Communications Checks Table 7-34. Communications Checks Checks Action Is your computer configured to the parameters described in the configuration instructions? These parameters are required to communicate with the printer. Verify that the configuration of the computer's communications port matches these parameters. Note: If these parameters are not set properly, an error may display on the Control Panel. For Serial Communications Only Does the printer's baud rate match that of the computer's communications port? Print a Configuration Page to verify the baud rate setting. At the computer, verify that the baud rate is set correctly in any configuration files. Note:
A baud rate problem may cause an error. Are you using the correct cable for communications between the computer and the printer? Hint: On an RS-232 cable, pins 2 and 3 may need to be reversed at the printer-end of the cable. Are you using the correct RS-232-C protocol? During the communications “handshake,” the printer transmits both the XON/XOFF signal and the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) signal. The DTR signal may be either negative going, or positive going. DTR polarity is set at the printer's Control Panel. The XON may be set to normal (only transmitted when data is needed), or Robust XON (transmitted every second). This feature is configurable from the Control Panel.
DTR is available at pin 20, and XOFF is transmitted from pin 2 of the printer. If using a serial interface, is the cable longer than 50 feet (15 meters)? The maximum recommended cable length for RS-232 serial communications is 50 feet (15 meters). Use the correct cable or move the printer closer to the host. 7-82 Troubleshooting