LaserJet 4 Postscript and Localtalk upgrade?

[kareljansens]

I'm not sure if this is an off-topic question for this list, but does anyone
know if and how it is possible to upgrade a "plain" HP LaserJet 4 (with 6 MB)
to a PostScript-enabled LaserJet with a Localtalk socket?

An idea on the cost would also help; I can get my hands on a second-hand
non-HP laser printer with all the above specs for 100 Euro. As that printer
would only really be useful for printing from my Newtons and the LJ 4 would
remain in service, both cost and desk space are coming in short supply.

Rgds,

Karel Jansens

[Martin Joseph]

Post by kareljansens
I'm not sure if this is an off-topic question for this list, but does anyone
know if and how it is possible to upgrade a "plain" HP LaserJet 4 (with 6 MB)
to a PostScript-enabled LaserJet with a Localtalk socket?

You can add the postscript sim and a localtalk communications card. I
recommend the ethernet interface.

The costs can vary wildly depending on where you find the above
issues...

Marty

[Norman Palardy]

I think you can add postscript but you may have a hard time finding the
right parts as HP has discontinued many accessories for the 4 series

From HP's site
(http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?
locale=en_US&taskId=115&prodSeriesId=25487&prodTypeId=18972&objectID=bpl
04129#P13_1223)
==========================================
PostScript and memory SIMM part numbers

For memory boards, compare the part number on the outside of the
package to the part number in the table below. If it is not the correct
SIMM, notify an authorized Hewlett-Packard dealer for available
options.

HP part number SIMM/PostScript
C2066A 8 MB
C2080A Adobe PostScript Level 2 SIMM (Obsolete)
==========================================

This gets you the Postscript

From
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?
locale=en_US&taskId=115&prodSeriesId=25487&prodTypeId=18972&objectID=bpm
00404
you need additional items
==========================================
Introduction

There are two solutions for connecting an HP LaserJet 4 printer to a
Macintosh computer: a hardware solution and a software solution.

Hardware solution

NOTE: The HP LaserJet 4M printer is Macintosh ready. Obtain the
appropriate cabling needed (see cabling recommendations below).

An HP LaserJet 4 printer requires three hardware accessories and
cabling to become Macintosh compatible. These accessories are
PostScript (R), extra memory (so the printer has enough memory to
handle the PostScript language), and an internal LocalTalk MIO card or
an HP Jetdirect for Ethernet card (so the printer has the correct port
to connect and communicate with a Macintosh computer). After these
three accessories have been added to the HP LaserJet 4 printer, you
will have the equivalent of an HP LaserJet 4M printer.

The accessories for the HP LaserJet 4 printer are:

Part Number Interface Comments
LocalTalk 10 BaseT 100 BaseT BNC

J2341B X Discontinued 5/1/95
J2550B X Discontinued 7/1/99
J2552B X X X Discontinued 7/1/99
J2556B X X Discontinued 7/1/99
J4100A X X X
J4106A X
==========================================

Post by kareljansens
I'm not sure if this is an off-topic question for this list, but does anyone
know if and how it is possible to upgrade a "plain" HP LaserJet 4 (with 6 MB)
to a PostScript-enabled LaserJet with a Localtalk socket?
An idea on the cost would also help; I can get my hands on a
second-hand
non-HP laser printer with all the above specs for 100 Euro. As that printer
would only really be useful for printing from my Newtons and the LJ 4 would
remain in service, both cost and desk space are coming in short supply.
Rgds,
Karel Jansens
--
This is the NewtonTalk list - http://www.newtontalk.net/ for all inquiries
List FAQ/Etiquette/Terms: http://www.newtontalk.net/faq.html
Official Newton FAQ: http://www.chuma.org/newton/faq/

OS X 10.3.2 / RB 5.2.4
iBook G4

[Chris Edwards]

Hi I have a HP card somewhere and a ram card I will try to look them
up, where are you ( does be mean belgium ?) give me a shout off list if
you are interested
Chris

[kareljansens]

Thanks for the replies everyone, especially to Chris Edwards.
This list is truly marvellous!

Karel Jansens

[DJ Vollkasko]

Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 14:33:03 -0700
Subject: Re: [NTLK] LaserJet 4 Postscript and Localtalk upgrade?
I think you can add postscript but you may have a hard time finding the
right parts as HP has discontinued many accessories for the 4 series.

Norman,

it's possible to find this stuff easy through patience and Ebay. I've simply
saved a search using the original HP part numbers and set it to send me mail
notifications whenever a Postscript or memory SIMM went on offer (my HP
LaserJet 4 Plus having been already equipped with a JetDirect card). The
memory comes up pretty often (like once per week at least), the PS SIMM less
often (like once a month to once every other month).

The LJ 4 series are pretty good and rock-solid office workhorses (only
downside: don't power down to sleep-mode, the fan is constantly running),
and I've found the cartridges to last quite a distance. Also it does its own
processing, and does not rely on the computer for processing and memory
resources. Upgrading the SIMMs is a snap.
We used the printer to print pdf layout proofs for easy prepress checks,
and the built-in memory was too little for documents that contained even
halfway-serious visuals, so the upgrade was really an improvement.


Depending on how much your printer's cartridge is already used up, it might
be cheaper to buy a complete box (e.g. HP LaserJet 4 M Plus) and sell yours.
If you've got a nearly full cartridge (and maybe more in stock), buying the
parts will be cheaper.


DJV.

P.S.: You *do* have to buy the parts HP specifies, else no worky. I've tried
some spare 4 to 16 MB EDO SIMMs in our LJ 4 Plus and failed.

[Norman Palardy]

Post by DJ Vollkasko
Norman,

[snipped]

Post by DJ Vollkasko
Depending on how much your printer's cartridge is already used up, it might
be cheaper to buy a complete box (e.g. HP LaserJet 4 M Plus) and sell yours.
If you've got a nearly full cartridge (and maybe more in stock), buying the
parts will be cheaper.

I already have a 4MP with Appletalk ports thanks
I'm going to be keeping it