Send it a Message

may be connected to Port #l) to the code stream sent to the video screen. PR#0 “unhooks” Port #I from the video signal chain by sending ALL printing only to the screen.

Most other BASICS use a special word such as LPRINT to send codes directly (and exclusively) to the printer. A separate PRINT statement must be used to send codes exclusively to the video screen.

A few computers even have a dual command that allows use of just PRINT, but everything that goes to the screen also goes to the printer port. The computer you use determines which scheme you select.

If you’re not using an Apple, peel and slice the Apple programs in this manual as needed. If you know your own computer, it should be easy. If this causes gastric acidity, I respectfully suggest referring to a copy of the second edition of The BASIC Handbook, by your humble servant.

If you are using an Apple computer, continue straight ahead. If it’s a TRS-80, System 80, PMC-80, or any other machine using a similar Microsoft-type BASIC, GOSUB immediately to Appendix D. Atari users GOSUB to Appendix E.

If it’s any other computer that requires a special interface to drive a parallel printer, GOSUB to any instructions that might come with that special interface kit.

Non-Apple users should ignore the few sections that are clearly written for the Apple, like the following paragraph, unless of course you want to learn something about another computer - which isn’t a bad idea.

The Apple Stem

Apple users verify that the power is OFF, then place the Epson Parallel Interface card in slot 1 (not 0) of the computer’s mother board. Connect the printer cable as shown in Figure 2-l.

Figure 2-1

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