RE: How to print hexadecimal on a printer

Fred,

In my experience using Epson TM-U375 Printers several, MANY, years ago, I
solved EVERY single problem using the Workstation Customization Function.
This method allows you to write every printer command in full hex codes
using the WCF tag language, in a source file member. You compile this
source into a *WCST object, which in turn you will reference in your
printer device description. Along with the Host Print Transform function,
you're gonna' make it.

Go ahead and consult IBM's Workstation Customization Function Reference
Manual. You may spend a few hours reading, and when you realize the simple
it is, you'll have fun!

There you have the solution to your needs. You only need the full hex
codes for every print function, including paper cutting, in order to enter
them in the source. The source file is obtained by issuing the RTVWCST
command. You need to know which Epson printer model is suitable for the
printer commands you will use and choose it.

Then you edit this source and then compile it with the CRTWCST command.

You should then create a printer file with DDS, enabling the paper handling
(o even drawer) keywords for the different record formats, and have your
RPG programs write them in your spooled file. The Host Print Transform
Function will send the hex codes exactly when and where you need them.


Regards.

I have created labels from RPG on the iSeries to print barcodes and other

labels for various Sato, TSC, and Zebra printers. It has been a while
since
I have done a completely new printer and label from scratch though. My
role
in this is mostly the programming the labels with the hardware and Queue
setup was someone else. Steps that we did the (from memory) are :

1: Taken a spool of the label from a PC program or another source and
opened
it up in Note++ to see all the Escape codes and Hex, etc.
2: Duplicate the spool file output in RPG Obviously allowing for passed
information and also adding Printer Speed, Head Temperature, Number of
Labels, Auto Incrementing if needed, Peel and Present if needed, and any
other printer specific printer parameters. Nothing special done when
compiling. Just the default parameters.
3: For each printer created an Out Queue on the 400 and if necessary
change
the settings for OUTQ for the printer to work.
4: Lots of testing

The Cutter option if your code is outputting the HEX Code correctly may
require Host Print Transform on the Printer Definition for that to work.