Epson LX-86TM Figure 3-3. LX-86dot matrix characters, NLQ Mode, LX-86, spaces between the, The preceding examples are in the LX-86’sdraft mode, but the

In Figure 3-3 there is a grid of lines behind the pica characters so that you can more easily see how they are designed. As you look at these characters you can see three rules that govern their design: the column on the right side is always left blank so that there will be spaces between the characters on a line; no character uses both the top and the bottom row; and a dot can be placed on a vertical line only when the columns next to that line are not used.

Figure 3-3. LX-86 dot matrix characters

NLQ ModeThe preceding examples are in the LX-86’s draft mode, but the

LX-86also has the high-quality NLQ (Near Letter Quality) mode that you have seen in previous chapters.

The NLQ letters are more fully formed than the draft letters because they are made up of many more dots. Two differences between draft and NLQ printing enable the IX-86 to print such a large number of dots for each character. In the NLQ mode, the head moves more slowly, so that dots can overlap horizontally, and each character is printed with two passes of the print head.

To further ensure the quality of NLQ characters, both passes of the print head are in the same direction so the alignment of the dots is exact.

Because the NLQ mode uses two passes for each line and prints only in one direction, your printing does take longer in this mode.

With the two modes, draft and NLQ, the IX-86 lets you choose high speed or high quality each time you print. You can print your ordinary work or preliminary drafts quickly in the draft mode and use the NLQ mode for final copies or special purposes.

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