FYI: Apple's Macintosh II Video Card (M0211) is capable of driving the NEC Multisync monitor. The Multisync uses a 9-pin connector, so you will need to construct a cable as follows:
Macintosh II NEC Signal Name
------------ --- -----------
1 ------------- 6,7,8,9 Ground
2 ------------- 1 Red
5 ------------- 2 Green (sync)
9 ------------- 3 Blue
Set the monitor to Analog & Manual mode. (Thanks to Cameron Birse for the above information).
MacintoshSE and Parameter RAM
=============================
Q: How do I reset Parameter RAM in a Macintosh SE?
A: To zero Parameter RAM in the Macintosh SE, hold down the Shift, Option, and
Control keys while selecting the Control Panel. A dialog box will be displayed
asking if you want to zero Parameter RAM. Indicate Yes, and Restart the SE. Parameter RAM will be zero-ed. It is necessary to Restart the SE using known good System Software after this procedure.
FYI: The access speed for all SCSI drives connected to the Macintosh SE,
internal or external, is 660 Kb/Sec.
Macintosh SE Installer Program
==============================
FYI: We have noticed a "feature" when you select any of the Installer Scripts on the new SE System Tools disk. All of the Scripts seem to automatically update your printer drivers at the same time they update your System files. Even if you didn't intend on updating the print drivers. Just another time saver from Apple's software wizards. Another note, the Installer will not transfer the drivers to the target disk if they are not present at the time of the update.
Macintosh SE & AppleLink
========================
AppleLink 4.0 must be updated to work properly with the SE or Macintosh II. The more adventurous AppleLink junkie can find this elusive patch in the Headlines & Guide ICON, open the AppleLink Helpline folder and then the AppleLink: Helpful Hints and Software Updates. The patch is appropriately named "New Products Patch" and requires approximately one minute to download.
Mac System Version Identification
=================================
Q: Is there a way to positively identify Macintosh System Versions?
A: One SURE way to ID a System Version is to use ResEdit:
1. Start ResEdit.
2. Open the System file.
3. Open the item STRs from System.
4. Open STR ID=0.
STR ID=0 will contain the System Version number.
Using the Creation Date from the "Get Info" Dialog Box, is not a reliable way to identify the System Version. Since the Creation Date is not changed when updated with an Installer program, you cannot be sure that the System has not been updated.
Macintosh II & Guided Tour
==========================
If you experience an error message that indicates you need more memory to run the Guided Tour, ensure that your RAM CACHE is turned off. Check the Control Panel and make sure that you are set to either two or four Bits/Pixel. A sixteen Bits/Pixel setting will cause the error also.
Macintosh SE & Mentauris Connection
===================================
The Mentauris video adaptor for the Macintosh Plus can be modified to operate
on the Macintosh SE by cutting off the current piggyback connector and wiring
into the new video harness. A piggyback connector for the new harness is not
currently available.
current Mentauris connector SE video harness connector
PIN # PIN #
1 ----------------------------------------- 9
3 ----------------------------------------- 10
5 ----------------------------------------- 11
7 ----------------------------------------- 8
10 ----------------------------------------- 14
This will leave the BNC connector which can be fished through the expansion
slot on the back case attached to the wiring harness. As an option (which
worked well for me), place a pair of DB9 connectors in the Mentauris cable so
that the BNC portion can be disconnected and even moved to other units.
Our thanks to Ted Blank for the above information.
Inside InBox™
=============
Think Technologies reports that version 2.0 of InBox™ may cause "problems" with applications that are running when InBox™ "visually" informs you that a message has arrived. To avoid potential problems, set your options so that you are "Audibly" and/or "Repeatedly" reminded. These options work correctly and pose no danger.
MacTerminal - Give Me a Break!
==============================
Q: Typing the Option-Return to send a break, using MacTerminal does not generate a sufficiently long break to be recognized. What can we do?
A: Shift-Return on MacTerminal 2.1 will produce a long break.
Macintosh Print Drivers
=======================
Q: Where can I find printer drivers for third-party printers?
A: There are several sources for third-party printer solutions for the Macintosh. You will find two sources listed below. Be sure to check the current issue of the Macintosh Buyer's Guide for additional information.
GDT Softworks, Inc. SoftStyle, Inc.
2800 Douglas Road 7192 Kalanianaole Highway
Suite D Suite. 205
Burnaby, B.C. Canada Y5C 5BY Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
(800) 663-MACC (800) 367-5600
* * * DISK DRIVES * * *
Hard Drive Optimization
=======================
Q: Is there any way to optimize an Apple SCSI hard disk? By optimize I
mean to clean up empty spaces on the hard disk that are presently not
being used.
A: Fragmentation occurs on any hard drive, it's the result of adding and deleting files. One effective way to "optimize" is to backup the drive, reformat, and then restore your data. The quickest method of accomplishing this is to use a Tape Backup or another hard drive.
* * * PRINTERS * * *
LaserWriter Abroad
==================
Q: I understand that the LaserWriter is not a frequency independent device.
However, there is a need for a power supply for the LaserWriter that will allow
it to be operated at both 220V/50Hz and 110V/60 Hz. Can you recommend a
solution?
A: Because several components (fan, main drive motor, power supply, etc.) need to be changed to allow conversion from 50 Hz to 60 Hz operation, this cannot be
done with a single product. There is no way to have a universal LaserWriter at
the present time.
LaserWriter Page Counter Setting
================================
A brand new, "out of the box" LaserWriter can have readings ranging from 28 pages up to as high as 200 pages, depending on the number of hours of testing time and the number of pages per hour during testing.
Toner Shelf Life
================
Q: Is there a maximum shelf life for the toner cartridges for the LaserWriter? Our customer would like to have an extra on hand, but may not use it for 6 months to a year.
A: The shelf life of the toner cartridge is 2.5 years from production date. The production date is stamped on the toner cartridge in the form of 3 or 4 letters and numbers. To decode the production date, please refer to the file on AppleLink "LaserWriter: Shelf Life of Toner Cartridge" under the Technical Info Icon using the search words "Toner and Shelf Life."
LaserWriter & Color
===================
We have received several requests for LaserWriter Cartridges in alternate colors. Listed below are several vendors who advertise various solutions.
Michlin Computer Consultants (313) 663-9800
Laser Express(tm) Inc. (800) 553-8111
Toner Technologies (801) 544-3090
ImageWriter I DIP Swtich Settings
=================================
Q: I have a customer who has an ImageWriter I. At one time she set the DIP switches to print in condensed mode. Recently she changed the switches to print in PICA mode and does not remember how to change back to condensed. Using software, the printer will print in condensed mode. Please advise.
A: Below are the possible character pitches available through DIP Switch settings on the ImageWriter I, as found on Page 41 of the Owner's guide.
Switch 1-6 Switch 1-7 Character Pitch
---------- ---------- ---------------
Open Open Pica (10 characters per inch)
CLOSED OPEN Elite (12 characters per inch)
Open Closed UltraCondensed (17 characters per inch)
Closed Closed Elite Proportional
If after setting the DIP switches properly, you still cannot print in condensed mode, you may have a defective DIP switch and should take your printer in for repair.
* * * APPLETALK * * *
AppleTalk Distances
===================
Q: What is the maximum distance possible between a Macintosh and LaserWriter hooked up via AppleTalk?
A: The determining factor in this is not distance between Mac and LaserWriter, but rather the maximum network cable length under AppleTalk. Page 15 of the AppleTalk Personal Network manual states that the maximum network cable length is 300 meters, or about 1000 feet. This, is the maximum distance between a Macintosh and a LaserWriter.
* * * PROGRAMMING AND DEVELOPMENT * * *
MPW - Is it Soup Yet?
=====================
Q: Is the Macintosh Programmer's Workshop (MPW) completed yet? How do I obtain a copy?
Q: The IIgs manual refers to the IIgs Programmer's Workshop (APW). When will it be available?
A: MPW and APW are currently available and shipping. Contact the Apple Programmer's and Developer's Association (APDA) for ordering information. You can contact APDA at (206) 251-6548. Additional APDA information can be found in the 3rd Party Programs Icon on AppleLink. APDA is the source for ALL Apple Developmental information and programs.
PostScript Programming Questions
================================
Q: Where can I obtain information on PostScript Programming?
A: Check in your local bookstore for these two books: "PostScript Language Reference Manual" and "PostScript Language: Tutorial and Cookbook" published by Addison-Wesley Publishing.
* * * RESOURCES * * *
Sun Data
--------
Sun Data, that venerable supplier of unique, antique, and/or "orphaned" product support, has a new phone number: (800) 821-3221.
Product Compatibility Questions
-------------------------------
Q: Where can I find information on product compatibility, hardware/software, for Apple systems?
A: You will find this information on AppleLink under the 3rd Party Programs icon in a file entitled "Product Compatibility." Another file that may be of interest is "New Apple IIgs Third Party Products."
Does Such a Product Exist?
--------------------------
Several excellent resources that are often overlooked when searching for a product that performs a specific task (whether it be software that will let you print a spreadsheet sideways, a utility program that will let you integrate a spreadsheet into a desktop publishing application, or a special interface card) are the various On-Line Information Systems such as CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, The Source, etc.
Most of these services have Apple forums and data libraries where this type of information is plentiful, as well as many eager users who are happy to share information about the products that they have seen, heard about, or use.
Other excellent sources for this type of information are the Apple specific computer magazines such as A+, The Macintosh Buyer's Guide, Nibble, NibbleMac, MacWorld, MacUser, etc. These magazines all contain useful information in the form of advertisements, product announcements and product reviews that are very informative. Don't overlook them!
Overheard in a recent Macintosh II Seminar: "Apple's parts policies are the best in the Industry. None of our other Vendors can supply parts as fast as Apple!"
