Why is it being done? Because implementing this method would allow DHPOS to work with a wide variety of display pole hardware, which is currently limited to Windows use only (via POLE.EXE) and to a handful of vendors. Those running Windows solely to run a display pole are probably jumping for joy right about now.
What is requested of you (aside from testing time) is to provide:
* Manufacturer name
* Amount of display lines
* Max characters per line
* Escape code sequence for simple text display for each line
* Escape code for clearing screen (if applicable)
Please be aware that this initial test is being geared to those running DHPOS under Native DOS. Work on POLE.EXE for Windows will follow as soon as possible. Once this first phase is completed and the code is stable enough for general release, there will be an opportunity to expand on the idea and work on features such as scrolling text, which is a feature users have been asking about for quite some time.
Here's an idea of what is being considered:
* A screen similar to "Open Cash Drawer" will be added to "Pole Display" in POSCONFG; In where there will be boxes to enter the display pole's escape codes for printing on line1/2, clearing screen, and whatever else would be needed for basic operation.
* Text fields for modifying "Welcome" Screen and the like will also be present. I'm sure this will make some folks out there happy.
* A Yes/No box asking the user if they will be running DHPOS under Windows. This will be important because WinNT/2k/XP sometimes have issues with DHPOS accessing the Comports directly. In the case of the answer being yes (ie. Running under Windows), DHPOS would not open the comport and simply pass the information via POLE.DAT for POLE.EXE to process.
---Side note:---- Perhaps there's a routine that would eliminate the need for the question?? Until then, it will most probably be included.
I hope this request will not fall upon deaf ears.
Thanks in advance!
