Either one of these methods returns the printer to what are called its defaults, which are the standard settings in effect every time you turn the printer on. Resetting the printer has two main effects: It returns the printing to single-strike pica, thus cancelling any other modes or enhancements you may have turned on, and the current position of the print head becomes the top-of-page setting. The reset code does not affect SelecType settings, and does not cancel NLQ if it has been selected with the panel button, but turning off the printer does cancel SelecType and NLQ settings.

Disabling a program’s reset code

Many word processors and applications programs send a reset code or initialization signal to the printer before sending data to be printed.

Basically, the purpose of this code or signal is to reset the printer to its default settings and wipe out any other settings that might exist. The programs do this to ensure that the printing comes out as expected, without being influenced by unknown settings.

In most instances, this is fine. However, if you decide you want to set up the FX-286 to do something your applications program won’t do, you have to make sure a reset code doesn’t wipe out your new settings.

Many initialization codes can be disabled by using the setup or installation procedures that are part of many applications programs. Once you’re into the setup procedure, find the section that deals with initialization, and see if the program has a list of codes it sends to the printer. If it does, the setup procedure usually allows you to cancel or remove the initialization settings.

If the initialization code cannot be disabled or removed from your applications program, you can usually use the program’s print options function to control formatting and typestyles. Look in the manual for the program to find out how to select print options.

Width Comparison

Now that you have used three short programs to produce samples of the three main widths, you can choose the width that you prefer or the one that best fits a particular printing job. Most people use either pica or elite for printing text and condensed for spreadsheets or other applications in which it is important to get the maximum number of characters on a line.

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