MicroPrint

Version 3.0
October 1986

Copyright 1985, 1986
Kenneth D. Whitney
All Rights Reserved


WHAT IS MicroPrint?

MicroPrint prints ASCII text files in a variety of print modes -- regular,
compressed, and MicroPrint -- on IBM, EPSON, and compatible dot-matrix
printers. MicroPrint offers such features as printing on both sides of the
page, removal of excess blank lines, printing from selected page numbers,
etc.


ABOUT MicroPrint

MicroPrint was initially based on an idea presented in PC-Magazine's "Power
User" column by Charles D. Dines, 17 September 1985. Versions prior to 3.0
were written in Assembly Language. For Version 3.0, the program was
rewritten in Turbo Pascal. MicroPrint was originally intended to be used as
a source-code lister, with "micro" print saving a considerable amount of
paper. As features were added, it became apparent that printing on both
sides of the paper, blank line supression, and many other features would also
be useful with other fonts, so the ability to print in normal and compressed
modes was added.


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR MicroPrint

-- IBM PC,XT,AT,PCJr, or close compatble.
-- DOS 2.0 or greater.
-- IBM/EPSON or compatible dot-matrix printer.


HOW TO USE MicroPrint

Simply type

MP

at the DOS prompt to bring up the MicroPrint main menu. MicroPrint will
prompt you for a filename.

MicroPrint can also be started by typing

MP [d:][filename][.ext]

The filename can include drive and path information and wildcard
characters (*,?).

When wildcards are used in the filename the name of the file currently being
printed is displayed. When all the files have finished printing, either
enter a new file name or press ESC to return to DOS.

The printing of any file can be aborted by pressing ESC. If wildcards were
used in the filename the program will search for and print the next matching
file.

== Special Keys ==

"Files" Window Active "Parameters" Window Active

Alt-H >>> Help Menu Arrow Keys >>> Select Parameter
Alt-P >>> Parameter Selection + Key >>> Increment/Toggle Parameter
ESC >>> Exit to DOS - Key >>> Decrement Numeric Parameters
ESC >>> Return to "Files" Window


Two windows are available on MicroPrint's main display. The "Files" window
is used to enter file names and to display messages, the current file being
printed, etc. To switch to the Parameter window, press Alt-P.

The parameter window allows the printing parameters to be changed. Most
numeric parameters such as margin and tab can be increased by pressing '+'
and decreased by pressing '-'. Non-numeric parameters such as font, header,

and blank line supression (Compression) are toggled with the '+' key. To
make permanent changes to some of the program's parameters you must use the
installation program (MPINST.COM).

MicroPrint recognizes carriage returns, line feeds, etc'. in documents, but
it ignores form feeds/page breaks. MicroPrint also expands tabs.

In the "MicroPrint" mode, MicroPrint sets IBM/EPSON and compatible dot-
matrix printers to print in the compressed, super/subscripted mode at 120
lines per page. To promote even use of the print-head pins and to prolong
ribbon life, MicroPrint toggles between superscripting and subscripting at
each page break.

The Compressed mode sets the printer to the 17 cpi font, at 75 lines per
page, and the Normal mode uses the default font at 60 lines per page.

Some parameter settings are mutually incompatible, and MicroPrint will
automatically correct any incompatibilities.


ABOUT MicroPrint INSTALLATION

An installation program, MPINST.COM, is provided with the MicroPrint package.
This program allows some of the default settings of MP.COM to be permanently
altered to suit your system. To use MPINST.COM, be sure both MPINST.COM and
MP.COM are on the default drive and type

MPINST

The four installable features are:

1)Display method:

In the default setting, MicroPrint writes directly to screen memory. As this
may cause a problem with some software (windowing and multitasking programs,
for example), MicroPrint can be set to use BIOS calls. Note, however, that
using the BIOS calls is somewhat slower than direct screen writes.

2) Monochrome Graphics Displays:

If you are using a Color Graphics Adapter and a monochrome graphics display,
you may find the text more readable if you select this option.

3) Default font:

Select Normal, Compressed, or MicroPrint.

4) Default printer port:

Choose LPT:1, LPT:2, or LPT:3.


MORE NOTES ABOUT MicroPrint

If you are using MicroPrint in any business, government, or other commercial
enterprise, please send $10.00 to the address listed below.

If you are using MicroPrint in a non-commercial environment and find it to be
a useful product, your contribution is appreciated.

Please send contributions, comments, suggestions, bug reports, etc. to:

Kenneth D. Whitney
1325 S. West Street
Arlington, Texas 76010

MicroPrint may be freely copied, shared, and placed on public and private
bulletin boards, but may not be sold under any circumstances.

The author retains the copyright.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Please do not alter the code or remove copyright notices from any copies
uploaded to bulletin boards. Please upload both the program and the
documentation.

MicroPrint IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

If you use a printer that is not IBM/EPSON compatible, custom versions of
MicroPrint are available. Please send inquires to the above address.

Special thanks to

Chuck Condos
Ray McVay

for helpful comments and suggestions.


UPDATE HISTORY

TURBO PASCAL VERSIONS

Changes for Version 3.0

> Entire program rewritten in Turbo Pascal

> Compressed and Normal fonts added.

> Blank line supression added.

> Ability to start at any page added.

> Line wrap added.


ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE VERSIONS

Changes for Version 2.1

> /B switch to allow printing on both sides of the paper.

> Line spacing command altered to include a wider range of printers.

Changes for Version 2.0

> /Pn switch to select printer port.

> Limited parallel port checking and display of selected parallel port.

> Status indicators for active switches.

> Some text files occasionally use carraige returns without linefeeds to
produce boldface and underlining without embedding special printer
control codes. MicroPrint has been altered to properly handle this type
of input.

> Many "little" improvements.


Changes for Version 1.1

> /H switch to supress page header.

> /S switch for 90 lines per page.

> Larger input buffer (1024 bytes vs. 512 bytes).

> Support for wildcard characters and path names.

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