Windows only Printers  


Q.    Can I use the Z88 to print to a 'Windows only' printer?

A    YES if you have a Windows computer.

The chances are that you already have the printer connected to the computer that you are reading this web page on, so let's start with a list of requirements.

Hardware Requirements

  • Standard Z88.
    No additional RAM is required. The internal printing command to print to an EPSON FX-80 Printer will be used.
  • Z88 - PC Lead.
    To connect the Z88 to the Serial COM port on the     PC.
  • USB - Serial Port Adapter (Optional).
  • If your computer doesn't have a serial port you need one of these.

  • Windows computer
  • Computer to Printer lead
    It can be a parallel or USB connection.
  • 'Windows only' Printer.
You just need one or two additional items as you should have the other items already.

Software Requirements
 There are several programs that seem to do the same thing with a free period of time to test them, so you can test them before parting with any cash.

The next section guides you through using one of these programs, let's try DOS2USB for starters.

Using DOS2USB
There are a few 'pre-flight requirements' before testing this software.
  1. Check the Printer Editor on the Z88 is set to its default setting FX-80.
    2.
    • []E PrinterED
      Then underneath the PRINTER line it should read Epson.
      if not
    • HARD RESET the Z88.
      •
  2. To find out details of your serial and printer ports you are using,
    • Open the Windows Device Manager.
    • Expand the Ports [COM & LPT]
    Your hardware serial ports, are displayed as Communications Port [COM.1 & 2] look in your computer's instructions on where the COM ports are physically located. [I am using COM.1]
  3. Your  USB - Serial Port Adapter, is displayed as (the make) USB Serial Port [COM.3, 4, 5, & 6].
  4. The printer port is displayed as the ECP Printer Port [LPT1]. See this picture of what you might see. The  and items and numbers may be different, that is why this information is required.
  5. To check that the link between the Z88 and the Windows Computer works, DOWNLOAD this PipeDream file that tests the different printing styles and transfer it to the Z88 with a Z88 to PC Program e.g. Eazylink.
  6. Download PassThru32
  7. Download and Install  DOS2USB.
  8. Start PassThru32 on the computer and set the
    • Modem Port to the COM port the Z88 is connected to in point 2 or 3. [COM.1]
    • Modem Baud Rate to 9600
    • Printer Port to an unused printer port i.e. LPT2:
    • Click on the "Start PassThru" Button.
  9. Follow the instructions in the manual 'Getting Started DOS2USB' remembering to change the Printer setup in DOS2USB to LPT:2
    10.
What is happening here?