Printing test checks

[MaureenS]

We're just setting up PowerChurch to print vendor checks. I'm in Canada, and would like to stick with our current check provider (Davis & Henderson) instead of purchasing from Dynamic. Before I order checks, I'm trying to make sure I'm getting the correct ones. D & H sent me several blank sample checks on which I can run test prints, but PowerChurch won't let me. It says I don't need to run a test print on laser checks. Well, yes I do. I wish they wouldn't tell me what I need or don't need to do. I don't even know which way to put the checks into the printer to make them print correctly, and I certainly don't want to be figuring that out using real checks! Can someone please tell me how to know 1) which checks to order without being able to test them; and 2) which way to position the checks in the printer?

[NeilZ]

We're just setting up PowerChurch to print vendor checks. I'm in Canada, and would like to stick with our current check provider (Davis & Henderson) instead of purchasing from Dynamic. Before I order checks, I'm trying to make sure I'm getting the correct ones. D & H sent me several blank sample checks on which I can run test prints, but PowerChurch won't let me. It says I don't need to run a test print on laser checks. Well, yes I do. I wish they wouldn't tell me what I need or don't need to do. I don't even know which way to put the checks into the printer to make them print correctly, and I certainly don't want to be figuring that out using real checks! Can someone please tell me how to know 1) which checks to order without being able to test them; and 2) which way to position the checks in the printer?

I've found that if the checks are OK for Quickbooks, they're probably good for Powerchurch. The test print for checks was primarily for older dot-matrix continuous checks. This allowed a check to make sure that they were lined up properly in the system. Laser printers really don't need to do that.

That said, a quick way to test this is to do a backup of the Funds Accounting files using the built-in backup, then create a manual check for a vendor and print it through the system. Do this on a piece of blank paper .. not normal 20lb bond, but something a bit thinner.

Then take the check blank and put the printed paper over it. Hold them both up to a bright light and check to see how the printing on the paper matches up to the blank. If you need to adjust you can adjust by following the directions here:
https://www.powerchurch.com/support/kb.php?id=87&type=1

Then reprinting the check ... do as often as needed.

Then restore the backup to the system. Its best to make anyone else who uses the Accounting module (Funds Accounting, Accounts Payable, etc) that you're doing this, so they will stay off.


Hope this helps.

[F12Mahon]

I write checks manually but in your shoes here is what I would do.

Something this forum has taught me is whenever you're going to try something, do a backup first. For your case I would do a backup of accounting only for the moment.
Then make a trial invoice and cut a check for it printing it on a sheet of plain paper. Scribble a note the paper so you know which way the paper starts and which way it comes out.
Then I would overlay it on the trial checks and see if things match up. You may need to hold them up to a bright light. The check style it lines up with is the style you need to try in the printer.

When done with of check printing trials, restore your accounting backup.

Hope this helps.
I am trying to help because of the help I have received here.

[F12Mahon]

Neil,
I see we think alike. I just type slower.

[NeilZ]

I can touch type about 30 wpm or more .. haven't checked in a long time.

[F12Mahon]

In high school I did 35 wpm at the end of a semester of typing class. That was a few - 33- years ago. Seems like it's been downhill ever since. Too many fatfingers.