Gemini Industries Printer User Manual

Your Gemini

User’s Manual

Not Intended

for Sale

Gemini-10X, Gemini-15X: Star Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Trademark Acknowledgement

grafstar, Universal/Atari Parallel Interface, Universal/Commodore Parallel Interface: Star Micronics, Inc. Apple, Apple II, Apple II + , Apple Ile, Apple Ill, Applesoft: Apple Computer Inc. Atari 400, Atari 800, Atari 850: Atari Inc., a Warner Communications Company Commodore, VIC-20, C-64: Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

CPIM: Digital Research

IBM Personal Computer, IBM PC: International Business Machines Corporation Microsoft BASIC: Microsoft Corporation Osborne 1: Osborne Computer Corporation

TRS80: Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation

0 1994, Star Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Congratulations on having purchased a serial, impact dot matrix printer that offers you more quality, greater flexibility and convenience, and superior reliability than you could find in any other printer in the same price range.

As you already know (or are about to learn), the Gemini-lox and Gemini-15X let you print both regular and italicized alphabets, as well as normal, elite (smaller), condensed, enlarged, emphasized, and double-strike characters. You can print on regular stationery, multiple-sheet forms, fanfold computer paper, or paper fed from a roll (European style).

The graphics capability provided by the Gemini printers is limited only by your graphic talents, and includes three bit-image modes: Low Resolution (60 by 72 dots per square inch), High Resolution (120 by 144) and Ultra High Resolution (240 by 144). With all this printing power at your fingertips, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

This User’s Manual is organized to serve both the first-time user and the sophisticated computer buff. The first five chapters provide the basics you need for putting your printer to work in most home and office applications.

Chapters 6 through 10 deliver information for intermediate and advanced users, supported by technically rich appendices. If you are a beginner, you might want to look at Chapters 6-10 sometime in the future, when your curiosity about how the printer does what it does has replaced your initial interest in what it can do.

Take a moment to examine the Table of Contents on the following page. It shows you how this manual is organized to best serve your information needs. You should note, if you are just now unpacking your new printer from its shipment packaging, that Appendix G shows you what you have and how it all fits together. This manual’s first several appendices are computerspecific, and help you connect your new Gemini with your computer. At the back of this manual, there is a glossary that gives simple definitions of common terms. Following the glossary is an index to help you quickly find answers to your questions.

A Quick-Reference Guide is printed on the inside folding flap of the back cover. By reading this manual carefully, and practicing with your Gemini, you should soon be able to achieve full printer performance just by referring to this Quick-Reference Guide.

Congratulations on your purchase of a Gemini. May it work for you long and well.

iii

This User’s Manual serves the operators

of the Gemini-lox and Gemini-15X printers.

The Gemini-lox accommodates paper up to 10 inches wide.

The Gemini-15X can handle paper up to 15.5 inches wide, and can print more characters per line.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6. Chapter 7. Chapter 8. Chapter 9. Chapter 10. Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. Appendix E. Appendix F. Appendix G. Appendix H. Appendix I. Appendix J. Appendix K. Appendix L. Appendix M. Appendix N. Appendix 0. Glossary index Consumer Response Reference Guide

Introduction Paper and Ribbon

The Gemini Self-Test

Interfacing Gemini with Your Computer

Putting Gemini to Work for You The Fundamentals of Dot Matrix Printing The Full Range of Printing Capabilities

Downloadable Characters The Function Codes

Maintenance Apple II Plus Atari 8001400

Commodore VIC-20, C-64

IBM-Personal Computer

Osborne TRS80 When You First Get Your Gemini ASCII Code Charts ASCII Code Tables

International Character Sets Character Style Tables Control Circuit Block Diagram

Function Code Summary Gemini’s Parallel Interface Code Chart

1 13 39 47 57 81 99

115 123 143 151 165 179 192

194 206 217 226 230 231 232 241 242 246

254 258 261

INTRODUCTION

Allow us to introduce you to your Gemini printer: “Gemini, this is your new user:’ “User, this is the remarkable new Gemini - a versatile and dependable printer that lets you do tricks with the

a.“.

Ir.

A TOUR AROUND GEMINI

dot matrix and bit image capabilities?

In this chapter, we’ll answer the question: What are the parts of the printer and how do they work together? We’ll define the operating environment for Gemini, and we’ll discuss its technical specifications. If you are just now unpacking your newly acquired Gemini, refer to Appendix G to learn how the pieces fit together, then return to this chapter to discover how to put your printer to work for you.

; e.

Let’s begin with a tour around the outside of the Gemini. On the top, right, front part of your machine, you’ll see the controlpanel (as shown in Figure l-l). These three buttons and the four status lamps are your day-to-day operational controls. These are fully explained later in this chapter, but for now we’ll move on because

this is an express tour.

On the right side of your printer is a large knob and, toward the back, you’ll find the “on/off” power switch. The knob is attached to the platen (pronounced platen), which is the padded roller around which the paper is fed to the printing mechanism.

Hence, the handle is called the platen knob, and allows you to manually turn the platen (with the power “off”), just like on a typewriter.

The power switch, located on the lower right side, is the

“on/off” switch that controls the flow of electricitv to your

machine. The Gemini printers use A.C. power source found

in wall outlets of homes and offices. As a safety precaution, you should make sure that your printer is turned “off” before plugging the three-pronged safety plug into the electrical outlet.

Turning the corner and examining the back of your machine

(as shown in Figure l-2), you’ll see the power cord, grounding

connector, interface ports, and DIP switches.

The DIPswitches (a popular acronym for the electronic term, “dual in-line package”) control important printer functions. Some companies call these “microswitches” because their engineers made them so small you almost need a microscope to find and

Gemini User’s Manual

set them. Other products call them “internal switches” because you must take their printers apart to get to them. The Gemini DIP switches are easy to set, which is explained in Chapter 4.

Next to the DIP switches is the connector for the parallel

interface. This is where you connect your Gemini to your personal

computer, so they are “interfacing:’ and able to communicate with each other. (Appendices A through F provide information on hooking-up your Gemini with six widely used types of microcomputers.) This connector is for a “parallel” interface, a type of interfacing that is accomplished by having the printer “parallel-wired” like a string of double-wired Christmas lights, where each lightbulb burns independently. Data from your computer is sent down the cable wires to your Gemini side-by-side, or “parallel?

Between the parallel interface and the power cord is the “port hole” (a punch-out plastic tab) for the serialinterface. This optional interface allows you to connect Gemini with a computer requiring serial communications.

figure 1-1. The operational controls are on the right side of the Gemini printers.

Introduction

Grbund terminal

DIP switches

Connector for parallel Interface

“Port hole” for serial Interface (optlonal)

-3%

Figure 1-2. back of the Gemini printers.

A SNEAK PREVIEW INSIDE GEMINI

The connectors and DIP switches are located on the

By referring to Figure 1-3 we can examine more closely the parts

that make your Gemini printer work.

If you are just getting started, you should refer to Appendix G for instructions on unpacking and assembly, then to Chapter 2 for information on loading the ribbon and setting the print head’s gap. After you’ve cleared those hurdles (which you’ll do soon enough), this is what your printer will look like.

Inside the front of the machine are two ribbon spoo/s. Gemini

uses standard typewriter ribbons, saving you money you might have had to spend for special-purpose ribbon cartridges. When the ribbon has run completely from one spool onto the other, the Gemini automatically reverses the ribbon direction. When the ribbon starts wearing (and the print copy lightens), simply take the ribbon off, turn it upside down, and print on the other edge.

The cylindrical print head (observable behind and above the

ribbon spools) is the ingenious device that can print 120 characters per second (CPS) onto a variety of papers. What’s more, the print head is engineered to work consistently for an average of 100 million characters without fail (expressed as 10 x 10’ Mean

Gemini User’s Manual

Paper separator

Paper gulde

Figure 1-3. For more information about how the paper guide, separator, and holder should be attached to the printer, please refer to Appendix G at the back of this manual.

Curve Between Failures). If you ever need to replace the print head, you can detach it yourself for replacement.

The Gemini prints by means of pins that are thrust from the “working” side of the print head. These pins impact against the paper, which is backed by the platen. As already mentioned, the platen is like the roller on a typewriter. The individual characters

(letters, numerals, and symbols) that are printed result from the action of the dot-producing pins. These wiry little pins “fire” dots

Introduction

onto the paper, with the dots arranged according to preset matrix

patterns (imaginary grids). Because the characters are printed in a series (one after the other), Gemini is called a serial, impact dot

matrix printer.

propelling fanfold computer paper. The tractor unit is used with computer paper having perforated and punched paper guides on the sides.

0 POWER 0 READY DON LINE

0 PAPER

OUT

Above and behind the platen is a device for bearing and

The “power” lamp glows green when the power is “on:’ The “ready” lamp gives you the green light for “go” when the

printer is ready to accept data. During transmission, the lamp flickers.

The “on line” lamp is green, and glows when data transmission

is possible.

The red lamp of “paper out” means just that: your printer is out of paper and has stopped printing.

The “On Line” button lets you alter the printer status between be-

ing “local” (which means independent and on its own) and being “on line” (which means able to receive data transmitted from a

computer). When you turn the printer’s power “on:’ you’re

automatically “on line!’

F.F.

figure 14.

F.F. stands for “Form Feed:’ When you’re in the “local” mode, you can tap this button and advance the paper that is being “fed” into the printer to the first line of the next page, or to the start of the next form.

L.F. means “Line Feed” and allows you to advance the paper one line at a time. It’s like rolling a page through a typewriter, advancing you to the next line. If you hold this button down, you’ll get consecutive line feeds, one right after the other.

-1

The control panel (atop the right front of your prin tetj tells you the status of your controls, lets you switch between “on line” and “‘local,” as well as feed more paper through your machine. Take Gemini “off line”(so the “On line” lamp goes off) to operate the form feed and the line feed.

Gem/d User’s Manual

TME CONTROL PANEL

Let’s turn our attention to the buttons and status lamps on the

control panel. Figure l-4 shows what the buttons and lamps can do for you.

The two buttons in front are used to advance paper through the printer, to the next line on which you want to print. L-Fadvances the paper one line at a time, and F.F. moves the entire form (or page) forward.

The Online button allows you to switch between being “online” (meaning hooked-up and in a data transfer mode) with your computer, and being “local:’ Local means that the printer is incommunicado - not in a communicating mode with your computer.

A PRIMER OF YOUR PRINTER’S BASIC COMPONENTS

This section is provided for those of you who are new to computer printer technology, and for now only want to know the most basic

information about how the Gemini works.

Figure l-5 shows what is called an “exploded” view of

Gemini-lox’s major components, and Figure 1-6 is an elementary

logic block diagram for both models. But, because the Gemini printers are so well designed, it isn’t necessary to know detailed information about how it works - just that it does.

Expressed simply, when you turn the power switch “on:’ the

alternating current is converted into direct current for the power

unit. The direct current powers the motors and the print head, as

well as providing power to the control board. The control board does just that: controls the printer by means of a maze of transistors, resistors, diodes, capacitors, and integratedcircuits

(IC, for short).

The control board contains the ROMs and RAMS, as

explained in the Glossary at the back of this manual. For now, it

is enough to know that the control board is the “brains” of the

machine. In fact, your new printer is smart enough to realize when

it has finished printing a short line, and instead of the print head

making an unnecessary trip along the rest of the blank line, Gemini moves the paper up automatically, so no time is wasted before the

next characters are printed. This is why Gemini is said to be logic-

seeking.

- -

Introduction

Connector for oarallel interface

board

Optional serial interface

(punch-out tab)

unit

Lower casing

- .

Power switch

Figure l-5. The main components of the Gemini printer are the power unit, the control board unit, and the printer mechanism (which features a

detachable tractor).

The control board also contains the buffer that allows your computer to send a batch of information to be printed, which Gemini then stores until it can get to it. Although Gemini is a fast

Gemini User’s Manual

printer, computers communicate data even faster. The buffer can accommodate 816 characters of memory, with an optional buffer that can be expanded to 4K or 8K. Qu’est-ce que “K”?

Computer memory is measured in terms of K, meaning ki/o&fes. A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes, and a byfe equals one letter of the alphabet (or a symbol, or a number).

The print-out is accomplished by theprintermechanism, also shown in Figure l-5 and represented in Figure 1-6. The printer

mechanism can produce a variety of typographical styles and sizes (including superscripts and adjustable tabs, and block graphics. Plus, the Gemini is outstanding for the full range of papers upon which it can print.

subscripts), variable line spacing,

I -

Figure 143. This block diagram presents, in simple terms, the relationship among the transformer, power supply, printer mechanism, and circuit control.

For more information on the control circuit, please refer to Appendix L.

_--------

CONTROL LOGIC

BOARD UNIT

1 I

A.C. Power

I I

introduction

GEMINI’S OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

When you install your Gemini printer, you should use common

sense and good judgment about where you place it. The following are worthy of consideration in evaluating a potential operating environment:

Position Gemini horizontally on a level surface.

Pick a place that does not have

extremes in temperature

(very hot or very cold) strong vibrations dusty atmosphere oil present metal particles nearby.

Avoid placing Gemini where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, or close to a heater or heatgenerating applicances.

Provide a separate power supply, away from

noise-generating motors. The power supply must not be more than 10%

more or less than 120 volts A.C., 220 volts A.C., or 240 volts A.C. (as specified on the product identification plate). Note: Extremely high or low voltage will cause printer printer problems.

The Gemini printers are valuable information-handling tools. These tips will help you pick a good setting for the Gemini. Chapter

10 provides maintenance suggestions for keeping your printer in

good working order.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following table provides a summary of the technical specs for the Gemini-lox and the Gemini-15X. If you understand all of it,

great! If you don’t, that’s okay, too. Either way, by the time you finish reading this manual, you should know more than enough to use your printer to its full potential.

Note: The technical specifications of the Gemini printers are subject to change without notice.

Gemini User’s Manual

Printer: Print head: Print speed:

Print buffer: Character matrix:

Character sets:

Character fonts:

Special features:

Serial impact dot matrix 9 wire (user replaceable) 120 CPS (at 10 CPI) bidirectional logic seeking. Graphics mode: unidirectional 816 bytes (expandable up to 4K or 8K)

9 x 9 standard with true descenders

18 x 9 emphasized

18 x 18 double strike 6 x 6 block graphics 60 x 72 low-resolution bit-image graphics

120 x 144 high-resolution bit-image graphics 240 x 144 ultra-high-resolution bit-image graphics

96 standard ASCII characters 96 italic characters 64 special characters 32 block graphic characters 96 Downloadable characters (programmable) 88 International characters (selectable)

Normal (10 CPI)

Elite (12 CPI)

Condensed (17 CPI)

Emphasized

Double strike

Enlarged (5, 6, 8.5 CPI)

Super/subscripts

Italic

Self-Test

Continuous underline

Backspace

Vertical, horizontal programmable tabs

Left and right margin set

7 or 8-bit selectable interface

Bit image column scan

Perforation skip

Downloadable characters (programmable)

Macro instruction

‘rl -

introduction

Mean curve between failure (MCBF):

Print head MCBF: Columns (maximum):

Line spacing:

Paper slew:

Paper handling:

Interface:

5 x lo8 lines (excluding print head)

10 x 10’ characters

GEMINI-10X GEMINI-15X Normal 80 136 Elite Condensed 136 Enlarged 40, 48,68 68,82,116

l/6, l/8, 7/72 plus programmable by n/72 or n/144 inches

10 lines/second (at l/s-inch spacing)

Fanfolded

Roll paper

Single

*Note: fanfold = 1 original & 2 carbonless copies

Standard parallel (Centronics compatible) Serial RS-232C (optional)

GEMINI-10X width = 3-10 inches copies 3 sheets’ thickness =

0.07-0.1 mm (1 part)

0.28 (3 parts)

width = 8.5 inches thick = 0.07-0.1 mm diameter of roll =

5 inches maximum width = 8-10 inches thick = 0.07-0.1 mm

163 233

GEMINI-15X width = copies 3 sheets” thickness =

width = thick = 0.07-0.1 mm

diameter of roll =

width =

thick = 0.07-0.1 mm

5-15.5 inches

0.07-0.1 mm (1 part)

0.28 (3 parts)

8.5 inches

5 inches maximum

8-15 inches

I/F protocol:

Ribbon:

Dimensions:

Weight:

Power:

Parallel by BUSY, ACK

Serial by BUSY, XONIXOFF’, ACK’

‘When used in conjunction with the STAR Gemini 10X/15X

buffered interface.

Standard Underwood spool-type, 13 x 50 mm

GEMINI-10X

Width

Depth

Height

pounds kilograms 7

120 VAC f lo%, 60 Hz., approx. 1A

220 VAC f lo%, 50/66 Hz., approx. 1oOW 240 VAC f lo%, 5J/60 Hx., approx. 1OOVV

15.2 inches 392 mm

12.4 inches

315 mm

5.8 inches 148 mm

GEMINI-10X GEMINI-15X

15.4

GEMINI-15X

21.3 inches 542 mm

12.4 inches 315 mm

5.8 inches 148 mm

22 10

PAPER AND RIBBON

With Chapter 1 now “imprinted” in your memory, you’re almost

ready to apply all these new discoveries about the Gemini printer. In this chapter, we’ll learn how to load paper into the printer, install the ribbon, and set the print head gap. Chapter 3 will give you a chance to print something; to see the results of what you’ve

learned so far. But first, let’s explore the options for loading

different types of paper.

If you’ve borrowed a Gemini printer (until getting your own),

you should refer to Appendix G to learn how to attach the various

paper-feed accessories. Appendix G tells you what the new owner gets when first opening the box and how all the pieces fit together.

This chapter assumes you know “how” the pieces fit together, and

you only need to learn “why:’

LOADING THE PAPER: INDIVIDUAL SHEETS

The Gemini printers are designed to accommodate individual sheets -

memorandum, multilayer carbonless business forms, an envelope,

or almost any other single sheet.

The Gemini printers can handle individual sheets of paper

according to the following parameters.

whether it’s standard-size stationery, an off-size

Prlnter

Gemini-lox Gemlnb15X

SlngbShret Size Speclflcatlons

Paper Wldth

Minimum Maximum

8 inches 8 Inches

10 inches 15 Inches

Paper Thickness

Mlmimum Maximum

0.07 mm

0.10 mm

Removing the Tractor Unit

The tractor unit is only used with fanfolded computer paper. (That’s the paper that comes in perforated sheets, folded into stacks, with rows of holes along the right and left edges.) To

print onto single sheets, you need to remove the tractor unit.

To remove the tractor unit, follow these simple steps:

Turn off the printer. (This isn’t really a

“requirement:’ but is a good safety precaution, at least until you become more experienced with your Gemini.)

Gemini User’s Manual

Identify the two “snap levers” by comparing your printer with the Gemini-lox shown in Figure 2-1.

Pull both “snap levers” forward (one on the right and one on the left of the tractor unit), and at the same time. . .

. . .

Rock the tractor unit up and back, about a half-inch. The tractor unit rests on two “stoppers” just above the right and left ends of the platen. This step in removing the tractor is done by simply rocking the unit backward after you’ve released the snap levers that hold it in place.

Now lift the tractor unit toward you, up and forward from the printer.

Superman may be able to stop a speeding locomotive, but you just lifted a tractor! With the tractor removed, your Gemini should look like the printer shown in Figure 2-2. (Of course, if you have a Gemini-15X your printer will be wider, but you still get the idea.)

Paper and Ribbon

FigureZ-1.

The Gemini tractor unit is easy to remove for using single

sheets or roll paper.

Tractor frame -

Release lever

Figure 2-2.

Tractor frames support the unit on the left and the right. Be

sure to adjust the release lever when removing or mounting the tractor unit.

Gem/n/ User’s Manual

Note:After removing the tractor unit you’ll need to set the “release lever” when you are ready to print single sheets. The release lever is located on the left side of the printer (see Figure 2-2). This is somewhat like shifting an off-road vehicle from two-wheel to fourwheel drive. On the Gemini printers, you need to “shift” the release lever forward so it aligns with the ‘7” for “tractor” when the tractor unit is in use. But with the tractor unit removed, you need to shift the release lever backward so it aligns with the ‘IF!’ (The “F” stands for “Friction feed:’ which is the “drive” setting for single-sheet and roll-fed paper.)

Inserting Single-Sheet Paper

Turn the power “off:’

Make sure the release lever (on the left

side of the printer) is set in the “T”

position (which is the “open” mode for inserting the paper; you’ll “close” it to

the “F” mode in a moment).

Lift up the paper press, as shown in

Figure 2-3. (This step is the same as if you were inserting a sheet of paper into a typewriter.)

Insert the sheet of paper from the back side of the platen, between the paper chute and the platen cover. Push the

paper through to the upper front side of the platen.

Adjust the paper horizontally (right and

left) so the sheet is where you want it.

Be sure the area you’re going to print on the sheet is within the margins you’re going to set for the printout.

Make sure the paper is in straight.

.‘:

: “.

Paper and Ribbon

.Position the sheet of paper where you

want the first line of text to start printing. (It may take you a little practice

to get the placement consistently right,

but you’ll master it quickly.)

Push the release lever back to the “closed” position, indicated by “F1’

Return the paper press to the original position, flush against the paper.

10.

Replace the cover and turn the power “on?

Note: Never touch the printing head during printing. Aside from the mechanical injury threat associated with touching a fastmoving device, there is the danger of burning your fingers. As

the caution label on the print head states:

Caution: Hot Surface, Avoid Contact

Release lever

Paper

I -KC$Bk

Single sheet paper

, Paper chute

Figure 2-3.

Inserting a single sheet of paper into the Gemini-15X (shown here) and the Gemini-lOXis just as easy as rolling a sheet ofpaper into a standard typewriter.

LOADING ROLL PAPER

The Gemini printers also allow you to print from rolls of paper. The specifications are the same for both the Gemini-lox and the Gemini-15X.

,.:

2: .:

. . . . .’

. .

: : . .

..)

‘:jY y

:..

> ” ‘. ‘.

.: ,, :

::: .,

Roll paper width:

Roll paper thickness: 0.07-0.10 mm

Diameter of roll: 5 Inches (maximum)

Roll paper, like single sheets, is fed into the printer by what is

called “friction feed? Thus, the use of roll paper requires

removal of the tractor unit.

Gemini User’s Manuai

8.5 inches

Paper separator

Figure 2-4.

Both Gemini printers use similar paper guides and

separators and iden tical roll-paper assemblies.

Paper and Ribbon

Roll paper utilizes the metal racks, which come as accessories with every Gemini printer. As shown in Figure 2-4, these accessories include the paper guide, paper separator,

roll-paper holder, and holder shaft. For information on how to attach these accessories, please refer to Appendix G.

The steps for inserting roll paper are fairly simple and

straightforward:

1. Turn the power “off:’

Remove the tractor unit, if you haven’t already done so.

Following the procedures described in Appendix G,

attach the paper

separator, guide, and holder.

Pull the release lever (located on the left side of the top-front part of the printer) into the “open” position. As with singlesheet paper, the “open” position is indicated by the letter “TV

Lift the paper press.

6. Pull the paper separator upright, as depicted in Figure 2-4 (for the Gemini-lox). The paper guide should remain horizontal.

Load the paper roll, as shown in Figure 2-4, so that when viewed from the printer’s right side, the paper will unroll in a clockwise direction.

8. As shown in Figure 2-5 (for the Gemini-15X), unroll some paper and pass it above the paper guide and underneath the up-ended paper separator.

paper separator

Gemini User’s Manual

guide

Figure 2-5.

inserting roll paper in the Gemini printer is similar to inserting sing/e sheets, with accessories to accommodate the fact that the “sing/e-sheet” in this case is quite long.

Insert the roll paper into the paper chute, then push the paper through so

it goes around the platen.

When the paper has been pushed

10. through so it’s above the paper press,

push the press back so it’s in its operational position (that is, flush against the paper).

Adjust the paper, if necessary, so it will

11. feed through straight; then push the

release lever back to the “locked” or “closed” position, marked with the letter “FI’

12.

Lower the paper separator, as shown in Figure 2-6.

Paper and Ribbon

13. Rotate the platen knob and check to see if the roll paper is feeding smoothly. If some adjustment is needed, pull the

release lever forward to the “open” mode again, and adjust the placement

of the paper before “closing” the release lever.

14.

Set the print-start position to where you want to begin printing on the roll.

15.

Turn the power switch to the “on”

position.

Figure 2-6.

After the roll paper has been inserted and the various mechanisms set in their proper places (steps 70- 12), you can turn the platen knob to adjust the roll paper vertically.

Note: If you encounter any problem finding suitable roll-paper

supplies, contact your Gemini dealer.

LOADING SPROCKET-FED PAPER

Sprocket paper is also known as “computer paper:’ fanfold paper, and “perf” paper (for “perforated”). Even if you call it “That funnylooking paper with rows of holes on the sides:’ your Gemini can still print on it.

Sprocket Paper Speclflcations

Parameter

Gemini-lox Gemini-15X

Gemini User’s Manual

copy:

minimum maxlmum

Paper width:

minimum maximum

Paper thickness:

Single sheets

minimum maximum

3-part forms*

*Gemini can print 3-part “carbonless” forms, which consist

of one “original” sheet and two “copies.”

Mounting the Tractor Unit

Figures 2-1 and 2-2 showed you how to remove the tractor unit from

your Gemini. The tractor unit drives (“feeds”) the sprocket paper through the printer. When you want to print onto this type of paper, you must first attach the tractor unit. Figure 2-7 shows you the

correct alignment for gliding the unit into position and snapping

it into place.

The tractor units for the Gemini-lox and Gemini-15X are quite

similar, but the paper-loading procedures are markedly different. So the following sections instruct you on loading sprocket-fed

paper into each type of printer. But first, let’s look at the tractor

unit and its main parts.

1 sheet

3-part form’

3 inches

10 inches

0.07 mm

0.10 mm

0.28 mm

1 sheet

3-part form’

5 inches

15.5 inches

0.07 mm

O.lOmm

0.28 mm

Paper and Ribbon

Left sprocket mechanlrm

Right sprocket mechanism

j L

Figure 2-7.

Mounting the tractor unit is a “glide and snap.” Glide the unit

down until the A’s align, then snap the unit down so the B’s lock into place.

Facing your Gemini, as depicted in Figure 2-7, you see the tractor’s driving gear-wheel that is on the right (protected by a “fender:’ complete with a “fender skirt”). To the left of this part is the right sprocket. On the other side of the spacer(s) is the left sprocket unit. These mechanisms drive the paper through the printer. Each has a hood, secured with a spring. Try lifting the hood, if you want.

Toward the back of the top of each sprocket mechanism is a clamp lever. If you snap the lever forward, you can freely move the sprocket mechanisms back and forth to handle different widths of paper. When you have the mechanisms where you want them, snap the clamp lever backward, and it acts like a parking brake.

Gemini-lox Loading Sprocket Paper

The Gemini-lox should be loaded with sprocket-fed paper

according to the following steps.

Turn the power switch “off?

Gem/n/ User’s Manual

10.

Install the tractor unit.

Install the paper separator and paper guide, as described in Appendix G.

Pull the release lever, located on the left side of the printer, toward the “open” position (marked ‘IT”).

Lift up the paper press.

Pull the paper separator upright, as shown in Figure 2-8.

Place the stack of fanfolded computer paper behind the printer.

Pick up the top sheet of paper and feed it

between the paper chute and the platen cover, from the back side of the platen.

Push the paper down and forward, so it wraps around the platen.

Return the paper separator to its original

position,

11.

Open the tractor covers atop the right- and

left-sprocket mechanisms, as shown in Figure 2-9.

Pull the paper up, past the sprocket

12. mechanisms.

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Gemini Industries Printer User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual