Re: printer replacement for commodore computer

> On 2019-04-09, at 16:36, didier derny <didier_at_aida.org> wrote:
> 
> adapting the user port to centronics is one thing
> 
> but the existing software are compatible with the more recent centronics printers ?

There wasn't much development in the dot-matrix impact printers. While there were enhancements, the deFacto standard remains Epson 9/24 pins "protocol". Virtually every printer has to support either of the two if any market penetration is to be expected. They may add other emulations on top (like the IBM Proprinter f. e.).

> I was rather thinking to something like the IEC floppy
> 
> a small board with one side IEC and/or IEEE-488 and on the other side a centronics port
> 
> with a microcontroller in the middle to convert the codes from the original commodore printer code to the new one

That's what I was mentioning - there was a number of those back in the days. The most common was one that fit into somewhat bigger, plastic "Centronics" plug. It is connected directly to the printer and has cables going out to C64s IEC port for data and CASSETTE port for power to supply the MCU inside.

> to tell the truth I've not used a printer on a commodore till 1985  (it was a 8096 with a 8024)
> 
> it's when I discovered recent matrix printer from dascom that I tought to the commodore

If you get the parallel option to the dascom, then you will surely be able to print from C64 using Epson support of either existing software or the interface translating CBM printer codes to Epson.

Personally I found using the IEC for printing highly limited both in terms of speed and output quality (when used with emulation of CBM printers, which weren't top shelf in this area) and used almost exclusively the USER PORT connection for all my printing needs.

-- 
SD!