Duplexing

Duplexing refers to the printing of data (or forms) on both sides of a piece of paper. Many original forms have "terms and conditions" or other text printed on the back. These forms and other double-sided documents can be printed by a printer that has a duplex attachment, IF the correct sequence of PCL command is sent.

If printable data has been received by the printer and the duplex command is sent afterward, the page (and the printed data) will be ejected and the printer will be in duplex mode.

First, send the printer the Start Duplex Job Command. Before any other data arrives at the printer, it must be given this PCL command to begin duplex operation. The printer can't switch modes on the fly. The duplex command is ^es_c&l1S for long edge binding or ^es_c&l2S for short edge binding.

Send the data from the application. After the printer is in duplex mode, the printable data can be sent from the application program.

Call the form for the front page. Send the standard form overlay command. ^es_c&f#Y^es_c&f4X

Eject the page. Send the Form Feed command to the printer. At this point the printer will not eject the page but will instead turn the page over in the duplexer.

Send data for back page (if any.)

Call the form for the back page.

Sned a Form Feed. The printer will now eject the page.

Questions:

• ra_var24@yahoo.co.in asks: " Hi
  
  I m using designjet 5500, i need coding for to print front and back side simultaniously. is posible
  
  regards
  
  rv" James Newton of James Newton's Massmind replies: There is no way a printer can print on both the front and back and the same time. Duplexing is where the printer does the front, then turns the paper over and prints on what was the back. You will need to contact HP to find out if that specific model of printer supports duplexing, and what command puts the printer into duplex mode. It's probably the standard one listed here, so try it and see what happens.

• nsalsbury@esisnet.com asks:

  I am a novice DeskJet 890C printer user and need help in finding PCL3 coding for simple things like compressed print, Italic, Bold etc AND some guidance on how to send the control strings to my printer.

  James Newton replies: I have no information about PCL3. HP does.

• tsiewwei78@yahoo.com asks:

  Hi,
  I would like to ask, is that possible to print duplex on certain page only? This is because I need to print a Delivery Order, which the terms and condition will be at the back of first page. This means only first paper will printed both side (front and back), and the other pages will be printed in every new paper. I am sending oracle report from from oracle e-suites.
  
  Looking for your help. Thanks in advance.
  
  Regards,
  siew wei

  James Newton replies: PCL can support that, but I don't know if the application program or printer driver can be setup to send the PCL required for it.

Code:

Comments:

• Thank you for this page, I found it very helpful. I can print duplex now where I was unable to before, even after consulting the HP PCL reference guide.
  -Peter in VT