Topic awaiting preservation: I need documentation for an old printer

I have an IDS Prism printer that I bought back in the mid 1980s. It is a color printer and still in good shape, but in all the moving I've done since I bought the printer, I have lost the users manual for the printer.

I think IDS became Dataproducts in the late 1980s and then went out of business in the mid 1990s.

Does anyone have a suggestion where I could find a copy of the users guide for this printer? I have tried several web searches and come up with lots of places to get ribbons for the printer but little else.


Thanks for your suggestions.




-- not necessarily stoned... just beautiful.

Thats pretty old stuff, maybe if you posted what you need it to do maybe ? Or if you really need the full manual, I doubt you'll have much luck. Someone may remember or still use it, I'm sure theres a place somewhere for that kinda thing.

I understand your saying this is an old printer since most of the computer I have bought in the last few years seem to fall apart within two or three years.

When I first bought the printer I had it attached to an Apple computer using RS-232. I believe the printer can also be connected to a parallel port but since it is currently configured for RS-232, I would need to change the configuration to connect it to a PC.

I also need to get a copy of the command codes that control the printer so I can write a program or a driver to control the printer from the PC. The command codes are the code that allow me to set the text size, the font, the color, and text or graphics mode of the printer.

Most of the manual is involved with describing the hardware setup of the printer and what the controls codes do so I figure I will need most of the manual to do what I want to do.

I had hoped someone might know of a web site for older computers where I might find the information I need.




-- not necessarily stoned... just beautiful.

unless this is the very best printer in the know universe,
or you have no cash and *tons* of spare time,
I'd suggest you are a good consumer and buy a new printer that will only last a couple of years :-).

Honestly,
I have no idea where to find a manual. Your best bet would probably be to contact one of those 'ribbon sellers'...

sorry,
Tyberius Prime

Ps: hope you're aware, that in 5 years time, you won't be able to buy a consumer pc with a rs-232 connector any more...

Hey! I take offense to that!!

...not sure why, but I do...

The best place to find old stuff... www.ebay.com

Thanks for all your help. I guess I will keep on looking for the documentation. This is a very reliable printer, and with the state of the software development market right now. I have the time to do the research.

Thanks for all your help.




-- not necessarily stoned... just beautiful.