    AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1669          02/18/97

    TITLE:  Ascentia A and Pentax PocketJet Printer

    ISSUE

       The Ascentia A system will not print to a Pentax PocketJet
       printer over the Parallel Port. The system will report the
       following error message:

            "Error writing to LPTX"

       This issue affects all Ascentia A systems.

    BACKGROUND

       The Ascentia A, in accordance with IEEE specifications,
       distinguishes between an IEEE 1284-compatible device, such as the
       PocketJet, and devices using other protocols according to the
       signal state on Pin 24.

       Failing to sense the required signal level on that pin, the
       Ascentia A communicated incorrectly with the PocketJet.

    ACTION

       Contact Pentax Technical Support at 303-460-1820 to obtain a
       replacement cable for the PocketJet.

    NOTES

       Pentax is aware of this issue, and the problem will be corrected
       in new builds.

    TAN 001152MH

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