Printing data using printer_open

Ammj

I am trying to print a table of data to the printer, I have a list of persons in a building with entry times and dates. I need to print this out quickly in the event of fire. I am using php4 on a windows box. I have tried using printer_open() and Printer_write(). It works BUT each person is printed on a seperate sheet of paper. (20 poeple = 20 sheets). not good for the trees.

Can anyone give me a big hint on how to print the twenty records on one page.

CODE
$handle = printer_open("My Printer");
printer_start_page($handle);

XXX code to retrive data line in array XXX

printer_write($handle,"$MyDataString");

XXX loop until data finished

printer_end_page($handle);
printer_close($handle);

toplay

Try using printer_set_option() to set certain values after printer_open(). Like the "PRINTER_PAPER_FORMAT" setting.

If you're going to use printer_start_page(), then it's best to use printer_start_doc() first.

Of course, make sure the $MyDataString doesn't' contain any characters that would force a new page (or vertical tabs).

hth.

Ammj

I have tried to simplyfy the code:-

$handle=printer_open("P30 HP Laserjet 2100");
for($j=0;$j<10;$j++) {
$mydata = "This is count number ".$j;
printer_write($handle,$mydata); }
printer_close($handle);

Still printers on lots of pages, Do I need set the options,paper etc?

rikmoncur

On your printer, you need to set the paper type to 'flame retardent'.

Really - the fire alarms are going off, people are rushing around like headless chickens falling over themselves and blocking the exits, Tracy in accounts has jammed the printer again while trying to print off 200 copies of the latest funny email, people are jumping from the upper windows and your computer locks-up and needs rebooted. I can just see someone patiently and calmly trying to print out an attendance sheet!
You've got a problem - and it ain't php!

Ammj

Ha Ha

What the boss wants.... he gets. (I think he wants the report as a time and attendance record). But that is beside the point. Can you help ? or are you just one of those people who have a built in sarcastic streak!

toplay

Ammj wrote:
Do I need set the options,paper etc?

Well, have you tried what I suggested in my previous post?