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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: quarkx on October 09, 2008, 04:41:47 AM

Title: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: quarkx on October 09, 2008, 04:41:47 AM

Hi, all, I am thinking of adding a dot matrix printer to my A2000 set up. What are some suggestions? I was thinking for adding an Okidata Proline printer, but I am unsure if any drivers are available. I also noticed that Okidata had a "Commodore" model. but how hard is it to get the Amiga package? I am looking for a printer that is easy to find and the ribbons are still sold everywhere.
What do you guys think?

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: Jiffy on October 09, 2008, 07:32:09 AM

Any Epson compatible 24 pins printer will do. I still have an Epson LQ570+, used for printing logfiles from my server. Ribbons can still be found, it's reliable and the sound it produces while printing makes me feel all warm & fuzzy...

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: darksun9210 on October 09, 2008, 08:26:49 AM

i used to have a Star LC10C somewhere, but it think its long gone or in store... try to get a 24pin version. most of the time they were a bit quieter. and better quality output or get an HP Deskjet5xx. much quieter/faster/ink still available :-)

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: Tumbleweed on October 09, 2008, 11:09:54 AM

I used to use a Star LC24-10 when I had my old A500. it was a great printer. I then moved onto a HP Deskjet 500C when I got my A4000. Id' recommend either of these, but I haven't seen many on eBay.

There's one here though

HP 500 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HEWLETT-PACKARD-DESKJET-500-PRINTER_W0QQitemZ230298109559QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230298109559&_trkparms=72%3A1121%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: melott on October 09, 2008, 02:15:22 PM

I've been using a Panasonic printer for quite a few years.
I'm using a Panasonic KX-P2380 printer now... upgraded from
a KX-P1080. No problems with drivers.
Ribbons can be found on line cheap.

Mel

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: Lozrus on October 09, 2008, 03:11:26 PM

I work for Star and I know that our old desktop printers worked well. Used to have one myself. Unfortunately we don't sell them anymore and there are no old units knocking around the office or I'd see what it costs to send one out to Canada.

I'll ask our US office if they have any. Ribbons are sill available and we still have some copies of the driver disks.

LC-10 was pretty legendary for the Amiga and C64, Star Uk sold millions, the last well supported model on the Amiga was the LC240, a 24 pin colour model.

I was actually contracted by Star (before I worked for them) to write some Amiga configuration software for their last line of matrix and thermal transfer printers (for setting alignment and other internal options), all made with Blitz Basic!

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: quarkx on October 09, 2008, 03:57:00 PM

Thanks,
The reason I was asking about Okidata, is that they are very cheap, easy to get a hold of, still being made and the ribbons are a dime a dozen. They are work horses. I really don't want to get something that is impossible to get parts or ribbons for (been there with all my Tandy printers)

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: twizzle on October 09, 2008, 07:33:56 PM

i use a panasonic kx-p2123 24 pin dot matrix colour printer with my 1200 tower, and its been a good workhorse,
its over 20yrs old and still going strong,
ribbons are still easily available,
it uses the epson drivers.

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: rkauer on October 09, 2008, 10:15:22 PM

 I still have an Epson LQ570+. Works like a charm, but now I'm surrendered myself to a Canon BJC250 (Amiga side).

 On the peecee I have a HP scanner/card reader/printer via USB (shame I don't have the $$$ for a Subway).

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: AmigaMance on October 10, 2008, 06:30:35 AM

I am also thinking of using a 24pin, dot matrix printer on my Amiga 1200, because they seem to be much more cost effective than bubble-jet ones... Right??
 I was using a canon bjc-4100 and it turned to be too costy. It was draining the cartidge's ink like mad. Ribbons on the other hand are dirty cheap.

Quote

I still have an Epson LQ570+. Works like a charm, but now I'm surrendered myself to a Canon BJC250 (Amiga side).

 Hey, rkauer. How's the ink consumption on this model?

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: InTheSand on October 10, 2008, 06:40:31 AM

Hi,

Might also be worth considering a cheap mono laser printer - you can still get some that have parallel ports, or if your Amiga's got a network connection, that's another route to take.

As long as the printer supports PostScript natively, Amiga PostScript drivers are available...

 - Ali

Title: Re: Thinking about adding a dot matrix printer
Post by: darksun9210 on October 10, 2008, 07:51:26 AM

thats a fair idea. if you can pickup an old HP laserjet 4000 or 4200, you may be able to erm... "liberate" the toner cartridges from work. i know i can :lol:

at my old place we threw out (had the recycling company come and pick up for free) about 10 HP8100's last year. i'd have had one if i wouldn't have needed a palet truck to get the thing home! (and that the missus would have killed me) :-D