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2colprt
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1988-10-10
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TWO COLUMN PRINTER (2COLUMNS.BAS) by Jonathan Corey
The file 2COLUMNS.BAS is essentially the source code to compiled ".PRG"
version which was downloaded to Data Library 2 of the ATARI ST RT.
(file #6683). However, this file has necessary printer codes internal
to the program rather than in a separate data file. The logic being that
if you have the source code you can modify the printer codes if needed and
the resultant program will be a little quicker to use and will require
somewhat less disk space. Epson FX codes are supplied. 2COLUMNS works
well enough in interpreted form but is much faster and more satisfactory
when compiled. All needed compiler switches are set in the program so no
defaults need be changed from the compiler itself.
This program prints simple text (ASCII) or 1STWORD format files
in two "magazine" style columns. It works best if you have a printer
capable of printing at 20 characters per inch ( my printer calls this
"compressed elite"). Files printed this way use much less paper and
are easier to refer to than if they are printed normally. It works
very well for printing program listings, BBS captures, and program
documentation.
You will find operating instructions in the program itself.
Some extra instructions and information
The length and width of the columns to be printed are adjustable.
Best results come when column width is set greater than the length of
most of the file lines. This is because any portion of a file line
that is larger than the width of the printed columns gets moved to a
new line. This new line will contain only the runover. When using
20 cpi type columns can be set to be up to 78 characters wide and so
this line splitting can be eliminated or made very rare with most
files. With files that have right justified margins over 78
characters or when 20 cpi type is not available it can be helpful to
reformat the file before printing. The program DCOPYxx can do this
very easily.
There is an option for printing on both sides of the paper using
continuous form paper. This is accomplished by first printing all
the odd numbered pages and then, after a pause to allow you to turn
the paper over, the even pages are printed. It is assumed you can
work out two sided printing on single sheets of paper for yourself.
The page number, name of the file, and the date are printed on the
top of each page.
The program does some error checking on the file you ask it to print
and rejects those it identifies as inappropriate (not text or 1st word
format). This seems to work fairly well but if for some reason a file
you are sure should work (its readable when displayed by the desktop
SHOW option) gets rejected, change its extension to .TXT or .LST
and try again. No error checking for file type is done on files with
these extensions.
This program has been thoroughly tested and debugged on a 1040 ST
and an EPSON FX85. I have never tried it on a Mega or with the new
ROMS. It was written in GFA BASIC Ver 2.0 (and compiled with the GFA
BASIC Compiler Ver 2.02). Turbo ST works well with it except when it
is run from low resolution.
Send me (Jonathan Corey) any comments, questions, and suggestions by
directing EMAIL on GEnie to address JWC-OEO.