3-12 System Operation
The Printer Driver compresses the file while it downloads to the laser system and the laser system decompresses the file while it runs. The amount of compression can be as little as 4 to 1 or as great as 48 to 1. This means that with 4 MB of RAM in the laser system, the buffer could hold the equivalent of 192MB worth of files provided they can be compressed 48 to 1. This gives the laser system the ability to store either larger or more files in memory. It also provides for quicker downloading because the files are much smaller than normal. The memory buffer can hold up to 999 files providing that the memory space is not exceeded. The memory also has built in file handling intelligence enabling each individual file in memory to be run in any order. The files are stored sequentially based on the order in which they were sent from the computer and each one is assigned a number to keep them in order. A running total of the free memory space available is provided at the bottom of the display. The file name displayed is always the currently active file and there are two methods for looking through the list of files to choose another one. The first method is to press the “NEXT FILE” button on the control panel. Each time the “NEXT FILE” button is pressed, the next file in memory becomes the current file. The second method is to move the screen cursor to the file name line and press the “SELECT” button to move the cursor to the right side of the display. Then, use the up and down arrow buttons to move backward or forward through the list until the file desired is displayed. Now, press the “SELECT” button again to bring the cursor back over to the left side of the display.
Eventually the memory will fill up with files that will need to be deleted to free up space for more files. It is possible to select each individual file and delete them one at a time. To accomplish this, make the desired file for deletion the current file in the same manner as previously described. Use the up or down arrow buttons to position the cursor on the “DELETE THE FILE” menu item and then press the “SELECT” button. The display will then ask if you are sure and will expect a “CANCEL” or a “YES” response. Use the up and down arrow keys to position the cursor on the appropriate choice and press the “SELECT” button.
To completely clear out the entire memory buffer all at once, use the up and down arrow keys to position the cursor on the “DELETE ALL FILES” option and press the “SELECT” button. The laser system will again ask if you are sure so respond accordingly.
Deleted files cannot be undone. They must be