VRM 600 to serial printer

[ocguard]

I'm hoping the help I need isn't too specific to our system, because I just don't have many details.

Our fire department has historcally received dispatch print-outs over the radio system's data leg via VRM-600 modems connected directly by serial to Genicom MicroLaser210 desktop printers. The print-out has textual dispatch information on one side, and print the map for the associated box area on the back.

Due to budget constraints, the city has stopped supporting our printers, citing our alphanumeric pagers and MW-80o computers as alternatives. These alternatives tend to be unreliable.

We have (at the members' expense) been nursing our Genicom printer along with expensive toner cartridges, etc. The data stream to the VRM-600 is maintained.

Our Genicom printer has recently died. We have acquired a Xerox Phaser 3600 printer to attempt to continue the printing. But we have no idea what settings need to be adjusted within the printer to allow it to work with the VRM-600. Also, the Xerox printer only has a Centronics 36-pin connector on it -- the cable from the VRM-600 is a 25-pin serial cable which plugged into the Genicom.

Can anyone advise of any hints to make this process successful? Thanks in advance!

[ocguard]

I have successfully made the connection between the NEW printer and the VRM. I've enabled serial port printing in the printer. When a message is sent to our modem, I can see activity on the lights, but the printer does not activate. Any input is greatly appreciated, as I'm out of ideas at this point.

[thebigphish]

Physically making the connection, and making a connection that will WORK are two different things. I've been in your position just recently, and I see a flaw with your setup. The 36 pin centronix is USUALLY a parallel protocol ... which your 25 pin serial connection doesn't speak. The VRM most likely dumps out PCL data 9600-8-N-1 to the printer, that a serial printer will dutifully print out day in- day out, your Phaser is looking for a totally different protocol, as input.

We ponied up for a Oki B4600 which is a serial print WORKHORSE for the money. It holds half a ream, has a 25 pin serial on the back that our OTA data modem had natively, has a several second data->paper warmup, and has separate toner / drum parts so you're not dumping money on a new drum when the toner runs out. Look in to that, what you have may be more trouble than it's worth....or find ANY printer with a serial interface.

[thebigphish]

a quick look at the pdf for the 3600, I do not see serial protocols listed as a valid input, FWIW.

[ocguard]

Thank you both for the feedback. The trial period was a failure, which I'm sure is directly related to the serial/centronix mismatch.

I have the Genicom working intermittantly for the interim. I will look into that Okidata printer as well. Getting tired of dumping our own $ to make government work for the people. But having that written ticket in our hands going out the door is the best assurance we know where we are going.

Thanks again for the quick and informative replies!

[thebigphish]

if the 3600 is in good condition, you should be able to sell it used and easily cover an Oki / equivalent serial printer.