MACROS
MACRO DEFINITION
A macro is a collection of printer commands, control
codes and/or data created by the user that is
downloaded and stored in the printer's memory. Once
stored in the printer, a macro can be invoked by a
single command. Macros can eliminate the need to
download the same information repeatedly, thus saving
transmission time. The number of macros that can be
stored in the printer's memory is limited only by the
amount of available memory (except in LJ II or earlier
where 32 macros is the limit). Practical uses of
macros include forms, letterhead, logos and lengthy
printer commands.
MACRO CREATION STEPS
1. Designate a unique identification number (Ec&f#Y).
Any number from 0 to 32767 can be used and each
macro ID number should be different. If a new
macro is loaded that uses the same ID as a
previously loaded macro, the previous macro will
be deleted from user memory.
2. Send the start of the macro command (Ec&f0X).
This indicates the following command and data are
to be stored as a macro.
3. Send the escape sequences, control codes, HPGL/2
commands and text to perform thedesired operation.
4. Send the Stop Macro command (Ec&f1X) to identify
the end of the macro data.
5. Designate the macro as permanent (Ec&f10X) or
temporary (Ec&f9X). A macro stored as permanent
will not be deleted by a printer reset. A macro
stored as temporary will be deleted with a printer
reset.
MACRO INVOCATION
To invoke a macro, send the Macro ID command with the
ID number of the macro, then send the Macro Control
command with a value field of 2, 3, or 4 (Ec&f2X),
(Ec&f3X), (Ec&f4X). This performs the macro in the
specified mode:
2 = Execute
3 = Call
4 = Overlay
EXECUTE When a macro is executed, it begins
performing its commands using the current
modified print environment (see below for
explanation of modified print
environment). 1Changes made to feature
settings during macro execution are
recorded in the modified print
environment; these changes are retained
upon completion of the macro execution.
CALL When a macro is called, it begins
performing its commands using the current
modified print environment. Changes made
to feature settings are recorded in the
modified print environment; however these
changes are not retained upon completion
of the macro call. The modified print
environment that existed prior to the
macro call is restored.
OVERLAY When a macro is enabled for overlay, its
execution is the final operation each time
a page is printed. Before the macro is
executed, the current modified print
environment is saved and replaced with the
overlay environment. The overlay
environment is a combination of user
default and the current modified print
environments. Changes made to feature
settings during the macro overlay are
recorded in the modified print
environment; however these changes are not
retained upon completion of the macro
overlay. The modified print environment
that existed prior the macro overlay is
restored.
THE PRINT ENVIRONMENT
FACTORY DEFAULT ENVIRONMENT
A factory default is a feature setting programmed into
the printer at the factory. The group of all the
printer's settings set to their factory setting is
referred to as the Factory Default Environment.
USER DEFAULT ENVIRONMENT
A user default is a setting selected from the printer's
control panel. User default settings are stored in the
User Default Environment and are retained even if the
printer is turned off.
MODIFIED PRINT ENVIRONMENT
The current printer feature settings constitute the
modified print environment. Whenever a feature setting
is altered using escape sequences, the new setting is
recorded in the Modified Print Environment. The
Modified Print Environment is saved during a macro call
or overlay and restored upon its completion.
DELETING MACROS
There are several mechanisms provided by PCL macro
control for explicit deletion of macros from user
memory. These include commands to delete all macros,
all temporary macros, or an individual macro by
reference to its macro ID number. See the Macro
Control Command. Both temporary and permanent macros
are deleted from memory whenever the printer's power is
turned off.
MACRO CONTROL COMMAND
The macro control command provides mechanisms for
definition, invocation, and deletion of macros.
Ec&f#X
# = 0 Start macro definition
(last ID specified)
# = 1 Stop macro definition
# = 2 Execute macro (last ID
specified)
# = 3 Call Macro (last ID
specified)
# = 4 Enable macro (last ID
specified)
# = 5 Disable automatic overlay
(last ID specified)
# = 6 Delete all macros
# = 7 Delete all temporary
macros
# = 8 Delete macro (last ID
specified)
# = 9 Make macro temporary
(last ID specified)
# = 10 Make macro permanent
(last ID specified)
MACRO NOTES
* A macro may call or execute another macro, which
in turn may call or execute another macro, two
levels of nesting are allowed.
* Other than call and execute, no macro control
operations may occur within a macro.
* A printer reset (EcE or UEL) is not allowed in a
macro.
* The macro enabled for automatic overlay is invoked
on each page, until the macro is disabled or
deleted, a reset occurs (through software or
control panel), or the page length, page size or
orientation is changed.
* HP-GL/2 commands are only supported in a macro in
the LaserJet 4 family and above.
* PCL macro control commands are not allowed while
in HP-GL/2 context.
Copyright Hewlett-Packard Co. 1993
The information contained herein is subject to change
without notice.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the use of this
material.