Print to Parallel Printer Port to Serial (COM:) Port on PC

Posted on | January 25, 2010 | No Comments

Method I:

How to capture PCL from a device that can only print via a parallel printer port.

If your application that is generating print streams that can only print to a LaserJet or DeskJet printer, then we will be able to convert them.

You need to procure from some third party Parallel to Serial converter (under $200).

Here is what we use for testing:

  • Telebyte – model 109A – Bi-Di parallel-serial converter with buffer (SXP-325A)
  • Standard Bi-Di parallel printer cable
  • Straight-through serial cable for the input PC
  • Female to female parallel Centronics gender bender

If you need to also convert the output, send a copy of the file back to the printer or have any other custom needs met, we will need to know them in order to provide a fixed quote for the custom script work.

  • What text do you want us to extract out of the print file to determine the PDF file naming convention?
  • Do you also want to automatically print the file to a laser printer, after it’s converted to PDF?
  • Do you want to add a logo, barcode, overlay to the print image during the transformation?

Minimum purchase from PageTech:

  1. PCLTool SDK – Option V ($695) with 30-day refund guarantee. It will include our SSpool.exe to capture the serial port input from the parallel-serial converter and redirect it as input to PCLXForm.exe. PCLXForm’s .TPT script program will then extract the text (and, if you want also convert to PDF format).
  2. At least 2 hrs. of Engineering/Technical Support at $150/hr. (Non-refundable).

In order to provide custom OEM licensing and pricing we also need to know the following:

  • What is the maximum number of pages in any one print file?
  • How many units?
  • Do you install on single standalone desktop units or do you need one server-based unit to convert PCL from multiple devices?

Other Methods:

  • Parallel to USB hardware.
  • Parallel to JadTech’s Night Hawk print capture hardware.

Whatever the method, we can transform or print the PCL anyway that you require.

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Category: Print Capture / HotDirZ
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