FormsPro 4300
FormsPro 4500
FormsPro 4503
Serial Matrix Printers
Copyright 1994
by
Printek, Inc.
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
616-925-3200
Printek Part Number 2999
ii
IBM and Proprinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation, DEC is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Epson
is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson, Printek and FormsPro are registered
trademarks of Printek, Inc.
iii
Specifications subject to change without notice.
iv
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments iii
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-1
How to Use This Manual 1-1
Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features 1-2
Selecting Emulations 1-3
Changing Forms/Tractor Paths 1-3
CHAPTER 2 - ANSI X3.64 EMULATION 2- 1
Introduction 2-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 2-3
Communications 2-3
Character Size and Line Spacing 2-4
Character Attributes 2-5
Horizontal Position 2-6
Vertical Position 2-7
Horizontal and Vertical Position 2-9
Form Length and Form Feed 2-9
Horizontal Tabs 2-10
Vertical Tabs 2-12
Printer Controls 2-13
Emulations 2-14
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 2-15
CHAPTER 3 - EPSON FX EMULATION 3-1
Introduction 3-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 3-3
Communications 3-3
Character Size 3-5
Character Attributes 3-8
Character Sets 3-10
Line Pitch 3-14
Horizontal Position 3-15
Vertical Position 3-16
Form Length and Form Feed 3-17
Horizontal Tabs 3-19
Vertical Tabs 3-21
Horizontal Margins 3-22
Vertical Margins 3-23
Graphics 3-24
Printer Controls 3-27
Forms and Tractors 3-28
Emulations 3-29
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 3-30
iii
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 4 - IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION 4-1
Introduction 4-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 4-3
Communications 4-3
Character Size 4-4
Character Attributes 4-7
Character Sets 4-8
Line Pitch 4-9
Horizontal Position 4-11
Vertical Position 4-11
Form Length and Form Feed 4-12
Horizontal Tabs 4-14
Vertical Tabs 4-15
Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 4-15
Horizontal Margins 4-17
Vertical Margins 4-18
Graphics 4-19
Printer Controls 4-21
Emulations 4-22
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 4-23
CHAPTER 5 - DEC LA120 EMULATION 5-1
Introduction 5-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 5-3
Communications 5-3
Character Size 5-4
Character Attributes 5-5
Character Sets 5-6
Line Pitch 5-7
Horizontal Position 5-8
Vertical Position 5-9
Horizontal and Vertical Position 5-10
Form Length and Form Feed 5-11
Horizontal Tabs 5-12
Vertical Tabs 5-14
Horizontal Margins 5-16
Vertical Margins 5-17
Printer Controls 5-18
Emulations 5-19
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 5-20
CHAPTER 6 - SIMPLE TTY EMULATION 6-1
Introduction 6-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 6-2
Communications 6-2
Horizontal Position 6-2
Vertical Position 6-3
Form Length and Form Feed 6-3
Horizontal Tabs 6-4
Vertical Tabs 6-4
Printer Controls 6-4
Emulations 6-5
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 6-6
iv
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 7 - PRINTEK EMULATION 7-1
Introduction 7-1
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 7-3
Communications 7-3
Character Size 7-4
Character Attributes 7-5
Character Sets 7-6
Line Pitch 7-7
Horizontal Position 7-8
Vertical Position 7-8
Form Length and Form Feed 7-9
Horizontal Tabs 7-10
Vertical Tabs 7-11
Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 7-12
Horizontal Margins 7-12
Vertical Margins 7-13
Graphics 7-14
Printer Controls 7-17
Forms and Tractors 7-19
Emulations 7-20
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 7-21
CHAPTER 8 - HEX DUMP MODE 8-1
APPENDIX A - OPTIONAL COAXIAL/TWINAXIAL INTERFACE 1
Introduction A-1
Automatic Port Switching A-1
Command Interpreter A-2
APPENDIX B – Printing Basic BAR CODEs B-1
Introduction B-1
Bar Code Sequences B-4
Measurements in Bar Code Mode B-4
Entering/Exiting Bar Code Mode B-5
The Bar Code Control Character B-5
Other Control Characters B-5
Bar Code Definition B-6
Bar Code Height B-9
Relative Vertical Tab B-10
Absolute Horizontal Tab B-10
Bar Code Pass Terminator B-11
Mixing Bar Codes and Text B-12
Supported Bar Code Types B-13
APPENDIX C - ASCII CHARACTER TABLES C-1
ASCII Control Code Definitions C-1
Decimal to Octal to Hexadecimal Conversion Table C-7
APPENDIX D - PRINTER RESET CONDITIONS D-1
GLOSSARY Glossary- 1
v
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the software interfaces supported by your FormsPro 4000
series printer. It is written for a programmer who will be developing software for the
printer, and contains information not normally needed by a printer operator/user.
Basic information on printer operation (setting the printer up, loading paper, replacing
ribbons, etc.) can be found in the "Operator's Manual" that accompanied your printer.
How to Use This Manual
Below is a brief description of the information contained in this manual.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Describes the contents of this manual. Also provides you with an introduction to the
capabilities and operation of the FormsPro 4300. FormsPro 4500, and FormsPro 4503
printers.
Chapters 2 through 7 Emulations
Describe the software interface when using ANSI X3.64, Epson FX, IBM Proprinter,
DEC LA120, Simple TTY, or Printek emulation mode.
Each of these chapters is designed as a stand-alone chapter, capable of providing all
the information necessary to write software for a particular emulation. You may want
to read the chapter for the emulation(s) you are using, and skip the others.
Chapter 8 Hex Dump Mode
Describes the output of hex dump mode, and how it may be used to debug software
problems.
Appendices
Following the above chapters are appendices containing ASCII character tables and
font samples, additional control panel features, how to use the basic bar coding
support, printer specifications, and detailed interface specifications for the optional
interfaces.
Glossary
For your convenience a glossary of printer related terms may be found in the rear of
the manual.
Page 1-1
Introduction
Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features
The Printek FormsPro 4000 Series Printers are high speed, heavy duty serial dot
matrix printers designed especially for printing upon hard to print forms which are
often not printed adequately by other printers. Of course, the FormsPro 4000 series
printers will also print on lighter forms.
All printers provide straight paper paths for jam free paper motion and a zero waste
tear bar for demand document applications.
The operator may permanently record up to ten complete sets of form parameters
which may be later selected either at the printer's control panel or from the host
computer. The FormsPro 4503 provides three sets of tractors, any of which can be
included in the form parameters for a particular form. This allows the printer to
automatically unload one form and load another when selected, without requiring the
operator to touch the paper.
The printers come equipped with an industry standard parallel interface and an RS232C serial interface. The printers may optionally be ordered with an RS-422 serial
interface, or a coaxial/twinaxial interface which emulates an IBM 3287 printer or an
IBM 4214, 5225, or 5256 printer.
Other options include a 32K buffer which increases the standard 4K character input
buffer to 28K characters, and internal bar code support which also includes the
optional OCR-A and OCR-B fonts.
A specially designed print stand which holds multiple paper supplies is also available.
Page 1-2
Introduction
Selecting Emulations
The software interface of the printer varies, depending upon which emulation is
selected.
The default emulation, selected at power up, is specified by the "Mode:" value in the
"Setup: INTERFACE" menu. Frequently, the desired emulation is specified here, and
never changed again.
It is also possible to switch back and forth between various emulations in order to use
the unique features of each. A different emulation may be selected via software with
the ESC ESC n sequence.
Although switching emulations is essentially a seamless process, the fundamental
differences between emulations may cause unanticipated results. For example,
character size may vary, or tabs may work differently.
Changing Forms/Tractor Paths
As mentioned above, the FormsPro 4000 series printers have ten complete sets of
forms parameters. These different parameters, or forms, may be selected either from
the front panel or with escape sequences. In the FormsPro 4503, selecting a different
form may also select a different tractor path. The tractor path is one of the parameters
which may be set for each of the ten forms in the "Setup: FORMS" menu using Setup
as described in the FormsPro 4000 Series Operator's Manual.
Escape sequences for loading forms are only available in the Epson and Printek
emulations. In either chapter refer to the "Load Form" escape sequence in the "Forms
and Tractors" section.
If you are using an emulation other than Epson or Printek, you may temporarily
change emulations as described above, load the new form, and then return to the
previous emulation. An example of this may be found in the "Emulations" section at
the end of each of the emulation chapters.
Page 1-3
ANSI X3.64 EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising ANSI
X3.64 emulation. This emulation may be selected by specifying "Mode: ANSI
X3.64" in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 1
sequence. While this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from
other emulations are not available.
Control codes and escape sequences are used to control printer operation. An ASCII
control code is a single character in the range 00 hex through 1F hex, and 7F hex.
The ESC (Escape) control code (1B hex) is used to introduce character strings called
escape sequences, which provide an extension of the commands available with ASCII
control codes.
Many ANSI escape sequences begin with a two character Control Sequence
Introducer (CSI), Escape Left Square Bracket (ESC [, 1B 5B hex). If 8-bit data is
selected via control panel setup, these two characters may be replaced by a single
character CSI, 9B hex. The sequences are always documented in this section with the
two character CSI (ESC [), because this format seems to be much more common, and
works equally well with 7-bit or 8-bit data.
Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. A numeric
parameter is a decimal number represented by a string of ASCII decimal digits ("0"
through "9"). Leading zeros may be supplied, but are not necessary. Due to
implementation constraints, the largest value that can be accepted is decimal 255.
Larger values will be treated as zero. Omitting a numeric parameter is equivalent to
supplying a value of zero.
If a sequence accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as "n". If a
sequence accepts more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as "n1;
n2; ... nx". Note that multiple numeric parameters are separated by a semicolon.
Most ANSI escape sequences will assume one of the following formats:
ESC f (no numeric parameters)
ESC n f (one numeric parameter)
ESC n1; n2; ... nx f (two or more numeric parameters)
Page 2-1
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
The "f" at the end of the escape sequence represents the final character. It terminates
the sequence, and specifies the function to be performed.
Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The
spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the
sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as "n" and "f" above)
are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that some
value must be supplied.
Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control
codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two
characters "B" and "S" (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is contained
in the appendices for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret
a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the
provided example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be
helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see chapter 8) printed by the printer.
Some escape sequences refer to the active column or active line. The active column
is the column where the next character will be printed. Printing a character or a space
will increment the active column. The active line is the line where the next character
will be printed. A line feed will increment the active line. Column and line numbers
begin at one, not at zero.
Page 2-2
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
End of Text ETX
If "ETX/ACK: On" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, then receipt of an
ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.
Since the ETX may be a legal value within an escape sequence, it is the user's
responsibility to ensure that an ETX used for data handshake is not sent within an
escape sequence. The user must also ensure that the maximum block size or the
number of blocks sent at one time does not exceed the input buffer size of the printer.
ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. It is not available when using
the parallel interface or the coaxial/twinaxial interface.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
Page 2-3
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Character Size and Line Spacing
Set Character and Line Spacing ESC [ n1 ; n2 SP G
Sets the character and line spacing in decipoints (1/720 of an inch). The first
parameter, n1, sets the line spacing. The second parameter, n2, sets the character
spacing. Typical values for n1 and supported values for n2 are shown below. Other
values for n2 will be ignored. To change only the horizontal or only the vertical
spacing, omit the other value from the sequence or set it to zero. Overrides the "CPI:"
value and the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
n1 line pitch
120 6 lpi
90 8 lpi
n2 character pitch
72 10 cpi
60 12 cpi
54 13.3 cpi
48 15 cpi
43 16.74 cpi
42 17.14 cpi
36 20 cpi
Example: The following escape sequence will select 6 lpi and 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 0 ; 7 2 SP G
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 30 3B 37 32 20 47
Example: The following escape sequence will select 6 lpi without affecting character
spacing.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 0 SP G
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 30 20 47
Example: The following escape sequence will select 10 cpi without affecting line
spacing.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ ; 7 2 SP G
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 3B 37 32 20 47
Page 2-4
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Character Attributes
Select Graphic Rendition ESC [ n m
Selects the graphic rendition n from the following table.
n Rendition
0 Normal
1 Emphasized
3 Italic
4 Underline
For italic mode to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the
"Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu). The other available fonts do not include
italic characters.
Example: The following escape sequence will select emphasized mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 m
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 6D
Page 2-5
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Horizontal Position
Carriage Return CR
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin. If "Auto LF: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a line feed
will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
Backspace BS
Causes the current line to be printed, and then moves the current print position one
space to the left. The actual distance moved depends on the current character
spacing. Backspacing can be done up to, but not beyond, the left margin.
Control code: BS
Hexadecimal: 08
Absolute Horizontal Tab ESC [ n `
Sets the current print position to column n. The actual position will depend on the
current character spacing. If n is less than the left margin, the active column will be
set to the left margin. If n is greater than the right margin, then a line feed will be
performed and the active column will be set to the left margin.
Example: The following escape sequence will set the active column to column 65.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 6 5 `
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 35 60
Relative Horizontal Tab ESC [ n a
Advances the current print position by n columns. The actual distance moved will
depend on the current character spacing. Equivalent to sending n spaces (SP).
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active column by 10
columns. If current character spacing is 10 cpi, this will cause the print position to
move one inch to the right.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 0 a
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 30 61
Page 2-6
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Vertical Position
Line Feed LF
(or) IND
(or) ESC D
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one line at the
current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: LF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Control code: IND
Hexadecimal: 84
Escape Sequence: ESC D
Hexadecimal: 1B 44
Partial Line Down PLD
(or) ESC K
Performs a half line feed. Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the
paper one half line at the current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the
"Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: PLD
Hexadecimal: 8B
Escape Sequence: ESC K
Hexadecimal: 1B 4B
Partial Line Up PLU
(or) ESC L
Performs a reverse half line feed. Causes the current line to be printed, and then
retracts the paper one half line at the current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is
selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: PLU
Hexadecimal: 8C
Escape Sequence: ESC L
Hexadecimal: 1B 4C
Page 2-7
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Absolute Vertical Tab ESC [ n d
Sets the current line to line n of the current form. The actual position will depend on
the current line spacing.
Example: The following escape sequence will set the active line to line 12.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 d
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 64
Relative Vertical Tab ESC [ n e
Advances the active line by n lines. The actual distance moved will depend on the
current line spacing. Equivalent to sending n line feeds (LF).
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active line by 12 lines. If
current line spacing is 6 lpi, this will cause the paper to advance one inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 e
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 65
Page 2-8
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Horizontal and Vertical Position
New Line NEL
(or) ESC E
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin and performs a line feed. Equivalent to a carriage return (CR) line feed (LF)
combination.
Control code: NEL
Hexadecimal: 85
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
Form Length and Form Feed
Form length is the distance from the top of the form to the bottom of the form. A
form feed will advance the paper to the top of the next form. Some programs do not
send form feeds. Instead, they count line feeds, and send the appropriate number of
line feeds to fill out the page. The usual rational is that the program is then in
complete control of form length, and will work on any printer without requiring the
correct form length to be set. However, the correct form length should always be set
on the FormsPro 4000. Even if the program does not use form feeds, the printer will
automatically scroll a completed form up to the tear bar to be torn off. This automatic
scroll is based upon form length. The easiest way to set form length is via the
"Length:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu, so it will be correctly set for everyone
using the form.
Form Feed FF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the top of the
next form. If a top margin is set, printing will continue at the top margin. The "FF at
TOF: No" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu allows a form feed to be ignored
if the paper is already at top of form. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Page 2-9
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Horizontal Tabs
Horizontal tab stops are associated with columns, not absolute physical positions.
Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. If
different tab stops are to be set, the default tab stops should first be cleared.
Horizontal Tab HT
Advances to the next horizontal tab stop. If no tab stop exists between the active
column and the right margin, the HT will be ignored. Default tab stops are set at
every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. Different tab stops may be set
with ESC H, ESC 1, or ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx u.
Control code: HT
Hexadecimal: 09
Set Horizontal Tab Stop HTS
(or) ESC H
Sets a horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop is associated with
the active column, not an absolute physical position. Changing character spacing will
change the physical position of the tab stop.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc.
The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops,
including the default tab stops. If this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be
cleared.
Control code: HTS
Hexadecimal: 88
Escape Sequence: ESC H
Hexadecimal: 1B 48
Clear Horizontal Tab Stop ESC [ g
(or) ESC [ 0 g
Clears the horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop to be cleared
is associated with the active column (based upon the current character spacing), not
an absolute physical position.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 67
Page 2-10
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Clear all horizontal tab stops ESC [ 2 g
(or) ESC [ 3 g
Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 67
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 3 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 33 67
Page 2-11
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Vertical Tabs
Vertical tab stops are associated with lines, not absolute physical positions. Changing
line spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops.
Vertical Tab VT
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the next vertical
tab stop. If no vertical tab stops are set, then a line feed is done instead. If "Auto CR:
On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be
performed.
Control code: VT
Hexadecimal: 0B
Set Vertical Tab Stop VTS
(or) ESC J
Sets a vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop is associated with the active
line, not an absolute physical position. Changing line spacing will change the
physical position of the tab stop.
The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops. If
this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be cleared.
Control code: VTS
Hexadecimal: 8A
Escape Sequence: ESC J
Hexadecimal: 1B 4A
Clear Vertical Tab Stop ESC [ 1 g
Clears the vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop to be cleared is associated
with the active line (based upon the current line spacing), not an absolute physical
position.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 67
Clear All Vertical Tab Stops ESC [ 4 g
Clears all currently set vertical tab stops.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 4 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 34 67
Page 2-12
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Printer Controls
Bell BEL
Causes the printer's bell to sound.
Control code: BEL
Hexadecimal: 07
Select Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ 20 h
Selects automatic carriage return mode. This causes the printer to automatically
perform a carriage return (CR) for each line feed (LF), vertical tab (VT), or form feed
(FF) that it receives. Overrides the "Auto CR:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 0 h
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 30 68
Cancel Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ 20 l
Cancels automatic carriage return mode. Overrides the "Auto CR:" value in the
"Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 0 l
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 30 6C
Reset ESC c
Deletes all data on the current line and initializes the printer to the default settings for
the current form.
Restores the default horizontal tab stops. Default tab stops are set at every eighth
column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
performing this reset. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this.
See the appendix on Printer Reset Conditions for more information.
Escape Sequence: ESC c
Hexadecimal: 1B 63
Page 2-13
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n Software Interface
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
1 ANSI X3.64 Emulation
2 Epson FX Emulation
3 Bar Code Mode (optional)
4 IBM Proprinter Emulation
5 DEC LA120 Emulation
6 TTY Emulation
7 Printek Emulation
? Previously Selected Emulation
@ Default Emulation
Overrides the "Mode:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu. "Mode:
BarberPole" and "Mode: Hex Dump" cannot be overridden.
A numeric value for n may be specified in two different ways, with equivalent results:
a single byte with a value of 00 to 07 hex, or a single printable ASCII character "0" to
"7" (30 to 37 hex).
If more than one emulation has been selected, ESC ESC ? will return to the
previously selected emulation. This is particularly useful when the previous
emulation is unknown. Please beware that the memory (stack) is only one level deep.
ESC ESC @ will return to the default emulation, as specified by the "Mode:" value in
the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
This chapter describes ANSI X3.64 emulation. If a different interface is selected, the
control codes and escape sequences described in this chapter will no longer be
applicable.
Example: The following escape sequences will select Printek emulation, load form
one, and then return to the previous emulation.
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
Page 2-14
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Sorted Alphabetically
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CR Carriage Return
ESC D Line Feed
ESC E New Line
ESC ESC n Select Software Interface n
ESC H Set Horizontal Tab Stop
ESC J Set Vertical Tab Stop
ESC K Partial Line Down
ESC L Partial Line Up
ESC [ n1 ; n2 SP G Set Character and Line Spacing
ESC [ n ` Absolute Horizontal Tab
ESC [ n a Relative Horizontal Tab
ESC [ n d Absolute Vertical Tab
ESC [ n e Relative Vertical Tab
ESC [ g Clear Horizontal Tab Stop
ESC [ 0 g Clear Horizontal Tab Stop
ESC [ 1 g Clear Vertical Tab Stop
ESC [ 2 g Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC [ 3 g Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC [ 4 g Clear All Vertical Tab Stops
ESC [ 20 h Select Automatic Carriage Return
ESC [ 20 l Cancel Automatic Carriage Return
ESC [ n m Select Graphic Rendition
ESC c Reset
ETX End of Text
FF Form Feed
HT Horizontal Tab
HTS Set Horizontal Tab Stop
IND Line Feed
LF Line Feed
NEL New Line
PLD Partial Line Down
PLU Partial Line Up
VT Vertical Tab
VTS Set Vertical Tab Stop
Page 2-15
EPSON FX EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising Epson FX
emulation. This emulation may be selected by specifying "Mode: Epson" in the
"Setup: INTERFACE" menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 2 sequence. While
this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from other emulations
are not available.
Control codes and escape sequences are used to control printer operation. An ASCII
control code is a single character in the range 00 hex through 1F hex, and 7F hex.
The ESC (Escape) control code (1B hex) is used to introduce character strings called
escape sequences, which provide an extension of the commands available with ASCII
control codes.
Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. If a sequence
accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as "n". If a sequence accepts
more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as "n1 n2 ... nx".
Since numeric parameters are always encoded in one byte, their values may range
from 0 to 255 decimal. Please note that the value will never be represented by a
string of ASCII decimal digits ("0" through "9"). For example, a value of 66 decimal
would be sent as a single byte with a hex value of 42. This is equivalent to sending
the ASCII character "B". It is entirely different than sending the two printable ASCII
characters "66".
If a numeric parameter is limited to a value of zero or one, it may be sent as a single
byte with a value of 00 or 01 hex (NUL or SOH), or it may be sent as a single
printable ASCII character "0" or "1" (30 or 31 hex).
Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The
spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the
sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as "n" and "n1 n2"
above) are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that
some value must be supplied.
Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control
codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two
characters "B" and "S" (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is contained
in the appendices for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret
Page 3-1
Epson FX Emulation
a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the
provided example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be
helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see chapter 8) printed by the printer.
Column and line numbers begin at zero, not at one. Keep this in mind when setting
tabs, margins, etc.
Page 3-2
Epson FX Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
Cancel Line CAN
Cancels all printable text in the current print line. Does not affect any control codes
or escape sequences.
Control code: CAN
Hexadecimal: 18
Delete Character DEL
Deletes the last printable character from the current line. Does not affect any control
codes or escape sequences.
Control code: DEL
Hexadecimal: 7F
End of Text ETX
If "ETX/ACK: On" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, then receipt of an
ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.
Since the ETX may be a legal value within an escape sequence, it is the user's
responsibility to ensure that an ETX used for data handshake is not sent within an
escape sequence. The user must also ensure that the maximum block size or the
number of blocks sent at one time does not exceed the input buffer size of the printer.
ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. It is not available when using
the parallel interface or the coaxial/twinaxial interface.
If the printing of low symbols is enabled, ETX will be treated as a printable character
instead of an I/O handshake control code.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
Page 3-3
Epson FX Emulation
Set MSB to 0 ESC =
Sets the MSB (most significant bit) of all following data to zero. Some computers
always set the MSB to one, causing all characters to print in italic mode. This escape
sequence can overcome the problem. The problem can also be avoided by selecting
"Data Bits: 7" in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC =
Hexadecimal: 1B 3D
Set MSB to 1 ESC >
Sets the MSB (most significant bit) of all following data to one. This escape
sequence allows the eighth bit to be turned on, even if the computer and printer are
connected via a 7-bit I/O interface. The eighth bit may be useful for 8-pin graphics
data, or for accessing italic characters.
Escape Sequence: ESC >
Hexadecimal: 1B 3E
Cancel MSB Control ESC #
Cancels the MSB (most significant bit) control set by ESC = or ESC >. This causes
the eighth data bit sent from the host computer to be accepted as is.
Escape Sequence: ESC #
Hexadecimal: 1B 23
Deselect Printer DC3
(or) XOFF
Deselects the printer. Use of this command is discouraged, because the printer will
remain offline until an operator presses the ONLINE button on the control panel.
Control code: DC3
Hexadecimal: 13
Page 3-4
Epson FX Emulation
Character Size
The FormsPro 4000 is capable of supporting 10, 12, 13.3, 15, 16.7, 17.14, and 20 cpi,
but most emulations support only a subset of these. Epson emulation supports 10, 12,
15, 17.14, and 20 cpi via software, but does not support 13.3 or 16.7 cpi. Every
emulation supports 10 cpi, and we consider this to be the default character pitch.
When you use the control panel to change the "CPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM"
menu, you are actually changing the default character pitch. When the printer is
turned on (or reset), it will use this character pitch. You can even use a pitch that is
not supported by your emulation, such as 13.3 cpi with Epson emulation. You can
override this pitch selection via software, by sending an escape sequence. This
selects a user specified non-default pitch. For example, in Epson emulation, sending
ESC M will select 12 cpi. Sending ESC P will re-select 10 cpi, and thus re-select the
default character pitch that was selected in the form setup.
Via software escape sequences, you can select any character pitch supported by the
emulation you are using. All will print as expected, unless you select 10 cpi -because 10 cpi really selects the default character pitch from setup. If you really want
10 cpi, then you must specify "CPI: 10" in the "Setup: FORM" menu. Likewise, if
you want to use the default pitch from setup, you must not override it. Either send no
character pitch sequences to the printer, or make sure you re-select 10 cpi via
software.
When you select different forms, the default character pitch from setup is selected
along with the form. But you will not see this default pitch if it has already been
overridden via software.
Select 10 CPI ESC P
Selects 10 cpi by cancelling 12 cpi and 15 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The
resulting character spacing will be 10 cpi, or if condensed mode is also selected,
17.14 cpi.
If "CPI: 10" was not specified in the "Setup: FORM" menu, the specified default
character pitch will be selected instead of 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC P
Hexadecimal: 1B 50
Select 12 CPI ESC M
Selects 12 cpi (elite mode). Cancels 15 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The
resulting character spacing will be 12 cpi, or if condensed mode is also selected, 20
cpi.
Page 3-5
Epson FX Emulation
Escape Sequence: ESC M
Hexadecimal: 1B 4D
Select 15 CPI ESC g
Selects 15 cpi. Cancels 12 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The resulting
character spacing will be 15 cpi, even if condensed mode is also selected.
Escape Sequence: ESC g
Hexadecimal: 1B 67
Select Condensed Mode SI
(or) ESC SI
Selects condensed mode. The resulting character spacing will be 17.14 cpi if 10 cpi
was selected, or 20 cpi if 12 cpi was selected. If 15 cpi was selected, condensed
mode will have no affect.
Control code: SI
Hexadecimal: 0F
Escape Sequence: ESC SI
Hexadecimal: 1B 0F
Cancel Condensed Mode DC2
Cancels condensed mode set by SI or ESC SI.
Control code: DC2
Hexadecimal: 12
Select double-wide mode (one line) SO
(or) ESC SO
Selects double-wide mode for one line. Double-wide mode doubles the width of all
characters, but does not affect character height. This mode is cancelled by a carriage
return or DC4.
Control code: SO
Hexadecimal: 0E
Escape Sequence: ESC SO
Hexadecimal: 1B 0E
Page 3-6
Epson FX Emulation
Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line) DC4
Cancels double-wide mode selected by SO or ESC SO. Does not cancel double-wide
mode selected by ESC W or ESC !.
Control code: DC4
Hexadecimal: 14
Double-Wide Mode ESC W n
Selects double-wide mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. Double-wide mode doubles
the width of all characters, but does not affect character height.
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC W 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 57 31
Double-High Mode ESC w n
Selects double-high mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. Double-high mode doubles the
height of all characters, but does not affect character width.
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-high mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC w 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 77 31
Select Subscript or Superscript Mode ESC S n
Selects subscript mode for n=1, or superscript mode for n=0. This will print
characters about half the normal height, in the bottom or top half of the normal
character cell.
Example: The following escape sequence will select superscript mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC S 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 53 30
Cancel Subscript and Superscript Mode ESC T
Cancels subscript and superscript mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC T
Hexadecimal: 1B 54
Page 3-7
Epson FX Emulation
Character Attributes
Select Emphasized Mode ESC E
Selects emphasized mode. This makes characters bolder by printing an extra dot to
the right of each dot normally found in the character matrix. This will cut the print
speed in half, but will not require an additional pass of the print head. Overrides the
"Impact:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
Cancel Emphasized Mode ESC F
Cancels emphasized mode. Overrides the "Impact:" value in the "Setup: FORM"
menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC F
Hexadecimal: 1B 46
Select Double-Strike Mode ESC G
Selects double-strike mode. This makes text bolder by printing it twice. This will cut
the print speed in half, because an additional pass of the print head will be required.
Escape Sequence: ESC G
Hexadecimal: 1B 47
Cancel Double-Strike Mode ESC H
Cancels double-strike mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC H
Hexadecimal: 1B 48
Underline Mode ESC - n
Selects underline mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. This mode provides continuous
underlining for all characters, including spaces.
Example: The following escape sequence will turn underlining on.
Escape Sequence: ESC - 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 2D 31
Page 3-8
Epson FX Emulation
Select Italic Mode ESC 4
Selects italic mode. This causes italic characters to be printed by setting the MSB
(most significant bit) of all following printable characters to one. The effect is to map
characters from the bottom half (non-italic) of the font to the top half (italic) of the
font. For this to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (see ESC k). The
other available fonts do not include italic characters.
Escape Sequence: ESC 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 34
Cancel Italic Mode ESC 5
Cancels italic mode. The MSB (most significant bit) of the following printable
characters will be accepted as is. Italic characters may still be printed by transmitting
characters with the MSB turned on.
Escape Sequence: ESC 5
Hexadecimal: 1B 35
Master Print Mode Select ESC ! n
Selects any valid combination of modes from the following table. The value of n is
determined by adding together the values of the desired modes from the table.
n Attribute
0 10 cpi
1 12 cpi
4 Condensed
8 Emphasized
16 Double-Strike
32 Double-Wide
64 Italic
128 Underline
Example: The following escape sequence will select 12 cpi condensed, resulting in
20 cpi character spacing.
Escape Sequence: ESC ! 5
Hexadecimal: 1B 21 05
Example: The following escape sequence will select emphasized, double-wide, and
underline, for a heading that really stands out.
Escape Sequence: ESC ! 168
Hexadecimal: 1B 21 A8
Page 3-9
Epson FX Emulation
Character Sets
Select Draft or Letter Quality ESC x n
Selects draft for n=0 or letter quality for n=1. Same as ESC k 0 or ESC k 1.
Overrides the "Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will select draft print.
Escape Sequence: ESC x 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 78 30
Select Font ESC k n
Select font n according to the following table.
n Font
0 Epson FX Draft
1 Epson FX Letter Quality
2 Proprinter Draft
3 Proprinter Letter Quality
10 EBCDIC Draft (optional)
11 EBCDIC Letter Quality (optional)
12 OCR-A Optical Quality (optional)
13 OCR-B Optical Quality (optional)
32 Epson FX Fast Draft
33 Epson FX Draft
34 Epson FX Letter Quality
36 Proprinter PC Fast Draft
37 Proprinter PC Draft
38 Proprinter PC Letter Quality
44 PC Latin II (Slavic) Fast Draft
45 PC Latin II (Slavic) Draft
46 PC Latin II (Slavic) Letter Quality
64 EBCDIC Fast Draft
65 EBCDIC Draft
66 EBCDIC Letter Quality
71 OCR-A Optical Quality
75 OCR-B Optical Quality
Overrides the "Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu. If the specified font is not
installed, the "Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu will be used to select the
default font.
Example: The following escape sequence will select the Epson FX letter quality font.
Page 3-10
Escape Sequence: ESC k 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 6B 01
Epson FX Emulation
Page 3-11
Epson FX Emulation
3536649192939496123
124
125
126
@
Germany
Ä
@
Denmark
@
Æ
Ä
Ü
@
PTS$@
@
Select International Character Set ESC R n
Selects the international character set as specified by the value of n in the following
table. Overrides the "Lang:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
n Character Set
0 United States of America
1 France
2 Germany
3 United Kingdom
4 Denmark
5 Sweden
6 Italy
7 Spain
8 Japan
The actual character substitutions are shown in the "International Character Mapping"
table below. For this to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (see
ESC k).
USA # $
[ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
France # $ à ° ç § ^ ` é ù è ¨
# $ §
England £ $
# $
Sweden # ¤ É
Italy # $
Spain
Japan # $
Ö Ü ^ ` ä ö ü ß
[ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Ø Å ^ ` æ ø å ˜
Ö Å
é ä ö å ü
° \ é ^ ù à ò è ì
¡ Ñ ¿ ^ ` ¨ ñ } ˜
[ ¥ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Example: The following escape sequence will select the German character set.
Escape Sequence: ESC R 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 52 02
Character Table ESC t n
Selects the Epson italic character set or the Epson extended graphics character set.
As implemented, this selects either the Epson FX font or the PC USA font. The
character attribute (fast draft, draft, or letter quality) will not change.
Example: The following escape sequence will select the Epson FX font.
Page 3-12
Epson FX Emulation
Escape Sequence: ESC t 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 74 30
Enable Printing of High Symbols ESC 6
Enables printing of character values 128 through 159 decimal. If printing is not
enabled, these characters will be treated as control codes. Overrides the "Chars:"
value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 6
Hexadecimal: 1B 36
Disable Printing of High Symbols ESC 7
Disables printing of character values 128 through 159 decimal. These characters will
be treated as control codes. Overrides the "Chars:" value in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 7
Hexadecimal: 1B 37
Printing of Low Symbols ESC I n
Enables printing of character values 0 through 31 decimal if they are not used as
control codes for n=1, or disables printing for n=0. Overrides the "Chars:" value in
the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will disable printing of character values 0
through 31 decimal.
Escape Sequence: ESC I 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 49 30
Page 3-13
Epson FX Emulation
Line Pitch
Select 8 LPI ESC 0
Sets the line spacing to 1/8 of an inch per line (8 lpi). Overrides the "LPI:" value in
the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 30
Set Line Spacing to 7/72" ESC 1
Sets the line spacing to 7/72 of an inch per line. Since the distance between print
head wires is 1/72 of an inch, this is equivalent to setting seven wire spacing. This is
not particularly useful for text, but may be useful for graphics if 7-bit graphics data is
being sent. Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 31
Select 6 LPI ESC 2
Sets the line spacing to 1/6 of an inch per line (6 lpi). This is the normal text line
spacing. Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 32
Set Line Spacing to n/216" ESC 3 n
Sets the line spacing to n/216 of an inch per line. 0≥n≥255. Overrides the "LPI:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
NOTE: The actual resolution of the FormsPro 4000 paper stepper motor is 1/288 of
an inch. When spacing is specified in 1/216 of an inch, the printer will actually move
paper to the nearest 1/288 of an inch.
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to one half inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC 3 108
Hexadecimal: 1B 33 6C
Page 3-14
Epson FX Emulation
Set Line Spacing to n/72" ESC A n
Sets the line spacing to n/72 of an inch per line. 0≥n≥255. Since the distance
between print head wires is 1/72 of an inch, this is equivalent to setting n wire
spacing. Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to 8/72 of an inch, for
use with eight wire graphics.
Escape Sequence: ESC A 8
Hexadecimal: 1B 41 08
Horizontal Position
Carriage Return CR
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin. If "Auto LF: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a line feed
will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
Backspace BS
Causes the current line to be printed, and then moves the current print position one
space to the left. The actual distance moved depends on the current character
spacing. Backspacing can be done up to, but not beyond, the left margin.
Control code: BS
Hexadecimal: 08
Page 3-15
Epson FX Emulation
Vertical Position
Line Feed LF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one line at the
current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: LF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Variable Distance Line Feed ESC J n
Causes the current line to be printed, and then performs a single line feed of n/216ths
of an inch. 0≥n≥ 255. Does not change the current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is
selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the paper one half inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC J 108
Hexadecimal: 1B 4A 6C
Variable Distance Reverse Line Feed ESC j n
Performs a single reverse line feed of n/216ths of an inch. 0≥n≥255. Does not
change the current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Example: The following escape sequence will move the paper down one half inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC j 108
Hexadecimal: 1B 6A 6C
Page 3-16
Epson FX Emulation
Form Length and Form Feed
Form length is the distance from the top of the form to the bottom of the form. Form
length may be specified either in inches, or in lines. A form feed will advance the
paper to the top of the next form. Some programs do not send form feeds. Instead,
they count line feeds, and send the appropriate number of line feeds to fill out the
page. The usual rational is that the program is then in complete control of form
length, and will work on any printer without requiring the correct form length to be
set. However, the correct form length should always be set on the FormsPro 4000.
Even if the program does not use form feeds, the printer will automatically scroll a
completed form up to the tear bar to be torn off. This automatic scroll is based upon
form length. The easiest way to set form length is via the "Length:" value in the
"Setup: FORM" menu, so it will be correctly set for everyone using the form. If
correct form length cannot be guaranteed from SETUP, then each program should set
the correct form length.
Set Form Length in Lines ESC C n
Sets the form length to n lines at the current line spacing. 1≥n≥ 255. Maximum form
length is 37.9 inches. Invalid form lengths will be ignored. Overrides the "Length:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
For example, an 11 inch form contains 66 lines at 6 LPI, but 88 lines at 8 LPI. If line
spacing is changed after setting the form length, the physical form length (in inches)
will not be changed.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
setting form length. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. Vertical margins are
cleared.
Example: The following escape sequence will set form length to 66 lines. At 6 LPI,
this will result in a form length of 11 inches.
Escape sequence: ESC C 66
Hexadecimal: 1B 43 42
Set Form Length in Inches ESC C NUL n
Sets the form length to n inches. 1≥n≥37. Maximum form length is 37.9 inches.
Invalid form lengths will be ignored. Overrides the "Length:" value in the "Setup:
FORM" menu.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
setting form length. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. Vertical margins are
cleared.
Page 3-17
Epson FX Emulation
Example: The following escape sequence will set form length to 11 inches,
regardless of what line spacing is set.
Escape sequence: ESC C NUL 11
Hexadecimal: 1B 43 00 0B
Form Feed FF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the top of the
next form. If a top margin is set, printing will continue at the top margin. The "FF at
TOF: No" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu allows a form feed to be ignored
if the paper is already at top of form. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Page 3-18
Epson FX Emulation
Horizontal Tabs
Default horizontal tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 8, 16, 24, 32,
40, etc. The default tab stops are associated with columns, not absolute physical
positions. Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the default
tab stops.
User defined horizontal tab stops are associated with absolute physical positions, not
with columns. The tab stops are set relative to the current character spacing, but
subsequent changes in character spacing will not affect the physical position of the
tab stops (except that the position will be rounded up to the closest character
boundary).
Horizontal Tab HT
Advances to the next horizontal tab stop. If no tab stop exists between the active
column and the right margin, the HT will be ignored. Default tab stops are set at
every eighth column, i.e. column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, etc. Different tab stops may be set
with ESC D.
Control code: HT
Hexadecimal: 09
Absolute Horizontal Tab ESC $ n1 n2
Move to the specified carriage position. The position is specified in 60ths of an inch,
( )n n1 2 256
and calculated as
+ ↔
60
inches. The position is relative to the left margin and
must not exceed the right margin or it will be ignored.
Example: The following escape sequence will set the carriage position 5 inches
(300/60 inches) from the left margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC $ 44 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 24 2C 01
Page 3-19
Epson FX Emulation
Relative Horizontal Tab ESC \ n1 n2
Move the carriage position to the left or right of the current carriage position. The
( )
n n1 2 256
displacement is specified in 120ths of an inch, and calculated as
+ ↔
120
inches.
The new position is relative to the current carriage position, and must fall within the
left and right margins or it will be ignored. A negative displacement (2’s
complement) causes a move to the left.
Example: The following escape sequence will move the carriage one inch to the
right.
Escape Sequence: ESC \ 120 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 5C 78 00
Example: The following escape sequence will move the carriage one inch to the left.
Escape Sequence: ESC \ 136 255
Hexadecimal: 1B 5C 88 FF
Set Horizontal Tab Stops ESC D n1 n2 ... nx NUL
Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops, and sets new tab stops at column n1, n2,
n3, etc. 1≥ n≥255. The tab stops must be presented in ascending order. The NUL
character, or any tab stop value less than the preceding one, terminates the sequence.
The tab stops are set relative to the current character spacing, but subsequent changes
in character spacing will not affect the physical position of the tab stops (except that
the position will be rounded up to the closest character boundary). The leftmost
column is column zero.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, etc.
The tab stops set by ESC D will replace the default tab stops. ESC D NUL will clear
all tab stops, leaving no tab stops set. The default tab stops are restored by ESC @.
Example: The following escape sequence will set horizontal tab stops at half inch
intervals, if character spacing is currently 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC D 5 10 15 20 25 30 NUL
Hexadecimal: 1B 44 05 0A 0f 14 19 1E 00
Page 3-20
Epson FX Emulation
Vertical Tabs
Vertical tab stops are associated with absolute physical positions, not with lines. The
tab stops are set relative to the current line spacing, but subsequent changes in line
spacing will not affect the physical position of the tab stops.
Vertical Tab VT
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the next vertical
tab stop. If no vertical tab stops are set, then a line feed is done instead. If "Auto CR:
On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be
performed.
Control code: VT
Hexadecimal: 0B
Set Vertical Tab Stops ESC B n1 n2 ... nx NUL
Clears all currently set vertical tab stops, and sets new tab stops at line n1, n2, n3, etc.
1≥n≥255. The tab stops must be presented in ascending order. The NUL character,
or any tab stop value less than the preceding one, terminates the sequence. The tab
stop settings are based on the current line spacing. Changing the line spacing after
the tab stops are set will not affect the position of the tab stops. The first line is line
zero.
ESC B NUL will clear all currently set vertical tab stops, leaving no vertical tab stops
set.
Example: The following escape sequence will set vertical tab stops at line 6, 12, and
24. If line spacing is currently 6 lpi, this will result in tab stops one inch, two inches,
and four inches from the top of the form.
Escape Sequence: ESC B 6 12 24 NUL
Hexadecimal: 1B 42 06 0C 18 00
Page 3-21
Epson FX Emulation
Horizontal Margins
Printing is allowed only within the left and right margins. Exceeding the right margin
will cause line wrap, setting the current print position to the left margin and
advancing the paper one line.
Set Left Margin ESC l n
Sets the left margin to column n at the current character spacing. If character spacing
is changed after setting the left margin, the position of the left margin will not change.
The left margin is inclusive. For example, a left margin at column 10 still allows a
character to be printed in column 10.
The leftmost column is column zero. The left margin must be left of the right margin
and ≥13.4 inches. Invalid left margins will be ignored. Overrides the "Left Mar:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a one inch left margin, if character
spacing is currently 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC l 10
Hexadecimal: 1B 6C 0A
Set Right Margin ESC Q n
Sets the right margin to column n at the current character spacing. If character
spacing is changed after setting the right margin, the position of the right margin will
not change.
The right margin is exclusive. For example, a right margin at column 75 allows a
character to be printed in column 74, but not in column 75.
The leftmost column is column zero. The right margin must be right of the left
margin and ≤13.6 inches. Invalid right margins will be ignored. Overrides the "Right
Mar:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a right margin 7.5 inches from the
left edge of the form, if character spacing is currently 10 cpi. For a standard 8.5 inch
wide form, this would result in a one inch right margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC Q 75
Hexadecimal: 1B 51 4B
Page 3-22
Epson FX Emulation
Vertical Margins
Printing is allowed only within the top and bottom margins. Exceeding the bottom
margin will set the current line to the top margin of the next form.
Set Perforation Skip ESC N n
Sets the perforation skip distance to n lines at the current line spacing. 1≥n≥ 255. If
line spacing is changed after setting the skip distance, the skip distance will not be
changed.
The skip distance is split between the top and bottom margins, so the perforation will
be centered in the resulting white space. The specified skip distance must be less than
the form length, or the command will be ignored. Perforation skip is canceled by
ESC O, ESC C n or ESC C NUL n. Overrides the "Top Mar:" and "Btm Mar:" values
in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a two inch perforation skip
distance, if the current line spacing is 6 lpi. This will result in a one inch top and
bottom margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC N 12
Hexadecimal: 1B 4E 0C
Cancel Perforation Skip ESC O
Cancels perforation skip. This is equivalent to having no top and bottom margin.
Overrides the "Top Mar:" and "Btm Mar:" values in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC O
Hexadecimal: 1B 4F
Page 3-23
Epson FX Emulation
Graphics
Graphics mode gives the user complete control over every dot position on the paper.
Graphics may be printed with various horizontal densities from 60 to 240 dpi, and a
vertical density of 72 dpi.
Each byte of graphics data represents a vertical column of eight dots, with the MSB
(most significant bit) corresponding to the top wire of the print head. Turning a bit on
causes a dot to be printed. The bit values corresponding to each wire of the print head
are shown below:
wire 1 128 (80 hex)
wire 2 64 (40 hex)
wire 3 32 (20 hex)
wire 4 16 (10 hex)
wire 5 8 (08 hex)
wire 6 4 (04 hex)
wire 7 2 (02 hex)
wire 8 1 (01 hex)
The appropriate bit values are added together to fire the desired wires. For example,
a byte of graphics data with the value 128 (80 hex) will fire the top wire, wire 1. A
value of 192 (C0 hex) will fire the top two wires, wires 1 and 2. A value of 11 (0B
hex) will fire wires 5, 7 and 8.
Each graphics sequence contains two bytes (n1 and n2) that specify how many bytes
of graphics data follow. The first byte, n1, can specify values up to 255. If that is
sufficient, then n2 is set to zero. For values greater than 255, n2 comes into play.
The n2 byte specifies multiples of 256. For example, to specify 520 bytes of graphics
data, n1 = 8 and n2 = 2. The bytes of graphics data are strung together to create a
graphics line that is eight dots high, and n1 + (n2 x 256) dots long. Be sure to provide
the amount of graphics data that you specify, because the printer will not leave
graphics mode until it has accepted the specified number of data bytes.
If "Data Bits: 7" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, beware of potential
problems in graphics mode. Since the MSB (most significant bit) will always be
turned off, it will not be possible to fire the top wire of the print head. Worse yet, the
value of n1 or n2 may be changed. For example, if n1 specifies 200 bytes of data,
and its MSB is turned off, the printer will only expect 72 bytes of data. It will exit
graphics mode, and then try to print the remaining 128 bytes of graphics data as
normal text characters. The result will surely not be pretty. To avoid such problems,
the use of an 8-bit I/O interface for printing graphics is highly recommended.
The normal graphics modes allow every dot to be printed. High speed graphics will
print twice as fast, but will not allow consecutive dots to be printed.
Page 3-24
Epson FX Emulation
60 DPI Graphics ESC K n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire single density (60 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns of
data.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 60
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC K 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 4B 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
120 DPI Graphics ESC L n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire double density (120 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns
data.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 120
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC L 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 4C 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
High Speed 120 DPI Graphics ESC Y n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire high speed double density (120 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256)
columns of data. Horizontally adjacent dots may not be printed.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 120
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC Y 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 59 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
High Speed 240 DPI Graphics ESC Z n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire quadruple density (240 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns
of data. Horizontally adjacent dots may not be printed.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 240
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC Z 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 5A 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
Page 3-25
Epson FX Emulation
m DPI Graphics ESC * m n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire graphics of density m as listed in the following table for n1 + (n2 x
256) columns of data.
m Density _______
0 60 dpi (same as ESC K)
1 120 dpi (same as ESC L)
2 120 dpi high speed (same as ESC Y)
3 240 dpi high speed (same as ESC Z)
4 80 dpi
5 72 dpi
6 90 dpi
7 144 dpi
Example: The following escape sequence will print four bytes of graphics data at 72
x 72 dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a square, since the horizontal and vertical
density are the same. If some other density is chosen, the figure will resemble a
rectangle.
Escape Sequence: ESC * 5 4 0 < < < <
Hexadecimal: 1B 2A 05 04 00 3C 3C 3C 3C
Page 3-26
Epson FX Emulation
Printer Controls
Bell BEL
Causes the printer's bell to sound.
Control code: BEL
Hexadecimal: 07
Unidirectional Mode (one line) ESC <
Selects unidirectional mode for the current line (until a carriage return is received).
This will force the line to print from left to right.
Escape Sequence: ESC <
Hexadecimal: 1B 3C
Unidirectional Mode ESC U n
Selects unidirectional mode for n=1, or bidirectional mode for n=0. Printing is
normally bidirectional. Unidirectional printing provides more accurate positioning,
but causes lower throughput.
Example: The following escape sequence will force unidirectional printing.
Escape Sequence: ESC U 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 55 31
Reset ESC @
Deletes all data on the current line and initializes the printer to the default settings for
the current form.
Restores the default horizontal tab stops. Default tab stops are set at every eighth
column, i.e. column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, etc.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
performing this reset. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this.
See the appendix on Printer Reset Conditions for more information.
Escape Sequence: ESC @
Hexadecimal: 1B 40
Page 3-27
Epson FX Emulation
Forms and Tractors
The FormsPro 4503 contains three sets of paper tractors (front, center, and rear). It is
possible, via software, to change to a different set of tractors and continue printing.
You may change to a different set of tractors by selecting a different form. The
"Path:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu specifies "Front", "Center", or "Rear" for
each form that is defined. When a form is selected, the associated set of tractors is
also automatically selected.
Load Form ESC EM n
Causes the current line to be printed, and then loads paper and form parameters for
form n. 0≥n≥2. If form n is already loaded, this sequence is ignored. If not, the
current form will be unloaded, the parameters for form n will be selected, and the
printer will go offline to wait for the operator to install the new form and place the
printer back online. In the FormsPro 4503 the same happens unless selecting form n
also selects a different paper path. In that case, the current form is unloaded, the
tractors are moved to engage the new path, the new form is loaded, and printing may
continue.
The printer will not unload the current form if a previously printed form has not been
torn off. In this case, the printer will go offline, sound the bell, and display the
message "Tear Off Paper". When an operator tears off the paper and places the
printer back online, the printer will unload the current form and continue.
If the printer is unable to load the new form, it will sound the bell and display the
message "No Paper to Load". A "Paper Out" error will occur and the printer will go
offline to wait for an operator to clear the error.
Example: The following escape sequence will load form 2.
Escape Sequence: ESC EM 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 19 32
Page 3-28
Epson FX Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n Software Interface
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
1 ANSI X3.64 Emulation
2 Epson FX Emulation
3 Bar Code Mode (optional)
4 IBM Proprinter Emulation
5 DEC LA120 Emulation
6 TTY Emulation
7 Printek Emulation
? Previously Selected Emulation
@ Default Emulation
Overrides the "Mode:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu. "Mode:
BarberPole" and "Mode: Hex Dump" cannot be overridden.
A numeric value for n may be specified in two different ways, with equivalent results:
a single byte with a value of 00 to 07 hex, or a single printable ASCII character "0" to
"7" (30 to 37 hex).
If more than one emulation has been selected, ESC ESC ? will return to the
previously selected emulation. This is particularly useful when the previous
emulation is unknown. Please beware that the memory (stack) is only one level deep.
ESC ESC @ will return to the default emulation, as specified by the "Mode:" value in
the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
This chapter describes Epson FX emulation. If a different interface is selected, the
control codes and escape sequences described in this chapter will no longer be
applicable.
Example: The following escape sequences will select Printek emulation, load form
one, and then return to the previous emulation.
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
Page 3-29
Epson FX Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Sorted Alphabetically
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CAN Cancel Line
CR Carriage Return
DC2 Cancel Condensed Mode
DC3 Deselect Printer
DC4 Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line)
DEL Delete Character
ESC ! n Master Print Mode Select
ESC # Cancel MSB Control
ESC * m n1 n2 data m DPI Graphics
ESC - n Underline Mode
ESC 0 Select 8 LPI
ESC 1 Set Line Spacing to 7/72"
ESC 2 Select 6 LPI
ESC 3 n Set Line Spacing to n/216"
ESC 4 Select Italic Mode
ESC 5 Cancel Italic Mode
ESC 6 Enable Printing of High Symbols
ESC 7 Disable Printing of High Symbols
ESC < Unidirectional Mode (one line)
ESC = Set MSB to 0
ESC > Set MSB to 1
ESC @ Reset
ESC A n Set Line Spacing to n/72"
ESC B n1 n2 ... nx NUL Set Vertical Tab Stops
ESC C NUL n Set Form Length in Inches
ESC C n Set Form Length in Lines
ESC D n1 n2 ... nx NUL Set Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC E Select Emphasized Mode
ESC EM n Load Form
ESC ESC n Select Software Interface n
ESC F Cancel Emphasized Mode
ESC G Select Double-Strike Mode
ESC H Cancel Double-Strike Mode
ESC I n Printing of Low Symbols
ESC J n Variable Distance Line Feed
Page 3-30
Epson FX Emulation
ESC K n1 n2 data 60 DPI Graphics
ESC L n1 n2 data 120 DPI Graphics
ESC M Select 12 CPI
ESC N n Set Perforation Skip
ESC O Cancel Perforation Skip
ESC P Select 10 CPI
ESC Q n Set Right Margin
ESC R n Select International Character Set
ESC S n Select Subscript or Superscript Mode
ESC SI Select Condensed Mode
ESC SO Select Double-Wide Mode (one line)
ESC T Cancel Subscript and Superscript Mode
ESC U n Unidirectional Mode
ESC W n Double-Wide Mode
ESC Y n1 n2 data High Speed 120 DPI Graphics
ESC Z n1 n2 data High Speed 240 DPI Graphics
ESC g Select 15 CPI
ESC j n Variable Distance Reverse Line Feed
ESC k n Select Font
ESC l n Set Left Margin
ESC w n Double-High Mode
ESC x n Select Draft or Letter Quality
ETX End of Text
FF Form Feed
HT Horizontal Tab
LF Line Feed
SI Select Condensed Mode
SO Select Double-Wide Mode (one line)
VT Vertical Tab
XOFF Deselect Printer
Page 3-31
IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising IBM
Proprinter emulation. This emulation may be selected by specifying "Mode:
Proprinter" in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 4
sequence. While this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from
other emulations are not available.
Control codes and escape sequences are used to control printer operation. An ASCII
control code is a single character in the range 00 hex through 1F hex, and 7F hex.
The ESC (Escape) control code (1B hex) is used to introduce character strings called
escape sequences, which provide an extension of the commands available with ASCII
control codes.
Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. If a sequence
accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as "n". If a sequence accepts
more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as "n1 n2 ... nx".
Since numeric parameters are always encoded in one byte, their values may range
from 0 to 255 decimal. Please note that the value will never be represented by a
string of ASCII decimal digits ("0" through "9"). For example, a value of 66 decimal
would be sent as a single byte with a hex value of 42. This is equivalent to sending
the ASCII character "B". It is entirely different than sending the two printable ASCII
characters "66".
If a numeric parameter is limited to a value of zero or one, it may be sent as a single
byte with a value of 00 or 01 hex (NUL or SOH), or it may be sent as a single
printable ASCII character "0" or "1" (30 or 31 hex).
Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The
spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the
sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as "n" and "n1 n2"
above) are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that
some value must be supplied.
Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control
codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two
characters "B" and "S" (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is contained
in the appendices for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret
Page 4-1
IBM Proprinter Emulation
a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the
provided example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be
helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see chapter 8) printed by the printer.
Column and line numbers begin at one, not at zero. Keep this in mind when setting
tabs, margins, etc.
Page 4-2
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
Cancel Line CAN
Cancels all printable text in the current print line. Does not affect any control codes
or escape sequences.
Control code: CAN
Hexadecimal: 18
End of Text ETX
If "ETX/ACK: On" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, then receipt of an
ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.
Since the ETX may be a legal value within an escape sequence, it is the user's
responsibility to ensure that an ETX used for data handshake is not sent within an
escape sequence. The user must also ensure that the maximum block size or the
number of blocks sent at one time does not exceed the input buffer size of the printer.
ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. It is not available when using
the parallel interface or the coaxial/twinaxial interface.
If character set 2 is selected, ETX will be treated as a printable character instead of an
I/O handshake control code.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
Deselect Printer ESC Q n
Deselects the printer. Use of this command is discouraged, because the printer will
remain offline until an operator presses the ONLINE button on the control panel.
For a Proprinter II or Proprinter III, n should be 3. For a Proprinter XL or Proprinter
III XL, n should be 22. It does not really matter, because n will be ignored.
Example: The following escape sequence will force the printer offline.
Escape Sequence: ESC Q 22
Hexadecimal: 1B 51 16
Page 4-3
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Character Size
The FormsPro 4000 is capable of supporting 10, 12, 13.3, 15, 16.7, 17.14, and 20 cpi,
but most emulations support only a subset of these. IBM Proprinter emulation
supports 10, 12, 17.14, and 20 cpi via software, but does not support 13.3, 15 or 16.7
cpi. Every emulation supports 10 cpi, and we consider this to be the default character
pitch. When you use the control panel to change the "CPI:" value in the "Setup:
FORM" menu, you are actually changing the default character pitch. When the
printer is turned on (or reset), it will use this character pitch. You can even use a
pitch that is not supported by your emulation, such as 13.3 cpi with IBM Proprinter
emulation. You can override this pitch selection via software, by sending an escape
sequence. This selects a user specified non-default pitch. For example, in IBM
Proprinter emulation, sending ESC : will select 12 cpi. Sending DC2 will re-select 10
cpi, and thus re-select the default character pitch that was selected in the form setup.
Via software escape sequences, you can select any character pitch supported by the
emulation you are using. All will print as expected, unless you select 10 cpi -because 10 cpi really selects the default character pitch from setup. If you really want
10 cpi, then you must specify "CPI: 10" in the "Setup: FORM" menu. Likewise, if
you want to use the default pitch from setup, you must not override it. Either send no
character pitch sequences to the printer, or make sure you re-select 10 cpi via
software.
When you select different forms, the default character pitch from setup is selected
along with the form. But you will not see this default pitch if it has already been
overridden via software.
Select 10 CPI DC2
Selects 10 cpi by cancelling 12 cpi and condensed mode. If "CPI: 10" was not
specified in the "Setup: FORM" menu, the specified default character pitch will be
selected instead of 10 cpi.
Control code: DC2
Hexadecimal: 12
Select 12 CPI ESC :
Selects 12 cpi (elite mode). Condensed mode is unaffected. The resulting character
spacing will be 12 cpi, or if condensed mode is also selected, 20 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC :
Hexadecimal: 1B 3A
Page 4-4
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Select Condensed Mode SI
(or) ESC SI
Selects condensed mode. The resulting character spacing will be 17.14 cpi if 10 cpi
was selected, or 20 cpi if 12 cpi was selected.
Control code: SI
Hexadecimal: 0F
Escape Sequence: ESC SI
Hexadecimal: 1B 0F
Select Double-Wide Mode (one line) SO
(or) ESC SO
Selects double-wide mode for one line. Double-wide mode doubles the width of all
characters, but does not affect character height. This mode is cancelled by a carriage
return or DC4.
Control code: SO
Hexadecimal: 0E
Escape Sequence: ESC SO
Hexadecimal: 1B 0E
Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line) DC4
Cancels double-wide mode selected by SO or ESC SO. Does not cancel double-wide
mode selected by ESC W or ESC !.
Control code: DC4
Hexadecimal: 14
Double-Wide Mode ESC W n
Selects double-wide mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. Double-wide mode doubles
the width of all characters, but does not affect character height.
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC W 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 57 31
Page 4-5
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Double-High Mode ESC [ @ n1 n2 m1 m2 m3 m4
Selects single or double-high mode, single or double-wide mode, and single or double
line feeds.
The two bytes n1 and n2 specify how many mode bytes (m1, m2, m3, m4) follow.
Theoretically, there may be n1 + (n2 x 256) mode bytes. Actually, n2 must be 0, and
n1 may be 0 to 4, but is normally 4.
m1 and m2 must be 0 (NUL). m3 and m4 may be set to the values in the following
tables.
m3 hex character height and line spacing
0 00 no change
1 01 line feeds unchanged, single-high characters
2 02 line feeds unchanged, double-high characters
16 10 single line feeds, character height unchanged
17 11 single line feeds, single-high characters
18 12 single line feeds, double-high characters
32 20 double line feeds, character height unchanged
33 21 double line feeds, single-high characters
34 22 double line feeds, double-high characters
m4 hex character width
1 01 single-wide characters
2 02 double-wide characters
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide and double-high
mode, with double line feeds.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ @ 4 0 0 0 34 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 40 04 00 00 00 22 02
Select Subscript or Superscript Mode ESC S n
Selects subscript mode for n=1, or superscript mode for n=0. This will print
characters about half the normal height, in the bottom or top half of the normal
character cell.
Example: The following escape sequence will select superscript mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC S 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 53 30
Cancel Subscript and Superscript Mode ESC T
Cancels subscript and superscript mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC T
Hexadecimal: 1B 54
Page 4-6
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Character Attributes
Select Emphasized Mode ESC E
Selects emphasized mode. This makes characters bolder by printing an extra dot to
the right of each dot normally found in the character matrix. This will cut the print
speed in half, but will not require an additional pass of the print head. Overrides the
"Impact:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
Cancel Emphasized Mode ESC F
Cancels emphasized mode. Overrides the "Impact:" value in the "Setup: FORM"
menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC F
Hexadecimal: 1B 46
Select Double-Strike Mode ESC G
Selects double-strike mode. This makes text bolder by printing it twice. This will cut
the print speed in half, because an additional pass of the print head will be required.
Escape Sequence: ESC G
Hexadecimal: 1B 47
Cancel Double-Strike Mode ESC H
Cancels double-strike mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC H
Hexadecimal: 1B 48
Underline Mode ESC - n
Selects underline mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. This mode provides continuous
underlining for all characters, including spaces.
Example: The following escape sequence will turn underlining on.
Escape Sequence: ESC - 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 2D 31
Page 4-7
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Character Sets
Select Character Set 1 ESC 7
Selects character set 1. Disables printing of character values 0 through 31 decimal,
and 128 through 159 decimal, so these characters will be treated as control codes.
Overrides the "Chars:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 7
Hexadecimal: 1B 37
Select Character Set 2 ESC 6
Selects character set 2. Enables printing of character values 0 through 31 decimal if
they are not used as control codes. Enables printing of character values 128 through
159 decimal, so these characters will not be treated as control codes. Overrides the
"Chars:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 6
Hexadecimal: 1B 36
Print Single Character ESC ^ n
Prints the character n from the all characters chart. This sequence may be used to
print a character that is normally treated as a control code.
Example: The following escape sequence will print a left arrow. This character is
normally not printable, since it is treated as the ESC control code.
Escape Sequence: ESC ^ ESC
Hexadecimal: 1B 5E 1B
Print Characters ESC \ n1 n2
Prints the next n1 + (n2 x 256) characters from the all characters chart. This sequence
may be used to print characters that are normally treated as a control codes.
Example: The following escape sequence will print an up arrow, a down arrow, a
right arrow, and a left arrow.
Escape Sequence: ESC \ 4 0 CAN EM SUB ESC
Hexadecimal: 1B 5C 04 00 18 19 1A 1B
Page 4-8
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Select Print Mode ESC I n
Selects print mode n according to the following chart. Overrides the "Font:" value in
the "Setup: FORM" menu.
n Print Mode
0 Draft
1 Draft 12 cpi
2 Letter Quality
3 Letter Quality
Example: The following escape sequence will select the IBM Proprinter letter quality
font.
Escape Sequence: ESC I 3
Hexadecimal: 1B 49 03
Line Pitch
Select 8 LPI ESC 0
Sets the line spacing to 1/8 of an inch per line (8 lpi). Overrides the "LPI:" value in
the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 30
Set Line Spacing to 7/72" ESC 1
Sets the line spacing to 7/72 of an inch per line. Since the distance between print
head wires is 1/72 of an inch, this is equivalent to setting seven wire spacing. This is
not particularly useful for text, but may be useful for graphics if 7-bit graphics data is
being sent. Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 31
Start Line Spacing ESC 2
Sets the line spacing to the value selected by ESC A n. Overrides the "LPI:" value in
the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 32
Page 4-9
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Set Line Spacing to n/216" ESC 3 n
Sets the line spacing to n/216 of an inch per line. 0≥n≥255. Overrides the "LPI:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
NOTE: The actual resolution of the FormsPro 4000 paper stepper motor is 1/288 of
an inch. When spacing is specified in 1/216 of an inch, the printer will actually move
paper to the nearest 1/288 of an inch.
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to one half inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC 3 108
Hexadecimal: 1B 33 6C
Set Line Spacing to n/72" ESC A n
Sets the line spacing to n/72 of an inch per line. 0≥n≥255. Since the distance
between print head wires is 1/72 of an inch, this is equivalent to setting n wire
spacing. This spacing is stored but does not take effect until ESC 2 is received.
Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to 8/72 of an inch, for
use with eight wire graphics.
Escape Sequence: ESC A 8
Hexadecimal: 1B 41 08
Page 4-10
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Horizontal Position
Carriage Return CR
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin. If "Auto LF: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a line feed
will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
Backspace BS
Causes the current line to be printed, and then moves the current print position one
space to the left. The actual distance moved depends on the current character
spacing. Backspacing can be done up to, but not beyond, the left margin.
Control code: BS
Hexadecimal: 08
Vertical Position
Line Feed LF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one line at the
current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: LF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Variable Distance Line Feed ESC J n
Causes the current line to be printed, and then performs a single line feed of n/216ths
of an inch. 0≥n≥ 255. Does not change the current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is
selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the paper one half inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC J 108
Hexadecimal: 1B 4A 6C
Page 4-11
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Form Length and Form Feed
Form length is the distance from the top of the form to the bottom of the form. Form
length may be specified either in inches, or in lines. A form feed will advance the
paper to the top of the next form. Some programs do not send form feeds. Instead,
they count line feeds, and send the appropriate number of line feeds to fill out the
page. The usual rational is that the program is then in complete control of form
length, and will work on any printer without requiring the correct form length to be
set. However, the correct form length should always be set on the FormsPro 4000.
Even if the program does not use form feeds, the printer will automatically scroll a
completed form up to the tear bar to be torn off. This automatic scroll is based upon
form length. The easiest way to set form length is via the "Length:" value in the
"Setup: FORM" menu, so it will be correctly set for everyone using the form. If
correct form length cannot be guaranteed from SETUP, then each program should set
the correct form length.
Set Form Length in Lines ESC C n
Sets the form length to n lines at the current line spacing. 1≥n≥ 255. Maximum form
length is 37.9 inches. Invalid form lengths will be ignored. Overrides the "Length:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
For example, an 11 inch form contains 66 lines at 6 LPI, but 88 lines at 8 LPI. If line
spacing is changed after setting the form length, the physical form length (in inches)
will not be changed.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
setting form length. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. Vertical margins are
cleared.
Example: The following escape sequence will set form length to 66 lines. At 6 LPI,
this will result in a form length of 11 inches.
Escape sequence: ESC C 66
Hexadecimal: 1B 43 42
Set Form Length in Inches ESC C NUL n
Sets the form length to n inches. 1≥n≥37. Maximum form length is 37.9 inches.
Invalid form lengths will be ignored. Overrides the "Length:" value in the "Setup:
FORM" menu.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
setting form length. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. Vertical margins are
cleared.
Page 4-12
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Example: The following escape sequence will set form length to 11 inches,
regardless of what line spacing is set.
Escape sequence: ESC C NUL 11
Hexadecimal: 1B 43 00 0B
Form Feed FF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the top of the
next form. If a top margin is set, printing will continue at the top margin. The "FF at
TOF: No" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu allows a form feed to be ignored
if the paper is already at top of form. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Set Top of Form ESC 4
Sets top of form to the current position.
Escape Sequence: ESC 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 34
Page 4-13
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Horizontal Tabs
Default horizontal tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33,
41, etc. The default tab stops are associated with columns, not absolute physical
positions. Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the default
tab stops.
User defined horizontal tab stops are associated with absolute physical positions, not
with columns. The tab stops are set relative to the current character spacing, but
subsequent changes in character spacing will not affect the physical position of the
tab stops (except that the position will be rounded up to the closest character
boundary).
Horizontal Tab HT
Advances to the next horizontal tab stop. If no tab stop exists between the active
column and the right margin, the HT will be ignored. Default tab stops are set at
every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. Different tab stops may be set
with ESC D.
Control code: HT
Hexadecimal: 09
Set Horizontal Tab Stops ESC D n1 n2 ... nx NUL
Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops, and sets new tab stops at column n1, n2,
n3, etc. 1≥ n≥255. The tab stops must be presented in ascending order. The NUL
character, or any tab stop value less than the preceding one, terminates the sequence.
The tab stops are set relative to the current character spacing, but subsequent changes
in character spacing will not affect the physical position of the tab stops (except that
the position will be rounded up to the closest character boundary). The leftmost
column is column one.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc.
The tab stops set by ESC D will replace the default tab stops. ESC D NUL will clear
all tab stops, leaving no tab stops set. The default tab stops are restored by ESC R.
Example: The following escape sequence will set horizontal tab stops at half inch
intervals, if character spacing is currently 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC D 6 11 16 21 26 31 NUL
Hexadecimal: 1B 44 06 0B 10 15 1A 1F 00
Page 4-14
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Vertical Tabs
Vertical tab stops are associated with absolute physical positions, not with lines. The
tab stops are set relative to the current line spacing, but subsequent changes in line
spacing will not affect the physical position of the tab stops.
Vertical Tab VT
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the next vertical
tab stop. If no vertical tab stops are set, then a line feed is done instead. If "Auto CR:
On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be
performed.
Control code: VT
Hexadecimal: 0B
Set Vertical Tab Stops ESC B n1 n2 ... nx NUL
Clears all currently set vertical tab stops, and sets new tab stops at line n1, n2, n3, etc.
1≥n≥255. The tab stops must be presented in ascending order. The NUL character,
or any tab stop value less than the preceding one, terminates the sequence. The tab
stop settings are based on the current line spacing. Changing the line spacing after
the tab stops are set will not affect the position of the tab stops. The first line is line
one.
ESC B NUL or ESC R will clear all currently set vertical tab stops, leaving no
vertical tab stops set.
Example: The following escape sequence will set vertical tab stops at line 7, 13, and
25. If line spacing is currently 6 lpi, this will result in tab stops one inch, two inches,
and four inches from the top of the form.
Escape Sequence: ESC B 7 13 25 NUL
Hexadecimal: 1B 42 07 0D 19 00
Horizontal and Vertical Tabs
Reset Horizontal and Vertical Tab Stops ESC R
Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops, and returns to default horizontal tab stops.
Default horizontal tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33,
41, etc. Clears all currently set vertical tab stops.
Page 4-15
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Escape Sequence: ESC R
Hexadecimal: 1B 52
Page 4-16
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Horizontal Margins
Printing is allowed only within the left and right margins. Exceeding the right margin
will cause line wrap, setting the current print position to the left margin and
advancing the paper one line.
Set Left and Right Margin ESC X n1 n2
Sets the left margin to column n1 and the right margin to column n2 at the current
character spacing. 0≥n1≥255, 0≥n2≥255. If character spacing is changed after
setting the margins, the position of the margins will not change.
The left margin is inclusive, but the right margin is exclusive. For example, a left
margin at column 11 still allows a character to be printed in column 11. A right
margin at column 76 allows a character to be printed in column 75, but not in column
76.
The leftmost column is column one. If n1 or n2 is zero, the corresponding margin is
not changed. The left margin must be left of the right margin and ≤13.4 inches. The
right margin must be right of the left margin and ≤13.6 inches. Invalid margins will
be ignored. Overrides the "Left Mar:" and "Right Mar:" values in the "Setup:
FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a one inch left margin, and will set
a right margin 7.5 inches from the left edge of the form, if character spacing is
currently 10 cpi. For a standard 8.5 inch wide form, this would result in a one inch
right margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC X 11 76
Hexadecimal: 1B 58 0B 4C
Page 4-17
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Vertical Margins
Printing is allowed only within the top and bottom margins. Exceeding the bottom
margin will set the current line to the top margin of the next form.
Set Perforation Skip ESC N n
Sets the perforation skip distance to n lines at the current line spacing. 1≥n≥ 255. If
line spacing is changed after setting the skip distance, the skip distance will not be
changed.
The skip distance is split between the top and bottom margins, so the perforation will
be centered in the resulting white space. The specified skip distance must be less than
the form length, or the command will be ignored. Perforation skip is canceled by
ESC O, ESC C n or ESC C NUL n. Overrides the "Top Mar:" and "Btm Mar:" values
in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a two inch perforation skip
distance, if the current line spacing is 6 lpi. This will result in a one inch top and
bottom margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC N 12
Hexadecimal: 1B 4E 0C
Cancel Perforation Skip ESC O
Cancels perforation skip. This is equivalent to having no top and bottom margin.
Overrides the "Top Mar:" and "Btm Mar:" values in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC O
Hexadecimal: 1B 4F
Page 4-18
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Graphics
Graphics mode gives the user complete control over every dot position on the paper.
Graphics may be printed with various horizontal densities from 60 to 240 dpi, and a
vertical density of 72 dpi.
Each byte of graphics data represents a vertical column of eight dots, with the MSB
(most significant bit) corresponding to the top wire of the print head. Turning a bit on
causes a dot to be printed. The bit values corresponding to each wire of the print head
are shown below:
wire 1 128 (80 hex)
wire 2 64 (40 hex)
wire 3 32 (20 hex)
wire 4 16 (10 hex)
wire 5 8 (08 hex)
wire 6 4 (04 hex)
wire 7 2 (02 hex)
wire 8 1 (01 hex)
The appropriate bit values are added together to fire the desired wires. For example,
a byte of graphics data with the value 128 (80 hex) will fire the top wire, wire 1. A
value of 192 (C0 hex) will fire the top two wires, wires 1 and 2. A value of 11 (0B
hex) will fire wires 5, 7 and 8.
Each graphics sequence contains two bytes (n1 and n2) that specify how many bytes
of graphics data follow. The first byte, n1, can specify values up to 255. If that is
sufficient, then n2 is set to zero. For values greater than 255, n2 comes into play.
The n2 byte specifies multiples of 256. For example, to specify 520 bytes of graphics
data, n1 = 8 and n2 = 2. The bytes of graphics data are strung together to create a
graphics line that is eight dots high, and n1 + (n2 x 256) dots long. Be sure to provide
the amount of graphics data that you specify, because the printer will not leave
graphics mode until it has accepted the specified number of data bytes.
If "Data Bits: 7" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, beware of potential
problems in graphics mode. Since the MSB (most significant bit) will always be
turned off, it will not be possible to fire the top wire of the print head. Worse yet, the
value of n1 or n2 may be changed. For example, if n1 specifies 200 bytes of data,
and its MSB is turned off, the printer will only expect 72 bytes of data. It will exit
graphics mode, and then try to print the remaining 128 bytes of graphics data as
normal text characters. The result will surely not be pretty. To avoid such problems,
the use of an 8-bit I/O interface for printing graphics is highly recommended.
The normal graphics modes allow every dot to be printed. High speed graphics will
print twice as fast, but will not allow consecutive dots to be printed.
Page 4-19
IBM Proprinter Emulation
60 DPI Graphics ESC K n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire single density (60 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns of
data.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 60
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC K 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 4B 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
120 DPI Graphics ESC L n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire double density (120 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns
data.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 120
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC L 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 4C 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
High Speed 120 DPI Graphics ESC Y n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire high speed double density (120 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256)
columns of data. Horizontally adjacent dots may not be printed.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 120
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC Y 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 59 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
High Speed 240 DPI Graphics ESC Z n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire quadruple density (240 dpi) graphics for n1 + ( n2 x 256) columns
of data. Horizontally adjacent dots may not be printed.
Example: The following escape sequence will print six bytes of graphics data at 240
dpi. The resulting figure will resemble a backslash character, "\".
Escape Sequence: ESC Z 6 0 128 64 32 16 8 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 5A 06 00 80 40 20 10 08 04
Page 4-20
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Printer Controls
Bell BEL
Causes the printer's bell to sound.
Control code: BEL
Hexadecimal: 07
Unidirectional Mode ESC U n
Selects unidirectional mode for n=1, or bidirectional mode for n=0. Printing is
normally bidirectional. Unidirectional printing provides more accurate positioning,
but causes lower throughput.
Example: The following escape sequence will force unidirectional printing.
Escape Sequence: ESC U 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 55 31
Automatic Line Feed ESC 5 n
Selects automatic line feed mode for n =1, or cancels for n=0. Automatic line feed
mode causes the printer to automatically perform a line feed (LF) for each carriage
return (CR) it receives. Overrides the "Auto LF:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will select automatic line feed mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC 5 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 35 31
Page 4-21
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n Software Interface
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
1 ANSI X3.64 Emulation
2 Epson FX Emulation
3 Bar Code Mode (optional)
4 IBM Proprinter Emulation
5 DEC LA120 Emulation
6 TTY Emulation
7 Printek Emulation
? Previously Selected Emulation
@ Default Emulation
Overrides the "Mode:" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu. "Mode:
BarberPole" and "Mode: Hex Dump" cannot be overridden.
A numeric value for n may be specified in two different ways, with equivalent results:
a single byte with a value of 00 to 07 hex, or a single printable ASCII character "0" to
"7" (30 to 37 hex).
If more than one emulation has been selected, ESC ESC ? will return to the
previously selected emulation. This is particularly useful when the previous
emulation is unknown. Please beware that the memory (stack) is only one level deep.
ESC ESC @ will return to the default emulation, as specified by the "Mode:" value in
the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu.
This chapter describes IBM Proprinter emulation. If a different interface is selected,
the control codes and escape sequences described in this chapter will no longer be
applicable.
Example: The following escape sequences will select Printek emulation, load form
one, and then return to the previous emulation.
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
Page 4-22
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Sorted Alphabetically
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CAN Cancel Line
CR Carriage Return
DC2 Select 10 CPI
DC4 Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line)
ESC - n Underline Mode
ESC 0 Select 8 LPI
ESC 1 Set Line Spacing to 7/72"
ESC 2 Start Line Spacing
ESC 3 n Set Line Spacing to n/216"
ESC 4 Set Top of Form
ESC 5 n Automatic Line Feed
ESC 6 Select Character Set 2
ESC 7 Select Character Set 1
ESC : Select 12 CPI
ESC A n Set Line Spacing to n/72"
ESC B n1 n2 ... nx NUL Set Vertical Tab Stops
ESC C NUL n Set Form Length in Inches
ESC C n Set Form Length in Lines
ESC D n1 n2 ... nx NUL Set Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC E Select Emphasized Mode
ESC ESC n Select Software Interface n
ESC F Cancel Emphasized Mode
ESC G Select Double-Strike Mode
ESC H Cancel Double-Strike Mode
ESC I n Select Print Mode
ESC J n Variable Distance Line Feed
ESC K n1 n2 data 60 DPI Graphics
ESC L n1 n2 data 120 DPI Graphics
ESC N n Set Perforation Skip
ESC O Cancel Perforation Skip
ESC Q n Deselect Printer
ESC R Reset Horizontal and Vertical Tab Stops
ESC S n Select Subscript or Superscript Mode
ESC SI Select Condensed Mode
ESC SO Select Double-Wide Mode (one line)
Page 4-23
IBM Proprinter Emulation
ESC T Cancel Subscript and Superscript Mode
ESC U n Unidirectional Mode
ESC W n Double-Wide Mode
ESC X n1 n2 Set Left and Right Margin
ESC Y n1 n2 data High Speed 120 DPI Graphics
ESC Z n1 n2 data High Speed 240 DPI Graphics
ESC [ @ n1 n2 m1 m2 m3 m4 Double-High Mode
ESC \ n1 n2 Print Characters
ESC ^ n Print Single Character
ETX End of Text
FF Form Feed
HT Horizontal Tab
LF Line Feed
SI Select Condensed Mode
SO Select Double-Wide Mode (one line)
VT Vertical Tab
Page 4-24
DEC LA120 EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising DEC
LA120 emulation. This emulation may be selected by specifying "Mode: LA120" in
the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 5 sequence.
While this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from other
emulations are not available.
Control codes and escape sequences are used to control printer operation. An ASCII
control code is a single character in the range 00 hex through 1F hex, and 7F hex.
The ESC (Escape) control code (1B hex) is used to introduce character strings called
escape sequences, which provide an extension of the commands available with ASCII
control codes.
The LA120 control codes and escape sequences follow the standards of the ANSI
X3.64 specification. Many ANSI escape sequences begin with a two character
Control Sequence Introducer (CSI), Escape Left Square Bracket (ESC [, 1B 5B hex).
If 8-bit data is selected via control panel setup, these two characters may be replaced
by a single character CSI, 9B hex. The sequences are always documented in this
section with the two character CSI ( ESC [), because this format seems to be much
more common, and works equally well with 7-bit or 8-bit data.
Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. A numeric
parameter is a decimal number represented by a string of ASCII decimal digits ("0"
through "9"). Leading zeros may be supplied, but are not necessary. Due to
implementation constraints, the largest value that can be accepted is decimal 255.
Larger values will be treated as zero. Omitting a numeric parameter is equivalent to
supplying a value of zero.
If a sequence accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as "n". If a
sequence accepts more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as "n1;
n2; ... nx". Note that multiple numeric parameters are separated by a semicolon.
Most LA120 escape sequences will assume one of the following formats:
ESC f (no numeric parameters)
ESC n f (one numeric parameter)
ESC n1; n2; ... nx f (two or more numeric parameters)
Page 5-1
DEC LA120 Emulation
The "f" at the end of the escape sequence represents the final character. It terminates
the sequence, and specifies the function to be performed.
Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The
spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the
sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as "n" and "f" above)
are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that some
value must be supplied.
Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control
codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two
characters "B" and "S" (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is contained
in the appendices for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret
a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the
provided example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be
helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see chapter 8) printed by the printer.
Some escape sequences refer to the active column or active line. The active column
is the column where the next character will be printed. Printing a character or a space
will increment the active column. The active line is the line where the next character
will be printed. A line feed will increment the active line. Column and line numbers
begin at one, not at zero. Keep this in mind when setting tabs, margins, etc.
Page 5-2
DEC LA120 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
Null NUL
This control code is ignored by the printer.
Control code: NUL
Hexadecimal: 00
Delete DEL
This control code is ignored by the printer.
Control code: DEL
Hexadecimal: 7F
End of Text ETX
If "ETX/ACK: On" is specified in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, then receipt of an
ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.
Since the ETX may be a legal value within an escape sequence, it is the user's
responsibility to ensure that an ETX used for data handshake is not sent within an
escape sequence. The user must also ensure that the maximum block size or the
number of blocks sent at one time does not exceed the input buffer size of the printer.
ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. It is not available when using
the parallel interface or the coaxial/twinaxial interface.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
Page 5-3
DEC LA120 Emulation
Character Size
The FormsPro 4000 is capable of supporting 10, 12, 13.3, 15, 16.7, 17.14, and 20 cpi,
but most emulations support only a subset of these. LA120 emulation supports 10,
12, 13.3, and 16.7 cpi via software, but does not support 15, 17.14, or 20 cpi. Every
emulation supports 10 cpi, and we consider this to be the default character pitch.
When you use the control panel to change the "CPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM"
menu, you are actually changing the default character pitch. When the printer is
turned on (or reset), it will use this character pitch. You can even use a pitch that is
not supported by your emulation, such as 15 cpi with LA120 emulation. You can
override this pitch selection via software, by sending an escape sequence. This
selects a user specified non-default pitch. For example, in LA120 emulation, sending
ESC [2w will select 12 cpi. Sending ESC [w will re-select 10 cpi, and thus re-select
the default character pitch that was selected in the form setup.
Via software escape sequences, you can select any character pitch supported by the
emulation you are using. All will print as expected, unless you select 10 cpi -because 10 cpi really selects the default character pitch from setup. If you really want
10 cpi, then you must specify "CPI: 10" in the "Setup: FORM" menu. Likewise, if
you want to use the default pitch from setup, you must not override it. Either send no
character pitch sequences to the printer, or make sure you re-select 10 cpi via
software.
When you select different forms, the default character pitch from setup is selected
along with the form. But you will not see this default pitch if it has already been
overridden via software.
Set Character Spacing ESC [ n w
Sets the character spacing as specified in the following table. Omitting n is
equivalent to specifying zero.
n character pitch
0 10 cpi
1 10 cpi
2 12 cpi
3 13.3 cpi
4 16.74 cpi
5 5 cpi
6 6 cpi
7 6.67 cpi
8 8.37 cpi
Overrides the "CPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Page 5-4
DEC LA120 Emulation
Example: The following escape sequence will select 10 cpi character spacing. If
"CPI: 10" was not specified in the "Setup: FORM" menu, the specified default
character pitch will be selected instead of 10 cpi.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ w
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 77
Example: The following escape sequence will select 12 cpi character spacing.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 w
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 77
Character Attributes
Select Graphic Rendition ESC [ n m
Selects the graphic rendition n from the following table.
n Rendition
0 Normal
1 Emphasized
3 Italic
4 Underline
For italic mode to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the
"Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu). The other available fonts do not include
italic characters.
Example: The following escape sequence will select emphasized mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 m
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 6D
Page 5-5
DEC LA120 Emulation
3536649192939496123
124
125
126
@
Germany
Ä
@
Denmark
@
Æ
Ä
Ü
@
PTS$@
@
Character Sets
Select International Character Set ESC ( a
Selects the international character set as specified by the character a in the following
table. Overrides the "Lang:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
a Character Set
A United Kingdom
B United States of America
C Sweden
E Denmark
H Sweden
K Germany
R France
The actual character substitutions are shown in the "International Character Mapping"
table below. For this to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the
"Font:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu).
USA # $
France # $ à ° ç § ^ ` é ù è ¨
# $ §
England £ $
# $
Sweden # ¤ É
Italy # $
Spain
Japan # $
Example: The following escape sequence will select the German character set.
Escape Sequence: ESC ( K
Hexadecimal: 1B 28 4B
[ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Ö Ü ^ ` ä ö ü ß
[ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Ø Å ^ ` æ ø å ˜
Ö Å
° \ é ^ ù à ò è ì
¡ Ñ ¿ ^ ` ¨ ñ } ˜
[ ¥ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
é ä ö å ü
Page 5-6
DEC LA120 Emulation
Line Pitch
Set Line Spacing ESC [ n z
Sets the line spacing as specified in the following table. Omitting n is equivalent to
specifying zero.
n line pitch
0 6 lpi
1 6 lpi
2 8 lpi
3 12 lpi
4 2 lpi
5 3 lpi
6 4 lpi
Overrides the "LPI:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to 1/6 of an inch per
line (6 lpi).
Escape Sequence: ESC [ z
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 7A
Example: The following escape sequence will set line spacing to 1/8 of an inch per
line (8 lpi).
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 z
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 7A
Page 5-7
DEC LA120 Emulation
Horizontal Position
Carriage Return CR
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin. If "Auto LF: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a line feed
will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
Backspace BS
Causes the current line to be printed, and then moves the current print position one
space to the left. The actual distance moved depends on the current character
spacing. Backspacing can be done up to, but not beyond, the left margin.
Control code: BS
Hexadecimal: 08
Absolute Horizontal Tab ESC [ n `
Sets the current print position to column n. The actual position will depend on the
current character spacing. If n is less than the left margin, the active column will be
set to the left margin. If n is greater than the right margin, then a line feed will be
performed and the active column will be set to the left margin.
Example: The following escape sequence will set the active column to column 65.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 6 5 `
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 35 60
Relative Horizontal Tab ESC [ n a
Advances the current print position by n columns. The actual distance moved will
depend on the current character spacing. Equivalent to sending n spaces (SP).
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active column by 10
columns. If current character spacing is 10 cpi, this will cause the print position to
move one inch to the right.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 0 a
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 30 61
Page 5-8
DEC LA120 Emulation
Vertical Position
Line Feed LF
(or) IND
(or) ESC D
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one line at the
current line spacing. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE"
menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: LF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Control code: IND
Hexadecimal: 84
Escape Sequence: ESC D
Hexadecimal: 1B 44
Absolute Vertical Tab ESC [ n d
Sets the current line to line n of the current form. The actual position will depend on
the current line spacing.
Example: The following escape sequence will set the active line to line 12.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 d
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 64
Relative Vertical Tab ESC [ n e
Advances the active line by n lines. The actual distance moved will depend on the
current line spacing. Equivalent to sending n line feeds (LF).
Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active line by 12 lines. If
current line spacing is 6 lpi, this will cause the paper to advance one inch.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 e
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 65
Page 5-9
DEC LA120 Emulation
Horizontal and Vertical Position
New Line NEL
(or) ESC E
Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left
margin and performs a line feed. Equivalent to a carriage return (CR) line feed (LF)
combination.
Control code: NEL
Hexadecimal: 85
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
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DEC LA120 Emulation
Form Length and Form Feed
Form length is the distance from the top of the form to the bottom of the form. A
form feed will advance the paper to the top of the next form. Some programs do not
send form feeds. Instead, they count line feeds, and send the appropriate number of
line feeds to fill out the page. The usual rational is that the program is then in
complete control of form length, and will work on any printer without requiring the
correct form length to be set. However, the correct form length should always be set
on the FormsPro 4000. Even if the program does not use form feeds, the printer will
automatically scroll a completed form up to the tear bar to be torn off. This automatic
scroll is based upon form length. The easiest way to set form length is via the
"Length:" value in the "Setup: FORM" menu, so it will be correctly set for everyone
using the form. If correct form length cannot be guaranteed from SETUP, then each
program should set the correct form length.
Set Form Length in Lines ESC [ n t
Sets the form length to n lines at the current line spacing. 1≥n≥ 255. Maximum form
length is 37.9 inches. Invalid form lengths will be ignored. Overrides the "Length:"
value in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
For example, an 11 inch form contains 66 lines at 6 LPI, but 88 lines at 8 LPI. If line
spacing is changed after setting the form length, the physical form length (in inches)
will not be changed.
Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before
setting form length. Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. Vertical margins are
cleared.
Example: The following escape sequence will set form length to 66 lines. At 6 LPI,
this will result in a form length of 11 inches.
Escape sequence: ESC [ 6 6 t
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 36 74
Form Feed FF
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the top of the
next form. If a top margin is set, printing will continue at the top margin. The "FF at
TOF: No" value in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu allows a form feed to be ignored
if the paper is already at top of form. If "Auto CR: On" is selected in the "Setup:
INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0A
Page 5-11
DEC LA120 Emulation
Horizontal Tabs
Horizontal tab stops are associated with columns, not absolute physical positions.
Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. If
different tab stops are to be set, the default tab stops should first be cleared.
Horizontal Tab HT
Advances to the next horizontal tab stop. If no tab stop exists between the active
column and the right margin, the HT will be ignored. Default tab stops are set at
every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. Different tab stops may be set
with ESC H, ESC 1, or ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx u.
Control code: HT
Hexadecimal: 09
Set Horizontal Tab Stop HTS
(or) ESC H
(or) ESC 1
Sets a horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop is associated with
the active column, not an absolute physical position. Changing character spacing will
change the physical position of the tab stop.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc.
The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops,
including the default tab stops. If this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be
cleared.
Control code: HTS
Hexadecimal: 88
Escape Sequence: ESC H
Hexadecimal: 1B 48
Escape Sequence: ESC 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 31
Set Horizontal Tab Stops ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx u
Sets new horizontal tab stops at column n1, n2, n3, etc. 1≥n≥ 255. The tab stops are
associated with columns, not absolute physical positions. Changing character spacing
Page 5-12
DEC LA120 Emulation
will change the physical position of the tab stops. The leftmost column is column
one.
Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc.
The tab stops set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops,
including the default tab stops. If this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be
cleared.
Example: The following escape sequence will set horizontal tab stops at five column
intervals.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 6 ; 1 1 ; 1 6 u
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 3B 31 31 3B 31 36 75
Example: The following escape sequence will set a horizontal tab stop at column six.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 6 u
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 75
Clear Horizontal Tab Stop ESC [ g
(or) ESC [ 0 g
Clears the horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop to be cleared
is associated with the active column (based upon the current character spacing), not
an absolute physical position.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 67
Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops ESC 2
(or) ESC [ 2 g
(or) ESC [ 3 g
Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops.
Escape Sequence: ESC 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 32
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 67
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 3 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 33 67
Page 5-13
DEC LA120 Emulation
Vertical Tabs
Vertical tab stops are associated with lines, not absolute physical positions. Changing
line spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops.
Vertical Tab VT
Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the next vertical
tab stop. If no vertical tab stops are set, then a line feed is done instead. If "Auto CR:
On" is selected in the "Setup: INTERFACE" menu, a carriage return will also be
performed.
Control code: VT
Hexadecimal: 0B
Set Vertical Tab Stop VTS
(or) ESC J
(or) ESC 3
Sets a vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop is associated with the active
line, not an absolute physical position. Changing line spacing will change the
physical position of the tab stop.
The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops. If
this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be cleared.
Control code: VTS
Hexadecimal: 8A
Escape Sequence: ESC J
Hexadecimal: 1B 4A
Escape Sequence: ESC 3
Hexadecimal: 1B 33
Set Vertical Tab Stops ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx v
Sets new vertical tab stops at line n1, n2, n3, etc. 1≥n≥255. The tab stops are
associated with lines, not absolute physical positions. Changing line spacing will
change the physical position of the tab stops. The first line is line one.
The tab stops set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops. If
this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be cleared.
Page 5-14
DEC LA120 Emulation
Example: The following escape sequence will set vertical tab stops at line 7, 13, and
25. If line spacing is 6 lpi, this will result in tab stops one inch, two inches, and four
inches from the top of the form.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 7 ; 1 3 ; 2 5 v
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 37 3B 31 33 3B 32 35 76
Example: The following escape sequence will set a vertical tab stop at line seven.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 7 v
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 37 76
Clear Vertical Tab Stop ESC [ 1 g
Clears the vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop to be cleared is associated
with the active line (based upon the current line spacing), not an absolute physical
position.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 67
Clear All Vertical Tab Stops ESC 4
(or) ESC [ 4 g
Clears all currently set vertical tab stops.
Escape Sequence: ESC 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 34
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 4 g
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 34 67
Page 5-15
DEC LA120 Emulation
Horizontal Margins
Printing is allowed only within the left and right margins. Exceeding the right margin
will cause line wrap, setting the current print position to the left margin and
advancing the paper one line.
Set Left and Right Margin ESC [ n1 ; n2 s
Sets the left margin to column n1 and the right margin to column n2 at the current
character spacing. 0≥n1≥255, 0≥n2≥255. If character spacing is changed after
setting the margins, the position of the margins will not change.
The margin settings are inclusive. For example, a left margin at column 11 allows a
character to be printed in column 11, but not in column 10. A right margin at column
75 allows a character to be printed in column 75, but not in column 76.
The leftmost column is column one. If n1 or n2 is zero (or is omitted), the
corresponding margin is not changed. The left margin must be left of the right
margin and ≤13.4 inches. The right margin must be right of the left margin and ≤13.6
inches. Invalid margins will be ignored. Overrides the "Left Mar:" and "Right Mar:"
values in the "Setup: FORM" menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a one inch left margin, and will set
a right margin 7.5 inches from the left edge of the form, if character spacing is
currently 10 cpi. For a standard 8.5 inch wide form, this would result in a one inch
right margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 0 ; 7 5 s
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 30 3B 37 35 73
Example: The following escape sequence will set the left margin to column 10,
without affecting the right margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 0 s
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 30 73
Example: The following escape sequence will set the right margin to column 75,
without affecting the left margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ ; 7 5 s
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 3B 37 35 73
Page 5-16
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