Q: I want to place an alternating code in my data (ex: A B A B), how
would I go about that?
A: A simple DoAlls function can assign a sequence number, and in the same pass,
based on the last digit of that sequence number, change according to table to place the
proper code in the record.
Q: In the data received from our client, one of the data fields is
packed. How do I unpack the data?
A: Use MDUS009 and MDUS016 to unpack the field.
Q: I have two files, one of which has the NAME, ADDR, and CSZ data and
another with other information I need to use to process this job. There is a field shared
between the NAME file and the INFO file (such as Social Security Number, Account Number,
Phone Number, or Zip and Zip+4). How do I combine these files for processing?
A: Using MDUS026 or MDUS526, compare the two fields and append matched
files to the NAME record for processing purposes. The SELECTED FILE will be the matches
and the REJECTED file will be the non-matched records.
Q: I have two files, one with complete records and one with key codes. My
client wants us to keep only the records which have key codes that match the key codes in
the second file. How do I select the correct records?
A: Using MDUS026 or MDUS526, you may match (and append) the key codes
from the key code file to the records in the complete record file. The SELECTED FILE will
be the records which were matched to the key code file and the REJECTED FILE will be those
records whose key codes matched none of the key codes in the key code fie.
Q: The COMPUTE DoAlls function is putting a + sign at the end of the computed
answer. This is throwing off my expected data position. Is there anything I can do?
A: This is normal. The COMPUTE DoAlls function calculates in both positive and
negative numbers and places an indicator in the final byte. If all of your answers are
going to be positive or negative numbers, you can ignore the indicator, but if you are
going to have mixed (both positive and negative) answers, you will need to use this
indicator.
Q: I need to generate a special character in my data, but it isn’t
on my keyboard. Can this be done?
A: Absolutely. You can use the SCAN AND REPLACE DoAlls function on the position in
the data using the decimal value of the special character you wish to add to your data.
This can be especially useful in replacing + symbols in the data (decimal 043 or Hex 2B
– a stop command for many AFP and IPDS printers) with printable characters. This same
technique will work to generate a character where none exists. The value of a blank (Hex
20 or decimal 032) can be replaced with the value of the character you wish to create. If
a non-constant character already exists in the position you will be using, you may need to
generate a constant keyboard character in that position and then use the SCAN AND REPLACE
on the value of the keyboard character you used and replace it with your special
character.
Q: I’m getting an extra record after I run my data through a DoAlls function I have created. How can I get rid of it?
A: It is best to determine what caused the DoAlls function routine to add a record
to your file. In most cases, this is due to the presence of an End of File (EOF, Hex 1A)
marker in the data file. Use the FILE COPY WITHOUT EOF General Purpose Utility will remove
all instances of the Hex 1A from your data file before you run the DoAlls function routine.
Q: The names in my data are split into four fields, how can I print them
so they look like a single field?
A: If your data isn’t in MIRUS000 format when using LetterWriterFull or
if you intend to use another print utility, you can use MDUS067 to copy a single name line
(in one of several formats) field from all the name information in your data.
Q: How do I place a code in my data which will tell me how many printed
lines the address information will take up?
A: Use TALLY ALL CODES to count the data positions which are filled.
Q: Does the MOD10 Check Digit generation utility handle Alpha Characters?
A: No it does not.
Q: How do I place a sequence number incremented by something other than
one in my data?
A: The easiest solution is to ASSIGN A STRAIGHT SEQUENCE NUMBER and
multiply (using COMPUTE) by the increment value. However, if you wish your count to start
at one (instead of the first multiple of your increment value), you will also need to
employ some conditional logic in order to code the records properly.
Q: How do I get counts on codes in files with multiple types of records
(such as header, detail, and trailer records)?
A: Set up conditional logic in the DoAlls function to determine which type of
record is being passed. Use TALLY ALL CODES or COUNT ALL CODES as needed to count fields
and generate a report file.
Q: MDUS045 (Multiway Nth)
is not placing any records into the SELECTED FILE or the REJECTED FILE. What do I do?
A: MDUS045 was not
designed to select or reject any records. It is intended to be used to place the codes in
the record for you to use to split the file on in a later DoAlls function or General Purpose
Utility step.
Return to Topics Index
FILESCAN
Q: FILESCAN won’t open up my DBF file. Is there some kind of
restriction on what kinds of files can be scanned?
A: FILESCAN will work on any type of file. Check to see if the file has a
Read Only attribute (files on CD ROMs do by default, so if you have recently copied the
file from a CD, double check this attribute as it is often copied with the file), make
sure no one else is currently using the file, and finally, check to be sure you don’t
already have it open with FILESCAN in a minimized window.
Q: Is there any way to extract records through FILESCAN?
A: FILESCAN is intended primarily for viewing files. However, there is a
manual delete function which will purge the records from the file permanently.
Return to Topics Index
GENERAL PURPOSE UTILITIES
Q: How do I create a barcode font?
A: Using the BAR CODE GENERATOR General Purpose Utility, create the
barcode font you desire from the appropriate *.BCT file in your MIRUSNT directory, using
the correct DPI setting for the printer(s) on which it will be used.
Q: I can’t seem to get MIRUS507 (MIRUSPRT, Anchor Print, the Spooled
File Print Utility) to print out my ASCII text file. My printer is online and I have
already sent it a valid form definition. What’s wrong?
A: A true ASCII text file does not include the font load necessary for
the printer to print any text. Try using True Type Font Downloader or loading a font with
the form definition and setting the font system in the MIRUS507 interface to NONE.
Q: I’m getting a Dr. Watson Error from Windows NT while I’m
running MIRUS206 (ASCII to Fixed). Why won’t it process my file?
A: In order for the ASCII to Fixed program to function properly, the
input data file must be in a valid format (blank lines must still be delimited, and no
blank records may exist). You may need to run a DoAlls function to remove the invalid records or
have the client re-supply the delimited ASCII file.
Q: Why doesn’t MIRUS206 (ASCII to Fixed) output a fixed length
record when I run it on my data file?
A: You may not be using the correct field or record delimiter characters,
or the data may not be a true ASCII delimited file.
Q: How do I convert a TAB DELIMITED file to fixed format?
A: Use the MIRUS260 (ASCII to Fixed) General Purpose Utility.
Q: How do I copy multiple files with the same layout and record length
into a single file?
A: Copy the files together from a Command Prompt in Windows NT (using
wild cards or the file1.ext+file2.ext convention) and then run the resulting file through
the MIRUSCPY (File Copy Without EOF) G.P.U. to remove any end of file markers which may
have been placed in the file during the copying process.
Q: I have created a THIS.PRJ file. How do I use it?
A: Using the Project Manager, open your THIS.PRJ file and then execute
the commands it contains by clicking on the EXECUTE ALL button.
Q: What barcodes are currently available for me to create with the
Barcode Font Generator?
A: Do directory of S:\MIRUSNT\*.BCT to find all the barcodes Anchor has
created. It may be possible for you to create other barcode fonts by creating an
appropriate *.BCT file to use.
Return to Topics Index
INSTALLATION OF ANCHOR SOFTWARE
Q: I want to only install (or re-install) the Anchor DOS Utilities.
How is that accomplished?
A: By running a “CUSTOM” installation. Deselect all MIRUSNT
utilities and click on “YES” when the installation program prompts you to
install the DOS products.
Q: I just received a CD ROM from Anchor (Address Matching System –
AMS, Line of Travel – LOT, or Anchor Service Bureau System Installation – SBS)
and there are no instructions for how to install it. What do I do?
A: Instructions for AMS, LOT, and SBS installations are available through
MIRUSNT online help, or you may get instructions from Anchor Customer Support at
972-881-2424.
Q: Why isn’t there a MIRUSNT directory on the SBS installation CD
ROM? Am I missing the files I need to run my MIRUSNT products?
A: There is not a MIRUSNT directory on the SBS installation CD ROM
because everything needed to run your MIRUSNT products has been compacted into cabinet
(.CAB) files and other similar files. Your MIRUSNT products will install properly from
these files with or without a MIRUSNT directory on the CD ROM.
Return to Topics Index
LetterWriterFull – Fonts
Q: I need a specific MEGAFLEX font. Is there a charge?
A: There is not a charge for MEGAFLEX fonts picked up off the Anchor BBS
or FTP site, however, there is a charge of $75.00 for the MEGAFLEX Font CD (to cover
labor, materials, and shipping).
Q: Does Anchor charge for conversions of True Type fonts to MEGAFLEX?
A: Yes. There is a $300 charge per font converted by Anchor staff members.
However, the information necessary to convert the font your self is available at no charge
through Anchor Customer Support.
Q: How do I print XEROX resident fonts in LetterWriterFull?
A: XEROX resident fonts may be loaded in the JSL or they may be loaded on
the fly in LetterWriterFull by including a DJDE FONTS statement in the control book.
Q: Why is my 128c barcode coming out with unusually large spaces between
the bars?
A: Use the C=64 option in the font load to be sure the proper spacing
characters get loaded into the font’s extended set.
Q: How do I produce and use a 128 Barcode on a XEROX printer?
A: If you are using True Type fonts, you will have to acquire a 128
barcode font in True Type format. If the job uses MEGAFLEX fonts exclusively, you may
create a MEGAFLEX 128 Barcode font with the Anchor Barcode Generator. In either case, you
will need to set the Anchor _BC_XLAT= environment variable to the translation file you will
be using to re-map the barcode characters you generate to the font’s characters.
Remember that Decimal 127 is reserved on XEROX and will have to be remapped in the
MEGAFLEX 128 Barcode font.
Q: How do I make the TM symbol print as a superscript with LetterWriterFull?
A: Use the B= option on the font load.
Q: How do I print special font characters which aren’t on my
keyboard?
A: Add C=64 to your MEGAFLEX font load or C=31 to your True Type font
load and then call the character by its decimal value using the |X| variable in the
control book. The decimal values of special extended characters can be determined through
the Windows NT Character Map program.
Q: How do I change the width of the shade character in the Anchor Shade
Font?
A: You will need to edit the SHADE.BCT file in your MIRUSNT directory to
produce a shade character which fits your specifications. You may also adjust the shading
(darkness or lightness) of this font through the same process.
Q: What is the difference between Font Level 51 and Font Level 61?
A: While Font Level 51 and 61 both employ True Type fonts, Font Level 61
also supports font kerning and other advanced font features which may not be available on
all printers. Anchor recommends you use Font Level 51 on AFP and XEROX (non-rasterized)
output and Font Level 61 on AFPDS, IPDS, PCL5, XEROX (rasterized) and WIN output.
Q: How do I install and use a True Type font with LetterWriterFull?
A: In order to use a True Type font with LetterWriterFull, it must be
installed on the PC you are using to send the fonts to the printer (if you are using True
Type Font Downloader, this needn’t be a print server PC and you won’t have to
modify your TTF.LST file). If you are using normal font loads in your LetterWriterFull control
book, you may need to add the True Type Font to your TTF.LST file in the MIRUSNT
directory. After installing the font to Windows NT, double click on the font’s icon
and write down the entire TYPEFACE NAME. Edit your TTF.LST file with Notepad or any text
file editor you are comfortable with. Place the abbreviated form you wish to use as your
font load alphabetically in the left column and then after the pipe bar symbol, enter the
TYPEFACE NAME exactly as it appeared in the Windows NT font information.
Q: How do I change fonts in a virtual letter I have brought in using the
|CALL| variable?
A: |CALL|ed letters may not use actual font loads in their text, but they
are allowed to use font references. The process is relatively simple. The first font
loaded in a control book is |F0|, the second is |F1|, etc.. In order to eliminate
confusion later on in the control book, you may want to load all the fonts you will be
using as close to the BEGIN statement as possible (note some printers require an |ORG| to
be set and a |RT| value to be assigned before you can load fonts).
Q: How many fonts can I use in a single LetterWriterFull control book?
A: Your printer will have a limitation on available memory and a maximum
number of fonts it will be able to reference. There is no known limitation within
LetterWriterFull itself, so refer to the printer’s user manual or ask your favorite
printer technician about the memory and font number limitations of your printer. Once you
know the precise limitations of your printer, you can approximate the amount of space a
group of fonts will take up in printer memory by using the True Type Font Downloader to
download the fonts to a file. The .FNT file generated by this utility will be slightly
larger than the actual amount of memory the fonts will take up on the printer.
Q: How do I print MEGAFLEX barcode fonts in Anchor _FONT_LEVEL 61?
A: Create the font as you normally would with MIRUSBCG and call it in at
00 point size (I.E.: |_PNBC00A,A=1,C=64|). Anchor LetterWriterFull does not support mixing
MEGAFLEX and True Type fonts within a XEROX control book, however, so if you are printing
to XEROX, you will need a barcode font which matches the font system you are using for the
job in question.
Q: What file do I look at to know the font name of the True Type fonts I
can use within LetterWriterFull?
A: The TTF.LST file found in your MIRUSNT directory lists all the
LetterWriterFull names currently set up for your True Type Fonts.
Q: I’ve downloaded a MEGAFLEX Font off the BBS, FTP, or CD and when
I tried to unzip the file, the utility I’m using to unzip is asking me for a
password.
A: Anchor used to sell MEGAFLEX fonts for a pretty hefty sum. The archived
files still use the same passwords used to protect them. However, Anchor now distributes a
file called MEGAPASS.TXT. This file should be located in either your Anchor or MIRUSNT
directory. It contains a list of the zip file names and their passwords.
Q: I’m using a MEGAFLEX font converted from a True Type font, but I
am getting a Dr. Watson error when LetterWriterFull loads the font to the printer. Is my font
corrupt?
A: Not necessarily. Chances are the MEGAFLEX font just doesn’t have
the full extended set of characters. Try using a C=7 or C=3 option on your font load.
Q: When I print my Postnet Barcode to a 240 DPI printer, it comes out too
big. What can I do?
A: Generate a new Postnet Barcode with the PBC.BCT file and MIRUSBCG
program using the 240 DPI setting. Chances are, you are trying to print a 300 DPI barcode
on your 240 DPI printer.
Q: When LetterWriterFull encounters an identical multiple font load, does the
whole font load get sent to the printer again?
A: The first font load is sent to the printer in its entirety, and any
identical font loads are called as font references from that font.
Q: What is the default C= option (in a font load) in NT LetterWriterFull?
A: C=31 is the default character set loaded by NT LetterWriterFull.
Q: How do I adjust the space between the words that LetterWriterFull is
printing out?
A: The F= option on the font load will vary the space character only when
a value between 129 & 256 is assigned.
Q: I’m trying to make a MEGAFLEX font fixed pitch to do a scan line
and address block. Setting an origin for each character is tedious. Is there any other
way?
A: Presuming the F= option won’t make the font a true fixed pitch
(this option will work for MOST fonts), you can create a label format within the record in
the data processing steps and then use DOLOOP and REDO in combination with MVX in
LetterWriterFull to automate this task.
Return to Topics Index
LetterWriterFull – Word Toolbar Interface
Q: Will a document containing boxes and vertical lines compile correctly
with the Word Toolbar?
A: Yes, as long as they are straight lines. No angles or curved lines can
be compiled.
Q: Why is the Word Toolbar Interface making all the fonts in my control
book bold?
A: Your document must only contain “Normal” style text and
bulleted (or numbered) lists need to be reformatted and hard spaced in (use the |X|
command to insert the bullets in the control book).
Q: When I compile my Word Doc, I get an error stating the font file
requested isn’t listed in the S:\MIRUSNT\TTF.LST file. What do I do?
A: Each font loaded in the DOC file needs to be listed in the TTF.LST
file. To add a font to the TTF.LST file, open that file in an editor like Notepad and add
an abbreviation to the left column (this column must be listed alphabetically) and
then add the typeface name (as it appears when the font icon is double clicked in the
Windows NT environment) to the right column.
Return to Topics Index
LetterWriterFull – XEROX Printing
Q: How do I draw a |BOX| on a XEROX printer?
A: The LetterWriterFull |BOX| command will not function on unrasterized XEROX
output. If your company has not purchased the rasterization option for XEROX output,
contact Anchor Sales about PageWriter for XEROX printing. It uses the same LetterWriterFull
interface and commands you have already grown accustomed to using.
Q: When I use PROCXIMG to copy an image to my XEROX printer, I get the
message “FILE PROCESS ERROR NO LABEL VOLUME”. The PCX image is in the correct
format, so what else could be wrong?
A: Check the length of your XEROX image name – in most cases the
FILE PROCESS ERROR NO LABEL VOLUME error is related to a file name under or over five
characters in length.
Q: How do I insert DJDE statements into my LetterWriterFull control book.
A: DJDE statements (for XEROX printing) can be placed on any line after
the BEGIN statement in the LetterWriterFull control book. One of the most common uses of the
DJDE statement is to load fonts in LTR99 which runs one time at the start of the job.
XEROX Resident Fonts may be loaded at this time.
Q: How do I print a grid (such as a statement form) to my XEROX printer?
A: If your company has not purchased Anchor PageWriter Rasterization for
XEROX printing, you will need to pass the grid as an image. With PageWriter, you can
design the grid on the fly with the |BOX|, |DHL|, and |DVL| commands.
Q: I recently installed a new CIP-2 board in my XEROX Print Server PC. I
get sense bytes from the printer (04 00 00 00 00 00), but nothing will print from
LetterWriterFull. What should I do?
A: Start the JSL from your XEROX printer’s terminal. Sense Bytes 04
00 00 00 00 00 indicate a normal XEROX printer state before starting the JSL.
Q: How do I turn on the alternate colors on my XEROX printer when
printing to a Sun Spark Station?
A: In the LetterWriterFull control book, place an |X012| at the beginning of
each line you want printed in color.
Q: How do I print a XEROX Online Logo through Anchor LetterWriterFull?
A: Anchor LetterWriterFull does not directly support XEROX Online Logos.
However, you can create a XEROX Form using the Logo and then load the form with
LetterWriterFull.
Q: How do I create an off-line tape for my XEROX printer?
A: Using XEROX logic, run the print job out to file and then copy the
file to tape with the MET2TAPE utility as described in documentation. Load the tape to
your XEROX printer as you normally would.
Q: When I try to print a large font to my XEROX printer, I just get
garbage characters. What can I do to get the proper characters to print?
A: The font is taking up too much memory when loaded to the XEROX
printer. In order to accommodate your printer’s memory, reduce the value of the C=
option on the font load. By default, Anchor NT LetterWriterFull loads the C=31 option. Try
reducing this value to C=15 or C=7.
Return to Topics Index
LetterWriterFull – XEROX Rasterization (PageWriter)
Q: Does PageWriter use the same color commands (|X012| and |X013|) as
normal XEROX LetterWriterFull printing?
A: No. At the present time, color commands are not available through
PageWriter (XEROX Rasterization).
Return to Topics Index
LetterWriterFull – Other LetterWriterFull Questions
Q: How do I change the address of the channel attached printer?
A: You will have to edit the registry (REGEDIT) of the PC which will be
driving the printer, and be sure the printer itself is set to the proper channel through
whatever means required. While Anchor does support channel configurations at other than the
default setting, it is advised that you get specific instructions about how to proceed
from Anchor Customer Support.
Q: How do I print a box in front of dollar amounts when some positions
may be blank?
A: Use a symbol font to print the box (True Type Wingdings has a few
great check boxes in it) and use the F=1 option on the |D| (Data Insertion) variable.
Q: Can I run NT LetterWriterFull from a Command Line?
A: Yes. Type MIRUSLW and the control book name. See documentation for
variations.
Q: Will LetterWriterFull print in multiple rotations on the same page?
A: Yes. RT0, RT90, RT180, and RT270 will all function in AFP, IPDS, PCL5,
WIN, and XEROX Rasterization (PageWriter functions).
Q: Is it possible to do partial rotations in LetterWriterFull?
A: Partial rotations can be accomplished by printing an image of the
partially rotated segment of the letter, but there are currently no “on the fly”
solutions for printing at rotations other than 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees.
Q: We are converting from the DOS LetterWriterFull product to the NT
LetterWriterFull product. Will the NT LetterWriterFull be compatible with the batch processing we
have already set up?
A: Anchor NT LetterWriterFull has full batch functionality. The command line
to print any control book can be written to file by using the “WRITE TO BATCH”
button on the interface. The command line so produced is compatible with both Project
Manager and standard DOS batching.
Q: Does NT LetterWriterFull use the same channel driver (BEIDD.SYS) and
Channel Interface Processor (CIP1) as the DOS LetterWriterFull?
A: No. The channel driver program for NT LetterWriterFull is MIR_CHN1.SYS and
the CIP2 Channel Interface Processor. Both are downward compatible and will still function
on a WindowsNT PC which has been booted in DOS.
Q: I am getting a Default Missing Error (Anchor Error 083) for Variable
12. The online help says variable code 12 is for a CTR variable, but this control book ran
previously without generating any errors.
A: Due to enhancements in the way the CTR variable is calculating the
centered position of the text, using CKL and other variables (except for Data Insertion
variables such as |D|, |FNAM|, |LNAM|, |TITL|, etc. and font loads) on the same line as a
CTR variable will cause the CTR variable to miscalculate the amount of space the text will
occupy and hence require a default.
Q: How do I wrap text around an image in LetterWriterFull?
A: Use FJ and RAFP to wrap the text in the desired manner.
Q: I am converting a DOS LetterWriterFull control book for use with MIRUSNT
LetterWriterFull. Do I have to use a different font system?
A: No. You may use the MEGAFLEX fonts you are accustomed to using through
the DOS LetterWriterFull by setting the environment variable Anchor _FONT_LEVEL=41. True Type
fonts may be used in the NT LetterWriterFull by selecting Anchor _FONT_LEVEL=51 or
Anchor _FONT_LEVEL=61.
Q: Using ./IF – THENGOTO, how do I test for a blank field?
A: Use an asterisk before the data insertion variable and as a constant.
I.E.:
./IF *|D001(25)| EQ * THENGOTO TAGNAME
Q: When I use Tables (TBL) in LetterWriterFull, are the selections made in
printer memory or in PC memory?
A: Anchor LetterWriterFull selects which table entry to use before it sends
the data to the CIP2 board (which in turn sends the data to the printer). If you will be
making selections from large or many tables, upgrading the PC’s processor and memory
should speed up the process.
Q: Is there a way to set a LetterWriterFull control book up as read only and
use a password to release the attribute in order to prevent a print operator from making
unauthorized changes?
A: While Anchor LetterWriterFull will print from a read only control book
without difficulty, Windows NT does not have a utility for password protecting file
attributes. However, setting the file as read only and monitoring the modified date and
time can give an administrator/supervisor a good idea of who was responsible for the
control book change.
Q: Why does GNA blank out the name line if no last name is present?
A: According to common convention, missing last names are one possible
indication of company records. If you would like to print the other name fields when a
last name isn’t present in your records, you may use ./IF logic to specify under
which conditions you will be printing the other fields you specify.
Q: I need to print variable data as close to the edge of the printed page
as possible. On the printer I am using, printing data off the page crashes the print run.
Is there an invisible font I can use to determine whether or not the field I am bringing
in will print off the page at a certain font size?
A: An ‘invisible font’ might not actually do the trick as your
printer may still be printing off the page (even though we wouldn’t be able to see
it). It would be better to use the |CKL| variable with font loads incrementing to smaller
sizes in the |SUB| lines.
Q: When I try to underline a superscripted symbol like ®, the underline
jumps up with the text. Is there a way to correct this?
A: Using |MVX| and |MVY|, you can place the underline character (decimal
value 149 in most True Type fonts) wherever you want it on the page. Just turn the
underlining off in the font you use to print the symbol and then place the underline
character where it needs to be.
Q: Can I also use LetterWriterFull to print to my envelope printer?
A: Yes, as long as there is a Postcript (Windows) driver or a PCL5 driver
available for your envelope printer, you can print to it with Anchor LetterWriterFull.
Q: I am converting a PCL5 control book from DOS LetterWriterFull to NT
LetterWriterFull, and the output is about an inch (or so) lower on the page than it was
before. What is the best way to correct this?
A: Use the ADJUST X and ADJUST Y in your LetterWriterFull interface to move
the entire letter to the position it should occupy.
Q: My company is purchasing an ethernet capable printer. Will we be able
to use LetterWriterFull with this printer?
A: Yes. Contact Anchor Sales about Anchor TCP/IP for LetterWriterFull.
Q: Can LetterWriterFull print in languages other than English?
A: Yes, as long as the foreign characters reside in the font set Anchor LetterWriterFull will print them.
Q: Can LetterWriterFull use more than one input file? I have a name file and
detail file which I need to print together.
A: LetterWriterFull will not merge input files on the fly, but you can use a
Anchor DoAlls function (MDUS026 or MDUS526) to merge two files together.
Q: I’m using an EPAT of zzzzzzz.zz to bring in a dollar amount, but
when the program encounters a field with all zeros, the result is coming out 000.00. I
only want it to print 0.00 for a zero dollar amount. Can this be corrected?
A: This is easily corrected by using an EPAT to ZZZZZZ9.99.
Q: Can I print at 90 degrees rotation on my XEROX printer?
A: Not without the Anchor PageWriter add-on to Anchor LetterWriterFull. If you
do not already have PageWriter Rasterization for XEROX printing, contact your sales
representative to receive a price quote.
Q: Is it possible to print a 17 inch long form with LetterWriterFull? My
printer doesn’t support such long forms.
A: Printing extra long forms with LetterWriterFull is possible, even if your
printer doesn’t support them. Using the Record Doubler G.P.U., you can duplicate each
record and code them page 1 and page 2. Then create a LetterWriterFull control book set up
with an 8.5 inch long page and use conditional logic to key which part of the page prints
(top half or bottom half) based on the page codes inserted by Record Doubler.
Q: I have a PCX image that was generated with an odd DPI. Every time I
try to print the PCX image with LetterWriterFull, I get a Dr. Watson Error. Do my PCX images
have to be created/saved at certain DPI to work with LetterWriterFull?
A: No. A 302 DPI image will print on a 300 DPI printer or a 240 DPI
printer. There will be some size distortions between the different output DPIs, though. A
more common cause of the Dr. Watson error each time you try to print a PCX image with
LetterWriterFull is that the image may have been saved with COREL Draw or other graphics
creation utilities which put extraneous header information on the PCX image and make it
unreadable by the printer. Open up the image with another graphics creation utility and
resave it as PCX. Make sure your images are saved as Black and White Line art, not Grey
Scale.
Q: Can LetterWriterFull send a letter out to an editable text file?
A: LetterWriterFull creates a datastream for whatever printer type is
selected. Certain Windows (Postscript) drivers are capable of creating this type of
output. Consult your print driver documentation.
Q: How can I get the record number to display as LetterWriterFull is running?
A: Set your Anchor _DISPLAY_INCREMENT environment variable to a value of 1.
This will cause a running count to be displayed by LetterWriterFull.
Q: How do I right justify blocks of text? I have a group of fields which
need to be placed in a column.
A: Set an origin for the start of the columns and then use the RJ
command. EX:
|ORG5.0(5.0)|
|RJ2.5|
|FIELD1|
|FIELD2|
|FIELD3|
|FIELD4|
|ANDSOON|
|RJ|
Q: Does the E=4 option work on |D| variables in Anchor NT LetterWriterFull?
A: The option does work under Anchor NT.
Q: What file formats does Anchor LetterWriterFull support?
A: Anchor LetterWriterFull supports all flat file formats as well as variable
length records delimited by a Carriage Return Line Feed.
Q: The name information in my data is coming in as a single field to
LetterWriterFull (Mr Smith, John Q). How do I keep the |LIN| variable from printing the middle
initial.
A: Run the file through one pass on List Convert or DoAlls function , using the LC
flag to separate the MI from the first name, then recombine your name fields, if
necessary.
Q: When using a box command on my PCL5 printer, the first box drawn is
about ½ inch out of position. How can I correct this?
A: PCL5 printers often don’t handle the initial |BOX| command
correctly. Try printing a zero dimension box or a box with a zero line weight before you
print any other boxes. The first box will then be “invisible” and the rest of
the boxes you print will line up correctly.
Q: How do I address a PCL5 network printer from LetterWriterFull?
A: Output your LetterWriterFull to FILE, set the OUTPUT FILE =
\\SERVER\PRINTER, and set the AFP logic to PCL5.
Q: I’m trying to print to a networked PCL5 printer (like an HP5si),
but my printout is landscape oriented even though I haven’t sent out a rotation or
rotated font in my LetterWriterFull control book.
A: When you print to a PCL5 printer like the HP5si, you may need to send
an escape sequence to tell the printer exactly what you intend to be printing, or send the
correct rotation in your Anchor LetterWriterFull control book. If the default setting on the
printer is landscape or if someone else has sent rotated documents to the printer, the
printer will often use the last rotation as the default.
Q: When I use a |D| variable with the F=1 option, the whole line is
ignored. How can I just ignore a single field?
A: Using the E=1 option and a substitute line is going to be the most
efficient way to accomplish this.
Q: I am converting all our old DOS LetterWriterFull control books over to
MIRUSNT. When we print out the control decks in NT, the character spacing appears to be
much different than what we are used to seeing from DOS.
A: The NT LetterWriterFull does have the ability to handle line spacing much
differently than its DOS counterpart did. However, you can set the Anchor _DOS_WAY
environment variable to a value of 1 to use the spacing values you are used to seeing in
the DOS product.
Q: How do I print an image with LetterWriterFull?
A: Currently LetterWriterFull only supports PCX images. The images must be
Black and White Line Art (not Grayscale), and they should be created/saved at a DPI
setting appropriate to the printer and saved in the PCXOVLY subdirectory for that DPI
setting. Within the LetterWriterFull control book, when you are ready to place an image, put
an origin on a line by itself, use |+IMGNAM| to call the image from the appropriate
PCXOVLY directory and then leave a blank line below the actual image call.
Q: How do I check the length of a |D| data insertion?
A: Use the |CKL| variable. Be sure to include a substitute line.
Q: How do I print out extra blank pages at the end of a print run?
A: The reserved letter LTR991 will print one time at the end of a print
run. Simply employ this letter with the appropriate number of |TOF| variables.
Q: How do I adjust the space between the words that LetterWriterFull is
printing out?
A: The F= option on the font load will vary the space character only when
a value between 129 & 256 is assigned.
Q: How do I include PCL5 escape sequences in my LetterWriterFull control
book?
A: The |X027| will activate the escape sequence. Follow this command with
the command you need your printer to perform. Settings like form size and duplex mode
should be included in LTR99 to load once at the beginning of the job.
Return to Topics Index
LIST CONVERT
Q: How do I use the IF POS in the Anchor NT List Convert?
A: You can use the IF POS in List Convert to convert records differently
based on a single byte code in the input record. A classic example of this would be a
single character differentiation between company and individual records (a ‘C’
or an ‘I’) in a specific data position to indicate whether a certain field in
the record is a company name or an individual’s name. While much the same result can
be accomplished (in this case) through using a flag, the IF POS insures that the records
will be converted exactly the way the client has supplied them to you.
Q: My file contains many ‘special’ last names like O’Dell
and D'Allegra, but my client has supplied them in the form they want to use. How can I
keep List Convert from modifying these last names?
A: The SPCLIST.TBL defines which ‘special’ last names List
Convert will alter if/when they occur. In order to insure that the List Convert will not
be altering your last name data, you can back up your SPCLIST.TBL by copying it to a
different name (such as SPCLIST.BAK) and then editing the table (in the original file) to
remove all but one entry. Then modify that entry in the table to something like
“Smith Smith”. Copy this modified table to SPCLIST.BOG if you will be running
jobs which will be using both the original SPCLIST.TBL and your new bogus SPCLIST.TBL, and
then you will be able to switch between the tables as your jobs demand.
Q: How do I list convert a Database file?
A: The technical definition of a Database file is a flat file with a
header record. You may list convert this type of data by using the NUMBER OF BYTES TO
BYPASS function in the List Convert interface, or if the file is in DBF format, you can
check the “USE DATABASE” box on the interface to create a conversion for the
list.
Q: How do I output a standard size of record from List Convert?
A: Depending on how much data you bring in with the INC= statement(s),
you can vary the BASE RECORD SIZE in the List Convert to produce records which will have a
standard length.
Q: My records have titles like Mr. or Mrs., but there is another field
with a code for their business title (like President, Vice President, etc.), which I need
to convert in a separate field. Can I do this through List Convert?
A: Not exclusively. You will need to convert your name normally with List
Convert, carrying the Title Code as an INClude. Then explode the Title Code using CHANGE
ACCORDING TO TABLE in a pass through a DoAlls function .
Q: When I run List Convert on my name data, it doesn’t seem to be
using the title table lookups (“SR VP” converts to “Sr. & V.P.” or
“LT GEN” converts to “Lt. & Gen.” when the table says “SR
VP” should convert to “Sr. V.P.” and “LT GEN” should convert to
“Lt. Gen.”). What can I do?
A: List Convert does not perform an external table lookup on titles which
are brought in with the NAM= variable. You will need to bring in the title field with TTL=
and use the individual descriptors for the name fields in order to get these titles to
convert according to the title table.
Q: I need to put the name information in my list in Anchor 000 format in
order to run the list in Merge/Purge in a later step, but my client wants the name
information printed exactly as they have provided it. How can I be sure to accommodate
their wishes in the List Convert process?
A: List Convert the name data normally and also use the INC= statement to
carry the name information (in the client-supplied format) in another location in your
List Converted records.
Q: My List Convert program is running extremely slow. Is there anything I
can do about this?
A: Small display increments (Anchor _DISPLAY_INCREMENT = 1, 2, 4, 8, 16,
32, etc.) can cause the List Convert program to run extremely slowly as the program is
trying to refresh your view every record (or every few records). Try setting your
Anchor _DISPLAY_INCREMENT to 4096 or higher to increase processing speed.
Q: When I run List Convert, everything seems to be running well, but one
of my name fields is missing (FNM, LNM, TTL, or SFX). What can I do?
A: When converting to Anchor Format 000, the name descriptors need to be
entered into the control book in the same order as Format 000. Ex:
TTL=020-049
SFX=050-159
LNM=090-119
FNM=060-089
Q: I don’t like the way List Convert is Upper/Lower casing some of
the names in my files. Is there anything I can do to change the way List Convert is casing
these names?
A: Yes. Copy the name tables to a location outside the MIRUSNT directory
(SPCLIST.TBL and FNAMLIST.TBL are the two primary name tables) and customize at will. Be
sure to keep the table in alphabetical order (just as it is by default). To use your newly
modified tables, set the environment variables Anchor _LCFNM (for the location and name of
the new FNAMLIST.TBL) and Anchor _LCSPC (for the location and name of the new SPCLIST.TBL).
Q: My data has company names in the name field as well as company names
in the company field. Usually when there is a company name in the name field, there is
also a secondary company name in the company field. My client wants all these company
names upper/lower cased. How can I convert this list?
A: Use the custom routine MIRLC006 to copy your incoming company field in
upper and lower case to a field outside your Base Record Length. This will also leave the
company field in Format 000 free to receive company names which exist in the name field
when use Flag 101=1 to check the name field for company names. You will also need to use
Flag 181=1 to upper/lower case the company names which will occupy the Format 000 company
field.
Q: I am using custom external tables in List Convert, but some of the
items I have added into the tables aren’t casing the way I specified. Is there any
way to fix this?
A: If your List Convert is using the external tables you have created
(try changing one of the entries which cases correctly to make certain), chances are your
custom table isn’t in alphabetical order any more. Try sorting the LEFT column
alphabetically and re-running the List Convert.
Return to Topics Index
MaxDup
Q: I need to run a Merge/Purge on a file using company names, but my
client doesn’t want John Smith and John Jones to be duped out even if they both work
for the same company. What kind of Merge/Purge should I run?
A: A Family Merge/Purge will not dupe out different last names at the
same address or company.
Q: My client wants me to run duplicate elimination on a list with some
specific criteria: 1) if there is a husband and wife at the same company (same address
& same last name), both names need to be kept and 2) if there are two people with the
same first name but different last names at the same company (same address & same
first name), both names need to be kept. What kind of Merge/Purge should I run?
A: An Individual Merge/Purge will not produce a duplicate unless the
first and last name are the same.
Q: I have several different record formats (they are all Anchor 000
format, but the identifier code – phone number, social security number, account
number, etc – is in several different fields throughout the data. My client wants me
to run a duplicate elimination on a suppression file containing only the identifier code.
How would I set up my Merge/Purge?
A: It doesn’t sound like your suppression file is ready for the
Merge/Purge process yet. You will need to run this file through a DoAlls function to place the
identifier code into all the possible locations in your other data file(s) before running
the Merge/Purge. Then when you set up the Merge/Purge, you can use all the possible
locations of identifier code fields as Miscellaneous Fields using the MISC= statement. You
may need to turn on Loosening Option 016 if blank fields are being treated as duplicates.
Q: I am running a family Merge/Purge, and I want the survivors of
duplicate sets to the same address to be sent to THE LASTNAME FAMILY instead of the name
as it exists in the data. Is this possible?
A: There is no way to accomplish this task using only Merge/Purge.
However, you can use a DoAlls function which will conditionally change the name field to your
desired output based on the final character in the Merge/Purge Processing code which
Merge/Purge will place in the record.
Q: In Merge/Purge, what are the Suppress and Include Rhythms used for?
A: The Suppress Rhythm is used for suppressing name or company Rhythms.
By selecting these options, the Merge/Purge will not build its comparison code based on
names or companies, therefore the name rhythm data file will not be used if suppress name
rhythm is selected, nor company if the suppress company rhythm is selected. Merge/Purge is
including both these rhythms by default.
Q: When I review my Cross Reference Report and my MIRMPS.LST file, it
appears that some duplicates are being dropped from a higher priority list, as opposed to
the lower priority list. How can this be correct?
A: In the MIRMPS.LST file, the column that reads “LISTS” counts
the duplicates within all files. Due to the way the program calculates these totals, often
duplicates are registered in the row belonging to the survivor’s list.
Q: How can I take company information into account when I do a
residential Merge/Purge?
A: Check off the Rhythm Option “Include Company Rhythm.”
Q: How do I eliminate only duplicates which occur only in multiple lists?
A: Loosening Option 016 will keep records with the same priority code
(each list must have a priority code). Loosening Option 017 will keep records if they have
the same list code (in the cases where multiple lists have the same priority code).
Q: When I look at my DUPS.DAT file, I find records with the A & M
code, but no matching 1 code for the survivor. Shouldn’t there always be a record
coded with a 1?
A: Many times the Originator (Code M) record will also be the survivor of
the duplicate elimination process, this is especially true if the duplicates came from the
same list.
Q: I ran a Residential Merge/Purge on a file with many blank records. Why
aren’t they getting “duped out”?
A: The reason blank records aren’t treated as duplicates is because
of the blank field possibility. If you ran a merge purge which took both address lines
into consideration, and half your file did not include a second address line, you
wouldn’t want those records to be treated as duplicates (unless their single address
line matched a single address line from another record).
Q: I have two (or more) lists which contain names which my client
doesn’t want to mail to. How would I set up the Merge/Purge to accomplish this?
A: The lists your client does not want mail sent to should be used as
PURGE lists (and marked as such) in the Merge/Purge. They would each need to receive the
same priority code (001), and any “live” list(s) would receive a higher priority
number (002 and up).
Q: On the MIRUSMPS report, what are 1) the TOTAL INTRA DUPES DROPPED, 2)
SINGLE LIST INTRAS DROPPED, and 3) the PURGE MATCH / INTRAS DROPPED?
A: The MIRUSMPS is a very detailed report. The count of TOTAL INTRA DUPES
DROPPED reflects the self duplicates all together. The SINGLE LIST INTRAS DROPPED reflects
the self duplicates only in the mail file(s). The PURGE MATCH / INTRAS DROPPED reflects
the self duplicates on the mail file that also matched records on the purge file.
Q: What type of Merge/Purge should I use if I want more than one person
at an address to get the mailing unless the names are exactly the same?
A: Setting up an individual Merge/Purge will keep all pieces at the same
address unless their names are identical.
Return to Topics Index
PIP
Q: I have a Print Image file which is ASCII Text with Carriage Return
Line Feed at the end of each line. There are a fixed number of lines per page, but the
file has no printer commands or AFP logic associated with it. Would I be able to use PIP
to process and print this file?
A: This file sounds like a prime example of what PIP was intended to work
with.
Return to Topics Index
PRESORT
Q: Is the NCOA Walk Sequence supposed to be a 4 or 5 digit number?
A: Anchor Presort looks for a 5 digit number. However, the NCOA vendor may
not put the whole code into the file if it is not requested.
Q: How do I Presort a mailing with variable size pieces (depending on
codes in the file, the recipient may get from 3-5 sheets/inserts/etc.)?
A: If there are several codes within the data which add pieces, you will
need to create a single code which indicates the number of pieces the recipient will
receive with a DoAlls function . Then you may run a batch mailing on the code in the record with the
different piece weights entered into the BATCH.LGN file.
Q: My Presort reports don’t reflect the same number of records as my
input file. The number is close, but it’s just not the same. Where did those records
go?
A: If you did not specify a Foreign/Invalid output file, Foreign/Invalid
pieces will be placed in a null file and deleted at the end of the Presort process. Small
differences in input and output are somewhat common when Presorting mail, so it’s
always a good idea to create a Foreign/Invalid file to review the rejected records.
Q: The records in my Foreign/Invalid file are coded ‘S’ for
Single Piece. Why aren’t they in my Primary Output file or my Non-Qualified file?
A: Usually when Single Piece coded mail is placed in the Foreign/Invalid
file, it will contain a return code from the MaxCASS process of an 11 (invalid
city/state/zip) or 21 (address not found). The USPS requires that all PAVE certified
Postal Sort products reject these types of records.
Q: My Presort reports seem to be sending mail from my default entry to
BMCs according to the DMM L601 for machinable parcels. I am running letter size mail, not
a machinable parcel. Shouldn’t this mailing use DMM L602?
A: DMM L602 is used for BMC Discount mail – mail sent
directly to the entry point. DMM L601 is for Non-Discount BMC destinations for mail sent
from the Mailer’s default entry pont. DMM M045 – 4.0 (d) states that BMC Discount
(DBMC) letters on pallets should use L602 for the pallet destination and all other pieces
(NBMC) should use L601 for the pallet destination. Poster 175 from the USPS also gives a
visual illustration of the proper destinations for NBMC letter size mail.
Q: My tray tags aren’t printing or previewing correctly. It seems to
be all garbled up. What should I do?
A: Sometimes a PC doesn’t recognize the I25USPS.TTF font installed
with Anchor NT Presort or occaisionally, the I25USPS.TTF font can not be installed
automatically in the setup program. If the font exists in your fonts directory, double
click it – this will register it in your system and you should be able to proceed
normally. If the font does not exist, find the font on your Anchor NT CD and re-install it
manually.
Q: How do I run a Presort for BMC Drop?
A: You will need to run the Anchor Legend Editor in order to select which
BMCs you will be shipping to. Then when you set up your Presort with the Anchor NT Presort
Setup Wizard, you will select BMC on the interface.
Q: How do I set the minimum quantities for a DBMC mailing?
A: Through the Anchor Legend Editor interface, you can enter in the
minimum quantities you wish for each BMC entry or for all the BMC entries at once.
Q: How do I get the Enhanced Carrier Route on a First Class Mailing?
A: When you are selecting your presort levels (in the Anchor NT Presort
Setup Wizard), double click on the M810 level and then select the Enhanced Carrier Route
check box.
Q: Should I have received a Line of Travel (LOT) CD when I received my
Address Matching System (AMS) CD?
A: The USPS releases the new Line of Travel databases about half as often
as new Address Matching System CDs, so not every AMS update CD will be accompanied by a
LOT CD update.
Q: How can I print the reports of a Presort without re-running the
presort?
A: There is a “Reprint Existing Reports” radio button in the NT
Presort Setup Wizard. Set your Anchor _ACTIVE_DIRECTORY to the proper directory, select the
“Reprint Existing Reports” button, and click on “NEXT”. This will
bring up the reports printing/previewing interface without executing the presort.
Q: I want to do a non-profit periodical mailing, but when I select
Periodicals in Step 5, the Non-Profit check box gets grayed out. How do I perform this
type of mailing?
A: Step 6 for Periodicals Mailing allows you to select what type of
periodical you will be mailing. Select Special/Non-Profit on this step to run a non-profit
periodical mailing.
Return to Topics Index
SBS – General Questions about the Anchor Service Bureau
System
Q: How do I assign MaxCASS_GeoCodes (lattitude and longitude) with my Anchor software?
A: Anchor does not assign MaxCASS_GeoCodes, but your Anchor software does contain
utilities designed to work with the codes once they are assigned. The USPS would be a good
place to start looking for a MaxCASS_GeoCode assignation utility (if they won’t provide one,
they should have a list of vendors for you to consult).
Q: We are migrating from the Anchor DOS to the Anchor NT products. Can we
still use command line interfacing?
A: Your Anchor NT products will run from the command line. Consult
documentation for the correct syntax, or use the “Write to Batch” button on each
GUI interface to have the program generate the correct command line for you.
Q: How do I change the Hex address of my channel attached printers?
A: You will need to edit your system registry and change the Hex address
the software will be using to talk to the printer. Call Anchor Customer Support at
972-881-2424 if you need specific instructions on how to do so. If necessary, you may also
have to change the Hex address of your printer to match (consult your user’s manual
for instructions on how to do this).
Q: What are the PC requirements for installing Anchor Direct Mail
Software?
A: Pentium 100 (Pentium 133 preferred) or better processor, 16 meg (32
preferred) or better RAM, 2 gig hard drive space.
Q: Can I get a long-term Security ID for my Anchor software?
A: Currently, 60 days is the maximum amount of time I security ID can be
assigned for.
Q: Can we use Postscript fonts with our Anchor software?
A: Not directly. However, Windows NT allows you the option of converting
Postscript fonts to True Type fonts when they are installed. By selecting this option,
your Postscript font (now a True Type font) will be usable with your Anchor software.
Return to Topics Index
MaxCASS
Q: How can I tell if Address Standardization has changed an address in my
file?
A: The slush codes which MaxCASS inserts in the record can help determine
if addresses have changed, but they are not very specific. The only way to determine with
100% certainty if address data has changed is to carry the original data in a field which
is not active in the MaxCASS process.
Q: Why doesn’t the Delivery Point code (DP) match the last two
digits of the street number in the address even though the Zip+4 gave a return code of 31
(exact match)?
A: According to the USPS, there have been changes implemented in the way
it assigns Delivery Point codes so that the DP will not always match the last two digits
of the street address any more.
Q: After I ran my file through MaxCASS, some of the street directionals
changed (I.E. N. Columbia Ave changed to S. Columbia Ave.). How can this be correct?
A: Your Anchor MaxCASS product uses a proprietary matching engine, and these changes should be correct to USPS standards. When
in doubt, double check the address against the USPS web site – www.usps.gov.
Q: Some of the records in my file have blank state fields. Will MaxCASS
assign the correct state based on City and Zip?
A: Yes, MaxCASS will assign a state based on City and Zip if Address
Standardization is turned on.
Q: I have coded the same file with the Anchor MaxCASS product and a
competitor’s product. The competitor’s product coded more records than the Anchor MaxCASS. Which is correct?
A: The Anchor MaxCASS product uses the Address Matching System Database and
Engine supplied by the USPS to provide the most accurate coding possible (according to
Postal Standards). While our competitors may code more records, they also code more
records incorrectly (and that can often mean mail returned as undeliverable).
Q: My data contains two address fields. One is the street address and one
is always the apartment number. When I select SPLIT ADDRESSES and STANDARDIZATION, the
apartment number goes into the company field. Is there anything I can do about this?
A: Since company information is not required in the MaxCASS process, the
MaxCASS engine uses the company field as an extra address field,
filling it in in certain circumstances. You will need to create a layout template for this
mailing without a company field defined, so the MaxCASS engine doesn’t try to use it as
an extra address line.
