ESC Codes

[Tama]

Hi there

I work in a Library which runs on a Legacy UNIX/Universe system. We connect via PCs running Windows 2000 and Terminal Emulation Software. If you print through the terminal emulation software it goes directly to the default Windows printer - which is all good.

Now, I'm trying to set up a reciept printer but the UNIX?Universe system ignores all formating that I apply to the printer output. Our Vendors say they can add the formating, but it will require re-writing of the source code, and cost us bucks.

So, I was wondering if there's any windows printer drivers out there which have customizable page sizes, but can also handle ESC printer codes. That way I could feed the format information into the printer at the start of each page.

Any suggestions welcome.

Cheers
Tama

 

[edfair]

What version of Unix? Does your unix do an intermediate step during printing where it combines formatting and the data to create an image file?
My experience with this is SCO only, but it can be done there.
How about posting in the Unix or SCO forums. I think you'll get some help there. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Tama]

Hi Ed
Not a bad thought - the system is a wee bit strange (well, what do we expect, it's legacy) since you can setup network printers, but I think that the "Auxilary" (local) printers are controlled either inside the Universe coded app, or at the client end.

I can reprogram the Aux printer with ESC codes for every other type of printing except reciept printing - it seems like a lack of functionality at the Universe level.

However - it's worth looking into creating an "Aux2" (local) printer at the Unix level, which prints to the same "port" as "Aux" - and adding escape codes there. The Unix is Solaris, but I forget which version (old skool methinks) - I will talk to the Unix Sysadmin that looks after the OS on the box.

Cheers
Tama