Adding an Xstation Attached Printer at AIX 4

This document describes how to add an AIX queue to print to a printer that is attached to an IBM Xstation. The Xstation is connected to the system through the network.

This document applies to AIX Versions 4.x.

1. To add an Xstation printer queue, access as one of the following is required:
   • root
   • a member of the printq group
2. Have a network attached Xstation with an available printer port.
3. Printer is set to the proper attachment type, serial or parallel.
4. When using baud rate, make sure the printer matches AIX settings.

1. Enter the SMIT fastpath:

      smit mkpq
   

2. Select the attachment type:

      xstation         Printer Attached to Xstation
   

3. Select the manufacturer of the printer. If the manufacturer of your printer is not listed, select Other to use a generic printer definition.

4. Select the printer model. If your printer model is not listed:
   • select a printer with similar emulations and characteristics, or
   • select a generic printer definition. If you select a generic printer, there will be no printer initialization and no qprt flags will work.

5. Enter the Xstation name. See your network administrator.

6. Select one of the following Xstation types:
   • Xstation 120
   • Xstation 130
   • Xstation 140
   • Xstation 150
   • Xstation 160

7. Select parallel or serial port.
   • p Parallel
   • s0 Serial Port 0
   • s1 Serial Port 1 - 150,160

8. Enter the name of the queue to add.

9. Review and modify the printer connection characteristics as necessary.

10. Select Do. If the queue has been added successfully, a message displays stating that the queue has been added.

To test the print queue, make sure you use a file that is appropriate for the printer you have attached. If you are testing an ASCII text or PCL queue, use one of the two following commands:

• lptest 10 10 | qprt -P <queue>
• enq -P<queue> /etc/motd

If you are testing a printer that prints only PostScript or HPGL, print a known good file or use the following commands:

   lptest 10 10 | enscript -d<psqueue>
   qprt -Ban -P<ps_queue> /usr/lib/lpd/pio/burst/H.ps

With HPGL this process can be more difficult, so it is best to use a known good file.

• Can you ping the Xstation?
• Are you using the right cable for the port you have chosen?
• Is an interposer required?
• Do the printer and AIX serial settings match?
• Slow down the baud rate.