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TECHINFO-0020607
TOPIC
My Power Macintosh 5400/120 prints very slowly to a LaserWriter over LocalTalk. When I try printing any document, it takes an extrememly long time to print. In some cases, printing takes several hours. However, printing over Ethernet works fine.
What could be causing this?
DISCUSSION
Apple Computer, Inc. has received reports of extremely slow printing over LocalTalk from some Macintosh Performa and Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 series computers. Apple has isolated the cause to specific printing devices on specific configurations noted below.
Description of Issue
The slow printing symptom appears to be caused by specific situations, including:
- When some devices send a CTS (Clear To Send) signal too quickly in response to the computers' RTS (Request To Send). The LaserWriter 16/600 w/1.0 IOP ROMs is an example of this situation.
- When virtual memory is turned on. However, with virtual memory turned off, the printer prints in an acceptable amount of time.
Affected Computers
Any 200 MHz or slower Macintosh Performa or Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 series computer without L2 cache installed may experience these symptoms.
Affected Printers
- Apple LaserWriter IINT
- Apple LaserWriter 16/600 with 1.0 ROMs
Solutions
- Apple is currently looking into a solution to these issues. In the interim, Apple suggests the following workarounds:
- Add L2 cache (Apple part number: M4505LL/A)
- Turn off virtual memory (add additional physical RAM if additional memory is needed)
- Upgrade network from LocalTalk to Ethernet
- If you are printing to a LaserWriter 16/600, verify the version of the IOP ROM. The ROM version is written on the printer's startup page in the small print on the left side of the page. If the IOP ROM version is 1.0, contact an Apple-authorized service provider for information about upgrading the printer ROM.
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