AUXPRT is an assembly language program invoked from the AMOS
dot or command mode that allows a file to be printed through
the terminal to the auxillary port to which a printer is attached.
Usage:
AUXPRT filename.ext
or
AUXPRT (cr)
Enter Filename : filename.ext
The default extension is LST. That is if you do not specify
a file extension then it will default to .LST .
It can also be invoked inside a COMMAND or DO file
What it does:
Upon invoking AUXPRT the selected filename is opened for output.
The auxillary port on the terminal is turned on by using the
TCRT call 82 (similar to ? tab(-1,82) or XY=82).
The terminal's terminal driver is then changed to DUMB.TDV and
the opened file is then sent to the terminal through the auxillary
port to the attached printer, one character at a time.
When the opened file is empty, it is closed, the terminal's original
terminal driver is put back into use and the auxillary port is
turned off by use of the TCRT call 83 (similar to ? tab(-1,83)
or xy=83), and the terminal is returned to AMOS.
Why it does it:
As far as I know any printable file can be used with this program,
on any printer attached to the auxillary port of any terminal capable
of Transparency Print, or the ability to send text to the auxillary
port without displaying it on the terminal screen. The terminal's
driver is changed to DUMB.TDV so that if text in the file contains
any control or escape characters they will not affect the terminal.
Some files such as those that are prepared to print on DIABLO or
NEC printers contain codes to operate the printer. Those codes are
a mixture of control and escape codes. If used in conjuction with
a terminals normal terminal driver routine the control of escape
characters could do odd and weird things to the terminal's display,
status, or current functions.
Requirements:
1. A terminal capable of printing to the auxillary port in a
TRANSPARENCY PRINT mode or printing to the port without displaying
the text on the terminal screen.
2. TCRT codes 82 and 83 within the current terminal driver routine
TCRT code 82 is the character sequence that turns the transparency
mode off. TCRT code 83 is the character sequence that turns the
auxillary port off.
3. DUMB.TDV resident in DSK0:[1,6] . It can be added or used for
any other terminal, printer, or NULL job on the system in an .INI file.
Add DUMB to an existing TRMDEF statement for a printer:
TRMDEF PRINTER,AM300=2,DUMB,9600,20,20,20
or add a new dummy TRMDEF statement that contains the DUMB.TDV
TRMDEF AUXPRT,PSEUDO,DUMB,1,1,1
Add one or the other to your .INI file and then reboot the System.
4. The auxillary port on your terminal should be set up to match
the printer, 8 bit, no parity, DTR, or whatever parameters the
terminal allows for auxillary port to match what the printer needs
to see. As far as pin hookups for the cable, that is dependent upon
your terminal and printer. The applications that I am familiar
with, use the cables that came with the printers, or a direct
25 pin ribbon cable connected from auxillary port to printer.
Application:
I am familiar and know of the following instance and that they
do work:
FRE100 terminal and a DIABLO 630 PRINTER - computer hookup
FRE100 terminal and a DIABLO 630 PRINTER - modem hookup
FRE100 terminal and an OKIDATA 93 PRINTER - modem hookup
LNK125 terminal and a DIABLO 1680 PRINTER - computer hookup
FRE100 terminal and a H-P LASER-JET - computer hookup
WYSE50 terminal and all the above printers
WYS350 terminal and all the above printers
Different and varying baud rates from 9600 baud to 300 baud
If these can be hooked up and work most anything can be.
EXAMPLE OF DUMB.TDV
OBJNAM DUMB.TDV
DUMB: WORD 0
RTN
RTN
RTN
RTN
END
SPECIAL:
If you use other TCRT calls for Transparent print mode on
your terminal drivers then you may replace the variable
AXON (which is auxillary on) and AXOFF (which is auxillary off)
to any TCRT code that yur driver uses to turn the auxillary
port on and off
If you would like to substitute a special driver instead of the
DUMB.TDV then place it in the place of DUMDVR: at the end of this
program between the / / on the RAD50 line.
Any questions, answers, or comments to:
Let me know if you use it and with what terminals and
printers so that others may know and use it if it works for them.
James A. Jarboe IV
Educational Filmstrips
1401 19th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
GR/AM
409-295-5767
[101]- sleep 7.5 secends when through printing for auxport running
at slower baud rate than main port's baud rate
I.E. MAIN PORT BAUD RATE = 9600
AUXILLARY PORT BAUD RATE & PRINTER = 300
[102]- fixed erroneous error out put of DUMB.DVR
it should be DUMB.TDV ( a terminal or printer driver)
DUMB should be added to a TRMDEF statement or made on
new TRMDEF statement in the .INI file prior to booting system.
