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[previous article] [next article]AutoCAD is a computer-aid drafting program licensed on some of the ECN Sun workstations. One of capabilities of AutoCAD is to generate hardcopy plots on one of several types of devices. One common printing device around the ECN is the Apple LaserWriter. AutoCAD is able to generate a Postscript file that can be sent to your favorite LaserWriter.
Each time you start up AutoCAD, the program reads in a configuration file unique to that workstation. The configuration file contains various bits of information, one of which is the plotter configuration. You must first configure a plotter in AutoCAD by the following steps before a drawing can be plotted.
First start up AutoCAD; the main menu will appear then select the number "5" for "Configure AutoCAD". The current AutoCAD configuration will be displayed showing the video display, digitizer, plotter and printer plotter. By default, only the video display will be configured as a "Sun Microsystems display". The other three devices will have the word "None".
Pressing "Return" will print the configuration menu. Select "5" again to "Configure plotter". AutoCAD will print the current plotter setting and ask if you want to select a different one. A "y" will display the twelve available plotters. Select "11" for a "PostScript device".
The following questions are asked specifically about a Postscript device. A "CR" indicates a carriage return accepts the default value in the "<>" brackets.
Supported models:
Enter selection, 1 to 3 <1>: CR
Do you want to change pens while plotting> <N> CR
Enter serial device name for plotter or . for none <.>: CR
Would you like to calibrate your plotter? <N> CR
Write the plot to a file? <N> y
Size units (Inches or Millimeters) <I>: CR
Plot origin in Inches <0.00,0.00>: CR
Enter the Size of Width,Height (in Inches) <MAX>: CR
Rotate 2D plots 90 degrees clockwise? <N> y
Pen width <0.010>: CR
Adjust area fill boundaries for pen width? <N> CR
Remove hidden lines? <N> CR
Plotted Inches=Drawing Units or Fit or ? <F> CR
AutoCAD will support three density models of PostScript printers: 300, 1270 and 2540 dots per inch (dpi). The Apple LaserWriter is a 300 dpi printer.
Since there are no pens on the LaserWriter, it does not make sense to change them. The serial device for the plotter is the name of the port on which the printer is connected. If the printer is connected directly to either serial port on the back of the Sun workstation, then you could answer either "/dev/ttya" or "/dev/ttyb". In almost all cases at the ECN, the printer is connected to some other computer and is supported by lpr so just enter a "." dot for none.
Most of the answers are the default. The plot needs to be written to a file. I usually like to have my plot rotated 90 degrees clockwise so it comes out in the landscape mode.
Exit to the main menu and keep the new configuration changes.
Now bring up a figure to plot and type "plot". AutoCAD will show the configuration information and ask for any changes. Next it will ask for an output file name (for example "try1") to print the PostScript. AutoCAD will append a ".plt" to the end of the file name. A "quit" will get you out of AutoCAD.
Finally the figure can be printed using lpr, such as "lpr -Paa3 try1.plt".
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