How to set a custom paper size with dot matrix

[Henry]

Hi there, now i have a dot matrix printer and i want to use it to help me print the receipt with the size 8" x 5.5", but i found that after i go to print setup, i can't found the custom paper size in the paper size list. So, how can i solve this problem, if not i can't use the printer to print receipt.

Regards,

Henry

[webcat]

If you are using a Mac running OS X 10.2.x then I can help you:

The CUPS drivers for a dot matrix printer are very simple, if you open them and look at the code, you'll soon see exactly how they are written. It is then a simple case to add your custom page size, and even make it the default page size.

I was actually thinking of developing some shareware that did this for you, but I haven't got round to that yet!

However, I can create a small installler package which does this to your exact spec.

please email me if this is of any help to you (if you are using a PC or Mac OS 9 then it won't be !)

email address posted in NOSPAM format:

info (at) medix-solutions.com

[webcat]

I should have also mentioned that because the CUPS drivers are very simple, they don't allow for the creation of custom page sizes from the Page Setup window.... Hence the need to have them embedded in the ppd file.

[Henry]

My one is using PC, so, got any solution? And nomarlly how those people using filemaker with dot matrix printer sovle the custom paper size problem.

[Oldfogey]

Henry,

This is not a FMP issue. I have recently aged another 40 years trying to print single column labels on an old dot-matrix printer. The problem is the available drivers. I made an extensive search but could not find anything other than the standard generic MS drivers. These give you a choice of about half a dozen page sizes and that's it! My customer has WIN-ME, 2000 and XP. I use W2K. I think there were appropriate drivers in WIN-95.

I do hope someone will prove me wrong.

Paul J.