DIP switch 1-1 on. This adjustment will make the printer reset to Compressed Mode, after which you can switch to other modes as needed. You could get Pica Mode with control codes, for instance, by using the Compressed shut-off code: CHR$(18). Then you could return to Compressed with either of the usual commands-CHR$(15) or ESCape " @ “-or by turning the printer off and back on.

Mode priorities

These first three pitches-Pica (10 cpi), Elite (12 cpi), and Compressed (17.16 cpi)-are mutually exclusive. That is, only one can be in use at a given time. When a program activates conflicting modes, one of them will take precedence. In the case of Elite, Compressed, and Pica Modes, for example, Elite has the highest priority. To check this, try RUNning this line in your current program. In this example and many others throughout the manual we use the format that combines the command with the print string. The printer will interpret the letter M as part of the command and will not print it. This format is further explained in the preface.

10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"MELITE PITCH"

ELITE PITCH

COMPRESSED MODE IS SET WITH CHR$(15)

IT WILL STAY ON UNTIL YOU CANCEL IT

PICA AGAIN

This time the printer doesn’t make it to Compressed Mode. Your entire printout is in Elite pitch even though Compressed Mode is turned on in line 20. Does that mean the printer ignores the CHR$(15) when it is in Elite Mode? Let’s find out. Change line 30 to read:

30 LPRINT CHR$(27)"PCANCEL ELITE TO SEE COMPRESSED"

ELITE PITCH

COMPRESSED MODE IS SET WITH CHR$(15)

CANCEL ELITE TO SEE COMPRESSED

P I C A A G A I N

ESCape “P” did cancel Elite Mode, which caused line 30’s text to print in Compressed. So the printer did recognize the command for Compressed Mode-CHR$(15)-in line 20, but its program masked that command as long as Elite was in effect.

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