Editing Apple LaserWriter II NT

{{Infobox computer peripheral
| name         = Apple LaserWriter IINT
| image        = [[File:Apple_LaserWriter_II.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Apple LaserWriter IINT (1988)
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Laser printer
| release date = January 1988
| discontinued = October 1, 1991
| price        = US$4,599 (1988 retail)
| interface    = LocalTalk, RS-232/RS-422 serial, ADB
| compatible   = Macintosh, Apple II, PC (via RS-232)
| dimensions   = 8.7" H × 20.2" W × 18.7" D
| weight       = 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
| power        = 900W maximum, 90-126V/50-60Hz
| model        = M6000
}}

The '''Apple LaserWriter IINT''' was a midrange laser printer in the LaserWriter II series, released in January 1988 at US$4,599. The IINT positioned between the budget [[Apple LaserWriter II SC|IISC]] and high-end IINTX models, offering full PostScript Level 1 support and LocalTalk networking. The printer featured a Motorola 68000 processor running at 11.5 MHz with 2 MB of fixed RAM and 1 MB ROM containing 35 built-in fonts. Using the Canon LBP-SX print engine shared across the LaserWriter II line, the IINT delivered 300 dpi resolution at 8 pages per minute. Performance improvements over earlier models came from elimination of memory wait states, providing faster PostScript rasterization. The IINT was discontinued in October 1991, replaced by the LaserWriter IIf.

== Technical Specifications ==

=== Physical Specifications ===
* '''Dimensions:''' 8.7" H × 20.2" W × 18.7" D (221 × 513 × 475 mm)
* '''Weight:''' 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
* '''Operating temperature:''' 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C)
* '''Humidity:''' 20% to 80% non-condensing
* '''Acoustic noise:''' 48 dBA operating

=== Performance ===
* '''Print speed:''' 8 pages per minute
* '''Resolution:''' 300 × 300 dpi
* '''First page out:''' Approximately 30 seconds
* '''Engine life:''' 300,000 pages rated
* '''Duty cycle:''' 3,000 pages per month recommended

=== Power Requirements ===
* '''Input voltage:''' 90-126V AC (auto-ranging)
* '''Frequency:''' 50-60 Hz
* '''Power consumption:''' 900W maximum
* '''Current draw:''' 7.5A maximum
* '''Heat output:''' 3,078 BTU per hour

== System Architecture ==

=== Processor and Memory ===
The LaserWriter IINT used an optimized 68000 configuration:

'''Central Processing Unit:'''
* '''CPU:''' Motorola MC68000
* '''Clock speed:''' 12 MHz crystal (operating at 11.5 MHz)
* '''Data bus:''' 16-bit
* '''Address bus:''' 24-bit (16 MB addressable)
* '''Wait states:''' None (improved from LaserWriter Plus)

'''Memory Configuration:'''
* '''ROM:''' 1 MB mask ROM
* '''RAM:''' 2 MB total (fixed, soldered to board)
** PostScript workspace and font cache
** Frame buffer for page rasterization

* '''RAM type:''' Fast DRAM (no wait states)
* '''Memory expansion:''' None possible
* '''Performance:''' Faster rasterization than LaserWriter Plus

=== Controller Board Design ===
The IINT controller featured improved architecture:

* '''PostScript interpreter:''' Level 1 implementation
* '''Font management:''' 35 fonts in ROM
* '''Graphics processing:''' Vector and bitmap support
* '''Interface logic:''' PAL-based design
* '''Memory controller:''' Zero wait-state access

=== PostScript Implementation ===
'''PostScript Specifications:'''
* '''Version:''' PostScript Level 1
* '''Licensor:''' Adobe Systems
* '''Language features:''' Complete programming language
* '''Graphics:''' Vector graphics, Bézier curves, transformations
* '''Font handling:''' Type 1 and Type 3 support
* '''Emulation:''' Diablo 630 mode available

'''Performance Improvements:'''
* Eliminated wait states from LaserWriter Plus
* Faster font cache management
* Improved complex page handling
* Reduced processing time for graphics

== Print Engine ==

=== Canon LBP-SX Engine ===
The IINT used the improved Canon LBP-SX engine:

'''Engine Specifications:'''
* '''Technology:''' Laser xerography (electrophotographic)
* '''Photosensitive drum:''' Organic photoconductor (OPC)
* '''Laser type:''' Semiconductor laser diode
* '''Developer system:''' Single-component toner
* '''Fusing:''' Heat roller system
* '''Paper path:''' Straight-through design

'''Advantages over LBP-CX:'''
* 32% weight reduction
* Improved reliability
* Quieter operation
* Better paper handling
* Longer component life

=== Consumables ===
* '''Toner cartridge:''' Apple M6002 or HP 92295A
* '''Yield:''' Approximately 4,000 pages at 5% coverage
* '''Drum life:''' Integrated with toner cartridge
* '''Paper tray:''' 250-sheet capacity letter/legal cassette
* '''Manual feed:''' Single-sheet bypass for special media

== ROM Fonts ==

The LaserWriter IINT included 35 built-in PostScript Type 1 fonts (same as LaserWriter Plus):

=== Core Font Families ===

'''Times''' (4 styles):
* Times-Roman
* Times-Italic
* Times-Bold
* Times-BoldItalic

'''Helvetica''' (8 styles):
* Helvetica
* Helvetica-Oblique
* Helvetica-Bold
* Helvetica-BoldOblique
* Helvetica-Narrow
* Helvetica-Narrow-Oblique
* Helvetica-Narrow-Bold
* Helvetica-Narrow-BoldOblique

'''Courier''' (4 styles):
* Courier
* Courier-Oblique
* Courier-Bold
* Courier-BoldOblique

=== Display Fonts ===

'''ITC Avant Garde Gothic''' (4 styles):
* AvantGarde-Book
* AvantGarde-BookOblique
* AvantGarde-Demi
* AvantGarde-DemiOblique

'''ITC Bookman''' (4 styles):
* Bookman-Light
* Bookman-LightItalic
* Bookman-Demi
* Bookman-DemiItalic

'''New Century Schoolbook''' (4 styles):
* NewCenturySchlbk-Roman
* NewCenturySchlbk-Italic
* NewCenturySchlbk-Bold
* NewCenturySchlbk-BoldItalic

'''Palatino''' (4 styles):
* Palatino-Roman
* Palatino-Italic
* Palatino-Bold
* Palatino-BoldItalic

=== Specialty Fonts ===

* '''Symbol:''' Mathematical and Greek characters
* '''ZapfChancery-MediumItalic:''' Decorative script
* '''ZapfDingbats:''' Ornaments and symbols

== Interfaces ==

=== LocalTalk Interface ===
Primary networking interface for AppleTalk:

'''LocalTalk Specifications:'''
* '''Physical layer:''' RS-422 differential signaling
* '''Data rate:''' 230.4 kbps
* '''Topology:''' Bus with daisy-chaining
* '''Maximum nodes:''' 32 devices theoretical (16 practical)
* '''Protocol:''' AppleTalk protocol stack
* '''Connector:''' Mini-DIN-8

'''LocalTalk Features:'''
* Automatic node addressing
* Collision detection and avoidance
* Network printer sharing
* Compatible with PhoneNET adapters

=== Serial Interfaces ===
The IINT provided dual serial connectivity:

'''RS-232 Interface:'''
* '''Connector:''' DB-25 female
* '''Data rate:''' Up to 19,200 baud
* '''Data format:''' 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
* '''Flow control:''' XON/XOFF or hardware (RTS/CTS)
* '''Usage:''' PC connectivity, terminal access

'''RS-422 Interface:'''
* '''Connector:''' Mini-DIN-8 (shared with LocalTalk)
* '''Data rate:''' Up to 57,600 baud
* '''Protocol:''' AppleTalk or serial
* '''Cable length:''' Up to 1200 feet

'''Switch-Selectable Modes:'''
* LocalTalk (default)
* RS-232 serial
* RS-422 serial
* Diablo 630 emulation

=== ADB Port ===
Like the IISC, the IINT included an unused ADB port:

* '''Connector:''' 4-pin mini-DIN
* '''Purpose:''' Reserved for future expansion
* '''Implementation:''' Non-functional
* '''Removed:''' Eliminated in IIf and IIg models

=== Interactive PostScript ===
Accessible via RS-232 for direct control:

'''Terminal Access:'''
* Connect terminal to RS-232 port
* Settings: 19,200 baud, 8-N-1
* Type "executive" to enter interactive mode
* Direct PostScript programming possible
* Diagnostic information available

== Paper Handling ==

=== Input Specifications ===
* '''Standard cassette:''' 250 sheets
* '''Manual feed:''' Single sheets
* '''Paper sizes:''' Letter, Legal, A4, Executive, B5
* '''Paper weight:''' 16-28 lb bond (60-105 g/m²)
* '''Media types:''' Plain paper, transparencies, envelopes, labels

=== Output Specifications ===
* '''Output tray:''' 250-sheet capacity face-down
* '''Page order:''' First page on bottom
* '''Duplex:''' Manual duplex only
* '''Maximum monthly volume:''' 3,000 pages

== Diagnostic Features ==

=== Self-Test Page ===
The IINT printed a comprehensive test page showing:
* Printer model and serial number
* ROM version
* Installed RAM (2 MB)
* Page count
* Font samples (all 35 fonts)
* PostScript version
* Configuration settings

=== Status Indicators ===
Front panel LED indicators:
* '''Ready (green):''' Solid when ready
* '''Data (green):''' Flashing during data reception
* '''Paper (amber):''' Paper out or jam
* '''Service (red):''' Service required

=== Service Button ===
DC controller board service button:
* Single press: Print test page
* Hold during power-on: Continuous test mode

== Common Issues and Maintenance ==

=== Known Problems ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Common IINT Failures'''
! Component !! Symptoms !! Cause !! Repair
|-
| DC controller || No power, random resets || Capacitor failure || Recap board
|-
| Logic board || PostScript errors || RAM failure || Replace RAM (requires desoldering)
|-
| Power supply || Voltage instability || Aged capacitors || Replace all electrolytics
|-
| Fuser assembly || Poor adhesion, wrinkled pages || Worn roller || Replace fuser unit
|-
| Corona wires || Light print, streaking || Contamination || Clean or replace
|-
| Paper feed || Multiple feeds, jams || Worn rollers || Clean/replace rollers
|}

=== Capacitor Issues ===
The IINT logic board was prone to capacitor failure:
* Surface-mount capacitors leak over time
* Causes intermittent operation or failure
* All capacitors should be replaced preventively
* Use 105°C rated replacements

=== Preventive Maintenance ===

'''Service Intervals:'''
* '''Monthly:''' Clean corona wires with brush
* '''50,000 pages:''' General cleaning and inspection
* '''100,000 pages:''' Replace transfer corona assembly
* '''200,000 pages:''' Replace fuser assembly
* '''300,000 pages:''' Major overhaul recommended

'''Regular Cleaning:'''
* Toner vacuum with appropriate filter
* Paper path cleaning with lint-free cloth
* Corona wire cleaning with supplied brush
* Exterior wipe with damp cloth

=== Memory Issues ===
The 2 MB fixed RAM configuration limitations:
* Cannot be expanded
* Insufficient for very complex documents
* May require document simplification
* Font downloading limited by available memory

== Driver Software ==

=== Macintosh Support ===
* '''System 6.0.3:''' Minimum requirement
* '''System 7.0-7.5.5:''' Full support
* '''LaserWriter driver:''' Version 5.2 or later
* '''Chooser extension:''' Standard AppleTalk

=== PC Support ===
* '''MS-DOS:''' PostScript drivers available
* '''Windows 3.x:''' PostScript driver support
* '''OS/2:''' Native PostScript support
* '''Connection:''' RS-232 serial cable

=== Printer Languages ===
* '''PostScript Level 1:''' Primary language
* '''Diablo 630:''' Emulation mode for compatibility
* '''HP LaserJet:''' Not supported (unlike IINTX)

== Service Information ==

=== DIP Switch Settings ===
Internal DIP switches for configuration:
* '''SW1-2:''' Interface selection (LocalTalk/Serial)
* '''SW3:''' Diablo 630 emulation
* '''SW4:''' Reserved
* '''SW5-8:''' Diagnostic modes

=== Test Points ===
DC controller board test points:
* +5V DC logic supply
* +24V DC motor supply
* -12V DC bias supply
* High voltage (special probe required)

=== Voltage Adjustments ===
* Print density: Potentiometer on DC controller
* Registration: Mechanical laser alignment
* No user-adjustable voltages

== Upgrade Options ==

=== Controller Board Upgrades ===
The IINT could be upgraded to:
* '''IIf board:''' PostScript Level 2, SCSI support
* '''IIg board:''' PostScript Level 2, Ethernet

'''Upgrade Process:'''
# Remove IINT controller board
# Install replacement board
# Update printer drivers
# Configure new features

=== Comparison with Downgrade ===
The IINT could replace IISC controller for PostScript:
* Adds PostScript Level 1
* Adds LocalTalk networking
* Adds 35 built-in fonts
* Increases processor speed

== Comparison with LaserWriter II Series ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:95%; text-align:center;"
|+'''LaserWriter II Series Specifications'''
! Feature !! IISC !! IINT !! IINTX !! IIf !! IIg
|-
| Processor || 68000 @ 7.45 MHz || 68000 @ 11.5 MHz || 68020 @ 16.67 MHz || 68030 @ 25 MHz || 68030 @ 25 MHz
|-
| RAM || 1 MB fixed || 2 MB fixed || 2-12 MB || 2-32 MB || 5-32 MB
|-
| PostScript || No || Level 1 || Level 1 || Level 2 || Level 2
|-
| Fonts in ROM || 0 || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35
|-
| LocalTalk || No || Yes || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| SCSI || Yes || No || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| Ethernet || No || No || No || No || Yes
|-
| HP PCL || No || No || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| Price (1988) || $2,999 || $4,599 || $5,999 || - || -
|-
| Price (1991) || - || - || - || $3,599 || $4,599
|}

== Compatibility ==

=== System Requirements ===
'''Macintosh:'''
* System 6.0.3 or later
* LaserWriter driver 5.2 or later
* LocalTalk or serial connection

'''Apple II:'''
* Apple IIgs with AppleTalk card
* Apple IIe with Workstation Card

'''PC:'''
* PostScript-aware application
* RS-232 serial port
* Appropriate driver software

=== Network Compatibility ===
* AppleTalk Phase 1 and Phase 2
* LocalTalk compatible
* PhoneNET compatible
* EtherTalk bridge compatible

== Service Manual ==
<pdf width="800" height="500">File:laserwriter_ii.pdf</pdf>

The LaserWriter II series service manual is available on the [[:Category:Apple Service Source|Apple Service Source]] page.

== Successor Models ==

=== Personal LaserWriter NT ===
Released July 1990 as lower-cost alternative:
* Reduced to 2 MB RAM (non-expandable)
* Smaller footprint
* Lower price point
* Same 68000 processor

=== LaserWriter IIf ===
Released October 1991 as direct replacement:
* 68030 processor at 25 MHz
* PostScript Level 2
* 2-32 MB RAM expandable
* SCSI interface added
* PhotoGrade and FinePrint options

== Related Pages ==
* [[LaserWriter IISC]]
* [[LaserWriter IINTX]]
* [[LaserWriter IIf]]
* [[LaserWriter IIg]]
* [[LocalTalk]]
* [[PostScript]]

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[[Category:Apple Vintage Accessories]]