Epson LQ-800 User Manual

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EPSON

LQ-800 and LQ-1000 Printers

User's Manual

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FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

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 computer with respect to the receiver

- Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:

“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.”

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. 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, without 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.

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Applesoft is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Centronics is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. QX-IO is a registered trademark, and QX is a trademark of Epson America, Inc.

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Contents

Introduction

Setting Up Your LQ Printer

Unpacking Your Printer

Installing the paper feed knob Selecting the Right Location Installing the Ribbon

Replacing the ribbon Loading Single-Sheet Paper

Installing the single-sheet guide

Loading the paper

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro-1

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Adjusting the paper thickness lever Turning On the Power Operating the Control Panel

OFF LINE/ON LINE

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FORM FEED/LETTER QUALITY LINE FEED/DRAFT

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Selecting the Letter Quality or Draft Mode Running the Self Test

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Connecting Your Printer to Your Computer

The parallel interface The serial interface

Printing Your First Document

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1-1

1-3 1-4 1-5

1-8

1-8 1-8

1-9 1-12 1-12 1-14 1-14 1-15 1-15 1-16 1-16 1-17 1-18 1-18 1-19

The Cut Sheet Feeder

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Installing the Cut Sheet Feeder Preparing the Paper for Loading Loading Paper

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Setting up your word processor for a cut sheet

feeder

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Printing with the Cut Sheet Feeder Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder Troubleshooting Maintenance

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2-1 2-1 2-5 2-6

2-8

2-9 2-10 2-12 2-13

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The Tractor Unit

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Setting Up the LQ for Continuous-feed Paper Installing the Tractor Unit Loading Paper

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Setting the top-of-page position

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Installing the paper separator and tractor cover

Removing the Optional Tractor Unit

Using the LQ with Commercial Software . . . . . . . . . .

LQ Features

ESCape and ASCII Demonstration Programs

Running BASIC programs

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Sending Control Codes to the Printer Basic Widths

Pica printing Elite printing

Fifteen mode printing Letter Quality and Draft Cancelling Modes Resetting the Printer

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Disabling a program’s reset code

Print Quality Command

Other Widths

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Double-width printing Condensed printing

Print Enhancements

Emphasized mode Double-strike

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Underline mode Proportional mode Master Select

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Superscript and subscript International characters

Page Formatting

Margins

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Skip-over-perforation

Linespacing

Half-Speed Mode

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Printing to the End of the Page

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3-1 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-8 3-8

3-11

4-1

5-1 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4

5-5 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-6 5-6 5-6 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-9

5-10 5-10 5-11

5-12 5-12 5-13 5-15 5-15 5-18 5-18 5-19 5-19 5-20 5-20

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Graphics and User-Defined Characters

Graphics

The print head Dot patterns Eight-pin graphics

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Twenty-four-pin graphics Pin labels

Graphics Command

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Column reservation numbers First graphics program Using hand-calculated data to print graphics Individual graphics options commands Reassigning command

User-Defined Characters

Design grids

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Defining Your Own Characters

Data numbers

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Sending information to the LQ

Printing User-Defined Characters

Copying ROM to RAM Letter Quality characters Proportional mode characters Superscripts and subscripts Mixing print styles

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6-1

6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-7

6-10

6-10 6-11 6-11

6-13

6-14

6-16 6-17 6-18 6-18

6-18

6-19

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Appendixes

The DIP Switches

The LQ Character Set and ASCII Table

Installing the Option Cartridge

The Identity Module The Font Module Using the Option Cartridges

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Diagnosing the Problem Beeper Error Warnings Hex Dump Mode IBM PC BASIC Solutions Applesoft BASIC Solutions QX-10 and QX-16 Solutions Maintenance

Changing the print head

Widths of the Proportional Characters

The Parallel and Serial Interfaces

Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces

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A-1

B-1

C-1 C-2 C-3 C-3

D-1 D-1 D-4 D-4 D-6 D-7 D-8 D-8

D-8

E-1

F-1

G-1

Technical Specifications

Command Summary

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1

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H-1

I-1

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Figures

1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7 1-8 1-9 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-14

2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7 2-8 2-9

The LQ-800

The LQ-1000 Installing Tightening Loading the LQ-800 ribbon cartridge

Loading Positioning the ribbon Installing the single-sheet guide Loading single-sheet paper Paper thickness lever Turning on The LQ control panel LQ self test in draft and Letter Quality modes Connecting a parallel interface cable

Preparing the printer for installation Installing the cut sheet feeder Installing the small brackets Installing the large bracket The LQ-1000 model Paper support and paper loading lever Loading paper; adjusting the right paper guide Turning the power on

Removing the cut sheet feeder

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the

paper feed knob

the

ribbon

the

LQ-1000 ribbon cartridge

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the

power switch

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...

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. .

1-2

1-2 1-3 1-5 1-6 1-6 1-7

1-9 1-10 1-12 1-13 1-14 1-17 1-18

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-6

2-7

2-9

2-11

3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7

3-8

3-9

3-10 3-11

3-12

3-13

Continuous-feed paper with printer stand Continuous-feed paper without stand Installing the tractor unit

Preparing for paper loading Moving the pin-feed holders Opening

the

pin-feed covers Installing the paper shelf Loading paper

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Fitting the paper over the pin feeds

Top-of-page position

Installing

the

paper separator Installing the tractor cover Removing

the

optional tractor unit

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3-1

3-2

3-3 3-4 3-5 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-8 3-9

3-10 3-11

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6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-8

Pin numbering system Calculations for pin patterns Pattern on grid

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Data layout for 24-pin graphics Design grids

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User-defined character

Calculating the data Grids for super/subscript characters

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6-4 6-4 6-7

6-8

6-12 6-13 6-14 6-19

A-1

C-1

C-2

D-1

D-2

F-1

G-1 G-2 G-3 G-4

The DIP switch panels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plugging the identity and font

modules together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing an option cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Print head replacement Removing the ribbon cables

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Parallel interface timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing the upper case Removing the control panel Main circuit board

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Interface board mounted on main circuit board . .

A-1

C-1 C-2

D-9

D-10

F-3

G-3 G-4 G-5 G-6

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Tables

5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5

6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4

A-1

A-2 A-3

A-4 A-5

C-1

E-1

F-1 F-2

F-3

LQ character widths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

International characters in Letter Quality mode . .

International characters in draft mode . . . . . . . . .

International characters in proportional mode . . .

Maximum right margin settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graphics options Individual graphics options commands Character width limits Super/subscript widths

DIP switch panel DIP switch panel International DIP switch settings

Interface selection Baud rate selection

Print styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proportional character widths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pins and signals Printing enabled/disabled signals and control

conditions

Pins and signals

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5-10 5-16

5-17 5-17 5-19

6-5 6-10 6-15 6-19

A-3 A-4 A-5

A-5 A-5

c-2

E-1

F-1

F-4 F-5

G-1 G-2 G-3 G-4 G-5 G-6

Baud rate settings for Baud rate settings for Baud rate settings for Parity check settings for Parity check settings for

Parity check settings for

8143 8148 8149

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G-7 G-7 G-8 G-8 G-8 G-8

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Introduction

The Epson LQ-800 and LQ-1000 are state-of-the-art, X-pin dotmatrix printers that deliver exceptional speed and sharpness in either Letter Quality or draft style.

The LQ-800 and LQ-1000 are also capable of a wide variety of print enhancements, including:

LETTER QUALITY

Bold

Italic

Underlining

Subscript Subscript

Superscript

Double-width

Double width

DRAFT

Bold

Italic

Underlining

Superscript

The LQ-800 and LQ-1000 combine the versatility and reliability of Epson products, with a wide range of exciting new features.

You can select either the Letter Quality or draft typestyle with a

touch of a front panel button-there are no codes to learn.

The 24-pin print head produces sharp, crisp draft characters, and

Letter Quality characters that look like they came from a type-

writer.

The LQ has built-in connectors for both parallel and serial interface

cables, so there’s no need for extra options or modifications.

Option cartridges are available to further extend the capabilities of

the LQ-800 and LQ-1000. These cartridges provide additional type fonts, and will also allow you to use programs designed for other popular printers.

Intro-1

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The compact design and light weight of the LQ make it ideal for

home and business applications.

A 7K buffer frees your computer so you can work on one document while printing another.

Using this manual

To make it easier to set up your new LQ-800 or

LQ-1000,

this manual includes a 10-step guide to setting up your printer. These steps take you from unpacking, through ribbon and paper loading, to printing your first document.

Easy-to-read tabs make it simple for beginners or experienced users to find information. Additional sections describe how to use your new printer with word processors, create graphics, define your own characters, and more.

If you are familiar with earlier Epson manuals, you’ll find two terms

changed to make them more descriptive. In this manual, double-

width

is used instead of expanded, and condensed is used in place of

compressed.

Intro-2

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Chapter 1

Setting Up Your LQ Printer

Setting up your new LQ is easy. Simply follow the steps in this

chapter.

Note

The LQ-800 and LQ-1000 are essentially the same printer except that the LQ-1000 can accept wider paper. Therefore, most of the illustrations in this manual show only the LQ-800. If there is a difference that you need to know about, a separate illustration shows the LQ-1000.

Unpacking Your Printer

First, remove the printer from the box and take off all outside plastic covering and foam supports. See that you have received all the parts shown in the illustrations on the next page. (You’ll find the paper feed knob inserted in the foam packing material.)

1-1

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Figure 1-1. The LQ-800

Figure 1-2. The LQ-1000

1-2

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Remove the tape that holds the dust cover in place during shipping and take the cover off the printer. Simply tilt the dust cover up and lift it off the printer.

WARNING

The print head is protected by two plastic bumpers during shipping. Both of these bumpers

must

be removed before turning on the printer.

Remove the long bumper to the right of the print head first, then move the print head to the center of the LQ and remove the small bumper on the left side of the print head.

There is a clear plastic overlay on the control panel to protect it from scratching and discoloration. It’s up to you whether you remove the overlay or leave it on.

Installing the paper feed knob

Next 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 1-3. The shaft has one flat side that must be matched with the flat side of the hole in the knob.

Figure 1-3. Installing the paper feed knob

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Now that you’ve installed the paper feed knob, use it to remove the

sheet of paper wrapped around the printer’s platen (the black roller).

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:

Place the printer or printer stand on a solid and level foundation. Avoid setting it on carpet, chairs, or unstable surfaces.

Use a grounded outlet-one that has three holes to match the power plug on the printer. Don’t use an adapter plug.

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.

Keep your printer and computer away from base units for cordless telephones.

Avoid using an outlet on the same circuit breaker with large electri-

cal machines or appliances that might disrupt the flow of power to your printer.

Protect your printer from direct sunlight, and keep it away from

excessive heat, moisture, and dust. Make sure it’s not too close to a heater or any other heat source.

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Installing the Ribbon

printer for ribbon installation and paper loading. The next time you install a ribbon or load paper, you can leave the cover on.

1. Manually move the print head to the middle of the platen.

With the dust cover removed, you have easy access to the

Now you’re ready to install the ribbon.

WARNING

The power must be OFF when moving 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.

Before loading the cartridge into the printer, turn the small knob on top in the direction of the arrow to tighten the ribbon as shown in Figure

1-4.

Figure 1-4. Tightening the ribbon

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3. For the LQ-800, hold the ribbon cartridge by the raised plastic fin on top of the cartridge; for the LQ-1000 hold the cartridge by the two plastic tabs. Lower the cartridge into the printer, guiding the two square pins on each. end of the cartridge into the slots in

the printer frame, as shown in Figures 1-5 and 1-6. Press firmly on

each end of the cartridge to make sure the pins are firmly seated in

the slots.

1-6

Figure 1-5. Loading the LQ-800 ribbon cartridge

Figure 1-6. Loading the LQ-1000 ribbon cartridge

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4. 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 1-7. (There is also a diagram on the top of the ribbon cartridge itself.)

Figure 1-7. Positioning the ribbon

5. 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.

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Replacing the ribbon. . .

When buying new ribbon cartridges for the LQ-800 or 1000, be sure you get a ribbon specifically for the LQ-800 or 1000. Ribbon cartridges for other Epson printers, such as the FX series, may closely resemble an LQ ribbon, but their use can damage the LQ print head. Also, ribbon cartridges for the LQ-1500 will not fit the LQ-800 or 1000, and

the Epson ribbon replacement pack #8758 should not be used as a

replacement ribbon.

The LQ uses a continuous-loop, inked fabric ribbon. When your printing becomes too light, replace the ribbon with a fresh cartridge. To replace the ribbon, just pull up on the raised fin on top of the

LQ-800 cartridge, or the two plastic tabs on the LQ-1000 and lift the

cartridge out of the printer. To install a new ribbon, follow the preced-

ing steps.

Loading Single-Sheet Paper

of paper.

ing systems (the cut sheet feeder or the tractor unit), you should complete the remaining setup steps before installing either of the optional systems.

your computer (Step 9) before you install an optional system. After completing the setup steps, see Chapter 2 for installing the cut sheet feeder, or Chapter 3 for installing the tractor unit.

Installing the single-sheet guide

sheets of paper into the LQ.

spring, insert it into

When you receive your LQ, it is set up to print on single sheets

Even if you have purchased one of the optional paper feed-

first

It is much easier to run the self test (Step 8) and to connect the LQ to

Now install the single-sheet guide. It helps you feed individual

First, put the edge tab into the guide frame. Holding the plastic

the groove as shown below.

1-8

Assembling the single-sheet guide

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The guide has rounded pins on each end. These pins fit into notches

on each end of the paper slot.

Slide one of the guide’s pins into one notch. Then, with gentle pres-

sure, snap the other pin into the other notch as shown in Figure 1-8.

Figure 1-8. Installing the single-sheet guide

The edge tab on the left side of the guide is movable, with a click stop for its middle position. For standard-sized (8½-inch wide) paper, see that the tab is in the click-stop position.

Loading the paper

Loading single-sheet paper in the LQ is simple-it’s just like loading

paper in a typewriter.

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Check that the dust cover is tilted up to make it easier to see inside the printer, as shown in Figure 1-9.

2. Make sure the paper release lever is pushed back in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and that the paper bail is pulled away from the platen.

Figure 1-9. Loading single-sheet paper

3. Insert a single sheet of paper behind the platen as shown in Figure 1-9. Put the left edge of the paper against the edge tab on the single sheet guide.

4. With the power OFF use the paper feed knob to roll the paper into the printer far enough to be held by the paper bail. (If the power is ON, use the LINE FEED button as described in Step 6.)

Push the paper bail back against the paper, and the paper is ready.

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Caution

Never use the manual paper feed knob while the power is ON because you can damage the paper feed motor. Always use the

LINE FEED

the paper feed knob turns easily when the power is

difficult to turn while the power is

FORM FEED

button. You will also find that

OFF,

but is

ON.

When loading single-sheet paper, you may find that the LQ finishes pages at different places than your word processor or applications program does.

To ensure that your word processor and the LQ finish pages at the same point:

1. Print out a page on the LQ. Check that the LQ and your word

processor have the same page length. If they differ, note how many

lines they differ by. For example, if your word processor is set up to print 55 lines, but the LQ only prints 53 lines before ejecting the page, there is a difference of two lines.

2. You now have three choices: a) Compensate for the two-line difference when rolling the paper

into the printer.

b) Use the installation procedure on your word processor to

change the default page length.

c) Use commands in your word processing program to alter the

page or margin lengths in each file to accommodate the LQ’s page length.

Once you’ve established the best settings, always load the paper so

that your printer starts at the same place on each page. For example, you may find that when you roll the paper one inch above the print head, the page finishes where you want it to-then each time you load paper, load it the same way.

With single-sheet paper, the key to consistent page formatting is to

establish the settings that work best for you, then position the paper in

the

same place every time.

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Adjusting the paper thickness lever

The LQ is equipped with a paper thickness lever that can be

adjusted to accommodate varying thicknesses of paper.

The lever is located in front of the paper release lever on the left side

of the printer as shown in Figure

1-10.

Figure 1-10. Paper thickness lever

When you receive your LQ, the lever is set for standard paper thickness (about ness lever set in the notch shown in Figure

For thicker paper or multiple copies, pull the lever toward the front

of the printer. To return the lever to the standard position, push it back

until it clicks into the standard setting.

1/500th

of an inch), with the small arm on the paper thick-

1-10.

Turning On the Power

the printer on and become acquainted with the power-up sequence.

1-12

With the ribbon and paper installed in the LQ, it’s time to turn

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Plug in the printer’s power cord, making sure the outlet is properly grounded. Turn the power ON with the switch on the left side of the printer (see Figure

1-11).

Figure 1-11. Turning on the power switch

When the power is turned ON:

The print head moves back and forth and stops at the left side of the printer.

The printer

printer is reset to its

is initialized-any

default

(or preset) values. See Appendix I for a

previous settings are erased, and the

list of default values.

The three green lights on the control panel--POWER, READY, and

ON LINE-go on. (The red PAPER OUT light does not go on unless

the

printer

is out of

paper.)

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Operating the Control Panel

1-12) has two functions-the functions marked in blue (ON LINE, LETTER QUALITY, and DRAFT) are active when the printer is on

line; the functions marked in black (OFF LINE, FORM FEED, and

LINE FEED) are active when the printer is off line when the ON LINE light is on; it is off line when the ON LINE light is off.

Each of the three buttons on the LQ control panel (see Figure

line.

The printer is on

Figure 1-12. The LQ control panel

OFF LINE/ON LINE OFF LINE--If you press this button when the green light beside it is

on, the ON LINE and READY lights go off, the print head moves to the center of the platen, and the printer is set on but the LQ won’t print. This enables the form feed and line feed functions to work.

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off line-the

power is still

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ON LINE-The green ON LINE light indicates that the printer is on

line

and ready to receive data. When the LQ is on line, you can select

either the Letter Quality or draft mode.

FORM FEED/LETTER QUALITY

FORM

FEED-Pressing this button advances the paper to the top of the next page if you’re using continuous-feed paper (see Chapter 3, “Installing the Tractor Unit”). If you’re using single-sheet paper, it fully ejects one sheet. The form feed function works only when the printer is off line.

LETTER QUALITY-Pressing this button selects the Letter Quality

typestyle (for more information on Letter Quality, see Step 7). The printer beeps twice to acknowledge the Letter Quality selection. You can select the Letter Quality typestyle with this button only when the printer is on line.

LINE FEED/DRAFT

LINE FEED-Pressing this button advances the paper one line at a

time, either while you’re loading paper, or when you’re adjusting

where you want printing to begin. If you hold this button down, the

paper advances continuously. The line feed function works only when the printer is off line.

DRAFT-Pressing this button selects the draft typestyle. The printer

beeps once to acknowledge the draft selection. The draft function works only when the printer is on line.

Note

Use the LETTER QUALITY or DRAFT buttons before you tell the computer to print. Do not use them while the LQ is printing.

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Selecting the Letter Quality or Draft Mode

Quality mode. As shown in the sample below, the Letter Quality characters are fully formed and are ideal for formal correspondence or other presentation-quality work.

draft mode, also shown below. In draft mode, the LQ prints more quickly, because fewer dots are used to form each letter.

draft mode.

l Control panel-You can choose between the Letter Quality and

When you receive your LQ, it is preset to print in the Letter

For

those

times when you need only a rough draft, the LQ also

This is the Letter Quality style

This is the draft Style

The LQ gives you three ways to select either the Letter Quality or

draft modes with the appropriate button DIP switch-A switch on the back of the printer selects either Letter

Quality or draft as the turn the power

Software command-You

ity and draft modes by sending a command to the printer as explained in Chapter 5.

default

on).

See Appendix A for details.

typestyle (the style in effect when you

can

also switch between the Letter Qual-

the control panel.

has a

These three choices allow you to tailor the LQ to your printing needs. If you find you use the Letter Quality mode most of the time, you can leave the settings just as they are. If you print in draft mode more than Letter Quality, just reset the DIP switch as outlined in Appendix A. But no matter what you choose, you can always use the buttons on the control panel to switch between the two styles.

Running the Self Test

prints out all of the characters in the selected character set-either Letter Quality or draft.

printer and that the power is turned OFF. If you have an LQ-1000, be sure to use 14-inch-wide paper to avoid printing on the platen.

1-16

The LQ has a built-in self test function that automatically

Before running the self test, make sure that paper is loaded in the

Page 29

To run the self test in the Letter Quality mode, hold down the LETTER QUALITY button while you turn the power switch ON. To run the test in the draft mode, hold down the DRAFT button while turning the power ON. The self test then takes over.

The self test prints a version identification number, the name of the installed typeface family, then (as you can see in Figure 1-13) all of the characters in the selected character set.

The self test continues until you turn the printer off or until it runs out of paper.

Draft

Letter Quality

Figure 1-13. LQ self test in draft and Letter Quality modes

Connecting Your Printer to Your Computer

Your LQ printer comes equipped with separate connections

for

both

serial and parallel interfaces, so be sure to use the type your computer requires. Check your computer’s documentation if you’re unsure which interface you have. (If your computer requires a different type of interface, see your Epson dealer.)

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The parallel interface

The connector on a parallel interface cable, as shown in Figure 1-14, is secured to both the LQ and your computer by two clips. After plugging the cable into the LQ and your computer, be sure to snap the clips in place, and connect the ground strap if the cable is equipped with one.

Figure 1-14. Connecting a parallel interface cable

Once you’ve connected a parallel cable, you’re ready to print. The

parallel interface does not require any additional settings.

The serial interface

If your computer is equipped with a serial interface, you should use an Epson serial interface cable-#8239 for the Apple® IIc, #8293 for the Apple IIe

Epson QX™-16, and #8294 for the IBM® PC. Plug the

cable into the connector to the right of the parallel connector.

When using the serial interface, you need to reset four DIP switches

so that your computer and printer will communicate properly. See

Appendix A for a complete explanation of the DIP switches and how

to set them for your serial interface.

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Printing Your First Document

ing steps, your LQ is ready to print. The following chapter explains

how to set up your word processor to work with the LQ.

Additional chapters and appendixes cover programming, control codes and ESCape sequences, technical specifications and maintenance .

If you have any difficulty printing your first document, check the

following list to make sure you’ve completed all the setup steps.

Did you remove the plastic tab that holds the print head in place?

Is the power source (power strip, etc.) turned ON?

Is the ribbon properly installed? Make sure the ribbon is in front of the print head, not riding above it.

Have you loaded the paper correctly? (Read Chapter 2 or 3 if you are using the optional cut sheet feeder or tractor unit.)

Are the green POWER, ON LINE, and READY lights on the con-

trol panel ON? If not, press the ON LINE button to place the LQ on line. If the red PAPER OUT light is ON, check that you’ve

loaded the paper correctly.

Now that you’ve completed the basic setup and operat-

Were you able to successfully run the self test in Step 8? If not,

check the DIP switch settings and try again.

q Is your printer properly connected to your computer? Are you

using the correct interface (serial or parallel)? If you’re using a serial interface, have you set the DIP switches accordingly?

If you’re still having trouble printing, read the troubleshooting sec-

tion in Appendix D.

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Chapter 2

The Cut Sheet Feeder

The cut sheet feeder automatically loads single sheets of paper into

the LQ, allowing you to print on letterhead, bond, or individual

forms.

Installing the Cut Sheet Feeder

1. Make sure the power is OFF.

Set DIP switch 1-8 on the back of the printer to the ON position

and DIP switch 1-7 to the OFF position to select the cut sheet feeder. See Appendix A for information on resetting the DIP switches.

3. Remove the front cover that came installed on your LQ by tilting it

up and lifting it off the printer. Replace it with the new cover included with the cut sheet feeder, as shown in Figure new cover in an upright position so you can see inside the printer. Also remove the single-sheet guide.

2-1.

Leave the

Figure 2-1. Preparing the printer for installation

2-1

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4. Make sure the paper release lever is pushed back as shown in Figure

2-1.

If this lever is not pushed back, the cut sheet feeder will not

fit or operate properly.

5. Pull the paper bail away from the platen (the black roller) as shown in Figure 2-1. The paper bail should remain in this position whenever the cut sheet feeder is installed.

6. Now locate the rear mounting pins on the LQ as shown in Figure

2-2. The rear notches on the cut sheet feeder unit rest on these

mounting pins.

2-2

Figure 2-2. Installing the cut sheet feeder

Page 34

Hold the cut sheet feeder assembly in two hands, and press the two

cut sheet feeder release levers shown in Figure 2-1.

8. Now stand directly over the printer, look

through

the top of the cut sheet feeder, and guide the rear notches on the cut sheet feeder onto the rear mounting pins on the printer.

9. Tilt the cut sheet feeder forward until the front latches of the cut sheet feeder engage the front mounting pins on the printer. Release

the levers and the cut sheet feeder locks in place.

Note

When the cut sheet feeder is properly installed, it

possible to

tilt it forward slightly, but you cannot remove it from the

printer without pressing the release levers. If you can remove

the cut sheet feeder by simply lifting it off the LQ, reread the installation instructions, paying special attention to setting the rear notches of the feeder on the rear mounting pins of the

printer.

10. With the cut sheet feeder in place, you can now install the three

brackets supplied with the unit. To install the two small brackets, squeeze them together and insert them into the holes on top of the paper supports, as shown in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2-3. Installing the small brackets

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11.

For the LQ-800 model, install the large bracket in the stacker as shown in Figure 2-4. Slip the legs of the bracket into the metal slots on the bottom of the cut sheet feeder and make sure the bracket fits into the retaining clips on the upper part of the

stacker.

Figure 2-4. Installing the large bracket

For the LQ-1000 model, there are two large brackets. Install them both as described above and also install the paper stand shown in

Figure

2-4

2-5.

Page 36

Figure 2-5. The LQ-1000 model

Preparing the Paper for Loading

The paper

curled or uneven, it will not feed correctly.

2. The cut sheet feeder holds a maximum of 60 sheets of standard

weight (20 lb.) paper. If you use a lighter or heavier weight of paper, compensate accordingly. (If more than one sheet of paper is being loaded at a time, remove some of the paper from the paper bin.)

3. Loosen the paper stack by rifling through it a couple of times, then tap it on a flat surface to make it even.

must

be straight and clean. If the paper is slightly bent,

2-5

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Loading Paper

1. Align the arrow on the left paper guide with the arrow stamped

into the metal lip of the stacker, as shown in Figure

Figure 2-6. Paper support and paper loading lever

2-6.

Pull the paper loading lever forward until it locks in the open position, as shown in Figure

2-6

2-6.

Page 38

Set the stack of paper in the paper bin, aligning it against the left

paper guide as shown in Figure

2-7.

Move the right paper guide

over to the edge of the stack of paper, but leave a little room so the

paper doesn’t bind. Make sure the paper is

behind

the angled metal

tabs at the bottom of the left and right paper guides.

Figure 2-7. Loading paper; adjusting the right paper guide

Push the paper loading lever back, and the stack of paper is pushed forward against the two feeder rollers.

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setting up your word processor for a cut sheet feeder. . .

If you‘ve never used a cut sheet feeder before, you may have to set

up your word processor accordingly.

When the cut sheet feeder positions the paper for printing, it automatically leaves a one-inch margin at the top of a page. If you’ve been printing with continuous-feed paper, you11 need to adjust the settings on your word processor so that the pages print the same with the cut sheet feeder.

There are three settings you’ll probably need to change: Page Length, Top Margin, and bottom Margin. Most word processors have preset (or default) settings that are in effect each time you use the program. Check the program’s documentation to find these settings, and how to change them.

The following is an example of a typical conversion.

To maintain 55 printed lines per page:

Continuous-feed settings

Change Page Length Change Top Margin Change Bottom Margin

Many word processors give you two choices in changing these settings: 1) You can change the settings in each individual file you print,

or; 2) You can change the program’s default settings so that every time

you use the program, these new settings are in effect.

If your program has additional features, such as headers and foot-

notes, you will have to compensate accordingly. (For example, many programs include the header as part of the top margin. If you set the

top margin to 0, you11 lose the header.)

With a little bit of experimenting, you’ll find the best equivalent

settings to use.

from

66 3 (default) to 0 8 (default) to 6

Cut sheet

feeder settings

to 61

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Printing with the Cut Sheet Feeder

1. Turn the power ON with the switch on the left side of the printer, as shown in Figure

2-8.

Figure 2-8. Turning the power on

2. When you turn the power ON:

The print head moves to the left side.

The POWER, READY, and ON LINE lights glow green.

l The red PAPER OUT light goes on. (The PAPER OUT light

remains on until paper is fed into the printer.)

3. Now print a document with your word processor as you normally would. When you print a document:

l The print head moves to the center of the platen to facilitate

paper loading.

The feeder rollers feed one sheet of paper into the printer, and

position the page with a one-inch margin at the top. (See the previous note “Setting up your word processor for a cut sheet feeder. . ."

for information on adjusting margin and page length

settings.)

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l The red PAPER OUT light goes out while there’s paper in the

printer.

Printing begins.

When the LQ finishes printing a document, you have three options.

If you wish

continue printing-You can print another document as

you normally would; the cut sheet feeder ejects the last page from the

previous job, then loads and prints the new document.

If you want to fully eject the last page of a document-First take the

LQ off line by pressing the ON LINE button (the green ON LINE light goes out). Press the FORM FEED button to eject the last page into the paper stacker, and a new sheet is automatically loaded.

If you’re finished printing-Remove the unused paper from the bin,

take the printer off line, then use the FORM FEED button to eject the last sheet of paper. (If you press FORM FEED without removing the remaining paper from the bin, another sheet is loaded.) You can also shut the power OFF, then use the manual paper feed knob to roll the remaining sheet out of the printer.

Caution

When the power is ON, you should use only the FORM FEED or LINE FEED button to eject paper from the cut sheet feeder. If you use the manual paper feed knob, the power should always be OFF to prevent damage to the paper feed motor.

Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder

To remove the cut sheet feeder:

1. Turn the power for the printer OFF.

2. Remove all the unused paper from the bin, and any printed sheets from the stacker.

3. If a sheet of paper is still loaded in the printer, use the manual paper feed knob to remove it.

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4. Hold the cut sheet feeder on each side, press the release levers as shown in Figure 2-9, and lift the unit off the printer.

Figure 2-9. Removing the cut sheet feeder

Remember, if you decide to print with another type of paper feed

system, such as the optional tractor feed, you’ll

Reset DIP switch 1-8 from ON back to OFF. (Don’t forget to turn

have to:

the power OFF then ON again so the printer will record the new setting.) Reset DIP switch 1-7 (skip-over perforation) if you’re using continuous-feed paper.

Check any settings you might have changed in your word processor to compensate for the cut sheet feeder.

Replace the original front cover if you’re loading individual sheets

of paper (you can leave the narrow front cover on if you’re using

the optional tractor feed unit).

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Troubleshooting

If you have any difficulties operating the cut sheet feeder, check the

troubleshooting list shown below. If you continue to have difficulty,

consult your authorized Epson dealer.

Problem

Cut sheet feeder does not fit flush

on the printer.

Printer doesn’t print; cut sheet

feeder doesn’t operate.

Cut sheet feeder operates but doesn’t load paper.

Paper loads unevenly from the

paper bin.

Recommendation

Check that the paper release lever on the left side of the printer is

pushed back, and that the paper bail is pulled away from the platen. Review the installation instructions.

Make sure the cable is properly connected to the printer and computer.

Check that DIP switch 1-8 is ON and 1-7 is OFF, and that the printer has been switched OFF, then ON again to recognize the settings.

Review the paper loading instructions-you must open the paper loading lever first, then set the paper on the paper shelf. If you set the paper on the gray rollers then open the paper loading lever, the paper drops down too far, becomes uneven, and does not load properly.

If too much paper is loaded, it spills off the paper shelf.

Paper jams when it feeds through

the cut sheet feeder.

2-12

Check to see that the paper is stacked evenly

Check to see if there is too much space between the paper stack and the right paper guide, causing paper movement and unevenness.

Page 44

Problem

Recommendation

Two or more sheets of paper are

loaded instead of one.

Printing starts too low on the page.

Printing is too close or too far from

the left side of the paper.

Paper doesn’t eject evenly.

Remove paper and fan it. Paper was not sufficiently loosened before being loaded into the paper bin.

Make sure paper is loaded behind the metal tabs on the bottom of the left and right paper guides,

Too much paper was loaded into the paper bin-remove some of the

unused sheets.

The weight of the paper is too light. Add paper.

Your word processor may not be set up properly. Review “Setting up your word processor for a cut sheet

feeder . . .” Make sure the arrow on the left

paper guide is aligned with the arrow stamped on the lip of the stacker.

Check that there’s enough room in the stacker. If not, remove some of the printed sheets.

More than one sheet of paper may

have been loaded, which causes the paper to eject unevenly Make sure that paper was separated and

loaded properly

Maintenance

To keep your cut sheet feeder working smoothly, keep it away from dust, grease, and any heat sources. A safe temperature range is 41° to 95°F.

Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with water to clean the outside of the cut sheet feeder case. Stubborn stains can be removed with nonabrasive household cleaners.

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Periodically, the inside of the cut sheet feeder should be cleaned to get rid of dust and paper lint. First, turn the power OFF and remove the cut sheet feeder from the printer. Then use a soft brush to clean the inside areas. Make sure the gray rollers are kept free of dust so that the paper feeds evenly.

If you have any problems, contact your authorized Epson dealer.

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Chapter 3

The Tractor Unit

The tractor unit for the LQ is easy to install and use. Before you

begin the installation, make sure you have received the following:

The tractor unit

The smoke-colored tractor cover

The narrow front lid

The paper separator

The paper shelf

Setting Up the LQ for Continuous-feed Paper

Before installing the tractor unit, you should set up your LQ so that

continuous-feed paper can flow freely in and out of the printer.

Use any arrangement that allows you to put the paper underneath or

behind the printer. There are many types of printer stands you can use;

one example is shown in Figure 3-1. If you prefer, you can stack the paper

behind the printer as shown in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-1. Continuous-feed paper with printer stand

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Figure 3-2. Continuous-feed paper without stand

Installing the Tractor Unit

Remove the original dust cover that was included with your LQ.

Replace it with the front lid packaged with the tractor unit, and leave it tilted up, as shown in Figure

3-3.

Figure 3-3. Installing the tractor unit

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

3-2

3-3.

Page 48

3. Tilt the tractor unit toward you until the front latches click in place over the front mounting pins on the printer.

Loading Paper

To load continuous-feed paper, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure that the printer is turned OFF.

2. Move the print head to the center of the printer, pull the paper bail

away from the platen, and pull the paper release lever forward, as shown in Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4. Preparing for paper loading

3-3

Page 49

3. Using Figure

3-5

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 3-5. Moving the pin-feed holders

4. Position the left holder all the way to the left and push the locking lever back to lock that holder in place. Leave the right holder unlocked.

Open the pin-feed covers as shown in Figure

3-4

3-6.

Page 50

Figure 3-6. Opening the pin-feed covers

Now install the paper shelf by fitting it into the two notches on the

6. back of the printer, as shown in Figure 3-7. The paper shelf keeps

the paper from getting caught on the interface cable.

Figure 3-7. Installing the paper shelf

3-5

Page 51

If you have an LQ-800, center the one support in the middle of the

7. tractor as shown in Figure

3-7.

If you have an LQ-1000, space the

two paper supports evenly along the width of the paper.

Now guide the paper behind the platen, and push it through until it

8. comes up between the ribbon guide and the platen as shown in Figure 3-8. (Moving the paper with a side-to-side motion makes it

easier to push the paper through.)

3-6

Figure 3-8. Loading paper

Page 52

9. 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 3-9) and close the cover.

Figure 3-9. Fitting the paper over the pin feeds

10. Fit the right side of the paper into the right holder, moving the holder as needed to match the width of the paper.

11. Close the right cover, making sure the paper has no dips or wrinkles and lock the right holder in place.

Push the paper bail against the paper and that’s it . . . the paper is

12. ready.

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Figure 3-10. Top-of-page position

Setting the top-of-page position . . .

Once you‘ve loaded continuous-feed paper into your LQ, you need

to establish a top-of-page position so that the printed pages end where

you want them to and do not cross over a perforation between pages.

To set the top-of-page position, make sure the power is OFF and

use the paper feed knob to advance the paper until a perforation

between sheets lines up evenly with the top of the ribbon guide, as

shown in Figure 3-10.

Now turn the printer ON. This records the top-of-page setting.

The printer remembers this setting and uses it when any program tells

it to move to the top of the next page, or when you use the FORM

FEED button to advance the paper.

If you are using a word processor or other applications program and the printing is too high or too low on the page, adjust your top-ofpage setting accordingly,

Installing the paper separator and tractor cover

Once you’ve loaded paper into the LQ and are familiar with the steps, you can attach the paper separator that comes packaged in the cardboard enclosure. The separator ensures that the paper coming out of the printer is not pulled back in.

3-8

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The separator has rounded pins on each end that fit into notches located just behind the tractor unit. Slide one of the separator’s pins into one notch, then with a gentle pressure, snap the other pin into the other notch as shown in Figure 3-11.

Figure 3-11. Installing the paper separator

3-9

Page 55

The smoked plastic tractor cover is the finishing touch. Simply

place it over the tractor unit, making sure the notches on the side of

the cover fit into the slots on the printer, as shown in Figure

3-12.

3-10

Figure 3-12. Installing the tractor cover

Page 56

Removing the Optional Tractor Unit

When you want to remove the optional tractor unit from the LQ simply push back on the tractor release levers as shown in Figure 3-13, tilt the unit back, and lift it off the printer.

Figure 3-13. Removing the optional tractor unit

3-11

Page 57

Chapter

Using the LQ with Commercial Software

Now that you have set up and tested your printer, you can do any

of these things:

Use the printer with commercial software (such as a word proces-

sor, spreadsheet, or database).

Learn about the features of the printer.

Write programs to use the features of the printer.

Most of you probably want to begin using your LQ with commercial software to print such items as documents, reports, letters, spreadsheets, and graphics. This chapter tells you what you need to know.

If you want to learn more about the features of the LQ, also read Chapters 5 and 6. For programmers the important parts of the manual are the command summary and the other appendixes.

Using Commercial Software

Commercial software programs usually need to know what type of printer you are using. You normally supply this information as part of a setup or installation process. Either the manual for your program or an on-screen menu should explain this process for you.

The program may list a number of printers from which you can

choose. Pick LQ-800 or LQ-1000, depending on which printer you

have.

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If neither one of these printers is listed, choose

LQ-1500

because that printer recognizes virtually the same codes that the LQ-800 and LQ-1000 use. (If you have a program that does not list the LQ-1500 as an option, you may be able to obtain an update from the manufacturer. Contact your software dealer or the manufacturer to see if an update that includes the LQ-1500, LQ-1000, or LQ-800 is available.)

If your program does not list any LQ printers, choose a printer from

the list below. They are listed in order of preference.

FX LX Rx MX Epson printer Draft printer

Once you have set up or installed your commercial software pro-

gram for your printer, simply follow the program’s printing instruc-

tions. If you have any trouble

when

you print, turn to the first section

in Appendix D for help.

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Chapter 5

LQ Features

This chapter describes many of the printing features of the LQ. You can read this chapter if you wish, but you may not need to. Whether or not you use the rest of this manual depends upon your expertise, your interest, and the software you use.

The demonstration programs in this chapter enable you to see LQ features and print styles in action. Below are a few of the many fea-

tures covered:

Letter Quality

High

Emphasized

Double-strike

Italics

Elite

Fifteen Characters Per Inch

Underlined

Double-width

Condensed

Superscript

Proportional

Speed Draft

Subscript

ESCape and ASCII

The details of printer-computer communication are complex, but for most purposes all you need to know is that the computer sends a series of codes (each consisting of one or more numbers) to the printer, and the printer interprets them.

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Some codes tell the printer to print a character, and other codes tell

it to turn on or off certain printer functions, such as emphasized or Letter Quality. Because the codes between 0 and 127 are basically standardized by the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), they are referred to as ASCII numbers in this manual.

Nearly all of the codes for printer functions require more than one

number and begin with a special code, called the escape

code.

This code signals that the next number is a code for a printer function and its name is usually printed with the first three letters capitalized (Escape) or it is abbreviated ESC or (ESC) .

In the demonstration programs in this manual, you’ll see how

ASCII and ESCape codes are used in the BASIC programming language.

LPRINT signals that information is to be sent to the printer.

The CHR$ (character string) function is used for numerical codes.

CHR$(27) is the ESCape code.

Quotation marks are used for printable characters, such as letters of

the alphabet.

Your word processing or business program may use other methods to send those codes, such as pressing the ESC key for the ESCape code. See your software manual for further information and use Appendix B of this manual to find the proper codes. Appendix D also has some suggestions on using LQ features with applications soft-

ware.

Demonstration Programs

To enable you to see the LQ features in action, this manual includes demonstrations in the BASIC programming language. Although you will probably not do much of your printing using BASIC, the demon-

strations are in BASIC because nearly all personal computer systems include some version of this language. Therefore, almost everyone can try the examples.

As you run the programs (or even as you read the explanations and look at the printed examples), you learn how the LQ responds to the messages your computer sends it by printing letters, numbers, symbols, and graphics in various print modes.

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Even if you never use BASIC again, you will know the capabilities of your printer, capabilities that can often solve your printing problems. For example, if you need a special symbol, such as a Greek letter, you will

know that

you can turn to the chapter on user-defined

characters and create such a character.

If you don’t want to do In most cases the software or graphics does

the

exercises in BASIC, you don’t have to.

that

you use for word processing, business,

calculating and communicating with the printer for you. All you need to do is install your software as explained in Chapter 4.

Running BASIC programs. . .

This section describes how to run the BASIC demonstration pro-

grams in this manual; it is not a tutorial in BASIC programming.

Although there are many versions of BASIC, the programs in this manual are designed to work with the two most popular ones: Microsoft™ BASIC and IBM PC BASIC. If you have another version, you can run these demonstration programs by making a few changes. Appendix D has instructions for using Applesoft™ BASIC; for other versions of BASIC, consult the appropriate manual.

When you type these programs, be sure to include all spaces and punctuation marks, especially semicolons. Press of each line. (On your computer the or ENTER.) Computers that use a 40-column display may break some lines into two parts on the screen, but that does not affect the operation of the program. If you make a typing mistake, retype whole line, including the line number; the new line will replace the old one.

RETURN

key may be marked

at the end

the

When you

to run the program.

If you have made changes to a program and want to see all of it on

the screen, type

your screen. When you are completely through with one program

and want to start another, type NEW and press RETURN.

have

typed all

LIST and then press

the lines,

type

RUN and press

RETURN

to see the program on

RETURN

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Sending Control Codes to the Printer

The short program that follows illustrates the concepts of control codes and ESCape sequences. This exercise may help you make better use of this chapter and the next. Type and run the program. It should produce the printout you see below it. After the printout you’ll find a detailed description of the operation of the program.

10 LPRINT "BASIC programs for the" 20 LPRINT CHR$(76)CHR$(81)CHR$(45); 25 LPRINT CHR$(56)CHR$(48)CHR$(48);

LPRINT

LPRINT "W1 "CHR$(87)CHR$(49) 50 LPRINT CHR$(27)"W1";"Double-width print" 60 LPRINT "Still double-width"

Basic programs for the LQ-800 and LQ-1000 W1 W1

Double-width Still

" and LQ-1000"

double-width

In each line LPRINT signals that the rest of the information on the line is to be sent to the printer. In lines 10 and 30 the letters inside the quotation marks are printed just as they appear in the program.

Lines 20-25 show an alternate way of printing characters. They use the CHR$ (character string) function with the decimal code for each letter to print “LQ-800.”

Line 40 prints the characters W1 using the two different methods (quotation marks and the character string function). Line 50 shows that if the ESCape code, which is CHR$(27) in BASIC, comes before the characters W1, those characters are not printed. Instead, they

become part of the ESCape sequence that turns on double-width printing, which is demonstrated with the letters in quotation marks

after the ESCape sequence. Line 60 shows that the double-width mode stays on for more than one line.

This program is only an introduction. The demonstration pro-

grams that follow allow you to see many more of the features of your LQ in action.

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Basic Widths

The first programs print characters in the LQ’s three basic widths. Further programs show you how to produce other character widths by condensing and widening the basic ones.

Pica printing

The first program prints a sample line of characters in pica. This is the

default

receives a command to use one of the other two basic widths.

Now run the program to print the results you see below-10 characters per inch:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_'abcdefghi

Elite printing

width on the LQ, which means it is used unless the printer

FOR X=65 TO 105

50 LPRINT CHR$(X);

60 NEXT X: LPRINT: LPRINT

To print the same line of characters in elite (which is

per inch) add the following line to your program. (Just type the new

line; you don’t have to retype the other lines.)

characters

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"M";

Now run the program to produce a sample of elite printing.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Fifteen mode printing

To print the same characters in the fifteen mode (which is ters per inch) enter this new line 20.

[\]^_'abcdefghi

charac-

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"g";

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Now run the program to produce a sample of printing in the fifteen

mode.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]ˆ_'abcdefghi

Letter Quality and Draft

Your LQ is set at the factory to print in the Letter Quality mode unless you turn on the draft mode with the DRAFT button on the control panel or with a DIP switch (described in Appendix A). Therefore, the printouts in this manual are shown in Letter Quality. If you want to see how a feature looks in the draft mode, press the DRAFT button before you run the program. Here’s a comparison of Letter Quality and Draft modes in pica width.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]ˆ'abcdefghi

Cancelling Modes

With only a few exceptions, the LQ printing modes stay

until they are turned off. In fact, the modes can stay on even if you change from one type of software to another. For example, if you run a BASIC program that turns on elite and then use a word processing program to print a document, the LQ prints that document in the elite mode.

There are two methods to turn off a printing mode when you no

longer need it.

With a specific cancelling code. Each mode has a cancelling code,

which you can find in the discussion of the mode and also in Appendix I.

By resetting the printer, a method explained in the next section.

Resetting the Printer

Resetting your LQ cancels all modes that are turned on. You can

reset the printer with one of two methods:

Sending the reset code (Escape “@”)

Turning the printer off and then on.

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Either one of these methods returns the printer to what are called its

defaults, which are the standard settings in effect every time you turn

the printer on. Resetting the printer has two main effects. It returns the printing to single-strike pica, thus cancelling any other pitches or enhancements you may have turned on, and the current position of

the print head becomes the top-of-page setting. The reset code does

not cancel the draft mode if it has been selected with the panel button, but turning off the printer does cancel the draft setting.

Some of the demonstration programs end with a reset code (Escape “@”) so that the commands from one program will not interfere with the commands in the next one. After you run a program with a reset code in it, remember to change the top-of-page setting before you begin printing full pages.

Disabling a program’s reset code

Some word processors and other applications programs send a reset code or initialization signal to the printer before sending data to be printed. Basically, the purpose of this code or signal is to cancel any settings that might interfere with the program’s print control options.

In most instances, this is fine. However, if you decide you want to set up the LQ to do something your applications program won’t do, you have to make sure a reset code doesn’t wipe out your new settings.

Some initialization codes can be removed by using the setup or installation procedures that are part of many applications programs. Once you’re into the setup procedure, find the section that deals with initialization, and see if the program has a list of codes it sends to the printer. If it does, the setup procedure usually allows you to cancel or remove the initialization settings.

If the initialization code cannot be disabled or removed from your applications program,. you can usually use the program’s print options function to control formatting and typestyles. Look in the manual for

the program to find out how to select print options.

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Print Quality Command

Although you can turn on the draft mode with one of the panel buttons, you can also use a software command to switch between draft and Letter Quality.

Enter and run the following program to see how Letter Quality and draft are turned on and off by an ESCape sequence (note that you use a lowercase x, not a capital X, in line

NEW

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"x0";

20 LPRINT "This is draft."

LPRINT CHR$(27)"x1";

40 LPRINT "This is Letter Quality."

10).

This

This is Letter Quality.

As you can see in this program, Letter Quality is one of the Epson modes with an ESCape code that uses a letter with the numeral one to

turn on

these modes, the one or zero can be inside the quotation marks, as shown above, or as a separate character string value, as shown below:

the mode and a letter with the numeral zero to turn it off. For

is draft.

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"x"CHR$(0);

Other Widths

The three with each other. If one is on, the other two are off. There are, how-

ever, two width modes that can be combined with the basic modes

and with each other. These two are double-width and condensed. All

characters printed by the LQ are widened by double-width and narrowed by condensed.

Double-width printing

The double-width mode doubles the width of each character. To see

double-width pica printing, which is the widest typestyle available on

the LQ, enter and run the program below.

basic

widths (pica, elite, and fifteen) cannot be combined

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As you can see in this program, double-width is another of the modes with an ESCape code that uses a letter with the numeral one to turn on the mode and a letter with the numeral zero to turn it off. Therefore, the command to turn on double-width is ESCape “W1” and the command to turn it off is ESCape

"W0".

10 LPRINT "This is standard pica." 20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"W1";"Double-width pica"

LPRINT "Still double-width"

LPRINT CHR$(27)"W0";

50 LPRINT "This is standard pica again."

This is standard pica.

Double-width

Still double-width

This is standard pica again.

Double-width can also be combined with any of the three basic widths as you can see in the program below.

pica

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"W1";"Double-width pica"

LPRINT CHR$(27)"M";"Double-width elite"

40 LPRINT CHR$(27)"g";"Double-width fifteen"

Double-width

Double-width elite

Double-width fifteen

A later section in the chapter explains a special ESCape code, Master Select, which allows you to control nine modes with only one ESCape sequence.

Condensed printing

Condensed is a mode that narrows pica or elite characters; the fifteen mode cannot be condensed. Condensed is turned on by ASCII 15, as you can see in the following program. It is turned off by ASCII

18.

pica

10 LPRINT "This is standard pica." 20 LPRINT CHR$(15)"This is condensed pica."

LPRINT CHR$(27) M

40 LPRINT CHR$( 27) “@"

";"This

is condensed elite."

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This is standard pica.

This is condensed

pica,

This is condensed elite,

By using combinations of the various width modes, the LQ can print nine widths, which range from 5 to 20 characters per inch (cpi) as shown in the table below:

Table 5-1. LQ character widths

CPI

7.5

8.5

12 15

17.1

Typestyle

Double-width pica Double-width elite Double-width fifteen Double-width condensed pica Pica Double-width condensed elite Elite

Fifteen Condensed pica Condensed elite

Print sample

ABCDefgh ABCDefgh

ABCDefgh

ABCDefgh ABCDefgh ABCDefgh ABCDefgh

ABCDefgh ABCDefgh ABCDefgh

Print Enhancements

In addition to the widths covered, the LQ offers many print

enhancements.

Emphasized mode

In the emphasized mode the LQ prints each dot twice, with the second dot slightly to the right of the first. In order to do this, the print head must slow down so that it has time to fire, retract, and fire the pins quickly enough to produce the overlapping dots. This method

produces characters that are darker than single-strike characters.

To see an example of emphasized, type and run the following program.

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NEW 10 LPRINT "This is standard printing."

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"E";

LPRINT "This is emphasized printing."

100 LPRINT CHR$(27)"@"

This is standard printing.

This is emphasized printing.

Emphasized is an especially good method for emphasizing a word or phrase in the draft mode as shown in the printout below. The code to turn off emphasized is ESCape “F”.

In the draft mode

emphasized makes a

word stand out.

Double-strike

The other bold mode is double-strike. For this mode the LQ prints each line, then moves the paper up slightly and prints the line again.

Each dot is printed twice, with the second one slightly below the first as you can see if you run this program, which uses ESCape “G” to turn on double-strike.

10 LPRINT "This is standard printing." 20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"G"; 30 LPRINT "This is double-strike printing." 100 LPRINT CHR$(27)"@"

This is standard printing. This is double-strike printing.

Since each line in this mode is printed twice, the speed of your printing is slowed. The code to turn off double-strike is ESCape “H”.

Some users prefer the effect of emphasized, and others prefer double-strike. You can look at the printout below and decide for yourself.

This is standard printing,

and this is emphasized printing,

and this is double-strike printing.

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Underline mode

The LQ also has a mode that underlines characters and spaces. You turn it on with ESCape “-1” and off with ESCape the underline code is like the double-width code in that it uses a char-

acter, in this case the hyphen or minus sign, combined with numeral one to turn it on and a character combined with the numeral zero to turn it off. You can see it in action with the following program:

“-0”.

Note that

NEW

10 LPRINT "This is not

underlined.”

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"-1";

LPRINT "This text is underlined."

This is not underlined. This text is underlined.

Proportional mode

In the standard draft and Letter Quality modes on the LQ, each

character is given the same amount of space, whether it is a narrow letter like i or a wide letter like a capital however, the space allowed for each letter is proportional to its size.

The proportional mode is always Letter Quality. You can see the

difference between standard and proportional modes if you enter and run the following program:

In the proportional mode,

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"p1" 20 LPRINT "Proportional mode is on." 30 LPRINT CHR$(27)"p0"; 40 LPRINT "Proportional mode is off."

Proportional mode is on.

Proportional mode is off.

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Notice that you must use a lowercase p, not a capital P, for this mode. The next section describes Master Select, which includes another method for turning proportional on and off.

Master Select

The LQ has a special: ESCape code called Master Select that allows you to choose many possible combinations of nine different modes: pica, elite, proportional, condensed, emphasized, double-strike, dou-

ble-width, italic, and underline. The format of the Master Select code

is ESCape ‘!” followed by a number that is calculated by adding together the values of the modes listed below:

underline italic double-width double-strike emphasized condensed proportional elite pica

128

8 4

For many combinations, just add up the values of each of the modes you want and use the total as the number after ESCape “!“. For example, to calculate the code for expanded underlined pica, add the following numbers together:

underline

128

double-width 32

pica 0

160

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To print this combination, therefore, you use ESCape “!” followed

by the number

160.

In the BASIC programming language the com-

mand is CHR$(27)“!“CHR$(l60).

To try this number or any other, enter and run this short program, which will ask you for a Master Select number and then give you a sample of printing using that code.

10 INPUT "Master Select number";M 20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"!"CHR$(M)

LPRINT "This sample uses"

40 LPRINT "Master Select number";M

LPRINT CHR$(27)"@"

In this program, you can use any number you calculate by using the formula above, but remember that proportional can’t be combined with elite. If you try to combine proportional with elite, you won’t harm your printer; proportional will simply override elite.

In the printout below you can see the result of using the number 96 with this program:

This

Master Select

Sample

uses

number 96

Master Select is a powerful code that gives you an easy way to produce multiple combinations with a single command. To produce

double-strike emphasized underlined printing, for example, you need only one ESCape code instead of three.

Indeed, Master Select is such a powerful feature that it may occa-

sionally be more powerful than you want it to be. Because it controls

nine different modes, a Master Select code will cancel any of those

nine that are not selected. For example, suppose that you have a page in elite and want part of it underlined. If you use ESCape “!" 128 to turn on underlining, your LQ will begin printing in underlined pica instead of underlined elite because the 128 code does not include elite.

Use 129 for underlined elite or use ESCape "-1” to turn on underlin-

ing.

If you want to use Master Select with the fifteen mode, you must send the Master Select code before you send the command for fifteen mode (Escape “g”). If the fifteen mode command is sent first, Master

Select will override it.

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Superscript and subscript

Your LQ can also print superscripts and subscripts, which you can use for mathematical formulas, footnotes, and other items that require numbers or letters above or below the usual print line. ESCape “S0” turns on superscript and ESCape “T” turns off either one. You can see them in action with the program below :

"S1"

turns on subscript. ESCape

10 LPRINT "The formula for water is H";

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"S1";"2"CHR$(27)"T";

LPRINT "0."

LPRINT CHR$(27)"@"

The formula for water is H2O.

Now that you see how to use the ESCape sequences for superscript and subscript, you can devise your own examples.

International characters

As you know, languages other than English require a few extra characters. The LQ has provided for printing in many languages by having Memory).

sets of international characters in its ROM (Read Only

In order to print any of these characters, you first select one of the following character sets and then use the individual characters within that set.

USA

France

Germany

United Kingdom

Denmark I

Sweden

Italy

You can select any character set with an ESCape code. In BASIC it has the following format:

Spain

Japan

Norway

Denmark II

Spain II

Latin America

LPRINT CHR$(27)"R"CHR$(n)

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In this format n is the appropriate number from the list of international character sets. In other words, the BASIC command to select the French character set is:

LPRINT CHR$(27)"R"CHR$(1)

Another method of selecting most of the international character sets is to reset a DIP switch. If you plan to use one of the first eight international sets quite a bit, see Appendix A for instructions on using the DIP switches.

Once you have selected a character set, whether you do it with the ESCape code or the DIP switches, you will be able to print several new characters. The character sets are shown in Tables 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4.

The number at the top of each column in the tables is the ASCII

code that prints the characters in that column.

Table 5-2. International characters in draft mode

USA FRANCE GERMANY

UK DENMARK I SWEDEN ITALY

SPAIN JAPAN NORWAY DENMARK II

SPAIN II LATIN AMERICA

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Table 5-3. International characters in Letter Quality mode

USA FRANCE GERMANY UK DENMARK I SWEDEN ITALY SPAIN JAPAN NORWAY DENMARK II SPAIN II LATIN AMERICA

Table 5-4. International characters in proportional mode

USA

FRANCE GERMANY UK DENMARK I SWEDEN ITALY SPAIN JAPAN NORWAY

DENMARK II

SPAIN II

LATIN AMERICA

Once you have selected an international character set with the DIP switches or the ESCape “R” code, you can use the tables to see which keys on your standard keyboard can produce the international characters you want. Simply type the character from the top row of one of the figures in order to print the corresponding character in the row of the set you have chosen.

For example, if you have reset the DIP switches for the UK character set and you press the # key, the £ symbol will be generated. Even though you will see the # symbol on the screen, the £ symbol will be printed on the paper. For another example, if you have selected the Swedish character set and you press the @ key, the É symbol will be

generated.

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If your keyboard does not have one of the keys that you need, you will have to send the proper ASCII number to the printer in another way, such as a programming language like BASIC.

Page Formatting

Although the LQ printer has many sophisticated commands to set margins, line spacing, horizontal and vertical tabs and character spacing, this section won’t take up your time with extensive discussions of these because most are taken care of by applications programs. Instead, this section describes a few commands that the average user might need. For more information, see Appendix I, where all the commands are listed and described.

Margins

The LQ allows you to set the left and right margins with simple ESCape sequences. The left margin command is ESCape “1” followed by the number of the column you choose for the left margin. The right margin command is ESCape “Q” followed by the column number of the right margin you want. (For the left margin command, be sure to use a lowercase letter 1, not the numeral one.)

If your word processing program does not allow you to change the margins, you can send margin commands to your LQ with BASIC or another programming language before you print your documents. For example, if you prefer wider margins than your word processing program gives you, run the following BASIC program before printing. This program gives you a left margin of 70, but you can use any numbers you prefer for the margin commands.

and a right margin of

NEW

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"1"CHR$(l0);

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"Q"CHR$(70);

A program like this also allows you to choose the margins you prefer for program listings. Just remember that once you run a program that sets margins, those margins are in effect until you change them with new margin commands or turn off or reset the printer.

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The maximum right margins are shown in Table

Table 5-5. Maximum right margin settings

Skip-over-perforation

If you are using continuous-feed paper for printing program listings or other material not controlled by an applications program, you may find that the LQ prints right over the perforations between pages. The LQ has an ESCape code to prevent this: the ESCape “N” command. You send ESCape “N" followed by the number of lines you want the LQ to skip at the bottom of a page. For example, in BASIC the following line will make the LQ skip six lines after each 60 lines if your printer is set for 11-inch paper:

5-5.

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"N"CHR$(6);

Since an 11-inch page is space at the bottom of each page. If you prefer to have half of the blank space at the top of the page and half at the bottom, simply set

the top-of-page approximately three lines (½ of an inch) below the perforation. (See Chapter 3 if you need to refresh your memory on setting the top-of-page.)

Line spacing

Ordinarily you don’t have to worry about how the printer moves the paper so that it doesn’t print lines of text on top of each other; the LQ takes care of this without any special instructions. The line spacing on the LQ, however, can be changed with an ESCape code.

The movement of the paper between lines is called a

the distance the paper moves is called a ing the line spacing is per inch.

lines, this will give you one inch of blank

fine feed

line space.

1/6

of an inch, which produces six lines of print

In ordinary print-

and

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The standard line spacing is the only one you need for almost all printing of text, but in some cases you may want to increase or decrease the space between lines. The LQ has several commands to do this, one of which specifies the line spacing in 180ths of an inch. If you need to make such fine adjustments in the line spacing, see Appendix I for the proper commands. In Chapter 6 you’ll see how useful changes in line spacing can be for dot graphics.

Half-speed Mode

When quiet is more important than speed, you can use ESCape “s” to cut the printing speed in half. ESCape “s1” turns the half-speed mode on, and ESCape “s0” turns it off. Note that you use a lowercase s, not a capital S for this code.

Printing to the End of the Page

In order to protect the print head and platen, the LQ stops printing

three lines from the end of the paper. This means that when you are printing on single sheets, you cannot use the last three lines of the page, but that is usually reserved for the bottom margin anyway.

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Chapter

Graphics and User-Defined Characters

The dot graphics mode allows your LQ to produce pictures, graphs, charts, or almost any other pictorial material you can devise, and the user-defined character feature allows you or a commercial software program to put special characters in the LQ’s memory so that

they can be printed just as if they were ordinary letters.

Graphics

Because 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.

many

commercial software programs use graphics, you

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Income Breakdown

The quickest and easiest way to print graphics on your LQ is to use a commercial 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.

If you use commercial 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 LQ prints graphics, read on.

The print head

To understand dot graphics you need to know a little about how the

LQ’s print head works.

The LQ’s print head has 24 pins. As it moves across the page, elec-

trical 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 in draft or Letter Quality mode,

the pins fire time after time in different patterns to produce letters, numbers, or symbols.

Because the dots overlap each other both horizontally and vertically in the Letter Quality mode, it is difficult to see individual dots.

Instead, the letters and symbols seem to be made of unbroken lines.

In order for the dots to overlap vertically, the pins in the print head

are in more than one column, but the intelligence of the printer handles the timing of pin firings so that the effect is that of 24 pins arranged in a single vertical column.

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Dot patterns

The LQ’s print head is able to print graphics as well as text because

graphic images are formed on the LQ about the same way that pic-

tures 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 LQ also forms its images with patterns of dots, as many as

360 dot positions per inch horizontally and 180 dots vertically. The

images printed by the LQ can, therefore, be as finely detailed as the one on the first page of this chapter.

Eight-pin graphics

So that it is compatible with the many programs written for such printers such as the Epson FX and RX series, the LQ has an 8-pin graphics mode with six densities. Although this mode uses only one

third of the LQ’s pins, it produces good quality graphics and allows

you to use the many programs written for 8-pin graphics.

Twenty-four-pin graphics

The graphics mode that takes full advantage of the LQ’s print head

is 24-pin graphics. It has five densities, but for simplicity this explanation will begin with only one of them, triple-density.

Triple-density prints up to 180 dots per inch horizontally. As the

print head moves across the paper, every 1/180th of an inch it must receive instructions about which of its 24 pins to fire. At each position it can fire any number of pins from none to 24. This means that the printer must receive 24 bits of information for each column it prints. Since the LQ uses 8-bit bytes of information in its communication with a computer, it needs three bytes of information for each position.

Pin labels

To tell the printer which pins to fire in each column, you first divide

each of the vertical columns into three sections of eight pins each and consider each section separately. Since there are 256 possible combinations of the eight pins in each section, 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 6-1.

6-3

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128

64 32

8 4 2 1

Figure 6-1. Pin numbering system

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. 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

6-2

shows three examples of how to calcu-

late the number that will fire a particular pattern of pins.

Figure 6-2. Calculations for pin patterns

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.

Since there are

pins in each column, you must make a calculation for each of the three sections in each column. As you can see, this method of planning and printing dot graphics requires considerable calculation. Because triple-density uses 180 columns per inch, printing

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a single line of triple-density graphics only one inch long requires 540 numbers. Fortunately, commercial software can do the calculations for you.

Before you can put these numbers in a graphics program, however,

you need to know the format of the graphics command.

Graphics Command

The graphics mode command is quite different from the other commands covered so far in this manual. For most of the other LQ modes, such as emphasized and double-width, one ESCape code turns the mode on and another turns it off. For graphics, the command is more complicated because the code that turns on a graphics mode also specifies how many columns it will use. After the LQ receives this code, it interprets the next numbers as pin patterns and prints them on

the paper.

The LQ has one command that allows you to use any of the 11

graphics options. The format of the command is:

ESCape

“*” m n1 n2 data

In this command, m selects the graphics option and n1 and n2 specify the number of columns to reserve for graphics. The available graphics options are listed in Table

Table 6-1. Graphics Options

*Adjacent dots cannot be printed in this mode

6-1.

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Column reservation numbers

The graphics command requires more than one number to specify how many columns to reserve because one line can use thousands of columns, but the LQ does not use numbers larger than 255 (decimal). Therefore, the graphics mode command uses two numbers for reserving columns.

To figure the number of columns reserved, multiply the second number by 256 and add it to the first number. Since the command is set up for two numbers, you must supply two even if you need only one. When you need fewer than 256 columns, just make ber of columns you are reserving and make

a zero.

the num-

For example, if you wish to send 1632 columns of graphics data, n1

should be 96 and n2 should be 6 because 1632 = 96 + (6 x 256).

The LQ will interpret the number of bytes determined by

and

as graphics data, no matter what codes they are. This means that you must be sure to supply enough bytes of graphics data or the LQ will stop and wait for more data and will seem to be locked. If, on the other hand, you supply too much graphics data, the excess will be

interpreted and printed as regular text.

First graphics program

This first program is just a simple example to show you how the

graphics command, column reservation numbers, and data can be

used in a BASIC program. Type in and run the following program; be

especially careful to include both semicolons. The program produces

the printout you see below it.

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"*"CHR$(32)CHR$(40)CHR$(0);

FOR X=1 TO 120

40 LPRINT

NEXT X

CHR$(170);

6-6

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Line

selects single-density 24-pin graphics (mode 32 from Table 6-1) and also reserves 40 columns for graphics. Since 24-pin graphics requires three bytes of data for each column, line 30 begins a loop to supply 120 bytes of data. Line 40 contains the number 170 that produces the first pin pattern shown in Figure 6-2, and line 50 finishes the loop.

Using hand-calculated data to print graphics

With what you know now, you can use the simplest application of graphics-using hand-calculated data to print graphic images. While this method is the most tedious, it helps you understand dot graphics. Also, it is useful for small graphic elements that are used many times.

Figure 6-3 shows how you can use a grid to plan where you want dots to be printed. This grid is for a single line of graphics 42 columns long. Since each line of 24-pin graphics is approximately 1/8th of an inch high and since triple-density graphics prints 180 dots per inch horizontally, a design planned on this figure will be about 1/8th of an inch high and less than 1/4th of an inch wide.

Figure 6-3. Pattern on grid

The actual pattern that the LQ prints on the paper is, of course, made up of dots that overlap each other both vertically and horizontally. The reason the planning grid uses an X for each dot is that using an accurate representation of the dots makes calculating the data numbers difficult because they cover up each other. Therefore, remember that each X represents the center of a dot, and the dots actually overlap each other.

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Write the assigned values of the pins next to your design and then total the values for each column of dots. These totals are the values that will be sent to the printer as graphics data to print the design.

Figure

6-4

shows the same grid divided into three sections to make

the data calculation easier. At the the bottom of each section of each

column is the total of the pin numbers for that section. This gives you a total of 126 data numbers necessary to print this small figure.

6-8

Figure 6-4. Data layout for 24-pin graphics

Page 87

Here is the BASIC program that prints the design shown in Figures 6-3 and numbers that you see in Figure ment in line your system.

6-4.

Notice that the data numbers in lines

6-4.

Also note that the WIDTH state-

is for IBM PC BASIC; the format may be different for

80-140

are the same

10 WIDTH "LPT1:",255

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"*"CHR$(39)CHR$(42)CHR$(0);

FOR X=1 TO

READ N

LPRINT CHR$(N);

NEXT X

126

70 LPRINT 80 DATA

255,15,255,255

100 DATA

255,224,31,255,192

110 DATA

31,240,0

120 DATA

0,252,31,0,126

130

127,135

140 DATA

0,0,63,0,0,127,0,0,255,0,3,255,0,15,255,0,31,255

DATA

0,127,255,0,255,255,1,255,255,3,255,7,255,

31,255,254,31,255,252,31,255,248,31,255,240,31,

31,255,0,31,252,0,31,240,0,31,224,0,31,128,0,

31,255,192,28,255,224,28,127,240,28,15,248,30,

DATA

15,128,15,7,192,7,3,240,7,1,254,7,0,255,7,0,

0,31,199,0,7,231,0,1,247,0,0,255,0,0,127,0,0,63

In this program, line 20 assigns the graphics option (24-pin tripledensity) with code Lines

80-140

each pin column). Lines 30-60 print the design that you see below.

Notice that the dots overlap quite a bit. This design was printed using the triple-density 24-pin graphics option because the density is the same (180 dots to the inch) in both directions.

Adding the following lines to the program above will cause the pattern to print 10 times in a row as shown below.

FOR C=l TO 10: RESTORE

NEXT C

39.

Code 42 sets the number of pin columns at

contain 126 bytes of data (42 pin columns x 3 bytes for

42.

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Individual graphics options commands

As previously mentioned, the LQ responds to commands that are used by Epson FX and RX series printers. There are four individual graphics options commands that are very much the same as the ESCape option. All these commands are 8-pin graphics options. Note that these commands contain one less variable than the ESCape "*" command because they don’t need to select a graphics option. They are shown in Table

Reassigning command

option assigned to any of the four individual graphics options commands. The command looks like this:

“*” command, but each one works for only one graphics

6-2.

Table 6-2. Individual graphics options commands

The LQ has a command that allows you to change the graphics

ESCape “?”

The letter s represents the command that you wish to change the assignment for (K, L, Y, or Z) and m is the number of the graphics option (from Table change the ESCape “K” command to use the CRT I screen graphics option, the command in BASIC is:

6-1)

that you want to assign to it. For example, to

s m

LPRINT CHR$(27)"?";"K"CHR$(4)

This is a quick way to change the aspect ratio of the design that you are printing. Changing the graphics option will change the width without changing the height. You should, however, make this change with caution.

If you change one of the 8-pin graphics options to a 24-pin graphics option without changing the program that supplies the graphics data, you will print garbage (if the program prints at all). Remember, the 24-pin graphics options require three times as much graphics data as the 8-pin graphics options.

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User-Defined Characters

With the LQ, it is possible to define and print characters of your own design. You can design an entirely new alphabet or typeface, create characters for special applications such as mathematical or scientific symbols, or create graphic patterns with user-defined characters to serve as building blocks for larger designs.

Below you can see samples of typefaces created with the userdefined character function.

You can make the task of defining characters easier by using a commercial software program that assists you in creating characters or simply supplies you with sets of characters already created. Also, some popular commercial software programs take advantage of the LQ’s user-defined character function to enhance printouts. (These characters are called download characters in some programs.)

The standard characters are stored in the LQ’s Read Only Memory (ROM), and the user-defined characters are stored in the LQ’s Random Access Memory (RAM). In order to free the LQ’s RAM for use in storing user-defined characters be sure that DIP switch 1-4 is OFF. The switch is set to OFF at the factory, but if you have turned it ON to use the 7K buffer, turn it OFF before you begin this section. (See Appendix A for instructions on changing DIP switches.)

Design grids

User-defined characters are like 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 is 24 dots high-one dot for each wire on the LQ print head. The width of the character matrix is dependent upon the character set in use. For draft characters, the grid is nine dots wide. For Letter Quality it is 29 dots wide, and for

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proportional characters it is

dots wide, with the dots for both Letter Quality and proportional spaced more closely together than those for draft .

Figure

6-5 shows

the two design grids. The line at the side labelled cap indicates the top of a standard capital letter, and the line labelled base indicates the baseline for all letters except those with descenders

(the bottom parts of such letters as j and y). The bottom row is usually

left blank because it is used for underlining.

Draft pica

Letter Quality/Proportional

Figure 6-5. Design grids

The grid on the right side of Figure

6-5

can be used for either Letter Quality or proportional characters. For Letter Quality you do not use all the columns. See Table 6-3 for further information.

There is one restriction in designing characters. Dots in the same row may not print in adjacent columns. That is, there must be an empty dot position to the left and to the right of each dot that prints.

This is true in draft, Letter Quality, and proportional.

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Defining Your Own Characters

The first step in defining characters is to place the dots on a grid just as you want them to print. The examples here, like the ones in the graphics section, use an X to represent each dot. In Figure 6-6 you see a

draft grid with a simple user-defined character planned on it.

Figure 6-6. User-defined character

Now you translate the dot pattern you’ve created on paper to a numeric format so you can send the information to the LQ. Every dot has an assigned value. Each vertical column (which has a maximum of

dots) is first divided into three groups of eight dots. Each group of eight dots is represented by one byte, which consists of eight bits. Hence, one bit represents each dot.

Data numbers

The bits within each byte have values of 1, 2,

16, 32, 64,

and

128. In the vertical column of dots, the bits are arranged so that the most significant bit (which has a value of 128) is at the top and the least significant bit (which has a value of

is at the bottom.

Figure 6-7 shows how to use this method to calculate the data numbers for the example character. On the left side of the figure the data numbers are calculated for the middle column. The value of each byte is calculated by adding the values of the rows where dots appear. The right side of the figure shows the whole character with the three data numbers for each column indicated at the bottom.

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This manual uses decimal numbers because the example programs in this manual are written in BASIC and everyone is familiar with decimals. The data you send to the LQ, however, can be in any form (binary, decimal, hexadecimal) that you can use with your programming language.

Figure 6-7. Calculating the data

You’ve seen how to design a character by placing dots on a grid and

translated the dots to decimal equivalents. The last step in defining a

character is to send this information to the printer.

Sending information to the LQ

The printer loads characters in the print style (Letter Quality, draft, or proportional) that the printer is currently using. It also records whether italic or script (either superscript or subscript) is turned on. This means that if you want to print a character in the italic mode, for example, you must have the italic mode turned on when you define the character.

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The LQ command to define characters is one of the most complex in

its repertoire. The format of the command is this:

ESCape “&” 0 nl n2 d0 dl d2 data

The ESCape “&" is simple enough. The 0 (which is ASCII code 0, not the numeral zero in quotation marks) allows for future enhancements. At this time it is always ASCII 0.

With the LQ, you can define many characters with a single command. The values n1 and n2 are the ASCII codes of the first and last characters you are defining. If you are defining only one character,

and n2 are the same. You can use any codes between 32 and 127 decimal for

and

n2,

but it is best not to define decimal 32, which is the code for a space. Also, you can use letters in quotation marks instead of ASCII numbers for

and

n2.

An example will show how to specify

you wanted to redefine the characters A through Z,

(or ASCII code 65) and

would be “Z” (or ASCII code 90). So the

and

n2.

If, for instance,

would be “A”

command ESCape "&" 0 “AZ” (followed by the appropriate data) would replace the entire alphabet of capital letters.

Following the specification of the range of characters to be defined

in this command are three data bytes

(d0-d2)

that specify the width of the character and the space around it. The left space (in dot columns) is specified by byte

(d1)

d0,

and the right space is specified by

d2.

The second

specifies the number of columns of dots that are printed to

make up the character. By varying the width of the character itself and

the spaces around it, you can create proportional-width characters that print at draft speed. Table 6-3 shows the maximum values for

these bytes.

Table 6-3. Character width limits

The last part of the character definition is the actual data that

defines the

dot

patterns for each character. Since it takes three bytes

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to specify the dots in one vertical column of dots, the LQ expects

x 3 bytes of data to follow An example character definition program should make this clear:

d2.

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"x0"

20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"&"CHR$(0);

LPRINT "@@";

LPRINT CHR$(1)CHR$(9)CHR$(l);

50 FOR I=1 TO 27

60 READ A: LPRINT CHR$(A);

NEXT I 80 LPRINT "@@@@@" 90 LPRINT CHR$(27)"%"CHR$(l);

100 LPRINT "@@@@@" 110 LPRINT CHR$(27)"%"CHR$(0); 120 LPRINT "@@@@@"

130

END

140 DATA 1,0,0,2,0,0,4,0,0

150 DATA 8,0,0,23,255,240,8,0,0 160 DATA 4,0,0,2,0,0,1,0,0

In line

The actual character definition starts in line 20. The two at signs (@) in line 30 represent nl and n2, the range of characters being defined (in this case, a range of one). Line 40 contains

The information about the actual 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

10,

the ESCape “x” command selects draft style printing.

d0, dl,

and

d2.

and

70.

Note

When defining Letter Quality or proportional characters, put a WIDTH statement in your program to prevent carriage return and line feed codes from interfering with your definitions .

Printing User-Defined Characters

If you entered the example program above, you defined an arrow and placed it in the RAM location for ASCII code sign). You can now print out a three line sample of your work. The

(replacing the at

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first and third lines (printed by lines the normal at sign; the second line (line defined. 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

ESCape “%” n

If n is equal to 0, the normal ROM character set is selected (this is the default). If n is equal to If you select the user-defined character set before you have defined any characters, the command is ignored; the ROM characters will still be in use.

You may switch between character sets at any time-even in the middle of a line. To try it, place semicolons at the end of lines

100

in the program above.

and

120

of the program) print

100)

prints the arrow that you

@@@@@

and

110. It

the user-defined character set is selected.

is:

and

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 arrow. Since no other characters are in the user-defined RAM area, nothing else prints. Other characters sent to the printer don’t even print as spaces; it’s as if they were not sent at all.

In many cases, you will want to redefine only a few of the characters to suit your needs; the rest of the alphabet will work fine as it is. As you have seen, it is possible to switch back and forth at will between the normal character set and the user-defined character set. It is, however, rather inconvenient.

Therefore, the LQ has a command which allows you to copy all of the standard characters from ROM to the user-defined character set. The command format is:

ESCape

“:“ 0 0 0

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Note

This command will cancel any user-defined characters you have created. You must send this command to the printer before you define characters.

If you use this command at the beginning of a program, then define your special characters and select the user-defined character set, you can print with the user-defined set as your normal character set. You’ll never need to switch back and forth between sets.

Letter Quality characters

If you select Letter Quality printing with the ESCape “xl” command, you can design user-defined characters using up to 29 columns of the Letter Quality/Proportional grid. The dot columns are spaced closer together horizontally than draft style dot columns (the horizon-

tal dot spacing is 1/360th of an inch as opposed to 1/120th of an inch

for draft characters).

Proportional mode characters

Selecting the proportional character mode will yield user-defined

characters of the highest resolution. Characters can be designed using

all 37 columns of the Letter Quality/Proportional grid.

Remember that in Letter Quality and proportional, as in draft, you cannot place dots in adjacent columns. There must be an empty dot position to the left and right of each dot that prints.

Superscripts and subscripts

You can also create superscript and subscript user-defined characters. Just as Letter Quality characters are defined when the Letter Quality mode is selected, super/subscript characters are created when either superscript or subscript is selected.

These super/subscript characters can be used either as superscripts or as subscripts. The characters are exactly the same; it is only their placement that differs. The difference between super/subscript

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characters and regular characters is that they are smaller. They are a maximum of Table

6-4.

dots high and their width in dot columns is shown in

Table 6-4. Super/subscript widths

Draft Letter Quality Proportional

(maximum)

7 23 23

d0 + dl + d2

(maximum)

12 36 42

Since super/subscript characters are smaller, they don’t require as much information when you define them. When you define super/ subscript characters, you need only two bytes of data for each vertical row of dots. Design grids for these characters are shown in Figure

Letter Quality

Draft pica

and Proportional

6-8.

Figure 6-8. Grids for super/subscript characters

Mixing print styles

Each of the three user-defined character modes (draft, Letter Quality, and proportional) can be used in combination with most of the LQ’s various print styles. For instance, emphasized works with userdefined characters. The characters you design are enhanced to give this printing effect.

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Mixing the three types of user-defined characters is not permitted. If, for example, you select draft and define some characters, then select proportional and define some more, the first character definitions will be destroyed. Only one type of character definition may be stored in RAM at any time.

If you define characters in one mode, then switch to another mode and select the user-defined character set, the command will be ignored and nothing will print. The user-defined character definitions, however, remain unaffected. If you switch back to the mode in which they were defined, you can then select and print them.

Keep in mind that user-defined characters are stored in RAM, which is not permanent. Whenever the printer power is turned off, or the printer is initialized with the ESCape “@" command, all of the user-defined characters are lost. Also, your computer sometimes sends an initialization (INIT) signal, which wipes out all user-defined characters. (Some computers do this each time BASIC is loaded.)

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Appendix A

The DIP Switches

Your LQ is equipped with sixteen DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches that allow you to change many of the printer’s settings to suit your printing needs.

The DIP switches are located on two panels on the back of the

printer as shown in Figure A-1, and can be easily changed with a thin, pointed object.

Figure? A-1. The DIP switch panels

A-1

Page 100

If you are using the serial interface on the LQ, then you need to check switches 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, and 2-6 to make sure the settings match those on your computer.

Remember

Each time you change a DIP switch setting, you should turn the power OFF reset the switch or switches, then turn the

power ON again. The LQ only recognizes a new setting at the

time the power is turned ON.

The following tables describe the switches and their functions. The shaded gray boxes indicate the factory settings.

A-2

Epson LQ-800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Unpacking Your Printer

Installing the paper feed knob

Selecting the Right Location

Installing the Ribbon

Loading Single-Sheet Paper

Installing the single-sheet guide

Loading the paper

Adjusting the paper thickness lever

Turning On the Power

Operating the Control Panel

FORM FEED/LETTER QUALITY

LINE FEED/DRAFT

Selecting the Letter Quality or Draft Mode

Running the Self Test

Connecting Your Printer to Your Computer

The parallel interface

The serial interface

Printing Your First Document

Installing the Cut Sheet Feeder

Preparing the Paper for Loading

Loading Paper

Printing with the Cut Sheet Feeder

Removing the Cut Sheet Feeder

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Setting Up the LQ for Continuous-feed Paper

Installing the Tractor Unit

Loading Paper

Installing the paper separator and tractor cover

Removing the Optional Tractor Unit

ESCape and ASCII

Demonstration Programs

Sending Control Codes to the Printer

Basic Widths

Pica printing

Elite printing

Fifteen mode printing

Letter Quality and Draft

Cancelling Modes

Resetting the Printer

Print Quality Command

Other Widths

Double-width printing

Condensed printing

Print Enhancements

Emphasized mode

Double-strike

Underline mode

Proportional mode

Master Select

Superscript and subscript

International characters

Page Formatting

Margins

Skip-over-perforation

Line spacing

Half-speed Mode

Printing to the End of the Page

Graphics

The print head

Dot patterns

Eight-pin graphics

Twenty-four-pin graphics

Pin labels

Graphics Command

Column reservation numbers

First graphics program

Using hand-calculated data to print graphics

Individual graphics options commands

Reassigning command

User-Defined Characters

Design grids

Defining Your Own Characters

Data numbers

Sending information to the LQ