micro feed

A feature that you use to adjust the paper loading and tear-off positions, and a control panel button you use to feed paper, either forward or backward, in 1/180-inch increments.

parallel interface See interface.

platen

The black roller that provides a backing for the paper during printing.

printable area

The area of a page on which the printer can print. It is smaller than the physical size of the page due to margins.

proportional printing

Printing in which the width of the character varies from character to character. For example, a capital W receives much more space than a lowercase i. The result looks more like a typeset book than a typewritten draft.

RAM

Random access memory. The portion of the printer’s memory used as a buffer and for storing user-defined characters. All

data stored in RAM is lost when the printer is turned off.

reset

To return a printer to its default status by sending a command or an INIT signal or by turning the printer off and then back on.

self test

A method for checking the operation of the printer. When you run the self test, the printer prints its current DIP-switch settings and the characters stored in its ROM.

standby position

The position in which the paper is attached to the push tractor but not in the paper path.

Glossary GL-5