Does this printer support Centronics interface? Qume Letter Pro Plus

[mvno_subscriber]

So I have this printer that seemingly, based on the connector (50 pin micro ribbon), uses some kind of SCSI/SASI interface.



However, the connector on the back is replaceable (it connects to a 50 pin edge connector on an interface card inside the printer). Also, in the lid of the printer, there's information regarding jumper settings for different interfaces. Apparently it supports both serial and parallel interfaces.



Now I haven't found out where these jumpers are - if they're on the main logic board I would have to disassemble pretty much the entire printer (it's hidden deep down within). Before I do this though, have any of you used similar printers, and if so, am I on a wild goose chase? Would it be possible to build an interface adapter to make it use a standard Centronics interface?

 

[Chuck(G)]

I strongly doubt that the interface is SCSI. Ad copy says that it supports both serial and Centronics parallel interfaces. Absent your missing a card, all you might need is the right cable.

But those aren't jumpers; those are DIP switch settings.

Your best bet is to find a manual for this thing.

 

[MikeS]

What Chuck said; looks like there are only the usual two interface options, parallel and serial, and that sure looks like a parallel connector even if it's a different size. A serial connector would most likely be a DB-25 type.

 

[mvno_subscriber]

My google skills are obviously not on par, I've tried looking all over for this! Thanks!

Ok, so if there is some special adapter from 36 pin to 50, I might not be searching properly (50 pin always leads to SCSI in my search results).

The machine it came with is currently out of order, but if I find the strobe pin I guess I could figure it out from there. I assume the pins will be grouped somewhat similar to a centronics port, with some space between. As long as I stick to 5V I guess I can't do any harm?

 

[MikeS]

It's an unusual connector all right; is there anything between it and the 50-pin edge connector or is it just a passive cable? The eight data lines would probably be the easiest to find...

 

[Chuck(G)]

A rational engineer might indeed view the 50 line connector as 36+14, so the Centronics interface might be pin-for-pin in the same order as a standard parallel interface. But that's assuming that the engineer was rational...

Good luck!

 

[SomeGuy]

I'd check for odd voltages coming from any of the pins. Without knowing, it could be some extra pins are for powering something. Also check out which ones are ground and perhaps eliminate any pins that have no connections.

 

[PhilipA]

Major thread revival but my Lanier has what looks like that interface on it; 50 pin going to a Qume printer.

I'm in the middle of doing a breakdown of the board and make a schematic.

Most of the center pins are ground and voltage through a resistor pack from the 5v rail.
There are 22 of the 50 connections that aren't ground/power.

Phil