Tickets Won’t Print Using Datamax or Practical Automation Printer yet data light flashes indicating data was sent

Applies to Sensible Cinema Box Office for Windows

VERSION COMPATIBILITY:
Windows XP using the Generic/Text Only printer driver shipped with Windows

If you are using another driver with Windows XP other than the “Generic/Text Only” driver shipped with your Windows Operating System, be advised the software does not use TrueType fonts and the driver you are using WILL NOT WORK.

The FGL language capabilities of your printer are utilized by the software and the commands are sent from your Sensible Cinema Software program. The driver disk supplied with your Datamax, Boca or Practical Automation printer is for printing with True Type fonts in other Windows applications. By our utilizing FGL hardware fonts built into the printer allows the Sensible Cinema application to print 10X faster than using TrueType fonts. DO NOT INSTALL THESE DRIVERS ON YOUR SYSTEM BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT WORK!

HARDWARE INVOLVED:
FGL Language Ticket Printers (Boca, Practical Automation, Datamax) – This does not affect receipt printers like those by Citizen, Epson, Samsung, etc.

 

SYMPTOM:
Nothing happens when a ticket should be printing yet the “Fault” light flashes then goes out every time I try to print, indicating that it did receive something.

 

RESOLUTION:

 

This happens because there are no form feed characters being sent to the printer to eject the ticket after the print job has completed. This behavior affects some Windows XP boxes and not others. The solution is to manually insist that a form feed be provided at the completion of every print job sent. (Note: Each individual ticket is considered an individual print job.)

 

To add a form feed after every ticket to ensure it is printed and pushed out of the printer upon completion. Steps shown below:

 

  1. Press the Windows “START” button.
  2. Select “Printers and Faxes” under “Control Panel”
  3. Locate “Generic/Text Only” Printer
  4. Right-Click printer name and select “Properties”
  5. Remain on the “General” tab.
  6. Select “Printer Preferences” button near the bottom of the dialog box.
  7. Select the “Paper/Quality” tab.
  8. Change “Paper Source” from “Automatically Select” to “Cut Sheet”
  9. Press “Apply” button then Press “Ok” button.
  10. Press “Ok” button on the original dialog box.

 

Printer should now eject tickets when printed.

 

 

 

This document added on 2/17/2005.