[comp.sys.hp] HP Deskjet 500 graphics hardcopy

pvalerio@kean.ucs.mun.ca (12/11/90)

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 One of our labs has recently purchased a Hewlett-Packard
 Deskjet 500 printer. Unfortunately, most of our experience with
 printers is limited to dot-matrix and laserjet printers, and
 we desperately need to print out some graphics soon.
 We use EMPAC 386sx PCs with DOS 4.01.
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 The graphics (generally VGA, but CGA may be alright) we
 require are of the following types -:

  1. Screen dump of graphics image using 'print-screen'
     key on keyboard (this was *so* easy with a Panasonic
     dot-matrix printer).
     Incidentally, is there utility program around that
     acts like DOS's memory-resident graphics.com, but
     dumps to either a laserjet or deskjet.

  2. How to print graphs in Sigmaplot - is a particular printer
     driver file required ?

  3. How to print graphics in Printmaster ?

  4. Basic or C programs to dump graphics screens to the
     printer.

  5. Any information on hardcopy of screen or file graphics.
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  As far as the local supplier is concerned, these problems are
  a complete mystery. We would be very grateful if anyone who has
  solved these problems would post an explanatory note, or, even
  better, suggestions for software utility programs that make
  the deskjet as easy to use as a laserjet or dot-matrix printer.

  I've thought about writing some programs, but we are cramped for
  time at the moment.

  If there are archived shareware files available, could anyone
  send me a copy (I have uudecode.com and looz212.exe programs).
  Reasonable prices for shareware programs will be paid promptly
  if the programs work ok and we decide to use them.

  Especially useful would be packages of printer utilities for
  the HP laserjet and deskjet printers. Better still would be
  source code for programs, but not essential.

  Thanks to all in advance who reply.

  +=============================================================+
  |     Paul Valerio, Memorial University of Newfoundland,      |
  |            St. John's, Newfoundland. Canada.                |
  +=============================================================+
  |                PVALERIO@KEAN.UCS.MUN.CA                     |
  +=============================================================+

mikef@hp-ptp.HP.COM (Mike_Forman) (12/20/90)

Paul, first let me say that I'm not an expert, just a user....
However, the DeskJet is MOSTLY compatible with LaserJet code using
PCL (Printer Control Language).  Most of the software and tools 
you currently use for printing to a LaserJet will work to the
DeskJet, although a speed penalty may be incurred.  When the 
DeskJet was first introduced, this was how most of the communication
with existing software was handled until specific drivers could be
developed.

The above applies for use with internal fonts only.  Any code you
have that needs to talk to downloaded fonts or font cartridges 
will not function properly, except through a dedicated DeskJet
driver.

If the particular software you have works with Microsoft Windows 3.0,
you can use the driver software in Print Manager to handle all 
output to the printer.  This is the default for packages supported
under Windows.

Hope this gets you started.

Mike Forman
Note: The above reflects my personal views only and is in no way
the official position of my employer.