Chapter 8

Programming Hints

The SQ-2000 printer can be used with many different compu- ters. However, almost all computers have some built-in quirks that cause problems with the SQ-2000 (or any other printer, for that matter).

We’re sure that the computer’s designers would describe these quirks as features, because they typically solve one sort of problem -while creating another. For example, the MBASIC pro- gram, which is a widely used CP/M BASIC interpreter from Microsoft, automatically converts the horizontal tab code (ASCII 9) into a series of spaces to advance the print head to the next tab position. This is handy if your printer doesn’t understand tabs, but it causes problems with a printer like the SQ-2000 that does understand tabs, and it makes it difficult to use ASCII 9 in graphics.

We will look at some of the problems that can occur on some typical computer systems. While we can’t cover all the problems for every computer system, we can point out some of the more common problems and solutions. With these suggestions, and your computer’s documentation, you can solve any problems you have using your computer with the SQ-2000.

High level language problems

Most of the solutions that we will discuss are directed at BASIC language interpreters. This is because high level languages tend to have more problems (or is that features?) built into them. Lower level languages, like assembly language, usually give the programmer freedom to send any code to the printer (but, of course, require more programming effort to do it).

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