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Q88375: Testing Serial Plotter Connections

Article: Q88375
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 26-SEP-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.1, 3.11 
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SUMMARY
=======

When you print from Microsoft Windows using serial communications (COM) ports,
Windows does not detect error conditions on the printer. The communication
process is one way.

Steps to Test a Serial Plotter Connection
-----------------------------------------

To test whether a plotter is properly connected to a computer running Microsoft
Windows, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:

  echo sp1 ;pd 1000,1000 ;pu > comX:

In the above command, "x" is the number of the serial port being used (for
example, COM1).

This test will activate the plotter, select pen 1, and draw a line down the
length of the page.

If this test does not work correctly, contact your dealer or hardware
manufacturer for assistance. The following is a list of possible problems that
will cause the plotter to not function properly:

- Incorrect switch settings on plotter

- Incorrect MS-DOS-mode settings

- Interrupt conflict with another hardware device

- Bad printer cable

- Bad serial connection

Additional query words: 3.00 3.10 3.11 tshoot dos mode comm

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin300 kbWin310 kbWin311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0,3.1,3.11

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