Damian Sobieralski <[log in to unmask]> writes

>   At the start of this year we found the documentation for setting up
> network printing (ala npconfig).  This works great except for one
> problem.  We (I/S here) are trying to get our users off of line printing
> for high volume 8.5/11 printing.  However, I notice that if we send a
> one page job to the spool (and say ask for 4 copies).... well looking
> on the printer's LCD panel it gets the job, prints the 1st copy...then
> seems to wait processes this job AGAIN and prints the second copy
> (which is copy #2). It does this for all 4 COPIES.   We had a user
> time (*sigh* the laser printer vs the lineprinter):
>
>  1- 4 ply line printer page = 15 secs
>  4 laser copies total 32 secs.
>
>   Is there a way to tell the HP to send one job to the printer and to
> instruct the PRINTER to copy this 4 times (the latency happens
> between the pages as it processes the job)?  Perhaps an ENV file
> code or even a NPCONFIG item?
> BTW- these are all contemporary HP printers with Jetdirect.

I haven't noticed the delay in printing multiple copies, but I can believe
the timing issues you cite.

This is, IMHO, one of the drawbacks of using laser jets to replace (impact)
line printers.  There is no easy way to print multiple copies like you do
with impact printers; i.e., carbon(less) multi-part forms, especially if you
want the parts to be in different colors (I know, you can set up multiple
paper trays, but that is still more trouble that it is worth).  When you add
the requirement of having someone sign all three (or four) parts, then it is
really a burden.  Unless there are benefits that outweigh the costs and
drawbacks, you are better off sticking with impact printers.

Case #1:  We moved our bills-of-lading (old four-part carbon forms) to the
laser jet.  One of the reasons we did this is because using a laser jet (and
Query Calc from AICS) we could eliminate the pre-printed forms and use plain
paper.  However, it forces the parties involved (shipper and truck driver)
to sign multiple copies.  Because this is a (relatively) low volume
application it is not that big of a deal.

Case #2:  I computerized a local business that currently uses three-part
forms (white, yellow, and pink) for its business.  Each copy (and color) of
the form mean something.  This business has a very high volume in a very
short period of time (think of everyone trying to pay their bill at the same
time) and requires the purchaser to sign the invoice.  I explained the use
of a laser jet and its benefits, but the drawbacks (time to print plus three
signatures versus one) were too great so we went with an impact printer and
multi-part carbonless forms.  Works great and is cheaper too.

So, in addition to trying to find a way to print multiple copies more
cleanly, I recommend you examine your motives for moving to the laser jets
in the first place.  Of course, there are two disclaimers to this:  it
depends and YMMV.

Jim Phillips                            Manager of Information Systems
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]     Therm-O-Link, Inc.
Phone: (330) 527-2124                   P. O. Box 285
  Fax: (330) 527-2123                   10513 Freedom Street
  Web: http://www.tolwire.com  Garrettsville, Ohio  44231