Testing Serial Plotter Connections

When you print from Microsoft Windows using serial communications (COM) ports, Windows does not detect error conditions on the printer. The communication process is one way.

Steps to Test a Serial Plotter Connection

To test whether a plotter is properly connected to a computer running Microsoft Windows, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt: In the above command, "x" is the number of the serial port being used (for example, COM1).

This test will activate the plotter, select pen 1, and draw a line down the length of the page.

If this test does not work correctly, contact your dealer or hardware manufacturer for assistance. The following is a list of possible problems that will cause the plotter to not function properly:

• Incorrect switch settings on plotter
• Incorrect MS-DOS-mode settings
• Interrupt conflict with another hardware device
• Bad printer cable
• Bad serial connection