[rickster]

Hi all
I'm trying to connect my G4 PowerMac running OS 10.3.2 to my old 9600 running 8.6 using a crossover cable (in order to use my LaserWriter Pro 630.) Ignoring the printer for now, the 9600 can see the G4 via the chooser by entering the IP address manually. I can access G4 files and even use apps from its OS9 system folder when accessed from the 9600. However the OS X "Connect to Server..." never sees the 9600 via the IP address I set for it, nor does it ever show up in the list of network drives when I "Browse" from the "Connect to Server..." window.
I've tried every (!) combination of TCP/IP and AppleTalk settings on both machines and am completely flummoxed.
I've tried pinging it but there's no response. The 9600 is very quiet when monitored in the Network Activity window except when it's connected to the G4 from the other end.
Is there a compatibility issue here? I've been searching for ages and I've found quite a few similar posts to my own on various sites. It would seem there are a lot of networking compatibility problems between 10.3.2 and ALL Classic OS's.
I'm reluctant to try installing OS9.1 on the 9600 as I've read LOADS of posts from people who can't get the network going in EITHER direction.
Also, the G4 knows the 9600 is there as it forbids me from setting the IP addresses the same!
I have Open Transport 2.0.3 but am finding it difficult to find out for sure if this is the latest version compatible with 8.6. Any later versions I've found are for OS9.x only.
I'm going to try the LaserWriter Bridge once I can see the 9600 from the G4. Any advice on this issue would also be GREATLY appreciated.
Any takers?
Thanks
Rick

[car1son]

One reason your connection behaves differently depending on the direction is that OS 8.6 will connect to a file server using TCP/IP, but when acting as a server it uses classic Appletalk over Ethernet (w/o TCP/IP).
For this to work you need to set your Network Preference's Ethernet settings to make AppleTalk active.
I read in another forum that under 10.3 you must also turn AppleTalk on in Directory Services (apparently in 10.3 the default is for AppleTalk to be disabled.) You should find the Directory Access utility in your Applications/Utilities folder, and AppleTalk under the Services tab must be checked (click the Lock and enter admin password to make the change.)

[rickster]

car1son, you rock!
I thought you might be the man for the job having seen some of your other posts.
I already had AppleTalk on in OS X in both Network Prefs and Directory Access but never tried disabling TCP/IP on the 9600 as I assumed that was how it would connect.
Thanks a million
Rick

[rickster]

Don't suppose anyone (esp car1son) knows how to setup LocalTalk/LaserWriter Bridge. I'm finding it difficult to find out which one I need - does LocalTalk Bridge make LaserWriter Bridge obsolete?
I've tried installing LocalTalk Bridge 2.1 on the 9600 (set to On and Public) but as soon as G4 connects via AppleTalk the 9600 can't talk to the printer.
Sorry, I don't know the inner workings of AppleTalk or LocalTalk and so can't work it out...
Thanks /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[rickster]

I've managed to find the right version of the LaserWriter Bridge Control Panel (as opposed to LocalTalk Bridge) and I can see the printer fine from Panther by AppleTalk via Ethernet. I can even send jobs to it but as soon as I do, it tells me "The multi-purpose tray is out of paper" and then I can't print from 8.6 on the 9600 either.
Once I reboot the printer I can print from 8.6 again but as soon as I try again from OS X it instigates the same error.
I've checked the paper tray settings in the Set Up utility on both machines but I can't find how to specify the default tray settings in Panther.
Also there's a Utility icon in the Printer List Toolbar which is greyed out - what's the point in that? Surely there are some settings in here I could take a look at...

[rickster]

I know I'm largely talking to myself here but I really have nothing better to do with my life at the moment.
I want to be able to:
1. Delete the other printers from the Chooser in 8.6 so that I don't have to select my LaserWriter Pro 630 every time I power up this machine. (Setting it as default in Location Manager doesn't seem to work)
2. Stop it printing it's setup page every time it powers up - is this possible?
3. Sort out this OS X thing where it swithes the tray when printing from there ever though the correct tray is properly installed (both software and hardware.)
4. Stop talking to myself..... :-)
Help me Obi Wan Kenobi - you're our only hope.

[Ralph_Thornton]

In reply to:

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1. Delete the other printers from the Chooser in 8.6 so that I don't have to select my LaserWriter Pro 630 every time I power up this machine. (Setting it as default in Location Manager doesn't seem to work)

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The Printer files are located in the Extensions folder. You can use the Extensions Manager (when booted into OS 9.2.2 or while running Classic) to turn off uneeded printer files.

In reply to:

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2. Stop it printing it's setup page every time it powers up - is this possible?

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Yes, this is possible. There is probably an OS X way to do it but on my machine I used the OS 9 version of the Apple Printer Utility. This came with my OS 9 System files and was located in the OS 9 Applications folder, possibly within the Utilities folder of the OS 9 Applications. Start Classic and run the Apple Printer Utility. (Make sure your printer is on and warmed up first.) You'll see many options including changing the name of the printer and Startup Page where you can turn off the printing of a Startup Page.

In reply to:

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3. Sort out this OS X thing where it swithes the tray when printing from there ever though the correct tray is properly installed (both software and hardware.)

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When I set up my LaserWriter 16/600 I encountered a similar problem. It seems once the Multi-Tray was selected a print job has to complete before you can make changes there. So put some paper in the Multi-Tray and let the machine print the jobs in the Que. Then the next time you choose Print (in OS X) check the various options in the third drop down menu usually set to Copies and Pages. Select Paper Feed and choose All Pages from Cassette. Before clicking on the Print button, select the 2nd drop down menu (Presets) and save your settings with a unique name like 630 Cassette or whatever you choose. Then you can print. The next time you print that setting should be choosen by default. If you, at some time in the future, want to print from the Multi-Tray you can make a Preset for it as well.

In reply to:

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4. Stop talking to myself..... :-)

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That's up to you but hopefully these suggestions will help.
BTW: I'd connect my computers and the printer to an ethernet hub instead of using the cross over cable. You might need to get some AAUI connectors for the printer and the older computer. Then all devices will be connected via Ethernet.

[rickster]

Thanks Ralph
It's all sorted now. printing at last!
I actually found the "Print cover page" setting in the 8.6 Finder > File > Print Desktop... dialog which is full of settings. The option was already checked but I changed it, changed it back and saved it and it no longer chops down trees unnecessarily...not that I don't use recycled paper...or recycle what I use /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Thanks again
Rickster
PS: Now talking to other people - my therapist recommended it.