Choosing an Interface

This section describes the interfaces.

IEEE-488and Apple interfaces

The IEEE-488 system allows you to connect computers, printers, and other peripherals so that they can share data freely. Epson offers two types of IEEE-488 interfaces. The #8161 offers the basic ability to operate in the IEEE-488 address and listen-only modes. The #8165 has the basic features and an 8K data buffer and a line monitor function, which provides a diagnostic printout of IEEE-488 commands.

The Apple II, II+ and IIe computers do not have a printer interface as a standard feature. Epson produces a parallel interface board for the Apple, which has software to control the functions of the printer. With the #8131 interface installed in the Apple, no additional interface is needed in the printer.

Buffered interfaces

If you often print very large amounts of text, a buffered interface can free the computer for other tasks. Serial and parallel buffered interfaces are available to increase the printer’s data buffering capacity to either 32K or 128K (about 20 or 80 pages). See Table E-1.

Table E-I.Buffered Interfaces

 

SerialParallel

32K

#8149

#8172

128K

#8149M

#8172M

Serial interfaces

Three Epson serial interfaces are suitable for FX printers. All three offer a wide range of baud rates, a choice of 7-bit or 8-bit data, and support Current Loop operation in addition to RS-232C. They also offer a choice of other features, which are listed in Table E-2.

E-2

Choosing and Setting Up Optional Interfaces