Hi,

I am trying to import code from a .txt file and print it. The code is written for a Paxar 9850. Need a push in the right direction to accomplish this.

TIA,

Marty

Marty .. I guess I don't understand your question. Is it the case that you're trying to import some text from somewhere and print it on a thermal printer? If that's it, then there should be no problems, assuming that the printer can be setup in Windoze (assuming that's what you're using for a desktop client). If it can't be .. then the problem doesn't rest with OI but with Windoze device support.

I think we need a little more info, though.

Don Miller

C3 Inc.

Hi,

OK, a little more explanation.

A client of mine manufactures mattresses. I have been printing out those "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law" labels for them. My OI code is based on their daily schedule. The forms were pre-printed. They now want to switch to a thermal printer and print out the label complete. If you look at the label on your mattress (unless, of course, you've removed it), you will see the middle section of the label has some text that is divided by a vertical line. This is the area that is giving me the most trouble.

I may be able to write some code to the printer in *.txt format and import it in DOS mode to print. I want to import it into my OI code and print that section. The manufacturer of the printer (Monarch/Paxar) doesn't know anything about OI.

So, the question is either how do I print that middle using Printer.DLL completely or using the code from the printer manufacturer and how do I do it?

Marty

Marty ..

Does the printer work in Windows (I assmume that's what you're using)?

If it were me, I'd use OIPI for this kind of task. I've not had much luck with Printer.DLL. It's much easier to format stuff in OIPI and to insert all kinds of characters, including graphics there. I don't think you want to mess around trying to send arcane escape sequences to a printer anyway. For the most part, Windoze tends to strip these out or not pass them along anyway. It should be relatively easy to generate the needed text and get it in OI (OSREAD or something like that) and get it formatted properly to fit within your margins, etc.

Anyway, that's what I'd do.

Don

Hi Marty,

I see at least 4 options:

1. Try using the PRINTER.DLL and use "special characters" to simulate the vertical line.

2. Use the copy command in your other thread (Executing Foreign Code (Marty Rosenbloom 07/29/2002)).

3. Use the OIPI, which is a great solution. This will work perfectly, if this thermal printer has a good printer driver.

4. Use Direct Print (see my comments under Executing Foreign Code (Marty Rosenbloom 07/29/2002) for more details). This option may be a quick solution for you, if you already have the program to create the escape codes in the text file. This option will pass the escape codes directly to the printer (like AREV PRINT).

Tony

View this thread on the forum...