Technical Bulletin #30
Date: May 21, 2001
Subject: Laptop Communications and the Millennium
When printing from a laptop computer there are a couple things you need to know in order to avoid/reduce communications problems. (You can also use this information if you experience communication problems between the Millennium and your desktop computer.)
Laptop computers have smaller power supplies when compared to desktop computers. Consequently the signal strength out of their parallel port is lower. When the signal strength is not strong enough for the amount of data going through the parallel port, you may experience intermittent data transfer interruptions.
Signs of data transfer interruptions include:
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Files printing incompletely
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Images printing with only 2 out of 3 color planes
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Slow print processing speeds
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Computer lock-ups
If you are printing with the Millennium printer from a laptop computer, we advise that you:
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Print from an ECP configured port.
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Use the shortest parallel cable possible — no longer than 6 feet maximum.
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Use a cable that is IEEE 1284 compliant.
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Turn the screen saver option OFF.
Following these recommendations will greatly reduce the possibility of printing problems occurring as a result of data transfer issues.
NOTE: You can also invoke the Write Direct to Port printer driver option on the Millennium Options tab. Selecting this option devotes all of your system resources to the current print job.
If you need further assistance in upgrading your printer, please contact DCS technical support at techsupport@directcolorsystems.com or the same via phone at 860-829-2244.
