ParallelPrinter

Arduino library that implements a parallel printer (driver) - implements the PRINT interface

Description

This library defines a parallel printer object.

It implements the Print interface to be able to print all datatypes using write(), print() and println() The printer writes every byte over 8 parallel lines including a STROBE (clock) pulse, while waiting for the connected printer not to be BUSY or OUT OF PAPER.

This library is meant to be a starting point to make a "printer driver" for a specific parallel printer. These can often be bought in 2nd hand stores or so.

Have fun!

Note: This lib is a extended redo of the ParPrinter class.

Interface

Constructor

• ParallelPrinter() uses default pins (13, 2, 12, [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10])
• ParallelPrinter(strobe, busy, oop, arr) define 3 control pins + 8 datapins (= arr)
• begin(linelength, pagelength) set line and page length parameters

Print interface

• write(c) send a single byte to printer, implements Print interface. Therefor all print() and println() functions will work.
• formfeed() to eject current page or forced go to the next page.
• linefeed() send a linefeed. The number of actual lines is set by setLineFeed()

Config

These settings are pretty straightforward.

• setLineLength(lineLength) idem
• getLineLength() returns the current line length.
• setPageLength(pageLength) idem
• getPageLength() returns the current page length.
• getLineNumber() returns current line number.
• getPageNumber() returns current page number.
• getPosition() returns the position on a line.
• setTabSize(tabsize) tabs are replaced by spaces. n can be 0 or any size!
• getTabSize() returns tabSize set
• setLineFeed(lineFeeds) lineFeeds = 1,2,3 1 = default
• getLineFeed() returns lineFeeds set
• printLineNr(bool) can be set to true, false

Expert mode

• isOutOfPaper() to check paper tray before printing starts.
• setStrobeDelay(n = 2000) make the strobe pulse shorter == faster printing allows tuning of performance. Default value = 2000. Time in microseconds.
• getStrobeDelay() returns value set.

Note mechanical printers e.g. dot matrix, really do need a way to stop receiving data as they do not have large buffers.

See also

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_port#Centronics

Future

• Make a front end of a parallel printer, that accepts the clocked bytes and print them
• derive e.g. an HP or an EPSON printer from this class.

Operation

See examples