A number of clients still use dot matrix printers, especially for check printing. However, Windows is designed to print to laser and DeskJet printers. As a result, printing to a dot matrix printer from Windows is very slow.
DOS software sends individual character codes to the printer. Dot matrix printers use these individual characters. Windows programs use a graphical method of sending data to the printer; each text character is deconstructed and reconstructed graphically. This process is slower and often results in courier fonts that are smaller than their DOS counterparts. Laser and DeskJet printers accept the graphical data.
RTI helps overcome this by including a Dot Matrix option on your RTI 2000 printing option screen. If you are printing to a Dot Matrix printer, you should click this box to activate the faster Dot Matrix printing option. If you sometimes also print to a laser or DeskJet printer, you will need to deselect the Dot Matrix option when using those printers.
The Dot Matrix option bypasses the graphical print process and sends the report file directly to the printer. This reduces the print time and uses the printer’s innate DOS courier font.
The dot matrix processing only occurs when the Dot Matrix box is checked. If the Dot Matrix box is not checked, the system uses the traditional Windows printing process.
Note that there is also an option called Printer Codes. This button is only available if the dot matrix option is checked. It is a troubleshooting tool that you would use under the direction of RTI Client Services if you have printing issues that need resolving. Do not change the printer codes unless your support rep directs you to.
The Dot Matrix processing occurs ONLY when you select Print from the Printing Options screen and check the Dot Matrix box. If you choose to View a report, and then from the viewer screen select the print icon, the Dot Matrix process will NOT be used.
The Dot Matrix option is not designed for and should not be selected for laser or desk jet type printers.
When you print AP checks, you may need to adjust the check format to fit the check stock. These adjustments are in addition to the adjustments that may have already been made in the past to tune the check for RTI 2000.
It is important to understand that the standard RTI 2000 printing process and the Dot Matrix option use different fonts and internal printing methods. So, an Accounts Payable check that works in the standard RTI 2000 mode may not align properly when the Dot Matrix option is selected.