Homelite HL-1250 Areas of USE, Using Word Processing Packages and Spreadsheets, Graphics, Basic

10/10/03

2. AREAS OF USE

There are several different applications for which you may want to use your HL-Series laser printer. Four general areas are outlined in the following sections.

2.1Using Word Processing Packages and Spreadsheets

You may simply wish to use the printer with your software application packages, such as word-processors or spreadsheets. Many software packages automatically send commands to the printer requesting particular type styles, character sizes and specifying page set-up information and other relevant data. In this case you will not need to use this manual, as your software package will perform the task of controlling the printer for you. Other packages allow you to embed software commands within your word-processed or spreadsheet documents. This manual describes the commands you need, and you can simply include them in the form that your package requires. In either case, read the documentation that came with your software to find out its own specific requirements for driving a printer.

2.2Graphics

HP-GL/2 or HP-GL mode offers many powerful graphic features that enable you to draw and print detailed images quickly and easily. Many commercial graphic packages, notably computer-aided design applications programs, produce HP-GL/2 or HP-GL output. LaserJet mode also has several graphics features. You can either write your own programs to generate images or use existing graphics software.

2.3Programming

If you are writing software, for example in BASIC or C, to drive the printer, the description and formal specification of each command will enable you to transcribe them straight into your programs. Below is a simple example of a program to draw and print a three inch black square. The program is given in both C and

BASIC.

C language program

#include <stdio.h> main()

{

FILE *prn; /* initialization section */ prn = fopen("PRN","wb");

fprintf(prn,"\33E"); /* Esc E - Reset the printer */ fprintf(prn,"\33%0B"); /* Esc%0B - Enter HP-GL/2 */ fprintf(prn,"IN"); /* Initialize */ fprintf(prn,"SP1PA1024,1024"); /* Select pen 1 & move to 0,0 */ fprintf(prn,"PDFT1RA4096,4096"); /* Draw 3" solid square */ fprintf(prn,"\33%0A"); /* Quit HP-GL/2 & restore original cursor position */

fprintf(prn,"\33E /* Reset and eject page */

}

BASIC language program

10 LPRINT CHR$(27);"E"; :REM Esc E - Reset the printer 20 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%0B"; :REM Esc%0B - Enter HP-GL/2 30 LPRINT "IN"; :REM Initialize

40 LPRINT "SP1PA1024,1024"; :REM Select pen 1 & move to 0,0 50 LPRINT "PDFT1RA4096,4096"; :REM Draw 3" solid square

60 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%0A"; :REM Quit HP-GL/2 & restore original cursor position

70 LPRINT CHR$(27);"E"; :REM Reset and eject page

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION - 4