Printer-Host

Communication

HP-GL emulation, HP-PCL emulation, or another optional emulation) from those installed on the printer.

The print job is processed without your having to change printer switch settings or send software commands to accommodate different printer emulations.

When your printer is in ESP mode, you can easily print files prepared for a PostScript printer, an HP LaserJet, or an HP-GL plotter. The file prints correctly as long as it begins with the traditional PostScript or HP-GL commands for such items as page formats and job parameters (number of copies, page margins, fonts).

The QMS 1660 Print System prints almost any file sent in a language ESP technology understands, whether you have one, two, or more hosts, and whether you are communicating through a parallel, serial, Ethernet, or optional interface. Most users never have to change from ESP mode to another mode.

Communication Modes

You can either allow your printer to operate in its default ESP mode or configure its ports to accept jobs in only a particular emulation mode (for example, PostScript emulation only, HP PCL only, or HP-GL emulation only). The default printer communication settings can be changed through the Configuration menu, which you access through the control panel—in the Administration/Communications menu, you can choose a default emulation for the parallel and serial interfaces, and in the Administration/Emulations menu, you can configure the printer defaults for each emulation mode. (The optional LocalTalk interface uses only PostScript.)

Advanced users can also use PostScript operators to reconfigure printer ports. Generally, it is best to keep your printer in ESP mode. Since ESP mode is the factory default, all you have to do to use it initially is connect your host and printer and then send a file.

If you do want to reconfigure the interface ports for specific emulations (or if you need to return the printer to ESP mode), use the printer's control panel (the Administration/Communications menu).

Additional Technical Information

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