Dot Matrix Line Feeds

rbuser

Hey all, we have an old version (6) of ReportBuilder with Delphi 5. We have
developed a report which we print as graphics using however the printer's
native fonts (we tested both on Epson and on Star dot matrix printers).

As far as printing from RBuilder it works okay. However after a report is
printed from RBuilder then any other report sent as text (notepad, or other
programs the customer has) then the printer will not line feed.

We have seen this in all of our customers. Help?

nardmoseley

Have not heard of this issue before.

ReportBuilder uses standard Windows API commands to render reports to the
printer. It does not talk directly to the printer driver. There are Win API
commands to begin/end a print job and start/end a page. ReportBuilder does
not issue line feed commands, it simply renders text and other output to the
Printer's Canvas.

ReportBuilder <--> Windows API <---> Printer Driver <--> Printer


1. Try downloading a trial version of RB 7 for D5 and perform the same test.

2. If the problem persists, please specify exact steps to recreate the issue
and we can try it out here. Does the problem happen on any Epson dot matrix
printer? Does the issue happen with any report?



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Nard Moseley
Digital Metaphors Corporation
www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Hi again,

I installed the 7 trial and it behaves exactly the same. In examining the
problem I am able to reproduce it:

1. Epson Dot Matrix
2. Star Dot Matrix (a4)
3. Star Dot Matrix (a3)
4. HP Laserjet 1100
5. HP Laserjet 1500
6. Lexmark Inkjet

Those are the printers I was able to get my hands on. I think you can
reproduce it easily if you create a simple report to send it to the printer
for printing. Then open notepad and print something from there. It doesnt
line feed until i close the printer and reopen.

nardmoseley

We performed a simple test here by printing a report from ReportBuilder to
an Epson LQ-570+ and then printing from NotePad. No issues were encountered,
everything works properly.

Some of the printers you listed are LaserJets?

In any case we are unable to reproduce anything here.


--

Nard Moseley
Digital Metaphors Corporation
www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

We are having the same problem in both dotmatrix and laser printers. After
printing through rbuilder the printer stops linefeeding when it comes to
printing plain text.

nardmoseley

We need specific steps to recreate the problem or a sample project. We have
tried a test here based upon your general description. Perhaps the error
only appears under very specific conditions. No other customers have
reported this issue.

ReportBuilder uses very standard Windows API calls to start/end a print job,
start/end pages, and render to the printer canvas. ReportBuilder does not
talk directly to the printer driver.

ReportBuilder <---> Windows API <---> Printer Driver <--> Printer Hardware


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rbuser

Hi Nard,
I am running delphi test project here and I will send it to you as soon as
its ready.. Shall I use the old rbuilder or the trial which i downloaded?

nardmoseley

Please send the Delphi project to support@digital-metaphors.com in zip
format. Use only standard Delphi components and ReportBuilder. We will
compile the test the application, with RB 7.04, the latest release.


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