HP 600 C2184A manual Nibble Mode, ECP Mode

P rin t e r I n t e rf ac e I n f o rmat io n HP De s k J e t P rin t e rs

Nibble Mode

Nibble mode is a unidirectional mode of operation in which data moves from the printer to the host computer. HP DeskJet printers and most computer hosts can operate in nibble mode. Hosts can switch back and forth between compatibility and nibble modes, thus establishing limited two-way (bi-directional) communication. The host must place itself and the printer into nibble mode to receive status from the printer. This type of bi-directional communication has previously been called “Bitronics.”

ECP Mode

ECP mode provides a true bi-directional link between the printer and the host computer. HP DeskJet printers and most computer hosts can operate in ECP mode. ECP mode, combined with the HP proprietary communication protocol, allows the Remote Control Panel for DOS and the HP DeskJet Status Monitor for MS Windows to receive and display status information from the printer.