Capture/Redirect PCL to PCLPrint

Posted on | December 1, 2009 | No Comments

How to setup the Port Monitor to capture PCL and redirect it as input to PCLPrint.exe to print to any Windows printer driver.

  1. Download PCLTool SDK Demo from pagetech.com.
  2. After you download, install (with all the defaults)
  3. Rename c:\program files\pagetech\pcltsdk_Vvv\pmon\config.ini to config_pdf.ini
  4. Rename c:\program files\pagetech\pcltsdk_Vvv\pmon\config_pnt.ini to config.ini
    This changes our demo to use PCLPrint instead of converting PCL to PDF with PCLXForm.exe.
  5. From our Go to Start – Programs – Icon Group “PCLTSDK_Vvv” – Run: PCLTool.exe and exit.
  6. From our Go to Start – Programs – PCLTSDK_Vvv – Print Capture – Port Monitor -> RUN:”PMon Setup” It will use the renamed config.ini file, install PMon1: and the PCL Transformation Driver.

If your default driver is not the correct driver and want to specify a specific driver – go to the PCL Transformation Driver properties -> Ports -> Port Monitor Configuration dialog and specify (browse/select) the driver you want to print to at the “Print Using” preference.

Print to the PCL Transformation Driver or directly to PMon1:

Run: PCLTool.exe program -> View PCL, then “FastPrint” to the PCL Transformation Driver.  It will convert the PCL and print it on the default printer driver.  If you want to specify a specific driver – go to the PCL Transformation Driver properties – Ports – Port Monitor Configuration dialog and specify (browse/select) the driver you want to print to at the “Print Using” preference.

Read our Port Monitor Help file for more information and Start – Programs – PCLTSDK_Vvv – Documentation & Help Files – Help Files -> Intro to PageTech Tools for more information PCLPrint.exe.

PCLPrint comes with PCLTool SDK - Option II ($695).  However, it’s a 100-user license for applications where the PCL is always coming from the one, same source.  It’s for application software vendors to bundle with a product that generates PCL from their controlled source so that we know the PCL will always be compatible. 

We can also enhance the PCL on-the-fly by adding logos, overlays, barcodes, etc.  And, we can also split the PCL after it’s printed into individual PDF’s for archiving or web presentment.  That would require a combination of Option II and Option V ($695) for PCLXForm.exe.

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Category: Print Capture / HotDirZ, Print PCL to Any Printer
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