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HPIIISi TWINAX CARD
7.8 Linking Graphical Output to a Host Application
There are several ways to link the graphical output to a host application.
One method is to simply add the GL commands to the application code.
This means that whenever the application is used and sent to the printer,
the GL commands are also sent.
Another method is to design a separate subroutine that sends the GL
output to the printer as a macro. The GL macro will only be sent to the
printer once and resides in the printer’s active memory until the printer is
powered down. The application code requires only a macro call and does
not require the complete graphic to be downloaded when a report is
printed.
To store the GL output as a printer macro, begin the GL routine with a
PCL command that begins a macro by typing “¬E&f#y0X”.
For the # symbol, substitute a number that identifies the macro. Make sure
this command precedes all GL commands. Also, be aware that PCL is case-
sensitive.
At the end of the GL routine, stop the macro and save it permanently
(until the printer is powered down) in the printer’s memory. To end the
macro, type “¬E&f#y1X”.
To save the macro permanently (until the printer is powered down), type
“¬E&f#y10X”. Store this macro in the printer’s memory by “printing” it.
A call for this macro can be used in your application by embedding the
PCL command “¬E&f#y3X” in the application code.
Another command that can be used to prevent overloading the printer’s
memory is “¬E&f#y8X”. This command deletes the macro ID-number that
currently resides in the printer’s memory.
7.9 Printing Images from the Host
It is often advantageous to include images such as company logos or
signatures with printed output. Logos and other images can be stored on
printer cartridges or “Flash” SIMMs, offered through the printer
manufacturer or various third-party vendors. While the process of loading
the cartridge or SIMM differs, the final result is the same: The stored
image is assigned a macro ID-number that must be called up by the
application when the image is to be printed. Please refer to the
documentation supplied with the cartridge or SIMM for instructions on
how to store an image.
