•The ESCape and control keys on your computer’s keyboard. With this system you send the ESCape code by pressing the ESCape key and a carriage return by pressing the control key and the M at the same time. (See Appendix B or the Quick Reference Card for the control key codes.)

Embedded codes

A program that uses embedded codes usually has its own set of codes that you type into your document or file. When the program receives one of these codes, it sends the proper code to the LX-80. For example, one popular word processing program has you turn italic mode on and off by pressing the control key and P and then pressing the Q. So if you want to italicize a word, you type Control-PQ before it and after it. When the program reaches the first Control-PQ, it sends the code to turn italic mode on and when it reaches the second, it sends the code to cancel ~~.III< Please note that these are not the same as the control key codes mentioned above.

Once you tell such a program that you are using an Epson printer, it will know which codes to send. (Often you don’t even need to specify which Epson printer you are using.) You usually tell the program what printer you are using through an installation or set-up procedure. The instructions should be in your software manual. In addition, your software or computer dealer may be able to help you.

Many programs that use embedded codes also have a few commands that the user can define. If you are new to using printers, don’t worry about these yet. Just use the standard features. Later, when you are more familiar with your software and with your LX-SO, you may want to investigate the user-defined commands and customize your program.

Inserted codes

To take advantage of some of the advanced features of the LX-80, some programs require inserted codes. Those codes allow you to send commands to the printer in the middle of text or data. In most of these programs one code signals that the next numbers are printer instructions, not text or data. In one such program, for example, you type Control-V (pressing V while holding down the control key) to signal the beginning of printer instructions. Then you enter your print codes and type Control-V again to signal the end of the printer instructions.

32