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P R I N T 2 - V e r s i o n 3. 1
Print2 - A powerful printer utility to print 2 pages of ASCII
text on 1 sheet of paper. For DOT Matrix & Laserjet & Deskjet
printers! LASERJET/DESKJET - Use 3 Hole Punched Paper!!!
Version 3.x+ has been completely REWRITTEN. Now with a
graphics, Pick-a-file window, Online Help, MS-Mouse Support,
DOTMATRIX , LASERJET and DESKJET printers now supported.
Registration is only $15.00 for this program and you will
save 50% of your Paper costs!!
*This Program may be freely distributed as long as it remains
un-altered and no fee (excluding a reasonable copying fee)
is not charged for its use. This program is Shareware.
* WHAT THE PROGRAM WILL DO?
This program will print 2 pages of text on 1 sheet of paper. If using
a LaserJet or DeskJet, the text is placed in LANDSCAPE mode with a
dividing line down the middle of the page. Also, included with this
release is a page numbering routine that prints the page number in the
top right corner of each sheet.
In other words, it should work for most documents that
you receive with many shareware programs. DOTMATRIX Printers will
print 2 pages on 1 sheet in PORTRAIT mode using a condensed
ELITE font that is only available for IBM and EPSON mode printers. *
* USE 3-HOLE PUNCHED PAPER in your LASERJET & DESKJET PRINTERS!!!
I have found that if you load your printer with 3-hole punched
paper (with the holes positioned to the left of the paper tray), it will
print ready for your 3 hole punched Binder! This is great for listing
out those spreadsheets or other database reports. (1 note though, the
page is limited to 80 characters wide and it will truncate after that, so
make sure your report will fit on a standard sheet of paper (portrait
mode)). If you really want to try it, Print2 this document just to see
the results!
1.0 HOW TO SETUP PRINT2
A. Easy Setup for the Novice Computer User!
(Use the Install.BAT file that came with the Print2 Archive.)
Set up is real simple. PRINT2 by default looks for its program files
in C:\ Yes, the ROOT directory. So that you can run PRINT2 from ANY
DRIVE, I chose this directory where PRINT2 looks for the .HLP and the
.CFG file. So you need these 3 files in C:\ (root directory)
_UNLESS_ You use a SET Statement in the Autoexec.Bat. (see Below) then
you can have the PRINT2 files in another directory of your choice!
PRINT2 Documentation Page 2
Make sure this root directory is in your Path statement as it should
be anyhow. <g> This is a central Directory available to all drives.
*Novice Users will find that Putting the program in the Root directory
is probably easier than messing with a SET PRINT2 statement. The
INSTALL.BAT file does this for you.
B. The SET PRINT2= Statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT (ADVANCED Users!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE! You don't need the SET Statement if you just plan to keep the
Print2 files in the C:\ (root) directory. This is default.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* Advanced Computer User Setup with the SET PRINT2 Statement *
If you dont want to hog up your Root Directory of C: drive and you
usually put files like this in a Special utility directory that is in
your PATH statement, You can now do this with v3.1+ of PRINT2. I
have incorporated a SET PRINT2 Environment check in the program to
let PRINT2 know where to find its program files. Simply Run the
INSTALL.BAT file, then MOVE the PRINT2 files to the directory you
would like them to be in. (Make sure this New directory is in your
PATH so that the program can be called from any drive and any directory.
Next, EDIT your AUTOEXEC.BAT and add this SET Statement somewhere after
your PATH statement.
SET PRINT2=C:\xxxxxxx Where C:\xxxxxxx is the drive and directory name
where PRINT2 files are located.
Example: Say you moved the PRINT2 Files to C:\UTIL where you have all
your printer utilities and disk Utilities. The SET statement
in your AUTOEXEC.BAT would look like this for PRINT2.
SET PRINT2=C:\UTIL
It is that simple. I read this ENVIRONMENT variable in, then
add to it with the CFG files and HLP file. So make sure the
spelling and Drive letter is correct. You can use any drive,
and any directory. Just make sure it is in your PATH statement
so that you can use PRINT2 anywhere.
Reboot the machine or TYPE this in manually to make sure it is in effect.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 3
*** FLOPPY DRIVE ONLY USERS!!!! PRINT2 will work if YOU have no HD!!
PUT the SET PRINT2 Statement in the autoexec.bat or TYPE it in before
using it. On your BOOT disk, add to the AUTOEXEC.BAT the SET PRINT2=
Statement for the disk that contains PRINT2. If you plan to run from
A:\ then type SET PRINT2=A:\ for B: SET PRINT2=B:\
It is that simple if you dont have a HARD DISK!
C. * Setting up the PRINT2.CFG File *
Change to the drive and directory that contains the PRINT2.CFG file.
Using a basic Text Editor, Edit PRINT2.CFG.
In this file you find 3 things needed for PRINT2 to operate.
Starting at the first line Enter your First and Last Name.
The Second Line contains either DOTMATRIX LASERJET or DESKJET
Depending upon which type of printer you are using.
The Third Line contains the Registration code you will receive
from me when you register the program. (More on that later)
Example of PRINT2.CFG
LaserJet Printer or DOT Matrix Printer or DESKJET Printers
----------------- ---------------- ---------------
Your Name Your Name Your Name
LASERJET DOTMATRIX DESKJET
0000AAAA 0000AAAA 0000AAAA
NOTE! You must start on LINE 1 of the file and terminate each line
with a C/R. NOTE Spelling and case. DOTMATRIX , LASERJET
DESKJET are all 1 WORD! Your Name is CASE SenSiTive too!
After that Just make sure you are in the PRINT2 directory and
simply enter: PRINT2 [FileName] [/Switch] <CR>
* Parameters in [Brackets] are optional. See Port selection below
for current switches. Full drive and path name is supported!
Enter PRINT2 and follow the on screen instructions.
Then the screen will prompt you for the filename. The filename is assumed
to be in the current directory you are in. Full pathnames are accepted
if you wish to print a document from another area.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That is really ALL You Need to run PRINT2 now from DOS.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
D. *** WINDOWS 3.x USERS! ****
Set this program up as a icon in one of your Windows groups. Open the
window you wish to have it, then, Click on File, New, and enter it as a
new Program Item. Put the Name PRINT2 as desc and PRINT2.PIF as filename.
You can Place the PRINT2.PIF file in the \WINDOWS directory.
Using the New Program - Put FileName or Program Name as PRINT2.PIF
CLICK OK again to save the entry.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 4
The program defaults to LPT1:, if you wish to use another port add the
switch after the program name. Example:
PROGRAM NAME: Print2
COMMAND LINE: C:\WINDOWS\PRINT2.PIF
ICON: PRINT2.ICO
Arguments: <blank>
WORKING DIRECTORY: C:\ < *** IMPORTANT!!!! ****
Startup Directory: C:\ Make sure you specify the correct directory!
either by SET PRINT2 or the default C:\
Use the PRINT2.PIF, you may need to use the Pif editor to add
the additional switches. Check below for additional switches.
AND you would enter the PRINT2.PIF as the Comand Line.
Using the PIF EDITOR located in MAIN, you can change the default
printer port for those that use a different port. You simply add
a Command Line argument switch in the PIF. Like /COM1 for Comm 1.
(NOTE: you may have to use the PIF editor to change the path from C: to
another drive if Windows isn't on C:, Click on the PIF editor to change)
MORE OUTPUT PORTS SUPPORTED
In this Release v1.1, You can now choose an output port from the Command
line. Here is the list of switches supported:
/LPT2 /COM1 /COM2 /COM3 /COM4 /PRN
Example on how to use:
PRINT2 Filename.DOC /LPT2
PRINT2 /COM1 would select Com port 1 for the output (used on serial
printers)
WINDOWS USERS NOTE!!! You can add this Command Line paramater in the
PRINT2.PIF using the PIF EDITOR. There is a line for command
line arguments in the PIF EDITOR. I added the /PRN for LANs.
BATCH MODE SUPPORTED!!!
-----------------------
PRINT2 will work in a batch mode and not require an ALT-X to quit.
Simply use: PRINT2 <drive>:\Filename.ext as the command line.
LAN SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!
-----------------------
PRINT2 /PRN recommended for people on a Local Area Network (LAN)
PRINT2 File.TXT /PRN
**** PAGE COUNTING!!!! *** Page Count and DONT Print!
-------------------------------
COUNT THE PAGE then exit now supported if you wanted to know how
many sheets of paper will be used up!
Start PRINT2 with the Page Count option.
Just add the /C to the command line:
PRINT2 /C and program will prompt for filename.
or PRINT2 FILENAME.DOC /C
PRINT2 Documentation Page 5
TESTING, TESTING, and MORE TESTING!!!!
While this program was designed for LASERJET printers, It was
possible to finally come up with some code to make it DOT MATRIX
ready also. Since there are so many brands out there, PRINT2 may
not work with all the DOT MATRIX and LaserJets on the market.
Then the CODES for the DeskJet were no joy either. But I do have
it completed (without buying a 40 dollar font cartridge either!)
This program has been tested with the HP II, IIp, III, III+ series
and Printers compatible with the EPSON(c) and IBM (c) Printset.
So far, I have not found any measurable problems with it. It will
strip out any Escape Characters that your document will contain, so if
you see some wierd characters printed, check the document for any Escape
characters.
If for some reason you see some strange stuff printing, abort the process,
by hitting control ^C, power off the printer completely and restart
the print process again. If this doesnt help ya out, you may wish
to call my Support BBS below. It may also be that your Dot Matrix is
not compatible for PRINT2. Also, See the Errors Problems ...Below.
REGISTRATION --- Well.... It is worth it!
I know what you are going to say... I have released 6 programs and now
I am finally making this one a registration type of product. Well, I had
put a lot of time in this program, plus I had to spend money to develop
it this time. I am asking a reasonable fee of $15.00 for the program.
You may try this program for a 30 day trial period, After that you must
register the program with me the author using the registration form or
delete the program from your computer to comply with COPYRIGHT laws.
If you find this program a MUST have for your Computer, Register it and
show a VOTE of confidence to the author that you appreciate the time
and energy that is involved in writing a program like this.
Here is what Registration will entitle you to.
* You will recieve the Registration Code that Matches your name which
will remove any of the UNREGISTERED Beg screens that are in the
program.
* You will recieve a 5¼ or 3½ in floppy disk containing the latest
copy I have in the mail. This is a 1 time mailing.
Please note: While there is no fee to future upgrades,
you will not be getting upgrades in the mail as they come out.
You can obtain the latest and greatest (if there is one) thru
My support BBS or Cserve. I am only guaranteeing the Key CODE
to your name as the REGISTRATION item which will be good on future
versions.
* Your Key Code will be valid for future versions of PRINT2 as they
come out.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 6
* Product support! Well Product support is good for REGISTERED
as well as UNREGISTERED Users.. How would ya expect someone
to try before you buy if they cant get it to work right....
Registration Information: Please make Checks Payable to WILLIAM MANTZ
and send the ORDER.FRM to:
William Mantz
Maddog Productions BBS
213 East Third Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
THE SOURCE CODE
Sorry, the Source Code for PRINT2 is unavailable. I have spent many long
hours working out the details to send escape codes sequences to the
Laser/Desk/Dot printers and to provide a high quality, small, yet powerful
printing utility. The decision not to share the source code gives me
the ability to safeguard the reliability and integrity of the program.
CXL! Thanks to Mike Smedley for making such a fine Programming
package. Thanks Again! Print2 was written in C.
TradeMarks!
MSDOS of Microsoft, DR-DOS of Digital Research, now NOVELL?
IBM, EPSON, Hewlett Packard are all registered trademarks.
Hewlett Packard and their HP Series DeskJet and LaserJet printers
have really set the industry standard as far as I am concerned.
This program *MAY NOT* work with Compatible printers as Claimed to be
compatible as HP series printers. There is one Brand I know of that is
not 100% compatible even though stated. So it may NOT work with Clones.
===== WHATS NEXT????? ============= PaintJet?
I don't know!!! I have included the same options you get with any other
print command. How 'bout you calling my BBS Below or use E-mail on
Compuserve on what you would like to see. I am open to suggestions.
This program MAY work on HP PaintJet printers if you set it up as a
DESKJET in the PRINT2.CFG file, However, I have NOT tested it. If it
works, drop me a Email message on one of the nets. I am curious. The codes
looked similar, and I am trying to just send basic code over to keep
the compitability problems to a minimum. Thanks!
**** Problems! or Errors ****
Here are some hints that I found while debuggging the program.
First of all, most of the problems I encountered were in the DOTMATRIX
mode. It turns out that the manufactures cant agree on a standard
for the ESC code sequences. I am calling a CONDENSED ELITE FONT
which is going to the DOT Matrix Printer. This seems to be a standard
font for most printers. Make sure your printer can support it or you may
be out of luck for this program.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 7
* Error PROGRAM INTEGRITY Violation - - Program hacked!
If you encounter a message like this, it means the integrity of the
program has been altered in some way. I read the PRINT2.EXE back to
make sure it was not "hacked" or had some additonal code added to it
the way a Virus does. Also, You will encounter this error message
if you just recently used a file compressor on it like DIET or PKLITE.
Just expand it again and it should work fine. Sorry, Cant Compress it,
and the program will not run if virus adds itself to it either. The Program
will NOT run if even 1 Byte changes from original. Some Hack protection.
* Some Wierd Printout characters appear in the text???
I found that some times the DOT MATRIX printer would not fully reset
properly with just the standard Esc code sequence. You may be able
to clear this condition by powering the printer off, then on again, then
running PRINT2. Other possiblities is that I screen out an ESC code
number 27 and you may have ESC codes in the documentation that are
printing out in the text as a wierd character. I do send a PRINTER reset
command Prior to printing and after printing.
* DeskJet printer doesn't print the pages in 2 Column Mode
Well, I played around with Landscape Mode on the HP DeskJet printer.
I found that using a Landscape Mode of 9 lines per inch and a smaller
point character, I was able to fit the 2 pages on 1 sheet of paper.
If you run into a problem with 2 column printing, Power the printer off
and on and try the program again. Make sure that the deskJet you are using
supports the Landscape mode as that is what I am really using here.
Printing does NOT allign up correctly as if Margins are off.
(*usually this is in DOTMATRIX Mode only)
1st! I found some older printers (dot matrix) that had a
different code for ELITE MODE or 12 cpi. I send and ESC+M to turn Elite
mode, followed by a 15 Compressed Print. Check your PRINTER manual for
these codes. ALSO, You may want to put your PRINTER in EPSON mode and try
the program and it MAY work then. Give that a try first.
2nd Check your DOS version! I have found many print programs will
not work properly with MS DOS versions lower than 5.0 or DR DOS Lower
than 6.0. The DR DOS 5.0 was model around MSDOS 3.x and that DOS is
just way to old for this 1994 program. You may wish to Upgrade your
DOS operating system. I highly Recommend it. 2nd! I have found some
older DOTMATRIX Printers do not Support the combined COMPRESSED and ELITE
FONT that I am using in DOT Matrix Mode. Check your Printer Manual about
that. See if it can print both COMPRESSED and ELITE at the same time.
PRINT2.CFG FILE NOT FOUND or FILE ERROR. SET PRINT2= ERROR?
All the PRINT2 FILES, that is PRINT2.EXE, PRINT2.HLP, and PRINT2.CFG
MUST be located in the Root directory of DRIVE C: (C:\) OR
YOUR SET PRINT2 statement has an ERROR! Check it. Type SET at any prompt
and it will display the current environment variables. MAKE SURE that this
is correct. To test the situation, COPY THE PRINT2 FILES back into C: drive
and remove any SET PRINT2 statements you have just to narrow the problem
down. Also, Make sure the PATH Statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT contains
the directory that PRINT2 files are located in.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 8
*** PRODUCT SUPPORT??? call Maddog Productions BBS! (a Wildcat! BBS)
You can get the latest copy of this program from my own BBS!
Maddog Productions is proud to present a CD-ROM + Hard Disk database.
You can download any of those files without prior validation.
* You must have a MODEM to call a Bulletin Board System. *
Here is the number! (215) 855-4621
2400 bps to 14.4k bps USRobotics Sportster 14400
You can also reach me through Email on Compuserve:
William Mantz
CIS 71064,3677
And these other fine quality Networks that go world/Nation wide.
FidoNet 1:273/742
COW_NET! 475:3000/1 (Central Ohio Network for Wildcat!) Moooooo.!
RaceNet ▀▄▀▄ Ladson, SC ■ Node# 7223:2200/1 NASCAR Coverage Networks!
======= DISCLAIMER and LEGAL Stuff! =========
This program is distributed "AS IS". I do NOT guarantee anything.
It may be freely distributed and used as long as this
document and the program remain unaltered, and you do NOT charge a
fee for it use! (a duplication fee for many shareware houses is
acceptable as long as the price remains under $3.00) The author, William
Mantz, does NOT warrant, guarantee, or make any representations as
to the performance or reliability of this software and will not be held
responsible for any incedental or consequential damage that may incur.
Quite simply, YOU ARE USING IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!
---Tag for the day
640k ought to be enough for anybody.... B. Gates, 1981
Revision History
PRINT2 v3.1 Added an Environment variable so that you can PUT
PRINT2 in a directory other than the Root Directory.
SET PRINT2=C:\xxxxxxx Where: xxxx is the Directory
(required when using this). FIXed the DESKJET Printing
Mode. Now Prints in LANDSCAPE mode for DESKJETs and the
LaserJet printers. (sorry dot matrix users!). The program
now draws a Dividing line down the page to separate the 2.
If you are a Novice computer user, stick with C:\ to place
the PRINT2 files, Otherwise, You may want to move them out
of the root directory and use the new SET PRINT2 environment.
See Information for 3.0Beta for more fixes.
PRINT2 Documentation Page 9
PRINT2 v3.0ß Added full support for DESKJET Series printers without
the need for an additional cartridge. Fixed a problem
in LASERJET mode with a CR/LF combination not being sent
all the time to terminate the lines. Full support now
enabled for DOTMATRIX which seems to work just fine.
DESKJET MODE Page shortened to 58 lines per page to
allow LANDSCAPE mode Printing on the Page which is much
nicer. Landscape ALLOWS you to put 3 Hole Punch Paper
in the tray to make your docs BINDER READY. Enjoy!
Working on a Environment variable so that you wont
need to put this program in the Root directory.
BUG FIXES!!! BUG FIXES!!! BUG FIXES!!!
v2.x was a disaster!! V3.0 Had more testing and I really
didnt release it till I was finished. Then it is v3.1!
PRINT2 v2.4 Added the DESKJET codes. Now you can use PRINT2 with
Dot Matrix, Laserjets, or Deskjet printers.
I have also changed the array sequence again for the
Dot Matrix mode/DeskJet mode. Some eroneous characters
were appearing at the beginning of the lines.
PRINT2 v2.3 BUG Fixed in DOTMATRIX Mode. Fixed array size which
caused a Form Feed character to be mixed in at the end
of each line. Dont know why it got there, didnt have it
in version 2.1, but it is fixed now. Just blame the
programmer!
PRINT2 v2.2 Minor changes, No change in Function of program.
Just added an Alarm after it is done printing for
when you print those documents and walk away.
Also, I clarified the PRINT2 ERROR Screens to inform
user that the PRINT2 Files MUST be located in the C:\
(Root Directory of C: DRIVE). This way you can run
it from anywhere!! Just keep C:\ in your PATH statement.
PRINT2 v2.1 I made PRINT2 look for its .CFG and .HLP file at
C:\ (the Root directory!) I did this so that you
can run PRINT2 from any drive, anywhere as long as you
have the C:\ in your PATH statement.
Print2 now returns to the PICK a FILE window after
completion of the printout to continue. Batch MODE
is still supported by running PRINT2 <Filename> from
the command line. It will print and just exit.
PRINT2 v2.0 Now has a Graphical User Interface pick and click
file routine. Mouse Support, as well as graphical
windows, Online Help, And now supporting LASERJET
as well as DOT MATRIX PRINTERs!!!! SHAREWARE version.
Registration is only $15.00 US
PRINT2 Documentation Page 10
PRINT2 v1.1 Freeware Version.. Just supported LASERJET printers.
Limited graphic support, no WINDOWS, TEXT mode.
Works really well for just LASERJET printers.
No file picking window. NO Mouse. Freeware.
You may use this version without charge.
A bug is a bug is a bug. A Pig is a Pig is a Pig....
---
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