Print using the IrDA port

Introduction

Printing from you application can be a very useful tool. Even better, being able to print using the IrDA port gives added flexibility to the user and the type of printer they are taking with them. Sapphire Solutions (http://www.sapphire-solutions.co.uk) have developed the Sapphire IrDA Utility that performs printing using the IrDA port.

Utility overview

The Sapphire IrDA Utility is a DLL that plugs right into your eVB or VB.NET/C# application. You then have the ability to send text and graphics (depending on your printer specification) to the printer.

Feature list

The Sapphire IrDA Utility supports the following:

• Establish a connection with a IrDA enabled printer
• Print text to the printer
• Print new lines and form feeds to the printer
• Close the connection to the printer

Running the demo project

Sapphire have also provided an extensive demo project in both eMbedded Visual Basic and VB.NET that show how to use all the functions of the DLL. You get all the eVB and VB.NET source code which is not only great for experienced programmers to implement the utility, but also great for new programmers to see how the application has been approached.

The latest version of the Sapphire IrDA Utility can be downloaded from their web site here:
http://www.sapphire-solutions.co.uk/product.asp?product=IRDA

Once you have downloaded the demo project and unzip it, you will have two versions of the demo project, one for eVB and the other for VB.NET. You will also have a folder containing the different DLLs compiled for the different devices.

Simply select the DLL that matches the device. If you are developing in eVB, then you will need to copy the DLL to the \Windows\ path. Alternatively, if you are developing in VB.NET or C#, you need to copy the DLL to the application path. Check the project settings to see where the demo project will deploy itself to.

You will also get a DLL that will run on standard Windows PCs so you can build an FTP compatible application with the same ease of use.

Now you are ready to run the demo. Please note the following screenshots have been taken from the VB.NET demo project.

IrDA Print Demo

Sample code

Dim iRet As Integer

Dim sLine As String

iRet = prnConnect(SapphireIRDALicence)

If (iRet = 0) Then

  ' Start printing the text

  sLine = "Test print using the SapphireIRDA DLL"

  If (prnPrintLine(sLine, sLine.Length) <> 0) Then

    MsgBox("Failed prnPrintLine")

  End If

End If

Manual documentation

Sapphire Solutions also provide a comprehensive manual for all their utilities. It includes a definition of the DLL function calls, some sample code and FAQs to help with any troubleshooting.

Their manual documentation can be viewed online, downloaded as a HTML document for offline use and even a downloadable Windows help file. These can all be found on their web site at http://www.sapphire-solutions.co.uk/manual.

Licence of use

Sapphire Solutions provide an unlimited use demo version of the Sapphire IrDA Utility. While the product will function as normal, the user will receive a popup message stating that it is a demo version. It is great for trying out the utility, checking device compatibility, building it into your application and selling the idea to your customer. Students can use it as well for their college or university projects without having to purchase it either.

Of course though, for commercial applications being developed you will need to get a licence for the utility to make it run without any pop-ups. The good thing about Sapphire’s pricing policy is that it is a one off fee and you or your company can use it as many times as you like for your projects royalty free. There are no royalties required for rolling out your application to your client.

With that you will also get 12 months support via email to their experienced technical team. They also provide upgrades for the latest versions at discounted prices which also extend the 12 months support by a further 12 months.