This is a rundown of my most recent request for information on making the Rimage CD printer work with a Macintosh, as announced through the Macway maillist. This is an attempt to put all the discussion between myself and the correspondents for all to see in one place. This is only mail that I sent or received pertaining to this subject. The first entry is mine, the one that started the threads.
Return to the Rimage Project Main Page
Subject: ?? - Request for a MAC driver for RIMAGE CD PRINTER posting
Subject: Rimage CD Printer Driver
Subject: Re: Rimage CD Printer Driver
Subject: Re: RIMAGE CD PRINTER
Subject: Re: CD-R printing
Subject: Re: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: CD Printer
Subject: RIMAGE CD PRINTER
Subject: CD-R printing
Subject: Re: Rimage
Subject: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: driver development
Subject: Re: Drivers Wanted
Subject: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Rimage
Subject: drivers
Subject: Drivers Wanted
Subject: *Idea*
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: ?? - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Rimage printer
Subject: Re: drivers
Subject: Re: ?? - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: CDR Printing
Subject: Re: *Idea*
Subject: Re: *Idea*
Subject: Re: *Idea*
Subject: Re: *Idea*
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: Rimage printer
Subject: Re: CDR Printing
Subject: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
Subject: Re: ?? - Request for a MAC driver for RIMAGE CD PRINTER posting
Subject: ?? - Request for a MAC driver for RIMAGE CD PRINTER posting
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[This is my second try at this one; some time has passed and more people are
on the list now.
We are using a RIMAGE CD PRINTER here at A&M Studios in LA. It is really a
fine piece of hardware that does one thing: Prints text and graphics on a
CD-R. We have a big tower of 5 Yamaha CD-Rs in a stack that makes 5 CDs at
4x speed at once, and of course this stack is driven by Toast CD-DA software
running on a Mac 8500.
But, you guessed it, the people at Rimage only offer a Windoze driver and a
lame graphics application to use with the ‚D printer, and they refuse to
even consider it or return my calls. We are currently running it from a
Thinkpad, but it's a pain in the neck because I have to maintain two sets of
graphic logos, the performance is sluggish in the graphics program, and I
refuse to connect Win 3.1 to our otherwise totally Mac network of 30+
machines.(Not to mention the 1000 other reasons we hate Windows)
The Rimage is unique among the small fraternity of CD-printers in that it is
the only one that uses a non-inkjet process to apply images to the CD. All
others have ink that smears, or requires special media. I know about the
Fargo, etc. and the CD-stomper stuff looks bad to me. We need that driver
BAD, so, here are my questions:
1) did anyone out there go ahead and WRITE their own Mac driver for this
thing? (We are considering this but really don't want to spend the time)
2) If we do write our own, would anyone else care to invest time or money in
this venture?
3) Is there some new exotic process that's in the works for the future that
we haven't heard of yet that can do a smudgeproof print on a CD with a Mac?
4) Is there someone out there with printer driver experience that might want
to take on this project?
Thanks in advance, and keep up the good work Guy and Co.!!
Stephen Barncard A&M Recording Studios]]>
Subject: Rimage CD Printer Driver
From: "Brian J. Little" <acu00bjl@unccvm.uncc.edu>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 08:31:13 +0100
<![CDATA[Stephen,
This is probably a long shot, and may be a little vague, but there's a
software/hardware package out there (I think it's from Orange Micro),
that professes to let you print to hundreds of PC printers, right from
the Chooser. And as I sit here, I have the name right on the tip of my
tongue. Damn.
Anyway, I know it's in at least one of the major catalogues. It might be
worth checking into. I'll forward more info if I remember the name.
Good luck.
Brian
Brian J. Little: acu00bjl@unccvm.uncc.edu
-----------------------------------------
Stop the hegemony! Visit http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com
-----------------------------------------
You can take my Mac when you pry my cold, dead fingers off the mouse!]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage CD Printer Driver
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. No, IDT's Powerprint package doesn't work with this
printer, and the PC card solution still means I'm working with the ghastly
windows 95. Been there, done that.
At 07:31 -0000 7/3/97, Brian J. Little wrote:
>Stephen,
>
>This is probably a long shot, and may be a little vague, but there's a
>software/hardware package out there (I think it's from Orange Micro),
>that professes to let you print to hundreds of PC printers, right from
>the Chooser. And as I sit here, I have the name right on the tip of my
>tongue. Damn.
>
>Anyway, I know it's in at least one of the major catalogues. It might be
>worth checking into. I'll forward more info if I remember the name.
>
>Good luck.
>
>Brian
>
>
>
>Brian J. Little: acu00bjl@unccvm.uncc.edu
>-----------------------------------------
>Stop the hegemony! Visit http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com
>-----------------------------------------
>You can take my Mac when you pry my cold, dead fingers off the mouse!]]>
Subject: Re: RIMAGE CD PRINTER
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. No, IDT's Powerprint package doesn't work with this
printer, and they refuse to make a driver for it and the PC card solution
still means I'm working with the ghastly windows 95. Been there, done that.
But thanks.
At 13:29 -0000 7/3/97, John Young wrote:
>Have you seen if PowerPrint will work with it? If it doesn't, you might
>try the company that produces it (GDT Softworks - www.gdt.com) as it
>would probably not be difficult for them to add support for it.
>
>John
>jybrick@ilnk.com]]>
Subject: Re: CD-R printing
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. No, IDT's Powerprint package doesn't work with this
printer, and they refuse to make a driver for it and the PC card solution
still means I'm working with the ghastly windows 95. Been there, done that.
But thanks. Also the Fargo solution sounds good, but it's water soluble ink
and requires special media, which costs twice as much as the stock blanks we
can get.
At 14:44 -0000 7/3/97, Velocity Boy wrote:
>I don't know much about Rimage's CD Printer, but I do know that there's
>another product that prints on CDs, uses Wax termal technology, and
>includes drivers for the Mac. You said the Fargo looks bad to you. I on the
>other hand think the Fargo is pretty darn good. My friend uses it all the
>time, and I'm quite impressed with it's output. It looks almost as good as
>silk-screened stuff.
>
>As for a driver for your Rimage, maybe you try contacting GDT who make a
>product called PowerPrint that has drivers for most PeeCee printers and
>includes a cable for connecting parallel devices to the mac via it's serial
>connector. I don't know if they have the driver you need, but maybe they
>know where you can find one or maybe they're in the process to making
>one... http://www.gdt.com/ product is called 'PowerPrint'
>
>Good luck
>
>--Ariel
>
>
>Signature: File 7
>#######################################
>"Ego Check: Hey, I'm fantastic!" --Robin Williams :^)
>#######################################
>Visit Empathic Link! http://www.skyweb.net/~vangogh]]>
Subject: Re: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks, Jerry, for your kind offer. I assume you are in Cupertino. We would
have to find a way to get one of these printers ($3000) to you for testing,
and the one we have is in constant use. Arrgggh. So many roadblocks. The
malletheads at Rimage are no help at all as far as their source code. (and
it burns me that the could have parallel-developed it with little trouble
except their bias.) The unit even has a mac-like (but different pinout)
serial port! I could send you the printer specs though....(bitmap
requirements, etc....) We have Codewarrior 11 here, and perhaps you could
give us some guidance....
sqb
At 15:10 -0000 7/3/97, Jerry Cottingham wrote:
>Stephen,
>
>I saw your posting on EvangeList regarding a Mac driver for a Rimage CD
>printer. It disturbs me that companies are so short sighted when it
>comes to supporting the Mac. I see this kind of thing far to often and
>it's time I did something about it.
>
>What that means is that I'm willing to help you out on my own time. I've
>never written a printer driver but I do have experience with other forms
>of Mac drivers. I write simple drivers to test my system software and
>I've written disk drivers too.
>
>The only caveat is that I'm an Apple software engineer and I'll have to
>make sure it's OK to do this type of thing. Apple Legal can get kind of
>strange on what is Apple's software when software is written by existing
>employees.
>
>Let me know if you need my help - you've already been through enough!
>Just having to run on a PC is cruel and unusual punishment :-).
>
>Good luck, jer.
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Jerry Cottingham - Bit Farmer
>Rhapsody Blue Boxsters
>Apple Computer, Inc.
>1 Infinite Loop, MS: 303-4MH
>Cupertino, CA 95014
>408 862-6236
>
>"Fall down seven times, get up eight." Japanese Proverb]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. The Rimage does have a serial interface; but the
images are sent over line by line with RLE encoding, and handshaking is
needed as well. The timing is critical, so it involves off-screen buffers,
etc. We have to do text AND graphics. The lousy Win95 app they sent with it
does circular printing but is a bitch to edit with, and requires .bmp
graphics that don't resize. I have no problem writing the app to go to a
standard mac printer driver, but this thing without a driver is a nightmare,
and writing printer drivers seems to be a black art. We have Codewarrior,
where would we find a print driver template or source?
IDT was contacted ages ago, but refuses to write a printer driver for it
unless we give them $20,000.
At 21:23 -0000 7/3/97, David Tay wrote:
>Hi Stephen,
>There are two possibilities:-
>a.
>If the printer uses the serial interface (RS 232) and you have a detailed
>description of the printer codes - what commands to use to print what,
>header, length and trailer of a printer sentence, it should be quite
>straight forward to control it from a Mac. Of course, someone would have
>to actually write the software. The cable can be easily fabricated with
>reference to the cable diagram.
>
>In this case, a printer driver may not be necessary as a simple
>communication program (eg:- 4D external & 4D) would suffice. I've seen
>this done for a industrial thermal printer.
>
>b.
>If it uses the parallel interface, your best choice would be to get a
>PowerPrint cable and have someone create the printer driver.
>
>In both cases, do expect to generate many test prints.
>
>My guess would be that the printer uses a serial interface. I'd like to
>help, but do not think it possible given the great physical gulf.
>
>Hope this helps,
>
>David]]>
Subject: CD Printer
From: bratmix@netcom.com (Daniel Barassi)
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 04:55:29 -0700 (PDT)
<![CDATA[We are using a RIMAGE CD PRINTER here at A&M Studios in LA. It is really
a fine piece of hardware that does one thing: Prints text and graphics on
a CD-R. We have a big tower of 5 Yamaha CD-Rs in a stack that makes 5 CDs
at 4x speed at once, and of course this stack is driven by Toast CD-DA
software running on a Mac 8500.
3) Is there some new exotic process that's in the works for the future
that we haven't heard of yet that can do a smudgeproof print on a CD with
a Mac?
----->>You might want to give Warner Brothers a call. I get recordable
CD's from them (for the radio edits I do for them), and the recent ones
have that cool printed stuff on them (same with Virgin). I don't know,
however, what software platform they use. I'm guessing Mac, because a lot
of their templates for making CD/LP/7" (et cetera) covers were Mac Quark
files.
Hope this helps you.
BRAT - also on a nice 8500 (180)
--
_____________________________________________________________________________
Daniel "The BRAT" Barassi bratmix@netcom.com
BRAT Productions http://commline.com/~bratmix/
Net Congestion - Rebuffering]]>
Subject: RIMAGE CD PRINTER
From: jybrick@ilnk.com (John Young)
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 09:29:42 -0400
<![CDATA[Have you seen if PowerPrint will work with it? If it doesn't, you might
try the company that produces it (GDT Softworks - www.gdt.com) as it
would probably not be difficult for them to add support for it.
John
jybrick@ilnk.com]]>
Subject: CD-R printing
From: Velocity Boy <vangogh@indiepop.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 09:44:22 -0500
<![CDATA[I don't know much about Rimage's CD Printer, but I do know that there's
another product that prints on CDs, uses Wax termal technology, and
includes drivers for the Mac. You said the Fargo looks bad to you. I on the
other hand think the Fargo is pretty darn good. My friend uses it all the
time, and I'm quite impressed with it's output. It looks almost as good as
silk-screened stuff.
As for a driver for your Rimage, maybe you try contacting GDT who make a
product called PowerPrint that has drivers for most PeeCee printers and
includes a cable for connecting parallel devices to the mac via it's serial
connector. I don't know if they have the driver you need, but maybe they
know where you can find one or maybe they're in the process to making
one... http://www.gdt.com/ product is called 'PowerPrint'
Good luck
--Ariel
Signature: File 7
#######################################
"Ego Check: Hey, I'm fantastic!" --Robin Williams :^)
#######################################
Visit Empathic Link! http://www.skyweb.net/~vangogh]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. I know about the Dos boards, some have the
appropriate parallel printer ports and some don't. But I want to work in
the Mac enviroment, and the PC application software sucks, and I want to
write my own app software to integrate with our other printing functions. I
actually had softwindows running the app and it printed to other, networked
printers, but the rimage is "special" ....
At 21:49 -0000 7/3/97, Russ Brown wrote:
>I don't know if you have tried it or even if it will work but I use an
>Apple DOS board in my 6400. Windows can share a folder with the Mac and
>copy and paste work between Mac and Windoze. Might be worth investigating.
>
>Russ Brown, Ph.D.
>Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
>russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
>phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
>or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
>fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius]]>
Subject: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Jerry Cottingham <jerryc@apple.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 08:10:11 -0700
<![CDATA[Stephen,
I saw your posting on EvangeList regarding a Mac driver for a Rimage CD
printer. It disturbs me that companies are so short sighted when it
comes to supporting the Mac. I see this kind of thing far to often and
it's time I did something about it.
What that means is that I'm willing to help you out on my own time. I've
never written a printer driver but I do have experience with other forms
of Mac drivers. I write simple drivers to test my system software and
I've written disk drivers too.
The only caveat is that I'm an Apple software engineer and I'll have to
make sure it's OK to do this type of thing. Apple Legal can get kind of
strange on what is Apple's software when software is written by existing
employees.
Let me know if you need my help - you've already been through enough!
Just having to run on a PC is cruel and unusual punishment :-).
Good luck, jer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry Cottingham - Bit Farmer
Rhapsody Blue Boxsters
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop, MS: 303-4MH
Cupertino, CA 95014
408 862-6236
"Fall down seven times, get up eight." Japanese Proverb]]>
Subject: driver development
From: jsouter@artlogic.com (Justin Souter)
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 10:56:11 PST
<![CDATA[I read your posting on the EvangeList about needing a Mac driver for CD-printing
hardware. My company, Art & Logic, does this kind of work. Please check out our
site at <http://www.artlogic.com> and give me a call to talk about your project.
Justin Souter
President
818-783-1039
Art & Logic, Inc.]]>
Subject: Re: Drivers Wanted
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Yeah, thanks, this printer doesn't fit into the EPSON and HP variants their
drivers provide, and it also hates the interface of the PowerPrint device. I
can't even get this thing to work with Softwindows95, porting to the serial
port. It has to especially be written to work. The printer gets a RLE
compressed graphic line, one line at a time. this has to be taken from a
graphics buffer in the mac, and the timing is critical, handshaking, etc.
and I don't think they ever tested the serial input on the thing. The code
then has to be built into the Printer Driver API. But I don't really want to
write a printer driver. Oh, GDT softworks offered to write one. For $20000.
Thanks,
sqb
At 02:38 -0000 7/4/97, Weldon Shea Monsport wrote:
>Mr. Barncard
>
>'Last I looked, there was a company in British Colombia called GDT
>SoftWorks carving out a living writing Mac drivers for PC printers. I'm
>probably letter 3,776 with this info, but just in case...
>
>
>Good Luck!
>Weldon Monsport]]>
Subject: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: David Tay <tayod@cyberway.com.sg>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 21:23:13 -0000
<![CDATA[Hi Stephen,
There are two possibilities:-
a.
If the printer uses the serial interface (RS 232) and you have a detailed
description of the printer codes - what commands to use to print what,
header, length and trailer of a printer sentence, it should be quite
straight forward to control it from a Mac. Of course, someone would have
to actually write the software. The cable can be easily fabricated with
reference to the cable diagram.
In this case, a printer driver may not be necessary as a simple
communication program (eg:- 4D external & 4D) would suffice. I've seen
this done for a industrial thermal printer.
b.
If it uses the parallel interface, your best choice would be to get a
PowerPrint cable and have someone create the printer driver.
In both cases, do expect to generate many test prints.
My guess would be that the printer uses a serial interface. I'd like to
help, but do not think it possible given the great physical gulf.
Hope this helps,
David]]>
Subject: Re: MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Jerry Cottingham <jerryc@apple.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 97 14:32:05 -0700
<![CDATA[>Thanks, Jerry, for your kind offer. I assume you are in Cupertino. We would
>have to find a way to get one of these printers ($3000) to you for testing,
>and the one we have is in constant use. Arrgggh. So many roadblocks.
yup, I'm in Cupertino.
>The malletheads at Rimage are no help at all as far as their source code. (and
>it burns me that the could have parallel-developed it with little trouble
>except their bias.) The unit even has a mac-like (but different pinout)
>serial port!
I wonder if there's any chance Rimage can provide a loaner in order to do
a Mac driver?
I hadn't thought about cable issues (all the drivers I have written
talked to other pieces of software or indirectly to hardware via SCSI
Manager or Device Manager).
>I could send you the printer specs though....(bitmap
>requirements, etc....)
Sure, I'd like to learn more about what it will take to do a printer
driver. I'll do some research of Apple doc on the subject over the
weekend.
>We have Codewarrior 11 here, and perhaps you could
>give us some guidance....
Sure. Just let me know what you're up to and I'll see if I can help. I
have a test driver I'm playing with now that was developed using
CodeWarrior. CW makes drivers and standalone code resources much easier
to create than with MPW. I just upgraded to CW Pro, you'll want to check
it out.
jer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry Cottingham - Bit Farmer
Rhapsody Blue Boxsters
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop, MS: 303-4MH
Cupertino, CA 95014
408 862-6236
"Fall down seven times, get up eight." Japanese Proverb]]>
Subject: Rimage
From: Russ Brown <russ@userlab.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 17:49:42 -0400 (EDT)
<![CDATA[I don't know if you have tried it or even if it will work but I use an
Apple DOS board in my 6400. Windows can share a folder with the Mac and
copy and paste work between Mac and Windoze. Might be worth investigating.
Russ Brown, Ph.D.
Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius]]>
Subject: drivers
From: "Kachline_Elisabeth" <kachline_elisabeth@msmail.asd.k12.ak.us>
Date: 3 Jul 1997 22:51:42 U
<![CDATA[With regard to your Maceway query re Rimage, what about the software available
from the catalogs which advertises that it will run over 1500 windoze
printers? I have not purchased it; however, think that MacMall, MacZone or
MacWarehouse have this product - if I find one of the catalogs, I will send
you the 800 number if you require it. Is it also possible that you have a
local Kinko's who might make you a deal on labels, or is your printer such
that it records and prints at the same time?
Good luck.
Harry M Kachline]]>
Subject: Drivers Wanted
From: Weldon Shea Monsport <weldon@gti.net>
Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 22:38:35 -0400
<![CDATA[Mr. Barncard
'Last I looked, there was a company in British Colombia called GDT
SoftWorks carving out a living writing Mac drivers for PC printers. I'm
probably letter 3,776 with this info, but just in case...
Good Luck!
Weldon Monsport]]>
Subject: *Idea*
From: Bill Meade <bill@ecatalyst.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 97 08:57:20 -0500
<![CDATA[Read your print driver problem on EvangeList. Wanted to shoot you a
workaround that helped me once, just in case you haven't stumbled across
it. It is, print to EPS on the Mac, then use an EPS Interpreter program
on the Thinkpad (Windows95 would deal with the printer driver).
GhostScript is one (shareware) program that does this.
I used this workaround to get Ventura to print to an HP Deskjet eons ago.
I think today's EPS interpreters will watch a subdirectory and when a
file appears in it, they will print the file to the printer. So, you run
an FTP program on the Thinkpad, point the EPS interpreter to the FTP
folder, and use the Mac to FTP the to-be-printed file to the Thinkpad.
Or, put an email program on the Thinkpad and have it check its mail every
minute, and unpack EPS file attachments into the EPS interpreter's
designated subdirectory. You could even run a POP3 server on the
Thinkpad so that it can get mail from itself. I think all the
share/freeware for the Thinkpad should be available from
www.windows95.com.
If the thinkpad isn't running Windows95 or NT, I'd advise moving NT if
you can afford it. Given that nobody will be using the machine
interactively, any Thinkpad will do an acceptable job with NT, and (a) NT
won't crash, and (b) the FTP and networking hooks are built in. NT
Server (NT Workstation is $300 and NT Server is $750, but an older (3.5
or 3.51) copy of NT Server should be less and would do all you need), for
example has Services for Macintosh that would let the thinkpad share a
folder to Macs. Then all the Macs on your net could easily print to the
shared folder that the EPS interpreter watches.
I'm a Mac lover but NT IS A GREAT PRODUCT and if you don't have a copy
you should get one just so you can be an informed Mac lover. Nothing
personal, just business. Besides, what better role is there for a PC
than to do a Mac's dirty work?!? ;-) For example, my NT box runs a
proxy server (a.k.a. firewall) that lets all the Macs on my home LAN
reach the internet through one modem. Life is much simpler when FreePPP
is out of the internet loop.
Bottom line: make the Thinkpad the driver for the printer.
What didn't work for me:
PC Maclan ...
is expensive and buggy. To get it stable requires Registry entries you
have to find yourself on their web site. And worst of all ... its
printing capabilities only work with postscript printers! So, if you
want to use an EPS interpreter, you can only use PC Maclan's folder
sharing. At $190 it is way too expensive for only sharing files.
www.windows95.com has TONS of cheaper ways to do this.
If you didn't know about this and would like to discuss it further I'd be
happy to help in any MacWay I can. There are lots of permutations, but
there is ALWAYS a cheap way to workaround.
Bill Meade List Moderator for:
bill@ecatalyst.com AMODLMKT=applied modeling in CPG mktng
USA (314) 521-0396 CROSSCHS=CROSSING THE CHASM style
http://www.umsl.edu/~sbmeade high-tech marketing dialogue
http://www.ecatalyst.com/ KAWASAKI=Guy Kawasaki style
just-do-it marketing ]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: David Tay <tayod@cyberway.com.sg>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 97 21:11:32 -0000
<![CDATA[If you subscribe to Apple's Developer program, you'd be able to find code
snippets on serial communications, printer drivers and other things such
as tech notes and documentation. Another place to look would be the
Apprentice CD Rom.
However, another way out would be to just create a communications program
- set the data rate, etc and just pass the necessary data - includes both
text and graphics in the appropriate format. The application would be the
only thing that talks to the printer, whereas a printer driver would
enable almost any application to print using the CD printer.
I assume that you do have the detailed documentation on how to
communicate with the printer via serial link in order to do either of the
above.
Rgds,
David]]>
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: MANNA Paolo <Paolo.Manna@omnitel.it>
Date: Fri, 04 Jul 97 14:37:00 PDT
<![CDATA[
Dear Stephen,
I've read your request: in this period I'm working on the GhostScript
(PostScript interpreter) port from Unix to the Mac. The first release is
just on Info-Mac, and an update will be posted next week. This also means
that I've hands on many printers' data sheet and characteristics to add to
the software, and it would be a possibility to add this driver to the list
of already implemented printers.
The things that I've to know are:
1) Is the RImage printer compatible with an existing printer (although
changing some commands to fit their needs) or have they a proprietary
protocol?
2) Is it possible to get all the data from them or are they jealous about?
Thanks
Paolo Manna
pmanna@kagi.com]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: David Tay <tayod@cyberway.com.sg>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 97 21:51:51 -0000
<![CDATA[Stephen,
I'd like to add a few other points to my earlier reply:-
a. It might not be a good idea to create a printer driver as some folks
might unwittingly select the incorrect printer and send print jobs there.
b. The imaging area for the CD printer would be circular. It would be
most difficult for new users to accurately determine the actual area
using a graphics application like PhotoShop and Illustrator.
c. With Rhapsody fast approaching, I'm not sure if it would be a good
idea to invest time and effort developing an old-style printer driver.
d. Serial communication could be easier especially if you're pressed
for time - simply hard-code the port (ie- modem port) or go via the comms
toolbox (for more thrills).
Apart from talking to the printer, you'd have to work on image generation
(Quickdraw based) and or conversion (if you decide to allow users to
import images). The main issue would be dithering and clipping the image
for output.
As such, I really feel that you should consider the second approach
(you'd need to create a simple communications application anyway to
verify the data transmission).
You'd have a cleaner solution and be able to either license/ sell the
code back to IDT or other users.
Hope this helps,
David]]>
Subject: ?? - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Keith Rowbory <david.rowbory@bigfoot.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 97 23:52:19 +0100
<![CDATA[There is a product, the name of which I forget (powerprint, possibly?),
but which is quite popular, which allows you on a mac to print to
virtually any PC printer. I don't have a url or anything, but I've seen
it in mail order catalogs. It's a long shot, but it might work or if you
contact the company they might be able to do the job for you.
good luck
david]]>
Subject: Re: - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Shane Ambler <sambler@tne.net.au>
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 17:27:42 +0830
<![CDATA[G'day Stephen,
This may be a bit off-track but here in Australia there is a company that sells
a Modified Epson Stylus Color Printer for printing onto CD-R's and it has
a Mac driver - This may not be the solution you want but another alternative.
The Australian price is $1699.
Basically it is modified to take a thick (tray?) that has places for 2 CD-R's
and you get templates for it etc. - Maybe someone in America does the same
thing.
from Shane Ambler.
<sambler@tne.net.au>
<http://www.tne.net.au/sambler/macsrule.html>]]>
Subject: Rimage printer
From: Russell Gnant <russg@cdmfg.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 11:44:56 -0500
<![CDATA[Sorry I can't help, you are asking the same question I have been asking. I
would be very grateful if you could keep me informed of any results you
get.
Best regards,
Russ]]>
Subject: Re: drivers
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. No, powerprint won't do the job. There are no drivers that work. I've had long conversations with these guys, GDT software, and it ended up that they would write one for $20000. But thanks anyway.
At 3:51 PM -0700 7/3/97, Kachline_Elisabeth wrote:
>With regard to your Maceway query re Rimage, what about the software available
>from the catalogs which advertises that it will run over 1500 windoze
>printers? I have not purchased it; however, think that MacMall, MacZone or
>MacWarehouse have this product - if I find one of the catalogs, I will send
>you the 800 number if you require it. Is it also possible that you have a
>local Kinko's who might make you a deal on labels, or is your printer such
>that it records and prints at the same time?
>
>Good luck.
>
>Harry M Kachline]]>
Subject: Re: ?? - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply. No, powerprint won't do the job. There are no drivers that work. I've had long conversations with these guys, GDT software, and it ended up that they would write one for $20000. But thanks anyway.
At 3:52 PM -0700 7/4/97, Keith Rowbory wrote:
>There is a product, the name of which I forget (powerprint, possibly?),
>but which is quite popular, which allows you on a mac to print to
>virtually any PC printer. I don't have a url or anything, but I've seen
>it in mail order catalogs. It's a long shot, but it might work or if you
>contact the company they might be able to do the job for you.
>
>good luck
>
>david]]>
Subject: CDR Printing
From: Ken McCroan <ken@the-link.net>
Date: Sat, 05 Jul 1997 17:33:44 -0500
<![CDATA[Stephen,
I wish I had the whole answer to your question posted in MacWay, but
I'll offer the best I have.
As a Mac consultant to ad agencies and print shops, I am aware that
there are devices that can silkscreen on plastic surfaces and can be
driven from a Mac. One of my occasional customers is a printshop run by
the corrections industry here in Montgomery, Alabama. They have some
sort of silkscreen printer and should be knowledgeable about them.
I suggest you call 334-215-8414 and ask for Bill Jinwright. He is the
plant manager and can give you information or pass you along to someone
who can. They close for the day by 3:30PM CDT.
Ken McCroan]]>
Subject: Re: *Idea*
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Bill,
First of all, thanks for your extended reply. It is very nice of you to take
the time. I love the list. Even on this obscure topic, I have had about 30
replies, but yours is the most involved, by a yard.
You must understand that I want the driver so I do not have to use Windows,
or any Microsoft product at all. I have managed to turn our recording
studios into a "Microsoft Free Zone", and that includes almost everything
here including our Butler SQL server, email gateways, etc. The only
exception is the Flying Faders automation (an imbedded system running DOS),
the Audio Design audio test system (practically imbedded) and this stupid
thinkpad running win3.1 and a pretty bad lable program written for the
printer.
The system is for labling CDs in a production enviroment. The user needs to
type the lable, and then one by one print perhaps 100-400 CDs. The method
you mentioned would be ok to "save the day" or for light use, but would 1.
Involve me far more into Windows that I want to. 2. Require me to install
some lame external ethernet networking card for the thinkpad, if there is
even one that exists for this model. 3. Take way too many steps for the
operator.
It just sounds like a nightmare to do that. I just don't have the Windows
chops or patience to install network hardware and software. I also feel that
Postscript would be a pain in the ass all around. The images are simple
iconic 300 dpi bitmaps that print quite well with simple quickdraw calls. I
have a few special printing apps that I have created that I can easily
modify for the function, and integrates with the front card and cassette
printer systems.
That's why I keep coming back to the driver angle. We just have no use for
Microsoft here, and no need for NT. I don't have any modern PC hardware
anyway. And I've spent a lot of energy convincing management of that.
Thanks for your thoughts.....
Stephen
At 6:57 AM -0700 7/4/97, Bill Meade wrote:
>Read your print driver problem on EvangeList. Wanted to shoot you a
>workaround that helped me once, just in case you haven't stumbled across
>it. It is, print to EPS on the Mac, then use an EPS Interpreter program
>on the Thinkpad (Windows95 would deal with the printer driver).
>GhostScript is one (shareware) program that does this.
>
>I used this workaround to get Ventura to print to an HP Deskjet eons ago.
> I think today's EPS interpreters will watch a subdirectory and when a
>file appears in it, they will print the file to the printer. So, you run
>an FTP program on the Thinkpad, point the EPS interpreter to the FTP
>folder, and use the Mac to FTP the to-be-printed file to the Thinkpad.
>Or, put an email program on the Thinkpad and have it check its mail every
>minute, and unpack EPS file attachments into the EPS interpreter's
>designated subdirectory. You could even run a POP3 server on the
>Thinkpad so that it can get mail from itself. I think all the
>share/freeware for the Thinkpad should be available from
>www.windows95.com.
>
>If the thinkpad isn't running Windows95 or NT, I'd advise moving NT if
>you can afford it. Given that nobody will be using the machine
>interactively, any Thinkpad will do an acceptable job with NT, and (a) NT
>won't crash, and (b) the FTP and networking hooks are built in. NT
>Server (NT Workstation is $300 and NT Server is $750, but an older (3.5
>or 3.51) copy of NT Server should be less and would do all you need), for
>example has Services for Macintosh that would let the thinkpad share a
>folder to Macs. Then all the Macs on your net could easily print to the
>shared folder that the EPS interpreter watches.
>
>I'm a Mac lover but NT IS A GREAT PRODUCT and if you don't have a copy
>you should get one just so you can be an informed Mac lover. Nothing
>personal, just business. Besides, what better role is there for a PC
>than to do a Mac's dirty work?!? ;-) For example, my NT box runs a
>proxy server (a.k.a. firewall) that lets all the Macs on my home LAN
>reach the internet through one modem. Life is much simpler when FreePPP
>is out of the internet loop.
>
>Bottom line: make the Thinkpad the driver for the printer.
>
>What didn't work for me:
>
>PC Maclan ...
>is expensive and buggy. To get it stable requires Registry entries you
>have to find yourself on their web site. And worst of all ... its
>printing capabilities only work with postscript printers! So, if you
>want to use an EPS interpreter, you can only use PC Maclan's folder
>sharing. At $190 it is way too expensive for only sharing files.
>www.windows95.com has TONS of cheaper ways to do this.
>
>If you didn't know about this and would like to discuss it further I'd be
>happy to help in any MacWay I can. There are lots of permutations, but
>there is ALWAYS a cheap way to workaround.
>
>Bill Meade List Moderator for:
>bill@ecatalyst.com AMODLMKT=applied modeling in CPG mktng
>USA (314) 521-0396 CROSSCHS=CROSSING THE CHASM style
>http://www.umsl.edu/~sbmeade high-tech marketing dialogue
>http://www.ecatalyst.com/ KAWASAKI=Guy Kawasaki style
> just-do-it marketing ]]>
Subject: Re: *Idea*
From: Bill Meade <bill@ecatalyst.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 97 21:49:31 -0500
<![CDATA[Since I sent off my first respone to your question, I had another idea:
SoftPC or VirtualPC on a Mac. It would let you run Win3/95 on a Mac and
you could use the existing driver.
Stephen Barncard said ...
>2. Require me to install some lame external ethernet networking card for
>the thinkpad, if there is even one that exists for this model.
Either a PC Card, or a Xircom Parallel Ethernet Adapter. Requires no
windows chops under 95 or NT but I know what you are talking about with
Win3. Networking is the purest form of scar tissue with Win3. The
Xircom is worth the extra money. It works right out of the box w/out
forcing you to slap your forearm to bring up a vein to tap. ;-)
>3. Take way too many steps for the operator.
>
You are right. You could probably Applescript it, but there is nothing
like having what the operator expects. This is a weak point in my
workaround.
>It just sounds like a nightmare to do that. I just don't have the Windows
>chops or patience to install network hardware and software. I also feel
>that Postscript would be a pain in the ass all around.
Hmmm... I'm surprised at this response. I was forced (at a tender age)
into Postscript via Finale 3's inability to print acceptable music
notation from windows w/o it. I guess I have a "postscript" view of the
world. Another weakness of my plan! I like EPS you loathe it.
IIIiiiinteresting!
>The images are
>simple iconic 300 dpi bitmaps that print quite well with simple quickdraw
>calls. I have a few special printing apps that I have created that I can
>easily modify for the function, and integrates with the front card and
>cassette printer systems.
>
>That's why I keep coming back to the driver angle. We just have no use for
>Microsoft here, and no need for NT. I don't have any modern PC hardware
>anyway. And I've spent a lot of energy convincing management of that.
Is it getting harder to keep management convinced? I came late to Macs
(Guy Kawasaki gave me one for a favor I did him) so I see hybrid NT Mac
nets as the way to go. I can imagine that the TREMENDOUS plug and play
advantage of Macs would persuade management once it was in-play and
producing revenue.
Bill Meade List Moderator for:
bill@ecatalyst.com AMODLMKT=applied modeling in CPG mktng
USA (314) 521-0396 CROSSCHS=CROSSING THE CHASM style
http://www.umsl.edu/~sbmeade high-tech marketing dialogue
http://www.ecatalyst.com/ KAWASAKI=Guy Kawasaki style
just-do-it marketing ]]>
Subject: Re: *Idea*
From: Bill Meade <bill@ecatalyst.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 97 21:50:07 -0500
<![CDATA[Stephen Barncard said ...
>Thanks for your thoughts.....
>
Oops. Missed this in my last post. You are welcome. You've got an
interesting problem so I thought it would be worth some thought.
SemperFi!
Bill Meade List Moderator for:
bill@ecatalyst.com AMODLMKT=applied modeling in CPG mktng
USA (314) 521-0396 CROSSCHS=CROSSING THE CHASM style
http://www.umsl.edu/~sbmeade high-tech marketing dialogue
http://www.ecatalyst.com/ KAWASAKI=Guy Kawasaki style
just-do-it marketing ]]>
Subject: Re: *Idea*
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[At 7:49 PM -0700 7/6/97, Bill Meade wrote:
>Since I sent off my first respone to your question, I had another idea:
>SoftPC or VirtualPC on a Mac. It would let you run Win3/95 on a Mac and
>you could use the existing driver.
Been there, done that. Printer=Parallel Port Mac/softwindows=serial
Powerprint serial/parallel is useless here. I've also used other
serial/parallel buffers with no luck, and even sent printer data thru the
softwindows COM 1 output to the mac serial port
Printer needs special handshaking timing. Also it's still WINDOWS!!!! And I
want to have control at the app level. And I'm not able to take the time for
the learning curve of programming windows, and I and my users hate
two=button mice! I just don't want to throw any more curves to the
production crew.
>
>Stephen Barncard said ...
>
>>2. Require me to install some lame external ethernet networking card for
>>the thinkpad, if there is even one that exists for this model.
>
>Either a PC Card, or a Xircom Parallel Ethernet Adapter. Requires no
>windows chops under 95 or NT but I know what you are talking about with
>Win3. Networking is the purest form of scar tissue with Win3. The
>Xircom is worth the extra money. It works right out of the box w/out
>forcing you to slap your forearm to bring up a vein to tap. ;-)
What does it attach to? The parallel port? That's in use with the printer.
>
>>3. Take way too many steps for the operator.
>>
>You are right. You could probably Applescript it, but there is nothing
>like having what the operator expects. This is a weak point in my
>workaround.
>
>>It just sounds like a nightmare to do that. I just don't have the Windows
>>chops or patience to install network hardware and software. I also feel
>>that Postscript would be a pain in the ass all around.
>
>Hmmm... I'm surprised at this response. I was forced (at a tender age)
>into Postscript via Finale 3's inability to print acceptable music
>notation from windows w/o it. I guess I have a "postscript" view of the
>world. Another weakness of my plan! I like EPS you loathe it.
>IIIiiiinteresting!
I don't loathe it. I just don't want to wait for it. It's great for highend
graphics, but it's slow and the conversions would make it slower. This kind
of graphics doesn't need postscript power, and again it is way beyond our
scope to write an app that imbeds postscript and text on a page.
>
>>The images are
>>simple iconic 300 dpi bitmaps that print quite well with simple quickdraw
>>calls. I have a few special printing apps that I have created that I can
>>easily modify for the function, and integrates with the front card and
>>cassette printer systems.
>>
>>That's why I keep coming back to the driver angle. We just have no use for
>>Microsoft here, and no need for NT. I don't have any modern PC hardware
>>anyway. And I've spent a lot of energy convincing management of that.
>
>Is it getting harder to keep management convinced? I came late to Macs
>(Guy Kawasaki gave me one for a favor I did him) so I see hybrid NT Mac
>nets as the way to go. I can imagine that the TREMENDOUS plug and play
>advantage of Macs would persuade management once it was in-play and
>producing revenue.
No, management are cool, and die-hard mac users now, but I don't want to go
back on my words... And Macs have been producing revenue for over 10 years
now here....It <was> hard to get IT off of our backs, who of course
wanted to replace everything. I put my job on the line.
>
>Bill Meade List Moderator for:
>bill@ecatalyst.com AMODLMKT=applied modeling in CPG mktng
>USA (314) 521-0396 CROSSCHS=CROSSING THE CHASM style
>http://www.umsl.edu/~sbmeade high-tech marketing dialogue
>http://www.ecatalyst.com/ KAWASAKI=Guy Kawasaki style
> just-do-it marketing ]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[At 2:11 PM -0700 7/4/97, David Tay wrote:
>If you subscribe to Apple's Developer program,
We have since 1986, but I never found a template for a print driver. Do you know exactly where i would find that? I have every developer's CD since then.
>you'd be able to find code
>snippets on serial communications, printer drivers and other things such
>as tech notes and documentation. Another place to look would be the
>Apprentice CD Rom.
or how about MacTUtor??
>
>However, another way out would be to just create a communications program
>- set the data rate, etc and just pass the necessary data - includes both
>text and graphics in the appropriate format. The application would be the
>only thing that talks to the printer, whereas a printer driver would
>enable almost any application to print using the CD printer.
That would be ok if it was printing from a simple graphic file, but it is
mixed text and graphics, and I have an app that I want to use that is based
on the PrintReport XCMD. The learning curve for me would be too much right
now to do all of the work that XCMD is doing. I thought about it for a long
time, and for a time it would seem like it would work, but I'm mixing
truetype text and 300 dpi iconic graphics positioned in a square. If I spend
that much time working with offscreen bitmaps, etc. I might as well write
standard print drivers so they work with any app.
>
>I assume that you do have the detailed documentation on how to
>communicate with the printer via serial link in order to do either of the
>above.
>
Oh yes. RLE encoding (optional) sent line by line. The manual for the printer has all the specs and escape codes. and others that open and close the door. The timing seems to be critical.
Thanks again for your help.....]]>
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply!
At 2:37 PM -0700 7/4/97, MANNA Paolo wrote:
>Dear Stephen,
> I've read your request: in this period I'm working on the GhostScript
>(PostScript interpreter) port from Unix to the Mac. The first release is
>just on Info-Mac, and an update will be posted next week. This also means
>that I've hands on many printers' data sheet and characteristics to add to
>the software, and it would be a possibility to add this driver to the list
>of already implemented printers.
>The things that I've to know are:
>1) Is the RImage printer compatible with an existing printer (although
>changing some commands to fit their needs) or have they a proprietary
>protocol?
It does not match any known other printer, otherwise I would have used Powerprint.
>2) Is it possible to get all the data from them or are they jealous about?
>
There is a simple page of specs which shows the escape codes and info about
how a RLE graphic line is sent to the printer. There is no text mode. I can
send you the complete info if you like. I am still trying to get the source
code from Rimage, but there seems to be no response. They just don't care.
thanks!]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[At 2:51 PM -0700 7/4/97, David Tay wrote:
>Stephen,
>
>I'd like to add a few other points to my earlier reply:-
>a. It might not be a good idea to create a printer driver as some folks
>might unwittingly select the incorrect printer and send print jobs there.
But better to do it in a standard way. Also this is for a production
enviroment; and they know their way around the chooser. These are not stupid
users. Also it opens the possibility for others to use it. Anyway, it is not
networked, it is tethered to a dedicated mac which is networked.
>
>b. The imaging area for the CD printer would be circular. It would be
>most difficult for new users to accurately determine the actual area
>using a graphics application like PhotoShop and Illustrator.
I wouldn't use those apps, I have my own, and my users know enough to stay
out of the non-printing areas....
>
>c. With Rhapsody fast approaching, I'm not sure if it would be a good
>idea to invest time and effort developing an old-style printer driver.
I doubt if my operation would be using Rhapsody until at least two years
from now, anyway, running in the compatability box will be ok for this app
and I don't expect to get involved with widespread distribution of this
driver anyway. > >d. Serial communication could be easier especially if
you're pressed >for time - simply hard-code the port (ie- modem port) or go
via the comms >toolbox (for more thrills).
> >Apart from talking to the printer, you'd have to work on image generation
>(Quickdraw based) and or conversion (if you decide to allow users to
>import images). The main issue would be dithering and clipping the image
>for output
Ok if it's just a single graphic file, I could do that in a few hours, but I
mix text and graphics....I would have to rewrite EVERYTHING. And it's
straigh bitmap logos with text --- no dithering wanted, but scaling needed,
and I use Nairn's Printreport XCMD which does this....
>As such, I really feel that you should consider the second approach >(you'd
need to create a simple communications application anyway to >verify the
data transmission). > >You'd have a cleaner solution and be able to either
license/ sell the >code back to IDT or other users.
I doubt if I could profit this way; I've encountered only a couple of people
that want this....
By the way, where in the world is .sg ?]]>
Subject: Re: - Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[G'day Shane! Put another iguana on the barbie! :) Are you speaking of the
Fargo? I think it uses the inkjet process and requires special media.....the
color is nice, but we get really low prices on CDR blanks, but not on
special ones..
thanks for your thoughts! sqb
At 1:57 AM -0700 7/5/97, Shane Ambler wrote:
>G'day Stephen,
>
>This may be a bit off-track but here in Australia there is a company that sells
>a Modified Epson Stylus Color Printer for printing onto CD-R's and it has
>a Mac driver - This may not be the solution you want but another alternative.
>The Australian price is $1699.
>
>Basically it is modified to take a thick (tray?) that has places for 2 CD-R's
>and you get templates for it etc. - Maybe someone in America does the same
>thing.
>
>
>
>from Shane Ambler.
><sambler@tne.net.au>
><http://www.tne.net.au/sambler/macsrule.html>]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply! Another seeker on the trail of the Rimage holy grail.
do you have your rimage now? Isn't that software sucky?
I will be sure to let you know.
stephen
At 9:44 AM -0700 7/5/97, Russell Gnant wrote:
>Sorry I can't help, you are asking the same question I have been asking. I
>would be very grateful if you could keep me informed of any results you
>get.
>
>Best regards,
>Russ]]>
Subject: Re: CDR Printing
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Thanks for your reply! I will contact these people, but I would imagine that
this would be a rather messy and slow process, but I have an open mind and
will check. Thanks!
At 3:33 PM -0700 7/5/97, Ken McCroan wrote:
>Stephen,
>
>I wish I had the whole answer to your question posted in MacWay, but
>I'll offer the best I have.
>
>As a Mac consultant to ad agencies and print shops, I am aware that
>there are devices that can silkscreen on plastic surfaces and can be
>driven from a Mac. One of my occasional customers is a printshop run by
>the corrections industry here in Montgomery, Alabama. They have some
>sort of silkscreen printer and should be knowledgeable about them.
>
>I suggest you call 334-215-8414 and ask for Bill Jinwright. He is the
>plant manager and can give you information or pass you along to someone
>who can. They close for the day by 3:30PM CDT.
>
>
>Ken McCroan]]>
Subject: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[Just a note to tell all that replied-- thanks. What a great group --- mac
users!
I'm sorry to say that I still don't have an easy solution to the problem of
printing from a mac to the Rimage CD printer. This printer is not an inkjet,
but more like an old selectric typewriter, using a special wide continuious
black ribbon that is fused somehow (instead of impacted) to the slick CD
surface. Other CD printers use an inkjet process to put the ink on special
media. since we have a need to print hundreds at a time, we need to get
normal CDR blanks at mass prices to maintain a profit margin, and those
inkjet CD printers (such as the Fargo) need special media.
1. Many suggested the SoftWindows95 solution - the problem being that the
printer needs a parallel port, which is not supported by Softwindows95
(nobody makes a parallel port card for the mac). Others suggested the Costly
PC card solution. The problem with that solution is that I really want to
get away from the Wintel thing completely, so I can easily re-write the
applications I have in place for other kinds of lables now.
2. Many also suggested Powerprint, a hardware-software solution that allows
Macs to use PC printers. I had extended conversations with GDT, the company
that designs and markets Powerprint, and they finally concluded that their
current drivers wouldn't work, but they offered to custom write one for me
-- for $20000. Next.
3. I also had a suggestion to go with having the PC Thinkpad to be a
postscript server, which would require me to not only network the PC, but to
convert my files to postscript and go thru several steps. Ok for techeads,
but not good for a production enviroment.
4. I had a suggestion to make an application to directly feed data to the
printer thru the serial port, but it really makes for more coding for me
than using my already-created app and a real driver.
5. I also got two offers to really make a printer driver, one from a custom
software shop, the other from a volunteer coder at Apple. This course,
although difficult, may be the only solution that really makes it so far for
me with the least amount of effort on the app side...
6. Finally, I'm going to try one more time to plead with Rimage, who makes
all kinds of CDR related products, including the CD printer, automatic
loaders and CD jukeboxes to make a mac driver for at least the printer. They
don't seem to get the extra market share that multimedia products for the
Mac have in the recording, multimedia and art fields.....
Thanks all, for your suggestions, and I will post any incremental progress
to this list or Macway if it happens.
Stephen Barncard]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
From: Russ Brown <russ@userlab.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 07:41:00 -0400 (EDT)
<![CDATA[Appreciate hearing how you made out.
How much is the printer? I may be producing custom CDs and it sounds like
a good way to label them.
Russ Brown, Ph.D.
Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[At 4:41 AM -0700 7/7/97, Russ Brown wrote:
>Appreciate hearing how you made out.
>
>How much is the printer? I may be producing custom CDs and it sounds like
>a good way to label them.
$3000!
>
>Russ Brown, Ph.D.
>Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
>russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
>phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
>or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
>fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius]]>
Subject: Re: Request for a MAC Driver for RIMAGE CD Printer
From: MANNA Paolo <Paolo.Manna@omnitel.it>
Date: Mon, 07 Jul 97 11:01:00 PDT
<![CDATA[
Dear Stephen,
>There is a simple page of specs which shows the escape codes and info about
>how a RLE graphic line is sent to the printer. There is no text mode.
OK, this is the sort of things I'm used to handle, in this sense all printer
manufacturers have same standards.
>I can send you the complete info if you like. I am still trying to get the
source
>code from Rimage, but there seems to be no response. They just don't care.
>
Again, with the sole exception of HP (they support developers as much as
they can), all printer manufacturers think it's enough for them to cover the
Wintel world, and if someone is so crazy to make a software for the Mac,
well, it's his problem to arrange it.
No, as I told you, I'm used to such a behaviour, try to send me as many
infos you can, and we'll try to show them that Mac software can do better
and faster than a PC.
Greetings
Paolo Manna
pmanna@kagi.com]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: Stephen Barncard <stephen@barncard.com>
<![CDATA[At 2:02 PM -0700 7/7/97, David Tay wrote:
>Hi Stephen,
>
>.sg stands for Singapore. BTW, I used to work at Apple Technology
>Singapore (part of Apple) until I was laid off approx 2+ months ago.
Bummer.
>
>If your Macs are networked via localTalk, you would have a problem - you
>need to support AppleTalk protocools, which wouldn't work with your
>thermal printer.
It would be nice to network it, but not as important as Mac connectivity.
The unit DOES have a serial port, and it uses a mini-din connector almost as
if the hardware guys were THINKING about connecting to a mac, but the pin
arrangement is different than apple's. I don't even know if they tested it.
I'm going to run some tests soon.
>
>I used to have a "Develop" article on writing PostScript printer drivers
>(if I remember correctly). MacTutor or MacHack CDs would be a good place
>to look.
I'd rather not use postscript anyway. Quickdraw/Truetype is faster and less complex.
>
>Mixing text and graphics should not be an issue - simply image what you
>need to an off-screen buffer (GWorld), which you then output through the
>serial port. This has been done with 4th Dimension (as the application
>base) for a thermal printer used by BP Singapore. Time taken < 1 week.
>
That would require me to rewrite my app....
>Rgds,
>
>David]]>
Subject: Re: Mac Driver for CD Printer
From: David Tay <tayod@cyberway.com.sg>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 97 21:02:39 -0000
<![CDATA[Hi Stephen,
.sg stands for Singapore. BTW, I used to work at Apple Technology
Singapore (part of Apple) until I was laid off approx 2+ months ago.
If your Macs are networked via localTalk, you would have a problem - you
need to support AppleTalk protocools, which wouldn't work with your
thermal printer.
I used to have a "Develop" article on writing PostScript printer drivers
(if I remember correctly). MacTutor or MacHack CDs would be a good place
to look.
Mixing text and graphics should not be an issue - simply image what you
need to an off-screen buffer (GWorld), which you then output through the
serial port. This has been done with 4th Dimension (as the application
base) for a thermal printer used by BP Singapore. Time taken < 1 week.
Rgds,
David]]>
Subject: Re: Rimage Driver: Thanks to all who replied...
From: Russ Brown <russ@userlab.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 18:51:30 -0400 (EDT)
<![CDATA[A little pricey for my low volume. Guess I should look into a squirter.
Thanks.
>At 4:41 AM -0700 7/7/97, Russ Brown wrote:
>>Appreciate hearing how you made out.
>>
>>How much is the printer? I may be producing custom CDs and it sounds like
>>a good way to label them.
>
>
>$3000!
>
>>
>>Russ Brown, Ph.D.
>>Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
>>russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
>>phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
>>or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
>>fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius
>
>
>__________________________________________________________________________
>Stephen Barncard
> Email: mailto:stephen@barncard.com
> WEB http://www.barncard.com/
> Classic Record Producer and Macintosh Advocate
> Please check out <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com/>
> and join the EvangeList mailing list by sending an email
> to <mailto:evangelist@macway.com>
>__________________________________________________________________________
Russ Brown, Ph.D.
Usability Consultant Every time we would actually begin forming
russ@userlab.com a functioning unit we would reorganize.
phone: 416-489-3840 Reorganization creates the impression of action
or 1-800-295-6354 while accomplishing precisely the reverse.
fax: 416-489-9957 - Pliny the Elder, killed 79AD by Mt. Vesuvius]]>
Subject: Re: ?? - Request for a MAC driver for RIMAGE CD PRINTER posting
From: EvangeList <evangelist@apple.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 97 20:08:03 -0700
<![CDATA[Thank you very much for your submission to EvangeList. I appreciate you
sending this to me. I'll consider it carefully for posting. It may take as
long as two weeks for your posting to appear because of the volume of email
I receive.
If I post it, I will BCC you, so that you know when it went out. From the
time I post it to the time the list receives it can be as much as three days
(our server is extremely overloaded! :)
Thanks for your help and kick butt!
John J. Halbig
(a.k.a the Digital Guy)
e-mail: evangelist@apple.com
>This is my second try at this one; some time has passed and more people are
>on the list now.
>
>We are using a RIMAGE CD PRINTER here at A&M Studios in LA. It is really a
>fine piece of hardware that does one thing: Prints text and graphics on a
>CD-R. We have a big tower of 5 Yamaha CD-Rs in a stack that makes 5 CDs at
>4x speed at once, and of course this stack is driven by Toast CD-DA
>software running on a Mac 8500.
>
>But, you guessed it, the people at Rimage only offer a Windoze driver and a
>lame graphics application to use with the ‚D printer, and they refuse to
>even consider it or return my calls. We are currently running it from a
>Thinkpad, but it's a pain in the neck because I have to maintain two sets
>of graphic logos, the performance is sluggish in the graphics program, and
>I refuse to connect Win 3.1 to our otherwise totally Mac network of 30+
>machines.(Not to mention the 1000 other reasons we hate Windows)
>
>The Rimage is unique among the small fraternity of CD-printers in that it
>is the only one that uses a non-inkjet process to apply images to the CD.
>All others have ink that smears, or requires special media. I know about
>the Fargo, etc. and the CD-stomper stuff looks bad to me. We need that
>driver BAD, so, here are my questions:
>
>1) did anyone out there go ahead and WRITE their own Mac driver for this
>thing? (We are considering this but really don't want to spend the time)
>
>2) If we do write our own, would anyone else care to invest time or money
>in this venture?
>
>3) Is there some new exotic process that's in the works for the future
>that we haven't heard of yet that can do a smudgeproof print on a CD with a
>Mac?
>
>4) Is there someone out there with printer driver experience that might
>want to take on this project?
>
>Thanks in advance, and keep up the good work Guy and Co.!!
>
>Stephen Barncard
>A&M Recording Studios
>
>__________________________________________________________________________
>Stephen Barncard
> Email: mailto:stephen@barncard.com
> WEB http://www.barncard.com/
> Classic Record Producer and Macintosh Advocate
> Please check out <http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com/>
> and join the EvangeList mailing list by sending an email
> to <mailto:evangelist@macway.com>
>__________________________________________________________________________
>
>
________________
Do you believe in Macintosh? Please check out:
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Join the EvangeList mailing list by sending an email to:
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