Michael.Fryd@G.CS.CMU.EDU.UUCP (03/05/87)
There have been a number of requests for information on connecting an RS-232 PostScript printer to a VMS system. The problem is that the printer expects to receive only valid PostScript files. If you send it a vanilla text file (like a program listing) the printer won't be able to handle it. Four solutions come to mind. The first is to use one of the emulators that are built into some PostScript printers (such a Diablo 630 or an HP LaserJet). Unfortunately, these emulators must be invoked with a hardware switch on the printer; there is no easy way to switch back and forth between PostScript and Diablo or HP modes. The Second solution is to only print PostScript files. Vanilla text files would need to be converted to PostScript by some utility program before they could be printed. This solution is fine if primarily you want to print PostScript files, and you have some other printer for listing text files. There is still the problem of getting Flag pages to separate jobs. A third solution would be a VMS print symbiont that understands PostScript. It should convert vanilla text files to PostScript, pass thru PostScript files, dynamically download fonts on an as-needed basis, and report PostScript errors back to the user. It is not trivial to write such a symbiont. DEC has a PostScript symbiont for the PS40, but it is not supposed to work with RS-232 printers. If DEC announces an RS-232 PostScript printer, then it follows that they would also announce VMS support for it. The fourth solution is to write a line printer emulator in PostScript (after all, PostScript is a programming language) and to have the standard symbiont download it before each job. The line printer emulator should handle printing vanilla text files and flag pages. It should recognize PostScript files and allow them to execute normally. BLATANTLY COMMERCIAL MESSAGE: As it turns out, I am the fellow who sells a package that implements the fourth solution. Yes, I charge money for it, yes, I charge extra for source code, and yes, a good PostScript programmer could duplicate my efforts. The advantage of buying software is that it works when you get it, and it comes with support. You don't need to invest in having an in-house PostScript programmer. I charge extra for source code. Yes, you can extract the source code yourself, but if you get it from me, I also provide help and guidance in how to change it to your needs. PRODUCT SPECS: TextBridge works with VMS 4.4 and beyond. Text files can be printed in portrait, landscape, two-up portrait and two-up landscape modes. PostScript files are passed thru unchanged, and may be optionally preceded with a flag page. A single CPU license is $350. Discounts are available for additional CPU's. I will be happy to send the TextBridge documentation to anyone who is interested. I can be reached at Michael Fryd MEFCO, Inc. 5147 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412) 682-1072