Star Micronics SB-15 User Manual

SD-IO/l5

USER’S MANUAL

NOT INTENDED FOR SALE

Federal Communications Commission

Radio Frequency Interference

The equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. may cause interference. to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

*Reorient the receiving antenna *Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver *Move the computer away from the receiver *Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different

branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dea for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

For compliance with Federal Noise Interference Standard, this equipment requires a shielded cable.

A note about the programs in this manual:

This manual contains several programs that help to demonstrate the versatility of the SD-101 15 printers. Star Micronics Co., Ltd. has made every effort to insure that the programs are functional and accurate. However, Star Micronics Co.. Ltd. cannot guarantee their accuracy or suitability to any particular application.

Statement

!c: or an experienced redio/television technician

Trademark Acknowledgement

SD-IO, SD-15: Star Micronics Co., Ltd. grafstar: Star Micronics Inc. Apple, Apple II, Apple II+ , Apple IIe, Applesoft: Apple computer Inc. Commodore C-64: Commodore Business Machines, Inc. Compaq: Compaq Computer corporation

CP/M: Digital Research

EasyWriter: Information Unlimited Software, Inc.

IBM Personal Computer, IBM PC, IBM XT: International Business Machines Corp.

Kaypro: Kaypro Computer Corporation Microsoft BASIC: Microsoft Corporation Osborne 1: Osborne Computer Corporation SuperCalc: Sorcim Corporation

TRS-SO: Radio Shack. a division of Tandy Corporation WordStar: MicroPro International Corporation

A Special Message

to the New Owner

L,..

c-.

L”

Lo.

Congratulations on your selecting the printer of choice for both the sophisticated as well as the first-time user/owner - the new SD-IO/IS!

To complement the SD-lo/l 5, we’ve included this manual. All the information you need to be up and running with your new SD-lo/l 5 is right here!

You’ll find using this manual easy and pleasant. We’ve gone

to great length to make it so, as it’s master-minded by solid experts in the art of computer science, and written by professionals experienced in presenting technical subjects accurately - and in Plain English!

As an example, look over the Table of Contents and you’ll see what we mean. Whether you’re a greenhorn or a technical wizard, everything you need to know in order utilize to SD- lo/ 15’s wealth of features can be found there. We suggest that each new owner/user take time to at least scan Chapter 2 and 3 - “Getting to Know Your SD-lO/lS’ and “Getting Started With

SD- 10/l 5”- as well as Chapter 1, “Setting Up SD- 10/l 5”, to

become familiar with your SD-lo/l 5 and how it works.

When you’re ready to connect your computer to your

SD-lo/l 5, look at Appendix J for directions applying to your

make of computer.

For you who wish to design your own characters, do your

own plotting, your own infinite variety of dot graphic patterns and densities, you’ll have a ball! For you, Chapters 5 through

10 are a must, and of course everybody should look at Chapter

11) which tells how to maintain your SD-lo/l 5 for a long and

carefree life.

In this manual there are plenty of example programs to de-

monstrate and show off all of SD-10/15’s features. Since many

SD- 10/l 5 users have IBM Personal Computers (or the equivalent) all the example programs are written in Microsoft BASIC for the IBM. But throughout the manual, users of other computers will find hints on how to make SD-lo/l5 work with their computer.

So, gentle reader, with this manual we hand you the key to the wonderful world of SD- 10/l 5. handsome, fast, and carefree printing!

May you enjoy years of

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Setting Up SD-lo/15

Where Shall We Put It? What Have We Here?

Removing the printer cover Removing packing and shipping screws Installing the platen knob Removing the tractor unit Attaching the paper separator Installing the ribbon cartridge

Getting to Know Your SD-lo/15

Components and Controls Paper Selection and Loading

Loading single sheets Loading sprocket-feed paper

Bottom feeding SD- 15 Ribbon Installation Adjusting the Gap Self-Test

Getting Started With SD-lo/15

Using Commercial Software

First, some terminology Using SD- IO/ 15 with SuperCalc Using SD- 1 O/ 15 with word processors Using this book without learning BASIC

Controlling SD-lo/15 With BASIC

Some Basics About BASIC

Establishing communications The CHR$ function Control codes The escape code Some problem codes

Command Syntax Used in This Manual

Selecting The Right Software Mode

Printing Text With SD-lo/15

Some Special Kinds of Text

Near Letter Quality characters

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Italic printing Underlining Superscripts and subscripts

Changing the Print Pitch

Expanded print Making SD-lo/l5 Print Darker Summary

Line Spacing and Forms Control

Starting New Lines

Changing Line Spacing

Moving down the page without a carriage return

Forms Controls

Form feed Changing the Page Length Top and Bottom Margins Summary

Formatting Your Output

Using Horizontal Tabs

A one-shot tab command Setting Left and Right Margins Using Vertical Tabs

A one-shot vertical tab command Summary

Special Features of the SD-lo/15

Now hear this

Initializing SD- 1 O/ 15

Putting SD-lo/l 5 to sleep Printing to the bottom of the sheet Backspace, delete, and cancel text “Zero’: printing Unidirectional printing The seven bit dilemma

Block graphics characters and special symbols International character sets

The macro control code

Summary

Creating Your Own Characters

Dot Matrix Printing The Print Matrix Defining Your Own Characters

Rule 1: Download characters are eight dots high Rule 2: Dots cannot overlap Add up each column of dots Assigning a value to your character Download character definition command

Printing Download Characters

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Appendix A

Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D

Appendix E Appendix F

Erasing Download Character Definitions Defining Proportional Characters

Connecting characters

Summary

Printing With Dot Graphics

Comparing Dot Grapphics With Download Characters Using the Dot Graphics Commands

Specifying the number of columns of dots Specifying the graphics data

Combining text and graphics Printing a Design or Logo Plotting With SD-lo/15

How the program works High Resolution Graphics If You Have Problems With BASIC

Summary

Basic Maintenance

Cleaning SD-lo/15

Replacing the Ink Ribbon Replacing a Fuse Replacing the Print Head

DIP Switch Settings

Switch Functions

ASCII Codes Character Style Charts Function Code Reference

Commands to Control Print Style

Front style controls Font pitch controls

Special print modes Commands to Control Vertical Position of Print Head

Line feed controls

Form feed controls

Vertical tabs

Commands to Control Horizontal Position of Print Head Download Character Commands Commands to Control Graphics Macro Instruction Commands Other Commands

Command Summary in Numeric Order ASCII Code Conversion Chart

103

121

127

131 139 157

199 203

Appendix G Technical Specifications Appendix H

Appendix I

Appendix J

The Parallel Interface

Functions of the Connector Signals

Serial Interface Specifications

Configuring the Serial Interface SD- lo/ 15’s Serial Protocols

Serial busy protocols XON/XOFF protocol ACK protocol

Connecting With Computer

Connecting with IBM-PC and Compaq

BASIC programming

Listing programs

Connecting with Apple II computers

Applesoft BASIC

Listing programs

Connecting with TRS-80 computers

TRS-80 BASIC

Listing programs

Connecting with Kaypro, Osborne, and other CP/M computers

Using MBASIC

Listing programs

211 215

219

225

DIP Switch Quick Reference

Command Quick Reference Consumer Response

233 234 238

Table of Tables

Table 5-l Near letter quality commands Table 5-2 Italic commands Table 5-3 Underline commands Table 5-4 Superscript and subscript commands Table 5-5 Print pitch commands Table 5-6 Expanded print commands Table 5-7 Print emphasis commands Table 6-l Line feed commands Table 6-2 Line spacing commands Table 6-3 Form length commands Table 6-4 Top and bottom margin commands Table 7-l Horizontal tab commands Table 7-2 Left and right margin commands Table 7-3 Vertical tab commands Table 8-l Bell commands Table 8-2 Some miscellaneous commands Table 8-3 Printing direction commands Table 8-4 Eight bit control commands Table 8-5 International character set commands Table 8-6 International character sets Table 8-7 Macro instruction commands Table 9-l Download character commands

Table 10-l Calculating nl and n2 Table 10-2 Dot graphics commands Table A-l DIP switch settings Table A-2 International character sets Table H-l Parallel interface pin functions Table I-l Serial interface pin functions Table I-2 DIP switch on the serial board Table I-3 Handshaking protocols Table I-4 Data transfer rates Table J-l IBM-PC parallel cable Table J-2 Apple parallel cable

Table J-3 TRS-80 Model I parallel cable Table J-4 TRS-80 Model II parallel cable Table J-5 Kaypro parallel cable Table J-6 Osborne 1 parallel cable

;i :; 1:

45 50

53 56

i: 63

2 69

71 72

76 ;i

105 116

128 130 217 220 221

221 221

225 227 229 229 231 231

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CHAPTER 1

SETTING UP SD- lo/ 15

In this chapter, we’ll show you how to unpack your new SD-lo/l 5 printer, set it up in the right location, and get it ready for you to load it with paper and start printing. But first . . .

WHERE SHALL WE PUT IT?

Before you do anything else, give some thought to where you’ll be using your printer. Obviously, it will be somewhere near your computer. And both printer and computer will lead longer, healthier lives if they like their environment. For instance, we recommend . . .

l Placing the printer on a flat surface l Keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from

heat-producing appliances

l Using it only in temperatures where you are comfortable l Avoiding areas with a lot of dust, grease, or humidity l Giving it “clean” electricity. Don’t connect it to the same

circuit as large, noise-producing motors

l Power supply voltage should be the same voltage that’s

specified on the identification plate - not over 10% more or less than the recommended AC voltage.

Warning: Extremely high or low voltage can damage your

printer.

WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

Now let’s take a look at what’s in the carton. Take it slow and

easy, and check each item in the box against Figure 1-I. There should be exactly 6 items.

--.

Figure l-l. Inside the carton you should have received: I) SD1uj13

printer, 2) continuous paper guide, 3) platen knob, 4) spare fuse, 5) ribbon cartridge, and 6) this user’s manual.

. . .

. . .\ “- .A,.?

Let’s move on the next step . . .

H Removing the printer cover

What is cover for, really? Primarily, for two reasons: one, to keep dust and dirt away from the delicate “innards,” and two, to keep the noise level down. The printer cover must be on or SD-lo/l5 will not print. So, you should keep the cover on all

the time, except when setting the ink ribbon cartridge in place, loading paper, or making other adjustments when the cover might be in the way.

To remove the printer cover, lift up the free end (nearest the center of the printer), then with a slight rocking motion, lift it straight up and off the machine. To replace, just reverse the

procedure.

Figure l-2 illustrates the proper position and

movement for both removal and replacement of the cover.

Printer Cover

Figure 1-2. Kemove the pnnter cover by Iitting straight up.

.- - . . ..^. . .

n Removing packing and shipping screws

There are two (on an SD-lo) or three (on an SD-1.5) shipping

screws on the bottom of the printer, used to hold the internal

chassis securely to the external frame during shipping. To get

at these, carefully place the printer upside down on a soft surface like a foam cushion. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver as shown in Figure l-3.

Next, remove the printer cover, and remove the spiral tube

on the carriage stay which protects the print head, per Figure

l-4.

Figure 1-3. SD-10 has two screws which secure the chassis during shippmg;

SD-15 has three. They should be removed before use.

_ . .

Figure 1-4. Remove the spiral tube on the carriage stay that protects

SD- 1 O/ 1 S’s print head.

You’ll be smart to save these screws, along with the rest of the

packing material and the shipping carton, in case you ever have

to ship the printer. Tape the screws somewhere on the carton or packing.

n Installing the platen knob

This is the knob that turns the rubber platen cylinder. It fits into the hole on the right side of the printer case. Just match the odd-shaped hole in the knob with the same shape on the shaft you’ll see inside the hole in the case, and press it on firmly. Give the knob a few turns to see that it’s turning the platen easily and smoothly.

n Removing the tractor unit

The tractor unit, shown in Figure 1-5, comes mounted on the printer during shipment. It is used only with sprocket-feed paper. When other papers are used, such as single sheets, the unit should be removed, in the following manner:

Snap lever

Figure 1-5 Remove the tractor by pulling the snap levers towards you

and tilting the tractor unit back.

Remove the printer cover (if attached). Identify the “snap levers” as shown in Figure l-5. Pull both snap levers forward, and at the same time . . . Rock the tractor unit up and towards you about half an inch. Now lift the tractor up and away from the printer.

Up to this point, we’ve been clearing the decks for action, so to speak. Only two more things are left to do before we can start printing. They are, 1) attach the paper separator, and 2) install the ink ribbon cartridge. Actually, if you’re planning to print on single sheets only, you won’t need to use the paper separator, which are designed expressly to guide continuous paper (sprocket-feed) through the printer.

H Attaching the paper separator

Insert one protruding end into the hole shown in Figure l-6 then gently bend the other protruding end until it snaps into the opposite hole.

Paper separator

Figure 1-6. Attach the paper separator.

Important news: If you get this in upside down, they won’t work. So take another sharp look at Figure 1-6 before we pass on to the final act-installing the ink ribbon cartridge.

n Installing the ribbon cartridge

The ribbon cartridge greatly simplifies installing the ink ribbon. For easy installation, though, it’s wise to follow the sequence and diagrams shown here.

1. Turn the power switch off, and remove the printer cover (as explained earlier.)

2. Slide the print head gently with your fingers to the approximate center of its pathway. ’

3. Using the guide holders as a fulcrum with the ribbon facing away from you, as shown in Figure 1-7, lightly press the cartridge down until the two holder springs snap shut to hold the cartridge firmly in place.

4. Now thread the ribbon carefully between the print head and the ribbon guide next to the platen. (Take a good look at Figure l-8.) You might want to use a ball point pen to lightly press the ribbon guide against the platen (rubber roller) while you insert the ribbon into the thin space between the print head and ribbon guide. Zmpovtant: Center the ribbon vertically in the middle

Figure 1-7. Lightly press the cartridge down until the holder springs hold

it in place.

Figure 1-8. Use a ball point pen to place the ribbon between the print

head and the ribbon guide. It’s important that the ribbon is centered vertically between the print head and the ribbon guide.

of the print head to avoid misprints or the ribbon coming off during printing.

5. Turn the spool gear knob in the direction of the arrow printed on the top left side of the cartridge to take up

the slack in the ribbon; continue turning the spool gear four or five times to verify that everything is properly set and ready to roll.

6. As a f?nal step, replace the printer cover. As you’ll learn

in Chapter 2, SD-lo/l 5 refuses to print unless the printer

cover is securely in place! A dousing “on line” lamp warns

of a loose cover. When this occurs, do the obvious thing: fasten the cover securely, press the on line button to glow the green light, and you’re back in business!

CHAPTER 2

GETTING TO KNOW

YOUR SD-lo/l5

The more you learn about SD-lo/15 and its sophisticated features, old and new, the better SD- lo/15 is going to perform for you. Remember, it’s not just what you know - it’s what you know how to use! So, let’s start getting acquainted!

Subjects we’ll cover in this chapter include:

l Components and controls l Paper-out and front-cover-open detectors l Paper selection and loading l Adjusting the gap - for different paper thickness l Self-test - printout of available characters

COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS

First, the components. You saw most of these when you un-

packed you printer. Now we’ll give you a brief explanation of what they do. (For details on your initial set-up of SD-10/15, with all components in place, see Chapter 1.)

PRINTER COVER - This function is to protect the ribbon and

print head from dust and dirt, and also to reduce the sauna level.

SPROCKET PAPER GUIDE - As you’ve guessed, this wire

rack is used to support and guide the sprocket paper during printing.

INK RIBBON CARTRIDGE - A neat and tidy timesaver, which

snaps into place within a few seconds.

POWER CORD - Connects the printer to its power source,

usually a wall outlet. It’s located at the left rear.

PRINT HEAD - This is the unit which does the actual printing.

Like a typewriter, the print head prints through an ink ribbon.

Control panel

Power switch

Figure 2-l. Front and rear views of SD-IO.

TRACTOR - This unit feeds sprocket-feed paper with its drive

gear and sprocket units. It is very easy to remove or to install the tractor unit onto the printer.

PLATEN - This is the rubber cylinder that carries paper to the

print head.

\..

“.

Figure 2-2. Front and rear views of SD-15

INTERFACE CONNECTOR - Around on the back, this is the

?Zontrol panel

place where you connect your computer to SD- 1 O/l 5, so that they are able to communicate with each other.

knob

Now let’s take a tour around the controls, starting with the control panel board, located at the right front. There are 4 lamps and 3 buttons on the panel:

I POWER

I READY

I PAPER

r---l

I OUT I

I ON LINE

Figure 2-3. SD- lo/ 15’s controls.

POWER LAMP - Glows green

when the power is on.

READY LAMP - Glows green

when the printer is ready to accept data. This light flickers during transmission. worry about the flicker; it’s normal!

ON LINE LAMP - Glows green

when the communication lines

to your computer are open.

PAPER-OUT LAMP - Glows

red when the printer is out of paper and stops printing.

LF BUTTON - Stands for “Line

Feed,” and allows you to advance the paper one line at a time when the on line lamp is off. If you hold the button down, you’ll get consecutive line feeds, one after another.

FF BUTTON - Stands for

“Form Feed.” When you tap this button while the on line lamp

is off, you advance the paper to

the top of a new page or “form.”

Don’t

ON LINE BUTTON - Lets you change the printer status between

“off line,” and “on line”. When it’s on line, the printer can receive data from the computer. When it’s off line, the printer sends a signal to the computer indicating that it cannot accept data. When you turn the power switch on, you are automatically on line.

There are other kinds of controls, not connected to the control

panel board. Some of the more important ones are:

POWER SWITCH - Towards the back on the left side. This

turns on the electricity to your machine.

PLATEN KNOB - Middle, right side. Lets you manually turn

the platen, just like a typewriter. CAUTION: Turn this knob only with power switch OJ’$ Turning it with the power on could damage the platen drive gears.

- -

RELEASE LEVER - On top, near the left rear corner. You’ll

be using this particular control often. What it does is control the pressure of the paper against the platen. Its position is crucial to feeding the different paper types - sprocket and single sheets. It has two settings: “Friction,” and “Tractor.” The Friction position is used for single sheet printing, and the Tractor position for sprocket paper. This will be fully explained in the section describing paper loading procedures.

. .

PAPER BAIL - The bail is the movable bar that presses the

paper against the platen during printing, and when moved away

from the platen, allows the paper to reach its proper position during the loading operation.

.^,

PAPER-OUT DETECTOR - This sensor automatically stops

printing and tells you when the printer runs out of the paper. The paper-out lamp glows red and a beep tone alerts you when the printer runs out of paper. The on line lamp also goes off, so you are ready to load more paper.

COVER-OPEN DETECTOR - When the printer cover is not

fully closed, this magnetic detector causes the on line lamp to go out, and printing is interrupted (or won’t begin). If this happens, printing may be re-started by securely closing the cover and pressing the on line button.

DIP SWITCHES - Primarily, these switches are used in inter-

facing SD- 1 O/l 5 to your particular brand of computer. But there are also switches to set the power-on default settings for print style, and page size. See the appendix for a complete explanation.

PAPER SELECTION AND LOADING

That’s it for components and connectors. The next thing we’ll look at is the variety of papers available for SD-10/15, and how to load them, ready to print. For starters, SD-lo/l5 can handle single sheets - whether standard-size stationery, envelopes, multi-part carbonless business forms, or almost any other kind of individual sheets. You can also print on continuous paper

- fan-folded perforated paper. Here’s a good place to spend a minute talking about the release

lever, which you’ll be using often. This lever controls the pressure

of the paper against the platen. It has two settings - “F” and “T”.

The “F” setting stands for “Friction Feed” and this setting is

always used when running single sheets. The “T” position stands

Figure 2-4. The paper release lever has two settings: “F” for friction feed

and “T” for tractor feed.

for “Tractor Feed” and is used only with sprocket-feed paper. “F” tightens the pressure of the paper against the platen, while “T” loosens this pressure, so it’s easier to move the paper around.

n Loading single sheets

Paper width must always be between 8 and 10 inches (8 and

15 inches for the SD-15), and paper thickness between .07 mm

and .lO mm.

Now, instead of rolling the paper in manua& by turning the

platen knob, we’re going to use the L.F. button, with the power

switch turned on. (This means we’ll have to use the “F” (friction feed) position of the release lever.) Remember what we told you about that L.F. (line feed) button? This allows you to advance the paper one line at a time, and if you hold the button down, you’ll get multiple line feeds, one after the other.

OK? Now let’s start.

1. Remove the printer cover and tractor unit (you can leave the paper separator on if you have installed it).

2. Turn the power switch on.

3. Lift up the paper bail bar.

4. Set the release lever to the “F”position.

5. Insert the sheet from the back side of the platen (between the paper chute and the platen cover plate).

6. Press the ON LINE button until the ON LINE light goes off.

7. Press the L.F. button to roll the paper in until it appears on the front side of the platen, about where you want the first line to start printing. NOTE: To straighten paper (if it’s in crooked):

l Move the release lever to “T” position. l Position the sheet where you want it, moving right or

left if necessary to get the paper located between the margins of the printing area.

l Move release lever back to “F” position.

8. Push the paper bail bar back to its original position, flush against the paper.

9. Replace the printer cover.

10. Presto! You’re ready to start printing!

kgure 2-5. Inserting a single sheet of paper can be done

with the line feed button.

“under power”

n Loading sprocket-feed paper

This is the familiar perforated paper, with the holes along both

sides, also called sprocket, punched, fan-fold, or just plain

“computer paper.”

It can be as narrow as 3”, and up to 10” wide

(5” to 15 $4” on SD-I 5,.

To use this kind of paper, you’ll need to install the tractor unit,

with its two “sprocket” wheels to carry the paper along.

To install the tractor, identify the two “snap levers” shown in

Figure 2-6. At the same time, identify the two “stoppers,” nickel-plated bars over which the hoooked or cut-out bottom edge of the tractor frame fits.

OK? Now pick up the tractor unit. While depressing the two snap levers, guide it down to the two stoppers; when the hooks slide over the stopper bars, let go of the snap levers to lock it in place.

Stopper

Figure 2-6. Replace the tractor unit by placing the hooks against the

stoppers and lower the front into place while holding the snap levers.

Next, if you haven’t already, install the paper separator (see

Chapter 1), and we’re ready to start loading.

1. Turn the power switch off and open the printer cover.

2. Pull the release lever (on left side) to position “T”.

3. Raise the paper bail bar; lift the paper separator upright.

4. Place the stack of fan-fold paper behind the printer.

5. Open the tractor covers, atop the right and left sprocket units, as shown in Figure 2-7.

Figure 2-7. Open the tractor covers to expose the sprocket teeth.

6. Flip the clamp levers forward. This aLlows the two sprocket units to move freely right and left. so you can align them with the holes in the paper.

-7. Pick up the top sheet, and feed it between the paper chute and platen cover plate.

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

the platen.

9. Return the paper separator to its original flat position.

10. Pull the paper up, past the sprocket units.

11. When holes fit snugly over the nubby teeth in both sprockets, close the tractor covers and snap the clamp levers back into their locked position (Figure 2-8).

12. With the platen knob, roll the paper up or down until the correct “start-print” position is reached. You do this by lining up the horizontal perforation (where you tear apart individual sheets) with the top of the ribbon guide.

13. Now you’re ready to roll! Replace the printer cover and turn the power switch on. Rapid printing!

Figure 2-8. SD-lo/l5 ready to run with sprocket-teed paper.

n Bottom feeding SD- 15

The SD- 15 can be loaded with sprocket paper in two different

ways-either from the back, as with SD-10,or through a slot in

the bottom. To load SD- 15 from the back, follow the steps shown

in the previous section. But for loading through the bottom slot,

you position the SD-15 above the stack of fan-fold paper, with the paper being fed up through the bottom of the printer and on out the back.

To use SD-15 this way, you’ll need to install the tractor unit, and the paper separator if you haven’t already. If you’re unsure how to do it, see Chapter 1 and Figure 2-6.

The steps for bottom loading SD-15.

‘d

1. Turn the power switch off and remove the printer cover.

2. Pull the release lever to position “T” (Figure 2-4).

3. Raise the paper bail bar.

4. Place the stack of sprocket-feed paper below the printer, ideally on a specially-built printer table with a bult-in slot.

5. Open the tractor covers, right and left (Figure 2-7).

6. Flip the clamp levers forward. This allows the two sprocket units to move freely right and left, so you can align them with the holes in the paper.

7. Pick up the first “sheet” and lift it up and through the slot in the bottom of the SD-15.

8. Push the paper up to the front of the platen roller.

9. Feed the top sheet inside the paper bail bar and past the

platen, high enough so you can grip the paper from above the printer.

10. Pull the paper up past the sprocket wheels.

11. When the holes fit snugly over the nubby teeth, close tractor covers and snap the clamp levers back into the locked positions.

12. With the platen knob, roll the paper up or down until

the correct “start-print” position is reached. This position

is achieved by lining up the horizontal perforation with

the top of the ribbon guide.

13. Now we’re ready to roll - replace the printer cover, and

turn on the power switch. Speedy printing!

Figure 2-9. SD-15 can be loaded from the back like SD-10 or from the

bottom, as shown here.

RIBBON INSTALLATION

This is described in two places: installation of the ribbon cartridge is explained in Chapter 1; replacing the ink ribbon inside the ribbon cartridge casing is described in Chapter 11 (“Maintenance”).

ADJUSTING THE GAP

The gap is the space between the print head and the platen. Adjusting the gap is simply adjusting the printer to accommodate different thicknesses of paper.

To make this adjustment, move the adjustment lever which is under the printer cover, immediately in front of the release lever

shown in Figure 2-10. Pulling the adjustment lever towards you

will widen the gap; pushing it away from you will narrow the gap.

Figure 2-10. The adjustment lever allows for different thicknesses of paper.

Five positions are available; you can feel the lever clicking into

the various notches. The second step (illustrated) is the one most

commonly used for single sheets of paper. The lever is nearly

straight up in this position.

You shouldn’t encounter any difficulty in finding the right gap

setting to fit your paper. If necessary, experiment; you’ll soon find the best position for the paper you’re using.

SELF-TEST

The “self-test” is a trial run of your beautiful new machine. SD-lo/l 5 carries a built-in program that prints out sample lines of letters, numbers, and other characters - to show you that everything’s in good working order. It also serves as a display of the characters available in the SD-lo/l 5. And finally, it’s a

“warm-up” that permits you to check your installation of ribbon

and paper, and the adjustment of the print head gap.

Best of all, you don’t have to wait another minute - you can print the self-test without hooking up the SD-lo/l5 to your computer! It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3...

1. Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet.

2. Insert a sheet of paper (or sprocket paper, either one).

3. While holding down the LF button, turn the power switch

on.

Were you surprised? It’s speedy, isn’t it? 16O.characters a second,

to be exact (when printing normal pica type).

(STAR mode; DIP switch 2-2 on)

:IBM mode; DIP switch 2-2 off)

Figure 2-11. SD-10/15’s self-test gives a preview of its capabilities.

+ 98 hidden pages

Star Micronics SB-15 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual