AMSTRAD PRINT : JAP2 SOFTWARE AUGUST 2000

AMSTRAD NC100 Printing utility for the PC.

PURPOSE:

	I did not like having to disconnect my computers printer or do complicated document conversion for simple prints on my AMSTRAD. This was especially true as the computers were already linked together with the serial cable anyway. This program allows the AMSTRAD to print in serial mode (along the data transfer cable) and the PC and to redirect this to the connected Printer, therefore no more cable pulling from the back of the PC. Note that Terminal programs promise to be able to do this but all the ones that I tries stripped out all the usefull control codes. This job of this program may exist somewhere else and may even be easier to use, but at the time I could not find such a program. It was fun writting anyway.


COMPATABLE

	Windows 95
	Windows 98
	Windows NT 4


INSTALLATION
	
	Place all files in a single directory. Do not rename any files. Create a shortcut to AMSTRAD_PRINT.EXE in the normal way.
	Edit the AMSTRAD_PRINT.INI file to reflect the settings on your computer. Use the same format as the current default settings. Comportno is the number of the PC serial port that you have your communications cable in. Print device is the full name of the port. i.e 'lpt1'. (Note this program will work with Novell printers if the Path is specified! i.e. '//gbrsf99/laser_print_q')


RUNNING PROGRAM

	Change you AMSTRAD's printer to SERIAL and set communications. Speeds can be specified but the AMSTRAD must have DATA STOP BITS as 8/1, Parity as NONE and Handshake ON. The printer selected must reflect what is attached to the PC as the PC program does not do any conversion. (LaserJet works perfectly with my HP 690c).

	Run the AMSTRAD_PRINT progam on your PC. It will now sit in Test Mode. If you send a print from the AMSTRAD the Test light will flicker to show that data is been received. (You can also test comms with the [FUNCTION][S] mode on the AMSTRAD).
	If communications are OK press the START PRINT button on the PC program set the program to waiting to print mode. On your AMSTRAD select your document and start the print in the normal fashion. The progress bar should start moving and the printer will spring to life. 


PROBLEMS.

	TEST MODE should determine if you have communications problems. However the Test light will still flash and download will appear to happen even if the parameters of communication are incorrect, i.e. baud rate not the same on both machines. If this is OK but no print, check the printer port specified and that the driver on the AMSTRAD is correct. 


JAP
AUGUST 2000 


Version 1.1 
	Buffer bug fixed so it now works with LapTop computers. Install the driver for your PC Printer on your laptop, redirect the LAPTOP printer to COM port, set the Baud speed (Now upto 57600 Baud) and away it goes....


November 2001

THIS VERSION IS FREEWARE..

