Agilent 54621a with Seiko DPU-414 printer problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 31, 2013, 03:41:55 pm
content: I have a Agilent 54621a oscilloscope and just purchased a used Seiko DPU-414 printer. This printer is supported by the scope. I can't seem to get it working properly. Does anyone know how to set up the software dip switches in the printer?

author: commongrounder
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 01:34:29 am
content: I use a DPU-414 with my Fluke Scopemeter. The dip settings are printed out when you turn the power on while holding the ONLINE button until the current configuration starts to print. It gives you the option to make changes after finishing the config printout. There is a PDF of the user manual that describes this here:http://www.gs-inst.com/down/download/USER%E2%80%99S%20GUIDE%28English%29.pdf- among other places. It's a great little printer. Good luck!

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 11:12:31 am
content: Thanks for the reply. I already have the manual. I've tried the default settings and many others. There are so many settings I've already wasted a roll. It's like a combination lock that I don't know.

author: commongrounder
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 05:34:29 pm
content: Looking at the Agilent manual, it appears that you need to use the printer in parallel mode (SWDIP 1, switch 1 on), which is the default config. In this mode, many of the settings for baud rate, etc., don't apply. The 'scope is also printing in graphics mode, so text and column settings are ignored. Have you tried a different parallel printer cable? I have had problems with cables that are "good" not working with a particular device/printer combination. Sorry that you are having such troubles. I use my Seiko in serial mode, so haven't had to configure it with a parallel output device myself.

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 06:04:40 pm
content: I've tried 3 different cables. When I turn the printer on when connected to the scope it immediately prints out the dip switch settings (not suppose to do). After that the on-line led blinks. If I hold down the on-line button it will print the scope display one line at a time as I repeatedly push the on-line button. I feel that I'm close but I can't seem to get the right combination of switch settings correct.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 06:13:48 pm
content: Have you checked the paper out sensor is not blocked? That will give that symptom. Does it still do the printout of the switches with the cable disconnected, if so then the one switch on the front panel is either stuck down or leaky.

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 06:34:21 pm
content: If I turn the scope off (or disconnect it) the printer turns on correctly. If I turn on the printer while holding down the on-line button it prints out the dip switches. If I hold down the line feed button and turn the printer on I get the test printout. The printer behaves normally when not connected to the scope. When connected to a powered scope and I turn on the printer it prints out the dip switch settings.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 07:30:19 pm
content: Open the DB25 side and cut the connections to pins 13 to 17, which will stop the scope from interfering with the printer. It is likely one of those lines is at the wrong level, and really are not needed to print with, they only are used for more advanced ( not used much anyway) control of the printer.

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 08:01:38 pm
content: I cut pins 13 & 17 and that stopped the printing of the dip switches settings when turned on but it will not print the scope even when I hold the on-line button as it did before.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 08:09:08 pm
content: 13,14,15,16,17 need to be cut, not just the 2. these are the control lines, and are not often used.Seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_port

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2013, 11:30:50 pm
content: SeanB, I misread your post. I clipped 13 through 17 and no luck.

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2013, 02:41:26 pm
content: I confirmed that the parallel port is working properly. I successfully printed to a HP LaserJet compatible printer. I'm wondering if Agilent sold the Seiko printer with a special cable or the printer had special firmware.

author: Audiodad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2013, 11:39:33 pm
content: I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions. I have decided to shelve the Seiko printer and use my other printer. I've wasted to much time with this problem.