AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1669          02/18/97 
 
 
 
TITLE:  Ascentia A and Pentax PocketJet Printer
 
 
ISSUE 
 
   The Ascentia A system will not print to a Pentax PocketJet 
   printer over the Parallel Port. The system will report the 
   following error message:
   
        "Error writing to LPTX" 
      
   This issue affects all Ascentia A systems.    

 
BACKGROUND 
 
   The Ascentia A, in accordance with IEEE specifications, 
   distinguishes between an IEEE 1284-compatible device, such as the 
   PocketJet, and devices using other protocols according to the 
   signal state on Pin 24. 
   
   Failing to sense the required signal level on that pin, the 
   Ascentia A communicated incorrectly with the PocketJet.    

 
ACTION 
 
   Contact Pentax Technical Support at 303-460-1820 to obtain a 
   replacement cable for the PocketJet.    

 
NOTES 
 
   Pentax is aware of this issue, and the problem will be corrected 
   in new builds.    

 
TAN 001152MH 
 
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