IBM PC GRAPHICS PRINT SCREEN ROUTINES
 
The accompanying programs, LASER.EXE and EPSON24.EXE, were developed by me to
do a graphics print screen for CGA, EGA, VGA modes 11h-13h and the super VGA
mode 58h (800x600) used by Paradise. It should also work in the 1024x768 mode,
but that has not been tested.  The laser program will do a screen dump at 300
dpi resolution and seems to work fine with printers with about 1 Mb of RAM.
The printed graphic is only about 2/3's of a page.  The laser program has been
tested on a Kyocera F-1010 using the HP LaserJet+ emulation mode and on an HP
Series II printer.  Both seem to work just fine.
 
The other program, EPSON24.EXE, uses the Epson LQ-2500 mode to print at 180
dpi. I have only tested it on the Panasonic KXP-1124 printer in the LQ-2500
emulation mode, but that seems to work ok.  I used a very simple dithering
technique to give you color variations and a very good proportional
representation of the actual screen image reproduced on paper.  I tried a 360
dpi variation of the Epson version, but it takes too long to print.  I don't
think it would be useful unless you are using 800x600 or better and have no
access to an HP laser printer.
 
The codes are terminate and stay resident (TSR) and written in PowerC by Mix.
They are written so that if you accidently try to install it more than once
during a DOS session, it will detect its presence and not reinstall itself.  I
use the cassette data area in low RAM to keep track of the installation
process.  There is currently no internal way to deinstall the program other
than using two utilities available from PC Magazine.  There are no parameters
to give either program so simply execute it during your boot process or
whenever you need it.  The laser version also uses a beeping sound for every
100 columns processed so that the user knows the routine is working.  My
Kyocera does not have a data received light so the beep is useful.
 
The routines take up from 10-12 Kb of RAM and I am sorry for that. My previous
version in the PD were for the Epson FX series of 9-pin printers and a crude
HPLJ+ print screen which used only 2 Kb but C is greedy and the assembly is too
complex, for me, for the algorithms I used.  Also, the assembly version will
not execute any faster, because the C version is limited by the printer and
video RAM access times anyway.
 
If you so desire, you may modify the code at your discretion. Alternatively,
you can call me to provide help in modifying the code.  I cannot answer
questions during work hours 8-5 Eastern tiem, but will be happy to help you at
any other time.  My home phone is (703) 435-1696 or you may write me with a
stamped self addressed envelop and I will reply.  This is not a business and I
receive no monetary rewards for the code, so be patient please.
 
These programs are free to you, so please pass them on to others.  If you
modify the programs, don't distribute the modified versions for further
distribution without sending me the modifications so that I may maintain a
fairly accurate configuration of the current PD versions.  Also indicate in a
comment the modification made and by whom.
 
Thanks for using this software and I would like a small note if you like it or
would like to see changes in it.  This is freeware with no charge to you except
this one small note if you either use and like or dislike it.  I need your
input to refine and improve the codes. I thank you for your time and good
computing.
 
Dr. R. Brooks Van Horn, Jr.
701 Fall Place
Herndon, VA  22070
Feb 1990
