1.2.2. - Using the Printer and Data Files
The standard macros in spec are designed to keep records of the experiment in progress on a printer and in a data file, although neither is required. The
startup
macro will prompt for a printer and a data file, along with
asking for many other parameters and options.
For now, enter information just for the printer
and data file and accept the current values for the other parameters.
1.FOURC> startup
Enter <return> for no change in the displayed parameters. The names of start-up macros that can be invoked separately are shown in parenthesis above a set of queries. Type ^C to return to command level without finishing. (Interrupting one of the specialized start-up macros will likely undo any changes entered for its associated parameters.) (newsample) Title for scan headers (fourc)? cu 110 (newfile) Data file (/dev/null)? cu110/94_01_31.a Using "cu110/94_01_31.a". Next scan is number 1. Last scan # (0)? <return> Use a printer for scan output (NO)? y Printer device (/dev/null)? /dev/lp (And so on ...) 2.FOURC>
When prompting for input, spec generally displays the default or current response in parentheses. Simply hitting
<return>
makes that selection.
You can use the
newfile macro directly to open (or reopen)
a data file.
Usage is
newfile [filename [scan_number]].
(As is the convention in this manual,
the square brackets indicate optional arguments, and the
Courier Oblique
typeface
denotes variable parameters you supply.)
The optional argument
scan_number
is the number of the last scan and should be specified when
appending to an existing data file.
The standard spec macros allow you to use a printer to record scan data and other status information. Not all users use a printer, though, as the information is also stored in data files.
When using a printer, spec generates output for a 132-column wide format. Most spec users use 8½" wide paper with their printer set to compressed mode. The
initfx
macro sends the correct programming sequence to put an Epson printer
into compressed mode.
The
initdw
macro does the same for a Decwriter.
(Other macros are available for other printers - type
lsdef init*
from spec for a list.)
You could also use printer switches to select compressed mode.
Also, when using the printer, you should set the top-of-form position correctly. That way, each scan will begin at the top of a new page, and it will be much easier to locate scans when thumbing through the data printout later.
Use the
comment
macro (also available as
com) to insert arbitrary comments
in the data file and on
the printer.
For example,
1.FOURC> com Absorber inserted in front of detector
Mon Feb 15 01:41:52 1994. Absorber inserted in front of detector. 2.FOURC>