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HP DesignJet 500ps workaround - it works
Authored by: barryjaylevine on Apr 04, '03 11:23:25AM

I took the "ps" file I created from the OSX app (AppleWorks, in this instance) by "printing to a file" and burned it to a CD. (Remember, I used the DJ800 PPD and defined a 24x42 paper size, then used that for the "Page Setup". The "draw" document (in AppleWorks) immediately enlarged to that size. I placed various text, table, and draw objects in various colors, blends, etc. all over the page.) Then I took the CD over to the location where the DJ500 is working (in an OS9 environment) and dropped the ps file into the RIP's jobs window. The RIP immediately began doing its magic and printed the job flawlessly.

So this means that, worst case, an OSX Mac with the DJ800 PPD installed can print to a ps file which can then be transferred over to the OS9 Mac acting as the RIP/Print Server where the job gets printed.

The only thing I have not yet checked is whether a Mac running OSX can -directly- "connect" to the printer through the IP address of the Mac that's the RIP/Print Server. It should also be possible to use AppleTalk instead of IP. Once the site gets its new Macs (it's a school district site so this may take a few months knowing how slowly things work), I'll provide confirmation.

However, if some helpful soul would like to provide this info before I manage to get around to it, please do post it and drop me an eMail!

Regards,
Barry



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HP DesignJet 500ps workaround - it works
Authored by: barryjaylevine on May 28, '03 10:54:22AM

My customer received her new Dual-1.25G4 so we transferred the old 120GB data drive from her B&W over to the new machine, copied over the (OS9) HP RIP software, and set Classic and then the HP RIP to launch upon startup.

To print to the HP500PS from OSX, you "print to a postscript file". The postscript option only is available if you have the proper ppd and driver. We're using the HP800PS ppd (per HP's recommendation as it is OSX native). The resulting file is then simply dropped into the HP RIP's status window and it prints perfectly.

Bonus: Because Classic exists in its own memory space, any OSX apps are not affected by the "chug, chug, grunt, grunt" of the RIP in Classic. In other words: OSX apps are not slowed down by the OS9 RIP!

No success yet in using the old B&W for a RIP server. Seems there's nowhere to "drop" the postscript file if you have to do it over the network. If HP doesn't release an OSX RIP soon, I'll have to experiment with an AppleScript or write something in Revolution to handle this.

However, like the dancing mule, the wonder is not how well it dances but that it dances at all.



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