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recommend a new dot matrix printer?

M

mbrg

I have to replace a dot matrix printer for AP NewsDesk (we are still using a DOS version and a ver. running on WIN98). There are Panasonics 1180 and Epson FX-500 printers on them now. We'll still be paralell port for the immediate future.

Any recommendations? What is working well out there?; quick to print, economical ribbons? etc.

thanks board,,,,
gw
 
Epson, OKI and others still make dot matrix printers. Check your local office supply store (or website). Or Google "dot matrix printer".

They're not cheap, however.
 
Staples (on-line only) is our supplier of choice. Yep, looks like Okidata and Epson are the only ones available. Anyone like one model above another from these 2 manufacturers?

We have tons of the old Panasonic KX P~1100 series ribbon cartridges and I see some Panasonics on eBay.....
 
The Okidata Microline 320 used to be the standard for the AP service. Doing a quick Google search reveals you can pick one up for about $350 new. I have seen them used for as low as $50 on ebay. Your mileage may vary.
 
Does AP have a printer recommendation?
Is there a newer version of AP Newsdesk which can put the stories on the hard drive so that you can print only the stories that you want (using a printer which is supported by Windows)?
Dot Matrix printers and ribbons are hard to find and expensive. They will become even more expensivs in the future.
Several years ago (in television), we used Genicom Line Printers. We converted to Laser Printers, printing only the stories which would ultimately go to air.
 
frankberry said:
Does AP have a printer recommendation?
Is there a newer version of AP Newsdesk which can put the stories on the hard drive so that you can print only the stories that you want (using a printer which is supported by Windows)?
Click to expand...

The last version of Newsdesk I worked with back in the late/mid 90's did that. I understand current versions of Newsdesk can ingest the data into the existing news room system.
 
The Panasonics are Epson compatible, as are the Epsons, and most Okidata DMPs (depending on dip switch settings). The basic Epson DOS drive should work on any of them.
 
Get the new version of News Desk. Stop wasting money on ribbons, 30 year old printer technology and the reams of paper your station goes through. You can pick the stories you want to print, edit them, and print them out on any garden variety laser printer with a much easier to read font.
 
The best use I've found for tractor feed dot-matrix printers is EAS. I don't really like the computer capture method as it is always subject to some f-up by the capturing computer, etc. I'd rather just print on a old-timey printer and be done with it. EAS and the FCC are antiquated, stupid ideas anyway. What an appropriate way to record the incidences of antiquity :).
 
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