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* DMP * Printer driver/spooler for IBM PCs and compatibles. Revision 2.00 Copyright(c) 1989 DMP software. All rights reserved. This documentation updated 10 Feb. 1989 _______ ____|__ | (TM) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER DMP Software 1223 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 199 Santa Monica, CA 90403 The following Trademarks are used throughout this documentation: PostScript - Adobe Systems, Inc. IBM - International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft - Microsoft Corporation. MS-DOS - Microsoft Corporation. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction. . . . . . . . . . 1 User Supported Software. . . . . . . . 1 LaserZ. . . . . . . . . . . 2 Contents of the DMP.ARC file. . . . . . . 2 How to use this documentation. . . . . . 2 Starting DMP - basic options & examples. . . . 3 Saving your configuration. . . . . . . 4 FREQUENTLY USED COMMANDS - examples. . . . . . 4 File print utility - PF. . . . . . . . 6 OUTPUT SELECTION. . . . . . . . . 6 Printer connected to a parallel port. . . . 7 Printer connected to a serial port. . . . 7 Printer output redirected to a disk file. . . 9 MEMORY AND DISK SPOOLING. . . . . . . 10 Simplified memory diagram. . . . . . 11 Changing the internal buffer size. . . . . 12 Spooling to expanded memory. . . . . . 12 Spooling to extended memory. . . . . . 13 Extended memory - no XMM driver. . . . . 13 Extended memory with the XMM driver -the XMBLOCK program. . . . . . 14 HMA memory spooling. . . . . . . 15 Spooling to disk. . . . . . . . 15 Combination memory and disk spooling - more examples. . . . . . . 16 DRIVER CONTROL COMMANDS AND OPTIONS. . . . . 18 Printer control. . . . . . . . 19 Character strings in commands. . . . . 22 Character conversions. . . . . . . 22 Spooler control. . . . . . . . . 25 Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the environment variable. . . . . . 26 Using the configuration file. . . . . . . 26 DMP and Word Processors. . . . . . . . 27 Technical description.. . . . . . . . 28 How commands are interpreted. . . . . . 28 Details of program operation. . . . . . 28 Command summary chart. . . . . . . . 30 Registration and Ordering. . . . . . . 31 DMP 2.00 - page 1. INTRODUCTION DMP is a general purpose printer controller including very versatile spooling capability. It works on IBM PC/XT/AT and PS/2 computers and most compatibles, running under PC-DOS or MS-DOS versions 2.0 thru 3.3. Some of DMP's major features are: -Print to disk file option -Support for serial port printers -Spooling to any Dos-recognized disk -Spooling to all common types of memory -Selectable internal buffer size / system memory usage -The ability to drive a wide range of printers at full speed. DMP is a true spooler in that it saves the printer output to non- system memory or to disk as needed, instead of removing a large buffer from system memory. DMP is a memory resident program which uses approximately 13K bytes of system memory. The program is not compatible with the DOS 'PRINT' utility, or with any other print spoolers or buffers which drive printer no. 1. If you use DMP for a serial port printer, you must not use the DOS "MODE" command to redirect output - DMP does it instead. DMP has been used with MS-DOS and PC-DOS versions 2.0 thru 3.3 and with numerous 'TSR' programs, with no compatibility problems except as noted. The program disk also includes the utility "PF" for printing files from a disk without using the DOS 'COPY' command. PF is described in detail below. The syntax for PF is: "PF filespec, filespec,..." The filespecs use the DOS file and directory conventions, and may include wildcards, ? and *. USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE This program is copyrighted material for personal use. If you would like to continue to use the program after a reasonable evaluation period, send a check for $18 to: Terry McGuire DMP Software 1223 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 199 Santa Monica, CA 90403 You may use the registration form at the end of the documentation if you like. The form contains information about another way to register, and details about quantity pricing. If you don't use the form, please make sure your name and address are included on your check. The previous version of DMP was $15 plus $3 shipping. When you register this version you will receive a diskette with the latest DMP 2.00 - page 2. program available. This is intended to keep the price the same as the prior version and eliminate some confusion. Anyone desiring to use this program on more than one computer must purchase additonal copies or fill out and return the registration form at the end of this documentation for the number of copies needed. Making copies of DMP for others or placement on electronic bulletin boards is allowed and encouraged, as long as the programs and documen- tation are transferred in their entirety, with no modifications. If you would like to post DMP on your favorite BBS, please use the DMP.ARC file as you received it. LaserZ LaserZ is available seperately from DMP software for $29 plus $3 shipping. LaserZ is a printer driver / spooler based on DMP that also includes output for PostScript printers. It allows you to print normal text files and output from DOS programs on PostScript printers. LaserZ includes emulation of other printers, selection of different fonts and type sizes, PostScript output for the "Print-Screen" function, and a number of other features. A complete, printed manual is included. If you have a PostScript printer you can order LaserZ with the order form at the end of this documentation. CONTENTS OF THE DMP.ARC FILE The DMP program incudes these files: 1.) DMP.COM; The main program. 2.) DMP.DOC; This documentation. 3.) PF.COM; 'Print Files' utility, described below. 4.) XMBLOCK.COM; Utility program to allow use of DMP with an XMM driver and an extended memory ramdisk. HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENTATION This documentation is quite lengthy, and is best used as a refer- ence rather than a tutorial. The two sections above are important, as well as the next few small sections on start-up, saving the config- uration, and frequently used commands. The rest of the documentation describes the commands and options in detail, and gives a technical description of how the program works. Read the start-up section below, and anything else that interests you. It is usually best to get the program printing something, then decide which other features you might like and try them out. Commands are shown on a seperate line or in quotes, with optional parameters in brackets. They should be entered exactly as shown, except that they are not case sensitive. All commands are a right slash "/" followed by the command and other options. Spaces are not DMP 2.00 - page 3. allowed between the slash and the command name, and commands are seperated by any number of spaces. STARTING DMP - basic options & examples DMP has a large number of options, and there are default settings for all of them. The commands for all the options are detailed in later sections. Only the very basic startup commands are given here. For most printers, the basics are all you will need! There are two important things you will want to tell DMP about your system. First is where to find your printer. Second is where to spool the data for the printer. You specify the connection to the printer with the "/B" command for a parallel printer, with an optional port number after the B, or the "/SC" command for a serial printer - the port number is needed here. For a serial printer, you should also specify the bit rate and "handshake" signal, as shown in the examples below. You tell DMP where to spool the data with one or more "/MX" commands for memory spooling or a "/Dx:" command for disk spooling. The "/MX" commands are: "/MX:nn" to set the internal buffer size to 'nn' Kbytes, "/MXP" for expanded (LIM) memory, "/MXT" for extended memory as found on IBM ATs and many other 80286 computers, "/MXT xxx yyy" also for extended memory, to specify the maximum amount (xxx) and starting place (yyy) in the extended memory, "/MXAll" for both expanded and extended memory, and "/MXAll xxx yyy" to use both expanded and extended and also specify the maximum and start for extended memory as in "/MXT". The disk command, as mentioned above, is "/Dx:". You need the colon, and replace the "x" with the DOS drive letter you want to use. Startup Example 1: Printer on BIOS default parallel port, spool to ramdisk D: DMP /DD: Startup Example 2: Printer on parallel port 1, spool to extended memory above a VDisk at 1.5MB and to the VDisk itself as drive D: DMP /B1 /DD: /MXT 0 512 Startup Example 3: Printer on serial port COM1 at 1200bps, using DSR handshake. Spool to expanded memory and hard disk C: DMP /SC1 R1200 WDSR /MXP /DC: The commands in these examples can be entered in any order. You can also change the configuration of DMP at any time by entering new commands. DMP 2.00 - page 4. Like all the options, these basic ones have defaults. The printer default is the Bios parallel port The spooling default is to use the internal 6K byte buffer only. If you install DMP with no commands, it will try to drive your printer this way. (It will display a warning for no spool buffers, but still work.) If you specify a serial port with "/SCn" with no other options, the default is 2400bps and CTS handshake. SAVING YOUR CONFIGURATION After you have entered a command string similar to one of the above, and printed a page or two using DMP, save the configuration to disk with the command "DMP /WCF". (It stands for "Write Configuration File".) From now on you can install the program with no commands, and your previous option settings will be used. When it starts up, DMP displays a summary of it's configuration so you can verify that your option settings are correct. When you enter this command, DMP writes a file named "DMP.CFG" to the drive and directory where DMP itself is found (current directory under DOS 2). This file contains all the options that you have selected, including the ones not yet explained here. When DMP is installed it finds this file and uses the settings in it. A seperate section at the end of this documentation describes what is saved in the configuration file and how to use it. A word of caution: If you move DMP to another computer, it is best to delete the DMP.CFG file and set up the options from scratch on the new system, unless the computer and printer configurations are completely identical. FREQUENTLY USED COMMANDS - EXAMPLES These examples are shown with very little explanation. They show some of the capabilities of DMP, and should give you some ideas for which features you want to try out. Detailed descriptions for all the commands are in the sections following. Example 1: Parallel printer, text only, spool to hard disk C:, simulate form feeds with line feeds, expand tabs, skip perforation. Load spooler: DMP /DC:/F-/T+/V65 Allow graphics printing temporary, i.e. don't convert tab and form- feed characters: DMP /G+ Re-enable character conversion features: DMP /G- DMP 2.00 - page 5. Example 2: DMP is already installed for a parallel printer. Kill spooler output and empty buffers (e.g. paper jam): DMP /SK Print files ABC.TXT and all files with extension .DOC in directory \docs on drive C: PF C:\DOCS\ABC.TXT C:\DOCS\*.DOC Send printer output to file PRINTOUT.TXT in the current directory: DMP /PFPRINTOUT.TXT Send output back to parallel printer: DMP /B Suspend spooler output: DMP /S- (Data continues spooling, printer stops.) Restart spooler output: DMP /S+ Example 3: Parallel printer connected as LPT1:, text only, spool to ramdisk D:, send sequence 'Esc&k0S' to reset printer on startup. (You've checked the printer manual!) Prevent character ^U from being sent to printer. Load spooler: DMP /DD: /B1 /C27,"&k0S"/X15- Example 4: Serial printer connected to COM1, text only, 1200bps, printer busy signal connected to DSR line, spool to hard disk C:. Load spooler: DMP /DC: /SC1R1200WDSR Printer output to disk file DATA.123 on drive A:, append output to existing file: DMP /AFA:\DATA.123 Change output to parallel printer and spool to ramdisk. (No data spooled for printing.): DMP /DD:/B Switch back to serial printer, leave spooling set to ramdisk: DMP /SC1R1200WDSR You will probably need to read more details about these commands in some cases, especially if you have a serial port printer with param- eters other than those shown, if you have an 80286 (or later) CPU and you want to use combinations of different types of memory, or if you want to enter some complex character conversions. DMP 2.00 - page 6. FILE PRINT UTILITY - PF The utility program PF.COM is intended for printing disk files directly, from the DOS prompt. It is used by entering PF followed by the names of the files to be printed. PF accepts full DOS path spec- ifications as well as the DOS wildcard specifiers * and ? for printing groups of files. PF is useful for printing files output by word processors, compilers, data base programs, etc. that are in 'ready to print' form, plus the "documentation on disk" that comes with many programs. The PF program can also be used for later printing of files that were generated by the "Print-to-disk" option. PF does no conversion itself, and may be used with or without DMP installed. It's intent, however, is to spool data for printing with DMP, then allow the computer to be used for other purposes while the printing takes place. Please do not confuse this separate utility with the DMP command "DMP /PF" for directing printer output to a disk file. OUTPUT SELECTION The spooler output can be sent to a parallel port, a serial port, or a disk file. The next three sections tell you how. DMP 2.00 - page 7. PRINTER CONNECTED TO A PARALLEL PORT. There are four parallel port selection commands: DMP /B BIOS designated printer (default) DMP /B0 Printer output goes to port 0, 1 or 2. DMP /B1 DMP /B2 The ports are defined as: Port #0 - I/O addresses 378-37F hex - The one on the motherboard or on the 1st multi-function board (often). Port #1 - I/O addresses 3B8-3BF hex - The one on a mono or mono- graphics adaptor. The one on a multi-function board (sometimes). Port #2 - I/O addresses 278-27F hex - The 2nd one on a multi- function or other option board. The "/B" command can be entered at any time. It has several important effects: -If serial port output was on, it is turned off. -If Print-to-File was on, the file is closed. -Character conversions are turned on in the last mode selected. A confirmation is displayed for the parallel port selected. When you save the configuration with the "/WCF" command, the parallel port selection is saved with the rest of the parameters. This command is also useful for switching output between two parallel printers. If you don't enter any "/B" command, or enter a "/B" command without a number DMP checks for a printer port designation in the BIOS data area. Once a parallel port is selected, the "/B" command with no number will cause output to go to the selected port. Entering a number after a "/B" will force printer output to the selected port regardless of the BIOS information. See the discussion in the technical description section if you are interested in more details about parallel ports. PRINTER CONNECTED TO A SERIAL PORT. There are just two basic commands for a serial port: "DMP /SC1" and "DMP /SC2" for ports COM1 and COM2. These commands can be followed by "R" or "W" commands to select the bit rate and hardware handshake signal. The full syntax for the "/SC" command is: "DMP /SCn [Rxxx] [Wyyy]". The items in brackets are optional. Do not type the brackets. 'n' is the port number. 'xxx' is the bit rate in bps, from 300 to 19200. 'yyy' is the handshake signal to use, selected from CTS, DCD, DSR, or RI. Control via XOn/XOff is always enabled, in case the printer uses it. DMP 2.00 - page 8. This command may be entered at any time. The effects are as follows: -If parallel port output was on, it is turned off. -If Print-to-File was on, the file is closed. -Character conversions are turned on in the last mode selected. -A confirmation is displayed for the port selected, bit rate, handshake signal, and type of conversion now in effect. Note that the printer must NOT be redirected with the DOS 'MODE' command or any other software. Use the '/SC' or '/B' commands if you want to switch between serial and parallel printers. The port number must be specified when the command is first entered. The rate and handshake signal default to 2400bps and CTS, respectively. Once the parameters have been selected, or loaded from the configuration file, you can switch the serial port on with just DMP /SC. The previously selected parameters are used. The optional "R" parameter sets the bit rate. Do not enter any "/" or "[" between the port select and 'R'. This parameter may be changed after the serial printer has been selected. The optional 'W' parameter selects the serial port signal to be used as the printer 'busy' signal. The selected signal should be connected to the printer output signal for stopping serial input. The signal designations and pin numbers for a 25-pin (PC/XT) and 9-pin (AT) connectors are as follows: Computer connector: 25pin 9pin CTS - Clear to send - pin 5 pin 8 DCD - Carrier detect - pin 8 pin 1 DSR - Data set ready - pin 6 pin 6 RI - Ring indicator - pin 22 pin 9 DMP also includes pacing via 'XOn/XOff' from the printer. This function cannot be disabled. If the printer does not use it, this will have no effect. If the printer does send 'XOff' characters to control output, a hardware pacing signal may still be selected. The hardware signal should be disabled on the connector (either end) if it is desired to use only the 'XOn/XOff' control. If the output to the printer is stopped by 'XOff', it will restart when the printer sends an 'XOn'. DMP also times out the XOff status to allow for some printers that do not properly restart transmission with 'XOn'. Examples: Select COM1, 2400bps, 8data, no parity, 1 stop bit, CTS handshake: DMP /SC1 R2400 WCTS Select COM2, DCD handshake. Other parameters as is: DMP /SC2WDCD DMP 2.00 - page 9. PRINTER OUTPUT REDIRECTED TO A DISK FILE. The three commands for sending printer output to a disk file are: DMP /PFfilespec, DMP /AFfilespec, and DMP /OFfilespec The command names stand for "Print File", "Append File" and "Overwrite File". If the given file does not exist, all three will operate identically. The file will be created and subsequent printer output will go to the file. If the file already exists, the commands operate as follows. The "/PF..." command will find the file, and ask if you want to append, overwrite or cancel the command. The "/AF" and "/OF" commands will append or overwrite the file without asking. A confirmation message is displayed. This command allows only two possibilities for specifying the filename. The first is a filename only, with no drive or directory specifiers, such as "OUTPUT.PTR". This causes the file to be created (or appended to) in the drive/directory that is current when the command is entered. The second method is full path and filename, starting from the root directory of any DOS recognized drive, like "A:\DOC.TXT". Note that the backslash must be used to specify the root directory of a drive (unless it is the current directory). A:\DOS.TXT is correct. A:DOC.TXT is NOT correct and will generate an error message. The file that is being printed to does not have to be on the same disk that is used for the spool files while printing to the printer. Character conversions are turned off while printing to a disk file. This command is cancelled by the "/B" or "/SC" commands to direct output back to the serial or parallel printer. It may also be cancelled by '/PF-'. This will cause printer output to go back to the printer port that was in use before the Print-to-disk function was started. If the "Print-to-disk" function is enabled while there is data spooled to be printed, the spooled data will continue to print until it is finished or the spooler is aborted by command. Any additional data that is sent from a running program or from DOS to the printer after "Print-to-disk" is started will go to the disk file. Please do not confuse this command with the separate utility "PF". This command is for sending printer data to a disk file. The PF utility is for sending an existing file to the printer. DMP 2.00 - page 10. Print-to-file examples: DMP /PFC:\DOCS\PRINTOUT.TXT - Printer output goes to file "printout.txt" in directory "docs" on drive C until cancelled. DMP /OFPRTEXT - Printer output goes to file "prtext" in the current directory. If the file exists it is erased and re-written. DMP /B - If printer output had been set to a file, it is directed to the parallel port. The file is closed. MEMORY AND DISK SPOOLING The memory spooling commands are: DMP /MX:nn to set the internal buffer size, DMP /MXP for expanded memory, DMP /MXT [xxx] [yyy] for extended memory, DMP /MXAll [xxx] [yyy] for both, and DMP /MXNone to stop using memory buffers after they had been enabled. The memory spooling parameters can also be set by using the DOS environment variable if desired. This is discussed in the section on environment variables. The disk spooling command is: DMP /Dx: where x is the DOS disk to be used for spooling. The disk spooling command also responds to the "/Dx:nn" command to set the internal buffer size. This was included for compatibility with earlier versions of DMP. The preferred method is to use the "/MX:nn" command, since it permits you to change the buffer size without specifying a disk. The memory diagram on the next page should help clarify some of the terms in the command descriptions. DMP 2.00 - page 11. +-----------------------------------------------------+ | ** Expanded memory ( up to 8 MB ) | +-----------------------------------------------------+ | Top of Memory on 80286 + | Up to 16MB | | | ** | |.....................................................| | ** | | | | Possible XMM Extended Memory Block | |.....................................................| |.....................................................| | | | | | | | Possible configurable Ramdisk begin. | |-----------------------------------------------------| 1088K | ** | | The High Memory Area (HMA) | | | | | /\ /\ | | Begin extended mem. Possible VDISK | 80286 + only | |====================================================|1024K or 1MB | End reserved area. Top of mem on 8088 PCs | | System Bios | | ................................................| | ................................................| | Network adaptor firmware | | ................................................| | ................................................| | Disk adaptor firmware | | ................................................| | ................................................| | EMS page frame | | ................................................| | ................................................| | Video adaptor display mem & firmware | | ................................................| | Begin reserved area. | |-----------------------------------------------------| 640K | | | | | | | Conventional or DOS Memory | | | | | | | |.....................................................| | Interrupt vectors, Bios data, Dos, Tsr's, etc. | +-----------------------------------------------------+ 0K Figure 1. Simplified memory diagram. The ares marked with ** can be used for spooling. DMP 2.00 - page 12. CHANGING THE INTERNAL BUFFER SIZE The default internal buffer size is 6K bytes. You can change it, during installation of the program only, with the "DMP /MX:nn" command. 'nn' is the size to use in Kbytes (1024 byte chunks), and must be one of the following numbers: 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 40. It is normally not necessary to change the buffer size. A larger buffer may help if you do not have any expanded or extended memory to use for spooling, and you must use a physical disk (not a ramdisk). There is almost no effect on performance of the spooler when using memory buffers. The larger buffer will of course cause more DOS memory to be used by the spooler. SPOOLING TO EXPANDED MEMORY Simply install the program with "DMP /MXP". DMP will verify the presence of an EMM manager with at least 64K available for spooling. The EMS memory use and amount available are shown on the summary display. The memory is allocated thru the EMM manager when needed, and released when done. None is reserved permanently. -- Example -- In CONFIG.SYS: ... DEVICE = EMM.SYS (name of your EMM manager) ... In AUTOEXEC.BAT, or enter from the DOS prompt: DMP /MXP /other options as desired. Expanded memory is memory that is "bank switched" in and out of the PC's address space as needed. This type of memory can be added to any type of DOS computer, including 8088 based PCs. An EMM driver is a program that manages expanded memory. This program is usually supplied when you buy an expanded memory board. DMP will work with an EMM manager supporting LIM 3.20 or later. Use of expanded memory can be turned on at any time with "DMP /MXP", and stopped at any time with "DMP /MXNone". If the memory is being used by the spooler when it is turned off, the data will continue to print until finished, but no new data will be added to EMM memory. Expanded memory is supported by many commercial programs via the EMM driver. It is a good place for spooling because it can be accessed quickly, and it is allocated and de-allocated as needed, allowing maximum use of the memory. DMP 2.00 - page 13. SPOOLING TO EXTENDED MEMORY Extended memory is memory above the 1 MB address range. It is available only on 80286 or later CPUs, which are capable of addressing memory in this range. Under DOS, the only standard use of this memory is for a ramdisk. Some commercial programs support it, but very few compared to those that support expanded memory. There are also some driver programs available that simulate extended memory with expanded memory. A reason for doing this would be to put the memory in one larger piece for use by a ramdisk or other program. DMP is compatible with such programs, since DMP uses the system Bios or the XMM driver to access extended memory. The sim- ulator program goes "below" DMP and the XMM driver. EXTENDED MEMORY - NO XMM DRIVER. Install the program with "DMP /MXT [xxx] [yyy]". [xxx] is the maximum amount of memory that the spooler is allowed to use. [yyy] is the start address ABOVE 1MB. Do not type the brackets. Both xxx and yyy represent numbers in Kbytes. If no parameters are specified DMP will use all memory as reported by the Bios. If the first parameter is zero or is greater than the amount available, DMP will use the amount available. This format is intended to be compatible with the VDISK program, or to allow all extended memory to be used for spooling (no ramdisk). -- Example -- You have an 80286 machine with 2 MB total memory, all conventional. You would like to use 640K for DOS, 1MB for ramdisk, 384K for spooling. In CONFIG.SYS: ... DEVICE = VDISK.SYS 1024 512 128 /E ... In AUTOEXEC.BAT, or enter from the DOS prompt: DMP /MXT 384 1024 / other options as desired. The most important point in this example is that the spooler is told to start at 1024K above 1MB - which is where the VDISK stops. The first parameter to DMP (384 in the example) could have been a zero, or a number greater than 384 to acheive the same result. Use of extended memory can be turned on at any time with "DMP /MXT", and stopped at any time with "DMP /MXNone". If the memory is being used by the spooler when it is turned off, the data will continue to print until finished, but no new data will be added to extended memory. You can only change the amount and start parameters DMP 2.00 - page 14. by using "DMP /MXNone" when no data is spooled, then re-starting with a new "DMP /MXT" command. The VDISK program supplied with DOS simulates a disk drive in extended memory. VDISK always starts from the 1 Mb address and uses as much as you tell it to. Some other ramdisks are available that can use selectable portions of extended memory with higher start addresses. DMP is selectable. To use extended memory for both a ramdisk and DMP, you must command the two programs to use different portions of memory. Unlike expanded memory, there is no 'standard' for interfacing with a ramdisk in extended memory. The spooler and ramdisk will have no way of knowing that the other one is present, so you must inform both of them correctly with commands. EXTENDED MEMORY WITH THE XMM DRIVER -the XMBLOCK program. Install the program with "DMP /MXT". The command is the same as for conventional extended, without numbers. Any parameters after the command are ignored if the XMM driver is found. If the HMA is available, DMP will use it and report it on the summary. The HMA is permanently reserved for spooling if it is found. Other extended memory being managed by the driver is allocated as needed and released when done. The XMM driver and HMA memory are discussed below. -- Example -- In CONFIG.SYS: ... DEVICE = HIMEM.SYS (or other XMM manager) ... In AUTOEXEC.BAT, or enter from the DOS prompt: DMP /MXT /other options as desired. An XMM driver is a program that attempts to manage extended memory in a similar fashion to that specified in the LIM standard for expanded memory. DMP is compatible with the published specification called XMS from Microsoft. The free (copyrighted) Microsoft driver program called HIMEM.SYS is available on many BBS systems for anyone with a 80286 CPU who would like to use it. Note that XMM drivers are not compatible with VDISK, and will refuse to load if VDISK is installed. They can be made compatible with some other ramdisks by using the XMBLOCK program supplied with DMP. This is only possible with ramdisks that can be commanded to start above the HMA memory. DMP 2.00 - page 15. The 'proper' way to use extended memory for a ramdisk would be to have the ramdisk program allocate what it needs through the XMM driver. Unfortunately, there are no ramdisks that work with the XMM driver as of this writing, since the specification is new. The XMBLOCK program allows you to block off memory that has already been taken by a ramdisk, without the XMM driver's knowledge. The remainder of extended memory can then be managed by the XMM driver. XMBLOCK is not a resident program - it uses no memory itself. HMA MEMORY SPOOLING The XMM specification and XMM drivers support a 'trick' memory area on 80286 and 80386 processors called the HMA - High Memory Area. This is shown on the diagram in figure 1. DMP can use the HMA for spooling, but only through the XMM driver. If the driver is present and reports the HMA available, it will be used for spooling. The size of this area is 65520 bytes (64K - 16), and it can be accessed quickly, so it is a good candidate for spooling if you have no preferred use for it. The HMA does not add anything to your available extended memory, but it does allow access to it in a different way that is faster than the standard method. SPOOLING TO DISK Select a disk drive for spooling with "DMP /Dx:" where x is the drive to be used for spooling. You need the colon. A disk drive may be selected when DMP is first installed or any time later. The drive can be changed if there are no spool files active. The command will work if there is data in the memory buffers, as long as nothing is spooled to the disk. You can stop disk spooling at any time with "DMP /DNONE". Any data that is spooled to disk when this command is entered will continue to print, but no new data will be added to the disk. DMP is compatible with any disk recognized by DOS. A ramdisk is a very good candidate for spooling because of it's speed. The time taken by the spooler will usually not be noticeable with a ramdisk. A hard disk is convenient for large print files. A floppy or any removable disk is NOT recommended, as removing the diskette while the spooler is operating can cause the system to crash. Also, the I/O is very slow and will use noticeable portions of computer time while printing. DMP will create disk files with filenames $PSPOOL.nnn, where 'nnn' ranges from '000' to '999'. The files may vary in size from 4K up to 32K bytes each if a lot of information is spooled. The files are DMP 2.00 - page 16. written as printer output is generated, then read and deleted when the information is printed. The spool files are written to the 'root' directory of the designated drive. Subdirectories on a hard disk can be used via the DOS 'SUBST' command. No filenames should be used on the system which match the program's format. The files are not marked as 'hidden' or 'system', so they will show up in directory listings made while the spooler is running. If the system is stopped or rebooted while the spooler is running, extra files will be left on the disk. This will not interfere with the operation of the spooler when it is reloaded, but the files should be deleted to free up the disk space. COMBINATION MEMORY AND DISK SPOOLING - MORE EXAMPLES Disk spooling can be done with extended and/ or expanded memory spooling in any combination by the appropriate commands as shown above. If all types of spooling are enabled, DMP will use them in the following order: 1. Internal buffers (6K bytes). 2. HMA memory. 3. Expanded memory. 4. Extended memory via XMM driver if present, or via Bios if not. 5. Disk. There are two basic advantages to using expanded or extended memory for spooling instead of a disk. 1. Access is faster, so less CPU time is used by the spooler and the printer still runs full speed. 2. It does not have any contention problems like DOS has when using it for disk access. The Bios and both types of memory driver programs can be called by the spooler without fear of 'running into' your application software (spreadsheet, word processor, etc.). The disadvantage is that memory being used for spooling is of course unavailable for any other programs. DMP allows you to make the tradeoff as you desire. DMP 2.00 - page 17. Example 1: XMM driver with ramdisk & spooler This is based on an 80286 computer with 2MB total memory. The XMM driver is available. Desired memory use is 640K for DOS, 896K for ramdisk, 512K for the spooler. In addition, the spooler will be allowed to use the ramdisk if it fills the rest of memory. In CONFIG.SYS: ... DEVICE = HIMEM.SYS (Name of XMM driver) DEVICE = FASTDISK.SYS /M=896 /EXTM=0,1088 (Name of ramdisk, with commands) ... In AUTOEXEC.BAT: ... XMBLOCK 896 (block off ramdisk portion) DMP /MXT /DE: (spooler uses XMM driver and ramdisk E:) ... In this example, the ramdisk program is commanded to start above the HMA memory, and use 896K bytes. Use commands needed for your ramdisk. The memory used by the ramdisk is then blocked off by XMBLOCK so the driver will not allow it to be allocated. DMP then discovers the driver available with 448K bytes that can be used when needed for spooling, plus the HMA with 64K bytes. Example 2: Expanded and extended with simulator The hypothetical configuration is an 80286 cpu with 1MB of memory on the motherboard plus an expanded memory board with 1.5MB. The XMM driver is not used. Desired memory use is 640K for DOS, 1MB ramdisk, remainder of expanded memory for applications and spooling as needed. In CONFIG.SYS: ... DEVICE = EMS32.SYS /options (name of EMM driver) DEVICE = REX.SYS 768 (name of simulator) DEVICE = VDISK.SYS 1O24 512 128 (install ramdisk) ... In AUTOEXEC.BAT: DMP /MXP The EMM driver is installed, the simulator is told to take 768K of expanded memory and use it as extended memory, and the ramdisk is told to use all the extended memory (384K + 768K). DMP then finds the expanded memory available to be 896K bytes, and will share it with application programs as needed. DMP 2.00 - page 18. DRIVER CONTROL COMMANDS AND OPTIONS The type of output that is spooled and printed is controlled by the following commands. Graphics/binary mode on/off: DMP /G+ or DMP /G- Send/don't send auto line-feeds: DMP /L+ or DMP /L- Printer has/doesn't have auto line feed: DMP /A+ or DMP /A- Allow/don't allow line-feeds from application: DMP /U+ or DMP /U- Printer has/doesn't have form-feed function: DMP /F+ or DMP /F- Physical page length is 'nn': DMP /Pnn Lines of text before auto form-feed: DMP /Vnn Set left margin to 'x' spaces: DMP /Mx Tab expansion on/off: DMP /T+ or DMP /T- Reset or clear all tab stops: DMP /TR or DMP /TC Set/clear tab stops at 'aa'/'bb': DMP /Taa+,bb- Jam literal character string to printer: DMP /C<char string> Convert an escape sequence: DMP /E<char string>=<char string> Convert a control character or group of hi-bit characters: DMP /Xnn=<char string> Show character conversions in effect: DMP /LIS The descriptions for all these commands follow. DMP 2.00 - page 19. PRINTER CONTROL DMP /G+ and DMP /G- commands: Graphics/binary print mode on/off. The "/G+" command turns off all character conversions. It will also speed up the output to a parallel port. The "/G-" command restores character conversions to their previous state. This command is useful to allow bit image graphics printing for dot-matrix printers after some character conversion options have been selected. The options can later be re-enabled with "/G-". This command is also useful for speeding up output to the printer for graphics or any other type of printing. The faster printing may cause some slowdown in computer response, or possibly some lost characters on some printers when printing normal text. The only recommendation that can be given for this command is to experiment with your printer. DMP /L+ and DMP /L- commands: Instruct DMP to send, or stop sending, line feeds to the printer after each carriage return. '/L+' causes line feeds to be added, '/L-' removes the effect of'/L+'. This can be used to force double spacing or in conjunction with a print program that does not send line feeds, causing a "black bar" to be printed on one line. It is usually not needed. Line feeds are not added in graphics '/G+' mode. DMP /A+ and DMP /A- commands: Inform program whether printer has auto line-feed. The "/A" option does not change the character conversion functions, but allows DMP to count the number of lines that the paper has advanced in order to generate the form feed function. The program should always be properly set to match the printer's operation. If the printer does have automatic line feed, the preferable choice is to disable this function on the printer. If it isn't or can't be disabled, add the '/A+' command when DMP is installed. The '/A-' command resets to the default state. DMP /U+ and DMP /U- commands: Allow or suppress line feeds after carriage returns. This command refers to characters which are being sent from an application program to the printer. '/U-' inhibits line feeds after carriage returns; '/U+' reverts to default state. It can sometimes be used to force single-spacing when the program is printing double- spaced. It can also be used together with /A and /L to force a DMP 2.00 - page 20. consistent print format from a variety of programs which use different line spacings. Line feeds are not inhibited in graphics '/G+' mode. DMP /F+ and DMP /F- commands: Inform DMP whether the printer has form-feed capability. '/F+' (default state) tells DMP to pass form feeds to the printer, and to use form feeds when needed. '/F-' causes the form feed function to be simulated by adding line feeds to the end of the physical page length set by the '/P' option. The program should be set to match the printer. Form feed characters are not converted in graphics '/G+' mode. DMP /Pnn command: Set physical page length. 'nn'=number of lines per page, 5 to 99. This command informs DMP of the number of lines (printer line feeds) on a page. 66 lines corresponds to 6 lines per inch, 11 inch paper. The program should be correctly informed if the page length is different. This number is used by the program for the form feed function and the 'skip perforation' function. See the '/V' command below. The page length might be changed for graphics mode or an unusual page layout. Entering this command with no numbers will cause the program to display the current setting. Entering this command at any time causes the program to be set to 'top of form', with nothing sent to the printer. DMP /Vnn command: Set text length - number of lines to print per page. This command is used in conjunction with '/P', above, to tell the program when to advance to the next page during continuous printing. In the default state, the printer will not skip lines for the perfor- ation, since the text length is set longer than the physical page length. To enable this function, set the text length to one or more lines less than the page length with this command. Entering this command with no numbers will cause the program to display the current setting. Entering this command at any time causes the program to be set to 'top of form', with nothing sent to the printer. No perforation skip or automatic form feed functions take place when the driver is in graphics '/G+' mode, regardless of the settings for page and text length. DMP 2.00 - page 21. Example: DMP /P84/V85 -Set printer to 84 lines per page (14 inch paper). Disable 'skip perforation' function. DMP /Mx command: Set left margin. x is a decimal number from 0 to 99. This command allows a left margin or indent to be added to printouts. The number of spaces entered as 'x' will be added to each line. "DMP /M0" removes the margin. No left margin is added in graphics '/G+' mode. If any left margin has been selected it will be shown on the summary display. DMP /T+ and DMP /T- commands: Tab expansion function ON/OFF. The defaults are tab stops at every 8 positions, expansion off. /T+ enables tab expansion, /T- disables it. Any tab characters received will advance the print position to the next tab stop set. Refer to the other '/T' commands below for setting tab stops. Tab expansion should be disabled if the printer includes tab stops and you want to use this feature. Since DOS and most word processors include tab expansion, this feature will not usually be needed. It is useful when copying disk files which include tabs directly to the printer, or if you want to set your own custom tab stops. No tab expansion occurs in graphics '/G+' mode. DMP /TR command: Reset tab stops to every 8 positions. Removes any tab stops set by other '/T' commands. Sets a tab stop at every 8 positions. DMP /TC command: Clear all tab stops. Useful before resetting tabs to a new format. DMP /Taa+,bb+,... or DMP /Txx-,yy-,... commands: Add or remove tab stops at column positions. 'aa','bb',...=column numbers to add tab stops. 'xx','yy',...=column numbers to clear tab stops. The column numbers followed by '+' or '-' may be intermixed to set up a complete tab format. DMP 2.00 - page 22. Example: DMP /TR/T+/T41-,43+,57-,64+,65-,69+,73-,75+,81-,82+ (Enter this entire command on one line.) Resets tabs to every 8 columns, i.e. columns 9,17,25,..., enables tab expansion, then clears tab stops from columns 41, 57, 65, 73, 81 and adds tab stops at columns 43, 64, 69, 75, 82. CHARACTER STRINGS IN COMMANDS The next 4 commands require entry of character strings for output or conversion. This is shown as: <char string>. A character string may be entered on the command line as either a quoted string, like: "Abc" or a series of decimal numbers like: 65,98,99. If more than one of these is needed, separate them by commas. 5 examples of valid strings are: "XYZ" 13,10 27,"W",65,66 "Test" "abc",13,10 DMP /C<char string> command: Send character or control code string to printer. See the description of character strings above. This command jams characters directly to the printer, at the output of the spooler. It is useful for resetting the printer to a desired state on startup, or for changing pitch, etc., especially from a batch file. Refer to your printer manual for codes needed. This command sends characters to a printer only, not to a disk file. Example: DMP /C27,"U" -Send 'Esc,U' to printer. CHARACTER CONVERSIONS DMP /E<char string> = <char string>, or DMP /E<char string>-,or DMP /E<char string>+ commands: Convert or inhibit an 'escape' sequence. Remove conversion or inhibit for a sequence. See the description of character strings above. These commands allow conversion of control sequences beginning with the 'Escape' character (ASCII 27, Hex 1B). If a number of these conversions are set up, the control sequences for one printer can be substituted for another. The first syntax causes the sequence on the left of the '=' to be replaced by the one on the right of the '=' before being sent to the printer. The '-' (minus) option inhibits the escape sequence from being sent to the printer. The '+' (plus) option removes previous conversions or inhibits for this sequence. DMP 2.00 - page 23. The limitations are as follows: A total of 64 sequences may be converted or inhibited at one time. Each sequence may consist of up to 20 characters for both the input and output strings. (40 char- acters total.) The total number of characters in all conversion sequences is limited to 512. Sequence conversion is not recursive. The converted sequences are sent directly to the printer without passing through the converter again. The escape character is implied in the command. Do not include it after the '/E'. The escape character is NOT implied in the 'to' sequence. Escape sequences may be replaced by any other sequence. No escape sequence conversions take place in graphics '/G+' mode. Example: DMP /E"W"=27,"E" /E"&"=27,"F" Convert the sequences 'EscW' and 'Esc&' to 'EscE' and 'EscF'. This would convert the Diablo 630 bold on/off functions to the cor- responding Epson functions. DMP /Xnn=<char string>, or DMP /Xnn=- or DMP /Xnn=+ commands: Convert or inhibit a control character. Remove inhibit from a control character. 'nn'=decimal code for the character to be converted. See the description of character strings above. 'nn=-' inhibits this character from being sent to the printer. 'nn=+' removes previous conversion or inhibit for this character. Control characters can be converted or blocked from being sent to the printer with these commands. Valid control characters for this command are ASCII codes 0 thru 31, except Tab(09), CR(13), LF(10), FF(12), and Escape(27). The single control character is replaced by the string before being sent to the printer, or it is blocked from being sent. This function can be used for a limited amount of conversion of commands for one printer to commands for another, or to block printer commands from a word processor or other program that refuses to cooperate. Any conversions remain in effect when printer output is redirected between serial and parallel printers. No conversions or character inhibits take place in graphics '/G+' mode. Examples: DMP /X15="x" Convert ^O to lower case 'X'. DMP /X23=- Prevent ^U from being sent to the printer. DMP 2.00 - page 24. DMP /Xnnn=<char string> command: Convert a Hi-bit Ascii character or group of characters by entering data in the conversion table. 'nnn'=decimal code for a hi-bit character. See the description of character strings above. The character string of one or more characters is entered in the conversion table starting at the specified character 'nn'. Hi-bit ASCII characters are those with codes greater than 127. For these characters, each one is replaced by one character from a conversion table before being printed. The startup state of the table maps each character to itself, so no conversions take place unless you enter them. A group of conversion table entries is entered with this command by specifying the starting character, 'nnn' in the above syntax, then entering the character string. Although the syntax is the same for control characters (above) and hi-bit characters, the commands are interpreted differently. No hi- bit character conversions will take place in graphics '/G+' mode. The hi-bit conversions can be used to make your printer display the IBM box-drawing characters, math symbols, etc. that show on the display, if the printer uses a different set of characters. If you enter any hi-bit conversions into the table with this command, it is a very good idea to save the configuration with the "/WCF" command so you won't have to enter them again. See the "Configuration File" section later in this document for more details. DMP /LIS command: Display all control character and escape sequence conversions in effect. Causes the driver to display a table of all conversions in effect. The table is displayed when any conversion commands are entered. This command permits checking the table without changing any entries. A typical display is as follows: Escape sequence conversions: 50 -Inhibited- 69 27,31,32,32 70 27,32,32,32 98,111,120 27,28,32 101,98,120 27,54,32 Control characters: 15 -Inhibited- 18 -Inhibited- The numbers on the left show the characters for which conversions are in effect. Those on the right show the outputs, or inhibited status. DMP 2.00 - page 25. SPOOLER CONTROL The following commands give you precise control over the spooling functions in DMP. They are primarily useful for error recovery situations. These commands may only be entered after the program is installed - on the second and subsequent invocations. DMP /SK Command: Cancel printing. Flush buffered printer data. Deletes any spool files from disk. Empties any memory buffers. Printing stops, but spooler operation continues normally after reset. All data that was spooled to be printed is lost. Useful for paper jam, printer malfunction, wrong setup, etc. If printer output has been set to a disk file, this command does not delete the disk file or stop the output. DMP /S- command: Stop spooler output to printer. Turns off output to printer. Spooler continues to function, generating printer output data to memory and/or disk if needed. Output can be re-enabled from the point where it was stopped with the '/S+' command. Useful for spooling output for printing later, changing printer paper, etc. If printer output has been redirected to a disk file, this command affects only data which is still spooled for the printer, if any. Output continues to go to the disk file. Example: DMP /S- -Spooler output is turned off temporarily. DMP /S+ command: Restart spooler output after '/S-' or '/SB'. Turns on output to printer after it has been turned off with '/S-', or bypassed with '/SB'. No effect if the output is already on. DMP /SB Command: Bypass spooler function. This command bypasses spooler and driver operation for all subsequent printing. All printer output is sent thru BIOS. The program is re- enabled by the '/S+' command. If printer output was directed to a disk file, it will stop going to the file until re-enabled by the '/S+' command. DMP 2.00 - page 26. MISCELLANEOUS DMP /NV command: Suppress all messages when commands are executed. DMP displays normal messages through DOS to "standard output", error messages to "standard error". This command turns off all message output (except copyright notice when installing). It suppresses both normal and error messages. If you want to suppress only normal messages and still display errors, you can run DMP as DMP/options... >NUL. This causes DOS standard output to be redirected to "nul" - not displayed. This command can be used when another program calls DMP via the DOS 'exec' function. DMP will return error level 0 if no errors occur, error level 2 otherwise. This command does not turn messages off permanently. It must be entered at the beginning of the command line any time messages are to be inhibited. USING THE ENVIRONMENT VARIABLE DMP will read memory spooling commands from a DOS environment var- iable when it is being installed, if desired. The variable should be entered with the 'SET' command as: SET DMP = /options. 'options' can be memory commands "/MXP", "/MXT..", "/MXALL.." for selecting expanded or extended memory or both for spooling. DMP will look for the "DMP=" environment variable when installing only. The use of the environment variable is optional, and the program will execute command line selections whether the environment variable is used or not. USING THE CONFIGURATION FILE The configuration file was mentioned in section 7 above. It is a very convenient way to set up a complex set of options without having to remember a lot of commands, and without needing a batch file. When DMP is installed, it looks for a file named DMP.CFG which holds the selections for most of the options. If this file is not found, all the default parameters are used. The command to save the file is "DMP /WCF". It stands for "Write Configuration File". Once you have stored the configuration, you do not need to re-enter your options every time you use DMP. The basic options that are saved include the printer port, type of memory and/or disk spooling selected and all the character conversion and page formatting options. DMP 2.00 - page 27. You can change option settings and re-write the new options with another /WCF command at any time. It is a good idea to do this as you 'fine tune' the settings for a printer/computer combination. You can go back to the last saved option settings by entering "DMP /RCF" after installing DMP. This is useful if you have changed the options and then decide you liked them better the way they were. The DMP.COM file may be renamed if desired. Under DOS 3.0 or later, DMP looks for a configuration file with it's own name and the extension ".CFG". Under all versions of DOS 2, it uses file "DMP.CFG" in the current directory. This is only important if you rename the DMP.COM file or if you install DMP from different directories each time under DOS 2. There are only two options that are not saved with the configuration file: 1. Printing to a disk file. 2. Program in graphics/binary mode or bypassed with the "/G+" or "/SB" commands. DMP AND WORD PROCESSORS DMP works well with all types of word processors. This section gives you a few tips for getting the most from your word processor and DMP at the same time. If your word processor does not support your printer, you can use some of the escape sequence and character control functions in DMP to get page formatting on your printer to match one that your word processor does support. This can be a tedious process, but it may still be better than buying a new printer! If your word processor supports your printer and drives it normally - thru the system BIOS or DOS - you get maximum benefits from both programs. DMP should usually be put in "/G+" mode while using the word processor. If you have a serial port printer, set up DMP with the "/SC" command and the proper settings for your serial port. Do not use the DOS "MODE" command. It is sometimes necessary to tell your word processor to print to "PRN" or "LPT1" to get it to spool through DMP. Experimenting with a single page printout should tell you if the settings are correct. If your word processor supports your printer and drives the PC's hardware directly, you may not know it. Try printing a page or two with DMP installed, and see if the system is returned to you right away while the printer is printing. If so, the spooler is working. If not, the word processor is driving the printer directly. A number of "high-end" word processors and desktop publishing programs will do this. For this type of program, you should set DMP to match your hardware, and of course do not try to print from DMP and the word pro- DMP 2.00 - page 28. cessor at the same time. You still get the features of DMP for printing from other programs, printing disk files, etc. You should also get all the features of your word processor with no conflicts. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION This section provides some detailed information on how the DMP program works. Read it if you are interested, or if you are having problems getting started. The commands are described in detail in the previous sections. HOW COMMANDS ARE INTERPRETED. When DMP is installed, it reads the configuration file before any commands that you enter at the DOS prompt. This means you can over- ride any of the settings in the file with commands if you want to. The commands for selection of spool buffers, output port, and all character conversions may be entered in any order. The program reads them in the order desired, and ignores conflicting commands. DETAILS OF PROGRAM OPERATION. DMP is a "generic" printer driver, not configured for any specific make or model of printer. Use of the character and escape sequence conversions, serial port redirection and several other options will almost certainly require a thorough understanding of the printer manual for the printer that is to be used. Referring to that document at the same time as the command options given here should allow the program and printer to work together harmoniously, though the process may take some time. DMP only works with the 'primary' printer on a system, designated 'PRN' by DOS. It can work with more than one printer on a system, one at a time, as explained above. When the computer is turned on, the BIOS finds the parallel printer by sending signals to each of the 3 possible port addresses, in a specific order. The first port that responds becomes "LPT1" or "PRN" for DOS. If a second port responds, it becomes "LPT2". Thus the BIOS designations don't correspond to a specific hardware setup. DMP will use the one BIOS finds if you don't specify otherwise in a "/B" command, but doesn't necessarily use the same naming convention. The port addresses used are listed under the "/B" command. DMP functions by intercepting the BIOS software printer interrupt (17hex), converting characters as needed, and sending the resulting output to the spooler. The spooler saves the data as it is received, then sends it to the printer by driving the parallel or serial port directly, or sending printer output to a disk file. DMP 2.00 - page 29. Calls to INT 17H which are for a printer other than the primary one are 'chained' to the previous vector. The spooler also intercepts the timer interrupt, calls the previous owner of the timer, then checks for any printer functions needed. If the printer is redirected to a COM port, the hardware interrupt for that port is also used, and the use of the timer interrupt is reduced. The timer interrupt is also used to time out the print-to-file function after a few seconds of no activity. DMP also uses DOS software interrupts 21H and 28H to get access to DOS for disk read and write functions. The character and escape sequence conversion functions use internal conversion tables. The hi-bit characters are converted from a simple 128 byte lookup, which is initialized to all the same characters. The escape sequence conversions use a separate 512 byte buffer for the conversion strings. The strings are sorted when they are entered, and compared using a binary search when being received. This puts as much of the complexity as possible in the non-resident portion of the program. Of the system memory used for DMP, about 6K bytes is program code and internal data. Seperate buffers are used for input and output with 6K bytes total in the default configuration. An internal stack is used when needed during timer ticks. A large amount of the code in DMP is for error handling. The basic approach is that if the spool buffers fill, but the printer is still printing, wait about 90 seconds for the output buffer to empty. If it doesn't empty, return an error to the program that is printing. Contention for access to the disk presents a more complex problem. DMP will sense a "deadlock" condition if one arises, and again return an error to the caller. The use of expanded or extended memory for spooling helps avoid such problems. The "Print-to-disk" option uses the input data buffer. The buffer is written to the disk file when it reaches half of the input buffer size, as soon as DOS is available for the disk write function. If the buffer fills up and DOS is not ready, the information for the file will be written to memory buffers if any are available. If there is nowhere else to go, an error return is given to the program that is printing. DMP will not "throw away" data if the disk is not available. The buffer will also be written to the disk after an 8 second (approx.) timeout if nothing has been output to the printer. DMP 2.00 - page 30. DMP COMMAND SUMMARY CHART Function Default Select(DMP/..) Printer output: Set printer output to parallel port #n. BIOS Bn Set default parallel port Bios port B Printer output to serial port x, bit Parallel SCxRyy rate yy, Wait for abc (CTS,DSR,DCD) CTS Wabc Printer output to filename: Parallel PFfilename -Append to file if it exists AFfilename -Overwrite file if it exists OFfilename Spooler control: Set internal buffer size to nn Kbytes 6K MX:nn Use expanded memory for spooling None MXP Use extended memory for spooling, None MXT xxx yyy use xxxK bytes, start at yyyK over 1MB Use expanded and extended memory, None MXALL xxx yyy use xxxK bytes, start yyyK over 1MB Turn off expanded/extended memory usage MXNONE Spool to disk drive X. None DX: Turn off disk spooling DNONE Spool output OFF (temp) ON S- Spool output ON, after /S-. ON S+ Cancel printing. Flush buffers/files. SK Bypass spooler. Pass chars to BIOS. SB Printer control: Graphics/binary mode printing ON,OFF. OFF G+,G- Send,No send LF to printer after CR. *No send L+,L- Printer does/doesn't auto LF on CR. Doesn't A+,A- Allow,Suppress LF after CR from user. *Allow U+,U- Printer does/doesn't have form feed. *Does F+,F- Set physical page length (paper length)* 66 lines Pnn Set text length for auto FF (skip perf)* 70 lines Vnn Set left margin. nn=0 to 99 *No margin Mnn Tab expansion ON,OFF *OFF T+,T- Reset tabs to every 8 positions Reset TR Clear all tab stops 8 spaces TC Add tab stops at columns aa,bb,... 8 spaces Taa+,bb+, Remove tab stops at aa,bb,... " " Taa-,bb-, Character conversions: Send char. string to printer C<char seq> Convert control char nn to string <char seq> up to 5 chars., 0 to 31, not Tab,CR,LF,FF,esc.* Xnn=<char seq.> Inhibit sending control char. nn * Xnn=- Remove inhibits/converts for char. nn * Xnn=+ Enter conversion chars in hi-bit table * Xnnn=<char seq.> Convert escape sequence <seq 1> * E<seq 1>= -replace with <seq 2> * <seq 2> -remove conversions * E<seq 1>+ -inhibit sequence * E<seq 1>- Display all conversions in effect * LIS Other: Non-verbose mode (no messages) msgs on NV Save configuration file WCF Read configuration file RCF *DMP makes no conversions for these options with graphics mode ON.* DMP 2.00 - page 31. REGISTRATION AND ORDERING There is only one current version of DMP - there are no "demo" or "crippled" versions. The programs are updated from time to time, however. You will receive the latest version when you register. You can also order DMP from the Public (Software) Library at 1-800- 2424-PSL (orders only; for information call 1-713-665-7017) or by writing to: PSL P.O.Box 35705 Houston, TX 77235-5705 MC/Visa Accepted. User support is available from the author on CompuServe via PPN 73210,2531. Your questions will be answered within 48 hours, usually much quicker. If you do not have access to CompuServe, please write to DMP software at the address above. The author of this program is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The ASP has established stringent standards for both its Members and any organization which has 'ASP Approved' status. ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a problem with either a ASP Member or organization (other than technical support), ASP may be able to help. Please write to: ASP Ombudsman P.O. Box 5786 Bellevue, WA 98006 Or send a CompuServe message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536 --------------------------------------------------------------------- DMP ORDER FORM The registration fee for one copy of DMP is $18. California residents add sales tax for your county. Mail this completed form to: DMP Software 1223 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 199 Santa Monica, CA 90403 You will receive the latest version of the program on 5.25" disk. Name:__________________________________________ Company:_______________________________________ Street Address:________________________________ City:___________________State:______ZIP:_______ Number of copies___ x $18 $_____.___ Sales tax (CA) _____.___ Total enclosed: $_____.___ --------------------------------------------------------------------- The remainder of this form is for more than 5 copies of DMP, or a site license. Fill out the name and address portion above, and mail your check for the desired number of copies. If you are ordering more than 10 (ten) copies, you will receive a site license agreement along with the latest version of DMP. If you would like a site license agreement only, mail a request to the above address. Number of copies: Price per copy: ============================================== 5 - 25 $10.00 26 - 100 $ 7.50 101 and up $ 2.00 ($1000.00 maximum for one location). Total enclosed: $______.___ Authorized signature: Title: ______________________________ _____________________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------- LaserZ ORDER FORM Mail this completed form to: DMP Software 1223 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 199 Santa Monica, CA 90403 You will receive LaserZ on 5.25" disk with complete, printed manual. ANY AMOUNT THAT YOU HAVE PAID FOR REGISTRATION OF THIS OR ANY EARLIER VERSION OF DMP (SINGLE COPY) MAY BE DEDUCTED FROM THE PRICE FOR LASERZ. Name:__________________________________________ Company:_______________________________________ Street Address:________________________________ City:___________________State:______ZIP:_______ Number of copies___ x $32 ($29 + $3 s&h) $_____.___ Sales tax (CA) _____.___ Total enclosed: $_____.___ ---------------------------------------------------------------------