Print job triggers a buzzer, bell or light?

One of two bizarre hardware questions. I get the most obscure requests all the time and I really try hard to find a way to accomodate them.

Today's request part one of two:

In a large warehouse, the staff has asked if there is some sort of device that will alert them when a pick ticket prints. The current config is an okidata dot printer on a networked print server. They want a buzzer or a bell or a flashing light - something that will tell them that they need to get a ticket and pull it. I'm not finding anything.

 

I'd say use an IR door alarm, one like stores use. It is an IR projector that reflects off what looks like a bike reflector. Mount it above the printer & the reflector in the tray so the paper breaks the beam & the alarm sounds.
Or any IR door alarm like that may work.

like
http://www.entryalertproducts.com/site/1313934/product/80-500

 

Not sure how much control you have over the environment, or if you even have any .NET software support, but there are ethernet based stacklights that you could control. All you would need would be to write a program to monitor the print queue and turn on the stacklight/horn if something is sent to the printer...

http://www.directindustry.com/prod/patlite/pc-controllable-led-tower-lights-53616-374505.html

 

EDIT: It may even be simpler. You may be able to use the Windows Task Scheduler to fire off the stacklight and not require .NET to watch the print queue.

 

Another option: most Okidata models have an external ticket alarm buzzer available as an accessory.

 

All great options. Oki has a . . . now why have I never found that??? Thanks, i'm going to see what I can do with all of the suggestions.