Editing IBM Wheelwriter/Options/PC Printer
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[[File:Ww3-printer-option.jpg|thumb|IBM Wheelwriter 3 | [[File:Ww3-printer-option.jpg|thumb|IBM Wheelwriter 3 compatible PC Printer Option card.]] | ||
[[File:ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|IBM Wheelwriter 10 | [[File:ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|IBM Wheelwriter 6/10/1500/3500 compatible PC Printer Option card.]] | ||
The '''PC Printer Option''' is a Parallel interface for printing from a PC, effectively transforming the [[IBM Wheelwriter]] into a daisywheel printer. Unfortunately, it was also expensive at the time, and remains rare to this day. | The '''PC Printer Option''' is a Parallel interface for printing from a PC, effectively transforming the [[IBM Wheelwriter]] into a daisywheel printer. Unfortunately, it was also expensive at the time, and remains rare to this day. | ||
However, there are hopes that this accessory can be replicated on an Arduino, for attachment to a Raspberry Pi. | |||
== Variants == | == Variants == | ||
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There are about 3 variants of the PC Printer Option, designed for different typewriter series. | There are about 3 variants of the PC Printer Option, designed for different typewriter series. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 5''' - I've never seen this variant but all evidence points to it's existence. It uses a different connection wire than the WW3 | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 5''' - I've never seen this variant but all evidence points to it's existence. It uses a different connection wire than the WW3. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 3 | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 3''' - A slightly newer variant of the Wheelwriter 5. It uses a different connection wire than the WW5, so even though the casing is the same, the option cards aren't. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 1000/Personal Wheelwriter 2''' - A smaller, lighter version of the Wheelwriter which requires a different design and shape for the option card than the WW1500. | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 1000/Personal Wheelwriter 2''' - A smaller, lighter version of the Wheelwriter which requires a different design and shape for the option card than the WW1500. | ||
* '''IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 10 | * '''IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 6/10/1500/3500''' (not sure if 2000/3000 supported) - These were the last Wheelwriters made, and are dual labeled with IBM/Lexmark. They are larger than the 1000/WW2 series, but the same size as the WW5/WW3 series. These Wheelwriters supports printing backwards, cutting the printing time in half. When it takes 2 minutes to print with previous models, that's quite an improvement. | ||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 5/Wheelwriter 3) == | |||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter | |||
For these typewriters, installing option cards is pretty straightforward. The Option Card case just clips on the back, and then you attach the cable to the slot covered by a case flap on the top left. The end. | For these typewriters, installing option cards is pretty straightforward. The Option Card case just clips on the back, and then you attach the cable to the slot covered by a case flap on the top left. The end. | ||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 1500/3500) == | == Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 1500/3500) == | ||
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=== Centronics to Parallel Port/USB === | === Centronics to Parallel Port/USB === | ||
Like most Daisywheel/Dot-Matrix Printers from the 1980s, the IBM Wheelwriter Printer Option uses a 36-pin Centronics Printer Port. This port can be hooked up to an ordinary DB-25 Parallel Port on an older PC, using a [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005114K/ | Like most Daisywheel/Dot-Matrix Printers from the 1980s, the IBM Wheelwriter Printer Option uses a 36-pin Centronics Printer Port. This port can be hooked up to an ordinary DB-25 Parallel Port on an older PC, using a [Centronics-to-Parallel Cable. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005114K/] | ||
For modern computer enthusiasts, the Centronics Port can still be hooked up to modern computers via USB, using adapter cables: | For modern computer enthusiasts, the Centronics Port can still be hooked up to modern computers via USB, using adapter cables: | ||
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=== Printing from Windows (Generic/Text Only Driver) === | === Printing from Windows (Generic/Text Only Driver) === | ||
Windows still has the option to use the ancient “Generic/Text Only Driver”. Just like DOS, this “driver” | Windows still has the option to use the ancient “Generic/Text Only Driver”. Just like DOS, this “driver” simply tosses text at the parallel port. Simply install this driver after plugging the parallel cable into the PC. | ||
Unfortunately, this driver lacks helpful configuration options (notably, the margin size cannot be reduced). Stick to FreeDOS or Linux if the Windows drivers aren’t enough. | Unfortunately, this driver lacks helpful configuration options (notably, the margin size cannot be reduced). Stick to FreeDOS or Linux if the Windows drivers aren’t enough. | ||
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Alternatively, when using a word processor application, choose '''Print''' to send data to the printer. | Alternatively, when using a word processor application, choose '''Print''' to send data to the printer. | ||
=== Printing from Linux/Mac (CUPS) === | === Printing from Linux/Mac (CUPS) === | ||
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Perhaps a Markdown-based print script can be produced. Or, hook up an IBM Model M to the computer, set up a TTY display to /dev/lp0, and create an impromptu teletype! | Perhaps a Markdown-based print script can be produced. Or, hook up an IBM Model M to the computer, set up a TTY display to /dev/lp0, and create an impromptu teletype! | ||
* [http://jnocook.net/geek/printing.htm | * [Source: jnocook.net - Printing via LPT1 on a Linux box http://jnocook.net/geek/printing.htm] | ||
== | == Drop-in Replacement == | ||
There's some sort of mysterious electronic sequence going on in the PC Printer Option. | There's some sort of mysterious electronic sequence going on in the PC Printer Option. | ||
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=== Output Card to Wheelwriter === | === Output Card to Wheelwriter === | ||
Then, something magic happens in the black box of the option card that then causes the Wheelwriter to start typing. Now how would we figure out what is going on here? | Then, something magic happens in the black box of the option card that then causes the Wheelwriter to start typing. Now how would we figure out what is going on here? | ||
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* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yDV0WwSdmklh-ueRPAgxhX4QEhc2cF9khwkeod91ky4/edit Google Docs - Enhanced Transcript of PC Printer Option PDF] | * [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yDV0WwSdmklh-ueRPAgxhX4QEhc2cF9khwkeod91ky4/edit Google Docs - Enhanced Transcript of PC Printer Option PDF] | ||
[[File:ww-printer-option-installation.pdf|thumb|'''PDF''': IBM Wheelwriter Repair Information Manual, Pages (3-27) - (3-30): PC Printer Option. Helpfully provided by Jim from Typewriters.com.]] | [[File:ww-printer-option-installation.pdf|thumb|'''PDF''': IBM Wheelwriter Repair Information Manual, Pages (3-27) - (3-30): PC Printer Option. Helpfully provided by Jim from Typewriters.com.]] |