Columbia Kermit/kermit.zip/newsgroups/misc.19951130-19960209/[e-mail]_Tue Dec 5 11:20:17 1995.msg

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From: [e-mail] (Warren Vogt)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.kermit.misc
Subject: Local printing of Web-browser links. Here's how:
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 95 17:20:17 CST
Organization: University of Regina
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My experiment with using VT200 codes to send a Web-browser's selected document
to the PC's printer instead of to the screen has yielded the following results,
including a solution of how to force VMS to send those codes when the applica-
tion isn't set up to.

Kermit's echo and write screen don't work; they display to the local not the
connect session.
Assigning these codes to a key fails in or out of connect. Using the "output"
statement also fails, because what is Output from Kermit is Input to the host!
VMS "DEFINE /KEY" always fails. In fact it inexplicably cannot be made to do
anything, even though VMS /LOG messages claim otherwise. To replicate its ef-
fect, use Kermit's set key nnn output {VMS command} . And if I'm not mistaken,
the \KudkFn is no help here because its effect is defined for the Kermit, not
the host, prompt. It performs services to Kermit or DOS, not to VMS, I think.

No. In order for Kermit to respond to these codes, the host must OUTPUT them
itself! But how do we make it happen? Not all host applications are aware of
this option. VTWWW was one that is. It is gone now and Lynx remains. Fortun-
ately I have taught it how to perform this trick. That is explained in the DCL
program at the end of the letter.

If the application, refuses to emit CSI 5 i , CSI 4 i (the eight-bit forms of
on/off), you can assign these values to symbols and have the host output them
with WRITE SYS$OUTPUT symb or TYPE SYS$INPUT <stream> . The procedure at the
end uses the first method. With set key output {WRITE etc.} \13 , it can be as-
signed to a key as if DEC's DEFINE /KEY had done it.

By modifying an application's config. file, the procedure can be invoked from
inside it. When that's not possible, do SPAWN WRITE SYS$OUTPUT symb . If it
doesn't permit so short an interruption, you still have a recourse: Type your
modem's escape series & type the codes manually. Here's how it's done with the
seven-bit ones:
     +++
     OK              (says your modem)
     Ctrl-[ [ 5 i    (no spaces. 5 starts 4 stops controlled printing)
     AT O1           (go back to the host. Type commands without seeing them)

This method is unreliable. It can put junk in the way of the DCL commands you
enter without your seeing. CLEAR the input buffer first. Then maybe...

Here is a procedure for Typing a VMS file and making it appear on your printer
or on your micro's disk if Kermit's SET PRINTER was asked for. Some applica-
tions will use it at your request. How is explained inside.

My thanks to John, Frank and Joe for supplementing the information in Christine
Gianone's 1990 (first edition) book with more current advice.

------------------------------------CUT HERE-----------------------------------

$ ! This program tells the LYNX Web-browser, VMS version, how to send a plain
$ ! or formatted text file that it is referencing to the DEC VT's or PC's
$ ! attached printer instead of to the screen. The VT200 "Printer controller"
$ ! function is 99% transparent to all byte values, but it should not be used
$ ! for binary (executable) files. Download them with Kermit's Send File , Type
$ ! Binary function. -- Written by Warren Vogt on Dec. 4, 1995. Anyone may use.
$ ! To avoid conflict with a program called "lpansi" that can do what this one
$ ! does, this procedure has been given the name PANSY.COM and the following
$ ! enabling line inserted into my copy of the LYNX.CFG file :
$ ! PRINTER:To the printer of a DEC VT or a PC running Kermit:@PANSY %s :TRUE
$ !
$ SET SYMBOL /GENERAL /SCOPE=NOGLOBAL
$ PRNON = "P[5i"
$ PRNON[0,8] = %D27
$ PRNOFF = "P[4i"
$ PRNOFF[0,8] = %D27
$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT "The current link, if a text-file, will go to the PC's
printer."
$ INQUIRE DECIDE "Type Y <RET> if your printer or Kermit's SET PRINTER is ready"
$ IF .NOT. DECIDE THEN $ EXIT
$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT "Printing begins..."
$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT F$STRING(PRNON)
$ TYPE /NOPAGE 'P1
$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT F$STRING(PRNOFF)
$ SUMMON = " The document has been printed!BBBB"
$ SUMMON[248,16] = %O3407
$ SUMMON[264,16] = %O3407
$ WRITE SYS$OUTPUT F$STRING(SUMMON)
$ ! WAIT 00:00:13 ! 13 seconds chosen because less is ignored, more is tedious.
$ EXIT