> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf
> Of John Ferrell
> Sent: 24 February 2012 15:56
> To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> Subject: Re: [TECH] Using low-level printer commands to perform unusual
> printeroperations
>=20
> Comments embedded. This is one of those times where revealing my
> ignorance leads to enlightenment.
>=20
>=20
> On 2/24/2012 8:55 AM, Bob Ammerman wrote:
> >> A windows DLL file allows access to a higher security level in the
> >> system than programmers are currently accustomed to.
> > This is not a true statement. DLL's operate under the security context
> of
> > the calling application and have no special privileges.
> Thank you, I am close to checking this out. I will prepare to be
> disappointed, I want direct hardware access

A DLL is simply a library of functions that are loaded dynamically (i.e. at=
 run time) rather than statically (at compile/link time).  This means a bun=
ch of functions can be used by more than one program e.g. the Windows API f=
unctions.  A DLL has no other inherent magic apart from that which you code=
 into it.


> > Drivers are another beast. They are difficult to write but do have the
> > ability to do many things that a standared App/DLL cannot do.
>
> Ouch! I hope I am up to the task...

Writing drivers is probably one of the most programming task under Windows =
(or Linux/Unix come to that).  Microsoft supply the Windows Driver Kit (WDK=
) for developing drivers if you really need to go down this path

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg487428

As Bob mentioned, the Windows Spooler will allow you to send raw (i.e. unfo=
rmatted) data to the printer (Microsoft has some example code for this some=
where) but I'm not convinced this will offer you the control you need.  Som=
e more detail on your requirements may be useful.

Modern cheap printers have relatively little in the way of "smarts" in them=
.. Typically you won't be able to control them directly using e.g. PCL or Po=
stscript.  Instead the Windows driver performs any rendering required and s=
ends the resulting raster image to the printer using low level commands whi=
ch will be specific to the printer.  Details of the interface at this level=
 will almost certainly be very difficult to find.

Regards

Mike

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
This e-mail is intended for the person it is addressed to only. The
information contained in it may be confidential and/or protected by
law. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you must
not make any use of this information, or copy or show it to any
person. Please contact us immediately to tell us that you have
received this e-mail, and return the original to us. Any use,
forwarding, printing or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.
No part of this message can be considered a request for goods or
services.
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.