Using Ascent vbSeries Print Function Setup
Important: This feature applies only to firmware versions 3.1.xx or 3.2.xx. Instruments with firmware 3.3.xx must download the data and print from a PC.
vb7 and vb8 instruments can be configured to print balancing reports directly to PCL-enabled network printers. Configuring this feature requires an in-depth understanding of your network and printer configurations. If you are unfamiliar with either, you may require assistance from your network administrator or technical support department.
The steps below assume you have already added your instrument to the software's instrument database.
- Connect your powered instrument to the Ascent host PC using the supplied communications cable.
- From the Ascent software's main menu array select Edit>Manage>vb Instruments....
- Double-click the vbX instrument to open the 'vbX Properties' window, then click the Printer tab.
- Type a name into the 'Local Printer' field. Any previously saved names can be re-selected using the dropdown selection box.
- Click the Printer Type drop down box and select a printer language type. Available options are Postscript, PCL and Disabled. Check your printer's user documentation for the correct setting.
PCL is the most widely supported printer language. Check your printer documentation to determine which option is most appropriate.
- Type the printer's IP address into the 'Printer Address' field.
To obtain your printer's IP address, open your 'Printers and Faxes' folder (Start>Printers and Faxes in Windows XP). Right-click the printer and select Properties. Click the Ports tab. Scroll down the list of ports until you see your printer (it will have a checkbox selected beside it). The IP address will be listed under the 'Port' column.
- Type the printer's Queue Name into the 'Queue Name' field.
The Queue Name is a unique identifier, sometimes known as a 'Printer ID'. Many printers have a factory-configured Queue Name that can be found in the printer's user manual, or printed on a label attached to the printer itself. If the printer was configured by a Windows Printer Wizard, the Queue Name may use the header 'IP_' followed by the IP address: 'IP_192.168.1.1', for example. Click the Paper Size and select a paper sheet type.
- Press Apply and the settings will be transferred to the instrument. Click vbX Print Test to print a test page and confirm that your configuration is correct. Click OK to close.
The vbSeries instrument's printed balance reports can be configured tovdisplay a specific company logo letterhead. To activate this function:
- Tick the 'Show Company Logo' checkbox.
- Click . Confirm that you want to overwrite the instrument's current image by clicking Yes or No to abort.
- Browse to the image to use as the report letterhead graphic and double-click. This image must be in .GIF format with dimensions of 550 pixels (width) x 220 pixels (height) or smaller.
Last Reviewed: 14/01/2010 Source: Ascent Software Guide Revision 15 April 2009 - pages 355 - 357