This is an OS X driver for the Apple ImageWriter II dot matrix printer.

This driver supports all of the output resolutions provided by the ImageWriter II. Also, it uses the repetition commands to compress the output, which allows the printer to reach its maximum speed.

Plus, if you want to speed up printing at the expense of some minor artifacts, you can enable bidirectional mode on any resolution setting.

This driver does not require ghostscript or foomatic-rip. This is the main advantage it has over the foomatic filter which uses the Ghostscript device, since these two packages are not included in OS X.

Since I have a Sheetfeeder attachment for the ImageWriter II, this driver works with it.

First you need a cable which converts the Mini-DIN port on the back of the printer to a standard IBM PC RS-232 DB-9 connector. You can buy this cable, or you can build one. Either way, the cable MUST support the handshake signals (some cables do not).

Then, you can connect the printer to the Mac by connecting it to an old PC and sharing it from there. You'll have to set the serial port transmission rate and handshake mode in the PC you are sharing the printer from.

Since I'm not in possession of an original ImageWriter, an Apple DMP or an ImageWriter LQ, I have not tested this driver on these printers. It looks like it should be compatible, except for some resolution settings.

If you really want a driver that supports the ImageWriter LQ's high resolution mode, Ghostscript's Apple DMP device supports it.

Copyright (c) 2013-15 Daniele Cattaneo

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