seems to be correct.

    I tried to connect the iBook to my router via Wi-Fi, but the password (WPA) was NOT accepted!

    I initially thought I incorrectly configured the router, but all is correct.

    Jan, could I swap out the AirPort card in the iBook for a "newer" one?

    This would seem to be a better option than an USB Wi-Fi adapter, without the headache of dealing with driver support/issue(s).

    Jan, you say there are a number of wireless Ethernet bridges.

    I could just do a search for "wireless Ethernet bridge" and I could see the results for myself?

     

    This sounds a lot like the item I mentioned in a previous reply:

    "Or can I add a Wi-Fi access device (http://www.kingston.com/us/wireless/wireless_readers#mlwg2) to the Ethernet hub instead?"

    This device is for wireless device(s), i.e., iPhone(s)/iPad(s)/tablet(s), to share a Wi-Fi HotSpot via an Ethernet connect to your router if your router does NOT have Wi-Fi. This device is short money, around $30. Probably around the same amount for an USB wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter?

    I was looking into these kind of device(s), to quote expand the storage of my iDevice(s). There are a number of similar device(s) on the market, also.

     

    Thx, Jan (James)

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 26, 2016 3:27 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Jan 26, 2016 3:27 PM in response to H AND J

    Hello again,

     

    >could I swap out the AirPort card in the iBook for a "newer" one?

     

    Unfortunately not.

     

    >you say there are a number of wireless Ethernet bridges.

     

    Yes, several. They may have different capabilities, in addition to the normal use as a plain Ethernet adapter/client for a Wi-Fi network.

     

    When I wrote that "Two wireless Ethernet bridge devices could also form a "wireless Ethernet link", replacing a long Ethernet cable.", I should have said that this may be possible with certain products only (for this very purpose, an alternative solution could be two powerline adapters).

     

    >I could just do a search for "wireless Ethernet bridge" and I could see the results for myself?

     

    Yes, try that (or something like "gaming adapter"). A few further examples include Linksys WET610, TP-LINK TL-WA890EA and ASUS EA-N66. In many cases, setup is handled via a web interface. An Apple AirPort Express could also (with the proper settings) be used, (but setup would have to be carried out via a supported device).

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jan 26, 2016 3:27 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 9 (60,692 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 26, 2016 3:27 PM in response to H AND J

    I just moved my older MacBook closer and plugged in an Ethernet cord. It does not need to be near anything in particular, just "on the network" by any medium. If yours does not have an Ethernet port, I will sit down and be quiet now.

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 26, 2016 4:19 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 26, 2016 4:19 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan,

     

    Yeah, I looked up the AirPort Extreme card and it looks like it is NOT connector-friendly to the iBook (Red Rum)

    Yeah, I looked up the AirPort Express and it looks very promising!

    You (Jan) said: "An Apple AirPort Express could also (with the proper settings) be used, (but setup would have to be carried out via a supported device)."

    Jan, supported device(s)? Do you have a link for AirPort Express? I looked at the AirPort Express on Wiki.

    I have looked into powerline adapters, but I need to research a little further, but it could be a solution.

    What about a Wi-Fi range extender with an Ethernet port, Jan? Any thoughts about it possible usage? I think it could be a "good" fit.

     

    Thx, James

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 26, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 26, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Grant,

     

    I am a little confused about the context of your reply, Grant.

    Like I've said before, the distance between the iBook and the router is around 50 ft.!

    And it would have to cross several rooms with high traffic!

    And that's why I am using Wi-Fi to connect to the router for the MacMini.

    Grant, you said: "If yours does not have an Ethernet port"; Yours what, Grant? Router?

     

    Thx, James

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 26, 2016 4:37 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Jan 26, 2016 4:37 PM in response to H AND J

    >Do you have a link for AirPort Express?

     

    http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC414LL/A/airport-express

     

    >What about a Wi-Fi range extender with an Ethernet port,

     

    Possibly, but I would not complicate matters unnecessarily. Also, a range extender may or may not work with the other wireless devices involved.

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 26, 2016 4:59 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 26, 2016 4:59 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan,

     

    Thanks for the link, Jan

    I am think of using the Wi-Fi range extender with an Ethernet port for the iBook, instead of a USB device.

    The AirPort Express I looked @ on Wiki was NOT the "brand-new" item/product, but an older one.

    "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Apple_airport_express. jpg/220px-Apple_airport_express.jpg"

    The Wi-Fi range extender would be a clean/simple/elegant/etc. solution.

    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-link-wireless-n300-wi-fi-range-extender-with-ac-p assthrough-white/2080337.p?id=1219528553732&skuId=2080337

    Instead of two (2) Powerline adapters! Things have gotten a little krazy already!

     

    Thx, James

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jan 26, 2016 5:48 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 9 (60,692 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 26, 2016 5:48 PM in response to H AND J

    Why is the old MacBook in any particular place?

     

    My old MacBook that can talk AppleTalk-over-Ethernet is downstairs on a single Ethernet cord, and NOT directly connected to the EtherPrint. "Regular" print data packets come in across its Ethernet, and AppleTalk-over-Ethernet packets go back out across the same cable.

     

    The EtherPrint is on a different Ethernet port in a different room upstairs, and the localTalk cable goes from there to the Printers. Those are the only things than need to be nearby, and if you use Phone wire, "nearby" is within about 1000 feet.

     

    I am not sure what assumption seems to tie the old MacBook to a particular spot, but I am not sure they are needed.

    Grant, you said: "If yours does not have an Ethernet port"; Yours what, Grant? Router?

    I though maybe your MacBook was modern enough to lose its Ethernet port, but on rethinking, that has only happened in the last few years.

  • by H AND J,

    H AND J H AND J Jan 28, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jan 28, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Grant,

     

    You where right about the LW 4/600 PS and it's page count, barely over 240 pages!

    I have been unable to connect the iBook SE to my router via AirPort!  I can NOT seem to use the WPA2 Personal security protocol!

    I am wondering if I should update the Mac OS X on the iBook from 10.4.6 to 10.4.11?

    If I update the Mac OS X install, will the update help in regards with the AirPort connectivity issue(s)?

    Like I've said previous, the distance for a wired Ethernet connect is over 50 ft. & across several high traffic rooms!

     

    Thx, Grant (James)

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jan 28, 2016 3:09 PM in response to H AND J
    Level 9 (60,692 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 28, 2016 3:09 PM in response to H AND J

    Move the MacBook next to the Router and plug in an Ethernet cable there.

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