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