PDF Generator

A PDF generator is now built into version 6.0 of filePro!

On Windows, you have an option to print a PDF and have it display on the workstation. 

On Linux and UNIX, filePro will generate a PDF and store it on the hard drive.  It is up to the user to move this file to the workstation and open the PDF – but Ion Software has a solution for this.  Below are detailed instructions on how to set up this feature.

Step 1: Assigning a unique name to the pdf being generated

Below is a script we use to assign a unique filename to each filename. You will need to make a directory called /temp on the server and chmod the directory to 777.

tty1=`tty | cut -c 10-13`
export tty1
export umask 000
mkdir /temp/$tty1 2>/dev/null tty1

You might need to adjust the -c options on the cut command to handle your version of the operating system.  This should provide you with your terminal number.  So if you are using /dev/pts/3, the program will create a temp directory called /temp/3/.

Add the command to the /etc/profile file so it will execute when users log in.  If the script file is called myterm and is located under /usr/bin, add the following:

.  /usr/bin/myterm

Be sure to chmod the myterm file to 755 so it will execute.

Step 2: Download and install “FineLine PC DataPipe” from Sound Ideas

You can download the program from soundideas.com and it is a one-time payment of $495 to purchase for unlimited users.  You can contact the manufacturer to get a demo to determine if this is a good fit for you.

The easiest way to set up DataPipe is to set your workstation to a static IP address.  If that is not possible, there are other options to set this up but that is beyond the scope of this article.

Once installed, type “fldpipe -config” as root to access the configuration program:

Select option A and authorize the software license.  Enter either the demo or paid license information.

Select option N and add an entry for each login name you want to use this program along with their static IP address.  This program allows you to have an unlimited number of login names.

Save and exit.

Step 3: Configure filePro to:

  1. Use the PDF generator
  2. Print to a temp file.
  3. Transfer the file to a workstation.
  4. Display the pdf

 

Go into filePro and choose option 7 for Printer Maintenance.  Press P for Printer and add an entry for the newpdf printer:

The destination command is fairly long so it is included here:

PDF:|cat >>/temp/$tty1/$tty1.pdf;fldpipe $LOGNAME /temp/$tty1/$tty1.pdf c:/temp/report.pdf c:/temp/report.pdf

To break down the command:

  1. The file will put the pdf output in the /temp/$tty1 directory and called $tty1.pdf
  2. The command then calls fldpipe
  3. $LOGNAME is your username and it should match what you set up in the config of DataPipe
  4. Next is the file to transmit:  /temp/$tty1/$tty1.pdf
  5. The c:/temp/report.pdf is where the file is being transmitted to
  6. Run the same command again to open the file c:/temp/report.pdf

 

Give this a shot and you should find that if you print output to this printer, the program should generate the pdf, transmit it to the local workstation and open the file.

Troubleshooting

FineLine PC DataPipe must be running in the tray on the PC.

If the file does not transmit, turn off any firewalls and see if it works.  If it does, turn the firewall back on and add exceptions for ports 6060 & 6061.