Star Micronics SB-10 User Manual

USER’S MANUAL

SB-IO

Star Micronics

L*. --

L..

CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

INTRODUCTION

SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER

The Complete Printer Package Placement of the Printer How to Assemble the Printer

Features of the Printer

The Control Panel

Dual In-Line Package (DIP) Switches How to Load Paper Into the Printer

Adjusting the Print Head Gap

How to Print the Self-Test

Connect the Interface Cable to Your Computer

SECTION 2

WORD PROCESSING WITH THE PRINTER

An Introduction to ASCII Codes

Decimal Codes Hexadecimal Codes Escape and Control Codes

Word Processing for All Purposes

Providing Information to Your Word Processing Package

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SPREADSHEET PACKAGE

Printing Commands and Parameters for Three Popular Spreadsheets VisiCalc

VisiCalc Setup Codes The VisiCalc Print Command

SuperCalc

The SuperCalc Setup Codes

Lotus l-2-3

The Lotus Print Commands The Lotus Options Menu

EXPLORING PRINT FEATURES

The Letter-Quality (LQ) Mode

Double-Strike Printing Emphasized Printing Underlining Text

Proportional Printing The Draft-Quality Mode A Variety of Pitch Sizes

Pica Pitch

Elite Pitch

Condensed Pitch Combining Print Features With the Macro Command International Character Sets

SECTION 5 CREATlNG PAGE FORMATS

Setting the Left and Right Margins

Choosing the Page Length and Number of Lines Per Page

Setting the Top and Bottom Margins Adjusting Line Spacing Superscripts and Subscripts Vertical Tabs

Horizontal Tabs

29 ---

39 -

PROGRAMMING IN BASIC

A Word About MBASIC

The Character String (CHR$) Expanded Type Emphasized and Double-Strike Printing Underlined Printing Superscripts and Subscripts

Line Spacing and Reverse Line Feed

BASIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Preventive Maintenance How to Clean the Printer Replacing the Fuse Replacing the Print Head Checking the Printer for Correct Operation

APPENDIX A

FUNCTION CODE REFERENCE

Font Styles and Print Controls Formatting Controls

APPENDIX B

INSTALLING THE PRlNTER INTO YOUR WORD PROCESSING PACKAGE

The Installation Menu Installing Special Features

APPENDIX C

THE ASCII CODE CONVERSION CHART

101

APPENDIX D DUAL IN-LINE PACKAGE (DIP) SWITCHES

DIP Switch Settings and Their Functions

Selection of the International Character Set

109

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APPENDIX E CHARACTER SETS OF THE PRINTER

Letter-Quality (LQ) Character Set Draft-Quality (DQ) Character Set International Character Set Block Graphics Character Set

APPENDIX F DESIGNING BIT-IMAGE GRAPHICS

Four Modes for Bit-Image Graphics Printing 8-Bit Graphics

APPENDIX G TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

APPENDIX H INTERFACES

The Parallel Interface The Serial Interface The IEEE-488 Interface

111

115

125 _

129

INDEX

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

STAR MICRONICS WARRANTY

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

137

140 -

141

145

TABLE OF TABLES

l-l.

2-l. 2-2. 3-l.

3-2.

3-3.

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

4-9. 4-10

4-l 1

5-1.

5-2.

5-3. 5-4. 5-5. 5-6. 6-l. A-l.

D-l. D-2. F-l.

F-2. Calculating the width of your graphic image H-l. Parallel interface connector signals H-2. H-3. Connector signals for the IEEE-488 interface

Slide positions for determining the left margin Examples of decimal and hexadecimal codes Examples of escape and control codes The various draft-quality pitch sizes and their VisiCalc setup codes SuperCalc setup codes for the draft-quality

pitch sizes Lotus l-2-3 setup codes for the draft mode

pitch sizes The codes for double-strike printing The codes for emphasized printing The codes for underlining text The codes for proportional spacing

Codes for the LQ and DQ modes

The codes used to activate pica printing

The codes used to activate elite printing

The codes to activate condensed printing

The codes for the macro instruction

DIP switch settings for the International Character Sets Codes used to activate the International Character Sets Setting the left and right margins Setting the page length, number of lines per page, and the top and bottom margins Adjusting line spacing Printing superscripts and subscripts Setting and using vertical tabs Setting and using horizontal tabs

Expanded print conversion chart Options for the master print mode DIP switch settings and their functions Selection of the International Character Set Setup codes for the printer’s four graphics modes

Connector signals for the serial interface

8 18 19

z 31 31

32 32 33 34 34 35

36 40

41 42 42

43 44 48

88 109 110

118 119 131 133

136

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations for choosing this printer, one of the finest available at any price. Your new printer will reward you with many years of high-quality document printing, and is backed by Star Micronics’ more than 30 years in manufacturing precision parts. You already know that it represents the state of the art in tack-sharp dot matrix printing with its rugged 24-pin print head. logic-seeking operation gives you letter-quality hardcopy at 54 cps, and draft-quality print at speeds of up to 144 cps.

its many features include:

*High-resolution graphics *Built-in expandable buffer *An entire range of character sets for printing in eight languages *A host of specialized printing capabilities found in only the finest

printers

Its bidirectional,

And, best of all, your new printer is compatible with the most

popular personal computers and software packages-so no matter how sophisticated your applications become, it will continue to meet your needs.

These are just a few of the reasons you chose a product by Star Micronics, one of the most respected names in dot matrix printers. We want you to get the most from your printer with the least effort on your part, so please take a few minutes to read this easy-to-understand guide. You’ll find that it will help you produce crisp, clean documents in the shortest time possible.

You will also find that this printer is remarkably simple to set up and operate, and that it’svirtually maintenance-free. Enjoy your new Star Micronics printer!

SECTION

SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER

WHAT THIS SECTION SHOWS YOU:

l The Complete Printer Package

dow To Assemble the Printer for Operation

Gestures of the Printer

*Dual In-Line Package (DIP) Switches *How to Load Paper into the Printer

*How to Print the Se/f-Test

As you unpack your new printer, please take special care to verify

the complete contents of the printer package:

cassette

Figure 1-l. The complete printer package

Spare

Cut sheet guide

You’ll find your Star Micronics warranty and registration card with this book. Please read the warranty carefully, and mail us the completed registration card as soon as possible. We place a high value on the information only you can provide.

This printer has been precision-packed to ensure its arrival in perfect working order. Lift the front cover, and you’ll find the packing material used to protect it during shipment. Be sure to remove this interior packing material from the carriage stay before you assemble the printer.

Figure 1-2. Interior packing material.

n PLACEMENT OF THE PRINTER

To ensure the long life and proper operation of your printer, please consider the following suggestions when you select a location near the computer.

l Place the printer on a flat, stable surface.

mAvoid direct sunlight or indoor heat sources; as a general rule,

use it only in an environment where you are comfortable. .Be sure the area is free from dust, dirt, and excess humidity. @Provide a power source with the correct voltage (there should

be no more than 10% variance above or below the voltage spe-

cified on the printer’s identification plate.)

@Don’t plug any other appliances into the outlet occupied by the

printer (except the computer).

n HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE PRINTER

Now you’re ready to set up your printer for operation. Make sure

the printer is turned off before you begin. Load the ribbon cassette:

Loading and replacing the one-piece ribbon cassette is a simple

and clean procedure:

Turn the knob on the cassette

counter-clockwise to tighten the

ribbon.

Snap the cassette onto the carriage, as shown in the illustration.

Check to make sure the ribbon lies flat between the print head and the print mask. Again, turn the knob to take up any slack.

Figure 1-3. Loading the ribbon cassette.

Your printer has been supplied with an extended-use multistrike ribbon cassette. we suggest that you replace it whenever the print quality becomes faded or uneven.

Because this type of ribbon has no end detector,

NOTE:

Always make sure the printer is off before removing or replacing the ribbon cassette. If the printer has been in operation, be careful not to touch the print head or metal housing on the carriage-they will be very hot. Use both hands to remove the cassette, grasping it by the edges.

Attach the cut sheet guide:

This plastic guide is used to feed single-sheet paper or business

forms into the printer. (If you are using perforated “tractor-feed”

paper, you won’t need it at this time.)

To attach the guide, insert its

two tabs into the notches on the back cover of the printer.

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Figure 1-4. Assembly of the cut sheet guide.

Connect the power cord to the printer:

Begin by inserting the cord into the three- prong connector on the

back of your printer.

NOTE:

Plug the power cord into your 120 VAC power source. We highly

recommend that you use a surge protector between the printer and power source. This simple device-available at your local computer store-prevents any potentially damaging fluctuations from reaching

Make sure the power switch is off before connecting the power cord to a wall outlet.

your printer. If you’re not using a surge protector, make sure that your printer and computer are the only devices plugged into the AC outlet.

n FEATURES OF THE PRINTER

The simple steps you’ve just performed have readied the printer

for operation. Before you turn on the printer, take a few minutes to

become familiar with its features.

Paper out

Ower ywitch

Bker case

open detector

Control’ panel

‘?Q p detector

Figure 1-5. Features of the printer

Release lever: Adjusts tension on paper. Has two settings:“friction”

(closed) for single sheets and “tractor” (open) for form feed paper.

Paper out detector: Sounds alarm and puts printer into “Pause”

mode when it senses end of paper during operation. Adjust DIPswitch 1-l to the OFF setting to override this function.

Bail lever: Opens and closes paper bail.

Back cover: Flips open to access built-in tractor feed mechanism. Platen knob: Allows manual adjustment of paper against platen. Control panel: Contains indicators and touch controls to monitor

and operate printer(see Figure l-6). Front cover: Protects interior mechanisms and reduces noise. (Must

be closed before printer will operate.).

Front cover open detector: Puts printer into “Pause” mode when

cover is opened during operation.

Power switch: Turns printer on or off. Fuse holder: Contains 5MT 2 amp fuse. Buffer case: Contains optional buffer and parallel or serial interface. Interface connector: Connects cable (parallel or serial, depending

on configuration) to your computer.

Entry slot for form feed paper:

guides. Adjustable tractor feed guides: Directs form feed paper to the platen.

Feeds paper to the tractor feed

n THE CONTROL PANEL

Now take a closer look at the control panel on your printer. This panel contains all the controls and indicators you will need for the routine operation and monitoring of the printer

Figure 1-6. The printer control panel.

Power lamp: Glows green to indicate power on Busy lamp: Indicates buffer is temporarily full, and printer is unable

to accept new data. Light goes out when buffer has cleared all stored information. Your computer should automatically send new data to the printer. Paper empty (PE) lamp: Signals you to add paper. Printer stops when paper runsout, and resumes printing at the same location after new paper is added. Pause lamp: Indicates pause button has been activated or front cover has been opened. Printing resumes when condition is cleared. Pause button: Pressing this button interrupts printing. This feature is useful for inserting or adjusting paper, replacing the ribbon cassette or checking printed copy while a page is in progress. Press this button a second time to reactivate printer. On line lamp: This lamp glows green, when the printer is “on-line” and ready to accept data transmissions from the computer.

On line button: When “on-line” the printer will accept data and

instructions from your computer. The TOF, FF and LF switches are inoperative while the printer is on-line. When “off-line” data transmissions are disabled and the control panel switches are enabled.

Top of form (TOF) button:

Used to set the starting point for sin-

gle-sheet or form feed paper.

Form feed (FF) button: Used to manually advance form feed paper. Line feed (LF) button: Press to advance paper one line at a time.

Press and hold to advance paper continuously.

I. ,.

In addition to the features you have just seen, your printer also

has 18 Dual In-line Package (DIP) switches to help determine the way it handles information from your computer. Before examining the DIP switches, turn off the printer.

To find the DIP switches, lift the cover and manually move the carriage to the far left. On the right-hand side of the printer’s interior you’ll see a small rubber cover. Carefully pull the cover back; the DIP switches are directly below it. These switches are preset at the factory, so please leave them in their present position for the time being.

w DUAL IN-LINE PACKAGE (DIP) SWITCHES

Rubber cover

Figure 1-7. Dual In-line Package (DIP) Switches.

The DIP switches are used to control the many functions of your

printer, including:

l Character pitch

*Form length

*Line spacing @Paper-out detector

@Letter-quality/draft-quality

.International Character Sets

print selection

Throughout this manual, we’ll show you how to use these switches

to tailor the printer’s printing to your exact specifications. (For more

information on the positioning of the DIP switches, please see Appendix D.)

W HOW TO LOAD PAPER INTO THE PRINTER

As you become acquainted with your printer, you’ll appreciate it more and more for the conveniences it offers you-especially its ability to accept single-sheet and form-feed paper without requiring any external devices. Read on, and you’ll discover how to use both kinds of paper in it.

Sing/e-sheet loading:

This printer is designed to print on standard-size stationery, multilayer business forms, and almost any other kind of cut-sheet paper. We’ll show you how to load paper of varying thicknesses later in this section. For now, all you need is a standard 8 l/2-by-1 i-inch sheet of paper.

*If you haven’t installed the cut-sheet guide yet, please do it now.

(Please refer to Fig.l-4.)

*You can use the adjustable metal slide on the paper guide to set

your left margin. The positions are as follows:

Table.l-1 Slide positions for determining the left margin

SLIDE POSITION

left edge

center

right edge

When you have set the metal slide for the margin you want, you’re

ready to insert the paper.

@Turn the power switch off.

*Open the paper bail by pulling the lever toward you.

*Insert a sheet of paper straight down into the printer, turning the

platen knob clockwise (away from you). Open the cover and roll

the paper onto the platen. @Close the paper bail by pushing the lever away from you. *Close the cover and align the top edge of the paper with the

cutting edge of the shield. Turn the printer on.

PRINT DISTANCE FROM

LEFT MARGIN

.64 in. .25 in. .05 in.

When the paper is in this position, printing begins at about 2 inches

from the top of the page. You can adjust the start-point as you wish,

by using the Line Feed button to advance the paper one line at a time. Remember to first put the printer into the “Pause” mode by pressing the “Pause” button.

Figure l-8. Loading single-sheet paper.

Figure 1-9. Aligning the page with the cutting edge of the shield.

Form-feed loading:

Your printer’s built-in tractor feed device is one of the most convenient features ever offered in a printer. It works with standard form-feed paper as well as with laser-perforated, form-feed bond

paper- so you can produce top quality documents with a swift, continuous feed. Here’s how it works:

*Turn off the power switch to avoid damaging the gears and raise

the hinged back cover. (If you have attached the cut-sheet guide, you’ll need to remove it now.)

*Loosen the clamp screws and flip up the covers on each of the

tractor units.

l insert the form-feed paper through the slot beneath the back

cover of the printer; line up the tractor units with the sprocket holes in the paper.

l Press the paper into place on the sprockets, and snap the covers

down on the tractor units. Tighten the knobs.

Figure l-10. Inserting form feed paper into the printer.

@Open the paper bail (pull the lever toward you). Set the paper

release lever in the “tractor” position (open) by pushing the lever away from you.

*Advance the paper into printing position by turning the platen

knob clockwise. (You may want to open the front cover first, to be sure the paper clears the cutting edge.)

Figure l-11. Form feed paper correctly loaded.

@Close the paper bail and the front and back covers; turn the

printer on.

You can now check the operation of the automatic tractor feed. Press the Form Feed (FF) button to advance the paper to the next page, after pressing the “Pause” button.

n ADJUSTING THE PRINT HEAD GAP

This printer is designed to accommodate paper of varying thicknesses, as well as multilayer forms. You can easily ensure correct printing with a simple adjustment to the print head gap.

.Lift the front cover, and find the red lever just in front of the platen

knob.

FOR THICK (HEAVYWEIGHT) PAPER OR CARD STOCK: Pull the

lever toward you to widen the gap.

FOR THIN (LIGHTWEIGHT) PAPER: Push the lever away from you to narrow the print head gap.

Figure 1-12. Adjust the print head gap.

By experimenting with this lever, you will learn which position will

yield the highest quality print for the paper you’re using.

n HOW TO PRINT THE SELF-TEST

Eager to see the beautiful, high-density dot matrix characters your

new printer can produce? We thought so!

You can easily view a sample of its work by printing the self-test.

The self-test confirms both the correct operation of the printer and the proper loading of paper and ribbon cassette.

You won’t need to connect your computer to print the self-test-

just be sure the printer is plugged into a power source and is turned

off.

@Insert a sheet of paper (or form-feed paper) as you learned in

“How to Load Paper Into the Printer.”

l Press and hold the Line Feed (LF) button, and at the same time,

turn the power switch on.

@When the printer begins printing, you can release the Line Feed

button.

NOTE: Always be sure the ribbon cassette is in place and

there is paper in the printer when you begin print-

ing.

The printer will print a five-line sample of letters, numbers and

symbols in the letter-quality and draft-quality modes.

.To eject the page, press the Pause button; then press Form Feed

FF).

Now take a close look. Beautiful, isn’t it? And this is only the be-

ginning. .

n CONNECT THE INTERFACE CABLE TO YOUR

COMPUTER

You’ll be printing in just minutes, onceyou’veconnected the printer

to your computer with an interface cable. Three kinds of interfaces

are available with this printer: IEEE-488. You will probably be using a parallel interface, the easiest connection to make:

@Turn off the printer and computer. *Plug one end of the cable into the parallel interface connector

on the printer; plug the other end into the parallel connector on your computer.

parallel, serial, and an interface called

Figure 1-13. The parallel interface connection.

connector

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