The Epson character graphics set

Half of the characters used by IBM PCs and compatibles are special character graphics and international characters. On most previous Epson printers, these characters printed as italics. With the EX, however, you can print the character graphics without losing italics or any of the power of the Epson commands.

DIP switch 1-3 controls the choice between the italic character and graphic character tables (called CG table in the DIP switch printout). Turning the switch ON selects the character graphic table, and turning it OFF selects the italic table. Remember that italics are still available even if you select the character graphic table.

Because only Epson mode has italics, DIP switch 1-3 has a different function in the IBM printer emulation mode; In that mode the EX adds a carriage return to each line feed if DIP switch 1-3 is OFF For most IBM printer emulation mode applications, you should not have to change the setting of this switch.

Making the choice

The decision you make about the operating mode and the character graphics set depends upon the software you use. For most applications, choose the Epson mode and the Character Graphics set (DIP switch 1-4 OFF and DIP switch 1-3 ON). That way you can set up your software for an Epson printer and have the full power of the Epson commands.

If you have trouble printing italics, change DIP switch 1-3 to OFF to choose italics instead of character graphics. On the other hand, if you have trouble printing character graphics, change the printer to IBM printer emulation mode by setting DIP switch 1-4 ON and set your software to match.

You must always be careful to set up your printer and software to match. Although the IBM commands are based on some of the Epson commands, important differences affect much software. These differences can cause erratic printing. In particular, line spacing and page layout are likely to be wrong, and extra characters may appear

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Setting up the Printer