Connecting the Apex80 to Your Computer

Now that the test pattern has shown that your printer is operational, it’s time to hook it up to your computer.

Remember that computer systems communicate with printers in a variety of ways. If your computer expects to communicate through a Centronics parallel interface, all you need is the proper shielded cable. If your computer requires any other kind of interface, you also need an interface board.

If you don’t know what a Centronics parallel interface is, your computer manual or your dealer can tell you what you need. Then, once you have plugged your printer cable into your printer and computer, you will probably never think about interfaces again. (If you do want the technical specifications, however, you can find them in Appendix F.)

Follow these steps and refer to Figure 1-21 to connect your printer and computer:

1.Make sure that both your printer and computer are turned off.

2.Plug the appropriate end of your printer cable into the cable connector of your Apex80 printer. The plug is shaped so it fits the connector only one way.

Figure 1-21.

Cable connection

Setting Up

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