Printing today...

[x24b]

Back in the day, I had an Epson MX80 printer with a 'Graftrax plus' chip upgrade. It was fantastic to be able to print out my programs for slow perusal and mark up, and I also liked writing my column for the Pomona 99er's club with it.

 

I've seen brand new dot matrix printers available online, but they are very expensive ($300 and up, made for restaurants, car repair shops, ect.) and I do not know if they are compatible with our old word processors and programs. There is an Epson standard Code system that might be backwards compatible, but I can't be sure. I don't mind the noise or slow speed of a dot matrix, but I do want it to be compatible with my old TI 99/4A and PEB RS232 card.

 

What is an alternative to buying an old Epson off ebay? I'd like something new. Thanks in advance.

[TheTIGuy]

Not off the top o' my head.

[Omega-TI]

There is always the << HDX modification >> for the TI RS-232 card. It will let you print to a modern printer with the appropriate P.C. software. by Fred Kaal.

[+arcadeshopper]

and TI Print.. covered that in the FAQ post pinned at the top long as you have a rs232 port ..

[x24b]

Thanks. Investigating now...

 

OK. I took a look.

All of these options involves a PC computer in the end. Sub-optimal.

 

I'm not interested in having a PC in my home workshop, EVER.

I have lots of them at work (IT networking etc.) and wish to not see any of them at home in my personal space.

 

Well, I suppose I need to investigate the newest dot matrix (impact) printers and take a closer look at the Epson Print Codes.

It might be time for a change. It may be time to go back, back to the past.

[+Vorticon]

I've had a Panasonic KXP-1123 since 1992 and I still use it with my TI at least weekly. These printers are incredibly sturdy and there is very little that can go wrong with them. I would still suggest considering a good used one.

Here's a KXP-1124, a slightly upgraded model, on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-KX-P1124-24-Pin-Dot-Matrix-Printer-Parallel-Interface-sold-as-is-/263071734761?hash=item3d404c1be9:g:zqMAAOSw~e5ZW9ej. Looks in excellent shape for $99 OBO. I would grab it if I were you. It is fully Epson compatible and the ribbons are a still plentiful.

Here's a KXP-1123 in good shape as well for $50: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-KX-P1123-24PIN-Multi-Mode-Printer-/391825566088?epid=82718036&hash=item5b3a9fa988:g:qx8AAOSwXetZT~WQ

And for the record, there is nothing like the clatter of a dot matrix printer to bring back the nostalgic days

[x24b]

I've had a Panasonic KXP-1123 since 1992 and I still use it with my TI at least weekly. These printers are incredibly sturdy and there is very little that can go wrong with them. I would still suggest considering a good used one.

Here's a KXP-1124, a slightly upgraded model, on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-KX-P1124-24-Pin-Dot-Matrix-Printer-Parallel-Interface-sold-as-is-/263071734761?hash=item3d404c1be9:g:zqMAAOSw~e5ZW9ej. Looks in excellent shape for $99 OBO. I would grab it if I were you. It is fully Epson compatible and the ribbons are a still plentiful.

Here's a KXP-1123 in good shape as well for $50: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-KX-P1123-24PIN-Multi-Mode-Printer-/391825566088?epid=82718036&hash=item5b3a9fa988:g:qx8AAOSwXetZT~WQ

And for the record, there is nothing like the clatter of a dot matrix printer to bring back the nostalgic days

 

Thank you very much!

I'm very glad to know of options like this.

I may not purchase either of these right now. I have yet to unearth my computer from the garage! However, I am very serious about getting a printer soon.

 

Your printer is another blood-line I can investigate. It is VERY good news that such a thing exists beyond the MX80.

That means the print codes have long legs, and there might be a variant machine made today that can speak a dialect of TI 99/4A.

 

I've purchased an F18A (with backup), a Panasonic RQ2102 cassette recorder, cassette tapes, a FinalGROM 99 (maybe a second one for backup), and have started renovating my garage into a reading room and work bench area. I have my original fully populated PEB with Drive Controller, dual half-height single-sided 5 1/4" floppy drives, 32k, RS232, P-Code Card, and dreams.

 

The printer is crucial. Once the work area is ready I'll start refurbishing all of my equipment to as good a condition as is possible. Then, the printer will be chosen and acquired.