Commodore MPS1550C a

COLOR PRINTER

MPS1550 C

User Manual

Com m odore

Copyright © by Commodore Electronics Ltd., 1988.

All rights are reserved. This manual may not be used or reproduced under any

form, (print, photocopy, microfilm, or other processes) without COMMODORE'S
written authorization.

The information contained herein has been carefully checked. However, we do

not take any responsibility for possible mistakes found. Data on the use of the

printer are supplied for your information only. The information in this document

is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the

part of Commodore.

Commodore Electronics Ltd.

72 83 670 00 3

Printed in Italy 728367 J - 01

Stampato presso

Tipolitografia L'ARTIGIANA Burolo (To>

COLOR PRINTER

IMPS 1550 C

User Manual

O

Com m odore

This equipment conforms to the specifications of the
EEC directive 87/308 on the prevention of radio-fre
quency disturbances.

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used properly, that is,
in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc
tions, may cause interference to radio and television
reception. It has been type tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B computing device in ac
cordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part

15 FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential in
stallation. However, there is no guarantee that in
terference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or televi

sion reception, which can be determined by turning the

equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try

to correct the interference by one or more of the follow
ing measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
Move the computer away from the receiver.
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that com
puter and receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an
experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by
the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“ How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference
Problems’’.
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock No.
004-000-00345-4.

To insure compliance to F.C.C. requirements, connec
tion of this peripheral requires the use of grounded
shielded cables.

Index

VII

FIRST PART: Installation

1.1 Unpacking

2.1 Printer Presentation

2.2 Operating Console

2.2 Indicator Lights

2.3 Keys

2.4 Paper Release Lever

2.5 Paper Feed Knob

3.1 Printer Installation

3.1 Ribbon Cartridge Insertion

3.6 Paper Loading

3.6 Single Sheets

3.10 Continuous Feeding of Single Sheets

3.11 ASF Features

3.12 Continuous Stationery

3.20 Paper Rolls

4.1 Printer Power Supply

5.1 Diagnostics

5.1 Self-Test (Autodiagnostics)

5.1 Out of Paper

5.1 Failure Condition

5.2 Troubleshooting Guide

5.4 Print Test

5.6 Printing in Exadecimal Code (DATA SCOPE)

Introduction

Unpacking

2

Printer
Presentation

3

Printer
Installation

Printer
Power Supply

5

Diagnostics

III

►

SECOND PART: Connection to the Commodore C 64/128

6

Printer
Initialisation

Programming the
Machine Settings

8

Connection of
the Interface Cable

Commodore
Control Code

10

Character
Tables

6.1 Printer Initialisation

6.1 Printer Switch-ON

6.2 Initialisation

6.3 Default Settings

7.1 Programming the Machine Settings

7.1 Operating Procedure

7.3 Example of Printer Programming

7.7 Available Parameter Settings

7.13 Printer Setting to Different Emulations in Com-
modor Serial Interface Mode

8.1 Connection of the Interface Cable

9.1 Commodore Control Codes

9.2 Notes on the Commodore BASIC Language

9.4 Printer Operating Modes

9.7 Control Codes and Escape Sequences

10.1 Character Tables

IV

►

THIRD PART: Connection to PC Commodore,

Amiga and IBM Compatible

11.1 Printer Initialisation

11.1 Printer Switch-ON

11.2 Initialisation

11.2 Default Settings

12.1 Programming the Machine Settings

12.1 Operating Procedure

12.3 Example of Printer Programming

12.7 Available Parameter Settings

13.1 Connection to the Host Computer

13.1 Connection to the Host Computer

13.2 Control Codes

14.1 IBM Propinter Compatible Control Codes

14.1 IBM Proprinter Emulation

15.1 IBM G.P. and Epson JX 80 Compatible
Control Codes
IBM Graphics Printer Emulation

15.1
Epson JX 80 Emulation

15.8
Character Table

16.1
IBM Graphics Printer Environment

16.1
Epson Environment

16.8

11

Printer
Initialisation

Programming the
Machine Settings

13

Connection to the
Host Computer

14

IBM Proprinter
Compatible
Control Codes

15

IBM G.P. and Epson
JX 80 Compatible

Control Codes

Character Table

►

V

Technical

Specification

Interfaces

Graphics Layout
Combinations

Print Samples

Command
Summary Tables

APPENDIX

A.l Technical Specifications

B

B.l Interfaces
a. Serial Interface
b. Parallel Interface

C

C.l Graphics Layout Combinations

D.l Print Samples

E

E.l Command Summary Tables

VI

►

Introduction

This manual describes a compact, light-weight, desk
top, dot-matrix printer.

The printer operates at a speed of 120 chars/s, in ei

ther direction, featuring optimised print head move
ment and has a tabulation speed of 200 chars/s.

The printer offers a wide choice of printing styles:
normal, Near Letter Quality, six different character
pitches, bold type, underline, double width, super
scripts, subscripts, etc.

The NLQ (Near Letter Quality) print mode provides
a noticeable improvement of print quality, both in
alphanumeric and semi-graphics mode. The print ma
trix is effectively doubled, from 9x9 to 18x9 dots;
the characters feature an almost continuous profile
and are easy to read without eye strain.

The normal print mode (DRAFT) is used for fast
printouts of documents that do not require a parti
cularly high quality of printing.

The printer can operate in two modes:

- Commodore mode

- PC IBM (or compatible) mode

The selection between the two operating modes is per

formed during the initial programming phase, selec

ting the appropriate address. The connection with the

Commodore C 64/128 is through the serial port, whi

le the connection with the PC Commodore, Amiga

(or IBM compatible) is through the parallel port.

VIII

The available command set provides easy handling

of pagination, graphic image production and graphic
output variation.

A colour inked ribbon cartridge or a long life black
cartridge are available for this printer. Both cartrid
ges allow rapid, clean ribbon replacement.

Paper handling is complete: single sheets, continuous
fanfold forms, rolls, and paper fed from automatic
sheet feed.

STRUCTURE OF THE MANUAL

The first part of the manual explains how to install
the printer, load the paper, insert ribbon cartridge;
it also provides diagnostics common to Commodore
C 64/128 and PC Commodore, Amiga (or IBM com
patible) connections.

The second part of the manual describes the connec
tion procedures to the Commodore C 64/128, and
the third to the PC Commodore, Amiga (or IBM
compatible).

The Appendices inlcude the printer technical featu
res, interfaces, print samples and summary tables for
the control codes.

To get the best results from the printer and avoid pos
sible damage, the operator should follow the instruc
tions given in this manual carefully.

IX

FIRST PART

Installation

Unpacking

After unpacking the printer, save the carton and pac
king material for future re-use.

Make sure all items are present, checking them
against the figure below. If something is missing or
damaged, contact your dealer.

The printer is protected by a plastic bag which must

be removed before installation.

2

Printer

Presentation

This chapter locates and presents all the printer parts
used by the operator.

The figure below shows the main parts that can be
accessed from the front of the printer.

Fig. 2-1
Front View
of Printer

2.1

Fig. 2-2
Operating
Console

OPERATING CONSOLE

On the operating console there are three membrane
keys and three LED indicator lights.

INDICATOR LIGHTS

2.2

ON
LOCAL

FAILURE

Lit: printer powered.
Lit: printer off-line (does not receive from host compu

ter) or out of paper condition.
Off: printer on-line (under host computer control).

Lit: printer fault (hardware fault)
Flashing: minor fault (mechanical fault).

KEYS

LOCAL
LINE FEED

FORM FEED

Alternatively selects or deselects the printer.
Advances the paper one line feed: if held down, the paper

feed is continuous.

Enabled only when the printer is off-line.

If pressed during printer programming phase (SET-UP), the
parameter proposed is selected (see the chapter “Program
ming the machine settings").

If pressed and held down at printer switch-on, the print test
is performed (see the chapter “ Diagnostics").

If pressed, it advances the paper to the top of the next form,
or loads a sheet of paper from the automatic sheet feeder
(ASF).

Enabled only when the printer is off-line.

If pressed during printer programming phase (SET-UP), the
parameter proposed is refused, and an alternative is pro
posed (see the chapter “ Programming the machine
settings").

If pressed and held down at switch-on, the printer will ope
rate in the DATA SCOPE print mode (see the chapter “ Dia
gnostics").

If the LINE FEED and FORM FEED keys are held down
together at switch-on, the printer will operate in SET UP
mode (see the chapter “ Programming the machine
settings").

2.3

Fig. 2-3
Paper Release
Lever

PAPER RELEASE LEVER
Push the lever towards the rear of the printer to set

the paper pressure rollers against the platen to allow
printing of single sheets of paper or paper rolls.

Push the lever towards the front of the printer to raise the

paper pressure rollers from the platen for printing on

continuous stationery (fed by the sprocket).

2.4

PAPER FEED KNOB

Allows manual forward and reverse paper feed.

Functions only if the paper release lever is pushed
towards the rear of the printer.

Fig. 2-4
Paper Feed Knob

2.5

The following figure illustrates the machine main
parts that can be accessed from the rear of the printer.

Fig. 2-5
Rear View

of Printer

POWER SUPPLY CABLE

COMMODORE SERIAL
INTERFACE CONNECTOR

COMPUTER PARALLEL
INTERFACE CONNECTOR

2.6

Place the printer on a flat surface with the operating
console to your left and the paper feed knob to your
right.

Never expose the printer to direct sunlight.
Read this chapter carefully before connecting the

printer to the mains power supply.

RIBBON CARTRIDGE INSERTION

A black or coloured ribbon cartridge can be used.

If a black ribbon cartridge is used, the parameter se
lection in SET-UP mode must be “TYPE OF RIB
BON = BLACK“ (see the chapter “ Programming
the machine settings*4).

3

Printer

Installation

If a coloured ribbon cartridge is used, the parameter
selection in SET-UP mode must be “TYPE OF RIB
BON = COLOURED44 (see the chapter “ Program
ming the machine settings44).

Fig. 3-1
Opening the
Transparent
Cover

Fig. 3-2
Positioning the
Print Head

To insert the ribbon cartridge in the printer, raise the
transparent cover to access the printer internal parts.

Position the print head at the physical left margin
by sliding it gently along its horizontal guides.

3.2

If you are replacing the ribbon cartridge, first
remove the used cartridge, pulling it upwards.

Fit the new ribbon cartridge around the print head,
making sure it is held firmly by three stops and that
the ribbon feed pin is inserted correctly.

Make sure the inked ribbon is towards the platen,
and threaded between the print head and the paper
guide fixed to the platen.

Fig. 3-3
Removing the Use$t
Cartridge

3.3

Fig. 3-5
Fixing the
Cartridge in
Position

Insert the cartridge on the mounting pins, pressing
it down gently but firmly. If there is excessive resi
stance, reposition the cartridge and try again.

Turn the ribbon tension adjustment wheel on the car
tridge clockwise to take up any ribbon that has co
me out of the cartridge during insertion.

Fig. 3-6

Adjusting the

Ribbon Tension

3.4

Check that the cartidge is correctly aligned and firmly
locked in place on the pins and that the ribbon is taut
(both horizontally and vertically).

Close the transparent cover, putting the printer in the
operating mode.

Fig. 3-7
Closing the
Transparent
Cover

3.5

PAPER LOADING
You can use most types of paper for printing (single

sheets, continuous forms and paper rolls):
Single sheets of paper should be 5 to 9 in (127 to 229

mm) wide and at least 100 mm long, with a minimum
top of form of 35 mm and bottom of form area of

30 mm. The paper weight may vary between 60 and
80 g/m2.

Continuous forms should be 5 to 9.5 in (127 to 241.3
mm) wide. The paper weight (original only) may va
ry between 55 and 90 g/m2. If an original plus one
copy is used, the weight of the original may vary bet
ween 50 and 60 g/m2, while that of the copy must
be between 40 and 50 g/m2. If carbon paper is used,
it should be between 20 and 30 g/m2.

The thickness of the form should not exceed 0.18
mm.

Paper rolls should be 5 to 9 in (127 to 229 mm)
wide. The external diameter of the roll must not
exceed 90 mm while the core diameter must be 12 or

25.4 mm. The paper weight may vary between 60 and
90 g/m2.

3.6

SINGLE SHEETS
To use single sheets of paper, you must first mount

the paper feed support on the printer.
Inserting the Paper Feed Device

Position the paper feed support vertically on the rear

of the printer, inserting its pins in the appropriate

slots in the printer casing, and pushing it down until
it is against the stops.

Pressing the two flexible hooks on the paper feed sup
port, insert them in the grooves and tip the paper feed
back so that it is against them.

The paper feed has two working positions:

1. Horizontal; obtained by pressing the lips at the sides
inward.

2. Sloping; obtained by positioning it horizontally,
and then pulling forward until it clicks into place.

' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------N

J

Fig. 3-8
Inserting the Paper
Feed Support

Check that the paper feed support is fixed firmly and
correctly to the printer (and is in its sloping position
for single sheet loading).

3.7

Fig. 3-9
Positioning the
Paper Release
Lever

Set the paper release lever towards the rear of the
printer, so that the paper is fed by the platen.

3.8

Manual Insertion of Single Sheet

Adjust the left hand guide of the paper feed so that
the left hand edge of the paper is to the left of the
first character position on the print line.

Adjust the right hand guide according to the width
of the sheet of paper, with respect to the left hand
guide.

Insert the paper between the guides, pushing it into
the slot that gives access to the platen. Turn the pa
per feed knob clockwise until the paper is in the print
position, between the platen and the paper guide in
front of it.

3.9

Automatic Insertion of Single Sheets

With the printer switched on, you can insert single
sheets of paper automatically.

The procedure is the same as that described for ma
nual insertion except that the paper is fed in by pres
sing the FORM FEED key on the operating console.

3.10

The FORM FEED key operates only if the printer
is in Local (Off-line LOCAL indicator light ON). If

this light is off, press the LOCAL key.
CONTINUOUS FEEDING OF SINGLE SHEETS

To use a pack of single sheets of paper, you must

first mount the Automatic Sheet Feed (ASF) on the
printer.

ASF FEATURES

A pack of paper is loaded into the ASF, and then
fed in automatically during the printing operation.

The ASF is a compact device measuring: 310 mm x

105 mm x 105 mm.

It can handle up to 30 sheets, 150 to 218 mm wide
and 100 to 300 mm long, weighing between 60 and
80 g/m2. The minimum top of form (TOF) and bot
tom of form (BOF) are both about 27 mm.

Mounting the ASF
Being an option, the ASF is delivered separately.
The following figure shows the parts with which the

operator should be familiar.

Fig. 3-12

Automatic Sheet

Feed

3.11

CONTINUOUS STATIONERY

To use continuous stationery, you must first mount the
Sprocket (paper feed device) on the printer.

Mounting the Sprocket

The following figure shows the parts with which the ope
rator should be familiar.

Fig. 3-26
Sprocket

TRACTOR COVER INTERMEDIATE PAPER SUPPORT TRACTOR COVER

3.12

To mount the sprocket on the printer, proceed as

follows:
Using a screwdriver, paper knife or similar tool, re

move the precut parts of the printer casing to access

the points in which the sprocket is to be fixed.

s s m s s s s s m m s m i

Keep the precut parts to close the openings in the

casing after Sprocket removal.

Fig. 3-27
Removing the
Precut Parts

Position the paper release lever towards the front of
the printer so that the sprocket can be mounted.

Fig. 3-28
Positioning the
Paper Release
Lever

3.13

Fig. 3-29
Mounting the
Sprocket

Fig. 3-30
Fixing the
Sprocket in
Position

Insert the pins of the sprocket in the two rear slots,

sliding them into the guides provided.

Pressing the knobs on either side of the front of the
sprocket, pull it forward until it is against the front

flexible stops.

3.14

Check that the sprocket is mounted correctly: when
you turn the paper feed knob, the metal shaft on
which the feed tractors are mounted should rotate.

Press the two paper guide brackets into the groove
on the rear of the printer casing.

Fig. 3-32
Inserting the
Paper Guide
Brackets

3.15

Fig. 3-33
Inserting

Continuous

Stationery

Loading Continuous Stationery

To load continuous stationery, proceed as follows:

Insert the paper feed support (as described previou
sly) and rotate it downwards to its horizontal po
sition.

Inserting the paper in the slot behind the platen, feed
it under the tractors.

Fig. 3-34
Feeding Continuous

Stationery round

the Platen

3.16

Guide the paper by hand until the leading edge feeds
out between the platen and the paper guide.

Adjust the two feed tractors and the intermediate pa
per supports according to the paper width.

Fig. 3-35

Adjusting the
Sprocket

Open the two tractor covers and thread the paper on
to the feed pins.

Fig. 3-36

Threading the Paper

on to the Feed Pins

3.17

Fig. 3-37
Closing the
Tractor Covers

Fig . 3-38

Adjusting the Paper

Guide Brackets

Close the tractor covers.

Position the paper guide brackets so that the paper
feeds smoothly between them.

3.18

Turn the paper feed knob to advance the paper and
regulate the tension by adjusting the tractors hori
zontally. Make sure that the paper path is free of ob
stacles.

Removing the Sprocket

Pressing the knobs on either side of the front of the
sprocket, pull it firmly, but carefully, upwards until
it disengages first from the front and then from the
rear mounting pins.

Pull the paper guide brackets upwards to remove

them from the printer casing.

Fig. 3-39
Removing the
Sprocket

Insert the two precut parts in the ASF/Sprocket ope
nings of the casing.

Fig. 3-40
Removing the
Paper Guide
Brackets

3.19

Fig. 3-41
Paper Roll
Supports

PAPER ROLLS
To use paper rolls, you must first mount the paper

roll supports on the printer.

Being an option, the paper rolls supports are delivered

separately.
To mount the paper roll supports, proceed as follows:

Fig. 3-42
Mounting the
Paper Roll

Supports

3.20

Press the two supports into the groove on the rear
of the printer.

Mount and position the paper feed support (as de
scribed previously) and turn it upwards to its sloping
position.

Position the left hand paper roll support so that the
left hand edge of the roll is to the left of the first cha
racter position on the print line.

Push the paper release lever towards the rear of the
printer to allow feed out from the paper roll.

Fig. 3-43

Positioning of Paper
Feed Support

Fig. 3-44
Positioning of Paper
Release Lever

3.21

Fig. 3-45
Inserting the
Paper Roll

Insert the paper roll between the supports, adjusting
the right hand support only. The leading edge of the
paper must feed out from below the roll (see follo
wing figure).

Unwind the paper from below, following the path
shown in the following figure. Turn the knob to ad
vance the paper. Check that the paper passes between
the platen and the paper guide.

3.22

Pull the paper release lever forward to free the pa
per. Align the paper on the platen, adjusting the ten
sion, if necessary. Adjust the paper feed support

guides so that they do not interfere with the paper

feed path.

Push the paper release lever towards the rear of the

printer so that the paper is fed by the platen.
After printing, the paper can be torn off along the

sharp edge of the transparent cover.

3.23

Once all the operations described in the previous
chapters have been performed correctly, you can con
nect the printer to the mains supply.

First of all, check the electrical data on the plate on
the rear of the printer.

Printer
Power Supply

Fig. 4-1
Electrical Data
Plate

This plate indicates the required voltage; make sure
that the power supply available corresponds to that
on the data plate.

Check that the socket used is compatible with the

printer plug and conforms to local electrical

standards.

If the voltage supplied or the mains socket are not
those required, contact your dealer immediately.

To connect the printer to the mains power supply,
proceed as follows.

Check that the printer ON/OFF switch is in the

“OFF“ position.

4.2

Plug the printer power supply cable into a socket
which guarantees the required voltage.

SELF-TEST (AUTODIAGNOSTICS)
The printer recognizes automatically the “out of pa

per" (operator recoverable) and the failure conditions
(recoverable by service technicians).

The data received from the computer can also be
printed in hexadecimal code (DATA SCOPE) to
check correct behaviour of the printer in response to
the codes received.

The printing test allows the operator to check that
the printer is working correctly.

OUT OF PAPER
At approximately 30 mm from the end ot the paper,

the printer stops and the LOCAL indicator light co
mes on. To resume printing, load more paper,
without switching off the printer, and press the
LOCAL key.

FAILURE CONDITION
The failure condition is indicated by the FAILURE

light on the operating console, in two ways:

1. If ON, it indicates a failure that cannot be reco
vered by the operator; the service technician must
be called.

2. If blinking, it indicates a non severe failure, that can,
in some cases, be recovered by the operator (see the
“Troubleshooting Guide”).

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

As the printer is composed of sophisticated devices

and circuits, the operator intervention is obviously
limited to some evident symptoms and corrective ac

tions that are easily performed. Should any trouble

occur, other than the oneslisted below, the operator
will contact the Technical Assistance Service or his
dealer.

PROBLEM

Does not print.

ON indicator is OFF.

Does not print.
FAILURE indicator is
blinking.

Does not print.
FAILURE indicator is
ON.

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

Power supply missing. Insert the printer plug in a

Simple failure condition. Turn the printer off.

Failure condition.

CORRECTIVE

ACTION

working mains socket and
turn the printer on.

Check that the print head
carriage is free to move
and verify that no items
not belonging to the prin
ter are present. Rotate the
paper knob and turn the
printer on. If the trouble
persists, call the Technical
Assistance Service.

Turn the printer off and
call the Technical Assi
stance Service.

5.2

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

CORRECTIVE

ACTION

Printing does not start at
top of form (Sprocket).

Paper fed slopingly or
wrinkled.

Faded printing.

Does not print in 4‘Con
densed* 4 mode.

Horizontal tab stops are
not working.

Changing the print pitch
causes the horizontal tab
stops to be wrong.

Improper setting of the
form length.
Improper position of the
top of form.

Improper position of the
paper release lever.

Inked ribbon improperly
mounted or needs being
replaced.

The “ Emphasized44 or
“Pica44 print mode pre
viously selected has not
been cleared.

Margins improperly set. Set the margins before the

The tab stops are to be re
positioned whenever the
print pitch is changed.

Change the setting from li
ne according to the length
in inches of the used forms
(see the chapter “ Pro
gramming the machine
settings44). Press the
FORM FEED switch and
reposition the form on the
first print line.

Check the position of the
paper release lever.

Replace the ribbon cartrid
ge and check it is positio
ned properly.

Clear the “Emphasized44
or “Pica44 print mode:
both are not compatible
with the “Condensed44
mode.

horizontal tab stops.

Clear the previous print
pitch, select the new pitch
and set the tab stops.

5.3

PRINTING TEST

The printer executes the printing test if, keeping the
LINE FEED switch pressed, the printer is simultaneou
sly turned on. The complete character set is printed in the
layout shown in the figure on the next page. The whole
test covers about three forms 12" long. The test termina
tes automatically, the paper is positioned at top of form
and the printer switches to “ on line” mode ready to
receive data from the host computer.

To abort the test printout, the printer must be tur
ned off.

The test is performed only if the paper is properly
inserted.

The printer can generate two different tests. The two
tests can be printed in low (DRAFT) and high (NLQ)
definition.

The figure on the next page shows a sample of prin
ting test in DRAFT mode, IBM emulation.

The first line of test indicates printer emulation, while
the second line Release n.nn (where n.nn varies in
the range 0.00 - 9.99) indicates the firmware version
present in the printer.

5.4

DUAL. — IN TERFACE IBM Character set

R E r L E A S E Ft — 1 - O O 29 /OCT/1987

¥♦*♦§ ! M#*7.?-7 () / 0123456789: ; < = >?o)ABCDEFGH I JK LMNOPQR STU VWX YZ E \ 3 abede-f ghi j

♦ **§ » "#$■/.&’ <)*+,-■. /012 3456789s ; < = >?5> ABCDEFGHI JK L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z E \ 3 _" abcde-fghi jk
**§ ! <>*+,-. / 0 1 234567 8 9 : ; < <>?3A B C DEFG H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ E \ 3 • abede-f ghi j kl
*§ ! n#*7.&7 < )*+,-. /0123 4 5678 9 : ; < = >?S>ABCDEFGHI J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X YZ E \ 3 "abede-f gh i j kl m

§ ! / 01 2 3 4 5 6 789: ; < = >?o) ABCDEFGH I JKLMNO PQR STIJ VWX Y Z C \ ] " abede-f g h i j k 1 m n

! "#t-7.?7 ()*+ , - . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = >?S )ABC D EFGH I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z E \ ] _" a bcd e-f ghi jkl m n o

! " #$■/.&’ <)*+,--. / 01 2 3 45 6 789 : ; =- ^ A B C D E F G H I J K L M NO P Q RS T U V W X Y Z E \ 3 _ ra b c d e f g hi j kl m n o p

"#^•7.?' ' ( ) *4 , / 0 123 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; .= "'a)ABCDEFGH I J K LM N O P Q R S T U V W X YZ E \ 3 ' " abede-f gh i j k 1 m n o p q

# T V. &'' <)* +,-. /0 123 456 789: ; - 'M )ABCDEFGHI J KLMNOPQRSTUVW X Y Z E \ 3"_._" abede-f ghi j kl m n o p qr

()*+,-. 70 1 23456 7 8 9: ; = >^ A B C DE F G H I J K L MNOPQRSTUV W X YZ E \ 3 abede-f ghi j kl mnop q r s

"/.if ■’ 701 2 3 45678 9 : ; -- '‘-dABC DE FGH I J K L MNOPQRSTUVWX YZ E \ 3 " abede-f gh i j k 1 mnop q r s t

6.’ () *+ , - , / 0 123 4567 8 9: ; =■ '"'•i)AECDEFGH IJ K L M N O P Q RSTUVW X Y Z E \ 3 _" abede-f gh i j k 1 mn o p q rstu
’ () / 0 1 2 3456 789: ; = ''d)ABCDEFGH I J K LMNOPQRSTU V W X YZ E \ 3 _ "abede-f ghi j kl m n o p q r s t u v
()*+,--■. / 012345 6 7 89: ; - ^ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R STUVWX YZ E \ 3 "_"abcde-f ghi jkl mnopqr s t u v w
) *+ , / 0 12 3456 7 89: ; < = >?5> ABCDEFG H I J K LMNOPQ R S T U V W X YZ C \ 3 _" a bede f g h i j k 1 m n o p q rst uvw;<

/ 0 1 2345 6789 : ;< = >?»AB C D E F G HI J K L M N O P QRSTUVW X YZ C \ 3-'__" abede-f ghi j kl m n o p q r s t uvw;< y

+ / 0123 4 5 6 789: ; < = >?5> AB CDEFG HI J K L M N O P Q R STUVWX YZ E \ 3 " R abcd e -f ghi j k 1 m n o p q r s tuvw x yz

/01 2 3 4567 8 9: ; = ^ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R STUVWX YZ C \ 3 •_ "abede-f g hi jkl m n o p q r s t u v w x y z C

7 01 2 3456 789: ; < = >? S>ABCDEFGHI J K L M N O P Q RSTUVWX Y Z E \ 3 - ..'abedef ghi j k l mnopqrstuvwxy z C !

. /0 123 4567 8 9: ; = ' V A B C D E F G H I JKLMNOPQR S T U V W X YZ C \ 3 _ " abede-f gh i j k l m n o pqrstuvwxyz C ! 3-
/ 0 1 2345 6789 : ; == ^ d ABCDEFGHI J K L M N O P Q RSTUVWX Y Z E \ 3 " abede-f ghi jkl m n o pqr st.uvwx yz -C ! > ~
012 3 45678 9 : ; - '''TSABODEFGH I JK L M N O P Q R S T U V W X YZ C \ 3 _ " abede-f gh i j k 1 mnopqr s t u v wx yz -C!
123 4567 89: ; = "'-i)ABGDE!FGH I J K L M NOPQRSTUVWX YZ [ \ 3"_ "abede-f ghi jkl m n o p q r s t u v w x y z i ! >~g u
234 5 6 789: ; = "'aJABCDEFGH I JKLM NOP QRS TIJVWX YZ E \ 3 "abede-f ghi jkl mno p q r stuv w x yz T !
34 5 678 9 : ; - "‘o>ABCL3E.'FGH I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V WXYZ E \ 3" "ab ede f ghi. j kl m n o pqr stu v wx yz C i > ^ ( 163
45 6789: ; -= '3j)ABCDEFGH I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X YZ E \ 3 \ "abede f ghi j kl m n o pqr stu v wx yz C! >~gij63a

Fig. 5-1 IBM Draft Printing Test

5.5

PRINTING IN EXADECIMAL CODE (DATA
SCOPE)

To print the data received from the computer in exa-
decimal code, hold down the FORM FEED key and
simlutaneously turn the printer on (ON/OFF switch
in the ON position).

Two printing samples in hexadecimal code and in the
two operating modes, area shown below.

1. Commodore Mode

READY

10 OPEN 1,4
15 FOR A = 1 TO 2
20 PRINT#1, “ 1234567890 1234567890“
30 PRINT# 1, “ABCDEFGHIL ABCDEFGHIL“

35 NEXT A

40 CLOSE 1

12 345 678 90

ABCDEF GHIL

12 345 678 90

ABCDEF GHIL

24 31 32 33
32 33 34 35 36 37
49 4C 20 20 20 20
OD 3F 24 31 32 33

31 32 33 34

20
47 48 49 4C 20 20
49 4C OD 3F

12 34567890

AB CDEFGH IL

12 34567890

AB CDEFGH IL

34

35

36 37
38 39 30 OD 3F 24 41
20 20 20 20 41 42 43
34
36 37 38 39 30 OD 3F

35

20 20

38 39

35 36 37

20 20

30 20

39 30

38

20 20 41

20

20

42
44 45 46 47 48 49 4C
20 20
24
42 43

20 20 20

20
43 44 45 46 47 48

20 20 20 20 20

41

42 43
44 45 46 47

31

20

44

45 46

48

5.6

2. IBM PC Mode (or compatible)

If the host computer transmits the following data:

LPRINT CHR$(27);“A’\CHR$(1);
the following characters will be printed:

IB 41 01

Data are printed when the print line length is excee
ded. Press the LOCAL switch to display any pending
data.

To clear this setting, turn the printer OFF and then ON
again.

5.7

SECOND PART

Connection to the Commodore C 64/128

PRINTER SWITCH-ON
Switch the printer on pressing the main ON/OFF

switch on the part marked with “ ON“ .

Printer
Initialisation

INITIALISATION

When the printer is turned on, the ON indicator light
on the console lights up.

The printer performs the autodiagnostics (described
in Chapter 5 “Diagnostics") and places the print head
on the first column (physical left margin).

The “Default Settings”, that is to say the settings se
lected during the latest programming procedure (see
the chapter “Programming the machine settings), are
stored. If the operator has not performed the pro
gramming procedure yet, the deafult factory settings,
listed in the following paragraph, are stored instead.

If the paper is loaded, the printer is ready (ON LI
NE) to receive data from the connected host
computer.

The printer is delivered preset for connection to the
Commodore C 64/128, through the serial interface.

6.2

DEFAULT SETTINGS

The printer default settings (factory-set) for connec
tion to Commodore C 64/128 are listed below.

The settings marked with an asterisk indicate that
user selections are not significant and that default va
lues will always be selected. The unmarked settings
can be modified by the user following the procedure
described in Chapter 7.

- Printer emulated = IBM Graphics Printer

- Commodore mode character set = USA/UK

- IBM PC mode ( or compatible) character set =
International 1

- Control codes address selection = Both addres
ses are dedicated to the Commodore mode

- Inked ribbon cartridge = coloured

- ASF = not present

- Double pass print = monodirectional

- Character definition = Draft (normal)

- Horizontal spacing (print pitch) = 1/10“
(2.54 mm)

- DLL for special character generation = enabled

- Automatic LF * = enabled (LF + CR)

- Automatic CR * = enabled (CR = CR + LF)

- Out of paper indicator = enabled

- Vertical spacing * = 1/6“

- Slashed zero = disabled

- DC1/DC3 dialogue procedure * = disabled

- Form length = 12“ (304.8 mm)

- Bottom of form (BOF) = 0

- Bidirectional BIM printing = disabled

- Proportional character spacing = disabled

- Character length * = 8 bits

6.3

The printer settings can be modified by the user by

confirming or refusing via console a series of para
meters that are printed when the SET-UP mode is
accessed.

OPERATING PROCEDURE

With the printer turned off (main ON/OFF switch
in the OFF position), manually insert a sheet of pa
per on the printer (as described in Chapter 3 “Prin
ter installation44). The sheet must be at least 210 mm

wide and 290 mm long.

If the ASF or Sprocket devices are installed, they

must be removed before the programming procedu

re is performed.

Programming the
Printer Settings

Fig. 7-1

Accessing the

Programming Mode
(SET UP)

Turn the printer on holding down simultaneously the
LINE FEED and FORM FEED keys. The printer will
be set in the programming mode (SET UP mode).

In this mode, the possible programming parameters
will be automatically printed, one at a time; at each
alternative the operator will respond pressing the LI
NE FEED key (= “ YES“ ) to confirm the proposed
parameter, or the FORM FEED key (= “NO“) to
refuse it.

7.2

Never turn the printer off during the programming
phase. If the printer is turned off accidentally or if
a power failure occurs, the performed portion of the
programming procedure will be cleared and replaced
by the default settings (see “Default settings“ in
Chapter 6).

The programming procedure can be stopped at any
time pressing the LOCAL key; it can also be com
pletely cleared or confirmed by refusing or by con
firming the last proposed parameter. At this point
the printer automatically exits the SET UP mode and
is ready to receive data from the host computer.

EXAMPLE OF PRINTER PROGRAMMING
The operating procedure is better explained showing

an example of programming for Commodore
C 64/128 connection.

TO CONFIRM PRESS LF. TO CHANGE PRESS FF. TO END PRESS LOCftL

INTERFACE

SE RIAL COMMOD O R E

PR INTER EMUL ATED IN PARALL EL AND SERIAL C OMMODORE

IB M G. P. EPS O N JX 80 P R O P R INTER

CH ARA CTER SE T IN PAR ALL EL MODE

INTER N A TIONA L 1

CH ARA CTER SE T IN COMMODORE MODE

USA/ U K D E N M ARK S W E D E N GERMANY F R ANCE I TALY S W I T Z ERLAND S P A IN US A / UK

OP EN MODE

TYPE OF RIBBON

COLO U R E D

WOULD YOU LI KE TO STORE THESE PARA METERS ?

. YES

CH ANG ES E XEC UTED

5 COMMODOR E C O M M A N DS 4 COMMO D O RE C O M M A N D S
4 P . C . COMMAN D S 5 C O MMOD O R E COMM A N D S

Fig. 7-2

Example of Programming for Connection to a Commodore C 64/128

The meaning of the messages shown in Figure 7-2 is

as follows:

TO CONFIRM PRESS LF, TO CHANGE PRESS FF, TO END PRESS LOCAL

Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm, press the

FORM FEED switch to refuse and press the LOCAL

switch to end the programming phase.

INTERFACE = Interface type selection

PRINTER EMULATED IN PARALLEL AND SERIAL COMMODORE

Selection of printer to be emulated.

7.3

CHARACTER SET IN PARALLEL MODE

PC IBM (or compatible) printable character set.

CHARACTER SET IN COMMODORE MODE

Commodore printable character set.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STORE THESE PARAMETERS?

Self-explanatory.

CHANGES EXECUTED

Self-explanatory.

To obtain the preceding example, perform the fol
lowing:

Insert the paper and access the SET UP procedure

as explained above. The following message is printed:
TO CONFIRM PRESS LF,TO CHANGE PRESS FF,TO END PRESS LOCAL
INTERFACE

SERIAL COMMODORE

Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm the proposed

alternative: SERIAL COMMODORE.

A new message is printed:
PRINTER EMULATED IN PARALLEL AND SERIAL COMMODORE

IBM G.P.

Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm the propo

sed IBM GRAPHICS PRINTER.

A new message is printed:
CHARACTER SET IN PARALLEL MODE

INTERNATIONAL 1

Press the FORM FEED switch. The proposed IN

TERNATIONAL 1 is refused and the last line of the

message is changed as follows:

7.4

INTERNATIONAL 1 INTERNATIONAL 2

Press the FORM FEED switch. The proposed IN
TERNATIONAL 2 is refused and the last line of the
message is changed as follows:

INTERNATIONAL 1 INTERNATIONAL 2 SPAIN
Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm the propo

sed SPAIN that selects the*‘SPAIN1 2 3 4‘ printable cha
racter set.

A new message is printed:
CHARACTER SET IN COMMODORE MODE

USA/UK
As no more changes are to be applied to the SET UP

parameters, stop the programming phase pressing the
LOCAL switch. The following message is printed:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STORE THESE PARAMETERS?
YES

Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm the propo
sed YES that validates the selected settings:

1. INTERFACE: SERIAL COMMODORE

2. PRINTER EMULATED: IBM G.P.

3. CHARACTER SET: SPAIN
A new message is printed:
CHANGES EXECUTED
and the printer will automatically exit the SET UP

phase.

7.5

Clearing the Settings

To clear completely the above settings, after the

message:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STORE THESE PARAMETERS?

YES

the operator should have pressed the FORM FEED

switch; the last line would have become:

YES NO

At this point, pressing the LINE FEED switch, the

selected alternative would have been NO, and the

printer would have generated the following message:

NO CHANGES EXECUTED

and with the indication “ NO PARAMETERS STO-

RED“ the printer would have exited the SET UP

phase.

7.6

AVAILABLE PARAMETER SETTINGS
The possible settings, shown in the following figure,

are related to the Commodore C 64/128 connection.

Tu C O N F I R M PRESS L F . T O C H A N G E PRESS F F . TO E ND P R E S S LO C A L

INT E R FACE

> l' ! A! i ' H il'ii ii.'Ui:'k PA RALLEL

PRINTER E M U L A T E D IN P A R A L L E L AND S E R I A L CO M M O D O RE

I • N O., p „ I. I ‘SO! I .1 80 RRURE .I.I I I I: I•'

CHARACTER S E T IN PARALLEL M O D E

1 • I < 1 !■! I" I ' Hi !,,! J i ! I I ri'N,::, I i I I! Ih I • GRAIN PORTUG A L GRE E C E

CHARACTER S E T IN C O M M O D O R E MODE

i : : HI , On,:!.'! '"i N il GERMANY FRANCE I IA L Y SW ITZERLAND GRA IN U SA/U K

DENMARK

OPEN M ODE

TYP E OF R I B B O N

COLOURED LI ACL

AUTOMATIC SHEE T FEEDER

NO i •

DOUBLE S T R I K E PRINTING

UOi-iOD T I'I I i I I li ImI L I D 1 EE L i I ONAL

CHARACTER R E S O L U T I O N

DEAD I r-l., 1 , 0 . .

CHARACTER S P A C I N G

I' 1 :! 2 IS 17.1 20 24 10

ENABLE D.L.L.

A S S SL BYTE I .. L NO L 5K BYTE L . B

LINE F E ED *

ll L! "... R ! i I T I I- G...R + CE

CARRIAGE R E T U R N *

I I ■ I I - CR. .I I I I CR = OR

PAPER E N D DETECTION

A NO

LINE S P A C I N G *

i A.-' I • :•: 1

COMMODORE COMMANDS 4 COMMODORE COMMANDS

! R C . COMMAND'''. 5 COMMODORE COMMANDS

7.7

SLASHED ZERO

NO YES

DC1/DC 3 PRO CEDU RE *

NO YES

FORM LE NGTH

12 11 10 9 8 7 6

SKIP OV ER PE RFOR ATIO N (BOF)

0 1 /3 1/ 2 2/3 1 2 0

BI DIRE CTIO NAL B.I.M.

NO YES

PRO PORT IONA L SPA CING

NO YF S

CH ARAC TER LENG TH *

0 BITS / BUS

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STORE THESE PAR AME TERS ?

YES NO

NO CHAN GES E XECU TED

Fig. 7-3 Commodore C 64/128 Settings

7.8

When the SET UP phase is accessed, the printer ge
nerates a set of English messages, that have the fol
lowing meanings:

TO CONFIRM PRESS LF, TO CHANGE PRESS FF, TO END PRESS LOCAL
Press the LINE FEED switch to confirm, press the
FORM FEED switch to refuse and press the LOCAL
switch to end the programming phase.

INTERFACE = Interface type selection:

- For the Commodore C 64/128 connection, the in
terface to be selected is “ Serial Commodore4‘.

PRINTER EMULATED IN PARALLEL AND SERIAL COMMODORE
Selection of printer to be emulated.

- An IBM PC (or compatible) command set can be
used even through the Serial Commodore inter
face. In this case, the printers that can be emula
ted with IBM/EPSON firmware are the following
three: EPSON JX 80, IBM “ Graphics Printer“
and IBM “ Proprinter“ .

As for the Commodore command set, only one
is available and is fixed.

CHARACTER SET IN PARALLEL MODE

PC IBM (or compatible) printable character set:

- The emulated IBM character sets are the following
six: International 1, International 2, Spain, Por

tugal, Greece and Israel.

- The emulated EPSON character sets are the fol
lowing: USA, France, Germany/United Kingdom,
Denmark/Sweden, Italy, Spain.

CHARACTER SET IN COMMODORE MODE
Commodore printable character set:

- USA/UK, Denmark/Sweden, Germany/France,
Italy, Switzerland, Spain.

7.9

OPEN MODE

TYPE OF RIBBON

Address selection for Commodore or IBM PC (or
compatible) commands through serial cable:
5 Commodore Commands
4 Commodore Commands
4 PC Commands
5 Commodore Commands

- 5 = Commodore 4 = Commodore
Both addresses (4 and 5) are dedicated to the Com
modore mode. This selection must be performed
when the application program uses channel 4 or
channel 5 indifferently to issue the Commodore
commands.

- 5 = Commodore 4 = PC
With this selection scheme, the commands sent
through address 5 are interpreted as Commodore
commands, while the commands sent through ad
dress 4 are interpreted as commands of a PC IBM
or compatible set (IBM Graphics Printer, IBM
Proprinter and Epson JX 80).

Self-explanatory.

- BLACK

- COLOURED

AUTOMATIC SHEET FEEDER

Self-explanatory.

- NO = Not handled.

- YES = Handled.

DOUBLE STRIKE PRINTING

Self-explanatory.

- MONODIRECTIONAL

- BIDIRECTIONAL

CHARACTER RESOLUTION

Self-explanatory.

- DRAFT = Normal resolution.

- N.L.Q. = High definition.

7.10

CHARACTER SPACING
Print pitch (number of characters per inch):

- Selectable print pitches are: 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20,

24.

ENABLE D.L.L.
Down Line Loading enabling (special characters ge
nerated by users):

- Yes 2.5K Byte L.B = D.L.L. enabled and print
buffer capacity reduced to 2.5K Byte.

- No 5.5K Byte L.B = D.L.L. disabled and print
buffer full capacityequal to 5.5K Byte.

LINE FEED
Printer behaviour when receiving the LF command:

- LF = LF + CR Automatic carriage return at LF
command reception.

- LF = LF No carriage return after the LF
command.

CARRIAGE RETURN
Printer behaviour when receiving the CR command:

- CR = CR + LF Carriage return and line feed
when receiving the CR command. This setting is
fixed and cannot be changed by the user.

PAPER END DETECTION
Self-explanatory.

- This selection can be enabled (YES) or disabled
(NO); in the latter case, the complete sheet can
be printed down to the last line, but special care
must be applied to avoid printing on the printer
platen.

LINE SPACING
Vertical spacing (line feed length, in inches):

- The 1/6“ (4.23 mm) spacing is always assumed
as a default value, even if the user has selected a
different value. If the printer is operating in BIM
Graphics Mode, the vertical spacing will always
assume a value of 7/72“ .

SLASHED ZERO
Self-explanatory. Options available (YES) or (NO).

7.11

DC1/DC3 PROCEDURE

DC1/DC3 dialogue:

- NO = DC1/DC3 dialogue disabled; this setting
is fixed and cannot be changed by the user.

FORM LENGTH

Self-explanatory:

- The following form lengths are selectable: 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

SKIP OVER PERFORATION (BOF)

Bottom of form (in inches):

- The following widths are selectable for the bottom
of form: 0. 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 and 2 inches.

BIDIRECTIONAL B.I.M.

Bidirectional Graphics Printing:

- It can be enabled (YES) or disabled (NO); in the
latter case the monodirectional graphics printing
is enabled.

PROPORTIONAL SPACING

Proportional print pitch:

- It can be enabled (YES) or disabled (NO).

CHARACTER LENGHT

Data bit number issued to the printer:

- 8 bits; this value is fixed and cannot be changed

by the user.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STORE THESE PARAMETERS?

Self-explanatory.

CHANGES EXECUTED

Self-explanatory.

7.12

PRINTER SETTING TO DIFFERENT EMULA
TIONS IN COMMODORE SERIAL INTERFACE
MODE

Recapitulatory Diagram:

C H O S E N

E M U L A T I O N

Comm o dore 4 S e lect by prompting:

Comm o dore 5 It is always p resent and ca n n o t b e m od ified.

EPSON JX 80 4

IB M P ro printer 4 Sele ct b y prom p ting:

IB M G .P. 4 S e lect by prompting:

PE R IPH ER A L

A D D R E S S

OPEN M O D E
5 C O M M ODORE C O M M A N D S 4 C OM M O DORE C O M M AN D S

Sele ct by prom p ting:
PRIN T E R EMULATED IN PARALLEL A N D SERIA L
CO M M O D O R E Epson JX 80

OPEN MOD E
4 P .C . CO M M A N D 5 C O M M O D O RE CO M M A N DS

PRIN T E R EMULATED IN PARALLEL A N D SERIA L
CO M M ODO R E PROPR INTER

OPEN M O D E
4 P.C . CO M M A N D S 5 C O MM O DORE CO M M A ND S

PRIN T E R E M ULATED IN PA R ALLEL A ND SERIA L COM M O D O 
RE IBM G.P.

OPEN M O D E
4 P.C . CO M M A N D S 5 CO M MO D O R E C OM M A N D S

N O T E

It is necessary to have 1.3 Release or following and
select EPSON JX 80 emulation.

7.13

8

Connection of the
Interface Cable

The connection of the printer to the Commodore
C 64/128 is performed through the Commodore se
rial interface.

To directly connect the interface cable, to the host
computer, insert the 6-pin DIN male connector in the
6-pin DIN female connector located on the printer.

Fig. 8-1
Direct Connection

to Host Computer

8.1

Fig. 8-2
Multiple
Connection

If several devices (for instance, a disk drive) are to
be connected to the host computer, the disk drive is
to be connected to the host computer in the first pla
ce; then connect the printer to the disk drive, as
shown in the following figure. For proper operation,
the printer must always be the last connected device.

8.2

This chapter describes the communications procedure
between the Commodore C 64/128 and the printer
connected to it through the serial interface cable.

After briefly reviewing a few commands of the Com
modore BASIC language, it will be described how
to properly program the printer, settings, thus ena
bling it to understand the control codes sent by the
host computer.

The Commodore control codes used to obtain colour
printing, graphics layout, paper feed, format control,
miscellaneous, graphics printing and Down Line Loa
ding functions are described in detail.

NOTES ON THE COMMODORE BASIC
LANGUAGE

To make the reading of this chapter easier, some of
the Commodore BASIC commands used to commu
nicate with the printer are briefly reviewed below.

In Commodore BASIC, an application program uses

the OPEN, PRIN T# and CLOSE commands to ac

cess the devices connected to the Commodore
C 64/128.

The OPEN command allows the computer to access
devices such as the disk drive, the video display unit,
and in our case the printer. The OPEN word is fol
lowed by a logic file number (referred to by the other
BASIC instructions) and by a device number. The

printer device number can be 4 or 5.
A third number, called “ secondary address“ , can al

so be present. This number will be discussed in the
next section.

Each open file must be closed after completion of
the related operations. The command to be used to
close a file is the CLOSE command. The CLOSE
word is followed by the logic file number to be closed.

9.2

To communicate with the printer, one or more
PRINT # commands are used, included between an
OPEN and a CLOSE command. The PRINT # word
is followed by the logic file number previously ope
ned, by a comma, by a list of printer control codes
that specify the usage of special effects, such as spa-
cings, tab stops, graphic diagrams, etc., and by the
characters to be printed.

The simple example below asks the printer to print
the word “Good morning44, in normal characters first
and in double width characters afterwords.

10 OPEN 1,4
20 PRINT# 1,4‘Good morning44
30 PRINT#l,CHR$(14);44Good morning44
40 CLOSE 1

Secondary Address

The secondary address is an optional parameter of
the OPEN command. It allows to perform the prin
ter control functions described in the following table:

n Function

0

7

If in an OPEN command the secondary address is
not specified, the value 44044 is automatically
assumed.

Capital case/Graphics character set
selection

Lower/Capital case character set
selection (see the 44CRSR DWN44
code further in this chapter)

9.3

PRINTER OPERATING MODES

The printer, connected to the Commodore C 64/128
through the serial interface cable, can operate in two
modes, according to the program used by the host
computer:

- Commodore mode, where the printer recognizes
just its own control code set (see the section

“Commodore Control Codes" further on in this

chapter)

- Combined mode, where the printer recognizes
both Commodore control codes and IBM Gra
phics Printer, IBM Proprinter and Epson JX 80
control codes.

To preset the printer in one of the two operating mo
des, the appropriate value is to be assigned to the
OPEN MODE parameter, during the printer settings
programming phase described in Chapter 7. The
OPEN MODE parameter is referred to the OPEN
command of the Commodore BASIC language, di
scussed in the first section of this chapter. The OPEN
MODE parameter establishes a correspondance bet
ween the printer address specified by the OPEN com
mand (as previously mentioned, this address can be
4 or 5) and the following control codes sets:

9.4

- Commodore set

- IBM Graphics Printer set

- IBM Proprinter set

- Epson JX 80 set.

It is essential to establish a correct correspondance
according to the control codes set to be used, to avoid
printer malfunctions caused by an improper printer
software configuration. To this purpose, perform the
instructions of the following two sections carefully.

Commodore Mode Setting

To set the printer for Commodore mode operation,
the following selection is to be performed when pro
gramming the machine settings:

OPEN MODE 5 = COMMODORE COMMANDS

4 = COMMODORE COMMANDS

In this way, the control codes sent to the printer are
always interpreted as Commodore control codes, in
dependently of the address (4 or 5) they are referring.

The Commodore control codes are described futher
on in this chapter.

Combined Mode Setting

To set the printer for mixed mode operation, the fol
lowing selection is to be performed when program
ming the machine settings:

OPEN MODE 5 = COMMODORE COMMANDS

4 = PC COMMANDS

In this way, the control codes sent to the printer, re

ferring to address 5, are interpreted as Commodore

control codes, while the control codes that are refer

ring to address 4 are interpreted as control codes of

the set selected with the “PRINTED EMULATED

IN PARALLEL AND SERIAL COMMODORE4 4

selection, that is:

- IBM G.P.

- Epson JX 80

- Proprinter

for the IBM Graphics Printer con
trol code set
for the Epson JX 80 control code
set
for the IBM Proprinter control co
de set

With this setting, the printer operates in combined
mode: it recognizes its own Commodore control co
de set on channel 5, and it emulates one of the prin
ters listed on the previous page on channel 4.

The Commodore control codes are described further
on in this chapter, while the control codes in IBM
Proprinter emulation are covered in Chapter 14, and
the control codes in IBM Graphics Printer and Ep
son JX 80 emulation are described in Chapter 15.

9.6

CONTROL CODES AND ESCAPE SEQUENCES
In Commodore mode, host computer and printer in

teract using an extended version of the ASCII code
system, known as Commodore ASCII version (or
PET ASCII). This version includes additional charac
ters and control codes with respect to the ASCII set
and is divided in two code tables: one for Capital ca-
se/Graphics mode and one for Lower/Capital case.

As already explained in this chapter, to use the Ca
pital case/Graphics mode, a secondary address of
“0“ is to be specified (default). A secondary address
of “7“ specifies the Capital/Lower case mode.

Chapter 10 includes the national character tables
printed out in both Capital case/Graphics and Ca
pital/Lower case modes. These tables are composed
of 256 locations (in the decimal range 0-255) to en
code printable characters, such as letters, numbers,
graphic symbols, and to encode a number of control
codes, that are non printable characters but are in
structions for the printer. For instance, the decimal
code 14 is interpreted by the printer as a command
to set the double width printing.

To increase the capability of interaction between host
computer and printer, Escape sequences are used.
The ESC code (decimal 27) indicates to the printer
that the code following it is not a character to be prin
ted, but a control code. For instance, when the prin
ter receives the 45 decimal code, the sign is
printed; but, if the code 45 is preceded by decimal
27, the “ underline" print mode is set.

9.7

The Commodore control codes and Escape sequen
ces described in the remaining parts of this chapter

are grouped according to the performed functions,
as follows:

- Colour printing

- Graphics layout

- Paper feed

- Format control

- Miscellaneous

- Graphics printing

- Down Line Loading (DLL) of special characters.
The description of each command . udes:

- character image according to the Capital/Lower
case mode tables (secondary address = 7)

- function performed by the command

- an example in Commodore BASIC.

9.8

A summary table of all Commodore commands is
available in Appendix E.

All the examples described in this chapter specify the
secondary address 7 with the OPEN command, so
that the characters are printed in Capital/Lower ca
se. If the secondary address of “7“ is not specified,
program listings are printed in Capital case/Graphics
mode, as the printer automatically assumes the 0 va
lue (0 = Capital case/Graphics character set selec
tion) if the secondary address is not specified in the
OPEN command.

Colour Printing

The four codes following set the printer for colour printing if the latter function

has been specified during the initial printer programming phase (TYPE OF RIB
BON = COLOURED); obviously, the coloured ribbon cartridge must be installed
in the printer.

ESC B Sets the black print colour.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(98);
30 CLOSE 1

ESC M Sets the magenta print colour.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(27);CHR$(109);

30 CLOSE 1

ESC C Sets the cyan print colour.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(27);CHR$(99);

30 CLOSE!

ESC Y Sets the yellow print colour.

10 OPENl,4,7

20 PRINT# I,CHR$(27);CHR$(121);

30 CLOSE 1

9.9

ESC R n

Select colour printing according to value of parameter “n“ in the

following table:

n

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

10 OPENl,4,7

20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(27);CHR$(114);CHR$(n)

30 CLOSE 1

Other print colours can be obtained overlaying the basic colours in
two strikes. The following colours can be obtained:

- green, overlaying yellow with cyan

- orange, overlaying yellow with magenta

- violet, overlaying magenta with cyan.

When creating composite colours, always print the line in yellow first,
to avoid tinting the yellow ribbon with the darker colours.

Colour

Black
Magenta
Blue
Violet
Yellow
Orange
Green

9.10

Graphics Layout

ESC g

ESC h

EN ON

EN OFF

RVS ON

RVS OFF

Sets the “Double Strike4* print mode. Printing is performed in two
passes: after the first pass, the paper advances of one elementary
line spacing (1/216“).

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(71);

30 CLOSE 1

Clears the “Double Strike44 print mode, returning to the normal print
mode.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT #1,CHR$(27);CHR$(72);

30 CLOSE 1
Sets the “ Double Width44 print mode (“ Enhanced On44). It is clea

red by EN OFF (“Enhanced Off44).

10 OPENl,4,7

20 PR IN T# 1,CHR$(14);

30 CLOSE 1
Clears the “ Double Width44 print mode (“ Enhanced Off44).

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT #1,CHR$(15);
30 CLOSE 1

Sets the “ Reverse44 print mode. Printed characters are white on a
black background, instead of black on a white background.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(18);
30 CLOSE 1

Clears the “ Reverse44 print mode.

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT #1,CHR$(146);

30 CLOSE 1

9.11

ESC - 1 Sets the “Underline" print mode for all characters and blanks fol

lowing the command. It is cleared by ESC - 0.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(45);CHR$(49);

30 CLOSE 1

ESC - 0 Clears the “Underline" print mode.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(45);CHR$(48);
30 CLOSE 1

ESC e Sets the “ Emphasized" print mode. Characters are printed twice and

printing is performed at half speed.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(69);
30 CLOSE 1

ESC [ n Sets character printing with variable spacing according to the value

“n“ , as for the following table.

9.12

n

Pica

0

1

Elite

2

Micro 15
Condensed

3

4 Compressed Pica 20

Compressed Elite 24

5

Compressed Micro

6

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT# l,CHR$(27);CHR$(91);CHR$(n);
30 CLOSE 1

Spacing

Chars/Inch

10

Chars/Inch

12

Chars/Inch

17.1 Chars/Inch
Chars/Inch
Chars/Inch
Chars/Inch

30

ESC f

Clears the “ Emphasized" print mode set by ESC e.

10 OPENl.4,7
20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(70);
30 CLOSE 1

ESC i n

ESC s 0

ESC s 1

ESC t

Selects the print definition according to parameter n:
n = 0 Draft print definition and normal characters
n = 2 High print definition (NLQ) and normal characters
n = 4 Normal print definition and special characters generated by

Down Line Loading (DLL) by means of the ESC = con
trol code

n = 6 High print definition (NLQ) and special characters genera

ted by DLL

10 OPENl,4,7

20 PRINT# l,CHR$(27);CHR$(73);CHR$(n);

30 CLOSE 1
Sets the “ Superscript" print mode. Characters are half height with

respect to normal printing and are printed in the upper half line.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PR IN T# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(83);CHR$(48);

30 CLOSE 1
Sets the “ Subscript14 print mode. Characters are half height with

respect to normal printing and are printed in the lower half line.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(83);CHR$(49);

30 CLOSE 1
Clears the “ Subscript44 and “Superscript44 print modes. If the prin

ter had not been preset for these print modes, the command is

ignored. 10 * *

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT #1,CHR$(27);CHR$(84);

30 CLOSE 1

9.13

ESC X n

If n = 0, selects the Draft print mode
If n = 1, selects the NLQ print mode

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PR IN T# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(120);CHR$(0-1);

30 CLOSE 1

NLQ ON

NLQ OFF

CRSR DWN

CRSR UP

Sets the “ N.L.Q“ print mode.

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(31);
30 CLOSE 1

Clears the “N.L.Q.“ print mode.

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT# 1,CHR$(159);
30 CLOSE 1

Sets the Lower/Upper case print mode for all characters. In this ca
se, the number of available graphic characters is limited.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT #1,CHR$(17);

30 CLOSE 1

Sets the Upper case print mode for all characters. In this case, a grea
ter number of graphic characters is available for printing. The prin

ter assumes this as a default value.

10 0PEN1,4,7
20 PRINT#1,CHR$(145);
30 CLOSE 1

9.14

Paper Feed
LF

CR

FF

Format Control
ESC c n Sets the form length in number of vertical spacings (lines); the verti

Causes the printout of the buffer and advances the paper of one ver
tical spacing, taking the print head carriage at the first column.

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT #1,CHR$(10);
30 CLOSE 1

Causes the printout of the buffer and advances the paper of one ver
tical spacing, taking the print head carriage at the first column.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(13);
30 CLOSE 1

Causes the printout of the buffer and advances the paper to the first
line of the following page (Top of Form).

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(12);
30 CLOSE 1

cal spacing value is the one previously selected.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRIN T# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(67);CHR$(1 + 127);

30 CLOSE 1

ESC c NUL n Sets the form length in number of inches (from 1 to 22). At power

up, the form length is the one selected during the initial program

ming phase.

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(67);CHR$(0);CHR$(1 - 22);

30 CLOSE 1

9.15

ESC n m

Sets the number of “ m“ line spacings at the bottom of form that

must not be used for printing and are to be automatically skipped

(BOF = Bottom of Form).
10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(27);CHR$(78);CHR$(m);

30 CLOSE 1

The paper must be properly positioned at the beginning of form

otherwise this command will not be executed correctly.

The command will have to be reissued in case the page length is mo

dified by means of the ESC c sequence.

ESC o

Miscellaneous

CS

ESC 8

ESC 9

Clears the bottom of form (BOF).
10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PRINT # 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(79);
30 CLOSE 1

Causes the printout of the buffer and takes the print head carriage
at the first column of the same line.

10 OPENl.4,7
20 PRINT# 1,CHR$(141);
30 CLOSE 1

Disables the “ out of paper" control (printing continues down to the
last line of the form).

10 OPENl,4,7
20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(27);CHR$(56);
30 CLOSE 1

Enables the “ out of paper" control, clearing the IB 38 command.
10 OPENl,4,7

20 PRINT# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(57);
30 CLOSE 1

9.16

POS ii] n2

Sets the print position movement in the current line given by n and n
parameters in absolute value in number of characters.

Both parameters can have the value from 0 to 9.
Value 00 is assigned to first print position.

10 OPENl,4,7

20 PRINT #1,CHR$(16); “ This is print position 26”
30 CLOSE 1

ESC POS

"l «2

Sets the print position movement in the current line given by nj and n2
parameters in absolute value in number of dots.

nt and n2 value can be included form 0 to 480.

Example:

•»!

CHR$(0)
CHR$(1)
CHR$(1)

10 OPEN 1,4,7

20 PR INT# 1,CHR$(27);CHR$(16);CHR$(1);CHR$(6);

“This is position 256” .

30 CLOSE 1

n2

CHR$(20)
CHR$(0)
CHR$(224)

Number of Dots

0 + 20 =20
256 + 0 =256
256 + 224 = 480

9.17

Graphics Printing

The printer can operate in graphics mode according to the Bit Image Mode (BIM).
A Bit Image character is defined by means of a dot layout in a 7-line x 16-column
matrix, that corresponds to the print head. The print head prints the selectedgra-
phic image operating the needles according to the dots defined in the matrix.

The printer is therefore able to produce pictures, diagrams and any type of dra

wing, provided that the dot position is appropriately defined.
This sections describes the creation of a BIM graphic image and the commands re

quired to enter the graphics mode, to set the repeated printing of Bit Image charac
ters and to exit the graphics mode.

Generating a BIM Graphic Image

To generate a BIM graphic image, perform the steps described in the following
example:

1. On a sheet of paper, trace a grid similar to the one in the picture below
(7 linex 16 columns):

2

2

1

3
o

o o

1

o o

o

o

2

o

o

4

8
16
32
64

o o
o o o
o o o o

o o o

o
o o o o o o

4

5

o o

o

o o

o

o o

o o 0
o o o o o o o

8

6

7
o o

o o o o
o o 0

o

o 0 o

o

o o o o o o o o o o

1

0

9

o o 0 o o

o

o o o o o o

o o o o

o o o

o o

0

4

5

3

o o

o

o o

o o

o o o
o o o o o
o o o o o

6

9.18

2. Using a pencil, darken the dots according to the desired image, as shown:

2

2

1

3

o

o

o

1

o o • o

2

o • o o o •

4

o o o

•

8

o

o o o

•

16

o o • o • o

32

o

o 0

64

4

5
o o

•

• o o o o • o •

o

o o

•

6

o

•

8

7
o o

o o •

• •
o

o

o

o o •

o

o o

9
o

o o

• o o o

0 1
o

•

o o o • o o

o o

o

o • o o

4

3

o o

o o

o o o o

o

• • •
o

•

• o o o
o

5

o o

o o

6
o

o

o

3. For each column, add the numbers corresponding to the dots to be printed. For
instance, in the second column, two dots are present, one in the row defined
as 4 and one in the row defined as 16. The column value is therefore 20 (16 +

4). Performing this computation for each column, 16 weights are obtained that
will be used to print the graphic image.

4. To each weight obtained according to the instructions in step 3, add the value

128. The value of the second column will now be 148 (20 + 128). The values

thus obtained will be used by the instructions to produce the graphics image.

9.19

Entering the Graphics Mode

BIT IMG

Sets the BIM graphics printing. In graphics mode, printing is per
formed in Double Width.

In graphics mode, vertical spacing is automatically set at 7/72“ .

The following example performs the printing of the graphics image
generated in the preceding section. The printing is performed five
times.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 A$ = “ “
30 FOR 1 = 1 TO 16
40 READ A:A$ = A$ + CHR$(A)
50 NEXT I
60 FOR J = 1 TO 5
70 PRINT# 1,CHR$(8);A$
80 NEXT J
90 FOR K = 1 TO 8:PRINT # 1 :NEXT K

100 CLOSE 1
110 END
200 DATA 136, 148, 162, 193, 162, 148, 136, 136
210 DATA 148, 162, 193, 162, 148, 136, 136, 136

Result:

9.20

Repeated Printout of a BIM Graphics Image

BIT IMG SUB
n data

Sets the repeated BIM data printing; “ n“ is a binary value (from
0 to 255) and indicates the number of times the printing is to be
repeated. “ data“ indicates the the number of BIM data to be re
peated.

If n = 0, the BIM data printing is repeated 256 times. To be able
to repeat the image more than 256 times, the sequence will have
to be used more than once.

The following example illustrates the sequence operation:

10 OPENl,4,7
20 FOR 1 = 1 TO 6
30 READ N

40 PRINT # 1,CHR$(8);CHR$(26);CHR$(N);CHR$(243);

CHR$(15);
50 NEXT I
60 FOR J = 1 TO 8:PRINT# 1 :NEXT J
70 CLOSE 1

100 DATA 34, 57, 75, 89, 123, 186

Result:

Rf A DY .

9.21

Exiting the Graphics Mode

EN ON Causes the exit from the graphics mode, but the printer remains set

for the Double Width print mode.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PR IN T# 1,CHR$(14);
30 CLOSE 1

To clear the Double Width print mode and to set the normal prin
ting in Draft mode, u$e the EN OFF command.

10 OPEN 1,4,7
20 PRINT # 1 ,CHR$(15);
30 CLOSE 1

Down Line Loading of Special Characters

The user can create from 1 to 94 personalized characters; these charcters can be
printed in the place of the normal characters.

The down line loading of the special characters (DLL = Down Line Loading) in
the printer memory is performed thorugh the ESC = code. If less than 94 charac
ters are loaded, all the character codes must be in sequence, starting from the first
code.

ESC = This code must be followed by the parameters m n c a pj p2...Pn,

that are the decimal codes of variable bytes according to the charac
ters to be loaded. Each ESC = command can load a maximum of
256 subsequent characters.

9.22

IOOPENI.4,7

20 PRINT#1 ,CHR$(27);“=”;parameters

30 CLOSE1