Epson P-80 Control Codes, ASCII Codes, Control codes

Chapter 4

Control Codes

This chapter explains how a computer uses control codes to send instructions to your printer. Specifically, you’ll learn how the control codes work with the P-80. (Appendix A shows a complete listing of all the P-80 control codes.)

If you are going to use your printer with commercial software pack- ages, it is not necessary for you to read this chapter. You can follow the printer installation instructions given in your computer or software manual. Most software packages include installation routines for dot matrix printers. It may be that you only have to specify which type of printer interface, such as RS-232C, you are using.

Note: As mentioned in Chapter 1, the P-80 uses the RS-232C serial interface. If your software asks for specifications you do not understand, consult your dealer for assistance.

ASCII Codes

Since there are many different kinds of computers and many different kinds of printers, almost all computers use a standard set of codes to communicate with printers. This set of codes is called the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII).

Pressing a character key on your computer produces a bit pattern representing a particular ASCII (pronounced “ask-ee”) code. The code is interpreted by the printer, which responds by printing the letter, number, or symbol desired. Control codes control specific printer functions.

Most of the 256 ASCII numbers are codes for specific characters. Typically, codes 32 through 126 are reserved for the standard set of

27

Contents

P-80PORTABLE PRINTER User's Manual FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS Copyright © 1984 by Epson America, Inc Torrance, California Contents 5 Combining Print Modes Dot-MatrixPrinting Print Pitches Pitch Mode Combinations Expandedmode Specifications of the P-80 E-1 E-1 E-2 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-3 E-4 List of Figures List of Tables 1-1 Settings for switch 1 Introduction Page Setting Up Your P-80 Page Covers use 3) l-3) Figure 1-3.Locking lever paper Paper guide Figure 1-4.Paper guide Ribbon installation Figure l-5.Lifting the front cover P-80’s 1.Make sure the printer is OFF As Figure Page That’s all there is to it. Now just close the front cover Manual-feedknob Figure 1-7. Manual-feedknob DIP Switches DIP switches 1-1 1-2 control code See Table 1-2. International character switch settings Country RS-232C Connecting the P-80to Your Computer Your Epson dealer stocks a variety of cables as well as interface boards Figure l-9.Connecting the printer cable Operation and Maintenance Switches and Indicators The control panel POWER switch off-line PAPER FEED switch Paper control switches 2-2) Figure 2-2.Paper control switches PAPER SURFACE switch — Paper-outsensor The Battery and AC Adapter Figure 2-3.Plugging in the AC adapter Battery Replacement 2-4) 2-5 Page 2-7) Figure 2-7.Replacing the battery holder cover 8.Replace the two screws at the back of the cover and replace the front cover WARNING: Do not disassemble the battery or throw it into a fire Maintenance 1.Keep your printer in a safe, clean location away from extreme tem- peratures 2.Clean particles and dust from the printer with a soft cloth or brush 3.Clean the outside of the printer with a mild cleanser when it appears dirty Installing Paper Paper sizes Paper Release Lever Paper Loading Make sure the paper is straight and placed in the printer as far as it can go Page Removing the paper The P-80 Self-Test Control Codes Table 4-1. The P-80and ASCII Codes P-80 Interpretation Using Control Codes CHR$(27)CHR$(52) A BASIC example 10 LPRINT CHR$(27);"-1"; 20 LPRINT "Underline Underline 30 LPRINT NEW 10 FOR X=1 TO 41: LPRINT CHR$(95);: NEXT X 20 LPRINT CHR$(13); 30 LPRINT "THIS PROGRAM USES THE UNDERLINE CHARACTER THIS PROGRAM USES THE UNDERLINE CHARACTER Combining Print Modes Figure 5-1.Main columns and intermediate positions Figure 5-2. Overlapping dots Print Pitches P-80 Pitch Mode Combinations Expanded mode Print Quality Modes when Figure 5-5.Print quality differences Dress-upModes Mode Conflicts and Priorities Table 5-1.Summary of modes Mixing Modes Summary Notes 1. Pica is the default pitch and is active when Compressed is turned 3.Double-Strikeand Emphasized produce the same result When Normal Under Print line Graphics NEXT X: LPRINT 40 IF R=0 THEN LPRINT: LPRINT CHR$(27)"@": END 60 N=-R:READ R: FOR K=1 TO N: LPRINT CHR$(R); DATA Print Head that Graphics Mode LPRINT CHR$(27)"K"CHR$(n1) CHR$(n2); CHR$(27)"K CHR$(27)"L Column reservation numbers LPRINT CHR$(27)"L"CHR$(N MOD 256)CHR$(INT(N/256)); Labelling Elements Figure 6-1. Labelling elements Figure 6-2.Element combinations FOR RETURN Figure 6-3.Data for space invader Graphics Programming Tips Line spacing WIDTH statements WIDTH LPRINT Semicolons and command placement 20 LPRINT CHR$(27)"K"CHR$(50)CHR$(0) 30 LPRINT CHR$(27)"0 Figure 6-4.Result of incorrect program Use semicolons to prevent the Page ASCII Codes and Character Sets A-1 <DC4 Control-T Control-) A-2 Page Page Appendix B Control Code Summary LPRINT CHR$(27)CHR$(69) or LPRINT CHR$(27)"E Page lines inches B-3 B-4 Appendix C Mode and Character-SetSelection Line Spacing Forms Control CHR$(12) c-2 Using Your P-80 with the Geneva™ PX-8™ Connecting the Geneva to the P-80 P-80 D-2 Page Specifications of the P-80 Table E-1 Characters Paper Paper types Single-sheetor roll paper, up to 8.5 inches wide Interface Specifications Interface Connector Page Index 42-43 47 B-4 C-2 C-l 45 B-l 10-11 A-l A-3 16 17 D-l-D-2 37-38 33 7-9 Index-6 Page Page Page EPSON AMERICA, INC LIMITED WARRANTY (213)