Using a PCL Macro with VB... How???

[Guest_imported]

Okay, here's the scoop: I have a form (overlay) stored on the printer as a pcl macro through Resource Manager. Now, I'd like to be able to send the command for the overlay to print and the data to incorporate into it out of a VB progam.

I'm guessing that what I need is the escape sequence to identify the stored macro. We have standard forms that print and the program can send the data to fill in the form.

 

[janko]

Inside the Macrodate it should be like that:
<ESC>&f1Y //Macro with ID 1
<ESC>&f0X //Start macro data
.
.
data
.
.
<ESC>&f1X // end macro

you can do that shorter by using:
<ESC>&f1y0X .. data
<ESC>&f1X

Also you can put more that one macro in it by using other marco IDs.
like:
<ESC>&f1y0X .. data // Macro ID 1
<ESC>&f1X
<ESC>&f123y0X .. data // Macro ID 123
<ESC>&f1X

To call the macro you should use:
<ESC>&f2X // to execute Macro
<ESC>&f3X // for call Macro
<ESC>&f4X // automatic overlay ( ..5X stopt )

If you want to execute macro 123 it would be:
<ESC>&f123y2X

 

[CMStaley]

Okay, I tried several variations of the code above, and all I get is a sheet with the commands printed on it.

Do I need to go around the Windows printer driver?

 

[janko]

Yes, you ll have to copy the macro to the printer.
like if the printer is on lpt1
copy filename.* lpt1


Better to have an programm doing it for you.

 

[CMStaley]

That sounds dandy.... except....
I would be sending these codes to the printer out of VB to a NETWORKED printer.

So now how do I avoid getting nothing but codes on a sheet of paper?

 

[janko]

Just set your printer to PCL emulation mode.