In multiple printer applications, the Model 24SII DES gives you the capability of sending print jobs to the first available printer (contention mode). You may put the Model 24SII DES into contention mode by changing the Default Printer Assignment to 0-0 for the individual computer port(s) while in configuration mode (see Sections 6.10 and 8.14). The data is sent to the Model 24SII's buffer and passed to the next available printer on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If your computer is connected to a port configured to default to a specific printer upon power-up (i.e., non-zero Default Printer Assignment), you may have the Model 24SII DES send a print job to the first available printer by sending the Port Select Code (default is $SELECT) followed by 00 and a terminating character (Enter/Return or Line Feed) prior to sending the print job. Subsequent print jobs will be routed to the first available printer until either another port select sequence is sent, power is cycled on the Model 24SII DES, or you enter the configuration mode.
The Port Select Code, 00 (zero-zero) and terminating character are trapped if they are valid and not passed to the printer.
A computer connected to a port configured for contention mode upon power-up (i.e., Default Printer Assignment of 0-0) may select a specific printer by sending the Port Select Code followed by desired module number (1 to 6), the desired printer port number (1 to 4), and a terminating character. Subsequent print jobs will go to the selected printer until either another port select sequence is sent, power is cycled on the Model 24SII DES, or you enter the configuration mode.
The port select sequence may be sent by manually inserting it into an ASCII print file, via DOS batch file, as part of a printer initialization string, or by using BayTech's RAMEXEC program will send it for you when you strike designated hot keys.
