External Printer Kit and Compatible Printer List

for the 6500-CX and the FP40 Series

Beginning with software version 4.20 for the 6500-CX, and software version 3.30 for the FP40 or FP40-D, you can print to an external printer. Compatible printers must use HP PCL (Hewlett Packard Printer Computer Language) version 3.0 and above. Printers that use PPA (Printer Performance Architecture) are incompatible with the FONIX instruments.

Go to Troubleshooting Tips for the External Printer Kit

Because the 6500-CX and the FP40 have serial ports and most printers have parallel ports, we offer complete external printer kits for both instruments. (If your printer has a serial port, please contact the factory.) The complete package includes a printer cable, a serial-to-parallel converter, and a custom cable to attach to your analyzer as shown in the figure below (P/N: EXPRINTFP40 or EXPRINT6500). Of course, if you need an external printer package that is CE marked, we have those, too (P/N: CEPRINTFP40 or CEPRINT6500). For your convenience, we can ship from stock.

Also, if you have a 6500-C and would like the ability to print to an external printer, you have two options. You can either use the original RS232 port on your unit (P/N: EXPRINT65/C or CEPRINT65/C), or if you want to be able to use a computer as well as a printer, a new port can be added (P/N: EXPRINT6500 & AUX/RS232 or EXPRINT6500 & AUX/RS232KT). Adding a new port requires that the instrument be shipped to the factory or be modified by an authorized FONIX representative. In either case you will have to upgrade your unit's software to at least version 4.20. If you have an instrument that was manufactured prior to the 6500-C, an upgrade to accommodate an external printer is possible, but in all cases the instrument will have to be shipped to the factory.

When used with the 6500-CX, an external printer allows you to print ANSI and SPL screens on one full page rather than two half pages which reduces the chance of misplacing information. In all, the total cable length of the printer kit is approximately 13 feet which allows you to place your printer where you like it, whether it be right next to your analyzer or across the room from it. The external printer option expands your choices and provides you with a convenient organizational tool.