PRINTER BOSS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 112587 OWNER'S HANDBOOK .np Page 1 NO-QUIBBLE LICENSE AGREEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO US AS A CUSTOMER AND WE RESPECT YOUR NEEDS. We know that it's extremely important to you that our software be easy to use, and so our disks contain only standard unprotected files with no "fingerprints" and requiring no special installation routines. This means that you can install our files on hard disks with no fear of future problems. Our only concession to copy protection is that our program code is encrypted with serial number and/or user's name which appears on the screen and makes each disk traceable. Our software license restriction is essentially that each licensed copy of the software must be used on ONLY ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME. BY USING THIS SOFTWARE YOU INDICATE YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE ENCLOSED SOFTWARE LICENSING AGREEMENT. This agreement is in keeping with, and our software is protected by, the terms of the United States Copyright Law and certain International Treaty provisions. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED LICENSE REGISTRATION CARD AS A CONDITION OF LICENSE OF THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT. USE OF THIS PRODUCT BEFORE YOU RETURN THE LICENSE REGISTRATION CARD IS A VIOLATION OF THE CONNECTICUT SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT. Product of Connecticut Software Systems Corporation -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Printer Boss software package is a product of Connecticut Software Systems Corporation and no support or guarantee by IBM, Epson, or any other supplier is implied. Manual subject to change -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual and we ask that you please inform Connecticut Software if any errors are detected. The above notwithstanding, Connecticut Software can assume no responsibility for errors in this manual or for their consequences, and the contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. Printed in U.S.A. Trademark Acknowledgements -------------------------------------------------------------------------- IBM, IBM-PC, IBM-PCjr, IBM-PC/XT, IBM-AT, IBM 3270 and Proprinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Epson FX, MX, LX, RX and LQ are registered trademarks of Epson Corporation. Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. Supercalc, Multimate and Visicalc are registered trademarks .np Page 2 of Sorcim Corporation, MulitMate International Corporation and Software Arts, respectively. Copyrights -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manual Copyright 1985, 1986, 1987 Connecticut Software Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form without the written permission of Connecticut Software is forbidden. Software Copyright 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Connecticut Software Systems Corporation. All programs and data files are trade secrets. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except where authorized by License Agreement. Trademark Notice -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss, Font Builder, Twister and ASCIIswitch are trademarks of Connecticut Software Systems Corporation. .np Page 3 CONTENTS ========================================================================== Introduction.................................................. 6 Printer Boss files.......................................... 9 Manual revisions............................................ 10 System requirements......................................... 10 Printer compatibility....................................... 10 Help screens................................................ 12 Copy protection............................................. 13 Structure of Printer Boss..................................... 14 Operating modes............................................. 14 True vs simulated download.................................. 15 Graphics vs character mode output........................... 15 Printer data stream......................................... 16 Printing a text file.......................................... 17 Word processor files........................................ 17 Printing direct form word processor......................... 17 Font files.................................................. 18 Installation.................................................. 20 Making a working disk....................................... 20 Booting Printer Boss from the DOS............................. 22 Two-drive system............................................ 22 Single-drive system......................................... 22 Hard-disk system............................................ 22 General menu operation........................................ 24 Printer functions/Left window............................... 24 Settings/Right window....................................... 24 Function keys/Bottom window................................. 25 Directory & pathname support/Bottom window.................. 25 Viewing directory......................................... 26 Input line.................................................. 27 Help line................................................... 27 Editing commands............................................ 27 Settings selection............................................ 28 Type of printer............................................. 28 Print mode.................................................. 28 Download set................................................ 29 Character set............................................... 30 Size of character........................................... 30 Printing options............................................ 31 Line spacing................................................ 31 Margins..................................................... 31 Buffered print.............................................. 32 Sideways printing........................................... 32 Twist feature............................................. 33 Build fonts................................................. 33 Special functions........................................... 34 Master select code........................................ 34 Typewriter mode........................................... 34 Setup string.............................................. 35 Logoboss.................................................. 36 .np Page 4 Command line & autoexec.bat operation......................... 37 Default & stored settings................................... 37 Fonts provided on Printer Boss................................ 38 Normal character sets....................................... 38 Full character set.......................................... 38 One-pass quality fonts...................................... 38 Two-pass quality fonts...................................... 38 LQ-1500 line drawing for ASCIIswitch........................ 39 Sideways fonts.............................................. 39 Line drawing characters....................................... 40 Printing display screens.................................... 40 LQ-1500 line drawing........................................ 41 ASCIIswitch feature........................................... 42 Storing a spreadsheet print file.............................. 43 Lotus print files........................................... 43 Symphony print files........................................ 44 Supercalc, Multiplan, Visicalc print files.................. 45 Smartware print files....................................... 46 Font design/General........................................... 47 Using a mouse............................................... 49 Font design/Normal font (8x11 dots)........................... 50 Font design/Two-pass quality (quad density)................... 52 Font design/LQ-1500 fonts..................................... 54 Font design/Sideways fonts.................................... 57 Troubleshooting............................................... 59 Test print files............................................ 61 User support plan............................................. 63 Customer license agreement.................................... 65 .np Page 5 INTRODUCTION ========================================================================== Your Printer Boss program is quite simply the world's most advanced dot-matrix printer utility. It lets you do everything you ever wanted to do with your dot-matrix printer, and you can do it all on one plain-English menu, at the touch of a few keys. To reduce the mental effort required to deal with the complexities of printer management, and allow you to access many features very quickly, Printer Boss is designed to manage and operate its many programs and files from a single menu. You simply boot the "boss.com" program and work with the menu. Now you can take full advantage of the capabilities that you paid for in your printer. Printer Boss gives you virtually every special printing feature you'll ever need. And everything can be controlled from an AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Printer Boss was originally developed as an enhancement for the Epson FX printer but has been continuously and dramatically upgraded to offer compatibility with scores of parallel printers, and the widest range of printer management and control functions in the industry, and the high speed attained only by machine-code level programming. Printer Boss Version 6 provides among its many features... Letter quality graphics printing Double density print mode Quad density print mode Courier font Sanserif font Orator font Doublestrike in both modes Sideways printing Menu selection of 6 font sizes Full 256-character fonts with graphics characters Sideways font design One-piece "glued" spreadsheet output Character & line spacing control Left margin control Top & bottom margin control Paper width choice/8", 11" or 15" Doublestrike option Printer selection from menu Menu printer port selection Commands independent of Lotus version Constant spreadsheet page-length setting Requires input of # of rows ONLY Avoids user calculation of "gluelines" .np Page 6 Custom font design Draft mode............... 8x11 dots/char Quad density............. 16x24 dots/char LQ-1500.................. 24x9 dots/char LQ-1500.................. 24x29 dots/char LQ-1500.................. 24x37 dots/char Sideways, tiny........... 11x4 dots/char Sideways, very small..... 12x4 dots/char Sideways, small.......... 12x5 dots/char Sideways, normal......... 15x5 dots/char Sideways, large.......... 15x7 dots/char Sideways, very large..... 17x7 dots/char Sideways, line drawing... 17x7 dots/char Graphics mode screen display Single-key current character test print Unlimited custom font library (disk space) Custom font loading from menu Mouse software interface included Alternate character sets on menu IBM Matrix character set IBM Graphics 1 character set IBM Graphics 2 character set IBM Screen character set IBM APL set Graphics characters link up on screen dumps True download for FX, LQ-1500, Proprinter & compatibles Simulated download to MX, RX, etc Pathname support For configuration, font and print files Printer format control Elite, compressed, enhanced, etc, etc Line spacing (including n/180 for LQ-1500) Right & left margin Set form length lines & inches Set unidirectional printing Set half-speed & proportional printing Select 9 Epson language sets RAM printer buffer up to 32K Buffer on/off control Print current buffer control Abort current buffer control Command line printer setup control Autoexec.bat file operation Batch file operation Unlimited menu setting store & recall Single-key reset to default settings .np Page 7 Unlimited configuration file storage Typewriter output mode All print mode selections apply Printer setup string User-customized printer commands Settings storage includes setup string Special features Print direct from word processor via resident driver Supports function keys Master select code feature Enable Epson NLQ option Directory default change from menu Drive default change from menu Indicates unavailable options Single-key sample print routine Printer selection from menu Help screens Single menu, all features .np Page 8 Printer Boss files ------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Printer Boss package contains the following files... PBREADME .TXT Boot-up instructions BOSS .COM Printer Boss program BFONT .COM Font design program PBMANPRT .EXE Printer Boss manual printing utility BFONTMSE .MNU Mouse driver ABCBLOCK .FNT Font data/ABCBlock font ARTDECO .FNT Font data/Art Deco font BOLD .FNT Font data/Bold font COMPUTER .FNT Font data/Computer font DBLVIEW .FNT Font data/Doubleview font FATBOY .FNT Font data/Fatboy font FULLFONT .FNT Font data/Full font for user redesign IBMAPL .FNT Font data/APL character set IBMATRIX .FNT Font data/Matrix character set IBMGRAF1 .FNT Font data/Graphics 1 character set IBMGRAF2 .FNT Font data/Graphics 2 character set INVERSE .FNT Font data/Inverse font OLDENGL .FNT Font data/Old English font ORATION .FNT Font data/Oration font OUTLINE .FNT Font data/Outline font ROMAN .FNT Font data/Roman font SCRIPT .FNT Font data/Script font SCRNDUMP .FNT Font data/IBM Screen character set SHADOW .FNT Font data/Shadow font COURIER .TWO Font data/Two-pass LQ character set ORATOR .TWO Font data/Two-pass LQ character set SANSERIF .TWO Font data/Two-pass LQ character set IBMUPPER .PRO LQ series ASCIIswitch font/lower ASCII characters IBMLOWER .PRO LQ series ASCIIswitch font/upper ASCII characters SIDEFONT .T Sideways font SIDEFONT .VS Sideways font SIDEFONT .S Sideways font SIDEFONT .N Sideways font SIDEFONT .L Sideways font SIDEFONT .VL Sideways font SIDEFONT .LD Sideways font SHEET6 .PRN Spreadsheet test file/6 rows SHEET10 .PRN Spreadsheet test file/10 rows SHEET100 .PRN Spreadsheet test file/100 rows PRTBOSS .HLP Help screen data MATRTEST .TXT Printable test file/Matrix character set GRF1TEST .TXT Printable test file/Graphics 1 character set GRF2TEST .TXT Printable test file/Graphics 2 character set SCRNTEST .TXT Printable test file/Screen character set SLOWTEST .TXT Printable test file/Screen set w/lower chars APLTEST .TXT Printable test file/APL character set BOXES .TXT Printable test file/Boxes PBMANUAL .TXT Printer Boss manual text CONVERT .BAT Converts Epson .FNT fonts to IBM ProPrinter .np Page 9 Manual Revisions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that we have done everything possible to make this manual complete and up-to-date, but small changes may be made in your program files as we update and improve the package. For this reason we ask that you make a special point of reading the PBREADME.TXT and PBMANUAL.TXT files on your program disk. Both of these files can be printed out using the commands... Copy pbreadme.txt prn (press "Enter") Copy pbmanual.txt prn (press "Enter") System Requirements -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss will run on the IBM-PC, IBM-PCjr, IBM-PC/XT, IBM-PC/AT, IBM 3270 or any PC compatible which will run IBM PC-DOS. Hardware requirements are one double-sided disk drive, 128K RAM memory and monochrome or color monitor. The program supports IBM PC-DOS 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.1 or MS-DOS equivalents. Printer Compatibility -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Printer Boss program was written for and is tested on the Epson and IBM dot-matrix printers, and its menu lists only the following Epson and IBM printer models when it asks you to indicate type of printer being driven: Epson MX-80 Epson MX-100 Epson FX-80 Epson FX-85 Epson FX-100 Epson FX-185 Epson LX-80 Epson LX-100 Epson LQ-1500 Epson RX-80 Epson RX-100 IBM Printer IBM Graphics Printer IBM Proprinter The selection that you make determines which options are active in the menu, and the mode of operation of the Printer Boss program. Note that Printer Boss will work with ALL dot matrix printers which use the same control codes as the Epson and IBM printers. IF YOU HAVE A PRINTER WHICH IS NOT LISTED ON THE PRINTER BOSS MENU... please consult the following latest list of compatible printers. This list includes all of the printers that have been reported by their manufacturers to be compatible with one or another of the Epson or IBM printers. .np Page 10 Printer Printer Boss menu selection ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Centronics GLP Epson MX Centronics H-80 Epson MX Centronics 351 PC IBM Graphics Centronics Printstation 240 Epson MX Citizen MSP-10 IBM Graphics Citizen MSP-25 IBM Graphics Datasouth Personal Printer I Epson MX Datasouth Personal Printer II Epson MX Diablo P10-I Epson MX Diablo P12 Epson MX Diablo P32 Epson MX Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet 2225 IBM Graphics (See note #8) IBM Color Jetprinter IBM Graphics NEC P2 Pinwriter Epson MX NEC P3 Pinwriter Epson MX NEC PC-PR105A IBM Graphics Okidata ML 92 w/plug&play Epson MX Okidata ML 93 w/plug&play Epson MX Okidata 2410 Epson MX Okidata Microline 182-IBM IBM Graphics Okidata Microline 192-IBM IBM Graphics Okidata Microline 193-IBM IBM Graphics Okidata Pacemark 2410 IBM Graphics Olympia NP Epson MX Panasonic KX-P1090 Epson FX Panasonic KX-P1091 Epson FX Panasonic KX-P1092 Epson FX Panasonic KX-P1093 Epson FX Panasonic KX-P1160 Epson FX Printronix MVP-150C Epson MX Siemens PT-88 Epson MX SCM D-200 IBM Graphics SCM D-300 IBM Graphics Star Delta 10 Epson MX Star Delta 15 Epson MX Star Gemini 10X Epson MX Star Gemini 15X Epson MX Star Radix 10 Epson MX Star Radix 15 Epson MX Star Micronics SB-10 Epson MX Star Micronics SD-15 IBM Graphics Star Micronics SG-15 IBM Graphics Star Micronics SR-15 Epson MX Xerox Diablo 34LQ IBM Graphics And many others Note that it is in the interests of printer manufacturers to claim compatibility with Epson and IBM control codes, and some stretch the meaning of the term. Almost all dot-matrix printers are compatible to the extent that they will print the ordinary alphanumeric characters and .np Page 11 perform line feeds, form feeds, etc. Compatibility problems, if any, typically arise where graphics printing and the downloading of character sets are concerned. If you have questions about your printer compatibility, be sure to ask your printer manufacturer or dealer about compatibility with Epson or IBM printers in graphics mode. You will probably not need download character set compatibility because Printer Boss can perform simulated downloads by using graphics mode. Also note that many PC printers on the market for which Epson compatibility is claimed actually emulate the IBM graphics printer, and that the IBM and Epson printers differ in subtle ways. For example, on the Epson printers the upper ASCII character set is italic, but on the IBM printer it is comprised of graphics line-drawing characters. Also, while this line drawing set on the new IBM Proprinter is the same as the IBM screen set, on the older IBM printers it is not exactly the same. A little experimentation will show you which menu choice works best with your printer. In particular, if you are in doubt, try setting your menu for IBM Graphics printer. You can't hurt the program or your printer by trying various options and settings. Don't hesitate to experiment! Custom-tailored codes --------------------- Please keep in mind also that Printer Boss offers typewriter mode and printer setup string options which allow you to custom tailor the Printer Boss menu to your printer by entering your own codes, appropriate to the printer you are using. If your particular printer needs a special code, Printer Boss allows you to send it. Sideways printing performance ----------------------------- Note that the IBM Graphics Printer setting uses a lower-speed sideways printing method. A higher performance method is used for the other printer settings. Because of this, it might be better to use the IBM Proprinter setting for sideways printing even if you have the actual IBM Graphics printer. H-P Thinkjet ------------ The Hewlett-Packard ThinkJet has a dipswitch setting which allows the printer to emulate the IBM Graphics Printer. This setting must be used with PRINTER BOSS or SIDELINE. On the "Printer Type" menu in Printer Boss and SIDELINE, select "IBM Graphics Printer". In addition, in the sideways printing menu, set the paper size to 11x8. The latter setting will compensate for the smaller than usual print size of the ThinkJet. You may also need to add extra intercharacter spacing (try a value of 3 instead of the normal 2). Help Screens -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss includes help screens for every menu page. To view the help screen, simply press and hold "Shift" and then press "?". Please note that .np Page 12 the help screens contain the latest updates pertaining to operation of your Printer Boss disk. You are encouraged to customize your help screens if you wish, with the caution that the help screen file may be changed with an ASCII editor but NOT with a word processor. It is recommended that the original file be examined (and saved) before you experiment. The text for the help screens is contained in the file PRTBOSS.HLP, divided into sections each of which begins with a two-letter code that identifies the section. The sections correspond to the option headings in the left window of the Printer Boss menu, and the code consists of "$" followed by a single alpha character representing the particular option heading. Thus, "$A" is the code for the help screen for the first (top) option heading in the left window. Help screen text must be less than 61 characters wide, and each line must end with a "CR/LF" (carriage return-line feed). Additional pages, after the first, for each option heading are marked with a single-character code "%". There is no limit on the number of pages for each option heading. Not copy protected -------------------------------------------------------------------------- We know that it's extremely important to you that our software be easy to use, and so our disks contain standard unprotected files only, with no "fingerprints" and requiring no special installation routines. This means that you can install them on hard disks with no fear of future problems. Our only concession to copy protection is that our program code is encrypted with serial number and/or user's name which appears on the monitor screen ansd thus makes each program copy traceable. .np Page 13 THE STRUCTURE OF PRINTER BOSS ========================================================================== The portion of the Printer Boss program which interfaces with you via the menu is a normal, bootable, non-resident program. This provides most of the screen action, acceptance of your various commands, etc. Depending on what you ask for on the menu, however, a co-resident portion of Printer Boss may be loaded, and it is this program which does most of the hard work such as simulated download character sets, RAM printer buffer and letter quality printing. The resident portion of Printer Boss is "made resident" the first time that the function key F1 is pressed, and from then on the resident portion stays resident, consuming between 7K to 40K of RAM (depending on the size of the RAM buffer selected) until the DOS is rebooted. The non-resident and resident portions of the program communicate as necessary when you change print modes or options, and this action is automatic so you need not be concerned about the details. Printer Boss operating modes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regarding the general use of Printer Boss with word processors and other programs, there are three main modes of operation: Transmit printer codes ---------------------- In the first mode, you boot Printer Boss, make menu selections, and then select "Set printer and exit" ("F1"). In this case Printer Boss transmits the required data to the printer and retires, putting you back on the DOS prompt and leaving the printer ready to receive data and set up according to the menu selections that you made. You can then initiate printing by using the "Copy filename.ext prn" command, by simply printing screens one by one, or by printing out from another program (it is necessary in this case to avoid printer initialization). Print stored files ------------------ In the second mode of operation, you can instruct Printer Boss from the menu to print a file, in which case it retrieves the file from the drive and directory specified and prints it in the manner you selected. Load co-resident driver ----------------------- In the third mode of operation, you can select letter quality or download character sets on the menu and then select "Set printer & exit" ("F1"), in which case the resident driver is invoked on a permanent basis and will be completely transparent and will remain in operation until you reboot DOS. This means that anything sent to the printer, even by a program booted after Printer Boss, will be printed as requested because it passes through the resident driver. You can reset the resident driver by booting Printer Boss again, changing the menu setting, and pressing "F1" .np Page 14 True versus simulated downloads --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss includes font definition files for the following character sets... IBM Matrix character set IBM Graphics 1 character set IBM Graphics 2 character set IBM Screen character set IBM APL character set These fonts may be downloaded (true download) to any printer which will accept such a download (Epson FX, IBM Proprinter, LQ-1500), in which case the character set definition is actually transmitted to RAM in the printer and subsequent printing is carried out in character mode. Alternatively, Printer Boss will perform a "simulated" download, in which case the character set definition is transmitted into the PC-RAM-resident printer driver portion of the Printer Boss program and subsequent printing is carried out with the printer in graphics mode and with the resident program acting as the graphics driver. This action is made transparent by the Printer Boss menu program, which you have told which printer is connected and which therefore knows which mode to adopt. For your interest, the following table indicates when Printer Boss uses the true versus simulated download. True vs simulated downloads ----------------------------------------------------- Download character set --------------------------------------- Printer User defined APL Other ------------ ------------- ------------- --------- Epson FX True True Sim IBM Pro True True Sim Epson LQ1500 True True Sim Other Sim Sim Sim Graphics mode versus character mode printing --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In driving the printer, Printer Boss switches between character mode and graphics mode as required to accomplish what you request on the menu. The following table indicates when Printer Boss uses these modes: .np Page 15 Graphics vs Character Mode Printing ------------------------------------------------------ Printer type ----------------------------------- Character set Epson FX IBM Pro LQ1500 Other ----------------- -------- -------- -------- ----- Normal Char Char Char Char One pass quality Graph Graph Graph Graph Two pass quality Graph Graph Graph Graph Sideways Graph Graph Graph Graph IBM Matrix Graph Graph Graph Graph IBM Graph 1 Graph Graph Graph Graph IBM Graph 2 Graph Graph Graph Graph IBM Screen Graph Graph Graph Graph IBM APL Char Char Char Graph User defined Char Char Char Char Printer data stream processing --------------------------------------------------------------------------- All printer command codes are normally passed straight through to the printer. Fonts are ACTUALLY downloaded to the printer if... - the printer is an Epson FX or LQ-1500, or an IBM Proprinter, and - normal print mode is selected, and - either the APL or a user-designed font is selected. However, font downloading is SIMULATED if you select... - download character set such as IBMATRIX, IBMGRAF1, IBMGRAF2, SCRNDUMP, IBMAPL or a user-defined font for a printer other than the Epson FX or IBM Proprinter, or - one-pass quality print for other than an FX, or - two-pass quality print. Simulated fonts are printed by the transparent, co-resident driver program and the actual printing is done in graphics mode. All sideways fonts are done in graphics mode. NOTE: IBMATRIX, IBMGRAF1, IBMGRAF2 and SCRNDUMP fonts are special in that they are "descended" fonts, with spaces filled in between rows in the manner of the IBM printers and the IBM screen display. You cannot define "descended" fonts with the font design programs. .np Page 16 PRINTING A TEXT FILE ========================================================================== Regarding general use of Printer Boss with word processors and other programs, there are three main modes of operation: Set printer ----------- In the first mode, you boot Printer Boss, make menu selections, and then select "Set printer and exit" ("F1"). In this case Printer Boss transmits the required data to the printer and retires, putting you back on the DOS prompt and leaving the printer live and set up according to the menu selections which were made. Then you can initiate printing by using the "Copy filename.ext prn" command, by simply printing screens one by one, or by printing out from another program (avoiding printer initialization as above). Print-a-file ------------ In the second mode of operation, you can instruct Printer Boss from the menu to print a file, in which case it gets the file from the drive specified and prints it in the manner selected. Letter quality -------------- In the third mode of operation, you may select letter quality on the menu and then select "Set printer & exit" ("F1"), in which case the letter quality driver is invoked on a permanent basis and will be completely transparent and will remain in operation until you reboot DOS. This means that anything sent to the printer, even by a program booted after Printer Boss, will be printed in the letter quality mode. Files created by a word processors -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss assumes that the files you ask it to print are stored in ASCII format. Almost every word processor package allows you to store a file in ASCII format as a standard feature of its menu, and Printer Boss can print virtually any ASCII file (which can be viewed on the PC monochrome screen using the DOS "type" command). Avoid storing embedded control characters, however, as they will be printed along with the rest. Printing direct from a word processor program -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you transmit to the printer direct from your word processor, Printer Boss will print in the manner that you have selected and will pass through to the printer commands for underline, doublestrike and emphasized print. In general, other printer command codes sent from the word processor will be ignored. Please note that most word processors (and spreadsheet programs) allow you to INITIALIZE the printer as the program boots up. If you have used Printer Boss to set up the printer and then boot a program which initializes that printer, you may lose the settings made by Printer Boss. It will be .np Page 17 necessary, in this case, to turn off the initialization feature of the program that you use next after Printer Boss, and this is usually a simple matter of menu selection or printer table set-up. Please consult the manual for the particular word processing program you are using. The possible combinations of word processor program and Printer Boss selection are too numerous to cover here, but in general if you avoid having control codes sent by your word processor and instead use your word processor to create ASCII files for printing you'll have no trouble. Printer Boss Font Files ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A number of font files provided with PRINTER BOSS, which are of several different types identified by their filename extensions as follows: .FNT ---- These are "normal" draft-quality fonts which may be downloaded to Epson FX series or compatible printers. Normally, Printer Boss will use these for fonts in graphics mode for all printers. .PPT ---- These are "normal" quality fonts which may be downloaded only to the IBM Proprinter, and can be printed in either draft or NLQ (near letter quality). Printer Boss will ask you which quality you prefer. You may also use the ASCIIswitch feature with the .PRO fonts to allow 256 download characters to be printed on the IBM Proprinter (see discussion below concerning the ASCIIswitch feature). The .PPT fonts are not provided on the distribution disk, but must be created from the .FNT font files. To create the .PPT font files, run the CONVERT.BAT conversion utility. This utility will read in the .FNT font files and create another set in IBM Proprinter format. The utility will ask for the drive containing the .FNT files and the drive to contain the .PPT files. The drives can be the same but there is NOT enough space on the distribution disk for both sets of font files. .TWO ---- These are two-pass near-letter-quality fonts. These fonts will be used if Two-Pass-Quality printing is selected in Printer Boss. These fonts will work on all printers except Epson MX series or others lacking quad density graphics. .PRO ---- These are 24-pin download fonts designed for the Epson LQ series of printers. The fonts may be used in either proportional or letter quality mode but are defined in constant pica width. They may be used in a normal download fashion or with Printer Boss' special "ASCIIswitch" function. ASCIIswitch provides the ability to have both the high quality LQ series built-in font and the download font available on a dynamic basis. .np Page 18 A special .PRO font is provided called IBMUPPER.PRO which is expressly designed to be used with ASCIIswitch. The use of IBMUPPER.PRO together with ASCIIswitch will provide most of the full IBM display screen character set including the line drawing characters. A few characters will be missing or subsituting with others where the ASCII value coincides with control codes. Feel free to reassign or change individual characters using the font builder. Remember to set line spacing to 20/180 to close up boxes if you use the line drawing characters. A sample font of the lower characters, IBMLOWER.PRO, is provided to help you get started on letter quality or proportional font building. It should be noted that Epson has two versions of the LQ1500. The older V1.8 has coarser download letter quality than the newer V2.0. If you wish to define your own letter quality fonts, we would suggest that you upgrade your printer to Version 2.0. The upgrade is available from your Epson dealer. To see which version you have, hold down the LF key when turning your printer on. .np Page 19 INSTALLATION ========================================================================== The Printer Boss package has been designed to be very easy for you to use. It contains approximately 300k bytes of files, including programs, instructions and data. Printer Boss will create configuration and custom-font data files during the course of its normal operation, and if you indicate that these should be stored on the Printer Boss disk (if you have a single drive system, for example), it is important that you make sure that there is enough space on the disk to hold them. In addition, and particularly on a single-drive system, you may also want to copy your print files to the Printer Boss disk and you must ensure that you have enough space for them. TO MAKE SPACE ON YOUR WORKING PRINTER BOSS DISK for system files, etc, you may copy to a spare disk for storage, as necessary, the following files: README.TXT, SHEET6.PRN, SHEET10.PRN, SHEET100.PRN, MANUAL.TXT, MATRTEST.TXT, GRF1TEST.TXT, GRF2TEST.TXT, SCRNTEST.TXT, and APLTEST.TXT. (Use the DOS "Copy a:filename b:" command.) These are text files for test and information purposes that are not required for the operation of Printer Boss. Check the directory to make sure that your copies have been properly made (making an extra backup is a good idea), then erase these files from your Printer Boss disk using the DOS command "Erase filename.ext". You may also copy to a spare disk, and then erase from the working disk, any of the font files that you do not plan to use which have .FNT or .TWO extensions or filenames SIDEFONT.xxx. (REMEMBER that you will cause an error message if you select these fonts on the Printer Boss menu after they have been removed from the Printer Boss disk.) Making a working disk -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note that you may copy all Printer Boss files using the normal DOS commands "Copy" or "Diskcopy". Without DOS files: ----------------- To prepare a working copy of the Printer Boss disk without DOS files we recommend the following procedure: * Boot your DOS with DOS disk in drive A * Type "a:" and press "Enter" to set drive A default * Place a NEW, BLANK disk in drive B * Type "diskcopy a: b:" and press "Enter" * At the prompt, place Printer Boss distribution disk in drive A * Press any key to run copy routine * Remove the original Printer Boss disk from drive A * Store this original in a safe place * Label as "working copy" the Printer Boss disk from drive B .np Page 20 With DOS files: -------------- If you wish to prepare a working Printer Boss disk with DOS files we recommend the following procedure: * Boot your DOS with DOS disk in drive A * Place a NEW, BLANK disk in drive B * At the DOS prompt, type "format b:/s" and press "Enter" * Your PC will format the blank disk with hidden DOS files * Wait for the DOS prompt to appear again * Type "copy a:command.com b:" and press "Enter" * Your PC will transfer the COMMAND.COM file * Wait for the DOS prompt to appear again * Insert your Printer Boss master disk in drive A * Type "copy a:*.* b:" and press "Enter" * Your PC will transfer all Printer Boss files to the new working disk You may now boot your DOS system from your Printer Boss working disk if you wish. NOTE: If you receive "disk full" error messages it may be necessary to remove files from your working disk. .np Page 21 BOOTING PRINTER BOSS FROM THE DOS ========================================================================== The Printer Boss program will read its font files during its normal operation, and its default mode is to look for these files in the root directory of the current drive. Therefore it is necessary that the Printer Boss disk be in the default drive. Using Printer Boss to set up your printer is very simple. After following the installation procedure referred to above, enter commands to your computer as follows: Two-drive system -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Check that DOS files are installed on your working disk * Load Printer Boss working disk in drive A * Boot DOS * Type "boss.com" and press "Enter" * Printer Boss menu will appear * Indicate which printer you have connected, under "Printer Type" * Make other selections as you wish (see "Menu Options" sections). Single-drive system -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Check that DOS files are installed on your working disk * Load Printer Boss working disk in drive A * Boot DOS * Type "boss.com" and press "Enter" * Printer Boss menu will appear * Indicate which printer you have connected, under "Printer Type" * Make other selections as you wish (see "Menu Options" sections). It may be necessary to copy files that you wish to print onto your Printer Boss disk, depending on what print modes you request, because Printer Boss will need access to font files on the Printer Boss disk in addition to needing access to the file that you wish to print. Hard-disk system -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Boot DOS on drive C * Load Printer Boss working disk in drive A * Check that current directory is the root in drive C * Type "copy a:*.* c:" and press "Enter" * Wait for return of the DOS prompt * Type "boss.com" and press "Enter" * Printer Boss menu will appear NOTE: The above assumes you are putting the Printer Boss files in the root directory, but you may copy the Printer Boss files into a subdirectory on your hard disk if you wish. In its default mode the Printer Boss program will look for its font and help files in the root directory of the current drive, and if you put the Printer Boss files in a subdirectory you will .np Page 22 need enter the appropriate directory commands on the Printer Boss menu (using "Shift-F3") to tell it where to look for these files. These directory settings can be stored from the menu as "stored settings" and can be recalled on the next boot of Printer Boss by using a command line to boot Printer Boss. Further, such command lines can be included in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (see "Directory Support"). Configuration and print files may be placed in and accessed from any subdirectories. You may now indicate which printer you have connected by entering the proper number under "Printer Type", then make other selections as you wish (see "Menu Options" sections). As mentioned above, you may wish to enter directory paths for the font and help files, and for configuration and print files. .np Page 23 GENERAL MENU OPERATION ========================================================================== The Printer Boss menu display is divided into three windows, with the two bottom lines on the screen used as input and prompt lines. Printer functions/Left window -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This window lists printer functions, with one item on the list highlighted. The highlight may be moved up or down on the list of functions by pressing the up or down arrow keys. It may be moved to the top of the list by pressing "Home" or "PgUp", or to the bottom of the list by pressing "End" or "PgDn". Functions may also be selected by pressing a single alpha key. Press "Alt" for display of the codes, then press the appropriate letter. Printer functions which are selectable in the left window are... Type of printer Print mode Download set Character set Size of character Printing options Line spacing Margins Buffered print Sideline options Build fonts Special functions Settings/Right window -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The settings that are possible for the printer function highlighted in the left window are listed in the right window, and as the highlight in the left window is changed from one function to another the right window changes instantly to show corresponding possible settings. Selection of the desired function setting is made by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" or "Down arrow". Selected settings are indicated. Certain setting options listed in the right window may not be available on your printer. In addition, certain options may not be available in combination with certain other options listed, depending on the type of printer connected. In these cases, Printer Boss will mark the unavailable options "na". We recommand that when you are making your selections for printing you start at the top of the list of functions (Type of printer) in the left window and WORK DOWN. Printer Boss marks options as "na" according to previously selected settings HIGHER ON THE PRINTER FUNCTIONS LIST (those higher on the list take precedence). .np Page 24 Function keys/Bottom window -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The function keys "F1" thru "F6" are assigned special functions for Printer Boss and these are mapped in the bottom window. Normally, these function keys are assigned as follows... [F1] = Set printer & exit [F2] = Cancel & exit [F3] = Recall setting (you will be prompted to enter the pathname of the configuration file under which you stored the desired settings, eg: c:\subdir\config22.cfg) [F4] = Store setting (you will be prompted to enter the pathname to be assigned to the configuration file which will be created to hold the settings, eg: "c:\subdir\config22.cfg") [F5] = Print a file (you will be prompted to enter the pathname of the file which will be printed, eg: "c:\subdir\print.prn") [F6] = Print sample [Shift-F1] = Reset to default configuration NOTE: The standard default configuration file is BOSS.CFG. When you boot Printer Boss it will automatically look for a configuration file called BOSS.CFG in the root directory of the current drive. If it finds a configuration file with the name BOSS.CFG, it will take its initial menu settings from that file. If it does not find a file named BOSS.CFG it will use the the standard default menu settings. This feature allows you to define your own default configuration without having to specify a file on the command line when you boot Printer Boss (though you may still do this if you wish). This enhancement allows Printer Boss to be called from a word processor or other program which may not allow for the entry of a full command line containing spaces. To use this feature, make any desired settings on the Printer Boss menu and save the setup (using F4) under the name BOSS.CFG. Note that if you specify a configuration file on the command line that you use to boot Printer Boss, the configuration file that you specify will take priority over the BOSS.CFG file. Directory and pathname support/Bottom window -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As required during its normal operation, Printer Boss will read font, configuration and help files from disk, and in addition will read text files that you have stored. In default mode, Printer Boss will look for its font and help files in the root directory of the current drive, and it will look for user-stored .np Page 25 fonts in the current directory of the current drive. For floppy drive users, these two directories are normally the same. If you are using a hard disk, however, you will normally be using subdirectories on your hard disk, and Printer Boss provides a simple way to over-ride the above directory defaults. [Shift-F3] = Boss system subdirectory/font, configuration & help files To specify a subdirectory and drive for the system font, configuration and help files, press "Shift-F3" and enter the pathname to be used. The pathname you give will become part of the current menu configuration, which can be stored using the F4 command. Printer Boss may be booted from command line so that it boots with the stored settings already in effect. You may erase the pathnames specified by pressing "Del" when asked for the filename. [Shift-F5] = Print-file subdirectory/print files To specify a subdirectory and drive for the print files, use the Shift-F5 command. When prompted, enter the pathname to be used for print files. The pathname given will be stored in the current configuration and can be saved using the F4 command. Printer Boss may be booted from command line so that it boots with the stored settings in effect. You may erase the pathnames specified by pressing "Del" when asked for the filename. The Boss system and print-file subdirectory settings are stored as part of the configuration file when settings are stored to disk using the "F4" command to store settings. Viewing the directory --------------------- Whenever Printer Boss asks for entry of a filename, such as when "print a file" is selected, you may request a viewing of the drive directory. Simply type the drive specifier (a:, b:, etc.), and press "Enter". You may omit the drive specifier and just press "Enter" to display the current directory. While the directory display is on the screen, you may select a file by positioning the cursor with the "Arrow" keys and then pressing "Enter". You may select a displayed file by using the cursor keys (Up, Down, Left, Right, Home, End) and then pressing return. PgDn, PgUp, Ctrl PgDn, Ctrl PgUp, Ctrl Home, Ctrl End will move you to different display pages. Flashing up or down arrows in the upper left or lower right corners will indicate that there are more directory pages. You may escape out of the directory display by pressing the Esc key. You may edit part or all of the displayed pathname, or erase the filename by pressing the "Esc" key and enter a new filename. .np Page 26 Input line -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The second line from the bottom of the screen is the input line. This line will automatically display Printer Boss prompts and will display your input for editing. Help line -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The bottom line of the screen is reserved for help messages. This line acts in "ticker-tape" fashion and may be scrolled right or left by using the "Right arrow", "Left arrow", "Tab" or "Reverse tab" keys. Editing commands ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whenever input is requested, such as filenames or input for the typewriter function, you may use the Printer Boss editing features to correct your input. The following are the editing keys: Ctrl-Left Arrow Move cursor to left Ctrl-Right Arrow Move cursor to right Backspace Delete character to left of cursor Del Delete character at cursor End Move cursor to the end Ctrl-End Delete to end of line Home Move cursor to the beginning Insert is always "on", so you can move the cursor and then type text to insert characters. Use Del to delete unwanted characters. .np Page 27 SETTINGS SELECTION ========================================================================== The following are the menu settings selections available for each "Printer Function" listed in the left window of the Printer Boss screen... Type of printer -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Type of Printer" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= MX-80 2= MX-100 3= RX/LX-80 4= RX/LX-100 5= FX-80/85 6= FX-100/185/285 7= LQ-800/1000/1500 8= IBM printer 9= IBM Graphics printer 10= IBM ProPrinter 11= Printer port (n) Select the type of printer that you have connected to your PC by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter". If your printer is not an Epson printer, select an Epson printer according to the compatibility table in the manual. YOU CANNOT DAMAGE YOUR PRINTER OR PC BY EXPERIMENTING, SO FEEL FREE TO TRY OTHER PRINTER SELECTIONS IF YOU WISH. You may also set applicable printer port (1-3) by selecting setting "11" and entering the printer port number in response to the prompt. Print mode -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Print Mode" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Normal print 2= One pass quality print 3= Two-pass quality print 4= Enable NLQ hardware option 5= Sideways printing Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter". (Options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na".) Normal print is the normal default printing that you would expect from your printer. One-pass quality print is double-density letter quality, in which the .np Page 28 characters are derived from the normal character set by adding dots which fit between the dots in the normal character. Two-pass quality print is a special quad-density graphics print mode, for which three fonts are provided... COURIER.TWO....... Courier, serif font SANSERIF.TWO...... Modern, sans-serif font ORATOR.TWO........ Large, modern font The courier font (with serifs) is the normal default for two-pass quality print, but SANSERIF.TWO or ORATOR.TWO may be invoked by selecting Option #3 on the mode menu and then selecting Option #8 on the download menu. Press "Esc" to erase COURIER.TWO and then type either SANSERIF.TWO or ORATOR.TWO. It is assumed by Printer Boss that these fonts reside in the root directory. If not, change the file specification to the proper filename (see "Directory Support").. If you select either of the letter quality modes, print quality will increase and printer speed will decrease correspondingly. Selection of Option #4 will enable the letter quality hardware option on the Epson printers which are equipped with it. Selection of Option #5 will engage sideways printing mode. Seven sideways printing fonts are available on Printer Boss, including a line-drawing graphics font which will permit printing continuous lines using graphics characters. Sideways printing is always performed in the graphics mode, regardless of printer type or font. For printing on wide paper you must indicate "wide" type printer (capable of loading 15" paper) on the printer menu and select "wide" paper on the sideways options menu. The new SIDEFONT.LD font features "normal" size alphanumeric characters with "Very Large" graphics characters in a "normal" matrix. This font is selectable on the menu, and will print solid vertical and horizontal lines in sideways mode (note that this requires character and line spacing set ZERO on the sideways options menu). Doublestrike and underline modes may be selected, via the menu or via appropriate escape codes, for all print modes. Requests for enhanced print mode will be recognized but treated as doublestrike. Download set -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Download Set" in the left window. The following character set options will appear in the right window... Download character sets 1= Printer default set 2= IBM matrix printer set 3= IBM graphics set 1 4= IBM graphics set 2 .np Page 29 5= IBM screen set 6= IBM APL set User-defined fonts 7= Normal font 8= Two-pass quality font 9= LQ-1500 font Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). You may work with the printer default character set, or select one of the five different IBM character sets. You may, alternatively, select one of the character fonts that you have designed using the font builder programs. Note that you must select a user-defined font that is consistent in dot-density with the selection of "Print Mode" that you made earlier. Character set -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Character Set" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Normal 2= France 3= Germany 4= England 5= Denmark 6= Sweden 7= Italy 8= Spain 9= Japan Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Note that these options are available only on the Epson printers, and that they are internal to the printer and are supplied with the printer by Epson. They are not complete language sets, but were designed by Epson to include some of the characters required in the various languages. Size of character -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Character Sizes" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Pica 2= Elite 3= Proportional Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will .np Page 30 be marked "na"). Printing options -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Printing Options" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Emphasized 2= Compressed 3= Expanded 4= Superscript 5= Subscript 6= Double-strike 7= Underline 8= Unidirectional 9= Italicize 10= Incremental printing 11= Half-speed printing 12= Disable upper control codes Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Please note that some options do not work in combination with other options, depending upon the printer in use. Line spacing -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Line Spacing" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= 1/6 inch 2= 1/8 inch 3= 7/72 inch 4= n/216 inch (n/180 inch for LQ-1500) 5= n/72 inch Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Printer Boss will prompt you for the entries required. Margins -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Margins" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Right margin 2= Left margin 3= Form length 4= Bottom margin Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will .np Page 31 be marked "na"). Printer Boss will prompt you for the entries required. Buffered print -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Buffered Print" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Set buffer size = nK 2= Request buffer ON upon F1 3= Request buffer OFF upon F1 4= Print entire buffer NOW 5= Abort entire buffer NOW Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Buffering will begin when you press "F1". Since Printer Boss itself does not use the RAM buffer when printing files from the Printer Boss menu, you cannot print a file, use the typewriter mode or print a file sideways if the RAM buffer is engaged. A warning message will be displayed if you attempt to do this. To regain the use of these options, flush or kill the buffering activity by invoking options 4 or 5 on the above menu. NOTE: The buffer may be installed only the first time that you press "F1", in Printer Boss, after booting your DOS. This is when the Printer Boss co-resident driver is installed and this is when buffer size is determined. You can turn the buffer ON and OFF from the menu, but to change the buffer size you must de-install the driver by rebooting your DOS. Sideways printing -------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: You must select "Sideways printing" under "Print mode", as mentioned above, if you wish to use sideways printing. Position the highlight on "Sideline Options" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Font 2= Character spacing 3= Line spacing 4= Top margin 5= Bottom margin 6= Paper size 7= Glueing options Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter". Printer Boss will prompt you for the entries required. You may choose from 6 different type sizes, and you may determine line and character spacing in one-dot increments. Sideways printing is always performed in graphics mode regardless of .np Page 32 printer type or font. Doublestrike may be added by setting that option in the Printer Options window. For printing on wide paper, you must indicate your printer type in the "Printer Type" window AND select "Wide Paper" in the Sideways Options window. The row value setting in the sideways options window is optional and is intended primarily for use in printing spreadsheets sideways. It is not absolutely required, even for spreadsheets, because it affects only the "glueing" feature (the printing of horizontal segments of the spreadsheet side by side so that they match up properly and read continuously). Glueing is required only when the spreadsheet is over 240 characters wide. (See also "Storing a Spreadsheet Print File".) Twist feature ------------- The "TWIST" feature will "TWIST" 15x11 format outputs to fit 8-1/2x11 paper. TWIST may be invoked as a special Paper Size selection option under sideways printing options. When TWIST is engaged, the sideways printing subsystem will issue a form feed after 66 sideways lines are printed and it will recognize the tab and formfeed control characters. TWIST is particularly useful for printing output, originally designed for 15x11 paper, sideways on 8x11 paper (as an alternative to compressed print). Applications of TWIST would be for accounting system reports or other applications program listings. When selected, TWIST will engage the Tiny font since it is most appropriate for this type printing. You may, however, override the Tiny font selection with another choice after TWIST is selected. TWIST may also be used to "page break" spreadsheet reports, and you would do this simply by placing a form feed control in the first column of your spreadsheet. In Lotus 123 Version 2 it is possible to insert printer codes in your spreadsheet. To insert a form feed put the following characters (between the quotes) in the first column of the row where you wish the page break: "||\012". "Glueing" is not available with the TWIST option. Build fonts -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Build Fonts" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Normal font 2= Two-pass quality font 3= LQ-1500 font 4= Sideways font Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Printer Boss will load the proper font design program. .np Page 33 (SEE "Font Building".) NOTE: One-pass quality print is derived on the Printer Boss program from the normal print character set by adding dots which fit between adjacent dots, and there is therefore no font design option corresponding to one-pass quality print. Special functions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Position the highlight on "Special Functions" in the left window. The following setting options will appear in the right window... 1= Master Select code 2= Typewriter mode 3= Custom printer setup string 4= Logoboss logo design Select the option that you wish by typing the appropriate number and pressing "Enter" (options unavailable because of previous menu choices will be marked "na"). Master select code ------------------ Select the Master Select option by typing "1" and pressing "Enter". The Master Select code numbers may be obtained from your printer manual, and will be numbers corresponding to the combination of print modes that you wish to select in your printer. Typewriter mode --------------- Select the Typewriter Mode option by typing "2" and pressing "Enter". In Typewriter Mode you may type into the input line (second from the bottom of the screen) any string of characters that you wish to print immediately, as if using a typewriter, one line at a time. Use "Backspace" to correct errors, and "Esc" to delete the entire line. Use "Ctrl-Enter" to insert line feeds. The characters that you enter on the input line will be sent to the printer when you press "Enter". You may send control code characters to the printer via the typewriter mode by typing "Backslash" followed by the three-digit ASCII number of the character you wish to send. For example, "Escape" = "Backslash"027. This feature allows you to conveniently send control code strings of your own choosing to your printer. It is an operating requirement of the typewriter mode that it reset the printer at the beginning of output. This is desireable, for technical reasons relating to the workings of the driver portions of Printer Boss. However, this means that the printer top-of-form setting will be reset to the point on the form at which you begin output via typewriter mode. .np Page 34 Setup string ------------ Select the Setup String option by typing "3" and pressing "Enter". In Setup String mode you may type into the input line (second from the bottom of the screen) any string of characters that you wish to have sent to the printer by Printer Boss when you tell it to "Set Printer". Use "Backspace" to correct errors, and "Esc" to delete the entire line. The characters that you enter on the input line will be sent to the printer when you press F1, or when you boot Printer Boss using a command line which includes a "slash". Text, or control codes (a backslash followed by three digits for each character), or a mixture may be entered as a setup string. The setup string will be sent to the printer AFTER the codes corresponding to the normal menu selections and therefore will have precedence in terms of setting the printer. NOTE: If text is included in the string, the result may be unpredictable if the Printer Boss transparent driver is already resident. This will depend on the last previous printer setup from Printer Boss. NOTE: If you do not use "Del" to delete the input line, Printer Boss retains the last line entered for convenient future use and will send it to the printer, along with other codes derived from menu settings, when you press F1 or when you boot Printer Boss using a command line which includes a "/". Control code characters to be sent to the printer must be entered on the input line by typing "Backslash" followed by the three-digit ASCII number of the character you wish to send. For example, "Escape" = "Backslash"027. You may store the printer setup string or text string entered on the input line by using the "Store Settings" feature of the Printer Boss program. To do this, enter the desired command or other string on the input line, press "Esc" to clear the line, press "Esc" again to exit Setup String Mode and press F4 to store settings. Enter the configuration filename under which to store the settings, and press "Enter". When you next boot Printer Boss, you may boot using the command line... boss.com config.ext (where config.ext is the filename under which you stored the settings) in which case Printer Boss will boot with the saved string in the Setup String Mode input line. Alternatively, you may boot Printer Boss using the command line... boss.com config.ext/ in which case Printer Boss will boot with the saved string in the Setup String Mode input line AND the string will be sent to the printer .np Page 35 immediately upon booting. Logoboss logo design -------------------- IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED LOGOBOSS AND THE LOGO.EXE FILE IS PRESENT IN YOUR PRINTER BOSS SUBDIRECTORY, Select loading of the Logoboss Logo Design option by typing "4" and pressing "Enter". Printer Boss will transfer operation to the Logoboss program. .np Page 36 COMMAND LINE AND AUTOEXEC.BAT OPERATION ========================================================================== Printer Boss is controllable from command line or from AUTOEXEC.BAT or ordinary batch files as follows: Default menu settings --------------------- To boot Printer Boss with default menu settings... * Type "boss.com" and press "Enter" Recall stored settings ---------------------- To boot Printer Boss and recall stored settings to the menu (where settings have been stored in a file named config.cfg), leave a space and add the configuration filename to the above command... * Type "boss.com config.cfg" and press "Enter" Recall and set the printer -------------------------- To boot Printer Boss and recall stored settings to the menu and immediately set up the printer (where settings have been stored in file named config.cfg), add a slash to the command... * Type "boss.com config.cfg/" and press "Enter" Recall and print a file ----------------------- To boot Printer Boss and recall stored settings to the menu and immediately print a file (where settings have been stored in file named config.cfg and print.prn is the name of the file to print) add the name of the print file... * Type "boss.com config.cfg/print.prn" and press "Enter" Default settings and print a file --------------------------------- To boot Printer Boss with default menu settings, set the printer and print a file (where print.prn is the name of the file to print) omit the configuration filename... * Type "boss.com /print.prn" and press "Enter" To control Printer Boss from batch or AUTOEXEC.BAT files, simply enter the appropriate command lines as shown above in your batch file. .np Page 37 FONTS PROVIDED ON PRINTER BOSS ========================================================================== Your Printer Boss package includes many character sets and fonts for a variety of print modes, as follows: Normal character sets -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Printer Boss disk includes six IBM character set files. These character sets do not contain full 256-character font definitions, because the Printer Boss program includes as part of its source code the definition of the standard font and it is unnecessary for the program to load full font definitions every time the font is changed. Only the "special" characters which change from set to set are included. The character set files are as follows... IBMATRIX.FNT IBM Matrix Printer Character Set IBMGRAF1.FNT IBM Graphics 1 Character Set IBMGRAF2.FNT IBM Graphics 2 Character Set SCRNDUMP.FNT IBM Screen Character Set IBMAPL.FNT IBM APL Character Set Full character set -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For use as a starting point if you wish to design custom character sets, Printer Boss includes the FULLFONT normal character set which contains character definitions for the full 256-character font. You may copy, rename and redesign this font to suit your needs; it can save you a lot of time. FULLFONT.FNT IBM Screen Character Set One-pass quality font -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The one-pass quality font is derived from the IBM screen character set by algorithm at the time of printing, such that dots are inserted between the dots in the normal standard characters. There is no separate font file for one-pass quality. Two-pass quality fonts -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printer Boss includes three two-pass quality fonts, any one of which may be chosen by entering the filename in response to the prompt on the Printer Boss menu, immediately after selection of the two-pass mode. COURIER.TWO Two-pass Courier font SANSERIF.TWO Two-pass Sanserif font ORATOR.TWO Two-pass Orator font .np Page 38 LQ-1500 line drawing font for use with ASCIIswitch -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For use with the ASCIIswitch feature for LQ-1500 printing, Printer Boss includes a line-drawing font with upper ASCII set graphics characters. IBMUPPER.PRO Upper ASCII set characters/IBM screen character set IBMLOWER.PRO Lower ASCII set characters/IBM screen character set Sideways fonts -------------------------------------------------------------------------- And for use with the sideways printing feature, Printer Boss includes six sideways fonts, plus a special line-drawing font with upper ASCII set graphics characters. SIDEFONT.T Sideways font Tiny SIDEFONT.VS Sideways font Very small SIDEFONT.S Sideways font Small SIDEFONT.N Sideways font Normal SIDEFONT.L Sideways font Large SIDEFONT.VL Sideways font Very large SIDEFONT.LD Sideways font Normal with line drawing .np Page 39 LINE DRAWING CHARACTERS ========================================================================== As part of the IBM PC screen display character set, IBM provides a useful set of line drawing characters, which can be used to create forms, borders and diagrams. These characters are unusual in that most of them descend below the normal character space into the interline space, so that they will link up vertically to form continuous lines. Most Epson printers and the older IBM printers cannot print these line-drawing characters, but Printer Boss overcomes this difficulty and provides the capability to print them several different ways, including the descenders which link up vertically without modification of line spacing. These line-drawing characters can be printed in normal mode, one-pass quality or two-pass quality. Normal mode ----------- For line drawing in normal mode, select "Normal" under Print Mode and "IBM screen set" under Download set. One-pass mode ------------- For line drawing in one-pass quality mode, select "One-pass quality" under Print mode. Two-pass mode ------------- For line drawing in two-pass quality mode, select "Two-pass quality" under Print mode, and enter either "Courier.two". "Sanserif.two" or "Orator.two" in response to the font file prompt. Printing display screens --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To print a display screen using graphics characters (the IBM graphics characters displayable on a monochrome, character-mode screen), simply... * Boot Printer Boss * Select the proper printer on the menu * Select "Normal" print mode * Select "IBM Screen Set" download character set * Press "F1" to "Set Printer & Exit" This procedure loads the Printer Boss co-resident driver. Now, any time that you wish to print a copy of the screen including graphics characters, borders, etc, simply press "Shift-PrtScr". NOTE: You must NOT INITIALIZE the printer after exiting Printer Boss. .np Page 40 LQ-1500 line drawing -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have an LQ-1500 printer, there is another way to obtain line-drawing characters, and that is by using the ASCIIswitch feature with a download character set (see ASCIIswitch section). This procedure will yield the highest quality print for the LQ-1500, but to obtain closed boxes and continuous vertical lines you must adjust line spacing and intercharacter spacing. The first problem is easily solved; simply set the Printer Boss menu for 20/180 line spacing. The intercharacter spacing is more difficult, because it is part of the font definition and cannot be adjusted by external command. The problem is that various characters have different widths and so the position of the print head after printing a string of characters is not known. This is a problem when it comes time to print the vertical line segment on the right side of a box or border. The IBMUPPER.PRO font included on your disk, however, was designed with no intercharacter spacing so line drawing characters from this font will join horizontally. The ASCII character 255 was designed as part of this font to be a space of the same width as the line drawing characters, and it is important to use this character for spaces in and around any boxes that you draw to overcome the print-head-position problem. Putting text in boxes is tricky, however, because the normal LQ-1500 characters are wider than the line drawing characters. This problem can be overcome by adding special small line drawing characters to the IBMUPPER.PRO font to fill in the gaps, but ordinary text files would not print properly. If you are printing a mixture of text and line characters, it might be better in the final analysis to use the two-pass quality print mode in which this is all automatic. (See also ASCIIswitch below.) .np Page 41 ASCIISWITCH FEATURE ========================================================================== The ASCIIswitch feature provides extended, full ASCII set printing in download mode on the Epson LQ-1500 and IBM Proprinter, in spite of the fact that they accept only the lower half of the ASCII table as a download character set. This feature automatically switches the printer between the ROM character set in the printer and the RAM character set in the printer, such that the normal, lower ASCII set characters are derived from ROM and the upper ASCII set characters are derived from download RAM. This means that you may design a custom character set which includes only those characters with ASCII value greater than 127 (upper ASCII set), and download it to the printer, and then print using these upper set characters together with the lower set characters supplied by the printer itself. In operation, the ASCIIswitch feature monitors the data stream going to the printer, and prints all lower ASCII set characters using the printer ROM set (which is the normal default set). When a character with ASCII value greater than 127 is encountered Printer Boss switches the printer from ROM character set to RAM (download) set, and subtracts 128 from the ASCII value of the character in question before sending it to the printer. Then the printer is switched back to its ROM set. This switching occurs every time that a character is encountered that has ASCII value greater than 127. The ASCIIswitch feature is optional and may be selected on the Printer Boss menu when a download character set is specified for the LQ-1500 or Proprinter. Design of a character set for use with the ASCIIswitch feature is the same as normal font design, except that characters should be stored with ASCII value 128 less than the normal value. For example, a straight vertical line segment, which is normally ASCII 179, would be stored in the character set as ASCII 51. To print this character, of course, you would print character 179, and Printer Boss would switch the value to 51 and switch the printer to download mode to print it. NOTE: When you save the font to disk, specify that you DO NOT want the RAM set copied and that you do NOT want the font engaged. A special line-drawing character set, called IBMUPPER.PRO, has been provided for the LQ-1500 printer which utilizes this ASCIIswitch feature and contains the IBM screen character set line drawing characters in full letter quality. To use this font, under "Download set" select "User-defined font, LQ-1500", enter the font name "IBMUPPER.PRO" and respond "Y" when asked if you wish ASCIIswitch engaged. The result will be printable IBM screen set line drawing characters in addition to the normal characters, and all in LQ-1500 letter quality. .np Page 42 STORING PRINT FILES FOR SIDEWAYS PRINTING ========================================================================== Printer Boss will print any ASCII text file sideways. All that is required is that it be a normal ASCII file with CR/LF (carriage return-line feed) characters at the end of each line or row. This is the format used by all nearly word processors and spreadsheet programs. The file can be any number of lines or rows long and any number of characters wide. As long as each line or row is intact and marked at the end by a CR/LF, there is no need to enter the number of rows in the Printer Boss menu. Row counts do not apply to such text files. Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony throw in a complication, in that they insist on breaking a print file up if it is over 240 characters wide by imposing a right margin limit of 240. Printer Boss includes a means of compensating for these broken-up print files. All that is necessary is to enter into the Printer Boss menu the number of rows in the spreadsheet print file, and even this is necessary only if the spreadsheet is wider than your right margin setting. Other spreadsheet programs do not create this problem of broken-up print files, and so may be treated simply as ASCII text files. Lotus print files -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Printer Boss sideways printing option assumes that the file that you wish to print sideways is derived as follows (comments below apply specifically to Lotus 1-2-3, but all spreadsheet programs are similar)... To prepare a Lotus 1-2-3 print file for sideways printing by Printer Boss... 1) Refer to the Lotus 1-2-3 manual for the procedure to follow for creation of a print file and familiarize yourself with this procedure. Note that Printer Boss expects that your print file will contain visible cell information only, stripped of embedded codes, formulas, etc. 2) Boot 1-2-3, and with your spreadsheet on the screen, type "/pf" for print-to-file. NOTE: You must NOT have "spill-over" labels, which are wider than the cell-width, in your spreadsheet, because these may interfere with the proper formation of print files. 3) Enter the filename for the print file. NOTE: It is important to ERASE existing print file names before you re-use them. This can be done from your spreadsheet using the /fep command for file-erase-printfile. Writing over existing print files is allowed by 1-2-3 but often causes problems with print files. .np Page 43 4) Enter the Range that you wish to store in your print file, and REMEMBER the number of rows in this range because you will need to enter it into the Printer Boss menu for sideways printing. 5) Select "Clear" and then select "All" to clear the print menu of previous settings. 6) Select the various options as follows... - no headers, footers or borders - no setup string - left margin = 0 - top margin = 0 - bottom margin = 0 - right margin = 240 (maximum) - page length = 66 lines - "As-displayed" printing 7) Select "Options", "Other", "Formatted" 8) Select "Options", "Other", "As-displayed" 9) Select "Quit" to get back to main print menu 10) Select "Align" 11) Select "Go" 12) Select "Quit" to get back to spreadsheet. The above settings and specifications will result in a print file which is easily handled by Printer Boss and which will print correctly sideways. NOTE: The resulting print file will have three blank lines at the top and bottom of each page, a PECULIARITY of Lotus 1-2-3. (The file may be examined with a program editor or viewed on the IBM PC screen using the "Type" command.) These blank lines are compensated for by Printer Boss as described below. YOU MAY VARY THE ABOVE SETTINGS TO OBTAIN SPECIAL EFFECTS, but we recommend that you print your first few files by following the above instructions. To print the above print file from Printer Boss, enter the following settings and commands: 1) With "Sideways printing options" highlighted in the left window, select the "Gluing" option in the right window and enter the number of rows included in the range specification of the print file. Note that this may be different from the number of rows in the source spreadsheet. 2) Check that the "top skip" and "bottom skip" lines are both set at "3". This will compensate for the Lotus print file margins of 3 lines, top and .np Page 44 bottom. Printer Boss "skips" these blank lines so that they do not appear as blank lines in your printed spreadsheet. The default settings on Printer Boss are "3" because most users of Printer Boss also use Lotus 1-2-3. 3) Check that "Print lines" is set for "60". This is also the default value, and it equals the page length (66) minus the total (6) of top and bottom skip lines. Note: The above settings of top and bottom skip lines assumes that you followed the command sequence recommended above for creation of the print file. If you use a different sequence, you may need to use different setting of top and bottom skip lines. 4) Press "Enter" 5) Press "F5" to "Print a File" 6) Enter the filename and press "Enter" 7) Printer Boss will print the file sideways Symphony print files -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Symphony is virtually identical to Lotus 1-2-3 as regards formation of print files; see above. Supercalc, Multiplan, Visicalc print files -------------------------------------------------------------------------- These spreadsheet programs do not impose the problems with print files experienced with Lous 1-2-3 and Symphony. Simply create a print file of the spreadsheet (without embedded formulas) on disk. To print this file from Printer Boss, enter the following settings and commands: 1) With "Sideways printing options" highlighted in the left window, select the "Gluing" option in the right window and DO NOT enter the number of rows included in the range specification of the print file. Leave this entry blank. 2) Set the "top skip" and "bottom skip" lines both to "0". These are required only to compensate for the Lotus print file margins of 3 lines, top and bottom. The default settings on Printer Boss are "3" because most users of Printer Boss also use Lotus 1-2-3. 3) Set the "Print lines" to "66". 4) Press "Enter" 5) Press "F5" to "Print a File" 6) Enter the filename and press "Enter" .np Page 45 7) Printer Boss will print the file sideways Smartware print files --------------------------------------------------------------------- SMART uses an unusual print format. To get spreadsheets from SMART to print and glue properly you must follow these steps: a) The number of rows in the print file must be less than or equal to the number of print lines available for the particular sideways font. The following table portrays these maximums depending on paper size: Paper Size 8x11 15x11 Tiny 67 136 Very Small 63 127 Small 63 127 Normal 52 105 Large 52 105 Very Large 47 95 Line Drawing 55 111 The above assumes the default line spacing, top margin, and bottom margin. If the defaults are not used, you will need to reduce the maximums accordingly. If the spreadsheet has more rows than the maximums, you will have to print multiple times. b) Set the Printer Boss glueing options as follows: Number of Rows Long = Number of rows up to above maximums Top Skip = 0 Print Area = Number of Rows long from above less 3 Bottom Skip = 3 For example, for a 28-row spreadsheet, options would be set: Number of Rows Long = 28 Top Skip = 0 Print Area = 25 Bottom Skip = 3 c) Set the right margin under Configuration in Main Menu to 76 .np Page 46 FONT DESIGN - GENERAL ========================================================================== Printer Boss includes font builder programs which provide for many levels of character dot-density (dots high x dots wide) as follows... Normal 8x11 dots/char Two-pass quality 16x24 dots/char LQ-1500 draft 24x9 dots/char LQ-1500 letter quality 24x29 dots/char LQ-1500 proportional 24x37 dots/char Sideways tiny 11x4 dots/char Sideways very small 12x4 dots/char Sideways small 12x5 dots/char Sideways normal 15x5 dots/char Sideways large 15x7 dots/char Sideways very large 17x7 dots/char Sideways line drawing 17x7 dots/char Note that fonts designed using the "Normal" density font design program may be printed in either "Normal" or "One Pass Quality" (double density) print modes on Printer Boss. Fonts designed as "Two Pass" must be printed in "Two Pass" (quad density) print mode. Fonts designed for the LQ-1500 printer must be printed on the LQ-1500 printer or compatibles. The font builder programs are quite easy to use, with adequate prompts and with the character design matrix and key labels visible on the screen at all times, but they do assume that you are familiar with the concept of ASCII tables and ASCII numbers and that you have read and understood the chapters relating to font design in the pertinent Epson and IBM printer manuals. We strongly recommend that you review your printer manual before you begin, so that you are familiar with the terms and requirements. Note that Printer Boss can operate in both "actual" and "simulated" download modes, and that in "simulated" mode the program simulates such printer features as copying ROM characters to RAM. The terminology used in this manual is that which would be used regarding the "actual" printer. When building a two-pass or a sideways font, you must define the ENTIRE font or undefined characters will default to spaces. (When building normal fonts, partial fonts may be defined and any undefined characters will default to the appropriate one-pass quality character images.) A handy application of the font building program feature is to reassign character images. Some word processors don't allow certain characters to be used in documents, and by reassigning those characters to the ASCII codes of other legal but seldom used characters you can "trick" the word processor into accepting the outlawed characters. To reassign a character, load the font using F3, display the desired character using F4, resave the character to the reassigned value using F6, and save the font back with the same name using F5. .np Page 47 For your convenience, your disk includes FULLFONT.FNT, which is a full screen "normal" set with all characters defined. This font may be used as a starting point in designing your own fonts. NOTE: At various stages in designing and printing a font, Printer Boss will ask for the following information: Activate download set? - Indicate whether the download set should be activated by typing "Y" or "N" and pressing "Enter". Normally, you would enter "Y", because this is necessary to enable you to print the character set that you are downloading. There may be rare cases in which you will want to download a character set for activation at some later time from Printer Boss or from another program. Enable codes 128 to 159? - These are the upper control code ASCII set, which may be enabled on the printer to allow characters to be printed in their place. Indicate whether these codes should be enabled as printable characters by typing "Y" or "N" and pressing "Enter". Copy ROM characters to RAM? - You may copy the printer default character set into the download character set within the printer, to avoid having to redesign these characters. Only the characters that you have designed will then be changed from the default set. Indicate "Y" or "N". Enable printing of codes 0 to 31? - These are the lower control code ASCII set, which may be disabled to allow characters to be printed in their place. WE ADVISE YOU NOT TO USE THIS OPTION, BECAUSE YOU EFFECTIVELY LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR PRINTER. Indicate whether these codes should be enabled as printable characters by typing "Y" or "N" and pressing "Enter". Character value in decimal? - Enter the ASCII code under which you would like this character to be loaded. Width in dots (5-11) in decimal? - Enter the character width in proportional mode. We recommend that you use width = 11 until you are thoroughly familiar with download character design. Please refer to your printer manual regarding download character sets. Shift character down 1 dot? - You may shift the entire character down by 1 dot, to obtain better descenders, by selecting "Y". PLEASE NOTE: We recommend for clarity, and to avoid the loading of incompatible fonts, that you store the various types of fonts with the extensions as follows... Normal 8x11 ".FNT" Two-pass quality (quad density) ".TWO" LQ-1500 draft mode ".DFT" LQ-1500 letter quality mode ".LQ" LQ-1500 proportional mode ".PRO" PLEASE NOTE: Sideways fonts which you design MUST have the proper filenames .np Page 48 and extensions if they are to be accessed by Printer Boss. See Sideways font design. This will help avoid problems of loading the wrong fonts (the above filename extensions are suggestions only and are not requirements of the program, however). Using a mouse -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Microsoft mouse may be used with the font building program and can speed up font design dramatically. The program "BFONTMSE.MNU" provided on your Printer Boss disk makes this possible. First, make sure that the programs MOUSE.COM and MENU.COM, provided by Microsoft with the mouse device, are on your Printer Boss disk. Before booting Printer Boss, and at the system prompt, type... mouse press... "Enter" type... menu bfontmse.mnu press... "Enter" NOTE: There must be a space between "menu" and "bfontmse.mnu". The mouse will now be installed and will be usable when you engage the font design feature of Priinter Boss. The left button will turn dots ON and the right will turn dots OFF. Moving the mouse will move the cursor in the font matrix. All keyboard keys will work normally. .np Page 49 FONT DESIGN - NORMAL FONT (8x11 DOTS) ========================================================================== Position the highlight cursor in the left window of the Printer Boss menu on the "Build fonts" function. Type "1" and press "Enter". Printer Boss will load the required font builder program. In designing characters for normal fonts, we recommend that you leave 2 dot spaces on the right side of the character matrix for inter-character spacing. Use the Fullfont.fnt font as a model. Commands used in font building are as follows... [F1] = Download font to printer Downloads to the printer the font currently loaded in the Fontboss program. Printer Boss will prompt for the information it needs. [F2] = Download and print current character Tests the character currently displayed on the screen by printing it on the printer. [F3] = Load font from diskLoads font from disk into the font builder program. The program will prompt for a file name. [F4] = Display character from font Displays character from current font on the screen. The program will prompt for the ASCII number of the character that you wish to be displayed. [F5] = Save font to disk Saves font to disk. [F6] = Save current charcter to font Saves character on the screen and stores it as part of the font. [F7] = Reset printer Redraws the character using dots only and without the background matrix pattern. [F8] = Erase current character Erases the screen matrix representation of the current character. [F9] = Review font Reviews font by presenting one character at a time on the screen, with the "+" and "-" keys used to move forward and backward in the font, in ASCII number order. [F10] = Return to Printer Boss Exits font design. [Shift-F1] = Print font on printer Prints the current font on the printer. [Shift-F2] = Print current character using graphics .np Page 50 Tests character using graphics mode output to the printer (the full font is not downloaded by this command). [Shift-F4] = Print font using graphics Prints current font using graphics mode output to the printer. [Shift-F6] = Delete character Deletes the designated character from font. [Shift-F8] = Erase font Erases entire font in memory (does not erase font on disk). [Shift-F10] = Exit and change printer type Returns to font design printer selection stage. [Ins] - Dot ON Turns dot ON in character matrix. [Del] - Dot OFF Turns dot OFF in character matrix. [Home, End, Arrow] - Move cursor Move cursor in character matrix. [ESC] - Escape Cancels previous command. .np Page 51 FONT DESIGN - TWO PASS QUALITY (QUAD DENSITY) ========================================================================== Position the highlight cursor in the left window of Printer Boss on the "Build fonts" function, type "2" and press "Enter". Printer Boss will load the required font builder program. In designing characters for two-pass quality fonts, we recommend that you leave 1 dot space on the left and 2 dot spaces on the right side of the character matrix for inter-character spacing. Use the Courier.two font as a model. NOTE: Design of a two-pass font requires that you define ALL CHARACTERS in the font, and any undefined characters will default to spaces. Commands used in font building are as follows... [F1] - Print font Downloads and prints the font currently loaded in the font builder program. [F2] - Print current character on printer Tests the character currently displayed on the screen by printing it on the printer. [F3] - Load font from disk Loads font from disk into the Printer Boss program. The program will prompt for a filename. [F4] - Display character from current font Displays character from current font on screen. [F5] - Save font to disk Saves font to disk. [F6] - Save current character to font Saves character on the screen and stores it as part of the current font. [F7] - Reset printer Redraws the character using dots only and without the background matrix pattern. [F8] - Erase current character Erases the screen matrix representation of the current character. [F9] - Review font Reviews font by presenting one character at a time on the screen, with the "+" and "-" keys used to move forward and backward in the font, in to ASCII number order. [F10] - Return to Printer Boss Exits font desig[Shift-F6] = Delete character Deletes the designated character from font. [Shift-F8] = Erase font Erases entire font in memory (does not erase font on disk). .np Page 52 [Ins] - Dot ON Turns dot ON in character matrix. Use arrow keys to move cursor to trace character. [Del] - Dot OFF Turns dot OFF in character matrix. Use arrow keys to move cursor to trace character. [Home, End, Arrow keys] - Move cursor Move cursor in character matrix. [Esc] - Cancel Cancels previous command. .np Page 53 FONT DESIGN - LQ 1500 PRINTER FONTS ========================================================================== Position the highlight cursor in the left window of Printer Boss on the "Build Fonts" function, type "3" and press "Enter". Printer Boss will load the required font builder program. In designing characters for LQ-1500 fonts, we recommend that you DO NOT leave spaces in the character matrix for inter-character spacing. This spacing is entered separately as "left space" and "right space". Printer Boss includes three levels of character dot-density in font design for the LQ-1500 printer, as follows... Draft........... 24x9 dots/char Letter quality.. 24x29 dots/char Proportional.... 24x37 dots/char Indicate which level of dot-density you wish by typing "1", "2" or "3" and pressing "Enter". Please note that when using the LQ-1500 you must set the printer mode to correspond to the level of dot-density in the character set you wish to download. Commands used in font building are as follows... [F1] - Download and print font Downloads and prints the font currently loaded in the Fontboss program. [F2] - Print current character on printer Tests the character currently displayed on the screen by printing it on the printer. When you print a character, Printer Boss will ask for the following information: Character value in decimal? - Enter the ASCII code of the character that you wish to print from your current font. Width of character in dots? - Determines character width. We recommend that you use the maximum width given by the prompt until you are thoroughly familiar with download character design. Value of left space? - Enter the width of the left inter-character space in dots (see Table below). Maximum Maximum Left Plus Width Right Spaces Dot-density (Dots) (Dots) ------------- -------- ------------ Draft (24x9) 9 3 Letter (24x29) 29 7 Proportional (24x37) 37 5 .np Page 54 Value of right space? - Enter the width of the right inter-character space in dots (see Table below). [F3] - Load font from disk Loads font from disk into the font design program. [F4] - Display character from font Displays character from current font on screen. [F5] - Save font Saves font to disk. [F6] - Save character to font Saves character on the screen and stores it as part of the font. Printer Boss will prompt for the following information: Character value in decimal? - Enter the ASCII code under which you would like this character to be loaded. Width of character in dots? - Determines character width. We recommend that you use the maximum width given by the prompt until you are thoroughly familiar with download character design. Value of left space? - Enter the width of the left inter-character space in dots (see Table below). Value of right space? - Enter the width of the right inter-character space in dots (see Table below). Maximum Maximum Left Plus Width Right Spaces Dot-density (Dots) (Dots) ------------- -------- ------------ Draft (24x9) 9 3 Letter (24x29) 29 7 Proportional (24x37) 37 5 [F7] - Redraw just dots Redraws the character using dots only and without the background matrix pattern. [F8] - Erase matrix Erases the screen matrix representation of the current character. [F9] - Review font Reviews font by presenting one character at a time on the screen, with the "+" and "-" keys used to move forward and backward in the font, in ASCII number order. .np Page 55 [F10] - Quit Exits font design. [Shift-F1] - Print font Prints the font on the printer. [Shift-F6] - Delete character Deletes the specified character. [Shift-F8] - Erase font Erases the current font in memory. [Shift-F10] - Exit and change font type Exits present font design module to allow choice of another font design dot-density. [Ins] - Dot ON Turns dot ON in character matrix. [Del] - Dot OFF Turns dot OFF in character matrix. [Home, End, Arrow keys] - Move cursor Move cursor in character matrix. [Backslash-Return] - Cancel Cancels previous command. .np Page 56 FONT DESIGN - SIDEWAYS FONTS ========================================================================== Position the highlight cursor in the left window of Printer Boss on the Build Fonts" function, type "4" and press "Enter". Printer Boss will load the required font builder program. In designing characters for sideways fonts, we recommend that you DO NOT leave spaces in the character matrix for inter-character spacing. This spacing is entered separately at the time of printing from the Printer Boss menu. The sideways characters you design should for best results use the entire matrix displayed. NOTE: Design of a sideways font requires that you define ALL CHARACTERS in the font, and any undefined characters will default to spaces. You may build new sideways fonts or add to or modify the fonts provided. Each of the fonts is capable of the entire 256-character ASCII set (minus the lower control codes). To build or modify a font, you must choose one of the six standard sizes. You may STORE fonts under any name, but only fonts with the following names may be loaded from the Printer Boss menu. SIDEFONT.T Tiny SIDEFONT.VS Very Small SIDEFONT.S Small SIDEFONT.N Normal SIDEFONT.L Large SIDEFONT.VL Very large SIDEFONT.LD Line drawing NOTE: The font name you use must correspond to the size of the font which you specify when you load the font design program. This is different from building other fonts, for which you may specify any name. NOTE: The SIDEFONT.LD font consists of the "Normal" size alphanumeric characters with the "Very Large" size graphics characters. This font, printed with character- and line-spacing settings of "0" on the Printer Boss menu, will draw continuous horizontal and vertical lines using the graphics characters. To enter the sideways font design program, position the highlight cursor in the left window of the Printer Boss menu on the "Build fonts" function. Type "4" and press "Enter". Printer Boss will load the sideways font builder program. Commands used in sideways font building are as follows... [F1] - Download font to printer Downloads to the printer the font currently loaded in the Fontboss program. Printer Boss will prompt for the information it needs. .np Page 57 [F2] - Test character Tests the character currently displayed on the screen by printing it on the printer. [F3] - Load font from disk Loads font from disk into the font builder program. The program will prompt for a file name. [F4] - Display character from font Displays character from current font on the screen. The program will prompt for the ASCII number of the character that you wish to be displayed. [F5] - Saves font to disk [F6] - Save character Saves character on the screen and stores it as part of the font. [F7] - Dots only Redraws the character using dots only and without the background matrix pattern. [F8] - Erase matrix representation of the current character. [F9] - Review font Reviews font by presenting one character at a time on the screen, with the "+" and "-" keys used to move forward and backward in the font, in ASCII number order. [F10] - Quit Exits font design. [Shift-F6] - Delete character Deletes the specified character. [Shift-F8] - Erase font Erases the current font in memory. [Shift-F10] - Exit and change font type Exits present font design module to allow choice of another font design dot-density. [Ins] - Dot ON Turns dot ON in character matrix. [Del] - Dot OFF Turns dot OFF in character matrix. [Home, End, Arrow keys] - Move cursor Move cursor in character matrix. [Backslash-Return] - Cancel Cancels previous command. .np Page 58 TROUBLESHOOTING ========================================================================== In the event that you encounter difficulties with this software package, first consult the appropriate sections of this manual to make sure that you are properly operating the program. The following check list is offered as an aid in checking your system: Error messages -------------- Note any error codes or messages which appear on the screen. Cords ----- Check printer and computer power cords and printer data cord. Paper supply ------------ Check printer paper supply. Printer DIP-switch settings --------------------------- Make sure the printer is installed as directed by the printer manual. Note that printer default mode settings are affected by the positions of dip-switches in the printer. Consult your manual. Printer Boss ASSUMES FACTORY-SET DEFAULT VALUES. In particular, if you have an FX printer check that the internal DIP switch 1-4 is in the OFF position (2k buffer deactivated). AN EXCEPTION: If you have an LQ-1500 printer check that the DIP switch 1-1 is in the UP position (2k buffer deactivated). DOS --- Check that you are using the PC-DOS operating system version 2.0 or later. Power loss ---------- Note that if you turn the printer off or suffer a momentary loss of power, the printer will go through its power-up routine and will revert to its default mode character set. Wrong character set ------------------- Note that if you set up a character set different from the one your program expects, and you run the program, erroneous characters may print and your printer may advance the paper intermittently. If this happens, it is a good indication that you have selected the wrong download character set for your program. .np Page 59 Resets ------ Certain software, including many word processor and spreadsheet programs, will send a reset or initialization signal to the printer. This can cause problems because it can clear options set by Printer Boss. One solution is to change the printer control routine in the offending software to avoid such printer initialization. Another, much less attractive solution is to disconnect the printer until the problem program has booted. Visual check ------------ When you download a character set there is no way for the printer or computer to determine whether you have downloaded the correct set. A VISUAL CHECK IS THE ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE THAT THE CORRECT SET IS IN EFFECT. Control codes ------------- Some word processors will send control codes to the printer which will interfere with Printer Boss, in particular with the letter quality mode. If all else fails in trying to remove embedded control codes, try setting up your word processor for printer selection "TTY". Input-output errors ------------------- File I/O errors will be reported as "File could not be found or file I/O error" followed by a letter corresponding to error type according to the following table: Code Condition A Invalid function number B File not found C Path not found D Too many open files E Access denied F Invalid handle G Memory control block destroyed H Insufficient memory I Invalid memory block address J Invalid environment K Invalid format L Invalid access code M Invalid data N Invalid drive specified O Attempted to remove current directory P Not same device Q No more files .np Page 60 File location ------------- It is important to note that in its default mode Printer Boss looks for font files and help files in the root directory of the disk from which Printer Boss is booted. So a file-not-found message may be due either to inability to find the font file or to inability to find the print file. You may redirect Printer Boss to look at another disk by changing the default disk (Shift-F3). Test print files --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Printer Boss disk includes test files which you can simply print out to test the various character sets. They will print out ASCII tables with all characters identified. Use the DOS command "Copy filename.ext prn" or the Printer Boss menu "Print a file" command. These files are... MATRTEST.TXT Test Matrix character set GRF1TEST.TXT Test Graphics 1 set GRAF2TEST.TXT Test Graphics 2 set SCRNTEST.TXT Test Screen character set APLTEST.TXT Test APL character set Printer Boss also includes sample print files which can be printed out to test the operation of the sideways printing action of Printer Boss. These files are simply print files created by Lotus 1-2-3 and we recommend that you try printing them as a first step in sideways printing. You might also view them using the DOS "type" command to become familiar with the structure of the Lotus print file. These files are... SHEET6.PRN Lotus print file, 6 rows SHEET10.PRN Lotus print file, 10 rows SHEET100.PRN Lotus print file, 100 rows .np Page 61 USER SUPPORT PLAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- .np Page 62 User Support Plan ========================================================================== Registration card ----------------- Your return to Connecticut Software of the enclosed License Registration card entitles you to valuable support services, and is a condition of the License Agreement. Consultation ------------ Return of your License Registration card entitles you to telephone consulting service at the nominal charge of $1.00 per minute, $10.00 minimum, charged to your credit card or billed to your company. Our experienced staff can help you solve many personal computer problems, and our assistance is not necessarily limited to use of our software. There is no charge, of course, for calls for help in printing out the Printer Boss manual, or for calls regarding defective disks or software. Tech notes ---------- You will be put on our mailing list for tech notes of any changes in, additions to or revisions of the Licensed Software, and of any potential problems of which we become aware. Product upgrades and enhancements --------------------------------- You will be put on our mailing list for notices of new, upgraded or enhanced versions of the Licensed Software when they are released, AND YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO DISCOUNTS ON NEW VERSIONS. Free replacement of defective disks ----------------------------------- You will be eligible for free replacement of any disks found to be defective in materials or workmanship during a period of 30 days from date of purchase. .np Page 63 CUSTOMER LICENSE AGREEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- .np Page 64 Customer License Agreement ========================================================================== YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO US AS A CUSTOMER AND WE RESPECT YOUR NEEDS. We are doing everything possible to publish top-quality software and provide solid support. We know that it is extremely important to you that our software be easy to use, and so our disks contain only standard unprotected files with no "fingerprints" and requiring no special installation routines. This means that you can install our files on hard disks with no fear of future problems. Our only concession to copy protection is that our program code is encrypted with serial number and/or user's name which appears on the monitor screen and makes each program copy traceable. While protection of hardware products is quite simple, the effective protection of software rights is difficult and still evolving, and we ask for your patience and understanding concerning the following license agreement and our efforts to protect our company against software theft. IF YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS, PLEASE CALL US AT 203-838-1844. a) License ---------- Connecticut Software Systems Corporation, a Connecticut Corporation, hereinafter referred to as Connecticut Software, hereby agrees to grant a non-exclusive license to the purchasor, hereinafter referred to as LICENSEE, to use the enclosed LICENSED SOFTWARE subject to the terms and restrictions set forth in this License Agreement. b) Acceptance ------------- Licensee, by opening and using this software, indicates acceptance of the terms of this agreement. Immediate return of the License Registration Card is a condition of this Agreement. Use of this Licensed Software before the License Registration Card is returned to Connecticut Software is a violation of the copyright held by Connecticut Software. c) Copyright ------------ This Licensed Software is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by Connecticut Software. This software is licensed for the use of the original Licensee only and for use on the computer systems specified. Lawful users of this software are licensed only to read the software from its medium into the memory of a computer for the purpose of executing the program. This manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, transmitted or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent in writing from Connecticut Software. .np Page 65 d) Trade secrets ---------------- All programs and files supplied as part of the Licensed Software are trade secrets of Connecticut Software Systems Corporation. e) Restrictions on use and transfer ----------------------------------- The original and any back-up copies of the Licensed Software and its documentation shall be used by Licensee only in connection with ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME. Licensee may not use the software on a multiuser or network system unless a copy is purchased for every terminal or station on the system. Licensee may not transfer the Licensed Software electronically from one computer to another over a network. Licensee may not distribute copies of Licensed Software documentation to others. Licensee may not use, copy, modify, decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, transfer or rent the Licensed Software or documentation, or any copy, modification or merged portion, in whole or in part, except as expressly provided for in this License Agreement. f) Backup copies ---------------- Licensee may make backup copies of the Licensed Software if the disk is supplied by Connecticut Software in unprotected form, provided that the Licensed Software is used by Licensee on only one computer at one time. The making of multiple backup copies for use on more than one computer at one time is specifically forbidden. g) 30-day disk replacement policy --------------------------------- To the Licensee only, Connecticut Software warrants the Licensed Software and disk to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of thirty days from the date of purchase by Licensee. If, during this 30-day period, a defect in the disk should occur, the disk may be returned to Connecticut Software with a completed Replacement Order Card and Connecticut Software will replace the disk and Licensed Software at no charge, provided that Licensee has previously returned the Warranty Registration Card. Licensee's sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a defect is expressly limited to the replacement of the Licensed Software and disk as provided above. If the failure of a disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the disk, then Connecticut Software shall have no responsibility to replace the disk under the terms of this limited warranty. Licensee may have other specific rights which vary from State to State. h) No express warranty ---------------------- No dealer, distributor or agent of Connecticut Software is authorized to make any representation or warranty with respect to the Licensed Software except those specifically listed in this Agreement. .np Page 66 i) Warranty ----------- Connecticut Software guarantees that the Licensed Software will perform as advertised and as described in this manual, and will replace defective disks at no charge during the warranty period. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH ABOVE, THE SOFTWARE IS LICENSED "AS IS", AND CONNECTICUT SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING (WITHOUT LIMITATION) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN PARTICULAR LICENSEE ASSUMES ALL RISK REGARDING ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN OR ANY USE OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE. j) Limitation of liability -------------------------- Connecticut Software's cumulative liability to Licensee or any other party for any loss or damages resulting from any claims, demands, or actions arising out of this |Agreement shall not exceed the total fee paid to Connecticut Software. IN NO EVENT SHALL CONNECTICUT SOFTWARE NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS LICENSED SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, EVEN IF CONNECTICUT SOFTWARE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. k) Term ------- This license is effective until terminated. Licensee may terminate this license at any time by returning the Licensed Software and documentation to Connecticut Software. This license will also be terminated by Connecticut Software immediately and without notice if Licensee fails to comply with any terms or conditions of this Agreement. Licensee agrees that upon such termination Licensee will return the Licensed Software and documentation together with all copies, modifications and merged portions in any form to Connecticut Software. l) License registration ----------------------- Immediate return of the License Registration Card is a condition of this Agreement. Use of the Licensed Software before the License Registration Card is returned to Connecticut Software is a violation of the copyright. Licensee's use of this Licensed Software is acknowledgement that Licensee has read this Agreement and agrees to its terms. Licensee further agrees that this agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the agreement between Licensee and Connecticut Software, and that it supercedes any proposal or prior agreement, oral or written, and any other communications between Licensee and Connecticut Software relating to the subject matter of this agreement. .np Page 67 m) Assignment ------------- Connecticut Software may at any time assign any of its rights under this agreement to any party without prior notice. .np Page 68