NEWPRINT/Multi

What's New

2023-04-29

• Centronics cable option

2023-04-17  v1.4.2

• Option to fix blank lines for IIGS graphics when using older Grappler+ cards (G+Fix)
• New display color options (white on black, green on black)
• Renamed formats to be more generic: "AppleWorks" to "Document" and "PrintShop" to "Graphics"

Compatibility

• TRS80 Model 1/3/4/4p
• Apple II+/IIe/IIgs with Grappler+ or compatible parallel printer card
• Other vintage computers*

*Note: Other vintage computers may work with NEWPRINT if they support a standard parallel printer but a custom cable may be required. I have had reports of Atari and C64 machines working when used with a Supergraphix Centronics printer adapter. This support is not guaranteed as I do not have these machines to test with.

Requirements

• Wi-Fi requires a 2.4Ghz network. 5Ghz is not supported.
• Apple II series require a Grappler+ (or compatible) parallel printer card
• Note: A standard USB-to-Barrel jack power cable is included

Limitations

• TRS-80 is text only
• Apple II series emulates a 4-Color Imagewriter printer with PDF output option
• Apple II series supports text and Print Shop graphics
• Apple IIgs supports Print Shop/GS and GS/OS graphics output (requires Harmonie printer drivers)

Reviews

• A nice review/overview by Brad Grier (here)

Details

• NEWPRINT/Multi is a Wi-Fi-enabled "virtual" printer adapter that connects to your computer's printer port and your local Wi-Fi network to send printer output to any device that supports a modern browser (iPad, Desktop PC, Mac, etc.).
• The NEWPRINT web interface can show printer output as plain text, hexadecimal values, Print Shop graphics (Apple II), or Apple IIgs GS/OS graphics printing.
• Text mode output does not (currently) understand special printer control codes used by most word processors (BOLD, multiple font sizes, Form Feed, etc.).
• The NEWPRINT web interface is available from any browser on your local Wi-Fi network at newprint.local
• NEWPRINT uses the standard HTML WebSocket API so you can even write your own web-based or desktop interface for displaying and processing NEWPRINT output.

Note: A USB power adapter (+5v DC) and printed User's Manual are not included to keep prices low. However, a USB-to-Barrel Jack cable is included. See the PDF User's Manual below for more information.

Apple II Printer Card Notes

• Some Grappler printer cards are missing pin #2. This is intentional and was designed to prevent you from connecting your ribbon cable backwards. This is fine as NEWPRINT does not require pin #2.
• If you have an older NEWPRINT card please contact me for a fix.

Apple IIgs Notes

• Some IIgs models may require a "newer" Grappler+ card (with 74LS374 in U10). The "old" Grappler+ card (with 74LS373 in U10) may have timing issues on the GS.
• My setup is a ROM01 IIgs with the older (373) Grappler+ card and I have no issues
• See this link for Apple's Tech Note on this issue
• If you are using one of the older Grappler+ cards (373 chip), set dip switch 1 to OFF
• If you are using one of the newer Grappler+ cards (374 chip), set dip switch 1 to ON
• Note: I have added an option to the NEWPRINT web interface to fix the Apple IIgs Grappler+ blank line problem. It is not perfect but provides very nice results if you happen to have an incompatible Grappler+ card.

Apple II Series Cable Installation

• See the PDF User's Manual below for a few pictures and tips on how to install the ribbon cable through the rear slots without damaging your cable

NEWPRINT/Multi Downloads

Quick Start
Firmware Update Instructions (2023-04-07)

Installation & User's Guide for Firmware 1.4.1 (2023-04-17)
Firmware v1.4.2 (2023-04-17) (change log)