Dot-Matrix Printer Check

Use this option to check the following:

•The operation of your printer in IBM-compatibility mode

•The compatibility of your printer with the extended character set used by the Equity LT-286

•The ability of your printer to produce bit-image graphics and print images from the graphics screen.

When you select option 14 from the DEVICE LIST, you see this prompt:

Is dot-matrix printer on-line (Y/N)?

Check that your printer is connected to the computer, and that it is turned on, loaded with paper, and on-line. Press Y and then Enter to continue, or press N and Enter to return to the menu.

When you continue the test, the computer checks to see whether the printer is responding correctly. This test detects whether the printer is off-line or whether an interface error exists. If no errors occur, the computer sends a repeating sequence of ASCII characters and dot graphics data to the printer until you press any key. The pattern looks like this:

The text data includes all the characters commonly used by programs that require foreign languages or graphics characters. If your printer prints different characters from the ones you see in the illustration, you may need to take care with certain software.

The bit-image graphics data is sent to the printer using a command (ESC K) compatible with Epson and IBM printers. If this pattern is printed correctly, you can use the MS-DOS GRAPHICS or GRAPH24 program to print out copies of graphics screens.

D-24Performing System Diagnostics