Configuring Systems for Terminals, Printers, and Other Serial Devices (32022-90057)

Terminal and Printer Profiles
What is a Profile
Chapter 7
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• Block mode data transfers are not supported.
• Data protection is supplied through the XON/XOFF protocol. By default, parity
checking is not used.
• The read trigger character is not recognized.
Terminal Type 24
Use terminal type 24 for PAD terminals. Limitations apply to operations over PAD
connections. For example, the following functions are not supported:
• Block mode applications.
• HP Block Mode applications.
• Parity generation, programmatically
• Parity checking, programmatically.
For more information on supported PAD operations, refer to the Asynchronous Serial
Communications Programmer’s Reference Manual.
Printer Types
A printer type is a collection of characteristics that cause a printer to act and react in
specific ways. It defines the relationship between the printer and the MPE/iX operating
system. Four printer types are supplied with MPE/iX: printer type 18, printer type 21,
printer type 22, and printer type 26.
Printer Type 18
Use printer type 18 for spooled and application printers, without status checking. An
application printer is controlled by a program running on an MPE/iX computer. The
program performs the following functions:
• Opens the printer.
• Writes to the printer.
• Initializes the printer before each listing.
• Spools output to the printer.
• Sends messages to the system console or the user’s terminal.
• Checks the status of the printer. (Only some printers can supply this information.)
• Closes the printer.
Printer type 18 responds to an XOFF character sent from a printer. The XOFF protocol
stops the flow of data to the printer so data cannot be lost. However, the printer cannot
send an XOFF character if it is unplugged, turned off, or loses power. In these instances,
data is lost.
Printer Type 21
Use printer type 21 for remote spooled printers. These are asynchronous printers that
can use the MPE/iX spooler.
Printer type 21 uses the XON/XOFF protocol and status checking. Status checking
means an HP printer that respond to the interrogation string:
[Esc]
?
[DC1]
.