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Documentation for
PRINTER EXPRESS
by
Ralph Freshour
531 Main Street #306
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-640-1649
PRINTER EXPRESS is distributed as a Shareware product
Contents
Introduction.............................................Part I
Welcome
Command Line Usage
DOS Path Statement and Environment Variable
The Files For PRINTER EXPRESS
General Notes............................................Part II
Guidelines
Hardware and Software Requirements.
How PRINTER EXPRESS Works
Configuring PE.DAT.......................................Part III
How to Configure the File
General Rules
How to Enter Printer Control Codes
Startup Mode
Printer Reset
Default Printer Ports
Hot Key Scan Code
Color Systems
Function Keys............................................Part IV
Uninstalling PE..........................................Part V
PE and Graphics..........................................Part VI
Technical Support........................................Part VII
Registration Form........................................Part VII
License Agreement........................................Part VIII
Reference Tables:
Color Table..........................................Part IX
Hot Key Table........................................Part IX
Part I - INTRODUCTION
Welcome to PRINTER EXPRESS (PE). You use PE to control your printer's
most frequently-used functions. You can run PE as an .EXE program, or
as a TSR (Terminate but Stay Resident) program.
You can change printer settings on the fly when you use PE as a
TSR. For example, in the middle of an application you can press
ALT / (the default Hot Key) and change your printer settings to
Condensed, Underline ON, Landscape Mode ON, etc.
The controls supported by PE apply to any Dot Matrix, Ink Jet, or
Laser Jet printer.
Here's how to use PE from the DOS prompt:
PE <CR> run as an .EXE program, using the PE.DAT file
PE "MYFILE" <CR> run as an .EXE program, using "MYFILE" vs PE.DAT
PE /L "MYFILE" <CR> load as a memory resident (TSR) program using
"MYFILE" vs the PE.DAT file
PE /U <CR> uninstall PE as a TSR program
PE /S remove screen snow, for older CGA monitors
PE /G use b&w attributes for gas plasma/LCD screens
PE /F use fast cursor speed
PE /H <CR> this Help screen
PE /? <CR> this Help screen
"MYFILE" is a copy of the PE.DAT file which you modify to
create a customized configuration file for your printer.
<CR> is the Return or Enter key.
/S: Enables "snow removal" code for older CGA color monitors.
It will eliminate screen flicker while PE is running.
Don't use this switch unless you need it.
/G: On Gas plasma and LCD screens, this switch will force PE
to use default monochrome attributes instead of color
settings. Note that you may set monochrome color values
in the PE.DAT file if you have a mono system. The -G switch
uses pre-set monochrome values.
/F: This switch increases cursor movement speed in lightbar
operations. This switch works only on 286 class machines
and above.
You may use the -, /, or \ characters in front of the switch.
Part I - INTRODUCTION cont...
INSTALLATION
PRINTER EXPRESS can be installed onto your hard drive two ways.
For root directory Installation:
Copy PE.EXE and PE.DAT files into your root directory. Printer
Express can then be executed upon system start-up.
This is the fastest and easiest way install PRINTER EXPRESS.
For subdirectory installation:
Create a C:\PE subdirectory
Copy PE.EXE and PE.DAT files into the C:\PE subdirectory
You should include this subdirectory in the PATH statement of
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. You can also include a DOS environment
variable for PE.
By placing "set PTREXP=C:\PE" in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, DOS will
create an environment variable string called 'PTREXP'. When you
start PE, it looks for the string 'PTREXP'. If the string is found,
PE looks at the rest of the statement (=C:\PE) and knows
where to find the required PE.DAT file.
If you don't use a PATH statement or a DOS Environment Variable,
then you need to start PE from within it's own directory.
The files for PRINTER EXPRESS:
1. PE.DOC This file; READ IT BEFORE USING PE.
2. PE.DAT The file to be customized for your printer.
The Printer Control Codes in PE.DAT are
for Epson-compatible printers. PE.DAT is
the default file. If you use a different printer,
change PE.DAT settings BEFORE you using that printer.
3. PE.EXE The executable file.
Part II - GENERAL NOTES
Guidelines:
1. Copy the original PE files to a subdirectory on your
hard disk. We suggest C:\PE as the subdirectory.
2. DO NOT CHANGE THE PE.DAT FILE LAYOUT. PRINTER EXPRESS EXPECTS THE
CONTROL CODES TO BE IN THE EXACT POSITIONS SHOWN IN THIS FILE.
3. For unused selections, leave the ON/OFF codes as 254 decimal.
PE stops sending control codes to the printer when it encounters
a 254 decimal code.
4. Activate PE only when the printer isn't printing.
5. Don't activate PE while other TSR programs are running.
6. Don't activate other TSR's unless you have de-activated PE by
pressing the ESC key.
7. Load DOS's PRINT.COM TSR utility before PE to be able
to uninstall PE as a TSR. We recommend that you load any
TSR that you want to keep in memory before you load PE.
You can deactivate PE only if it is the last TSR loaded.
Hardware and Software Requirements:
o IBM-PC/XT/AT PS/2 286 386 486 and most clones
o Color or Monochrome 80 x 25 Text mode video system.
o DOS 3.00 or higher
How PRINTER EXPRESS Works:
PE sends control codes to your printer when you press the
spacebar. These codes remain in effect until changed. Applications
you use after running PE can also change these settings without
PE's knowledge.
Part III - CONFIGURING PE.DAT
How to Configure the File:
The PE.DAT file holds the codes you enter to control your printer.
In PE.DAT you also identify the functions of these codes, along
with the header line that specifies the printer model supported.
PE.DAT is a file you can change with any ASCII text editor or
word processor in ASCII mode.
You can have as many printer configuration files as necessary.
To create a file other than the PE.DAT default, rename that file
when it is saved. To use a new file, enter the file name on the
PRINTER EXPRESS command line.
You'll find the control codes for your printer in your printer's
reference manual.
General Rules:
PE.DAT doesn't use TAB control character and Printer
Express doesn't expand any TABs it finds.
The second line is for a header to identify the printer
and model PE.DAT is designed to operate with.
There are 10 rows for printer function names on the PE menu.
Some examples are included.
NOTE: Keep the border characters "|" intact. There are 18
spaces for function names and 19 spaces for ON and OFF
codes.
How to Enter Printer Control Codes:
Place the cursor just to the right of the ON or OFF code border.
Hold down the ALT key and use the NUMERIC KEYPAD NUMBERS.
ENTER THE CONTROL CODE VALUES IN DECIMAL.
Example: to set an Epson printer to Condensed Mode, the
code is 15 decimal. Hold down the ALT key, and on the
NUMERIC KEYPAD only, press 1 and 5 keys. Now, release
ALT key. You should see the character on the screen that
represents 15 decimal. PE sends this control code to the
printer when you press the Spacebar.
Enter the ON/OFF control codes for each printer function.
Part III - CONFIGURING PE.DAT cont...
------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
(Header Line) This file for Epson Printers. |
------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
Printer Function | ON Codes | OFF Codes |
------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
Letter Quality |xqy. |*(4. |
Condensed |a. |~. |
Italics |!4. |`5. |
|<----------------->|<----------------->|
Max width of 19 Max width of 19
Enter printer control codes here.
From the start of each area, you
have 19 spaces to write in. The "|"
(vertical bar) character is a border.
Write within these borders.
NOTE: The square block character is character 254
decimal. It is used by PE as a terminating
character. PE stops sending control codes
to the printer when this character code is
encountered.
Be sure to end all printer control codes with
the 254 decimal character.
Startup Mode:
Enter the Startup Mode control code(s) that set your printer to
the initial Startup Mode you desire. Use the same procedure as
described above for entering these control codes.
Example: You may have the option of initializing your
printer to the IBM Mode or the Epson Mode. If your printer
doesn't have this feature, leave the code as 254 decimal.
Printer Reset:
Enter the control code(s) that reset your printer. If your
printer doesn't have this feature, leave the code as 254 decimal.
Initialize COM Port:
Enter the initialization string desired to initialize the COM port
if you are using a serial printer. The format is "9600,N,8,1" which
is baud rate, parity, char size and stop bit. If you do not use this
feature leave the first position blank or enter the 254 decimal
character.
----------------------------------------------------------+
Init COM Port |9600,N,8,1|<--- Baud Parity Char Stop |
----------------------------------------------------------+
Make initialization settings here in the PE.DAT file.
Part III - CONFIGURING PE.DAT cont...
Default Printer Ports:
PE is pre-configured with LPT set to Port 1. The "Printer Port"
reference line in the PE.DAT file lets you select which of
the 3 allowable LPT Ports PE will start up with. Valid LPT port
settings are:
LPT1
LPT2
LPT3
PE also supports COM1 and COM2 serial ports, primarily for laser
printers. Valid COM port settings are:
COM1
COM2
You can change the printer port setting once PE is running.
From the PE Main Menu, press F5 to cycle through the currently
active port options.
For example, if LPT1 is the active port, pressing F5 will cause
PE to cycle through LPT2, LPT3 and back to LPT1 again.
Press F7 to make the LPT port the active printer port.
Press F8 to make the COM port the active printer port.
----------------------------------------------------------+
Printer Port |LPT1|<---- LPT1 LPT2 LPT3 COM1 COM2|
----------------------------------------------------------+
Make LPT or COM port settings here
in the PE.DAT file.
Part III - CONFIGURING PE.DAT cont...
Hot Key Scan Code:
PE is pre-configured with ALT / as the Hot Key. You can change this
in the PE.DAT file. A Hot Key reference chart is included at the
end of this file to help you select a new Hot Key.
The Hot Key value is read when PE loads. Therefore, if you use PE
as a TSR and wish to change the Hot Key, you have to change
it in the PE.DAT file, deactivate it and then run PE again.
You can set any Hot Key combination to load PE into memory. The
PE.DAT file is read only once during installation, when PE is
loaded as a TSR. Each key on the IBM Keyboard has a unique
identification called a Scan Code. These are NOT the same codes
as the ASCII codes.
For example, the "a" key has a Scan Code of 1E hex compared to it's
ASCII code of 61 hex. The Scan Code for that key is the same regardless
of upper or lower case. In the "Hot Key Scan Code" line in the PE.DAT
file, you'll see 3 characters defining PE's Hot Key. The default
characters are A35.
Example: The 35 is the Scan Code in hex. In this case, 35 hex is
the / (forward slash) key (see the chart at the end of this file).
The "A" just before the 35 means the ALT key must also be depressed
along with the / key.
Other options available if you prefer something other than the ALT Key:
C = CTRL Key
L = LEFT SHIFT Key
R = RIGHT SHIFT Key
= a blank means no ALT, CTRL, LSHIFT or RSHIFT key. It means
just the Scan Code Key. For example, the Scan Code for the
F10 Key is 44 hex. If you wanted to just have the F10 key
pop-up PE, then you would enter " 44" in the Hot Key box.
If you wanted to activate PE with Control-F10, you would
enter "C44".
------------------+---+-----------------------------------+
Hot Key Scan Code |A35|<---- Enter in Hexadecimal |
------------------+---++---+------------------------------+
Make Hot Key changes here in the PE.DAT file.
At the end of this file are the Scan Codes for every key on
the 83-Key IBM PC/XT Keyboard. You can use any key (including
the Escape Key) either alone or in any combination with ALT,
CTRL, LEFT SHIFT or RIGHT SHIFT keys to define your Hot Key.
PE displays the Hot Key each time you run it.
Please note that the Scan Codes for the Up Arrow, Down Arrow,
PgDn, PgUp, etc. keys, are located on the NUMERIC KEYPAD. There
are no Hot Key provisions for dedicated cursor control keyboards
(keyboards that have a separate numeric key pad and PgUp, PgDn,
Arrow keys).
Part III - CONFIGURING PE.DAT cont...
Color Systems
PE (via PE.DAT) allows you to customize its colors. Enter the DECIMAL
values for each of the color attributes. Enter the Background color
and then the Foreground color.
Be sure to enter the values in DECIMAL and enter them like the existing
color settings are entered. That is, don't use the ALT numeric keypad
as you did when entering the printer control codes.
Enter the color values between the | | vertical bar markers. For
example, Main Menu Background is set to the background color of Blue
(see 001 below). The Main Menu Foreground color is set to White (see
007). Only the 3 characters between the | | vertical bar markers
are read by PE.
-----------------------+---+------------------------------+
Main menu Background|001| |
Main menu Foreground|007| |
-----------------------+---+------------------------------+
^^^
Make color changes here in the PE.DAT file.
There is a color chart at the end of this file and in the right hand
side of the PE.DAT following the color setting area.
NOTE: FOR BACKGROUND COLORS, YOU MUST USE VALUES BETWEEN 0 AND 7 ONLY.
For a monochrome system, the primary monochrome color combinations are:
Background Foreground Results
000 007 Normal text
000 015 Bright text
014 000 Inverse text
When you run PE the first time (during loading as a TSR, or
each time as an .EXE program), it reads the PE.DAT file and loads
the codes you have set for your printer. To try different colors,
run PE as a regular .EXE program. That way, you can see the
effects of your color changes right away and don't have to load
and then unload PE as a TSR to check out different colors.
When you are finished entering your control codes, you can test these
codes by running PE as an .EXE program and pressing the F2 Test
Print function key for each lightbar selection you've set. Use the
spacebar to toggle each selection ON and OFF.
Part IV - FUNCTION KEYS
F1 Reset Printer: Clears and resets the printer. You must enter
your Printer Reset control code(s) in the PE.DAT
file in order for this function to work.
F2 Test Print: Sends a Test Print message string to the printer
so you can check the correctness of your control
codes.
F3 Line Feed: Causes your printer to do a line feed.
F4 Form Feed: Causes your printer to do a form feed.
F5 LPT1 PE supports up to 3 parallel printer ports and
COM1 2 COM ports. The F5 key cycles the active port
between it's allowable values.
F6 Initialize This will send the initialization parameters out
COM Port the active serial port; COM1 or COM2.
F7 Key Makes the LPT port the active printer port.
F8 Key Makes the COM port the active printer port.
F9 About... Displays information about PE.
ESC Press the ESC key to exit PE.
Part V - UNINSTALLING PE
To uninstall PE just type PE U <CR>. If it is safe to do so, PE will
remove itself from memory and display an uninstall message.
If it isn't safe, PE won't remove itself from memory.
An ill-behaved TSR is one that always lets you uninstall it. Under
certain conditions, this can place DOS in an unstable state. PE, being
a well-behaved TSR, always makes sure it is safe before it allows
itself to be removed from memory.
Remember, loading other TSR's after PE has been installed will prevent
PE from uninstalling itself. There are some DOS Utilities that are
themselves TSR's. If any of these are run after PE is installed, they
prevent PE from uninstalling itself. Examples of these DOS TSR utilities
include PRINT, SHARE, SUBST and ASSIGN.
Part VI - PE AND GRAPHICS
PE checks the current video mode before it pops up. If you're currently
running a graphics-based application, it won't pop up and you'll hear a
beep instead.
Part VII - TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Unlimited non-toll free telephone technical support is provided for
registered users only. Call 310-640-1649, west coast time. We'll be happy
to answer your questions.
REGISTRATION FORM
PRINTER EXPRESS IS DISTRIBUTED AS SHAREWARE. This means that you may try PE
first before paying for it. Shareware is not freeware. If you use PE, you
are expected to pay for it. THE REGISTRATION FEE IS $20.00. The only way for
us to advise you of updates to PE (enhancements, added features and other
internal improvements) is for you to fill out the registration form and mail
it to us. It's important for you to register with us. We provide technical
support only for registered users.
+----------------------------- REGISTRATION FORM -----------------------------+
| |
|Name:________________________________________________________________________|
| |
|Title:_______________________________________________________________________|
| |
|Address:_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
|City:__________________________________ State:_____________ Zip:_____________|
| |
|Work Phone:____________________________ Home Phone:__________________________|
| |
|PE Version:____________ Date Received:________________ |
| |
| |
|Please enclose $20.00 registration fee. Thank you. |
| |
| |
|Comments:____________________________________________________________________|
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________________|
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________________|
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________________|
| |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Mail this form to:
Ralph Freshour
Printer Express Registration
531 Main Street #306
El Segundo, CA 90245
Part VIII - LICENSE AGREEMENT
GRANT OF LICENSE:
Ralph Freshour grants to the purchaser of PRINTER EXPRESS the right to
use this copy on a single CPU at a time. PRINTER EXPRESS is copyrighted
(C) and owned by Ralph Freshour and is protected by United States copyright
laws. You may make backup copies to protect your purchase.
DISCLAIMER:
PRINTER EXPRESS and any associated support files, including documentation
files, are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The entire risk
as to the results and performance of PRINTER EXPRESS and any associated
files is assumed by you.
Ralph Freshour disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including
but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose, with respect to the PRINTER EXPRESS software product
itself, the diskette it came on and any associated files and/or materials.
In no event shall Ralph Freshour be liable for any damages whatsoever
(including without limitation damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information, and the like), arising out of
the use or the inability to use, this product, even if Ralph Freshour has
been so advised of such damages.
Part IX - REFERENCE TABLES
+------------------------------------------------------+
| COLOR REFERENCE TABLE |
+--- Background --+--------- Foreground ---------------+
| 00 Dark Black | 00 Dark Black 08 Bright Black |
| 01 Dark Blue | 01 Dark Blue 09 Bright Blue |
| 02 Dark Green | 02 Dark Green 10 Bright Green |
| 03 Dark Cyan | 03 Dark Cyan 11 Bright Cyan |
| 04 Dark Red | 04 Dark Red 12 Bright Red |
| 05 Dark Magenta | 05 Dark Magenta 13 Bright Magenta |
| 06 Dark Brown | 06 Dark Yellow 14 Bright Yellow |
| 07 Dark Gray | 07 Dark White 15 Bright White |
+------------------------------------------------------+
+-------------------------------------+
| Scan Codes for the 83-Key IBM PC/XT |
+-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------------+
| Scan Code Key | Scan Code Key | Scan Code Key |
| in Hex | in Hex | in Hex |
+-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------------+
| 01 ESC | 0F TAB | 1D CTRL |
| 02 1 | 10 Q | 1E A |
| 03 2 | 11 W | 1F S |
| 04 3 | 12 E | 20 D |
| 05 4 | 13 R | 21 F |
| 06 5 | 14 T | 22 G |
| 07 6 | 15 Y | 23 H |
| 08 7 | 16 U | 24 J |
| 09 8 | 17 I | 25 K |
| 0A 9 | 18 O | 26 L |
| 0B 0 | 19 P | 27 ; Semi-colon|
| 0C - Minus | 1A [ | 28 ' Apostrophe|
| 0D = Equals | 1B ] | 29 ` Accent |
| 0E Backspace | 1C Return | 2A Left Shift |
+-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------------+
| 2B \ | 39 Spacebar | 47 Home |
| 2C Z | 3A Caps Lock | 48 Up Arrow |
| 2D X | 3B F1 | 49 PgUp |
| 2E C | 3C F2 | 4A Grey Minus |
| 2F V | 3D F3 | 4B Left Arrow |
| 30 B | 3E F4 | 4C Num 5 |
| 31 N | 3F F5 | 4D Right Arrow |
| 32 M | 40 F6 | 4E Grey Plus |
| 33 , Comma | 41 F7 | 4F End |
| 34 . Period | 42 F8 | 50 Down Arrow |
| 35 / | 43 F9 | 51 PgDn |
| 36 Right Shift | 44 F10 | 52 INS |
| 37 Print Screen| 45 Num Lock | 53 DEL |
| 38 ALT | 46 Scroll Lock| |
+-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------------+
