On 5/23/2017 1:07 AM, dave.g4...@gmail.com wrote:
You probably need a null modem cable.
I had one (and used it), but not all null modem cables are evidently the
same :-) I soldered up a loopback as you suggested, and the unit
dropped into DATA MODE on startup. I then played with the signals. The
unit really does want DCD to be active, as just doing CTS/RTS, DTR/DSR,
and RX/TX did not do the trick. Evidently, my null modem cable I had
tested with previously does not connect DCD. Swapped out for a null
modem adapter (from our old now deceased friend Radio Shack) and the
unit works with a new Dell M4800 laptop (so "newer" style +-10V RS232
levels must be OK.
I appreciate the brain dusting. I should have known to try that, as I
spent years doing serial stuff and wrote tcpser, the Hayes Modem
emulator package for Linux/Windows. I even have a Telnet BBS cable
named after me. Sigh...
The printer ribbon has less life left in it than I anticipated, but a
list member is helping me, so it should be good to go after a deep
cleaning and a light oiling. I did notice the printhead starts to
stutter at times on long lines, but I *think* it's a function of the
damage to the ribbon, so we'll troubleshoot that only if it continues
after ribbon fixes.
The broomhandle looks to be working fine, but if there's a spare paper
roll pin and/or a platen knob out there looking for a home, let me know.
Jim
