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Atari XL manual Code 1,129, International on 27,82,12 International OFF 27,82,0

Models: XL

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The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

character out of the printer. However, EPSON international codes and ATASCII codes are rarely the same, so using the CODE statement, you can assign an ASCII code to any of the 29 international character codes.

CODE 1,129

Will sent ASCII code 129 to the printer every time <CTRL+A> is encountered in the document. You need to set up the codes for all 29 characters in the same way.

The STAR LC-10 manual has various character sets, selectable from software or DIP switches. We're interested in IBM character set #2, since it contains most of the Atari international character set in the codes 128-255. Normally these print as italicised versions of normal characters, so you will want to select the IBM set #2 with the DIP switches. There is a main bank of 12 DIP switches on the LC-10. To get the characters we want out of the printer, set switch 1-6 (Printer Mode) to ON (Standard), and 1-7 to OFF (Graphics). The other switches can be set according to your preferences. There is one character still missing from the printer's character set ("u" with an acute accent) which has to be coaxed out by software. The country-specific character set we need for the "u" acute can't be selected with the DIP switches, so the printer driver needs to send out the appropriate codes before printing international characters. We can do this with the INTERNATIONAL statement:

INTERNATIONAL ON 27,82,12

INTERNATIONAL OFF 27,82,0

Every time an international character is sent to the printer, ASCII 27,82,12 will first be sent to the printer, selecting IBM character set #2. Once the international character has been sent, the original character set will be selected with 27,82,0.

6.2.4 STYLES

You can also set create up to ten print styles:

STYLE 1,27,45,8

STYLE 2,27,83,2

The first number is the style ID, and the rest are the characters which should be sent to the printer when the style is selected in the document with <n>.

Save your printer driver with <CTRL+S> and call it LW.PDR if you want it to load as the default every time you start LW.

The procedure for most EPSON compatibles should be very similar to the method outlined above, although unfortunately I haven't had access to such equipment while writing this manual.

Iused to use a Canon BJ-200ex bubble-jet printer set up in Epson emulation mode with an ICD Printer Connection, and the EPSON.PDR printer driver worked perfectly with the Canon once the DIP switches were set correctly.

I've supplied the EPSON printer driver along with drivers for all the Atari printers. Although I don't own an Atari printer, I was able to figure out the codes they use by

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Atari XL manual Code 1,129, International on 27,82,12 International OFF 27,82,0, Style 1,27,45,8 Style 2,27,83,2
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XL specifications

The Atari XL series, launched in 1982, represented a significant evolution in home computing, building upon the foundation laid by the Atari 400 and 800 systems. This line of computers included popular models such as the Atari 600XL and 800XL, both of which combined affordability with robust capabilities, making them attractive options for home users, educators, and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the Atari XL series was its color display capabilities. The systems supported a resolution of 320x192 pixels with a vibrant palette of 128 colors, which enabled rich graphics for games and applications. This was complemented by the system's powerful Antic graphics chip that allowed for advanced video display modes, making the Atari XL series particularly popular for gaming and multimedia applications.

Another key technology driving the Atari XL series was its use of the 6502 processor, which delivered efficient performance and allowed for smooth multitasking. The systems typically came with 64KB of RAM, expandable to 128KB, providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously, a notable feature in comparison to other microcomputers of the time.

The Atari XL series also introduced a new, user-friendly operating system known as Atari DOS. This improved disk management capabilities, making it easier for users to manage files and applications on floppy disks. The systems were equipped with built-in BASIC programming language, enabling users to dive into programming and coding, fostering a generation of hobbyists and developers.

Each model in the Atari XL series came with a distinctive keyboard design, offering both a chic and functional layout. The keyboards were known for their tactile feel, making them suitable for typing and coding over extended periods.

Additionally, the Atari XL computers were compatible with a wide range of peripherals, such as printers, modems, and disk drives, enhancing their versatility. Users could also take advantage of a rich library of software, including educational programs, productivity tools, and an ever-growing selection of games.

The Atari XL series not only boasted solid technology and capabilities but also garnered a devoted community. The systems contributed to a vibrant culture of gaming and computing in the early 1980s, which remains fondly remembered by enthusiasts today. With their combination of innovative technology, user-centric design, and a diverse software library, the Atari XL series played a crucial role in the evolution of home computing.