Hello: I'm new to this group. I need help selecting cheap dot matrix printer for my newly re-furbished Apple II+ . What works. Must it be 9-pin? I have a 24-pin Epson ActionPrinter 5000+ and that one does not seem to work with my Apple II+. Sorry for the large subject line. I at first did not figure out how to type text into the body. I had to turn off the rich text feature.
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Anything on eBay that's both functional and compatible with Epson FX, Epson MX, or IBM ProPrinter will work with a parallel printer card in slot 1.
There were hundreds of different printers made fitting those compatibility models.
Alternatively an Apple Imagewriter I with a Super Serial Card in slot 1 will also work.
+1 on the Apple Imagewriter I or ImageWriter II with a Super Serial Card in slot 1 . The best printer in it's day for the Apple II IMO.
And don't forget, the Imagewriter II with its color ribbon can print the color graphics so revolutionary and loved by us Apple ][ owners in the day!
Plus, once you upgrade to a legacy Mac to play with, the Imagwriter II continues to have functional versatility.
I've found that the Imagewriter II has lilited utility with early versions of II+ software.
Parallel printers, however, were widely supported by almost every piece of software that could output to a printer.
I'm thinking of things like Blazing Paddles, Fontrix, AppleWriter II, Visicalc, Bank Street Writer, etc.
I have been search on E-Bay for an FX80 or MX80 or equivalent Epson early unit. Can't seem to find any that are promised to be in working condition. Are any of the early Okidata or Citizen brand or other brands besides RX, FX, and MX Epson 9-pin printers compatible with the Apple II+ parallel printer card I have in Slot 1? The Epson 5000+ 24 pin printer I have from the 1992 time frame kicks back a printer "NOT READY" message in the middle of the screen when I type in PR#1 from the DOS 3.3 cursor. If anyone knows of anyone who wants to unload a working FX80 Epson printer, do tell me. Or if anyone has any sprocket paper feed 9-pin dot matrix working printer they know for sure works on the Apple II+ parallel printer card, I'd be interested in hearing from them. It was 40 years ago when I last had this Apple II+ working. I have all the accessories for it. Power supply blew after being on 30 minutes with a dummy load. Took that apart and replaced the blown C1 across the line capacitor. Had to fix some broken keys on the keyboard. Kids might have damaged them playing games way back then. Anyway, it's been in my cellar for over 30 years and now at the ripe old age of 76 I thought I'd try to get it working again and print out the listings of some inventory control software I wrote back in 1982, just for old times sake and a challenge. I must have sold off the FX80 printer to someone long ago or it stopped working. I'm a HAM radio operator too off and on. So I like to fix things if I can. This Apple II+ is my latest challenge. So other printer ideas besides early Epson FX and MX, etc., would be sincerely appreciated. :-)
. I'm beginning to suspect it might be the parallel printer cable or the card in slot #1. I decided to order a replacement cable and parallel printer card which I found advertised on eBay. Supposed to get those in 5-7 days, etc. If that solves the "NOT READY" screen display after executing the PR#1 command from DOS 3.3 cursor, then I'll be happy. But I'll keep looking for an RS, FX, or MX Epson legacy printer, or equivalent other brand, too.
The Apple (DMP) Dot Matrix Printer (Part # A2M0058) was also popular on ][+ with parallel cards. as were Oki Data 82A's. I think any parallel dot matrix would repond to a PR#1:List You would get better overall software support of printer codes for changing font size, bold etc with Apple DMP, or Epson MX/FX models. Although less ][+ authentic, the Apple ImageWriters (with serial card) will be hard to beat for maximum software compatibility.
8Bit and others: Thank you for all your help and suggestions. I finally found an Epson RX-80 which the seller says still works and since I'm in PA and he lives in NJ, the freight is minimal. I had that exact model 40 years ago when I first got the Apple II+, so I ordered it.
As I said further back in the thread, I also have another parallel printer card and parallel printer cable on the way too, just in case it is not the printer that is the issue and instead it's that I have a bad parallel printer card and/or cable. So, between all that I should be able to solve my inability to print some listings of old programs I wrote way back when.
I still have some broken keys to fix too. Replacement key stems on the way. But with the pandemic issues still ongoing and the bad weather in many parts of the nation, deliveries are really very slow these days with the USPS system. Its been a fun project this week re-learning numerous details, hardware and software, re my 40 year old Apple II+, and bring it back to life after sitting on a shelf in my basement for 40 years. Good thing I'm retired. Wouldn't have time for all this playing around if I still was working. :-) Thanks again to all.
Imagewriter LQ, if you can find one.
I too endorse the Image Writer idea. You can find some on eBay for a reasonable price. Typically its the shipping that may get ya. Don't forget to check Facebook marketplace, Goodwill online, and Craigslist.
Cheers,
mark
That is awesome. That was the model of the first printer I owned in the 80's, Epson RX-80FT.
Good luck. Hope it works out. Keep us posted.
Cheers
mark