Just a note about some usefull stuff i discovered you can do with the HP DeskJet 450 (it supports IrObex protocol) when sending files directly to it (using "send to IR"😉:
1. send .jpg files
2. send .txt files
3. send .vcf files
4. send .pcl files
1. .jpg files sent directly to IR will print ok, the printer knows to decode JPG (EXIF) files ! The only problem is the small size in which they are printed (about 2 inches wide). So you better print them from pc using some photo software.
2. .txt files sent directly to IR are printed fine, in Courier font.
3. When you send a contact via IR, actually you are sending a .vcf file. This printer prints them very nicely as design (in color, in a formatted table), BUT it does not print all the fields present in the vcf !!! It only prints some of the fields... dah... Name, Phones and Email will print fine, though...
4. A very usefull thing which some people asked me if it is possible is printing home-documents at the office via infrared.
Yes, it is possible. You should follow the steps:
[at home]
- Search the net for the printer drivers coresponding to the printer you have at the office. Install printer drivers at home. During installation, select FILE: as the device to which the printer is connected. This way you will "Print to file" each time.
- Print anything you like using the new printer driver. At printer preferences check "print to file" (only if you did not select FILE: at the previous step) and DISABLE HP PREVIEW !
- The driver will ask you for a file name. This is the file you will put on the phone. Enter full path (e.g. c:\printings\printfile1.pcl) MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE .PCL EXTENSION TO THE FILE !!!
- After the driver finishes printing (watch the printer monitor in the system tray) send the file to the phone (using bt or ir or...)
[at the office]
- simply send the .pcl file located in your inbox to the printer 😊
THE PRINTER WILL NOT PRINT THAT FILE CREATED USING "PRINT TO FILE" IF IT DOES NOT HAVE THE EXTENSION .PCL !!!
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I found that .pcl extension should be used from the following location: http://www.irda.org/standards/pubs/PointandShootv1p1.pdf
By the way: in that document you can find info about other extensions supported by the new IR Printers: .vci, .ps etc.
.PS format is very usefull when "Printing to .PS" then sending it on a smart printer which supports IR and PostScript and IrObex.
All info above was tested only on the HP DeskJet 450 cbi printer, but I'm sure that knowing about the need to put the .pcl or .ps extension is usefull for other printers too.
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