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Author HP LaserJet 1100 on PowerMac 8600/200? (Read 70438 times)
spintronic40
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on: February 27, 2025, 21:15

Hi all,

Wondering if anybody has ever connected an HP LaserJet 1100 or something similar to a PowerMac 8600/200 running System 7.6.1? Do I need special drivers and if so where could I find them in this day and age?

I see online that maybe running the LaserWriter 8.6 driver would work with it since it's a PCL driver? The LserJet 1100 runs PCL 5e. Drivers on HP's website range from DOS to Windows to Linux, but nothing for Apple gear. Are there any built in drivers in System 7.6.1 specifically for PCL 5e? Still searching the web. Will let you all know what I find out.

It would be nice to bring my old printer back to life at my new office at work.

Thanks,
Jovan
Last Edit: February 27, 2025, 21:27 by spintronic40
MTT
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Reply #1 on: February 28, 2025, 01:30

@Jovan: - Big problem that I can see is how this printer model interfaces to computers.

AFAICT, the HP LaserJet 1100 is a Parallel Port Printer, meaning PC's (Windows, DOS, Linux, etc,) with a Parallel Port interface, only.

There is no such connection port available for a classic or modern Mac.

And I'm hoping that I'm wrong here, but it's what I'm seeing in the specs for this model. "HP LaserJet 1100 Printer" PDF (https link).
spintronic40
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Reply #2 on: February 28, 2025, 09:38

Ah I see. That port that looks like a parallel port on the 8600/200 is actually a SCSI port correct? No way this printer will work then.
lauland
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Reply #3 on: February 28, 2025, 15:28

Do NOT plug those plugs in together!

It MIGHT be possible to get it to work with something like a magical "serial2parallel" device, but even then you'd still need the right driver.  Your best bet might be to connect it to a Linux machine and share it using something like "netatalk".
MTT
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Reply #4 on: March 01, 2025, 04:23

@spintronic40:

SCSI on Mac, Parallel on PC, like lauland says - don't go there !

There were solutions made back in the 90's to connect Mac printer ports to parallel via cable and dongles, plus drivers.

How simple would it be to come across one of those, 30 years down the road?

But if you ever do, the Mac Garden has the drivers for it if you need them.
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