davidbretz
Programmer
Is there anyone out there that is an expert with PCL5 and HP Laserjet printers and compatibles?
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HP Laserjet/PCL5
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davidbretz
Programmer
Am I correct in assuming that any printer that speaks PCL5, if sent the same PCL5 codes, should format and print a document in exactly the same way?
Here's the issue. I've been involved in developing a new mainframe system for my current client. This client uses IBM's PCOM product as a terminal emulator. The CICS system we're developing formats reports online, then uses a utility to route the report back to the local printer of the person requesting the report (the system is deployed nationwide). This is all done in real-time. The utility has the capability of sending PCL5 codes, but only for orientation and pitch.
One of the "reports" generated is actually payment information that is applied to pre-printed check stock using (in most cases) an HP laserjet printer. The problem we're running into is that not all the HP printers are printing the check the same way. About 80% seem to do ok, but many others are out of alignment, or print extra beginning or ending pages, etc. I've been asked to investigate, and from what I've discovered, I think the problem may lie in the fact that we're not setting all the PCL5 codes needed before sending the text to be printed.
My question is...if we identify and set as many parameters as possible, will all the HP printers in the field offices respond the same way. Also, can the same be said for the HP compatible printers?
Any information you can give would be appreciated.
Here's the issue. I've been involved in developing a new mainframe system for my current client. This client uses IBM's PCOM product as a terminal emulator. The CICS system we're developing formats reports online, then uses a utility to route the report back to the local printer of the person requesting the report (the system is deployed nationwide). This is all done in real-time. The utility has the capability of sending PCL5 codes, but only for orientation and pitch.
One of the "reports" generated is actually payment information that is applied to pre-printed check stock using (in most cases) an HP laserjet printer. The problem we're running into is that not all the HP printers are printing the check the same way. About 80% seem to do ok, but many others are out of alignment, or print extra beginning or ending pages, etc. I've been asked to investigate, and from what I've discovered, I think the problem may lie in the fact that we're not setting all the PCL5 codes needed before sending the text to be printed.
My question is...if we identify and set as many parameters as possible, will all the HP printers in the field offices respond the same way. Also, can the same be said for the HP compatible printers?
Any information you can give would be appreciated.
The registration is slightly different depending on model. They have different "unprintable" areas. The PCL5 code will do its addressing as either relative or absolute addressing based on the unprintable area.
Note too the rollers dry out, and wear, so that absolute registration is difficult to predict over time, but should be small enough usually as an error that it can be ignored.
The first issue is insurmountable, unless you can add absolute addressing references to the physical page for each line of print; or standardize on the printer model.
In the alternative, note that the printer has the ability to have "uploaded" settings. By messing around a bit you could create a batch file that could be used to set the necessary margin adjustments as a page definition. I resolved my problem in the medium-term by handling the problem in this way. The disadvantage is that the page settings are not persistant: if the printer is turned-off or loses power the settings can be lost. So in the logon scripts for the local machine I force the upload of the page definition template.
Note too the rollers dry out, and wear, so that absolute registration is difficult to predict over time, but should be small enough usually as an error that it can be ignored.
The first issue is insurmountable, unless you can add absolute addressing references to the physical page for each line of print; or standardize on the printer model.
In the alternative, note that the printer has the ability to have "uploaded" settings. By messing around a bit you could create a batch file that could be used to set the necessary margin adjustments as a page definition. I resolved my problem in the medium-term by handling the problem in this way. The disadvantage is that the page settings are not persistant: if the printer is turned-off or loses power the settings can be lost. So in the logon scripts for the local machine I force the upload of the page definition template.
Have you tried different drivers?
PCL6 or PS(post script)
I have noticed a problem when printing with some HP printers, especially if the paper size is selected incorrectly. I am no expert with printing issues, but have managed to sort out a fair few problems with HP printers.
If you check all the defaults are the set the same surely things should work.
PCL6 or PS(post script)
I have noticed a problem when printing with some HP printers, especially if the paper size is selected incorrectly. I am no expert with printing issues, but have managed to sort out a fair few problems with HP printers.
If you check all the defaults are the set the same surely things should work.
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davidbretz
Programmer
bcastner.....uploading a set of parameters is exactly what I'm trying to convince my clients to do. They have all the processes in place to do it, but they're solution is to buy 1,500 new printers for all the field offices. This may work in the short term, but as soon as someone starts playing around with the default setting for the printer, they're going to have problems again.
My thought is that, all things being equal and not withstanding the normal wear and tear on the printer, that all the HP printers should interpret the PCL5 codes I pass from the mainframe the same way. This allows me to reset the parameters each time the system attempts to print a check.
Kestral1....unfortunately, I'm limited to the drivers I can use because of the standard setup my client uses for all their workstations. They all have the same image, and any variation is frowned on. They're not the most forward looking organization in the world, so trying to convince them to look at new drivers would be a major undertaking.
Thanks for your thoughts!!
My thought is that, all things being equal and not withstanding the normal wear and tear on the printer, that all the HP printers should interpret the PCL5 codes I pass from the mainframe the same way. This allows me to reset the parameters each time the system attempts to print a check.
Kestral1....unfortunately, I'm limited to the drivers I can use because of the standard setup my client uses for all their workstations. They all have the same image, and any variation is frowned on. They're not the most forward looking organization in the world, so trying to convince them to look at new drivers would be a major undertaking.
Thanks for your thoughts!!
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