NAME

lpx − line printer exerciser

SYNTAX

/usr/field/lpx [ −h ] [ −ofile ] [ −pn ] [ −tm ] −ddev

DESCRIPTION

The line printer exerciser outputs a rolling character pattern to the printer. Five pages are output and then the printer will pause for 15 minutes (default).  Then 5 more pages are output, followed by a pause.  This pattern continues until the process receives a <CTRLC> or a kill -15 pid. 

Disable the line printer queue of the printer to be tested before running lpx. Check the /etc/printcap file to determine the line printer queue, and then run line printer control program /etc/lpc to disable the printer. This will stop other jobs from interfering with the testing.

ARGUMENTS

You must specify the following function flag and its argument to the lpx exerciser:

−ddevThe line printer device name and unit number to test as listed in the /dev directory.  For example, lp, lp1.

OPTIONS

The lpx options are:

−hPrint the help messages for the lpx command.

−ofileSave the output diagnostics in file. 

−pnSet pause for n minutes.  During the pause period, lpx will only exercise the controller, saving paper. The default value for n is 15.  A value of n = 0 indicates no pause. 

−tmRun time in minutes (m).  The default is to run lpx run until the process receives a <CTRLC> or kill -15 pid. 

EXAMPLES

The following example causes lpx to exercise lp1 until the process receives a <CTRLC> or kill -15 pid. 

% /usr/field/lpx -dlp1

The following example exercises lp for 120 minutes in the background.

% /usr/field/lpx -t120 -dlp &

SEE ALSO

System Management Guide