Re: Sending ESC codes to a HP5 printer

[Vernon Hamberg <hambergv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill

At 09:29 AM 4/30/1998 CST, you wrote:
>We use the ASCII transparent data command ( X'03' ).  Put the above 
>code in your RPG output specs and the hex code for the number of 
>characters not to translate followed by the PCL escape sequence.  Put 
>this anywhere in your RPG output specs where you need to change 
>fonts, point size, etc. It is a very effective means for controlling 
>an HP laserjet (or any other ASCII printer) from an RPG program.  
>This works with Client Access and TCP/IP printing.  A couple of 
>resources:
>
>Midrange Computing magazine Feb/95 has a good article on 
>the transparent data command and the Client Access technical 
>reference manual explains this also.
>
>I will be glad to post an example program for anyone that is 
>interested.

The approach you give is probably better for those who haven't used
anything like this yet. Our setup involved a 2-character sequence that was
translated by a Decision Data dumb terminal, to which an ASCII printer is
attached. It was a workable solution at the time, but I'm working on
changing our present setup with minimal adverse impact on our users. It's a
scary prospect.

When I called IBM on this matter, I got some info similar to what you've
provided. Seems to me there are some limitations, but aren't there always?
Can't remember right now, tho'.

Cheers

Vernon Hamberg
Systems Software Programmer
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
400 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN  55401-2499
(612) 371-1111 x480


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