MT 88, MT 290, MT 330, MT 340

PTR # 2

	FECO:	PTR # 2
	MODIFICATION NO:	N/A
	PRODUCT:	PRINTERS
	SUB-ASSEMBLY:	N/A
	ESTIMATED MAN HOURS:	N/A
	CLASS OF CHANGE:	INFORMATIONAL
	REASON FOR CHANGE:	POTENTIAL PRINTER PROBLEM
	RELATED FECO/AB	N/A

PRINTERS LOSING PRINT

1.	INTRODUCTION
	There is a problem when using some older printers on newer systems, in that part of the print can become lost.
2.	SYMPTOMS The printer is put OFF LINE. At a later time a print is sent to the printer. The printer is put ON LINE, but only prints part of the required print, the rest being lost.
3.	EQUIPMENT AFFECTED This mainly occurs on Unix Systems, with older printers using XON-XOFF flow control. Those printers known to be affected are:- MT 88, MT 290, MT 330, MT 340 Beware! There may be others. Printers known not to be affected are:- OKI 320/321

EXPLANATION

If the printer is set OFF-LINE it sends an X-OFF, to the system. If the system is not in the "print mode" at that time it does not react to or remember the X-OFF.

When the system goes into the "print mode" it first interrogates the printer. Newer printers resend the X-OFF; older ones do not.

So with an older printer the system sends the print to the printer, the buffer fills up and overflows. When the [printer is put back ON-LINE, it printers only what was in the buffer. The rest of the print being lost.

There is no simple way around this problem other than replace the printer.

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