push tractor

A device that feeds continuous paper through the printer. Both the front and rear built-in tractors are push tractors; they push the paper through the printer to the print head.

RAM

Random Access Memory. The portion of the printer’s memory that is used as a buffer and for storing user-defined characters.

reset

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

self test

A method of checking the operation of the printer. When you run the self test, the printer prints the built-in characters in its ROM (Read Only Memory).

serial interface

See interface.

standby position

The position the paper is in after you manually load it onto the first few pins of the tractor sprockets. When the printer switches tractors, it automatically reverses the previously loaded paper back to this position.

tear-off position

The position the printer feeds the paper to when you press the Tear Off button. This position can be adjusted using micro feed so that the paper’s perforation meets the printer’s tear-off edge.

top-of-form position

The position on the paper that the printer recognizes as the first printable line. The printer feeds the paper to this position when it loads the paper. This position can be adjusted using micro feed.

user-defined characters

Characters that are defined and stored in the printer by the user. Also known as download characters.

Glossary GL-5