simple bash print filter

[dabits]

Hi!

I'm trying to use create a simple print filter with bash on Red Hat Linux. The filter is to work with CUPS, using "System V type script" interface. The printer is emulating an Epson FX 1050. The original problem was when using CUPS PPD, the printer is too slow. I also can't use "raw" que because I need to do a form feed and end of job. So I'm trying to use a simple script as a filter. I'm trying to use the following script:

#! /bin/bash

#set debug
set -x

#set input
[ -n "$6" ] && exec <"$6"

#initialize printer
echo -en "\030\100"

#process input
while read line; do
# replace tabs with spaces
sed -u 's/ / /g' $line
echo $line
done

# form feed after printing
echo -en "\f"

The problem is that on a 3 page report, the first page is compressed to left margin (not doing horizontal spacing properly - tabs or spaces) and part of the first page is placed at end of report! Pages 2 and 3 are okay. Without the sed line, all pages are compressed to left and I get some weird error at the end of the report. There is probably something wrong with the script but I just don't see it. Any ideas?

Thanks!!

 

[PHV]

Have you tried to replace this:
while read line; do
# replace tabs with spaces
sed -u 's/ / /g' $line
echo $line
done
By this ?
# replace tabs with spaces
sed -u 's/ / /g'
You my also have a look at the pr man page.

Hope This Helps, PH.
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