Printing from HP-86B ?

[Dave Frederickson]

(07-06-2017 04:24 PM)smp Wrote:  I thought that it might be a good idea to try and add a printer onto my HP-86B setup. I took a look at TAS, and yessiree, there are GPIB printers available, mostly HP ThinkJet 2225As, and, of course their prices start at $100 and go up from there. I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of money for something that I don't know if it even works, nor if I can get supplies for it.

I came across this interesting device:

http://prologix.biz/gpib-usb-controller.html

At $149, at least it is an available device e supported by the company that sells it. However, it seems to be designed to plug onto a piece of test equipment and then a modern computer will control the instrument from its USB port. I'm not so sure if it works the other way around, with the HP-86B being the controller.

Does anyone here have any experience with something like this? What are your thoughts or suggestions?

Hi smp,

2225A's can be found on eBay for less than $100. I recall seeing a 2225 recently for $25 plus shipping. The primary concern with ThinkJet's is that the ink is (was?) corrosive and if it leaked out of the printhead it was usually all over the flex connector and carriage assembly.



This usually destroys the flex cable. Best to shop around and find a printer with a good flex. Also, Martin has a procedure for modifying QuietJet flex cables to work with the 2225.

http://www.mh-aerotools.de/hp/documents/...202225.pdf

The USB-GPIB controller will be of no use connecting a printer. What you could do is connect a PIL-Box to an 82938A HP-IL adapter and then print to the virtual printer in ILPer.

Dave