Print to LPT1 as DUMMY and specify a 30 second timeout

[rick]

I have an app that I am trying to run in Vdos (latest) under windows 10.  Also running DOSPRN to get IBM Proprinter emulation and print on HP inkjet.  The issue that I have is that the customer doesn't want to see Windows printing box (LPT1 = DUMMY).  The customer also has some print jobs that are one line.  The customer runs a number of these one line reports in a row and wants them to print on one sheet of paper.  This works with LPT1 = TIO: 30 (30 second delay on print timeout).  I can't find a way to combine DUMMY with any other options.  All other reports run great.  Suggestions?

[Jos]

LPT1 = SPOOL DUMMY, or LPT1 = SPOOL SEL:"HP inkjet", or
Create a Windows Dummy printer (local port NUL:), then LPT1 = SEL:"Dummy" TIO:30, or
LPT1 = SEL:"HP inkjet" TIO:30.

Of course best to use another LPT port for those one-liners to avoid waiting with other reports.

Jos

[rick]

Thanks, Jos. Will try on next visit to customer site.

[Jos]

Note: SEL: ..."Windows printer name"... won’t activate DOSPRN. If the external DOSPRN program is preferred, the line:

LPT1 = SPOOL "%ProgramFiles(x86)%\DOSPRN\DOSprn.exe" [DOSPRN options] #lpt1.asc

Would be more appropriate: DOSPRN doesn’t have to run in the background monitoring files, while it would pick up the #lpt1.asc file quicker and more decisive.

Jos