Performing the HP Plotter's Confidence Test
HP 7580B/7585B Plotters
The plotter performs a basic self-test when powered up. It sends an error code to the LED display if it detects a malfunction. To plot the Confidence Test (to check for plotter functionality):
1. Verify that the CALIBRATE switch on the rear panel is set to NORMAL (some early models may not have this switch).
2. Turn the plotter on.
3. Load paper. Install all pens into the carousel and insert the carousel into the plotter.
4. Verify that the REMOTE and VIEW lights are off.
5. Push the CONFIDENCE TEST push button on the rear panel.
Result: The plotter creates a demo plot that will be scaled according to the size of the paper loaded.
HP 7586B Plotter
Same as model 7580B above, except:
In step 1 verify that a black pen is installed in stall #8 of the carousel. Pressing the PEN SELECT 8 key before completing the plot results in a long axis plot of the confidence test. POWER OFF will terminate this mode.
Rear Panel Settings (7586B Shown, Others Similar) Most Common PC Configuration
NOTE: ' x ' marks setting.
Interface mode | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HP-IB | Calibrate Select Silver in the Certification field. Southpaw grammar morrissey rar. Enter Southpaw Grammar in the search field and then press Enter. | x Normal | Confidence |
RS-232-C x | Expand | x Normal | Test |
Emulate | x Normal | ||
Standalone x | Eaves- | (Button) | |
Monitor Mode | x Normal | ||
Local Iso 8601 converter. | x Normal | ||
Parity On | x Off | ||
Even | x Odd | ||
Duplex Half | x Full | ||
Hardwire x | Modem | ||
DTR-Bypass | x Normal | ||
BAUD RATE |
This configuration sets the plotter for the following:
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List of Hewlett-Packard pen plotters are configured using the HP-GL device driver.
Baud=9600
Parity=None
Operating Environment=Direct
Duplex=Full
Handshaking=Hardwire
DTR=Normal
Cables for HP Plotters
Serial (RS-232) cables | Part Number |
|---|---|
25-pin Male to 25-pin Female (3.9 ft) | C2913A |
25-pin Male to 25-pin Female (4.0 ft) | 17255D |
IBM Compatible, including HP Vectra PCs | |
25-pin Male to 9-pin Female (9.9 ft) | 24542G |
25-pin Female to 9-pin Female (9.9 ft) | 24542H (7550 only) |
Centronics Parallel cables | |
36-pin M/25-pin M (9.9 ft) | C2951A |
36-pin M/25-pin M (6.6 ft, heavily shielded and grounded) | C2950A |
NOTE: 1. A straight through serial cable will not work properly. See the serial wiring diagrams below.
2. Note the computer/modem port of the HP 7550 Series plotters is a male serial interface and requires a female connector on the plotter end of the cable.
3. HP 7550 Series plotters use the same serial cable wiring configuration as other HP Plotters, HP LaserJet printers and HP DeskJet printers. However, the gender of the cable end that attaches to the HP 7550 series plotter is the opposite.
Cables and other supplies can be ordered by calling one of the following:
* HP DIRECT
* HP's Support Material Organization
* An authorized HP dealer
NOTE: Three sources of information are readily available to help you find an HP Support Services phone number:
1. The World Wide WEB at URL http://www.hp.com/cpso-support/guide/home.html
2. The User's Guide that came with your HP product.
3. An authorized HP Dealer or Retailer.
RS-232-C Serial Cable Pin Outs
25-Pin to 25-Pin Cable
The wiring for 25-pin to 25-pin cables listed above are identical. Only length and gender vary.
Plotter | Computer | |
|---|---|---|
Protective Ground | 1----1 | Protective Ground |
Transmit Data | 2----3 | Receive Data |
Receive Data | 3----2 | Transmit Data |
Signal Ground | 7----7 | Signal Ground |
Data Terminal Ready | 20----5 | Clear To Send |
|--6 | Data Set Ready | |
5----20 | ||
6--| |
25-Pin to 9-Pin Cable
The wiring for 25-pin to 9-pin cables listed above are identical. Only gender varies.
Plotter | Computer | |
|---|---|---|
Request To Send | 4----1 | Received Line Signal Detect |
Transmit Data | 2----2 | Receive Data |
Receive Data | 3----3 | Transmit Data |
Clear To Send | 5----4 | Data Terminal Ready |
Data Set Ready | 6--| | |
Signal Ground | 7----5 | Signal Ground |
Data Terminal Ready | 20----6 | Data Set Ready |
|--8 | Clear To Send | |
Data Carrier Detect | 8----7 | Request To Send |
Verifying Communication
1. Turn on the computer and load DOS.
2. At the DOS prompt, type in the following:
MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
Press the ENTER key on the computer keyboard. This will set the computer's RS-232-C serial port for 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, one stop bit, and specify hardwire handshake with continuous retry.
3. Type the following:
ECHO IN;SP1;PA0,0;PD1000,1000;SP0;PG;>COM1
4. Press ENTER. The plotter should draw a diagonal line on the page.
NOTE: Type in the ECHO statement exactly as shown. The only space in this statement is after the word 'ECHO.'
5. If this works, there is a good probability that the plotter, cabling, and communication ports are working correctly. If this does not work, please see the section, 'If the ECHO communication test fails to work.'
NOTE: The ECHO test will not test a cable's shielding or grounding. Larger amounts of information may reveal this type of problem.
Manual Part Numbers
Manuals can be ordered by calling HP's Support Material Organization.
Operators Manual - 07580-90033
Interfacing and Programming Manual - 07580-90034
Plotter Setup for Windows
Windows 3.1 and 3.11
1. Make sure the plotter's serial port settings are set to the factory defaults.
2. In Windows, choose Main, Control Panel, Ports.
3. Highlight the Port Icon and then select the Settings button.
4. Set the port parameters to match the plotter default settings (i.e. 9600 Baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and Hardware flow control).
5. Open the Microsoft (R) Write program (it ships with Window and is usually in the Accessories group).
6. Type a few words in the work area of Write and then select File, Print, OK.
The plotter should respond almost immediately and print the words just typed.
Windows 95
1. Make certain the plotter's serial port settings are set to the factory defaults.
2. In Windows, select Start, Settings, Printers.
3. Place the cursor on the plotter icon and select with the right mouse button.
4. Now select Properties and then select the Details tab. Select the Port Settings button.
5. Set the port parameters to match the plotter settings (i.e. 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and hardware flow control).
6. Open the Microsoft WordPad program (it ships with Window and is usually in the Accessories group).
7. Type a few words in the work area of WordPad and then select File, Print, OK.
The plotter should respond almost immediately and print the words just typed.
NOTE: Use the Microsoft printer driver that comes with Windows 3.1, 95. Alternately, use Software Mechanics third party WinLINE driver. For more information contact Software Mechanics at www.winline.com
If the Plotter Needs Service
Locate the nearest authorized HP Service Center.
Hp 7585b Driver
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Copyright © Hewlett-Packard Co. 1996
This information is subject to change without notice and
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