Switching to PostScript on HP LaserJet IIISi

• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, and 2.5a

SUMMARY

To print from the Command window to a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet IIISi printer in PostScript mode when the printer's default setting is PCL mode, you must perform the procedure below before using the ? command.

MORE INFORMATION

Before running the code, make sure that the printer is configured for AUTO CONT=ON *. This can be accomplished from the printer's control panel as follows:

1. Press the ON LINE key to take the printer off line. The indicator light should turn off.

2. Hold the MENU key down for about 5 seconds. The message PCL CONFIG MENU should appear first, followed by SYS=HP-PCL *.

3. Repeatedly press the MENU key until AUTO CONT=OFF * appears. If it is already set to ON, skip to step 6.

4. Press the + key. AUTO-CONT=ON should appear.

5. Press the ENTER key to save your choice. AUTO CONT=ON * should appear.

6. Press the RESET key, then the ON LINE key.

The following code must be run to automatically switch the printer from PCL mode to PostScript mode:

   SET TALK OFF
      ** talk is directed to the screen
   SET PDSETUP TO "postscript"
      ** loads the printer driver setup
   SET LIBRARY TO c:\foxpro2\goodies\pdrivers\psapi.plb
      ** specifies external library
   SET PRINTER TO
      ** specifies printer's default port
   SET PRINT ON
      ** enables printing

   x=set("pdset")
      ** initializes memory variable "x"
   SET PDSETUP TO
      ** unloads printer driver
   DO PS
      ** procedure call to switch printer
   ? pddocst(_plength, 128)
      ** loads PS code to start printing
   SET PDSETUP TO (x)
      ** loads driver to memory variable x"

   ? "this is a test of HPLJ IIISi PostScript"
      ** test sentence to print

   SET PDSETUP TO
      ** unloads printer driver
   ?pddocend()
      ** loads code to terminate print job
   DO PCL
      ** procedure call to switch printer back to PCL mode
   SET PRINT OFF
      ** disables output to the printer
   SET PRINTER TO
      ** sets printer port to default
   SET LIBRARY TO
      ** resets to default

   *** Procedure to send printer escape sequence to switch to
   *** PostScript

   PROCEDURE PS
   ??? CHR(27)+'%-12345X@PJL enter language=postscript'

   *** Procedure to send printer escape sequence to switch to PCL

   PROCEDURE PCL
   ??? CHR(27)+'%-12345X@PJL enter language=pcl'

   ***End of Program Code ***