I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I figure this is a good place to start.
I want to make a thermal label printer print specific files by mapping buttons to certain files...help.
What have you tried so far ?
Can you print "Hello World" to the printer, for instance ?
It depends on a couple of things…
If they’re plain text, and whether your ptinter uses the ESC/P control syntax.
Plain text on almost any printer is pretty straightforward, while graphics/logos require preprocessing to generate the binary bitmaps.
ESC/P is needed for paper handling and cursor positioning on pre-packaged printers, or you need to roll your own drivers etc if it’s a baked mechanism.
On small micros with manufactured printers,, I’ve found it easier to use RS232 connections, or network if you want to add complexity.
Depending on the number and complexity of the labels, RAM might become an issue
I haven’t tried anything yet. I honestly have no idea where to start. My friend said that an arduino might be a good place to start.
Basically I want to be able to load an address card with the pdf files, program each file to a button or key, then simply press it and poof! Out comes the one label I need right when I need it.
Kind of like a programmable synthesizer but instead of mapping sounds to certain buttons and sound coming out, it’s a pdf or word document instead.
I see. Good idea!
You probably will be challenged to write a PostScript interpreter for the Arduino.
Maybe since you just going on what you hear, I'll say "a raspberry pie might be a good place to start."
a7
… also, choose a specific printer, then you know what you’ll have to generate.
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