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The Datafile PD-CD 1 Issue 2
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PDCD-1 - Issue 02.iso
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_printapps
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printapps
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_printemul
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!PRINTEMUL
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!HELP
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1991-04-21
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Help file accompagning the !PrintEmul application :
***************************************************
*************************** Copyright Notice **************************
* *
* The object code and documentation for the '!Dissi' application are *
* the exclusive copyright of John TYTGAT and are freely *
* distributable, provided this notice is left intact and all of the *
* files listed below are included, UNALTERED. *
* *
*************************************************************************
Included :
========
(1) !Boot & !Run file
(2) !Help file (= this text !)
(3) !RunImage (= main program)
(4) Template file
(5) !Sprite file
AIM :
===
As you probably already guessed : !PrintEmul is a EPSON FX compatible
printer emulator. It reads a printer file (filetype &FF4, "PrintOut")
generated by the RISC OS printer driver application !PrinterDM (⌐ Acorn
Computers Ltd.) and shows the output on the screen in a window.
!PrintEmul is only a graphics emulator. There will be an error given when
the user tries to emulate text ASCII values.
This output can be saved as a MODE 0 sprite file (1985 by 2526 pixels).
Why ?
===
I wrote this small application because I am writing an another application
(called !FontDump) that works with the RISC OS printer drivers. While
testing !FontDump I didn't want to wait each time for a printed page so I am
actually now printing to a file and look if !FontDump correctly works using
!PrintEmul !
!FontDump will be a P.D. program and prints a test page of a selected font
(containing different points of that font and the complete character set).
It works correctly with the Acorn printer drivers (!PrinterDM, !PrinterLJ,
...) but I tried it once with a Computer Concepts Laser printer (600 dpi) :
Holala, the result was a completly black page ! Sorry for the toner Kees !
I don't want to accuse CC for writing not-RISC OS compatible printer drivers
but I find it strange that my program works correctly with the other printer
drivers and with a CC printer driver it gave me such a result... Does
someone have an idea or had similar problems ?
Details :
=======
Because the interpretation of the printer file takes some time, I added a
multitask option. You can find this option (default on) in the menu
obtained by clicking on the !PrintEmul icon. During the multitask
interpretation !PrintEmul opens a window with a white background and then it
is not possible to select a menu option.
When the pointer is over the window you can see which amounth of the printer
file is already interpretated.
In the same menu tree there is also the option 'Clear'. When selecting
'Clear' the !PrintEmul deletes the created sprite file in its internal
memory.
The !PrintEmul application emulates just the first printed page of the
printer file. It is only a graphics emulation of :
(1) Single density ( 60 x 72 dpi) Code <ESC> <"K">
(2) Double density (120 x 144 dpi) Code <ESC> <"L">
(3) Quadruple density (240 x 216 dpi) Code <ESC> <"Z">
If someone can pass me the codes & formats of other dot matrix printers (ex.
EPSON LQ-850 compatible, NEC PinWriter P6 plus, EPSON LQ compatible, HP
Laser, ...) I will try to implement it ! I need not only the codes for the
graphics dump but also the format how they encode the graphics information
and I need also the codes for setting the right line spacing, etc.
In the main menu there is the option 'About' : this option reveals a window
where you can see which graphics density is used (single, double, quadruple
density) in the printer file and some other information.
KNOWN ERRORS :
============
(*) 'Emulation error 1 : &<number1>, PNTR at &<number2>'
This error means that there is an unknown character number <number1> in the
file at position <number2>.
(*) 'Emulation error 2 : &<number1> "<character>", PNTR at &<number2>'
This error means that there is an unknown escape code <number1> (or ASCII
equivalent <character>) in the file at position <number2>.
BASS :
====
!PrintEmul is released as a BASS product. BASS (Belgian Archimedes
Software-writers Society) is group of young enthousiast software-writers who
like to write Archimedes public domain programs. If you want to know more
about us, please feel free to contact us !
Versions :
========
v1.00 (27-Mar-1991) : First released in public domain
v1.01 (20-Apr-1991) : Small changes :
(*) Clicking on a 'PrintOut' file will automatically be emulated
(*) Shading the 'Clear' option when it is not relevant
(*) Allow scrolling & moving of the window while emulating
v1.02 (21-Apr-1991) :
(*) Check added if user wants to quit program/clear workspace without
saving his/her results.
Conditions of use :
=================
This software is supplied "as is"; no warranty, express or implied, of the
merchantability of this software or its fitness for any particular purpose
is given. In no circumstances shall the providers of this software be
liable for any damage, loss of profits, or any indirect or consequential
loss arising out of the use of this software or inability to use this
software.
You are free to give this application to anyone you please via any medium,
provided it is delivered with ALL the supplied files, UNALTERED. You may
NOT sell this software, or use it otherwise for personal gain. If you wish
to post it on your Bulletin Board or include it in your Shareware library
then that, too, is fine.
A large number of hours of work have gone into the production and
maintenance of this application and although I have supplied the application
free, donations will be gratefully received.
Please report any bugs you find to me, so that other users may benefit from
improved versions. I cannot guarantee to fix any bugs, but I will do my
best.
My address is:
John TYTGAT
Brusselbaan 445
B-1600 St.-Pieters-Leeuw
BELGIUM
⌐ BASS 1991