[moneytalks] Re: Check printing background and plans

I just called our bank and asked them if they have anyone who use
Generic check to print the bank info on.  They told me that they have
several customers who do this.  I live in a small town of about 1500
people.  The due suggest that you would first bring in a sample to make
sure that their machine can read the check.  

As far as left over check on three per page I have found the paper
clipping them to a known orientation of a check works for me.   

John


-----Original Message-----
From: moneytalks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:moneytalks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of TERRIE TERLAU
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 8:53 AM
To: moneytalks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [moneytalks] Re: Check printing background and plans

John,
Thanks for your input. It is certainly worth considering both the blank
check stock method and the preprinted checks for Money Talks.

What have you found about needing special cartridges for printing the
complete check on blank stock? Also do you find the three-to-a-page
checks harder to keep up with? I am thinking of individuals who print
one check at a time and who need to keep the one or two unused  checks 
oriented correctly for inserting into a printer at a later time.
Anyone's experiences with printing checks of any kind would be
appreciated.
Thanks.
Terrie


Mary T. (Terrie) Terlau, Ph.D.
Adult Life Project Leader
Department of Educational and Technical Research
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone:  (502) 899-2381
Toll-free: (800) 223-1839 ext. 381
Fax: (502) 899-2269
Email: tterlau@xxxxxxx

>>> fritzfamily@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 04/05/05 09:32AM >>>
Thanks Terrie for the info.  I would like to see both options
available
and the use could choose which method to go with.  Thanks for all of
your hard work with this program.

John


-----Original Message-----
From: moneytalks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:moneytalks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of TERRIE TERLAU
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 8:08 AM
To: moneytalks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Subject: [moneytalks] Check printing background and plans

Thanks for the question about check printing.
Here is our plan at this point. We welcome everyone's input.
First, here are some basics about check printing in general.

There are two basic ways that people print checks: they use
pre-printed
checks and they fill in only the amount, date, payee, memo, and dollar
fields on the computer; second, they use blank check paper stock, a
laser printer with magnetic ink, and print the complete check (routing
numbers, bank info), and also the info in the check fields. We plan to
support the first method, not the second, for several reasons. to
print
the complete check on blank check stock, one needs not only a laser
printer but also a cartridge with extra-strength magnetic ink.
Although
some check-writing programs claim that you don't need a laser printer
and a special cartridge, their fine print contains a warning that
regular ink may not register on bank's magnetic ink readers. I spent a
good bit of time researching this method and decided that it was too
cartridge-and-printer dependent and also complex in terms of
supporting
the printing of every check detail.

I have experimented with filling in the fields of checkbook checks of
various sizes and the one-to-a-page Quicken Type checks. Some printers
do fine with the small wallet-sized checks that are in regular
checkbooks. On the other hand, some printers can not handle media this
small. Most printers can handle business-sized checks that are in
checkbooks and also the large-print, raised-line checks.  We have
experimented with check templates to hold smaller checks as they go
through printers and have had poor results. If your printer  can hold
3"
X 5" cards, it will probably handle wallet-sized checks. If not, you
may
need to order the larger sized ones (business or raised line) from
your
bank.

We plan to offer a print check screen where you fill in the
information
for the check fields. You will then  print a trial check. You will
need
sighted assistance to adjust where the fields are printed on the trial
check. After adjustments are made, you will be able to print checks
simply by tearing them out of your checkbook and putting them in the
printer. If you use the Quicken-type one-to-a-page checks, you will
also
be able to print them.

We want your thoughts and ideas on the check-printing process. Please
let us know what you think of the above and give us any other thoughts
that you may have. Personally, I can't wait for the check-printing
feature to be finished; I lost the ability to write my own checks
after
my type writer that worked with the optacon broke beyond repair We
really want the check-writing feature to meet your needs, so please
keep
your good ideas coming.
Best regards,
Terrie



Mary T. (Terrie) Terlau, Ph.D.
Adult Life Project Leader
Department of Educational and Technical Research
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone:  (502) 899-2381
Toll-free: (800) 223-1839 ext. 381
Fax: (502) 899-2269
Email: tterlau@xxxxxxx

Other related posts: