Retro-Printer v4 Module (capture and convert centronics port data)

Retro-Printer v4 Module

This is the v4 Retro-Printer Module from RWAP Software.

This is an improved version of the original and well-regarded Retro-Printer v3 Module, with the following changes to the hardware:

• Correction of the all-important manufacturing fault on the v3 which resulted in the reversal of pins 19-36 on the Centronics connector (so the metal adaptor required for the v3 is no longer necessary).
• Change to the on-board chips and addition of diode to the +3.3V GPIO pin to allow the v4 module to work with the amended power scheme on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 4 (and any later models)
• Optional +5V on Pins 13, 18 and 32
• Pull-up Resistors on the data lines to prevent false signals from the data lines (for example if the connected equipment is turned on after the Retro-Printer).

The v3 Module remains available as a lower cost option if you are on a budget, or wish to prove the technology for use with your specific equipment.

What is the Retro-Printer For?

The Retro-Printer module is a direct replacement for an old dot-matrix or inkjet printer.  The Retro-Printer connects to a standard centronics cable and captures a range of early printer standards for data sent to the centronics port by a wide range of industrial equipment and vintage computers.

The Retro-Printer module includes software which emulates the following printers:

• Epson ESC/P 9 Pin
• Epson ESC/P 24/48 Pin
• HP Printer (PCL3 or PCL5)
• HP Plotter (HP-GL)
• IBM ProPrinter
• Plain Text
• Postscript
• Printronix-P Series
• Printronix Serial Matrix Series

It also includes several experimental printer emulations:

• Apple Image Writer II
• Seiko STP
• Seiko QT-2100P
• Siemens PT-88
• Star Micronics SP700
• Tandy DMP-105

The captured data can be stored electronically, or used to connect a modern USB or network printer with these retro computers and vintage machines.

Our custom software runs on a Raspberry Pi (available separately) which converts the captured data as required.  The Retro-Printer Module connects as a HAT to the GPIO port on the Raspberry Pi.  You can then connect modern printers to the Raspberry Pi for further printing, or access the captured data by connecting to the Raspberry Pi over ethernet or WiFi for further processing, or simple e-document storage.

Various configuration options currently allow you to:

• Simply spool captured data to a file on the SD card or a USB memory stick (for example, this is ideal for logging systems)
• Strip ESC/P and ESC/P2 codes (including graphics) from the captured data to extract the plain text
• Create a PDF version of the original printer output to create an electronic version of printed output
• Print the PDF to a modern printer connected via USB or network*
• Write your own software to control the three LEDs (currently used to show power, busy and online status).

* For printing the PDF you need a printer which is recognised by Linux CUPS.

The software is supplied as one of several 8GB or 16GB SD card image downloads for use with the Single Board Computers, with all that you need.  We also offer a pre-programmed 16GB SanDisk micro-SD card with SD card convertor for an extra charge if you prefer.  The latest version of the software (for various single board computes) and the latest manual can be accessed here.

More details appear on the Retro-Printer Module website. We would also recommend that you join in the discussions on the Retro-Printer Forums.

What You Need

1. A Single Board Computer - ideally a Raspberry Pi quad core version (Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3), as these will fit in the case we have designed and offer separately. 
   
   You can (however) also use an Orange Pi PC, a Banana Pi M2, an Odroid C1 (or Odroid C1+), or a Raspberry Pi 4, plus power supply if you do not need our case.
   
   
2. A centronics cable - the Retro-Printer connects via an industry standard centronics connector.

Optional Extras

• Retro-Printer case to contain a Raspberry Pi and the Retro-Printer module with access to all ports (suitable for Raspberry Pi 2 or Raspberry Pi 3)
• 16GB SanDisk mico-SD card with SD card convertor and pre-programmed with the Retro-Printer software
• USB-RTC Module to maintain the time and date on the Raspberry Pi when you turn it off (for where it is not connected to a network)
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Official Power Supply

To add one or more optional extras, use Buy Now on each item but DO NOT pay.  Instead go to Items I've Won and request an invoice so we can combine shipping on these and any other bits you might want at the same time.

We welcome feedback and ideas for improvement of the software; and can work with customers to provide new conversion filters as required, dependent on your application and demand.

Will it Work With My Equipment?

Generally, the answer has to be YES.  The v4 module works with a wide range of equipment and our software continues to be improved to handle special cases.

To date, we have received feedback that the Retro-Printer has been used to successfully allow the following computers and equipment to capture and store or print output sent to the centronics port:

• Acorn BBC Micro (B) Home Computer
• AT&T Unix PC 7300 Computer
• Atari 130XE, Atari 800XL and Atari ST Home Computers
• Audio Precision ATS-1 (high-end audio measurement system)
• Commodore Amiga A1200 Home Computer
• Commodore C64 Home Computer with a W&T92000 serial to centronics adaptor
• Door Entry Systems
• Escon R50 Brake Testing Machine
• FSA Spectrum analyser by Rohde & Schwarz
• HP E4407 Spectrum Analyzer
• Maguire Gravimetric Blenders (WSB series with old 6811 controllers)
• Oric / Atmos Home Computer
• Packard Cobra II Gamma Counter Model 5003
• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC-5 with serial interface
• Siemens CP-523 Serial module on a Siemens S5 PLC
• Sinclair QL Home Computer with a Miracle Systems Centronics convertor
• Strobe Data Products HAWK System (Data General Nova and Eclipse replacement)
• Sun Workstation (set to output to a Postscript printer)
• Sysmex CA-1500 Lab analyzer for blood co-agulation
• Tandy TRS-80 Model 1 Computer and Model 102 Laptop
• Teltek C60 Checkweigher
• Zeiss Humphrey Automated Peripheral Visual Field Analyzer

I Only have an RS232 Port

We are developing a version of the Retro-Printer Module which will connect directly to an RS232 port.  In the meantime, you will need an RS232 to Centronics convertor in order to connect to the Retro-Printer.  These can sometimes be found second hand; although we are hoping to be able to supply a low cost RS232 to Centronice convertor in the future.

NOTE: Pictures currently show the released version of the Retro-Printer Module, in situ attached to a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (not included) and inside the Retro-Printer Case (available separately)