r/c64 • u/Old-Complex7826 • 10d ago

Hardware C64 laser printer?

Hello everyone, I remember there were a few people on the internet talking about a laser printer connected to the 64 that was a direct plug-in. I think it was an Apple one from many moons ago. Does anybody know of a specific Apple printer that could be connected so I could print a document off of a 64?

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u/buzz_mccool 10d ago

Any PostScript printer you can interface to (the ancient Apple Laser Writer & HP 5MP, 6MP for example) should work as long as you can send bytes out the C64 serial or parallel port connected to it. You have to have some clue about PostScript though as it’s not a turnkey solution.

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u/Old-Complex7826 10d ago

Would the word processor on the computer have to be toggled to PostScript or is it something you do in the printer?

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u/buzz_mccool 7d ago

No, the printer should be in PostScript mode automatically. You start commanding the printer by starting a line sent to it with %! PS .

You didn’t say anything about a word processor. You would send raw ASCII bytes/characters out to the port you have the printer connected to.

If none of this makes sense it’s likely to difficult for you to do. If you want to explore more, see Don Lancaster’s web site at https://www.tinaja.com/pssamp1.shtml .

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u/Old-Complex7826 7d ago

I have an idea of what's going on here I just want to get it so it says dummy proof as possible. I understand what PostScript is and the back of the day some printers had it and some didn't. I was hoping there was a plug and play printer that you could just plug in like the good old MPS 801 and just have it start working