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AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1218                6-12-95

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PRINTING PROBLEMS WITH THE ASCENTIA 9XX N CONNECTED VIA THE EASYPORT III 
TO AN HP LASERJET 4P PRINTER


PROBLEM

While docked in the EasyPort III, using Windows 3.11 and Word 6.0, graphics 
cannot be printed to an HP LaserJet 4P.  The printer will either return the 
following error message: "Error 22" or print a distorted version of the 
graphic. 

When the printer is connected directly to the Ascentia 9XXN (no EasyPort), 
the system does not exhibit printing problems.  

NOTE: The length of the parallel cable being used is 15 feet.


CAUSE

The parallel cable used exceeded the specified cable length of the IEEE 1284 
Standard.  

In 1993 a new interface specification was formalized and adopted by the 
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) as part of a new 
industry standard for PC-to-peripheral parallel interface communications.
(HP Statement Of Compliance For The IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface #1951.)

IEEE1284 is backwards compatible with the older Centronics specifications 
but offers more functionality and performance for new PC and peripheral 
products.
(HP Statement Of Compliance For The IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface #1951.)

The HP LaserJet 4P utilizes an IEEE 1284 type "B" parallel connector which 
supports a maximum cable length of 3 meters (10 feet).
(Parallel Cabling Information For HP LaserJet Printer And The HP Explorer 
Program #1959.)


SYSTEMS AFFECTED
AST PART NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION

All Ascentia 9XXN systems.


SOLUTION

Use a 3 meter (10 feet) or less parallel cable that is IEEE 1284 compliant.  
HP IEEE 1284 compliant parallel cables are available from authorized HP 
resellers or by calling HP Direct at 1-800-538-8787.