FormsMaster 8000 Series
Programmer’s Manual
Copyright 1997
by
Printek, Inc.
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
616-925-3200
Printek Part Number 4509
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, Code V is a trademark of QMS, Inc., QMS is a registered trademark of QMS, Inc.Printek is a
registered trademark of Printek, Inc.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ii
INTRODUCTION 1
How to Use This Manual 1
Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features 2
Selecting Emulations 2
Changing Forms/Tractor Paths 3
ANSI X3.64 EMULATION 5
Introduction 5
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 7
Communications 7
Character Size and Line Spacing 8
Character Attributes 8
Horizontal Position 9
Vertical Position 10
Horizontal and Vertical Position 12
Form Length and Form Feed 12
Horizontal Tabs 13
Vertical Tabs 14
Printer Controls 14
Emulations 16
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 17
EPSON FX EMULATION 19
Introduction 19
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 20
Communications 20
Character Size 21
Character Attributes 24
Character Sets 26
Line Pitch 29
Horizontal Position 30
Vertical Position 31
Form Length and Form Feed 31
Horizontal Tabs 33
Vertical Tabs 34
Horizontal Margins 35
Vertical Margins 36
Graphics 37
Printer Controls 39
Forms and Tractors 40
Emulations 41
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 42
Table of Contents
IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION 45
Introduction 45
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 46
Communications 46
Character Size 47
Character Attributes 49
Character Sets 50
Line Pitch 51
Horizontal Position 52
Vertical Position 53
Form Length and Form Feed 53
Horizontal Tabs 54
Vertical Tabs 56
Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 56
Horizontal Margins 56
Vertical Margins 57
Graphics 58
Printer Controls 60
Emulations 61
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 62
DEC LA120 EMULATION 65
Introduction 65
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 67
Communications 67
Character Size 68
Character Attributes 69
Character Sets 69
Line Pitch 70
Horizontal Position 71
Vertical Position 72
Horizontal and Vertical Position 73
Form Length and Form Feed 73
Horizontal Tabs 74
Vertical Tabs 76
Horizontal Margins 78
Vertical Margins 79
Printer Controls 80
Emulations 80
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 82
SIMPLE TTY EMULATION 85
Introduction 85
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 86
Communications 86
Horizontal Position 86
Vertical Position 87
Form Length and Form Feed 87
Horizontal Tabs 88
Vertical Tabs 88
Printer Controls 88
Emulations 89
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 90
PRINTEK EMULATION 91
Introduction 91
Control Codes and Escape Sequences 93
iv
Table of Contents
Communications 93
Character Size 94
Character Attributes 95
Character Sets 96
Line Pitch 97
Horizontal Position 97
Vertical Position 97
Form Length and Form Feed 98
Horizontal Tabs 98
Vertical Tabs 100
Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 100
Horizontal Margins 101
Vertical Margins 102
Graphics 102
Printer Controls 104
Forms and Tractors 106
Emulations 107
Control Codes and Escape Sequences (Alphabetical) 108
PORT SWITCHING - PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS 109
CONFIGURATION DOWNLOAD 111
HEX DUMP MODE 117
COAX/TWINAX COMMAND INTERPRETER 119
Introduction 119
Command Interpreter 119
PRINTING BASIC BAR CODES 121
Introduction 121
Bar Code Sequences 123
Measurements in Bar Code Mode 123
Entering/Exiting Bar Code Mode 123
The Bar Code Control Character 124
Other Control Characters 124
Bar Code Definition 125
Variable Width Bar Code Definition 126
Bar Code Height 127
Relative Vertical Tab 129
Absolute Horizontal Tab 129
Bar Code Pass Terminator 130
Mixing Bar Codes and Text 131
Supported Bar Code Types 132
ASCII CHARACTER TABLES 133
ASCII Control Code Definitions 133
Epson FX Font Samples 134
PC Font Samples 135
EBCDIC Font Samples 136
PC Latin 2 (Slavic) Font Samples 137
OCR A Font Sample 138
OCR B Font Sample 138
Decimal to Octal to Hexadecimal Conversion Table 139
PRINTER RESET CONDITIONS 141
GLOSSARY 143
v
INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the software interfaces supported by the FormsMaster 8000 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 FormsMaster 8000 Series Operator's Manual that accompanied your printer.
How to Use This Manual
Below is a brief description of the information contained in this manual.
Introduction describes the contents of this manual. This chapter also provides you with an
introduction to the capabilities and operation of the FormsMaster 8000 and FormsMaster 8003 printers.
ANSI X3.64 Emulation, Epson FX Emulation, IBM Proprinter Emulation, DEC LA120 Emulation,
Simple TTY Emulation, and Printek Emulation are each designed as a stand-alone chapter. Each
chapter provides all the information necessary to write software for a particular emulation. You may
wish to refer only to the chapter for the emulation you are using, and skip the others.
Port Switching – Programming Considerations describes special considerations required when
connecting multiple host computers directly to the interface ports available on the printer.
Configuration Download describes how a simple text file may be used to set default values in the
printer’s non-volatile memory. This feature may be used as an alternative to using the printer’s front
panel setup and can be useful when configuring multiple printers or when configuring printers at a
remote location.
Hex Dump Mode describes the output of Hex Dump mode, and how it may be used to debug software
problems.
Coax/Twinax Command Interpreter describes how this mode may be used to send ASCII control
codes and escape sequences to the printer.
Printing Basic Bar Codes describes how to use the built in bar coding capabilities.
ASCII Character Tables provides a definition of ASCII control codes, character tables, and an ASCII
to Decimal to Octal to Hexadecimal conversion table.
Printer Reset Conditions describes the state of the printer after a power up reset or receipt of a reset
command.
Glossary provides a reference for printer related terms.
1
Introduction
Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features
The Printek FormsMaster 8000 series printers are high speed, heavy duty serial dot matrix printers
designed especially for printing upon hard to print forms. Such forms are often not printed adequately
by other printers. The printer is also designed to be factory floor rugged while still quiet enough for
the office. Both models 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 FormsMaster 8003
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 FormsMaster 8003 is also able to use the same
form or paper in multiple paths and automatically continue printing from a different path after one or
two paths are out of paper. For more information, refer to the FormsMaster 8000 Series Operator’s
Manual.
The printers come equipped with an industry standard parallel interface and an RS-232 serial interface.
The printer will automatically accept data from either of these ports and even a third optional port after
a 15 second delay. The optional ports which are available include Coax/Twinax, IPDS Coax, IPDS
Twinax, or Ethernet 10BaseT. For more information refer to the chapter on “Port Switching –
Programming Considerations”.
Standard bar coding capabilities include Code 39, Code 39 LOGMAR, 2-of-5, and Interleaved 2-of-5
bar codes, and OCR-A and OCR-B fonts. Bar code options include the Imager Graphics Co-Processor
which expands the bar code capabilities beyond the standard Basic Bar Codes with QMS Code V v1
barcoding compatibility, and the ImagerPlus Graphics Co-Processor which adds bar code and graphic
capabilities with QMS Code V v1 and v2 compatibility and Printronix IGP compatibility.
Other options include an internal FormsCutter which can be used to automatically cut off each form or
to separate reports. A specially designed print stand which can handle three boxes of paper, and a
Setup Module to make set up of multiple printers quick and easy are also available.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup menu for the interface being used. Frequently, the desired emulation is specified here, and never
changed again. Note that the emulation may only be specified for the serial, parallel, and EtherLink
ports. The Coax/Twinax, IPDS Coax, and IPDS Twinax ports automatically default to Printek
emulation.
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.
2
Introduction
Changing Forms/Tractor Paths
As mentioned above, the FormsMaster 8000 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 FormsMaster 8003, 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
forms menu using Setup as described in the FormsMaster 8000 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,
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.
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 setting “Emulation” to “ANSI X3.64” in the appropriate interface
setup 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)
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 prvided on page 139 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
example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be helpful when analyzing a hex
dump (see Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
5
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
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.
6
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
End of Text ETX
If “ETX/ACK” is set to “On” in the serial interface setup 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.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
7
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 “Characters/Inch” value and the “Lines/Inch” value in the forms setup menu.
n1
120 6 lpi
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.
90 8 lpi
n2
72 10 cpi
60 12 cpi
54 13.3 cpi
48 15 cpi
43 16.74 cpi
42 17.14 cpi
36 20 cpi
line pitch
character pitch
Escape Sequence: ESC [ ; 7 2 SP G
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 3B 37 32 20 47
Character Attributes
Select Graphic Rendition ESC [ n m
Selects the graphic rendition n from the following table.
n
0 Normal
8
1 Emphasized
3 Italic
4 Underline
Rendition
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
For italic mode to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the “Font” value in the
forms setup 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
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
9
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
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
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
10
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage
return will also be performed.
Control code: PLU
Hexadecimal: 8C
Escape Sequence: ESC L
Hexadecimal: 1B 4C
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
11
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 with
the control panel setup. 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the
interface setup menu (not available for all interfaces) allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is
already at top of form. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will
also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0C
12
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
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
13
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” is set to “On” in the interface
setup 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
Printer Controls
Bell BEL
Causes the printer's bell to sound.
14
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
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 interface setup 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 interface setup 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 chapter on Printer Reset Conditions for more information.
Escape Sequence: ESC c
Hexadecimal: 1B 63
15
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup 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.
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
Software Interface
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
16
ANSI X3.64 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Sorted Alphabetically
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CR Carriage Return
CSI Control Sequence Introducer
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
17
EPSON FX EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising Epson FX emulation. This
emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “Epson” in the interface setup 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 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 Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
Column and line numbers begin at zero, not at one. Keep this in mind when setting tabs, margins, etc.
19
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” is set to “On” in the serial interface setup 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.
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
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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 setting “Data Bits” to “7” in the interface setup 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
Character Size
The FormsMaster 8000 series printers are 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
“Characters/Inch” value in the forms 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 set “Characters/Inch” to “10” in
the forms 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.
21
Epson FX Emulation
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 “Characters/Inch” was not set to “10” in the forms 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.
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
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Epson FX Emulation
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
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
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Epson FX Emulation
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
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.
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
Cancel Emphasized Mode ESC F
Cancels emphasized mode.
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
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Epson FX Emulation
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
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
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Epson FX Emulation
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
0 10 cpi
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
1 12 cpi
4 Condensed
8 Emphasized
16 Double-Strike
32 Double-Wide
64 Italic
128 Underline
Attribute
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 forms menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will select draft print.
Escape Sequence: ESC x 0
Hexadecimal: 1B 78 30
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Epson FX Emulation
Select Font ESC k n
Select font n according to the following table.
n
0 Epson FX Draft
Overrides the “Font” value in the forms menu. If the specified font is not installed, the “Font” value in
the forms menu will be used to select the default font.
1 Epson FX Letter Quality
2 Proprinter PC Draft
3 Proprinter PC Letter Quality
10 EBCDIC Draft
11 EBCDIC Letter Quality
12 OCR-A Optical Quality
13 OCR-B Optical Quality
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
Font
Example: The following escape sequence will select the Epson FX letter quality font.
Escape Sequence: ESC k 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 6B 01
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Epson FX Emulation
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 “Language” value in the forms menu.
n
0 United States of America
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 ¨
Germany # $ § Ä Ö Ü ^ ` ä ö ü ß
England £ $ @ [ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Denmark # $ @ Æ Ø Å ^ ` æ ø å ˜
Sweden # ¤ É Ä Ö Å Ü é ä ö å ü
Italy # $ @ ° \ é ^ ù à ò è ì
Spain PTS $ @ ¡ Ñ ¿ ^ ` ¨ ñ } ˜
Japan # $ @ [ ¥ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
1 France
2 Germany
3 United Kingdom
4 Denmark
5 Sweden
6 Italy
7 Spain
8 Japan
35 36 64 91 92 93 94 96 123 124 125 126
Character Set
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 for n=0 or the Epson extended graphics character set for n=1. 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.
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 “Characters” value in the interface setup
menu.
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Epson FX Emulation
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 “Characters” value in the interface setup 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 “Characters” value in the interface setup 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
Line Pitch
Select 8 LPI ESC 0
Sets the line spacing to 1/8 of an inch per line (8 lpi). Overrides the “Lines/Inch” value in the forms
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 “Lines/Inch” value in the
forms 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 “Lines/Inch” value in the forms menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 32
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Epson FX 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 “Lines/Inch” value in the
forms menu.
NOTE: The actual resolution of the printer's 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. Overrides the “Lines/Inch” value in the
forms 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a line feed will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
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Epson FX Emulation
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
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
31
Epson FX Emulation
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 with the control panel setup. 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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.
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
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Epson FX Emulation
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. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the
interface setup menu allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is already at top of form. If “Auto
CR” is set to “On” in the interface menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0C
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, and calculated as
( )n n1 2 256
+ ↔
60
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
inches. The position is relative to the left margin and must not exceed the right
33
Epson FX Emulation
Relative Horizontal Tab ESC \ n1 n2
Move the carriage position to the left or right of the current carriage position. The displacement is
( )
n n1 2 256
specified in 120ths of an inch, and calculated as
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.
+ ↔
120
inches. The new position is relative
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
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.
34
Epson FX Emulation
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” is set to “On” in the interface
setup 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
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 Margin” value in the forms 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.
35
Epson FX Emulation
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 Margin” value in the forms 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
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 Margin” and “Bottom Margin” values in the forms 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
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Epson FX Emulation
Cancel Perforation Skip ESC O
Cancels perforation skip. This is equivalent to having no top and bottom margin. Overrides the “Top
Margin” and “Bottom Margin” values in the forms menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC O
Hexadecimal: 1B 4F
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” is set to “7” in the interface setup 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.
60 DPI Graphics ESC K n1 n2 data
Selects eight wire single density (60 dpi) graphics for n1 + (n2 x 256) columns of data.
37
Epson FX Emulation
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
38
m
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.
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
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.
39
Epson FX Emulation
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 chapter on Printer Reset Conditions for more information.
Escape Sequence: ESC @
Hexadecimal: 1B 40
Forms and Tractors
The FormsMaster 8003 contains three sets of paper tractors (front, center, and rear). It is possible, via
software, to change to a different form that is set up to use any set of tractors. It is even possible to use
some combinations of tractor paths for longer print jobs.
The “Path” value in the forms menu specifies “Front”, “Center”, “Rear”, “Center+Rear”, or
“Front+Center+Rear” (abbreviated “Frnt+Cntr+Rear”) for each form that is defined. When a form is
selected, the associated set(s) 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 FormsMaster 8003 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. If the
selected form had not been previously loaded in that path (see the FormsMaster 8000 Series
Operator’s Manual), then the printer will go offline until an operator has loaded the form.
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 ”Too Much Paper to Unload”.
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” and 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
40
Epson FX Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup 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.
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
Software Interface
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
41
Epson FX Emulation
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 $ n1 n2 Absolute Horizontal Tab
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
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
Sorted Alphabetically
42
Epson FX Emulation
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 \ n1 n2 Relative Horizontal Tab
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 t n Character Table (Italic vs. Extended)
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
43
IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising IBM Proprinter emulation.
This emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “Proprinter” in the interface setup 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 provided on page 139 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 Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
Column and line numbers begin at one, not at zero. Keep this in mind when setting tabs, margins, etc.
45
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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.
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
46
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Character Size
The FormsMaster 8000 series printers are 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 “Characters/Inch” value in the forms 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 nondefault 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 set “Characters/Inch” to “10” in
the forms 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 “Characters/Inch” was not set to “10” in
the forms 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
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
47
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
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
0 00 no change
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide and double-high mode, with double
line feeds.
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
1 01 single-wide characters
2 02 double-wide characters
hex
hex
character height and line spacing
character width
48
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
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 Force” value in the forms menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC E
Hexadecimal: 1B 45
Cancel Emphasized Mode ESC F
Cancels emphasized mode. Overrides the “Impact Force” value in the forms 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.
49
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
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 “Characters” value in
the interface setup 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 “Characters” value in the interface setup 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.
50
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Escape Sequence: ESC \ 4 0 CAN EM SUB ESC
Hexadecimal: 1B 5C 04 00 18 19 1A 1B
Select Print Mode ESC I n
Selects print mode n according to the following chart. Overrides the “Font” value in the forms menu.
n
0 Draft
Example: The following escape sequence will select the IBM Proprinter letter quality font.
Escape Sequence: ESC I 3
Hexadecimal: 1B 49 03
1 Fast Draft 12 cpi
2 Letter Quality
3 Letter Quality
Print Mode
Line Pitch
Select 8 LPI ESC 0
Sets the line spacing to 1/8 of an inch per line (8 lpi). Overrides the “Lines/Inch” value in the forms
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 “Lines/Inch” value in the
forms 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 “Lines/Inch” value in the forms
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 “Lines/Inch” value in the
forms menu.
51
IBM Proprinter Emulation
NOTE: The actual resolution of the printer's 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 “Lines/Inch” value in the forms 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a line feed will also be performed.
Control code: CR
Hexadecimal: 0D
52
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup
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
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 with the control panel setup. 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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 “Form Length” value in the forms menu.
53
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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.
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. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the
interface setup menu allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is already at top of form. If “Auto
CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0C
Set Top of Form ESC 4
Sets top of form to the current position.
Escape Sequence: ESC 4
Hexadecimal: 1B 34
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).
54
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
55
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” is set to “On” in the interface
setup 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.
Escape Sequence: ESC R
Hexadecimal: 1B 52
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.
56
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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 Margin” and “Right
Margin” values in the forms 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
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 Margin” and “Bottom Margin” values in the forms 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
Margin” and “Bottom Margin” values in the forms menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC O
Hexadecimal: 1B 4F
57
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” is set to “7” in the interface setup 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.
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, “\”.
58
IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
59
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 interface setup menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will select automatic line feed mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC 5 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 35 31
60
IBM Proprinter Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup 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.
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
Software Interface
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
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IBM Proprinter Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
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)
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
Sorted Alphabetically
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IBM Proprinter Emulation
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
63
DEC LA120 EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising DEC LA120 emulation.
This emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “LA120” in the interface setup 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)
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 provided on page 139 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 Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
65
DEC LA120 Emulation
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.
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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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
67
DEC LA120 Emulation
Character Size
The FormsMaster 8000 series printers are 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
“Characters/Inch” value in the forms 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 set “Characters/Inch” to “10” in
the forms 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
0 10 cpi
Overrides the “Characters/Inch” value in the forms menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will select 10 cpi character spacing. If “Characters/Inch”
was not set to “10” in the forms 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
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
character pitch
68
DEC LA120 Emulation
Character Attributes
Select Graphic Rendition ESC [ n m
Selects the graphic rendition n from the following table.
n
0 Normal
For italic mode to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the “Font” value in the
forms 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
1 Emphasized
3 Italic
4 Underline
Rendition
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 “Language” value in the forms menu.
a
A United Kingdom
B United States of America
C Sweden
E Denmark
H Sweden
K Germany
R France
Character Set
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 forms
menu).
69
DEC LA120 Emulation
35 36 64 91 92 93 94 96 123 124 125 126
USA # $ @ [ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
France # $ à ° ç § ^ ` é ù è ¨
Germany # $ § Ä Ö Ü ^ ` ä ö ü ß
England £ $ @ [ \ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Denmark # $ @ Æ Ø Å ^ ` æ ø å ˜
Sweden # ¤ É Ä Ö Å Ü é ä ö å ü
Italy # $ @ ° \ é ^ ù à ò è ì
Spain PTS $ @ ¡ Ñ ¿ ^ ` ¨ ñ } ˜
Japan # $ @ [ ¥ ] ^ ` { _ } ˜
Example: The following escape sequence will select the German character set.
Escape Sequence: ESC ( K
Hexadecimal: 1B 28 4B
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
0 6 lpi
Overrides the “Lines/Inch” value in the forms 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
1 6 lpi
2 8 lpi
3 12 lpi
4 2 lpi
5 3 lpi
6 4 lpi
line pitch
70
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
71
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
72
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
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 with
the control panel setup. 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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
73
DEC LA120 Emulation
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. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the
interface setup menu allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is already at top of form. If “Auto
CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0C
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 will change the physical
position of the tab stops. The leftmost column is column one.
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DEC LA120 Emulation
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
75
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” is set to “On” in the interface
setup 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.
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
76
DEC LA120 Emulation
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
77
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
Margin” and “Right Margin” values in the forms 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
78
DEC LA120 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 Top and Bottom Margins ESC [ n1 ; n2 r
Sets the top margin to line n1 and the bottom margin to line n2 at the current line spacing. 0≥n1≥255,
0≥n2≥255. If line spacing is changed after setting the margins, the position of the margins will not
change. Vertical margins are cleared by ESC [ n t.
The top and bottom margins are both inclusive. For example, a top margin at line 7 still allows text to
be printed on line 7, but not on line 6. A bottom margin at line 60 still allows text to be printed on line
60, but not on line 61.
The first line is line one. If n1 or n2 is zero (or is omitted), the corresponding margin is not changed.
The top margin must be above the bottom margin. The bottom margin must be below the top margin.
The margins cannot exceed the form length. Invalid margins will be ignored. Overrides the “Top
Margin” and “Bottom Margin” values in the forms menu.
Example: The following escape sequence will set a top margin at line 7, and will set a bottom margin
at line 60. For a standard 11 inch form with 6 lpi line spacing, this would result in one inch top and
bottom margins.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 7 ; 6 0 r
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 37 3B 36 30 72
Example: The following escape sequence will set a top margin at line 7, without affecting the bottom
margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 7 r
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 37 72
Example: The following escape sequence will set a bottom margin at line 60, without affecting the top
margin.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ ; 6 0 r
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 3B 36 30 72
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DEC LA120 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 interface setup 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 interface setup menu.
Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 0 l
Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 30 6C
Printer Identification ESC [ c
(or) ESC [ 0 c
Causes the printer to respond with ESC [ ? 2 c to identify itself as an LA120-RA printer. (The
response can only be sent if serial I/O is selected.)
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n
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
Software Interface
80
DEC LA120 Emulation
Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup menu.
This chapter describes DEC LA120 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
81
DEC LA120 Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CR Carriage Return
CSI Control Sequence Introducer
DEL Delete
ESC ( a Select International Character Set
ESC 1 Set Horizontal Tab Stop
ESC 2 Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC 3 Set Vertical Tab Stop
ESC 4 Clear All Vertical Tab Stops
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 [ Control Sequence Introducer
ESC [ n ` Absolute Horizontal Tab
ESC [ n a Relative Horizontal Tab
ESC [ c Printer Identification
ESC [ 0 c Printer Identification
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 [ n1 ; n2 r Set Top and Bottom Margins
ESC [ n1 ; n2 s Set Left and Right Margin
ESC [ n t Set Form Length in Lines
ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx u Set Horizontal Tab Stops
ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx v Set Vertical Tab Stops
ESC [ n w Set Character Spacing
ESC [ n z Set Line Spacing
ETX End of Text
FF Form Feed
HT Horizontal Tab
HTS Set Horizontal Tab Stop
IND Line Feed
LF Line Feed
NEL New Line
NUL Null
Sorted Alphabetically
82
DEC LA120 Emulation
VT Vertical Tab
VTS Set Vertical Tab Stop
83
SIMPLE TTY EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising simple TTY emulation.
This emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “TTY” in the interface setup menu, or via
software with the ESC ESC 6 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.
TTY emulation is unique in that it does not support any escape sequences (except for the ESC ESC n
sequence, which may be used to select a different emulation).
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”) 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 provided on page 139 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 Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
85
Simple TTY Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
End of Text ETX
If “ETX/ACK” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
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” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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
86
Simple TTY 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” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: LF
Hexadecimal: 0A
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 with
the control panel setup. 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 “Form Length” value in the forms 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. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the
interface setup menu allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is already at top of form. If “Auto
CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
Control code: FF
Hexadecimal: 0C
87
Simple TTY Emulation
Horizontal Tabs
Default horizontal tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, etc. (The first
column is column zero.) 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.
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.
Control code: HT
Hexadecimal: 09
Vertical Tabs
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” is set to “On” in the interface
setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.
It is not possible to set vertical tab stops in TTY emulation. If tab stops were previously set in some
other emulation, they will be used.
Control code: VT
Hexadecimal: 0B
Printer Controls
Bell BEL
Causes the printer's bell to sound.
Control code: BEL
Hexadecimal: 07
88
Simple TTY Emulation
Emulations
Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n
Selects the software interface n according to the table below.
n
0 Test (reserved for factory use)
Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.
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 “Emulation” value in the interface
setup menu.
This chapter describes TTY 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.
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
Software Interface
Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ?
Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F
89
Simple TTY Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
BEL Bell
BS Backspace
CR Carriage Return
ESC ESC n Select Software Interface n
ETX End of Text
FF Form Feed
HT Horizontal Tab
LF Line Feed
VT Vertical Tab
Sorted Alphabetically
90
PRINTEK EMULATION
Introduction
This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising Printek emulation. This
emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “Printek” in the interface setup menu, or via
software with the ESC ESC 7 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 provided on page 139 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 Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.
Column and line numbers begin at zero, not at one. Keep this in mind when setting tabs, margins, etc.
Printek emulation was developed to allow access to the full range of hardware features available in the
Printek FormsMaster 8000 series printers. Other emulations typically support some character pitches,
but not all character pitches. They do not allow the 10 different form setups to be selected via
software, or allow graphics of every possible density to be printed. Printek emulation supports all of
these features, and more, in one place. This makes Printek emulation the most powerful emulation
available in the printer. We encourage you to take full advantage of all the unique features available in
Printek emulation. After all, these features are the reason you purchased the FormsMaster printer.
The most common reason for using Printek emulation is to select a different form setup (and thus
change tractors). Many users switch to Printek emulation (using the ESC ESC 7 sequence), load a
91
Printek Emulation
new form (using the ESC L n sequence), and then return to their standard emulation (using the ESC
ESC n sequence). If you normally use Epson emulation, please note that the Epson sequence ESC
EM n allows Form 0, 1, or 2 to be selected without switching to Printek emulation.
92
Printek Emulation
Control Codes and Escape Sequences
Grouped by Function
Communications
End of Text ETX
If “ETX/ACK” is set to “On” in the interface setup 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.
Control code: ETX
Hexadecimal: 03
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
93
Printek Emulation
Character Size
Set Character Spacing ESC SP n
Sets character spacing in decipoints (n/720 of an inch). Overrides the”Characters/Inch” value in the
forms menu. Supported values are shown in the following table.
n
72 10 cpi
Example: The following escape sequence will select 10 cpi character spacing.
Escape Sequence: ESC SP 72
Hexadecimal: 1B 20 48
60 12 cpi
54 13.3 cpi
48 15 cpi
43 16.74 cpi
42 17.14 cpi
36 20 cpi
Character Size
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. ESC S 3 may be used to select double-high mode.
Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide mode.
Escape Sequence: ESC W 1
Hexadecimal: 1B 57 31
Select Script Modes ESC S n
Selects normal character height for n=0, subscript mode for n=1, superscript mode for n=2, or double-
high mode for n=3. This is shown in the following table.
n
0 Script modes off
Subscript mode will print characters about half the normal height in the bottom half of the normal
character cell. Superscript mode will print characters about half the normal height in the top half of the
normal character cell. Double-high mode doubles the height of all characters. These modes are
mutually exclusive, and none of them affect character width.
94
1 Subscript
2 Superscript
3 Double high
Script Mode
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