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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.