Testing Serial Plotter Connections (88375)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 3.0
- Microsoft Windows 3.1
- Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q88375 SUMMARY
When you print from Microsoft Windows using serial communications (COM)
ports, Windows does not detect error conditions on the printer. The
communication process is one way.
Steps to Test a Serial Plotter Connection
To test whether a plotter is properly connected to a computer running
Microsoft Windows, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:
echo sp1 ;pd 1000,1000 ;pu > comX:
In the above command, "x" is the number of the serial port being used
(for example, COM1).
This test will activate the plotter, select pen 1, and draw a line
down the length of the page.
If this test does not work correctly, contact your dealer or hardware
manufacturer for assistance. The following is a list of possible
problems that will cause the plotter to not function properly:
- Incorrect switch settings on plotter
- Incorrect MS-DOS-mode settings
- Interrupt conflict with another hardware device
- Bad printer cable
- Bad serial connection
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 11/14/2003 |
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| Keywords: | KB88375 |
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