Asante AsanteTalk Ethernet to Localtalk Bridge, Under Mac OS X

In November 2007, a customer bought a Ansante network bridge, and sent me instructions about 
use under OS X. The details are below. To buy one, check my Mac networking page at

http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/m_net.html

- Herb Johnson

As a service to the next customer who wants to do what I did (or similar) here are the EXACT 
directions. The ones on the Asante website and Manual are not OS-X friendly.

Configuration Instructions:
Connecting 1 Macintosh G-3 or G-4 (OS10.4) and 1 Local Talk printer

[NOTE:  The driver for LaserWriters that are at least Postscript level 2 capable, (which 
includes the Apple 4/600) is built into Mac OS X. ]

1) Power up the Mac.

2) Take the YELLOW Ethernet cable and connect one end into the Ethernet
port of the Mac.  Plug the other end into the AsantéTalk .

4) Plug the power transformer  into the AsantéTalk. It is important to take the Asante 
Talk and to plug in the power with ONLY the ethernet connection from the Asante directly 
to the Mac ethernet connected.

4) Power up the printer.  Wait until printer is completely warmed up and ready to
print. DO NOT connect the printer until the lights on the Asante are done flickering. You 
may see the lights go on and off repeatedly after you plug  the printer in. In any case, 
remember to connect the printer LAST.

5) Take the din8 cable and plug one end into the printer.  Plug the other end
into the AsantéTalk .

6) Wait 30 seconds or so while the lights flicker.

7) On the AsantéTalk, the power and “LI” lights should now be on solid.

8) Go to the System Preferences>Network>Network status panel to display all your network 
ports. Double click on Ethernet, and use the center panel labeled “Apple Talk” to assign 
Apple Talk to Ethernet, and enable it. Be sure to save your changes.

9) Go to the System Preferences>Print&Fax>Set up Printer. Click on the + sign on the 
lower left side of the window and then the printer will show up as an Apple Talk Printer. 
Select the printer and click “add” after it contacts the printer and darkens the ADD 
button for you. You are all set to print.

10. If you unplug or otherwise turn off the computer/printer connection or the Asante 
Talk, you will need to tweek the connection. The Asante does not auto-negotiate connections. 
Power up the Mac with the Asante Talk unplugged from the wall. Disconnect the DiIN8 cable 
going to the printer from the Asante Talk. Plug the Asante into the wall, Wait for the 
flickering lights to stop, and reconnect the DIN* cable.