I too have sucessfully taken the HPGL output from our AC300 and
fed it into a lowly IBM AT. The AT runs a program I wrote which
presents our users with a simple fill-in-the-blanks form. They
enter their initials, what experiment they want, what solvent they
are in, and a comment describing their sample. The AT then produces
a barcode label containing the first three items mentioned, and an
assigned chute number.
When the spectrometer produces a plot (in HPGL format), the data goes
to the AT, which translates it into PCL-5 and prints it to the compaq
pagemarq (on 11"x17" paper!) When it sees the file name on the spectrum
get plotted, it looks up the comment and adds it as well as the user's name
to the right hand edge of the spectrum (Presto! - well labeled spectra!)
To do this translation from HPGL to PCL-5, a few things must be done.
First, an escape sequence must be sent to put the printer into HPGL mode.
The printer reverts back to normal after 30 seconds of inactivity, so
this must be accounted for.
Second, the PC must respond to the OH (output hardclip limits) query
(and the response must match the paper size!)
Third, the printer must be placed in landscape orientation
Fourth, the PG command (eject page) must be translated into an escape
sequence.
Fifth, the linewidth must be set narrow if you want to see fine details
in your spectrum.
I hope this helps and/or inspires anyone who is interested in
upgrading their output devices.
-Kip Shaffer
Miami Valley Labs
Procter & Gamble