We did that for a while too -- that's how we got close to the 450 device
class limit (one device class per environment file per physical printer).
 
Gave up on that -- too many device classes. And environment files are hard
to change since they're loaded into memory the first time thety're
referenced and don't go away until the box is rebooted. Now we use
Unispool's $include <file> control language command and base the <file> on a
forms message. And the control language procedure can be used as the header
procedure for a type 2 device eliminating the copying of spool files from
type 4 to whatever. Took a bit of work to get a forms message everywhere but
we feel it was worth it. Nice and tidy now and works quite well.
 
JWP
 ----------
From: internet!warren.med.harvard.edu!bmanocch
To: internet!UTCVM.UTC.EDU!HP3000-L; Pickering;              John NORBORD
Subject: Re[2]: Pseudo Devices/MPE limits
Date: Thursday, February 29, 1996 12:51PM
 
        We use device classes to tell the operator what type 4 Unispool
     device to send it to. Each type 4 device has an "environment" file
     associated with it which formats the report (landscape,
     portrait..tray, etc...).
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: Re: Pseudo Devices/MPE limits
Author:  "Pickering;              John NORBORD"
<[log in to unmask]> at HMS-Internet
Date:    2/29/96 12:50 PM
 
 
Doug Werth answered...
 
>You can configure cards that do not exist in the DTC and even
>DTC's that aren't there. However, since NBSpool can move
>reports from device classes as well as ldev numbers, my
>personal preference is to create a single dummy device in
>NMMGR and simply add as many device classes to the profile
>in as needed. One psuedo device, one profile, less hassle.
 
I concur. We use Unispool here with the same technique and with
no problems. Nice and tidy, works well.
 
There is a limit of somewhere around 450 device classes per
system which we did come close to hitting at one time. But who
needs 450 printers!
 
John Pickering
JWP Systems Inc
Toronto