SECTION 5.
INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
This section presents the interface specifications for the M-8400RV printer. These
specifications include detailed information on how to properly interface your printer
with your host system.
The following information is presented in this section:
• Interface Types
• Using the Receive Buffer
• RS32C Serial Interface
General Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Pin Assignments
Ready/Busy Flow Control
X-On/X-Off Flow Control
Bi-Directional Communications Protocol
• Centronics Parallel Interface
• Accessory (EXT) Connector
INTERFACE TYPES
In order to provide flexibility in communicating with a variety of host computer
systems all M-8400RV printers can be configured for operation with either parallel or
serial data transfers. Both a parallel Centronics and a serial RS232 interface are
supplied with the standard printer.
The Centronics Parallel interface will probably be the most useful in communicating
with IBM PCs and compatibles. The RS232C Serial interface allows connectivity to a
number of other hosts. For instructions on how to properly configure your M-8400RV
printer for either of these interface types, see the Printer Configuration instructions in
Section 2 of this manual.
NOTE: Both the Centronics and RS232C interfaces are active at the same time, i.e.
data can be received on either one, however no provision is made for port
contention. If data is transmitted to both ports simultaneously, it will cause the data
in the receive buffer to be corrupted.
WARNING: Never connect or disconnect interface cables (or use a switch box) with
power applied to either the host or the printer. This may cause damage to the
interface circuitry in the printer/host and is not covered by warranty.
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