Printing help

[11mike23]

I and new to this but I have done a VB app to send inputs and receive times from a Arduino that I have programed to run a drag racing tree and timing system I want to set up a printer to print the times but I have no clue where to even start could I get some help please

[JuggaloBrotha]

Might want to check out a tutorial: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Printing in .NET - CodeProject

[tommytwotrain]

What data do you have now? What code do you already have to keep track of the data? I assume you have times for each race?

How do you show your data on the computer screen now? Can you print that? Is that what you want to do? Screen and print out?

What do you want to the printout to look like? What size paper? etc. A letter? A sales slip?

Here is a start on something. There is a data class for each race with two lanes left and right. A list is made to keep multiple events. There is only one event created in the example and shown in the print out. The example creates a sample time slip with two cars left and right lanes.

Standard print document and preview is used to print the data as a text string.

Of course there are many ways it could be done. Show a sample of what you want to achieve.

Imports System.Drawing.Printing

Public Class Form4
    Private WithEvents PrintDoc As New PrintDocument
    Private PrintPreviewDialog1 As New PrintPreviewDialog

    Private Class TimeSlip   'class structure to group races into a list
        Public RunDateTime As Date
        Public CarNo_L As Integer
        Public Time60_L As Single
        Public Time330_L As Single
        Public TimeEigth_L As Single
        Public TimeQuart_L As Single
        Public MPH_L As Single
        Public CarNo_R As Integer
        Public Time60_R As Single
        Public Time330_R As Single
        Public TimeEigth_R As Single
        Public TimeQuart_R As Single
        Public MPH_R As Single
    End Class
    Private TimeSlips As New List(Of TimeSlip)

    Private Sub Form4_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        Dim ts1 As New TimeSlip
        With ts1
            .RunDateTime = Now
            .CarNo_L = 42
            .Time60_L = 1.855
            .Time330_L = 5.354
            .TimeEigth_L = 8.414
            .TimeQuart_L = 13.191
            .MPH_L = 103.12
            .CarNo_R = 96
            .Time60_R = 1.528
            .Time330_R = 4.534
            .TimeEigth_R = 6.915
            .TimeQuart_R = 11.091
            .MPH_R = 100.08
            TimeSlips.Add(ts1)
        End With

        PrintPreviewDialog1.Document = PrintDoc
        PrintDoc.OriginAtMargins = True

        PrintPreviewDialog1.ShowDialog()

        'PrintDocH.Print()

    End Sub


    Private Sub PrintDoc_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As System.Drawing.Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDoc.PrintPage
        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
                    fHeading As New Font("gill sans ultra bold", 18),
                    fScript As New Font("script mt bold", 14, FontStyle.Bold)

                .DrawString("Demon's Dragstrip", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 0, 0)
                .DrawString("Performance Nationals", fScript, Brushes.Black, 0, 30)
                .DrawString(TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortDateString & "   " & TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortTimeString, fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 50)

                Dim i As Integer = 0

                .DrawString(vbTab & vbTab & "Left" & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf &
                    "Car No: " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).CarNo_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).CarNo_R.ToString & vbLf &
                    "   60': " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).Time60_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).Time60_R.ToString & vbLf &
                    "  330': " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).Time330_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).Time330_R.ToString & vbLf &
                    "  1/8m: " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).TimeEigth_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).TimeEigth_R.ToString & vbLf &
                    "  1/4m: " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).TimeQuart_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).TimeQuart_R.ToString & vbLf &
                    "   MPH: " & vbTab & TimeSlips(i).MPH_L.ToString & vbTab & vbTab &
                                         TimeSlips(i).MPH_R.ToString & vbLf,
                                         fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub
End Class

[jmcilhinney]

Might want to check out a tutorial: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Printing in .NET - CodeProject

Here's the version of that posted in our own CodeBank forum.

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...rinting-in-NET

It's older than the Code Project one, so I'm not sure whether it may be missing some information or not.

[11mike23]

Here is the code i am using

Imports System.IO.Ports
Public Class Form1
    Dim comPORT As String


    Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        comPORT = ""
        For Each sp As String In My.Computer.Ports.SerialPortNames
            comPORT_comboBox.Items.Add(sp)
        Next

    End Sub

    Private Sub comPORT_comboBox_SelectedIndexChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles comPORT_comboBox.SelectedIndexChanged
        If (comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem <> "") Then
            comPORT = comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem
        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub connect_Btn_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles connect_Btn.Click
        If (connect_Btn.Text = "Connect") Then
            If (comPORT <> "") Then
                SerialPort1.Close()
                SerialPort1.PortName = comPORT
                SerialPort1.BaudRate = 115200
                SerialPort1.DataBits = 8
                SerialPort1.Parity = Parity.None
                SerialPort1.StopBits = StopBits.One
                SerialPort1.Handshake = Handshake.None
                SerialPort1.Encoding = System.Text.Encoding.Default
                SerialPort1.ReadTimeout = 10000
                SerialPort1.Open()
                connect_Btn.Text = "Dis-connect"
            Else
                MsgBox("Select a COM Port First")
            End If
        Else
            SerialPort1.Close()
            connect_Btn.Text = "Connect"

        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnStart_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnStart.Click
        If BtnIG.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("I")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("P")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnNPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("NP")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnST.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("S")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        End If
    End Sub



    Private Sub CheckBox1_CheckedChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles AutoWin.CheckedChanged
        If AutoWin.Checked Then
            SerialPort1.Write("AW")
        Else
            SerialPort1.Write("aw")
        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub DataReceived(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As SerialDataReceivedEventArgs) Handles SerialPort1.DataReceived
        Try
            Dim mydata As String
            mydata = SerialPort1.ReadLine()

            If TextBox1.InvokeRequired Then
                TextBox1.Invoke(DirectCast(Sub() TextBox1.Text &= mydata, MethodInvoker))
            Else
                TextBox1.Text &= mydata
            End If
        Catch ex As Exception
            MessageBox.Show(ex.Message)
        End Try
    End Sub

    Private Sub Timer1_Tick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Timer1.Tick

        Dim s As String

        s = TextBox1.Text + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + ""

        Dim timeString() As String
        timeString = s.Split(New Char() {","c})
        reacL.Text = TimeString(2)
        sixtyL.Text = TimeString(3)
        mphL.Text = TimeString(4)
        etL.Text = TimeString(5)
        reacR.Text = TimeString(6)
        sixtyR.Text = TimeString(7)
        mphR.Text = TimeString(8)
        etR.Text = TimeString(9)

        winl.Visible = If(timeString(10) < timeString(11), True, False)
        winr.Visible = If(timeString(10) > timeString(11), True, False)
        jumpl.Visible = If(timeString(0) > timeString(1), True, False)
        jumpr.Visible = If(timeString(0) < timeString(1), True, False)


    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnRightWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnRightWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Rwin")
    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnLeftWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnLeftWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Lwin")
    End Sub
End Class

[JuggaloBrotha]

Here is the code i am using

Imports System.IO.Ports
Public Class Form1
    Dim comPORT As String


    Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        comPORT = ""
        For Each sp As String In My.Computer.Ports.SerialPortNames
            comPORT_comboBox.Items.Add(sp)
        Next

    End Sub

    Private Sub comPORT_comboBox_SelectedIndexChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles comPORT_comboBox.SelectedIndexChanged
        If (comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem <> "") Then
            comPORT = comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem
        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub connect_Btn_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles connect_Btn.Click
        If (connect_Btn.Text = "Connect") Then
            If (comPORT <> "") Then
                SerialPort1.Close()
                SerialPort1.PortName = comPORT
                SerialPort1.BaudRate = 115200
                SerialPort1.DataBits = 8
                SerialPort1.Parity = Parity.None
                SerialPort1.StopBits = StopBits.One
                SerialPort1.Handshake = Handshake.None
                SerialPort1.Encoding = System.Text.Encoding.Default
                SerialPort1.ReadTimeout = 10000
                SerialPort1.Open()
                connect_Btn.Text = "Dis-connect"
            Else
                MsgBox("Select a COM Port First")
            End If
        Else
            SerialPort1.Close()
            connect_Btn.Text = "Connect"

        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnStart_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnStart.Click
        If BtnIG.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("I")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("P")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnNPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("NP")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnST.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("S")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        End If
    End Sub



    Private Sub CheckBox1_CheckedChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles AutoWin.CheckedChanged
        If AutoWin.Checked Then
            SerialPort1.Write("AW")
        Else
            SerialPort1.Write("aw")
        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub DataReceived(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As SerialDataReceivedEventArgs) Handles SerialPort1.DataReceived
        Try
            Dim mydata As String
            mydata = SerialPort1.ReadLine()

            If TextBox1.InvokeRequired Then
                TextBox1.Invoke(DirectCast(Sub() TextBox1.Text &= mydata, MethodInvoker))
            Else
                TextBox1.Text &= mydata
            End If
        Catch ex As Exception
            MessageBox.Show(ex.Message)
        End Try
    End Sub

    Private Sub Timer1_Tick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Timer1.Tick

        Dim s As String

        s = TextBox1.Text + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + ""

        Dim timeString() As String
        timeString = s.Split(New Char() {","c})
        reacL.Text = TimeString(2)
        sixtyL.Text = TimeString(3)
        mphL.Text = TimeString(4)
        etL.Text = TimeString(5)
        reacR.Text = TimeString(6)
        sixtyR.Text = TimeString(7)
        mphR.Text = TimeString(8)
        etR.Text = TimeString(9)

        winl.Visible = If(timeString(10) < timeString(11), True, False)
        winr.Visible = If(timeString(10) > timeString(11), True, False)
        jumpl.Visible = If(timeString(0) > timeString(1), True, False)
        jumpr.Visible = If(timeString(0) < timeString(1), True, False)


    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnRightWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnRightWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Rwin")
    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnLeftWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnLeftWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Lwin")
    End Sub
End Class

I don't see anything to do with printing in your code here, can you post the code you have so we can help troubleshoot it?

[11mike23]

I don’t have anything coded to print I have no clue where to even start I have worked on this project for about a year now just to get what I have now and get everything working

[jmcilhinney]

I have no clue where to even start

Hopefully you now know that the tutorial that a couple of us linked to is the place to start.

[11mike23]

I’ll look through everything and see what I can figure out

[tommytwotrain]

I’ll look through everything and see what I can figure out

Oh yeah I see. Thats a good start! I like the red and green buttons.

Your TimeString array has the information similar to what I set up in the timeslip class of the example I posted. Your code now puts the data from the TimeString array into the textboxes.

All you need to do is print the TimeString data array that you already have. Similar to the example I posted. You need to change the example variables to your own TimeString() data variables. So you can remove the timeSlip class in the example and just use the TimeString() you already use to fill the textboxes.

See where the data is assembled into a string to print in the PrintPage Sub of the example? You just need to modify that to use the data that now shows in the text boxes.

That is what you want to do correct? Print the data in the textboxes? And whatever else you want to add.

You can add a print button to your form to run the preview and print code (now in form load of the example).

Study the basic printing info documents referenced and then try it. Try to make a simple example of your own just print "Hello World" or something to start. Search for info on the key words.

Come back with any questions.

[11mike23]

OK this is what i have now at least it will print something but i want it set it up to look something like the post above but i am not sure what i need to do next to set the page up and print the data in that layout

Imports System.IO.Ports
Public Class Form1
    Dim comPORT As String



    Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        comPORT = ""
        For Each sp As String In My.Computer.Ports.SerialPortNames
            comPORT_comboBox.Items.Add(sp)
        Next

    End Sub

    Private Sub comPORT_comboBox_SelectedIndexChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles comPORT_comboBox.SelectedIndexChanged
        If (comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem <> "") Then
            comPORT = comPORT_comboBox.SelectedItem
        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub connect_Btn_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles connect_Btn.Click
        If (connect_Btn.Text = "Connect") Then
            If (comPORT <> "") Then
                SerialPort1.Close()
                SerialPort1.PortName = comPORT
                SerialPort1.BaudRate = 115200
                SerialPort1.DataBits = 8
                SerialPort1.Parity = Parity.None
                SerialPort1.StopBits = StopBits.One
                SerialPort1.Handshake = Handshake.None
                SerialPort1.Encoding = System.Text.Encoding.Default
                SerialPort1.ReadTimeout = 10000
                SerialPort1.Open()
                connect_Btn.Text = "Dis-connect"
            Else
                MsgBox("Select a COM Port First")
            End If
        Else
            SerialPort1.Close()
            connect_Btn.Text = "Connect"

        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnStart_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnStart.Click
        If BtnIG.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("I")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("P")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnNPT.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("NP")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        ElseIf BtnST.Checked = True Then
            SerialPort1.Write("S")
            TextBox1.Text = ""
        End If
    End Sub



    Private Sub CheckBox1_CheckedChanged(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles AutoWin.CheckedChanged
        If AutoWin.Checked Then
            SerialPort1.Write("AW")
        Else
            SerialPort1.Write("aw")
        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub DataReceived(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As SerialDataReceivedEventArgs) Handles SerialPort1.DataReceived
        Try
            Dim mydata As String
            mydata = SerialPort1.ReadLine()

            If TextBox1.InvokeRequired Then
                TextBox1.Invoke(DirectCast(Sub() TextBox1.Text &= mydata, MethodInvoker))
            Else
                TextBox1.Text &= mydata
            End If
        Catch ex As Exception
            MessageBox.Show(ex.Message)
        End Try
    End Sub

    Private Sub Timer1_Tick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Timer1.Tick

        Dim s As String

        s = TextBox1.Text + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + "," + ""

        Dim timeString() As String
        timeString = s.Split(New Char() {","c})
        reacL.Text = timeString(2)
        sixtyL.Text = TimeString(3)
        mphL.Text = TimeString(4)
        etL.Text = TimeString(5)
        reacR.Text = timeString(6)
        sixtyR.Text = TimeString(7)
        mphR.Text = TimeString(8)
        etR.Text = timeString(9)




        winl.Visible = If(timeString(10) < timeString(11), True, False)
        winr.Visible = If(timeString(10) > timeString(11), True, False)
        jumpl.Visible = If(timeString(0) > timeString(1), True, False)
        jumpr.Visible = If(timeString(0) < timeString(1), True, False)


    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnRightWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnRightWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Rwin")
    End Sub

    Private Sub BtnLeftWin_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles BtnLeftWin.Click
        SerialPort1.Write("Lwin")
    End Sub

    Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Print.Click
        PrintDocument1.Print()
    End Sub

    Private Sub Button2_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Print_prev.Click
        If TextBox1.Text = "" Then
            MsgBox("No Data")
        Else
            PrintPreviewDialog1.ShowDialog()
        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub PrintDocument1_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDocument1.PrintPage
        Dim font1 As New Font("arial", 28, FontStyle.Regular)
        e.Graphics.DrawString(TextBox1.Text, font1, Brushes.Black, 100, 100)
    End Sub
End Class

[11mike23]

Would this be my page layout if so how do i incorporate this instead of the text box in my code

 Private Sub PrintDoc_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As System.Drawing.Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDoc.PrintPage
        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
                    fHeading As New Font("gill sans ultra bold", 18),
                    fScript As New Font("script mt bold", 14, FontStyle.Bold)

                .DrawString("336 Dragway", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 0, 0)
                .DrawString(" ", fScript, Brushes.Black, 0, 30)
                .DrawString(TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortDateString & "   " & TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortTimeString, fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 50)

                .DrawString("Left" & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf &
                    TimeString(2) & vbTab & vbTab & "R/T" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(6) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(3) & vbTab & vbTab & "60'" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(7) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(4) & vbTab & vbTab & "MPH" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(8) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(5) & vbTab & vbTab & "ET" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(9) & vbLf,
                                         fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub

i also need to change the date and time

[tommytwotrain]

Would this be my page layout if so how do i incorporate this instead of the text box in my code

 Private Sub PrintDoc_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As System.Drawing.Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDoc.PrintPage
        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
                    fHeading As New Font("gill sans ultra bold", 18),
                    fScript As New Font("script mt bold", 14, FontStyle.Bold)

                .DrawString("336 Dragway", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 0, 0)
                .DrawString(" ", fScript, Brushes.Black, 0, 30)
                .DrawString(TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortDateString & "   " & TimeSlips(0).RunDateTime.ToShortTimeString, fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 50)

                .DrawString("Left" & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf &
                    TimeString(2) & vbTab & vbTab & "R/T" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(6) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(3) & vbTab & vbTab & "60'" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(7) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(4) & vbTab & vbTab & "MPH" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(8) & vbLf &
                    TimeString(5) & vbTab & vbTab & "ET" & vbTab & vbTab & TimeString(9) & vbLf,
                                         fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub

i also need to change the date and time

Yes, very good, that looks correct without detailed study. Run it and see if it works or not. There are several ways it can be done. The array can be used to print or you can use the text boxes.

I made this example from the text boxes. See the form with the textboxes and the times in the textboxe.text on the form? Then see in the print page handler how the time table is made into a string and printed?

So that is more or less the same as what you have done there. One can eithere use sixtyL.Text or TimeString(3) or "1.855" to print. Its all the same mostly.


In the previous example that you copied I put the NOW time in the array at TimeSlips(0). However your array appears to have different info there. So you need to deal with that somehow. Do you want to save the time in your data array then do that.

The NOW date/time give the current system time. Is that what you want?

The key is to learn the different ways things can be done, one at a time, then figure the best and easiest ways to do what you want using the tools you have learned.

Below is another example I had already made. This is the form made by the example with the textboxes and data from the example.



THis is the printout made using the data in the textboxes. You can also use the array as you have shown.



Here is the example code. The code makes the controls. Just cut and paste to an empty form. Change the form name as required.

Imports System.Drawing.Printing

Public Class Form5
    Private WithEvents PrintDoc As New PrintDocument
    Private PrintPreviewDialog1 As New PrintPreviewDialog

    Private WithEvents reacL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 60)}
    Private WithEvents sixtyL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 100)}
    Private WithEvents mphL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 140)}
    Private WithEvents etL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 180)}
    Private WithEvents quarterL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 220)}

    Private WithEvents reacR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 60)}
    Private WithEvents sixtyR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 100)}
    Private WithEvents mphR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 140)}
    Private WithEvents etR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 180)}
    Private WithEvents quarterR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 220)}

    Private Sub Form5_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        'fill the textboxes with data for two cars
        Dim TimeString(12) As String
        TimeString(2) = "0.000"
        TimeString(3) = "1.855"
        TimeString(4) = "103.12"
        TimeString(5) = "8.414"
        TimeString(10) = "13.191"

        reacL.Text = TimeString(2)
        sixtyL.Text = TimeString(3)
        mphL.Text = TimeString(4)
        etL.Text = TimeString(5)
        quarterL.Text = TimeString(10)

        TimeString(6) = "0.000"
        TimeString(7) = "1.528"
        TimeString(8) = "100.08"
        TimeString(9) = "6.915"
        TimeString(11) = "11.091"

        reacR.Text = TimeString(6)
        sixtyR.Text = TimeString(7)
        mphR.Text = TimeString(8)
        etR.Text = TimeString(9)
        quarterR.Text = TimeString(11)

        'show the print preview dialog
        PrintPreviewDialog1.Document = PrintDoc
        PrintDoc.OriginAtMargins = True
        PrintPreviewDialog1.ShowDialog()

    End Sub

    Private Sub PrintDoc_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As System.Drawing.Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDoc.PrintPage
        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
                    fHeading As New Font("gill sans ultra bold", 18),
                    fScript As New Font("script mt bold", 14, FontStyle.Bold)

                'draw the heading at coordinates 0,0 upper left of margins
                .DrawString("Mike's Dragstrip", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 0, 0)
                .DrawString("Performance Nationals", fScript, Brushes.Black, 0, 30)

                'make a text string of the times into two columns and multiple lines
                'vbtab is like the old tab to produce column spacing between words
                'vblf starts a new line at the left column
                .DrawString("Left" & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf & vbLf &
                            reacL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & reacR.Text & vbLf &
                            sixtyL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & sixtyR.Text & vbLf &
                            mphL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & mphR.Text & vbLf &
                            etL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & etR.Text & vbLf &
                            quarterL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & quarterR.Text,
                            fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub

End Class

[11mike23]

Ok how do I add either my test code or the way you have coded it on to my current code to work off the print button I added like I had said before I am new to all this so I don't know much about it but i am trying to learn

[tommytwotrain]

Ok how do I add either my test code or the way you have coded it on to my current code to work off the print button I added like I had said before I am new to all this so I don't know much about it but i am trying to learn

Yes it is hard and frustrating at first. You need to learn one thing at a time. Practice, debug, change, and learn it.

Then you can learn something new and add it to what you previously learned.

In the example below I added code to make a button control. You can just make controls in the form designer. I use code so it is easy to reproduce the posted example and see exactly how it is set up.

So add a button to your form and move the print preview dialog code from the form load event to the button click event. Now the form loads and initializes the text box data. Then you click the button to print.

See the print button? See the code in the Printbutton click event at the bottom?

Imports System.Drawing.Printing

Public Class Form5
    Private WithEvents PrintDoc As New PrintDocument
    Private PrintPreviewDialog1 As New PrintPreviewDialog

    Private WithEvents PrintButton As New Button With {.Parent = Me, .Location = New Point(200, 200),
        .Text = "Print..."}

    Private WithEvents reacL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 60)}
    Private WithEvents sixtyL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 100)}
    Private WithEvents mphL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 140)}
    Private WithEvents etL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 180)}
    Private WithEvents quarterL As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(20, 220)}

    Private WithEvents reacR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 60)}
    Private WithEvents sixtyR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 100)}
    Private WithEvents mphR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 140)}
    Private WithEvents etR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 180)}
    Private WithEvents quarterR As New TextBox With {.Parent = Me, .Size = New Size(60, 30), .Location = New Point(100, 220)}

    Private Sub Form5_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        'fill the textboxes with data for two cars
        Dim TimeString(12) As String
        TimeString(2) = "0.000"
        TimeString(3) = "1.855"
        TimeString(4) = "103.12"
        TimeString(5) = "8.414"
        TimeString(10) = "13.191"

        reacL.Text = TimeString(2)
        sixtyL.Text = TimeString(3)
        mphL.Text = TimeString(4)
        etL.Text = TimeString(5)
        quarterL.Text = TimeString(10)

        TimeString(6) = "0.000"
        TimeString(7) = "1.528"
        TimeString(8) = "100.08"
        TimeString(9) = "6.915"
        TimeString(11) = "11.091"

        reacR.Text = TimeString(6)
        sixtyR.Text = TimeString(7)
        mphR.Text = TimeString(8)
        etR.Text = TimeString(9)
        quarterR.Text = TimeString(11)


    End Sub

    Private Sub PrintDoc_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As System.Drawing.Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDoc.PrintPage
        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
                    fHeading As New Font("gill sans ultra bold", 18),
                    fScript As New Font("script mt bold", 14, FontStyle.Bold)

                'draw the heading at coordinates 0,0 upper left of margins
                .DrawString("Mike's Dragstrip", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 0, 0)
                .DrawString("Performance Nationals", fScript, Brushes.Black, 0, 30)

                'make a text string of the times into two columns and multiple lines
                'vbtab is like the old tab to produce column spacing between words
                'vblf starts a new line at the left column
                .DrawString("Left" & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf & vbLf &
                            reacL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & reacR.Text & vbLf &
                            sixtyL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & sixtyR.Text & vbLf &
                            mphL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & mphR.Text & vbLf &
                            etL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & etR.Text & vbLf &
                            quarterL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & quarterR.Text,
                            fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub

    Private Sub PrintButton_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles PrintButton.Click
        'show the print preview dialog
        PrintPreviewDialog1.Document = PrintDoc
        PrintDoc.OriginAtMargins = True
        PrintPreviewDialog1.ShowDialog()

    End Sub
End Class

[tommytwotrain]

PS did you see this printing example in this recent forum thread?

[11mike23]

Yes I looked through both links but is there any way to add this to my main form or screen and use the print button I added or does it have to be split to different form like you have done.

[tommytwotrain]

Yes I looked through both links but is there any way to add this to my main form or screen and use the print button I added or does it have to be split to different form like you have done.

Yes you can add everything into one form. Use the form you have or... sometimes... it is good to just start a new project and start over and make it all again. Copy and paste as you can, and understand it.

It is good practice to start over. Make a new project. Make a new form. Add the controls again. Add the code again. Then you will remember it better. You will probably realize a better way and improve what you have the second time you do it!

Or not.

Btw are you making backups of your project in case something goes south?

Plus, best to ask a new question if it is a different subject. You will get others helping again with new ideas.

I am going to be gone for a while...

[11mike23]

thanks for your help i think have every thing working i get a print prev on what i wont just waiting on the printer its a 80mm thermal printer do i need to do some kind of page setup or just make sure it is scaled right in my print layout

 Private Sub PrintDocument1_PrintPage(sender As Object, e As Printing.PrintPageEventArgs) Handles PrintDocument1.PrintPage
        RunDateTime = Now

        With e.Graphics
            Using fText As New Font("consolas", 12),
        fHeading As New Font("Impact", 25),
        fScript As New Font("Segoe Script", 14)

                .DrawString("336 Dragway", fHeading, Brushes.Black, 65, 0)
                .DrawString("Burlington, NC", fScript, Brushes.Black, 75, 35)
                .DrawString(RunDateTime.ToShortDateString & "   " & RunDateTime.ToShortTimeString, fText, Brushes.Black, 65, 60)
                .DrawString("Left" & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & vbTab & "Right" & vbLf &
         reacL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & "R/T" & vbTab & vbTab & reacR.Text & vbLf &
         sixtyL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & "60'" & vbTab & vbTab & sixtyR.Text & vbLf &
         mphL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & "MPH" & vbTab & vbTab & mphR.Text & vbLf &
         etL.Text & vbTab & vbTab & "ET" & vbTab & vbTab & etR.Text & vbLf,
        fText, Brushes.Black, 0, 100)
            End Using
        End With
    End Sub

[jmcilhinney]

May I recommend that you acquaint yourself with the String.Format method and also with string interpolation, and even the String.Concat method. Using loads of string concatenation operators (&) makes code hard to read and thus error prone. I generally recommend string interpolation these days, although insertion of a repeated substring, as you're doing with the Tab character here, can make String.Format a better option. It's also worth noting that VB supports multiline String literals these days.

.DrawString($"{RunDateTime:d}   {RunDateTime:t}", fText, Brushes.Black, 65, 60)
.DrawString($"Left{vbTab}{vbTab}{vbTab}{vbTab}Right
{reacL.Text}{vbTab}{vbTab}R/T{vbTab}{vbTab}{reacR.Text}
{sixtyL.Text}{vbTab}{vbTab}60'{vbTab}{vbTab}{sixtyR.Text}
{mphL.Text}{vbTab}{vbTab}MPH{vbTab}{vbTab}{mphR.Text}
{etL.Text}{vbTab}{vbTab}ET{vbTab}{vbTab}{etR.Text}
",
            fText,
            Brushes.Black,
            0,
            100)

You can, of course, make that clearer by using a variable for things that you use often, which you should ALWAYS do:

Dim twoTabs = ControlChars.Tab & ControlChars.Tab
Dim fourTabs = twoTabs & twoTabs
 
.DrawString($"Left{fourTabs}Right
{reacL.Text}{twoTabs}R/T{twoTabs}{reacR.Text}
{sixtyL.Text}{twoTabs}60'{twoTabs}{sixtyR.Text}
{mphL.Text}{twoTabs}MPH{twoTabs}{mphR.Text}
{etL.Text}{twoTabs}ET{twoTabs}{etR.Text}
",
            fText,
            Brushes.Black,
            0,
            100)

[tommytwotrain]

its a 80mm thermal printer do i need to do some kind of page setup or just make sure it is scaled right in my print layout

Yes you need to adjust the printout drawing code to fit that paper size. To draw the receipt that size you may need to use a smaller font and abbreviate more. Set margins to zero. May need to use a monotype font like Consolas which gives uniform letter size and spacing. Experiment.

The printer and the paper size needs to be set for the PrintDocument.PrinterSettings using several possible ways. The user can setup the printer and paper using the application dialogs (and code you write). Or the application can use the default windows setup for the printer (also set by user through windows). If you know you have a fixed setup you can have the application specify printer and paper or use default.

For now you can use the default settings for the printer which you set in windows printer setup before you start the app. Then the PrintDocument is set to the current windows defaults when the application is started.

How do you want it to work? User set the printer and paper or the application sets it?

[11mike23]

I don't really care it will be the only printer and only used for these time slips