Server Properties (Printer.Custom Size)

Hi Readers
As I require to print on a Custom size of 3.5 in x 5.5 in, I set this CSize via the Printer > Server Properties (XP Prof) for a brand new Epson LQ300+ dot matric printer using the driver given by the supplier. After doing this, on checking with the Printer Properties, this CSize did no appear. I next set up another CSize 4.0 in x 5.5 in, this then appeared in the Printer Properties. The sad news the paper did not stop at 5.5 in but went on to 11 in.
I am thinking that this printer does not accept the small size or driver is not suitable for XP Win. What else is possible, let share your views & thanks.

 

Hi, I found this:
http://www.codecomments.com/archive293-2006-3-809434.html
Don't read to closely or you will go to sleep Apart from losts of Visual Basic coding, it talks about most of the things you mention.

Some points I would make:
11" seems to be a standard page size. I think you will need to change the page size to stop it from feeding out a full (11 ") page. The sizes you mention will be the print area.

Rather than trying to select a print size in Properties, use the software program you are using to produce the job in the correct size before you go to printing it (that is, shrink it). If the print job has areas that are outside it's capacity to print in that range (3.5 X 5.5) it may be baulking because it cannot fit the job into that range. You may be telling the printer to fit a round peg into a square hole. It prints at 4.0 X 5.5, can you use that size and make the print area itself 3.5 X 5.5?

From that VB forum you will see that just setting one type of variable may not be enough.

Matt

 

Sorry, posted twice

 

Thanks MattMan
That thread is truly lengthy & I think i will take days to overcome the indigestion from the overload.
Meanwhile, I found the solution.
I was using the paper feed lever when the paper did not stop at 5.5 in, in fact it went beyond 11 in if I overfeed the printer with an continuous roll of paper.
However... when I change over to spocket feed lever, it stop right at 5.5 in.

Anyway, since u are such a good mate, Auz style, I am from Malaysia; what's your suggestion on how to send to the dot matrix printer a code to stop "form feed" so that I can stop the report whenever the data ends. I may consider using Docmd.printout but.. i need to use subreport & access report format is convenient.

Cheers!

 

That's OK FuzMic. My brother was in Malaysia for many years as the Deputy Principal at the RAAF base high school. The family really loved it there.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can help you with the finer points of setting the dot matrix. I have not used one since the Win 3.1/Win 95 era. I have only set up several different types of printers at work.

I hope someone with dot matrix experience comes along. You may be able to find some leads from the VB forum, they do explain some of the workings of their code (I'm no help there either).

One place to look is on the drivers CD that came with the printer. I would expect that you will find a (full) manual there. Another place may be the Epson website.
As you found, trial and error is required sometimes to find what will happen when you change the settings. To get a specific result, I check all the possible settings that may be relevant.

Matt

 

(ESC/P) Epson Standard Code for Printers
ESC/P Reference Manual - Part 1 through 6 from the Epson support FTP site.

ESC/P2

 

Thank Dennis for the link to the printer manual. Your suggestion prompted me to refer to my old printer hard copy manual. I think I am still having the issue of how to stop sending a no form feed. Esc code for sending FF is there but no switch the other way is found.

Meanwhile for sharing; I found the solution to the original problems 1) paper size 2) can't stop at 5.5in (see beginning of thread).
1) For paper size issue, according to Epson, Epson LQ300 Plus can only design to work with a mini paper size of 4.0 in x 4.0 in.
2) On the paper stopping: This printer only stop if the paper feed is using spocket traction (not paper feed using the rollers) .. selecting spocket traction way of feed, paper will stop at the right place.

Cheers!