This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly,
that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, 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 accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of FCC Rules, which
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television 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 following measures:
- Reorient the receiving antenna
- Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
- Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer 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:
“Television Interference Handbook.”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Stock
No. 004-000-00450-7.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by
the FCC for this equipment. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave
cables connected to unused interfaces.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, with-
out the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with
respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the
preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
Seiko Epson Corporation and its affiliates specifically disclaim any and all liability for any damages
or claims based upon or due to the use or combination of any Epson printer with any hardware,
software or other items not supplied by Seiko Epson Corporation or its affiliates or approved by
Seiko Epson Corporation or its affiliates for use with Epson printers.
ActionPrinter is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Epson and ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Selecting the Right Location
1-3 Installing the Ribbon
1-6 Loading Continuous-feed Paper
1-12 Turning On the Printer
1-12Operating the Control Panel
1-14
SelecType
l-16 Running the Self Test
1-17 Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
1-18 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches
Chapter 2
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-1 Choosing Paper
2-l Using Single-sheet Paper
2-6
Reinstalling the Tractor Unit
2-8
The Paper Thickness Lever
Chapter 3
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
3-1 Printer Selection Menus
3-2
Computer - Printer Communication
3-3 Word Processors
3-4 Spreadsheets
3-6 Graphics Programs
3-6 Programming Languages
Contents
iii
Chapter 4
T-750 Printer Features
4-1 Quality and Fonts
4-2
Print Size and Character Width
4-2
Pitches and Proportional Spacing
4-3Special Effects and Emphasis
4-4
Using Different Character Sets
4-5
Page Layout and Other Commands
Chapter 5
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-2 The Print Head
5-3 Pin Labels
5-4 Graphics Commands
5-6 Simple Graphics Programming
5-8 Density Varieties
5-10 Designing Your Own Graphics
5-13 User-defined Characters
Appendix A
Command Summary
A-4 Commands in Numerical Order
A-7 Epson (ESC/P) Commands
A-36 IBM Printer Emulation Mode Commands
Appendix B
Character Tables
B-l Epson Mode
B-9
Epson International Character Sets
B-11 IBM Printer Emulation Mode
Appendix C
Problem Solving and Maintenance
C-l General Troubleshooting
C-3 Troubleshooting Graphics Problems
C-3 Data Dump Mode
C-4 IBM PC BASIC Solutions
C-5 Maintaining Your Printer
C-7 Transporting the Printer
iv
Contents
Appendix D
Defaults and DIP Switches
D- 1
Default and Initialization Settings
D-2 DIP Switch Settings
D-3 International Character Sets
Appendix E
Technical Specifications
E-1 Printing
E-l Paper
E-2 Mechanical
E-2 Electrical
E-3 Environment
E-3 Parallel Interface
E-5 Data Transfer Sequence
Glossary
Index
Contents
v
Introduction
The ActionPrinter™ T-750 combines all the well-known virtues of
previous Epson 9-pin printers with many features normally exclusive to
costly 24-pin printers.
l
The speed of draft printing is 240 characters per second in draft elite
and 200 in draft pica. When you have perfected a document, you
can switch to one of two Near Letter Quality fonts-Roman or
Sans Serif.
Draft printing is extremely fast.
NLQ Roman is clear and typewriter-like.
NLQ Sans Serif is crisp and distinctive.
l
The SelecType feature gives you access to Near Letter Quality
(NLQ) and condensed print. All you have to do is press the button
for the style you want. While the T-750 is printing, the SelecType
panel shows you what choices it’s using.
l
If you are using software designed for an IBM@ printer, you have the
choice of using the T-750 in Epson mode or IBM printer emulation
mode. Even better, you can combine the best of both worlds; the
powerful Epson mode commands can now print character graphics
like those used by IBM printers and computers.
l
Loading paper is now easier than ever. Single sheets can be loaded
by just moving a lever, and the tractor lets you load a wide range of
widths of continuous-feed paper, including labels.
l
For headings and other emphasis, you can use double-high and
double-wide printing.
Introduction
1
About
lo-step guide. This guide, which is printed on the inside of the back
flap, summarizes the first chapter’s setting up instructions.
the appendixes contain reference information, including all the details
you need to use any of the printer’s commands, and some advice on
solving problems.
and inside the back of the manual is a pull-out Quick Reference card
containing the information you need most.
This Manual
To make it easier to set up your new T-750, this manual includes a
Chapters 2 through 5 cover the basic and advanced functions, and
Finally, there is a glossary of printer terms, a comprehensive index,
Where to Get Help
For technical assistance with your T-750 printer, just call the toll-free
Epson number: l-800-421-5426 (7 AM to 5 PM PST).
For warranty repairs and to find out the location of your nearest
Authorized Epson Customer Care Center, call l-800-922-8911
(24 hours a day, seven days a week).
To purchase accessories, check with the store where you purchased
your printer or call I-800-922-8911 for the location of your nearest
Authorized Epson Dealer.
2
Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Setting up your new T-750 is easy. Simply follow the steps in this
chapter.
1 Unpacking Your Printer
First, remove the printer from the box and take off all outside plastic
covering and foam supports. Make sure you have received all the parts
shown in the illustration below.
Tilt the tractor cover up and remove the two foam pads underneath
it. (These pads protect the tractor unit during shipping; be sure to save
them.)
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-1
WARNING
The printer is protected by a print head protector, a platen protector
and two locking tabs during shipping. These protective items must be
removed before you turn on the printer. Follow the steps in Figure 1-2.
Also, you should install the paper feed knob. To install the knob,
simply push it onto the shaft on the right side of the printer as shown
in Figure 1-2.
Figure I-2.
Protective items
Print head protector
1. Remove the left locking tab.
2. Remove the print head protector.
3. Move the print head to the left.
4. Remove the right locking tab and the platen protector.
2 Selecting the Right Location
The most important consideration in choosing a location for your
printer is that it be close enough to connect a cable to your computer.
But also keep the following tips in mind:
1-2
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
l Place the printer or printer stand on a solid and level foundation.
Avoid setting it on carpet or on unstable surfaces such as chairs.
l Use a grounded outlet-one that has three holes to match the power
plug on the printer. Don’t use an adapter plug.
l
Avoid using electrical outlets that are controlled by wall switches. If
you accidentally turn off a switch, you could wipe out valuable
information and stop your printing.
l
Keep your printer and computer away from base units for cordless
telephones.
l
Avoid using an outlet on the same circuit breaker with large
electrical machines or appliances that might disrupt the flow of
power to your printer.
l Choose a place that is clean and away from moisture, dust, and
excessive heat (such as a heater or direct sunlight).
If you are going to use continuous-feed paper, clear enough space
around the printer so that the paper has an unobstructed path in and
out of the printer. There are three common methods of arranging a
printer and continuous paper:
l
Using a printer stand with the paper stacked underneath it.
l Using a desk or table as a stand, with the printer near the rear edge
and the paper on the floor or on a shelf.
l Putting the printer on a desk or table and stacking the paper behind
the printer.
3
Installing the Ribbon
To install the ribbon, follow the directions below:
1. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. TO
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until the
cover is vertical. Then lift it up and off the printer.
2. Manually moved the print head to the middle of the platen.
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-3
WARNING
The power must be OFFwhen you move the print head. Moving the
print head when the power is ON may damage your printer. If you’ve
been using your printer just before changing the ribbon cartridge, be
careful not to touch the print head because it becomes hot during use.
3. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, turn the small knob on top in
the direction of the arrow to tighten the ribbon as shown in Figure l-3.
Figure 1-3.
Tightening the ribbon
4. Hold the cartridge by the two plastic tabs. Lower the cartridge into
the printer, guiding the two pins on each end of the cartridge into
the slots in the printer frame, as shown in Figure 1-4. Press firmly on
each end of the cartridge to make sure the pins are firmly seated in
the slots,
5. Now use the point of a pencil to guide the ribbon into place between the ribbon guide and the print head as shown in Figure l-5.
(There is also a diagram on the top of the ribbon cartridge itself.)
6. With the cartridge in place, again turn the ribbon knob in the
direction of the arrow to tighten the ribbon.
And that’s it-the ribbon is now installed.
1-4Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Figure 1-4.
Installing the
Figure l-5.
Positioning the
ribbon
ribbon cartridge
Setting Up Your
T-750
Printer
1-5
Replacing the ribbon...
When buying new ribbon cartridges for the T-750, be sure you get
a ribbon specifically for Epson T-750 or FX series printers. Ribbon
cartridges for other Epson printers, such as the L-1000 or LQ series,
closely resemble T-750 ribbons, but their use can cause poor print
quality. Also, the Epson ribbon replacement pack #7755 should not
be used as a replacement ribbon.
The T-750 uses a continuous-loop, inked fabric ribbon (#8755).
When your printing becomes too light, replace the ribbon with a
fresh cartridge. To replace the ribbon, just pull up on the two plastic
tabs on the ribbon cartridge and lift it out of the printer. To install a
new ribbon, follow the preceding steps.
4 Loading Continuous-feed Paper
When you receive your T-750, it is set up to print on continuous-feed
paper. If you plan to use single-sheet paper, turn to Chapter 2 for
instructions on setting up the printer for single sheets. If you have
bought the optional automatic sheet feeder, complete the remainder of
the setup steps before you install the automatic sheet feeder (which has
its own manual).
The T-750 tractor units are adjustable to accommodate different
widths of paper, from 4 to 16 inches. Before you load continuous-feed
paper, prepare the printer in the following manner:
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.
2. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. To
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until it is
vertical. Then lift the cover up and off the printer.
3. Install the paper rest as shown in Figure l-6. This part helps prevent
the paper from catching on the printer cable.
1-6
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Figure 1-6.
Installing the paper rest
4. Pull both the paper release lever and the paper bail lever toward the
front of the printer. (Figure 1-6 shows where these levers are.)
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-7
Now you are ready to load the continuous-feed paper. Just follow the
steps below:
1. Using Figure 1-7 as a guide, pull the locking levers on the pin-feed
holders forward so that you can move the holders to the left and
right.
Figure 1-7.
Pin-feed locking levers
2. Move the left holder so that the locking lever is about l/4 inch
from the left side and push the locking lever back to lock that
holder in place. Leave the right holder unlocked.
3. Open the pin-feed covers as shown in Figure l-8.
WARNING
Do not use the pin-feed covers to move the pin-feed holders,
1-8
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Figure 1-8.
Open pin-feed cover
4. Guide the paper into the paper slot, and push it through until it
comes up between the ribbon guide and the platen. (Moving the
paper with a side-to-side motion makes it easier to push the paper
through.)
5. Pull the paper up until the top is above the pin-feed holders. Fit the
holes on the left side of the paper over the pins in the left holder (as
shown in Figure l-9) and close the cover.
Figure
1-9.
Fitting the paper over the
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
pin feeds
1-9
6. Fit the right side of the paper into the right holder, moving the
holder as needed to match the width of the paper.
7. Close the right cover, making sure the paper has
no
dips or wrinkles
and lock the right holder in place.
Now that you have loaded the continuous-feed paper, prepare the
printer for printing.
1. Push the paper bail lever back.
2. Hold the paper guide above the printer. Insert the right hinge tab
into the right tab slot, as shown in Figure l-10. Then insert the left
tab into the left slot and push the guide back so that it is horizontal.
Figure 1-10.
Installing the paper guide
This guide keeps paper that is coming out of the printer from
interfering with the paper going in. The guide is also used in the
upright position for printing on single sheets of paper.
1-10
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
3. With the printer turned OFF, advance the paper with the paper
feed knob on the right side of the printer until the first row of
perforations is about even with the top of the ribbon. (See
Figure 1-11.)
Figure 1-11.
Setting top of form
This is the top of form position. It makes your printed pages end
where you want them to and prevents the printer from printing on the
perforations. The paper should be in this position when the power is
turned on or when software initializes the printer or sets the page
length.
4. Replace the tractor cover.
Loading single-sheet paper...
The T-750 can also accommodate single-sheet paper. It can be
loaded one sheet at a time as shown in Chapter 2 or by using the
optional automatic sheet feeder. Chapter 2 also contains
information on how to remove and reinstall the tractor feed unit.
The printer cover that comes packaged with the T-750 is for use
with single-sheet paper.
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-11
5 Turning On the Printer
Before plugging in the power cord, see that the power switch near
the back of the left side of the printer is turned off; then plug the
power cord into a properly grounded socket.
WARNING
Before turning on the printer, be absolutely sure you have removed all
packing materials. Turning on the printer when the print head cannot
move may seriously damage the mechanism.
Now, turn the power ON with the switch on the left side of the
printer. When you turn on the printer, three things happen:
l The print head moves back and forth and stops at the left side of the
printer; this is the home position.
l
The printer is initialized and set to certain default settings (which are
fully described in Appendix D).
l The green power light on the control panel comes on.
6 Operating the Control Panel
The control panel is shown in Figure l-12.
Figure
1-12.
The T-750 control panel
1-12
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
The three buttons nearest the front of the printer control advancing
the paper and communication with the computer. The four indicator
lights show when the printer is turned on and when it is ready to use.
The buttons
There are three large buttons on the control panel.
OFF LINE/
ON LINE
FORM FEED/
ROMAN
LINE FEED/
SANS SERIF
The green light next to this button indicates that
the printer is able to receive and print data from
the computer. When the light is off, the printer is
off line and cannot receive any data. Press the
button to change from on line to off line or from
off line to on line. The printer automatically goes
off lined when you try to print without paper in
the printer. Pressing the button then has no
effect until you load paper.
When the printer is off line, this button ejects a
single sheet of paper or advances continuous
paper to the next top of form.
When the printer is on line and in NLQ mode,
pressing the button selects the Roman font.
When the printer is off line, this button
advances the paper one line each time you press
it or continuously if you hold it down. When the
printer is turned on, use this button to advance
paper.
When the printer is on line and in NLQ mode,
pressing the button selects the Sans Serif font.
Note
Use the paper feed knob on the right side of the printer only when the
printer is turned OFF. Using it when the printer is on can damage the
printer mechanism.
The indicator lights
In addition to the
POWER
READY
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
ON LINE
This comes on to show that the printer is
connected to the power and is turned on.
This comes on when the printer is on line and
ready to print. It normally flickers during
printing.
light, the printer has three other lights.
1-13
PAPER OUT
Also on the control panel are two touch switches that let you choose
the print style and size. These are the SelecType buttons, which are
described in the next section.
7
SelecType
The SelecType feature consists of two buttons on the control panel.
These buttons select the most used printing features-Near Letter
Quality (NLQ) and condensed.
With the two SelecType buttons, you can produce any of the four
typestyles shown below:
Draft printing is extremely fast.
NLQ is clear and typewriter-like.
This comes on when the printer is out of paper.
Draft can be condensed.
NLQ can also be condensed for more characters on a line.
Draft is for fast printing and NLQ for higher-quality work. In the
condensed mode all characters are about 60% of their normal width.
Two NLQ fonts are available: Roman and Sans Serif. You select
them by using the FORM FEED and LINE FEED buttons while the printer
is on line. The
button selects Sans Serif. A software command to change the NLQ
typeface is also available in the Epson mode.
FORM FEED
button selects Roman, and the
LINE FEED
NLQ Roman is clear and typewriter-like.
NLQ Sans Serif is crisp and distinctive.
If you want NLQ printing, simply press the
condensed printing, simply press the
When you press either SelecType button, it beeps twice and its
orange indicator light turns on to show that you have selected it. If you
1-14
CONDENSED
NLQ
button. If you want
button.
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
want to turn off either mode, press its button again. It beeps once and
the indicator light turns off to show that the mode is cancelled.
As you can see, SelecType makes it easy to choose either NLQ or
condensed, and the indicator lights always tell you which modes you’ve
selected.
Trying out SelecType is a simple three-step process:
1. Create a short sample document or file with your favorite
application program.
2. Press either or both of the SelecType buttons.
3. Print the document or file using your application program’s print
command.
If SelecType does not work
Some applications programs are designed to control all typestyle
functions. Before each printing operation, these programs cancel all
previous typestyle settings by sending a signal (INIT) or by sending
specific control codes to cancel certain typestyles. These signals or
control codes may cancel your SelecType settings.
One reset signal, however, does not affect your SelecType settings.
This is the ESC @ command.
You can see whether your program is changing your settings by
watching the buttons when printing starts. If the lights change, the
program is controlling the typestyles.
If your application program changes your SelecType settings, you
have two choices:
1. Use the program’s setup procedure (which could be called by
another name, such as install) to remove the codes that interfere
with your SelecType settings.
2. Use the print control codes for your application program instead of
SelecType to control your printing. Most programs that cancel
SelecType settings also have sophisticated print control commands
that give the same results that SelecType does. The manual for your
program should explain the necessary commands.
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-15
Note
Also remember that control codes in your document will override the
SelecType settings. Therefore, if you have a code for NLQ in your
document and you press the
DRAFT
SelecType button, your printing
will still be in NLQ.
8 Running the Self Test
The T-750 has a built-in self test that prints out the characters in its
memory so that you can see that the printer is working properly.
The self test also prints the settings of the printer’s DIP switches.
You’ll use this part of the printout in the last section of this chapter.
Before running the self test, make sure that the
power
is OFF and
paper is loaded in the printer. (Use wide paper to avoid printing on the
platen.)
To run the self test in the Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode, hold
down the
When the printing starts, release the
FORM FEED
button at the same time you turn the printer on.
FORM FEED
button.
The self test first prints the version number of the printer and several
lines of settings that are explained in the last section of this chapter.
Then it prints the characters from its memory. The test continues until
you turn the printer off. Part of a typical self test is shown below.
Character modeNormal
Shape of zero
CG Table
Protocol mode
0 (Unslashed)
Italics
ESC/P
Print QualityDraft
Country
U.S.A.
Page Length11 inch
CSF ModeInvalid
Skip Perforation
Auto LF
None
Depend on I/F
1-1 OFF
1-2 OFF
1-3 OFF
1-4 OFF
1-5 OFF
1-6
ON
2-1 OFF
2-2 OFF
2-3 OFF
2-4 OFF
1-7
ON
1-8
ON
l-16
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
To run the same test in the draft mode, hold down the
button instead of the
The T-750 cannot print a draft self test, however, if the NLQ DIP switch
is on. Therefore, if the Print Quality line of the self test printout says
NLQ, you cannot print a draft test without changing a DIP switch.
FORM FEED
button while you turn the printer on.
LINE FEED
9 Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Your T-750 printer communicates with your computer through a
Centronics® compatible parallel interface. If your computer uses this
type of interface and you have a suitable cable, you can connect your
computer immediately. (Be sure that your cable is a shielded cable.)
If you do not know what kind of interface your computer requires,
consult its manual. For further information on the standard interface,
see Appendix E.
The parallel interface
Before connecting a parallel interface cable, see that both the printer
and computer are turned off. Then plug the connector into the printer.
Next squeeze the clips gently and click them into place.
Some parallel cables have a ground wire. Connect this wire to the
ground screw on the printer to protect data from interference. Then
plug the other end of the cable into the computer and connect the
ground wire on the computer end of the cable if it has one. Figure 1-13
shows a properly connected parallel cable.
Figure 1-13.
Connecting a parallel cable
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-17
10 Choosing the Operating Mode with DIP Switches
The T-750 has 12 switches that allow you to change many of the
printer’s settings to suit your individual needs. You may need to change
one or two of them now. These switches, known as DIP (Dual In-line
Package) switches, are in the back of the printer. See Figure 1-14.
Figure 1-14.
DIP switch location
The switches are in two groups and are numbered, as shown in
Figure 1-14. As you can see in the example below, the first part of the
self test shows the settings of the switches. You will find your own self
test printout helpful as you use this section.
Character mode
Shape of zero
CG Table
Protocol mode
Print Quality
Country
Page Length
CSF Mode
Skip Perforation
Auto LF
1-18
Normal
0 (Unslashed)
Italics
ESC/P
Draft
U.S.A.
11 inch
Invalid
None
Depend on I/F
1-1 OFF
1-2 OFF
1-3 OFF
1-4 OFF
1-5 OFF
1-6 ON 1-7 ON 1-8
ON
2-1 OFF
2-2 OFF
2-3 OFF
2-4 OFF
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Before you change any
to give you easy access to the switches. Then you can easily turn the
switches on and off with a thin pointed object, such as a small
screwdriver or the cap of a ballpoint pen. The switches are ON when
they are UP and OFF when they are DOWN.
Note
When you change a DIP switch setting, turn off the power, reset the
switch or switches, then turn on the power again. The printer checks
and recognizes new settings only at the time you turn the power on.
The operating mode
The T-750 has two operating modes, ESC/P® and IBM printer
emulation mode. ESC/P stands for Epson Standard Code for Printers,
a powerful set of commands developed by Epson and supported by
almost all application software for personal computers. This is the
mode that you should find the most useful and valuable for your
printing. The rest of this manual refers to the ESC/P mode simply as
the Epson mode.
The IBM printer emulation mode is for software that is designed only
for IBM printers. It is not necessary to use this mode for your T-750 to
be compatible with IBM computers. As you can see from the list of
Epson and IBM printer emulation mode commands in Appendix A,
the Epson mode has more commands and many more capabilities.
DIP
switch settings, turn the printer around
There are only two cases in which you may want to use the IBM
printer emulation mode:
1. Your software lists only IBM printers in its printer selection menu.
2. You need to use the following characters and your application
software will not print them in the Epson mode:
If you select IBM printer emulation mode with the DIP switch and
choose an IBM printer in your software’s printer selection menu, your
T-750 will behave as an IBM printer does. You can use most software
that supports IBM printers, but you will notice that the commands do
not allow you access to all the features of your Epson printer.
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
1-19
DIP switch 14 controls the choice of operating modes. Turning the
switch OFF selects Epson mode, and turning it ON selects IBM printer
emulation mode.
The Epson character graphics set
Half of the characters used by IBM PCs and compatibles are special
character graphics and international characters. Most previous Epson
printers printed italics instead of these characters. With the T-750,
however, you can print the character graphics without losing italics or
any of the power of the Epson commands.
DIP
switch l-3 controls the choice between the italic and the
character graphic table (called CG table in the DIP switch printout).
Turning the switch ON selects the character graphic table, and turning
it OFF selects the italic table. Remember that italics are available even
if you select the character graphic table.
Making the choice
The decision you make about the operating mode and the character
graphics set depends upon the software you use. For most applications,
choose the Epson mode and the Character Graphics set (DIP switch
l-4 OFF and DIP switch 1-3 ON). That way you can set up your
software for an Epson printer and have the full power of the Epson
commands.
If you have trouble printing italics, change DIP switch 1-3 to OFF to
choose italics instead of character graphics. On the other hand, if you
have trouble printing character graphics, change the printer to IBM
printer emulation mode by setting
software to match.
DIP
switch l-4 ON and set your
WARNING
You must always be careful to set up your printer and software to
match. Although the IBM commands are based on some of the Epson
commands, important differences affect much software. These
differences can cause erratic printing. In particular, line spacing and
page layout are likely to be wrong, and extra characters may appear.
Other DIP switch settings
Appendix D summarizes all the DIP switch settings in a group of
tables. See that appendix for reference and further information.
1-20
Setting Up Your T-750 Printer
Chapter 2
Choosing and Loading Paper
The T-750 printer can accommodate many different sizes and types
of paper, using either its automatic single-sheet loading feature or its
adjustable tractor.
The easy-to-use tractor can handle a wide range of paper widths, and
the automatic single-sheet loading feature handles individual sheets
quickly and easily. For greater efficiency with individual sheets you can
add an optional automatic sheet feeder.
Choosing Paper
Without any accessories, you can use single-sheet paper from 7¼ to
14½ inches wide and continuous paper from 4 to 16 inches wide,
including the perforated edge strips.
Carbon copies
If you use multi-part forms or carbon copies in the T-750, use no
more than three sheets or parts at a time, with a total thickness of no
more than 0.17 mm. Also change the paper thickness setting as
described at the end of this chapter.
Using Single-sheet Paper
The automatic sheet loading feature of the T-750 gives you short
printing times by combining fast loading with fast printing.
If you print large amounts on single sheets of paper, however, you
may find it more convenient to use an automatic sheet feeder. This is
an optional device that holds a stack of paper and inserts a new sheet
whenever required, making single sheets as easy and convenient to use
as continuous paper. The automatic sheet feeder has its own user’s
manual.
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-1
Before you load single-sheet paper the first time, you must prepare
the printer by removing the tractor unit and installing the paper guide,
as described in the next five steps. (If you have previously loaded
continuous-feed paper, you have already done some of the steps.)
Preparing the printer
1. Remove the tractor cover that comes installed on the printer. To
remove it, simply pull the back of the cover toward you until it is
vertical. Then lift the cover up and off the printer.
2. Be sure that you have removed the protective items as described on
page l-2.
3. Remove the tractor unit. Simply press the release levers (shown in
Figure 2-1) with your thumbs, rock the tractor unit back, and lift it
off the printer.
Figure
2-1.
Removing the
tractor unit
4. Move the edge guides on the paper guide to accommodate the
width of the sheet of paper.
2-2
Choosing and Loading Paper
5. Hold the paper guide above the printer. Insert the right hinge tab
into the right tab slot, as shown in Figure 2-2. Next, insert the left
tab into the left slot. When both tabs are in the slots, push the
guide back so that it is horizontal, and then pull it toward you until
it stops at an angle (about 45 degrees).
Figure 2-2.
Installing
the
paper guide
Choosing and Loading Paper
Paper bail lever
2-3
Loading the paper
Now you are ready to load single-sheet paper. Just follow the steps
below:
1. Turn the printer ON first. Do not put the paper in the printer
before you turn it on.
2. Push both the paper release lever and the paper bail lever toward
the back of the printer. (Figure 2-2 shows where these levers are.)
3. Make sure the
button once.
4. Place the paper on the paper guide as shown in Figure 2-3 below.
Push the paper firmly into the printer; then let go of it.
Figure 2-3.
Inserting the paper
ON LINE
light is OF% If it is ON, press the
ON LINE
2-4
Choosing and Loading Paper
5. Pull the paper bail lever forward. This makes the paper feed into the
printer.
6. When the paper stops, push the paper bail lever back.
7. Hold the printer cover vertically and fit the notches in its front
corners over the pins at the front of the printer case (as shown in
Figure 24). Then tilt the cover back into place.
Figure 2-4.
Installing the
printer cover
When you have learned this procedure, you’ll probably leave the
cover on when you load single-sheet paper. If you wish, you can raise
the cover to the vertical position while you’re loading the paper. The
two icons (small pictures) on the printer cover will help you remember
the correct positions of the levers.
Now you are ready to print on single-sheet paper.
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-5
If the paper does not load
If the platen (the black roller) turns but the paper does not load,
remove the paper from the printer and try again, starting at Step 2.
This time press the paper a little more firmly into place.
If nothing happens at all, see that the printer is ON and that the
ON LINE
light is off. Then remove the paper and try again.
Reloading during printing
When you print a document more than one page long using single
sheets of paper, there are two different ways your software can allow
you to load a new sheet at the end of a page.
l
If your software sends characters in a continuous stream, the printer
stops printing when it reaches the bottom of the paper and sounds
the beeper. When this happens, the
automatically.
l
If your software handles printing page by page, it probably stops
sending characters at the end of a page and prompts you to insert
more paper. In this case the
the first thing you should do is press the
turn it off.
ON LINE
ON LINE
light probably remains on, and
light goes off
ON LINE
button once to
Once
printed and load a new sheet in the same way as before.
the
ON LINE
light is off, remove the sheet that has just been
Reinstalling the Tractor Unit
When you want to switch from single-sheet to continuous-feed paper,
you need to reinstall the tractor unit.
1. Remove the printer cover.
2. Hold the tractor with the gears to the right and fit the rear notches
on the tractor unit over the rear mounting pins on the printer, as
shown in Figure 2-5.
3. Tilt the tractor unit toward you until the front latches click in place
over the front mounting pins on the printer.
2-6
Choosing and Loading Paper
Figure 2-5.
Reinstalling the tractor unit
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-7
The Paper Thickness Lever
You can adjust the T-750 to accommodate different thicknesses of
paper. You need to do this when you print carbon copies.
Before moving the paper thickness lever, always turn off the power,
open the printer cover or the tractor cover, and move the print head to
the middle of the printer.
The paper thickness lever (shown in Figure 2-6) has six positions.
Figure 2-6.
Paper thickness lever
2-8
Choosing and Loading Paper
If you want to change or check the lever, push it toward the platen
(the black roller) until it stops. This is the first position. Then pull the
lever toward you. You will feel three more click stops. The table below
shows which position you should use.
Table 2-1. Paper thickness lever
Paper
thickness
Single
With 1 copy
With 2 copies
*Maximum total thickness IS 0.17 mm
positions
Lever
position
2nd
3rd
4th
Position 1 is for thinner paper, and positions 5 and 6 are for thicker
paper. These positions should rarely be used. If they are, the printing
quality will not necessarily be as good as on paper as specified in the
technical specifications.
Always return the lever to the second position when you resume
printing on normal paper.
Choosing and Loading Paper
2-9
Chapter 3
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
Now that you’ve set up and tested the printer, you need to start
using it with your application programs.
Printer Selection Menus
Most application programs let you specify the type of printer you’re
using so that the program can take full advantage of the printer’s
features. Many programs provide an installation or setup procedure
that presents a list of printers to choose from. The T-750 uses the same
command set as the Epson FX-286e. If the menu does not list this
printer, choose one of the following. They are listed in order of
preference.
FX-86e
EX-1000 or EX-800
FX-286
FX-185 or FX-85
FX-lOO+ or FX-80+
FX-100 or FX-80
FX
LX
Epson printer
Draft printer
If you plan to use the IBM printer emulation mode, choose IBM
Proprinter XL, IBM Proprinter, IBM Graphics printer, or IBM printer,
in that order of preference.
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
3-1
A quick test
After setting up your application program, print a sample document
to be sure the program and the T-750 are communicating properly. If
the document doesn’t print correctly, recheck the program’s printer
selection and installation procedure. If you’re still having trouble
printing, consult the troubleshooting section in Appendix C.
Computer - Printer Communication
Computers and printers communicate by using codes to represent
characters and commands. To be sure the two devices use the same
codes, almost all manufacturers of computers, printers, and software
use the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, which
is usually referred to by its abbreviation, ASCII.
The ASCII standard includes codes for printable characters (letters,
punctuation marks, numerals, and mathematical symbols) and 33 other
codes called control codes. The control codes are for such functions as
sounding the beeper and performing carriage returns. Because the 33
control codes are not enough to control all possible printer functions,
most printer commands are actually a sequence of two or more codes.
One of the 33 control codes, the escape code, signals the beginning
of a sequence of codes. Therefore, most printer commands are
sequences of codes, the first of which is the escape code. This manual
uses the ASCII abbreviation ESC for this code.
When using control codes to select printer functions for an
application program or programming language, check the manual for
the program or language to find the appropriate method of inserting
the code into the program. Further details on the methods to use are in
the rest of this chapter.
Naming and
The most common way of naming codes or commands is with one of
two numbering systems, decimal or hexadecimal.
3-2
using commands
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
The decimal system is the standard numbering system based on units
of ten, using the numerals O-9.
The hexadecimal, or hex, system is based on units of 16 and is often
used by programmers. Instead of using only the numerals 0 through 9,
the hex system also uses the letters A through F. For example, the
decimal numbers 9, 10, 11, and 12 are 09, 0A, 0B, and 0C in hex.
Since the most frequently used hexadecimal numbers are between 0
and FF hex (0 to 255 in decimal), it’s common to write hexadecimal
numbers that are less than 16 with a zero in front, as shown above.
In this book, hex numbers are distinguished from decimal numbers
by the word hex after them (for example, 1B hex). Other common
ways of denoting a hexadecimal number are the following:
1BH $lB &1B &H1B
The Command Summary and the Quick Reference card give both
the decimal and hex numbers for each command.
<lB>H
Word Processors
In many ways, word processors demand the most from your printer.
When you create and print a document, you may use many print styles
and fonts, add headers and footers, and use bold, italic, and other
effects.
Once you have installed your word processor by using the list on
page 3-1, you can ordinarily use a fixed set of printer features by using
a word processor command to place markers around the text to be
altered. When the document is printed, the markers are recognized and
translated into suitable commands for your printer. On your screen
some programs show the markers; others display the text as it will
appear-for example, in bold or italics.
This method is normally restricted to features that can be found on
almost all printers, such as bold and underlining.
Some programs also provide a way of placing complete printer
commands in the text. These commands may or may not be visible on
your screen. This method has the advantage of allowing you to use any
printer command, not just a limited set. To make use of it, however,
you need to understand how to use the printer’s commands.
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
3-3
Check the manual for your word processor to see if you can place
printer commands in your text. If this is possible, use the Command
Summary (Appendix A) in this manual to find the command, and use
the manual for your word processor to find how to assign the
command.
If your T-750 is not printing correctly, check both the printer and
your word processor and do the following:
l
Make sure you’ve selected the correct printer.
l
Carefully read the printer setup and installation information in your
word processor’s manual.
l Check the printer options that may be part of the installation or
setup section.
l
Make sure your word processor is capable of sending the proper
commands to your printer.
If you’re still having difficulty printing, check the troubleshooting
section in your word processor’s manual and Appendix C of this
manual.
Spreadsheets
Although spreadsheets seldom use as many printing styles as word
processors, they do have some very specific requirements.
Installation and column width
If your spreadsheet program provides a list of printers, use the list on
page 3-l to find the proper selection. If your spreadsheet doesn’t have a
printer setup routine, carefully read the program’s manual for
information on printing.
A major concern for printing spreadsheets is the width of the printer.
The T-750 is a 136-column printer. You can, however, increase the
number of characters on a line by using one of the modes in Table 3-l.
You can turn on condensed with a button on the control panel (see
SelecType in Chapter l), and the other modes are explained in
Chapter 4.
3-4
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
Table 3-1. Characters per
line
T-750
Normal
Elite
Condensed
Condensed Elite
136
163
233
272
Therefore, if your spreadsheet asks the number of columns your printer
can print, decide which mode you will use and supply the appropriate
number from Table 3-1.
Printer commands
Unlike word processors, spreadsheet programs usually don’t let you
change printer commands within a spreadsheet. Instead, one style or
mode of printing is used for the whole spreadsheet. With the T-750,
there are two main ways of sending commands to control the printing
of a spreadsheet.
First, almost all spreadsheets have the capability of sending
commands to a printer. Look in the manual for your spreadsheet to
find out how to send printer commands. Then look in the Command
Summary (Appendix A) in this manual to find the proper codes to
send.
For example, your spreadsheet might use a “setup string” to send
printer commands. To prepare a setup string for condensed elite, you
would look up the proper command in the Command Summary.
The command for elite is ESC M, and the command for condensed
is SI. because most spreadsheets use the decimal equivalent for the
commands, (also given in the Command Summary), a setup string for
condensed elite might look like this:
/027/077/015
The number 027 is for the escape code, 077 is for M, and 015 is for SI
(condensed).
The second method to choose condensed is one of the SelecType control panel buttons. The use of this button is described in Chapter 1.
If your spreadsheet is not printing correctly, be sure you have selected
the correct printer if the program asks you to select one.
Using
the T-750 with Application Programs
3-5
If you’re using the program’s print facility, recheck the T-750’s
Command Summary to make sure you’re sending the correct
commands.
If you’re still having difficulty printing, check the troubleshooting
section in your spreadsheet program’s manual or Appendix C of this
manual.
Graphics Programs
The T-750 is capable of producing finely detailed graphic images.
Although Chapter 5 gives specific information on the graphics
commands, the easiest way to take advantage of the printer’s
capabilities is with one of the many graphics programs available.
When buying graphics software, always make sure it has a suitable
option to allow printouts on Epson FX series printers. Any program
with an option for Epson FX series printers should give excellent
results, using different dot densities to produce a realistic scale of grays.
Most graphics programs have a printer selection procedure, in which
case you should check the list on page 3-l to find the proper selection.
Programming Languages
Most users rely on application programs to send commands to the
printer. An awareness of programming languages, however, can be
helpful in exploring a printer’s potential or troubleshooting a printing
problem.
For example, if you want to set up your application program to send
a command for italic printing, you can use a programming language,
such as BASIC or Pascal, to do a quick printout before setting up the
program.
If, on the other hand, you’ve set up a program to send a certain
command to the printer, but it’s not printing correctly, you can send
the same command with a programming language to find whether the
problem lies with your application program, the command, or the
printer.
3-6
Using the T-750 with Application Programs
Sending printer commands with BASIC
You can send printer commands with any programming language.
The examples in this manual are written in BASIC, because BASIC is
included with most computer systems.
In most forms of BASIC, and in particular Microsoft@ BASIC, the
normal method of producing printed output is to use the LPRINT
statement followed by the text to be printed enclosed in quotation
marks, as shown below:
100 LPRINT "This text will be printed."
Individual printer control codes can be sent by using the CHR$
function with the LPRINT statement:
100 LPRINT CHR$(27);CHR$(69);
This line sends ASCII codes 27 and 69 to the printer, selecting
emphasized printing.
Most versions of BASIC permit the ASCII codes in the CHR$
function to be given in either decimal (as above) or hexadecimal. Also,
if the code corresponds to a printable character, the character itself can
be used in quotation marks in the LPRINT statement. The command
shown above could therefore be given in two other forms:
LPRINT CHR$(27);"E"
LPRINT CHR$(&H1B);CHR$(&H145)
As you can see, Microsoft BASIC uses &H to denote hexadecimal
numbers.
If you have another version of BASIC or a different programming
language, consult the manual for the language to find the correct
formats for these commands.
Using the
T-750
with Application Programs
3-7 I
Chapter 4
T-750 Printer Features
You can obtain many different printing effects with the T-750 printer,
from arranging the printout on the paper to giving extra emphasis to
particular words and phrases. This chapter shows you the features you
may want to select with your software. Once you have read about the
features, you can find their commands in the Command Summary.
SelecType, as you know, controls the printing style of a whole
document. Software commands, on the other hand, can change
anything from a single character to the entire document.
Quality and Fonts
The most fundamental changes you can make to printing on the
T-750 are in the print quality and NLQ fonts.
The printer has two levels of print quality: draft and NLQ (Near
Letter Quality). Draft printing is fast, making it ideal for drafts and
other preliminary work. NLQ printing takes a little longer, but it
produces more fully-formed characters for presentation-quality
documents.
The printout below shows the differences between draft, NLQ
Roman, and NLQ Sans Serif so that you can compare the different
styles and densities:
Draft printing is extremely fast.
NLQ Roman is clear and typewriter-like.
NLQ Sans Serif is crisp and distinctive.
SelecType gives you an easy way of changing the print quality and
NLQ font, but if you prefer to print in NLQ Roman most of the time,
you can select it with a DIP switch (see Appendix D). You can also
choose the print quality and NLQ font with software commands.
T-750 Printer Features
4-1
Print Size and Character Width
To add greater variety to your documents, the T-750 has two pitches
as well as proportional spacing and condensed, double-wide and
double-high printing. All can be selected with a software command,
and condensed can be selected with SelecType.
Pitches and Proportional Spacing
The two pitches are pica and elite. Pica is 10 characters per inch (cpi)
and elite is 12 cpi. The printout below shows the difference between the
two.
Pica:
Elite:
Another mode is proportional. In this mode the width of the
characters varies. Therefore, a narrow letter like i receives less space
than a wide letter like W, as you can see in the printout below:
The character tables in Appendix B list the widths of all proportional
characters.
Double-wide, double-high, and condensed
In addition to the basic pitches and the proportional mode, the
T-750 offers three other modes that change the size of your printing.
These modes are double-wide, double-high, and condensed.
The double-wide mode doubles the width of any size of characters.
This mode is useful for such purposes as emphasizing headings in
reports and making displays, but is usually not suitable for large
amounts of text.
4-2
Double-wide
Double-wide elite
pica
T-750 Printer Features
Another mode for headings and other special uses is double-high,
which is shown below.
This is double-high printing
Because of its height you must leave a blank line above a line of
double-high. Otherwise the double-high letters will overlap the letters
on the previous line.
Pica and elite can be reduced to about 60% of their normal width
with the condensed mode. This mode is particularly useful for printing
wide spreadsheets because condensed elite allows you up to 272
characters per line on wide computer paper.
Condensed can be selected with SelecType, by setting a DIP switch
(see Appendix D), or with a software command. Even if you turn
condensed on with the DIP switch, you can still turn it off with
SelecType or the software command.
Condensed pica gives more characters on a line.
Condensed elite gives you even more.
Widening or narrowing the characters also widens or narrows the
spaces between words and letters. Because word processors usually
create a left margin by printing spaces, you may need to change the
number of characters on a line to keep the margins correct if you
change widths. For example, a left margin of five pica characters is the
same as one of six elite characters.
Special Effects and Emphasis
The T-750 offers two ways of emphasizing parts of your text and also
allows you to use underlining, superscripts, and subscripts. These
features can be controlled only by software commands, but many
application programs can produce them if they are properly installed.
Emphasized and double-strike modes both slow the printer down
slightly to produce bolder text. In emphasized mode, the T-750 prints
each character twice as the print head moves across the paper, with the
second slightly to the right of the first. This produces darker, more
fully-formed characters.
T-750
Printer
Features
4-3
In double-strike mode, the T-750 prints each line twice, with the
second slightly below the first. This makes the characters bolder. While
NLQ is in use, however, double-strike is ignored because NLQ
characters are already formed by two passes of the print head.
This is normal NLQ printing
This is emphasized NLQ printing
Superscripts and subscripts are valuable for such purposes as printing
footnote numbers or parts of mathematical formulas, and the underline
mode provides an automatic way of underlining fully any piece of text.
It underlines spaces, subscripts, and superscripts without a break.
The example below shows underlining with text and combined with
superscripts and subscripts in a mathematical formula.
average = (a1 + a2 + . . . . .
+ an)
n
Using Different Character Sets
The T-750 incorporates a new character set: Epson Character
Graphics. This set allows you to take advantage of the power of the
Epson mode commands and still print out the character graphics used
by IBM and compatible computers and by much application software.
For example, if your word processor can include the characters to draw
boxes and shade areas, you can produce some very professional effects.
You can select the Epson Character Graphics set with your software
or by setting DIP switch l-3 ON. For many applications it is best to use
the DIP switch instead of the software command because the character
graphics are then available as soon as you turn the printer on.
4-4
T-750 Printer Features
The other important change you can make to the standard character
set is to change some characters for ones commonly used in other
languages-chiefly European and Scandinavian-such as accented
characters and symbols. In Epson mode, eight international character
sets can be selected by setting DIP switches l-6 to l-8: USA, French,
German, UK, Danish, Swedish, Italian, and Spanish. See Appendix D
for the DIP switch settings.
In Epson mode, these eight, and five more, can also be selected by a
software command. The additional character sets are the following:
Norwegian, a second Danish set, Japanese, a second Spanish set, and
Latin American. A complete list of these characters is in Appendix B.
Also, all text characters can be printed in italics in Epson mode. You
can use this typestyle for special emphasis or as an alternative typeface.
Italics give emphasis to words.
They are an attractive alternative style.
Page Layout and Other Commands
The remaining commands in the Command Summary are not
normally needed when using application software. You may need some
of them if you are using a printer installation program provided with
an application package, but most deal with features (such as tabs,
margins, and line spacing) that are provided directly by application
programs and are therefore only useful to you if you want to program
the printer using a programming language such as BASIC.
T-750 Printer Features
4-5
Chapter 5
Graphics and User-defined Characters
The dot graphics mode allows your T-750 to produce pictures,
graphs, charts, or almost any other pictorial material you can devise,
and the user-defined character feature allows you or an application
program to put special characters in the printer’s memory so that it can
print them just as if they were ordinary letters.
because many application programs use graphics, you may be able to
print pictures and graphs like the ones on this page and the next by
simply giving your software a few instructions.
The quickest and easiest way to print graphics on your T-750 is to
use an application graphics program. With such programs you usually
create an image on your monitor and then give a command to send
the image to the printer.
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-1
If you use application software that produces graphics, all you need
to know about dot graphics is how to use the software. If, on the other
hand, you wish to do your own programming or merely wish to
understand how the T-750 prints graphics, read on.
The Print Head
To understand dot graphics you need to know a little about how the
T-750’s print head works.
The printer’s print head has nine pins. As it moves across the page,
electrical impulses cause the pins to fire. Each time a pin fires, it strikes
the inked ribbon and presses it against the paper to produce a small
dot. As the head moves across the paper, the pins fire time after time in
different patterns to produce letters, numbers, or symbols.
5-2
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Dot patterns
The T-750’s print head is able to print graphics in addition to text
because graphic images are formed on the printer about the same way
that pictures in newspapers and magazines are printed.
If you look closely at a newspaper photograph, you can see that it is
made up of many small dots. The T-750 also forms its images with
patterns of dots, as many as 240 dot positions per inch horizontally and
72 dots vertically. The images printed by the T-750 can, therefore, be as
finely detailed as the one on the first page of this chapter.
In its main graphics mode the T-750 prints one column of dots for
each code it receives, and it uses only the top eight of the nine pins.
Therefore, your graphics program must send codes for dot patterns,
one number for each column in a line. For each of those columns the
print head prints the pattern of dots you have specified.
To print figures taller than eight dots, the print head makes more
than one pass. The printer prints one line, then advances the paper
and prints another, just as it does with text.
To keep the print head from leaving gaps between the graphics lines
as it does between the text lines, the line spacing must be changed to
eliminate the space between lines. With a change in line spacing, the
T-750 can print finely detailed graphic images that give no indication
that they are made up of separate lines, each no more than 8/72nds of
an inch tall.
Each pass of the print head prints one piece of the total pattern,
which can be as tall or short and as wide or narrow as you desire. You
don’t have to fill the whole page or even an entire line with your
graphics figures. In fact, you can use as little or as much space as you
like for a figure and put it anywhere on the page.
Pin Labels
The graphics mode requires a method to tell the printer which pins
to fire in each column. Since there are 256 possible combinations of
eight pins, you need a numbering system that allows you to use a single
number to specify which of the 256 possible patterns you want. This
numbering system is shown in Figure 5-1 on the next page.
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-3
To fire any one pin, you send its number. To fire more than one pin
at the same time, add up the numbers of the pins and send the sum to
the printer. Therefore, with these labels for the pins, you fire the top
pin by sending 128. To fire the bottom pin, you send 1. If you want to
fire only the top and bottom pins, you simply add 128 and 1, then
send 129.
By adding the appropriate label numbers together, you can fire any
combination of pins. Figure 5-1 shows three examples of how to
calculate the number that fires a particular pattern of pins.
Figure 5-1.
Pin numbering system
With this numbering system, any combination of the eight pins adds
up to a decimal number between 0 and 255, and no numbers are
duplicated. Before you can put these numbers in a graphics program,
however, you need to know the format of the graphics commands.
Graphics Commands
The graphics mode commands are quite different from most other
commands. For most of the other modes, such as emphasized and
double-wide, one command turns the mode on and another turns it
off. For graphics, the command is more complicated because the
command that turns on a graphics mode also specifies how many
columns of graphics will be printed. After the printer receives this
command, it interprets the next numbers as pin patterns and prints
them on the paper.
5-4
Graphics and User-defined Characters
The graphics command format
There are several different graphics commands giving different
horizontal dot densities and printing speeds. Because the format is
almost the same for all the commands, however, the example here
keeps things simple by using only the single-density graphics command,
ESC K. In single-density graphics, there are 60 dots per inch
horizontally.
The command to enter single-density graphics mode is ESC K nl n2.
In BASIC the command is given in this format:
LPRINT CHR$(27);"K";CHR$(n1);CHR$(n2);
ESC K specifies single-density graphics, and the next two numbers
(n1 and n2) specify thenumber of columns reserved for graphics.
Column reservation numbers
Even in single-density graphics mode, one 8-inch line can
accommodate 480 columns of graphics; in quadruple-density, almost
2000 columns can fit on the same 8-inch line. Since the printer does
not use decimal numbers larger than 255, the graphics commands use
two numbers for reserving columns.
Because the commands are set up for two numbers, you must supply
two even if you need only one. When you need fewer than 256
columns, it is easy to determine
columns you are reserving and n2 is zero. For example, to send data for
200 columns of graphics, n1 is 200 and n2 is 0.
n1
and n2: nl is the number of
For more than 256 columns of graphics data, n2 is the number of
complete groups of 256 columns, and nl is the number of columns to
complete the line. For example, to send 1632 columns of graphic data,
n1 is 96 and n2 is 6 because 96 + (6 x 256) = 1632.
You can calculate both nl and n2 by dividing the total number of
columns by 256. The quotient is n2 and the remainder is n1. If you are
using a programming language with MOD (modulus) and INT (integer)
functions, you can use the following formulas, in which n is the total
number of columns.
n1 = n
n2 = INT (n/256)
Graphics and User-defined Characters
MOD 256
5-5
Graphics data
After receiving a graphics command such as ESC K nl n2, the
printer prints the number of codes specified by nl and n2 as graphics
data, no matter what codes they are. This means that you must be sure
to supply exactly the right amount of graphics data. If you supply too
little, the printer will stop and wait for more data and will seem to be
locked. The next data sent will then be printed as graphics, even if it is
really text. On the other hand, if you supply too much graphics data,
the excess will be printed as regular text.
Simple Graphics Programming
The first example in this section shows how a graphics command,
column reservation numbers, and data can be used to print a single
line of graphics. The example is a BASIC program. If you prefer
another programming language, the principles are exactly the same.
Therefore, you can easily adapt the program to the language you prefer.
The first line of the program specifies single-density graphics for 40
columns:
100 LPRINT CHR$(27);"K";CHR$(40);CHR$(0);
The second line is the data that is printed as pin patterns. It uses the
number 74 to produce one of the patterns shown in Figure 5-1. The
FOR-NEXT loop sends 40 columns of data.
200 FOR X=1 TO
That is the whole program. In BASIC, semicolons at the ends of the
lines are very important; they prevent the computer from sending
other codes after the ones you specify. In other languages you may have
to use a special command to send a single code at a time. Run the
program to see the result below. Although it is not as interesting as the
examples at the beginning of this chapter, it shows exactly how the
mode works.
5-6
40:
LPRINT CHR$(74);: NEXT X
Graphics and User-defined Characters
WIDTH statements
Some software (including most versions of BASIC) automatically
inserts carriage return and line feed codes after every 80 or 130
characters. This is usually no problem with text, but it can spoil your
graphics. Two extra columns of graphics are printed in the middle of
the ones you send, and are left over and printed as text.
In some versions of BASIC you can prevent unwanted control
codes in graphics by putting a WIDTH statement at the beginning of
all graphics programs. The format in many forms of BASIC is either
WIDTH “LPT1:“, 255 or WIDTH LPRINT 255. Check your software
manual for the proper format.
Printing taller patterns
The next example shows how several lines of graphics can be formed
into a figure taller than eight dots. It uses programming techniques for
producing textured or repetitive patterns.
The program is listed below. The lines inside each pair of FOR and
NEXT statements have been indented so that you can see how the
program works; the spaces are not needed for the program to run.
100 WIDTH "LPT1:", 255
110 LPRINT CHR$(27);"A";CHR$(8);
120 FOR R = 1 TO 6
130 LPRINT CHR$(27);"K";CHR$(100);CHR$(0);
140
FOR X = 1 to 50
150
160
LPRINT CHR$(170);CHR$(85);
NEXT X: LPRINT
170 NEXT R
180 LPRINT CHR$(27);"@"
If you run the program, you will see how it combines six print lines
into a pattern.
There are five basic steps that the program goes through to produce
this kind of pattern.
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-7
1. The computer is prevented from adding any extra characters by the
WIDTH statement (line 100).
2. The line spacing is changed to 8/72 of an inch-the height of the
dot patterns used in the program (line 110).
3. The program goes through the graphics commands the required
number of times (lines 120 and 170).
4. A new graphics command is used for each line printed (lines
130-160). This part of the program is similar to the last example, but
two columns are printed each time through the loop making a total
of 100.
5. The last important thing to do is to reset the printer to its default
settings, including the normal line spacing (line 180).
Notice that the graphics command (ESC K) can be in effect for only
one print line. To print more than one line of graphics, the graphics
command must be issued before each line.
Density Varieties
Although all the examples so far in this chapter have been in the
single-density graphics mode, there are six other eight-pin densities and
two that use all nine pins. Nine-pin graphics is not necessary for most
uses, but you can find the command (ESC ^) in the Epson mode
command summary.
The four most common eight-pin modes are available in both Epson
and IBM printer emulation modes. Their commands are ESC K,
ESC L, ESC Y, ESC Z. In Epson mode, there is also a general-purpose
command for any of the eight-pin graphics modes: ESC *. This
command is used in the same way as the individual commands, except
that before nl and n2 you must send the code for the graphics mode
required. The different modes are summarized in the table on the next
Page.
The following example shows how to use the ESC * command to
reserve 40 columns for single-density graphics. This uses mode number
0 from the table to achieve exactly the same effect as the first example
using ESC K.
LPRINT CHR$(27);"*";CHR$(0);CHR$(40);CHR$(0);
5-8
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Table 5-1.
*Adjacent dots cannot be printed in this mode.
Graphics
modes
Modes 4-7 in the table are special modes that alter the horizontal
density to give proportions of a computer monitor (the CRT modes),
or to match the vertical density so as to give round circles (the plotter
modes).
In two modes, high-speed double-density and quadruple-density, the
print head cannot print two consecutive dots with the same pin, so
that it can print dots in only half the possible dot positions in any one
row. The higher density means that the resolution of the pattern is
better than in single-density mode. When you design patterns in these
two modes, however, you must see that no dots overlap.
Reassigning a graphics mode
Another graphics command lets you assign a different eight-pin
graphics mode to one of the specific eight-pin graphics commands. You
can use it with graphics software programs to quickly change the
density and proportions of your printouts. Changing the graphics
option changes the width without changing the height.
The command for reassigning a graphics mode is ESC ? c m. In this
command, c is a letter designating one of the four alternate graphics
codes (K, L, Y, or Z) and m is the mode number of the new mode, as
listed in Table 5-1.
For example, to change the ESC K command to select the CRT I
screen graphics mode, the command in BASIC would be the following:
LPRINT CHR$(27);"?K";CHR$(4);
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-9
A little experimentation should tell you whether the reassigning code
can improve your graphics printouts.
Designing Your Own Graphics
This section takes you through the development of a graphics
program. The example is not especially complicated, but it does include
the same steps you would use for a more complex figure.
You should plan your figure with dots on graph paper, but before
beginning to place the dots, you must decide which graphics density
you want. Figure 5-2 shows the differences between three common
modes so that you can choose the one you want.
In this figure you can see the main rules for graphic design in the
three densities:
l
In single-density no dots can be placed on vertical lines.
l
In high-speed double-density, dots can be placed on vertical lines, but
no dots can overlap.
l
In low-speed double-density, dots can be placed on vertical lines, and
they can overlap.
Figure 5-2.
Designing
I
5-10
in
different densities
Single
High-speed
double
Low-speed
double
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Now look at the high-speed double-density design in Figure 5-3. It
should point you in the right direction for your own work.
Figure 5-3.
Arrow design
After plotting the dots on a grid, you calculate the numbers for each
pin pattern by dividing the design grid into separate print lines. For the
arrow design, the grid was divided into two lines, each seven dots high.
Then each column was examined to calculate the graphics data. The
results for the first line are shown in Figure 5-4. The pin values are on
the left and the sums at the bottom of each column.
Figure 5-4.
Calculating data
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-11
The numbers for the second line were calculated in the same way.
Once the numbers for the pin patterns are calculated, they are put in
the program in DATA statements, separated by commas.
The program works in a similar way to the last example. This time it
selects 7/72-inch line spacing because only seven pins are used. Because
the data is not repetitive, each column of graphics data is read from the
DATA statements and sent to the printer. The design is 41 dot
positions wide. Therefore both lines 130 and 140 use the number 41.
100 WIDTH "LPT1:", 255
110
LPRINT CHR$(27);"A";CHR$(7);
120
FOR ROW = 1 TO 2
130
LPRINT CHR$(27);"Y";CHR$(41);CHR$(0);
140
FOR COLUMN = 1 TO 41
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
READ N
LPRINT CHR$(N);
NEXT COLUMN
LPRINT
NEXT ROW
END
DATA 64,32,80,8,68,2,64,0,64,0
DATA 64,0,64,0,32,0,16,0,8,0
DATA
8,0,8,0,8,0,810,8,0,8,0,8,0
240 DATA 184,64,32,16,8,4,2
250 DATA 8,16,40,64,136,0,8,0,8,0
260
DATA 8,0,8,0,16,0,32,0,64,0,64,0
270
DATA 64,0,64,0,64,0,64,0,64,0,64,0
280 DATA 116,8,16,32,64,128,0
When you run this program, it produces the following printout:
If you want to see the figure in other densities, change the Y in line
130 to L or 2.
5-12
Graphics and User-defined Characters
User-defined Characters
The T-750 has a command that allows you to define and print
characters of your own design. You can design an entirely new
alphabet or typeface, create mathematical or scientific symbols, or
create graphic patterns to serve as building blocks for larger designs.
These user-defined characters work only in draft mode.
Also, you can buy application programs that assist you in creating
characters or supply you with sets of characters already created. In
addition, some popular application packages make use of the
user-defined character function to enhance printouts. (These characters
are called download characters in some programs.)
The printout below shows a few user-defined characters to give you
an idea of what can be done, but remember that you can create what
you need or want.
When you define a character of your own, the definition is stored in
temporary memory (RAM). The original character with the same code
remains in the printer’s permanent memory (ROM) and you can print
either of them when needed.
Design grids
The process of defining a character is much like printing dot graphics
because you send the printer precise instructions on where you want
each dot printed. In fact, planning a user-defined character is like
planning a small dot graphics pattern.
To design a character you use a grid that has nine rows and eleven
columns. Figure 5-5 on the next page shows three of these grids. Most
characters do not use the two rows below the heavy line. Those rows
are only for characters with descenders, like y and g. Also, even
though you can use up to 11 columns, it is best to leave the last two
blank for the space between characters.
The grid in the middle of Figure 5-5 shows a plan for a character.
Although there are nine pins in the T-750 print head, you can use only
eight of them in a single user-defined character. The design in
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-13
Figure 5-5 uses the top eight, but you can also use the bottom eight by
using the grid on the right as explained later in this section.
Once the character is planned on the grid, you simply add the pin
values for each column together, just as you do for graphics. Then, the
next step in defining a character is to send this information to the
printer.
Figure 5-5.
Design grids
128
64
32
16
6
4
2
1
123456769
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
123456789
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
123456789
Sending the character definition
The command to define characters is complex:
ESC & 0 n1 n2 a1 dl . . . dn
You can define more than one character with a single command.
The values nl and n2 are the ASCII codes of the first and last
characters you are defining. If you are defining only one character, nl
and n2 are the same. You can use any codes between 32 and 127 or 161
and 254 decimal for nl and n2, but it is best not to define decimal 32,
which is the code for a space. You can also use other codes by using the
ESC 6 and ESC I commands (see the Command Summary).
An example will show how to specify
want to redefine the characters A to Z, nl is A (or ASCII code 65) and
n2 is Z (or ASCII code 90). So the command ESC & 0 AZ (followed
by the appropriate data) would replace the entire alphabet of capital
letters.
n1
and n2. If, for instance, you
5-14
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Following the specification of the range of characters to be defined in
this command is one number (al) that specifies the width of the
character and whether it uses the top eight pins or the bottom eight
pins.
The last part of the character definition is the actual data that
defines the dot patterns for each column of each character. Since a
character can use up to eleven columns, you must supply eleven data
numbers for each character even if some of the columns are blank.
An example character definition program should make the process
clear:
100 LPRINT CHR$(27);"x0";
110 LPRINT CHR$(27);"&";CHR$(0);
120 LPRINT "@@";
130 LPRINT CHR$(136);
140 FOR I = 1
150
READ A: LPRINT CHR$(A);
to
11
160 NEXT I
170 LPRINT "@ @ @ @ @"
180 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%";CHR$(1);
199 LPRINT "@ @ @ @ @"
200 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%";CHR$(0);
218 LPRINT "@ @ @ @ @"
220 END
230 DATA 32,80,168,84,42,84,168,80,32,0,0
In line 100, the ESC x 0 command selects draft style printing. The
actual character definition starts in line 110. The two at signs (@) in
line 120 are nl and n2, the range of characters being defined (in this
case, a range of one). Line 130 contains al.
The information about the character design (which is contained in
the data statements at the end of the program) is sent to the printer in
the loop between lines 140 and 160.
This example program defines a heart and places it in the area of
RAM reserved for ASCII code 64, which corresponds to the at sign in
the characters in the ROM. The next part of the program (lines
170-210) prints out a three-line sample. The first and third lines contain
at signs; the second line contains the heart that was defined.
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-15
Run the program to see the printout below:
As you can see, both sets of characters (the original ROM characters
that the printer normally uses and the user-defined character set)
remain in the printer available for your use. The command to switch
between the two sets is used in lines 180 and 200 and has the following
format:
ESC % n
If n is 0, the normal ROM character set is selected. (This is the
default.) If n is 1, the user-defined character set is selected.
You can switch between character sets at any time, even in the
middle of a line. To try it, place semicolons at the end of lines 170 and
190 in the program above.
Copying ROM to RAM
After running the program above, if you select the user-defined
character set and try to print other characters, the only one that will
print is the heart. If you send the code for a character that is not
defined, it is printed as a space.
In many cases, you will want to redefine only a few of the characters,
leaving the rest of the alphabet as it is. As you have seen, it is possible
to switch back and forth between the normal character set and the
user-defined character set. Normally, it is more convenient to copy all
of the standard characters from ROM to the area of RAM that holds
the user-defined character set. The format of the command to do this is
as follows:
ESC : 0 0 0
If you use this command at the beginning of a program, then define
the special characters you want to change, you can then select the userdefined character set and use it as your normal character set. There is
then no need to switch back and forth between sets.
5-16
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Note
This command will cancel any user-defined characters you have
already created. You must send this command to the printer before you
define characters.
Specifying
the
width and height
The example program uses 136 for al (in line 130 of the definition
program), but you can use other values. The number al specifies two
things: the width of the character and its position on the grid. The
width is used when the character is printed in proportional mode.
If you want a character to use the bottom eight pins, use the third
grid in Figure 5-5.
A value of 136 is suitable for all characters that use the top eight pins
and start in column 1 and finish in column 9. For a character the same
width, but printed with the bottom eight pins, al should be 8. For any
other character follow these rules to calculate al:
1. If you design a character narrower than nine columns, you can
balance the number of empty columns on either side with the
following method: Starting with a1 equal to 8, subtract 1 for every
blank column on the right and add 16 for every blank column on
the left.
2. If the character should be printed with the top eight pins, add 128.
For example, if a character uses the top eight pins and starts in
column 3 and ends in column 7, the calculation is as follows:
l start with al = 8
l subtract 2 for two blank columns on the right, giving al = 6
l add 32 for two blank columns on the left, giving al = 38
l add 128 to print with the top eight pins, so that al = 166.
Mixing print styles
The user-defined characters can be used in combination with most
print styles (except NLQ, of course). For example, emphasized and
double-wide work well with user-defined characters.
Graphics and User-defined Characters
5-17
The sample below shows the heart character printed in two different
styles.
Other considerations
Keep in mind that user-defined characters are stored in RAM, which
is not permanent. Whenever the printer power is turned off or your
computer sends an initialization (INIT) signal, all of the user-defined
characters are lost. For example, some computers send an INIT signal
each time BASIC is loaded or when certain application programs start
up, and most computers do it if you have to reset them. If the program
resets the printer with the ESC @ command, the ROM set is selected,
but the user-defined characters are not lost.
The IBM printer emulation mode has a different method of defining
characters. See page A-45 in the Command Summary if you are
interested.
5-18
Graphics and User-defined Characters
Appendix A
Command Summary
This appendix lists and describes all the commands, both Epson
(ESC/P) mode and IBM printer emulation mode, available on the T-750.
The first part of this appendix lists all commands in numerical order
and gives the page number where each is fully described. If you know
which command you are looking for, consult the numerical list to find
the page number where it is described.
The Quick Reference card at the end of the book also contains a list
of the commands divided by topic, with page number references that
direct you to full explanations of the commands. The numerical list
and the Quick Reference card also show the differences between the
Epson mode and the IBM printer emulation mode.
The second part of this appendix lists and describes Epson mode
commands and IBM printer emulation mode commands separately; the
commands are divided into the following subjects:
Printer Operation
Data Control
Vertical Motion
Horizontal Motion
Overall Printing Style
Print Size
Each command has a format section and a comment section. The
format section gives the ASCII, decimal, and hexadecimal values for
the command; the comment section describes the effect of the
command and gives any additional information necessary for using it.
All three formats are equivalent, and it should be easy to pick the
one most suited to your purpose.
Note
Some application programs can use control key sequences. See the
Control Key chart on page A-3 for information on using these.
Command Summary
Print Enhancement
Word Processing
Character Sets
User-defined Characters
Graphics
A-1
For the following commands that use only 0 or 1 for the variable,
either the ASCII codes 1 and 0 or the characters 1 and 0 can be used:
ESC
S
,
ESC U, ESC
X
,
ESC
p,
ESC W, ESC S, ESC
- , and
ESC %
For example, in BASIC you can turn on double-wide with either of
The simplest type of command consists of a single character to be
sent to the printer. For instance, to print in condensed mode the code
format is:
ASCII code: SI
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 0 F
This code can be sent from a program by sending the code 15 directly
More complex commands consist of two or more character codes.
For example, to print in proportional mode the code format is the
following:
15
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
In this case n can be either 1 or 0, to begin or end proportional
printing. You can use either of the following commands to turn ON
proportional print from BASIC:
Some application programs can use control key codes for decimal
values O-27. The table below gives you the proper values. The Control
Key column indicates that you press the control key at the same time
you press the key for the letter or symbol in that column. For example,
you press the control key and A at the same time to send the value 1.
Some programs that use this system cannot use control-@, and
many programs use the control keys for other purposes.
Dec.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Hex.
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
Control Key
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
Command Summary
A-3
Commands in Numerical Order
This section lists all the T-750 commands, with their decimal and
hexadecimal values. The numbers in the columns on the right are the
paged numbers in this appendix where a complete description of the
command can be found. If the Epson and IBM printer emulation mode
page numbers are the same, the command is the same in both modes
and is described only in the Epson mode section.
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
DC1
DC2
DC2
DC3
DC4
CAN
DEL
ESC SO 14 0E Select double-wide (1 line)
ESC SI15 0F Select condensed mode
ESC EM 25
ESC SP
ESC !
ESC #
ESC $
ESC %
ESC &
ESC *
ESC -
7
07
Beeper
808 Backspace
909 Tab horizontally
10 0A Line feed
11 0B Tab vertically
12 0C Form feed
13
Print 1 character from symbol set
Turn overscore on/off
97
61
NLQ justification
98
62
Set vertical tabs in channels
Select NLQ font
108
6C
Set left margin
112
70
Turn proportional mode on/off
115
73
Turn half-speed mode on/off
116
11977
120
Select character table
74
Turn double-high on/off
78 Select NLQ or draft
A-16 A-38
A-33 A-33
A-33 A-33
A-23
A-14 A-14
A-14 A-14
A-22
A-41
A-18
A-37
A-30
A-40
A-27 A-27
A-27 A-27
A-27 A-27
A-9 A-9
A-25 A-25
A-39
A-33 A-33
A-34 A-34
A42
A-20
A-44
A-35
A-44
A-43
A-28
A-17
A-21
A-18
A-23
A-8
A-29
A-25
A-21
Epson (ESC/P) Commands
The following section lists and describes all the Epson (ESC/P)
commands.
Printer Operation
Initialization
ESC @
Initialize Printer
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
2 64
1B 40
@
Comments:
Resets the printer mode and clears the buffer of printable data on
the print line preceding the command.
Selection
DC1
Select Printer
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 11
DC1
17
Comments:
Returns the printer to the selected state if it has been deselected by
the printer deselect code (DC3). Does not select the printer if it has
been switched off line by pressing the
ON LINE
button.
Command Summary
A-7
DC3
Deselect Printer
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 13
DC3
19
Comments:
Puts the printer into the deselected state until select printer code
(DCl) is received. The printer cannot be reselected with the
button.
Speed
ON LINE
ESC s
Turn Half-speed Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
s
115 n
1B 73 n
n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
1: Mode is turned ON.
0: Mode is turned OFF.
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
Printing direction
ESC <
Select Unidirectional Mode (one line)
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC <
27
1B
60
3C
Comments:
Printing is normally bidirectional. This command selects
unidirectional printing for one line only. (It is cancelled by a carriage
return.) The print head moves to the extreme left (home) position,
and printing takes place from left to right.
A-8
Command Summary
ESC U
Turn Unidirectional Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC U n
27 85 n
1B
55 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
1: Mode is turned ON.
0: Mode is turned
Text printing is normally bidirectional. This command selects
unidirectional printing for more accurate positioning.
OFF.
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
ESC 8
Disable Paper-out Sensor
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 8
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 56
1B 38
Comments:
Turns off the paper-out sensor so that you can print to the end of a
single sheet of paper.
ESC 9
Enable Paper-out Sensor
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 9
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 39
27 57
Comments:
Cancels ESC 8. Therefore, the printer beeper sounds and printing
stops when the printer reaches a point approximately 3/4 of an inch
from the end of the paper.
Command Summary
A-9
ESC EM
Turn Automatic Sheet Feed Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 19 n
ESC EM n
27 25 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for
4: Mode is turned ON.
0: Mode is turned OFF.
The variables are the characters “0” (48 decimal or 30 hex) and “4”
(52 decimal or 34 hex). Do not use 1 decimal, 01 hex, 4 decimal, or
04 hex.
The command should not be used unless the automatic sheet feeder
is installed. It is ignored if any value other than “0” or “4” is used for
n. The command overrides the setting of DIP switch 2-2.
n:
MSB control
Note: MSB is the Most Significant Bit. MSB control (ESC = ,
ESC > , and ESC #) is not valid for graphics or user-defined
characters.
ESC = (equal)
Set MSB to 0
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC =
27
1B
61
3D
Comments:
Sets the MSB of all incoming data to 0. Some computers always
send data with the MSB set to 1, which means that italics or
character graphics will always be printed. ESC = can overcome this
problem.
A-10
Command Summary
ESC >
Set MSB to 1
Format:
ASCII code:ESC >
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27
1B
62
3E
Comments:
Sets the MSB bit of all incoming data as 1.
ESC #Cancel MSB Control
Format:
ASCII code:ESC #
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 23
27 35
Comments:
Cancels the MSB control set by ESC = or ESC >.
Beeper
BEL
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 07
BEL
7
Comments:
Sounds the printer’s beeper.
Beeper
Command Summary
A-11
Data Control
CR
Carriage Return
Format:
ASCII code: CR
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 0D
13
Comments:
Prints the data in the buffer and returns the print position to the left
margin. A line feed may be added if DIP switch 24 is ON or the
AUTO PEED XT line on the parallel interface is held LOW.
CAN
Cancel Line
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
CAN
24
18
Comments:
Removes all text on the print line, but does not affect control codes.
DEL
Delete Character
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
DEL
127
7F
Comments:
Removes the last text character on the print line but does not affect
control codes.
A-12
Command Summary
Vertical Motion
Form feeding
FF
Form Feed
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
FF
12
0C
Comments:
Prints the data in the print buffer and advances the paper to the top
of the next form according to the current page length.
ESC C
Set Page Length in Lines
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC C n
27 67 n
1B
43 n
Comments:
Sets the page length to n lines in the current line spacing. The value
of n must be from l-127. The top of form position is set to the
current line.
ESC C 0
Set Page Length in Inches
Format:
ASCII code:ESC C
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 67 0 n
1B 43 00 n
NUL n
Comments:
Sets the page length to n inches. The value of n must be from l-22.
The top of form position is set to the current line.
Command Summary
A-13
ESC N
Set Skip-over-perforation
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 4E
ESC N n
27 78 n
n
Comments:
The variable n is the number of lines skipped between the last line
printed on one page and the first line on the next page. For
example, with the standard settings for line spacing (l/6-inch), and
page length (66 lines), ESC N 6 causes the T-750 to print 60 lines
and then skip 6. DIP switch 2-3 performs the same function. This
setting is cancelled by ESC 0 and also by ESC C or ESC C NUL.
The value of n must be from 1-127.
ESC O
Cancel Skip-over-perforation
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 0
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 4F
27 79
Comments
Cancels the skip-over-perforation set by ESC N. Overrides the
setting of DIP switch 2-3.
Line feeding
LF
Line Feed
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 0A
LF
10
Comments:
When this command is received, the data in the print buffer is
printed and the paper advances one line in the current line spacing.
A-14
Command Summary
ESC 0
Select 1/84-inch Line Spacing
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC 0
27 48
1B 30
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to l/8 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The 0 is the character zero and not ASCII code 0.
ESC 1
Select 7/72-inch Line Spacing
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 31
ESC 1
27 49
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to 7/72 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The 1 is the character one and not lowercase L or ASCII
code 1.
ESC 2
Select l/6-inch Line Spacing
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 50
1B 32
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to l/6 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The “2” is the character two and not ASCII code 2. This
is the default at power on.
Command Summary
A-15
ESC 3
Select n/216-inch Line Spacing
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC 3 n
27 51
1B
33 n
n
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to n/216 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The “3” is the character three and not ASCII code 3.
The value of n must be from 0-255.
ESC A
Select n/72-inch Line Spacing
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC A n
27 65 n
1B 41 n
Comments:
Sets the line spacing to n/72 of an inch for subsequent line feed
commands. The value of n must be from O-85.
ESC J
Perform n/216-inch Line Feed
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC J n
27 74 n
1B 4A n
Comments:
Advances the paper n/216 of an inch. The value of n must be from
O-255. This command produces an immediate line feed but does not
affect subsequent line spacing and does not produce a carriage
return.
A-16
Command Summary
Vertical tabbing
VT
Tab Vertically
Format:
ASCII code:VT
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
11
0B
Comments:
Advances the paper to the next tab setting in the channel selected
by ESC /. If no channel has been selected, channel 0 is used. If no
vertical tabs have been selected, the paper advances one line.
ESC B
Set Vertical Tabs
Format:
ASCII code:ESC B n1 n2 . . .
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 66 n1 n2 . . . 0
1B 42 n1 n2 . . . 00
NUL
Comments:
Sets up to 16 vertical tabs in the current line spacing. Tab settings
are not affected by subsequent changes in line spacing. The tab
settings are entered as nl, n2, etc., all from l-255, in ascending order.
The NUL character indicates the end of the command. All settings
are stored in channel 0 (see ESC b). ESC B NUL clears the tab
settings.
ESC b
Set Vertical Tabs in Channels
Format:
ASCII code:ESC b c n1 n2 . . .
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1 B
27 98 c n1 n2 . . . 0
62 c n1 n2 . . . 00
Comments:
Functions the same as ESC B, except that the variable c selects a
channel for the vertical tabs, which must be between O-7. Therefore,
up to eight sets of vertical tabs can be set. The channels are selected
by ESC /. To clear the tabs in channel c use ESC b c NUL.
Command Summary
NUL
A-17
ESC /
Vertical
Tab
Channel
Select
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
ESC / c
27 47 c
2F c
Comments:
This command is used to select the vertical tab channel, with the
value of c from O-7. All subsequent VT commands use the channel
selected by this command.
Horizontal Motion
Margins
ESC 1
Set Left Margin
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 1 n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27
108 n
1B 6C n
Comments:
Sets the left margin to n columns in the current pitch. Settings made
in the proportional mode are treated as pica. This command clears
previous tab settings and all previous characters in the print line.
Use lowercase 1 (for left), not the numeral one. The minimum space
between the margins is the width of one double-wide pica character.
ESC Q
Set Right Margin
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
ESC Q n
27 81
51 n
n
Comments:
Sets the right margin to n columns in the current pitch. Settings
made in the proportional mode are treated as pica. This command
clears previous tab settings and all previous characters in the print
line. The minimum space between the margins is the width of one
double-wide pica character.
A-18
Command Summary
Print head movement
BS
Backspace
Format:
ASCII code: BS
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 08
8
Comments:
Prints out data in the print buffer, then moves the print position one
space to the left. Backspacing can be performed up to, but not
beyond, the left margin setting. The BS code is also ignored if
ESC a, 2, or 3 has been sent. In Epson mode, if this code is received
immediately after graphics printing, the print position of subsequent
data is moved back to the point at which graphics printing started.
ESC $
Set Absolute Print Position
Format:
ASCII code:ESC $ n1 n2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 36 n1 n2
1B 24 n1 n2
Comments:
This sequence specifies the distance from the currently set left
margin that subsequent characters are to be printed, using this
formula: total number of dots = nl + (n2 x 256). Each unit equals
1/60th of an inch. The sequence is ignored and the previous setting
remains effective if the position specified is beyond the right margin.
Command Summary
A-19
ESC \
Set Relative Position
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 5C n1 n2
ESC \ n1 n2
27 92 n1 n2
Comments:
Determines the position (relative to the current position) at which
printing of following data will start. To find
the displacement required in l/120ths of an inch. If the displacement
is to the left, subtract it from 65536. Send the resulting number
using this formula: total number of dots = nl + (n2 x 256). The
command is ignored if it would move the print position outside the
current margins.
n1
and n2, first calculate
Horizontal tabbing
HT
Tab Horizontally
Format:
ASCII code: HT
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 09
9
Comments:
Advances the print position to the next horizontal tab setting. The
default settings are at intervals of eight characters in the default pitch,
and tab positions are not affected by subsequent changes in character
pitch.
A-20
Command Summary
ESC D
Select NLQ or Draft
Select NLQ Font
Set Horizontal Tabs
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B44 n1 n2 . . . 00
ESC D n1 n2 . . .
27 68 n1 n2 . . . 0
NUL
Comments:
This command allows setting of up to 32 horizontal tabs, which are
entered as n1, n2, n3, etc. (from 1-137) with the NUL character or
any value less than the previous one terminating the command.
ESC D NUL clears all tabs. The settings on power up or after an
ESC @ command are every eight characters. The tab settings do not
change if the character pitch is changed, and for proportional
printing the size of pica characters determines the tab positions.
Overall Printing Style
ESC x
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
0: Selects the draft mode.
1: Selects the Near Letter
Quality (NLQ) mode.
ESC
27
x n
120 n
78 n
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
ESC k
Format:
ASCII code:ESC k n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
27
Comments:
This command affects only Near Letter Quality typestyle, not draft.
The following values can be used for
0 = Roman
1 = Sans Serif
Command Summary
107 n
6B n
n:
A-21
ESC !
Master Select
Format:
ASCII code:ESC ! n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 33 n
1B 21 n
Comments:
Selects any valid combination of the modes in the table below. The
variable n is determined by adding together the values of the desired
modes from the table.
Table A-l. Master Select
ModeDec
Pica
Elite
Proportional
Condensed
Emphasized
Double-strike
Double-wide
Italic
Underline
0
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
numbers
Hex
00
01
02
04
08
10
20
40
80
Pica cannot be combined with elite, and proportional cannot be
condensed. If both proportional and condensed are selected,
proportional overrides condensed.
Print Size and Character Width
ESC P
Format:
ASCII code:ESC P
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
27 80
50
Select Pica Pitch
Comments:
Selects pica pitch (10 characters per inch). Because pica is the default
pitch, this command is normally used to cancel elite.
A-22
Command Summary
ESC M
Format:
ASCII code:ESC M
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 4D
27 77
Comments:
Selects elite pitch (12 characters per inch).
Select Elite Pitch
ESC p
Turn Proportional Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27112 n
1B 70 n
p n
Comments:
The following values can be used for
1: Mode is turned ON.
0: Mode is turned OFF.
The width of proportional characters varies from character to
character. Therefore, a narrow letter like i receives less space than a
wide letter like W. The proportional widths are given in the
character tables, which appear in Appendix B. This command
overrides condensed.
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
SI
n:
Select Condensed Mode
Format:
ASCII code: SI
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
15
OF
Comments:
Prints characters at about 60 percent of their normal width. For
example, the condensed pica mode has 17 characters per inch.
Proportional mode cannot be condensed, and proportional will
override condensed.
Command Summary
A-23
ESC SI
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
ESC SI
27 15
Comments:
Duplicates the SI command.
Select Condensed Mode
OF
DC2
Cancel Condensed Mode
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
DC2
18
12
Comments:
Cancels condensed printing set by SI, ESC SI, SelecType, or DIP
switch l-l.
SO
Select Double-wide Mode (one line)
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 0E
so
14
Comments:
Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters. This mode is
cancelled by a carriage return or DC4.
ESC SO
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC SO
27 14
1B 0E
Select Double-wide Mode (one line)
Comments:
Duplicates the SO command.
A-24
Command Summary
DC4
Cancel Double-wide Mode (one line)
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 14
DC4
20
Comments:
Cancels one-line double-wide printing selected by SO or ESC SO,
but not double-wide printing selected by ESC W or ESC !.
ESC W
Turn Double-wide Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:ESC W n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 87 n
1B 57 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
1: The mode is turned ON.
0: The mode is turned OFF.
Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters.
ESC W
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
Turn Double-high Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27
1B 77 n
w n
119 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
1: The mode is turned ON.
0: The mode is turned OFF.
Double-high mode doubles the height of all characters. Superscript,
subscript, and condensed modes are not valid in the double-high
mode.
(The characters “0” and “1”
can also be used.)
Command Summary
A-25
Print Enhancement
ESC E
Select Emphasized Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC E
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 69
1B 45
Comments:
Makes text bolder by printing each dot twice, with the second dot
slightly to the right of the first.
ESC F
Cancel Emphasized Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC F
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 46
27 70
Comments:
Cancels emphasized, the mode selected by ESC E.
ESC G
Select Double-strike Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC G
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 47
27 71
Comments:
Makes text bolder by printing each line twice, with the second
printing slightly below the first. In NLQ the mode is not available
but is not cancelled.
A-26
Command Summary
ESC H
Cancel Double-strike Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC H
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 72
1B 48
Comments:
Turns off the double-strike mode selected by ESC G.
ESC SO
Select Superscript Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC S
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
27 83 0
NUL
53 00
Comments:
Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal height in the upper
part of the character space. The ASCII code 0 or the character “0”
can be used in this command. It is cancelled with ESC T.
ESC S1
Select Subscript Mode
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC
27 83 1
S SOH
1B 53 01
Comments:
Prints characters about two-thirds of the normal height in the lower
part of the character space. The ASCII code 1 or the character “1”
can be used in this command. It is cancelled with ESC T.
ESC T
Format:
ASCII code:ESC T
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 84
1B 54
Comments:
Cancels either superscript or subscript.
Command Summary
Cancel Superscript/Subscript
A-27
ESC -
Turn Underlining Mode On/Off
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC - n
27 45
1B
2D n
n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
(The
1: Mode is turned ON.
0: Mode is turned OFF.
This mode provides continuous underlining, including spaces.
characters
can also be used.)
“0” and “1”
Word Processing
ESC a
NLQ Justification
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 61 n
ESC
27 97 n
a n
Comments:
The following values can be used for n:
0: Selects left justification.
1: Selects centering.
2: Selects right justification.
3: Selects full justification.
The default setting is n = 0. Full justification (n = 3) is performed
when the buffer becomes full or when one of the following is
received: CR, VT, LF, FE The commands HT and BS are invalid
except in n = 0 mode. For n = 3 there must be no carriage returns
within a paragraph. Justification can be used in NLQ only, not draft.
A-28
Command Summary
ESC SP (space)
Set Intercharacter Space
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
ESC SP n
27 32 n
1B 20 n
Comments:
Sets the amount of space added to the right of each character, in
addition to the space already allowed in the design of the character.
The number of units of space is equal to n, which should be from
O-63. Each unit of space is 1/120th of an inch.
Character Sets
ESC t
Select Character Table
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
ESC t n
27
116 n
74 n
Comments:
The following values can be used for
0: Selects italics.
1: Selects Epson Character Graphics.
Selects the character table used by codes 128-255. Selecting Epson
Character Graphics does not disable italic printing. Italic printing
can still be selected by ESC 4. Duplicates the function of DIP switch
1-3. Note that the value of n must equal 00 hex or 01 hex; the
characters “0” and “1” cannot be used.
n:
Command Summary
A-29
ESC 4
Select Italic Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 4
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 52
1B 34
Comments:
Causes characters from the italic character set to be printed.
This command is valid even if the Epson Character Graphics set has
been selected by ESC t or the DIP switch 1-3, but character graphics
cannot be italicized.
ESC 5
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 5
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B
Comments:
Cancels the mode selected by ESC 4.
ESC R
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 52 n
Comments:
See Appendix B for full nf
The following values can be used for n:
0 = USA
1 = France6 = Italy
2
= Germany
3 = UK
4 = Denmark I
27 53
35
Select an International Character Set
ESC R n
27 82 n
i
ormation on international character sets.
5
= Sweden
7 = Spain I
8 = Japan
Cancel Italic Mode
9 =
Norway
l0 = Denmark II
11 = Spain II
12 = Latin America
A-30
Command Summary
User-defined Characters
Note: See Chapter 5 for sample programs and full information on this
topic.
ESC &
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
This command allows characters to be redefined in the currently
selected mode.
ESC &
27 38 0 d1 d2 . . . dn
1B 26 00 d1 d2 . . . dn
ESC:
Format:
ASCII code:ESC :
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
Comments:
This code copies the characters in the ROM into RAM so that
specific characters can be redefined.
27
1B
ESC %
Format:
ASCII code:
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B 25 n
Comments:
ESC & is required to define the character set. The following values
can be used for n:
0: Selects the normal set.
1: Selects the user-defined set.
ESC
27 37 n
Define User-defined Characters
NUL d1 d2 . . . dn
Copy
ROM into RAM
NUL NUL NUL
58
3A0000
%
0
0
0
00
Select User-defined Set
n
Command Summary
A-31
ESC 6
Printable Code Area Expansion
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 6
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 54
1B 36
Comments:
Enables the printing of codes 128 through 159 (decimal) as
characters, not control codes. This allows the use of these characters
for user-defined characters.
ESC 7
Cancel ESC 6
Format:
ASCII code:ESC 7
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 55
1B 37
Comments:
This code causes codes 128 through 159 to be treated as control
codes. This is the default.
ESC I
Printable Code Area Expansion
Format:
ASCII code:ESC I n
Decimal:
Hexadecimal: 1B49 n
27 73 n
Comments:
ASCII codes 0 to 31 and 128 to 159 are usually not printable. These
codes become printable upon input of the ESC I code if n = 1,
which allows the use of these codes for user-defined characters. If
n = 0, this command returns 0 to 31 and 128 to 159 to nonprintable codes.
A-32
Command Summary
Graphics
Note: See Chapter 5 for sample graphics programs.
ESC K
Select Single density Graphics Mode
Format:
ASCII code:ESC K n1 n2
Decimal:
Hexadecimal:
27 75 n1 n2
1B 4B n1 n2
Comments:
Turns on eight-pin single-density graphics mode (60 dots per inch).
The total number of columns = nl + (n2 x 256).