134Chapter 3 Communications FailuresCommunications FailuresMany host-printer communications problems are complex. With the exceptionof a defective interface cable, most communications problems are not a resultof a hardware failure. They usually result from an incompatible configurationof the host computer system, network (LAN, print server, controller,multiplexer, etc.), or the printer. Sometimes the print application program itselfis at fault.If you have limited communications experience, and the cause of the problemis not readily apparent, do the following:1. Print out the printer configuration, including the E-Net Test Page if thecustomer is using the ethernet interface.2. Obtain a copy of the Device Host Configuration if possible.3. Call your support group for assistance in problem analysis.If you cannot obtain support, or you have experience solving host-printercommunications problems, the following additional information is provided.You can quickly check the ASCII portion of the printer logic by sending a plaintext file from a PC to the printer via the parallel or serial port. For a descriptionof each of the ASCII interfaces, refer to the User’s Manual.Table 5. Communications ProblemsProblem Interface Possible Causes & SolutionsFails to print from host-or-Prints incorrect characters-or-Prints extra characters-or-Drops charactersParallel • Interface cable defective• Host/Network configuration• Printer logic• Terminating ResistorsSerial • Host/Printer interface cable pinouts incompatible• Host/Printer/Network configuration• Set DTR and RTS both True• Interface cable defective• Printer logicEthernet • Interface cable defective• Host/Printer/Network configuration• Printer logic
