The Printer Works
Contents | Back One Page | Search | Forward One Page | Ordering
Controller Notes |
Supplies and Accessories |
Ordering Information |
Return to Graphic Version
MODEL DATA Model Number P38800 Introduction Date 1989 Original MSRP $1,495
The JetScript card can also be used to give PostScript compatibility to a number of other CX, SX, RX, and TX printers. See the External and Host-Based Controllers page.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The QMS JetScript controller was originally designed to bring 300 dpi PostScript printing to the HP LaserJet series II. It is a full-length (13-inch) host-based controller (resident in the computer), connected through a special video cable, which connected to a video I/O card inserted into the Optional I/O slot in the printer. In 1989, The Printer Works and QMS collaborated to re-write the JetScript software to allow the JetScript to be used with Canon's standard video I/O port (as used on the CX VDO and SX VDO engines). The Printer works then combined the JetScript controller kit with a CX video engine to produce the JetScript-CX printer.
The architecture of the controller board is similar to the SX-based QMS-PS 810. The PS 810 came with only 2MB of RAM and 1MB of ROM; the JetScript, on the other hand, has 3MB of RAM but has no ROM. The data is loaded into RAM directly from a file on the host-computer's hard drive. Residing on the host computer's ISA bus, the JetScript acts like an additional parallel port and can be addressed as such (e.g. LPT2) or directly as an EPT port.
PostScript for Peanuts
Read the history of the JetScript and how the Printer Works came to build the JetScript-CX printer.
FONT INFORMATION
The JetScript uses the now famous Plus Set of 35 scaleable typefaces from Adobe Systems.
Model Information |
Supplies and Accessories |
Ordering Information |
Return to Graphic Version
CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number Original Pin & Hole Version: 2390435
Revised Surface Mount Version: 2390435-906
Designer/Mfg. QMS
Design Similar To PS 800+, PS 800 II, PS 810
Languages (Std & Opt) Adobe PostScript
CPU & Clock Rate Motorola 68000 @ 16 MHz
Resolution 300 x 300
RET None
Min/Max RAM 3 MB
ROM 32 Kb for Booting and Debugging
Control Panel OEM LED
Interfaces ISA bus to DB37 video
The QMS JetScript controller was originally designed to bring 300 dpi PostScript printing to the HP LaserJet Series II. It is a full-length (13-inch) host-based controller (resident in the computer), connected to the print engine by a special video cable, and to a video I/O card inserted into the Optional I/O slot in the printer.
The controller uses the same 68000 CPU as the QMS PS 800+, but it runs at 16 MHz instead of 12 MHz. Three megabytes of RAM are soldered to the board; no expansion is available. The Adobe PostScript interpreter version (47.2) is essentially the same as for the PS 800+ and PS 810. The board has two ROM chips for booting and debugging only, so the PostScript interpreter and the 35 resident fonts must be loaded into RAM at startup from a file on the hard drive.
When installed in an 8-bit or 16-bit ISA slot, the JetScript controller emulates a standard parallel (LPT) port. It uses the same port addresses and IRQs as standard parallel ports, but the DOS-based device driver allows non-default assignments of these settings. The drawback of this DOS-based-driver system is that it requires DOS to run; the JetScript will not work under most other operating systems. It works under Windows 95 albeit very slowly. It does not work at all under Windows NT. It will work in a DOS shell running under OS/2, but not from OS/2 itself.
Two different layouts of the JetScript board were made. The older layout had the RAM soldered to 12 daughterboards (similar to SIPPs) and only provided a choice of two port addresses (03BC and 0378). The revised board had the RAM in a single field of surface-mounted chips and provided the additional choice of port address 0278.
Model Information |
Controller Notes |
Ordering Information |
Return to Graphic Version
You can check prices or order these items from the ordering information table below.
The Printer Works39; JetScript-CX uses the same toner cartridges as all other CX-based printers.
The JetScript-CX printer uses the same shaped paper trays as all other CX-based printers. All versions are physically interchangeable. (See also Diagram 300, Paper Cassettes for CX Engines.)
CONTROLLER UPGRADE OPTIONS
The 600 dpi PrinterWorks FineLine controller can be used with the same video engines with which the JetScript works. The FineLine functions much better under Windows 95 than the JetScript, but does not provide PostScript printing.
Model Information |
Controller Notes |
Supplies and Accessories |
Return to Graphic Version
For price and ordering information or to place the item in your shopping cart, select a Part Number in the table.
PRINTERS Part Number Description CONTROLLERS Part Number Description 4512301 Controller Kit, JetScript, for HP LaserJet series II P4512302-CX Controller Kit, JetScript, for OEM Video 2390435-906 Controller, JetScript, Board Only ACCESSORIES Part Number Description 2901748 Cable, JetScript to Canon Video, 10 foot M05-370 Cable, JetScript Extension, 4 foot CABLE-1 Video Switch Circuit, HP 2686 or JS SOFTWARE Part Number Description PCX101 Software, JetScript-CX, 5-1/4 inch PCX102 Software, JetScript-CX, 3-1/2 inch PCL4T Software, PCL4 Emulation for PostScript Printers PSFX Software, Epson FX Emulation for PostScript Printers DOCUMENTATION PCX001 Operators Guide, LBP-CX 102191-01 JetScript-CX Manual
Model Information |
Controller Notes |
Supplies and Accessories |
Return to Graphic Version
Contents | Back One Page | Search | Forward One Page | Ordering
| The Printer Works Quality Printers, Parts, and Service since 1982 Telephone: 510 670-2700; or toll free (within USA): 800 225-6116 |
| Catalog Selection Home Page Log In Contact Us Site Map Search Database Printers Current Specials |
Image use tracked by Digimarc Corporation © 1996 The Printer Works, Inc. |