paper-out sensor

A small switch behind the platen that sends a signal when it is not in contact with paper, causing the PAPER OUT light to go on.

parallel interface

See interface.

parity

Parity is a method for a computer and printer to check the reliability of data transmission.

pitch

Indicates the number of characters per inch (cpi). The standard is 10 pitch.

platen

The black roller that provides a backing for the printing.

print quality

Your printer has two types of print quality: draft and Letter Quality. Draft is for high-speed, draft quality jobs; Letter Quality is for final, polished documents.

proportional spacing

Printing in which the width if the character varies from character to character. For example, a capital W receives much more space than a lower case i. The result looks more like a typeset book than a typewritten draft.

pull tractor

An optional, detachable device that moves continuous paper through the printer.

Glossary GL-7