Switch from PCL6 to PCL5

[robatwork]

Hi,
I have a new HP LJ 2550L, to which I want to send a colour PCL print job. The job was created about 300 years ago, probably PCL3 with some 5c colour bits.

I can't find any useful documentation on the HP website, other than this box does have PCL5 fonts built in. What is the best way to switch the printer into PCL5 mode? To be honest I never want to use windows drivers with it, so a permanent switch would be OK. Can I use a PJL command, or an escape sequence?

thanks
Rob

 

[DansDadUK]

According to the specification sheet, the LJ2550L only supports the following languages:
- HP PCL 6
- HP PostScript® level 3 emulation
with automatic language switching.

It is possible that it may also support PCL5, but with a reduced capability (e.g. monochrome only).

Language switching can be automatic, or the personality can be forced using:
{esc}%-12345X@PJL ENTER LANGUAGE = PCL{CR}{LF}
where:
{esc} represents the Escape character (0x1b)
{CR} represents the CarriageReturn character (0x0d)
{LF} represents the LineFeed character (0x0a)
followed by your PCL language statements.

But this won't work if the printer doesn't support rhe chosen language (personality).

Note that PCL3 was designed for InkJet devices, and may not render well (or at all) on LaserJet devices anyway.

 

[robatwork]

OK thanks - will try that....

 

[robatwork]

Hi,

Total lack of success at this so far. The 2550L will interpret basic PCL correctly - it has 10 built in fonts, and will do pitch/char sets etc. However it stubbornly refuses to print anything in colour.

HP can't help, and don't seem to know themselves just what version of PCL this thing will or will not support.

Does anyone know a current Laserjet that *will* work will good old fashioned colour PCL commands like Esc*v1S and Esc*r3U

thanks

 

[DansDadUK]

LJ4600 and LJ4650 (replacement for former) both support PCL5c, PCL6 and PostScript; but they're quite a bit more expensive than LJ2550.

Not sure about LJ3550.

Equivalent devices from other manufacturers may also provide what you need.

But if it is just the one file, could you not find some-one local to you, with a modern colour LaserJet, who would print the file for you (for a small fee perhaps).

 

[robatwork]

Thanks for that - it's not one file, it's our own application which generates a print file on a Unix system, and cats it straight to the parallel port.

We could possibly modify the app, but PCLXL doesn't seem to be documented anywhere.

A quick check on the HP site shows the lasers that officially support 5C are pricey!

cheers
Rob