Figure l-13. Short test pattern

Long self test

To see the printer’s variety of type styles, you can run the long version of the printer’s self test.

1.Check that paper is in position for printing.

2.With power off, press the Paper Feed switch on the control panel and hold it down.

3.Still holding the Paper Feed switch down, turn the printer’s power ON.

The printer will automatically start printing a test pattern of its full character set in various type styles. Watch the lights on the control panel; they indicate which type style is printing.

This test repeats indefinitely in a long cycle. To stop the test, switch power off.

Interface test

After confirming that the printer works by itself, it is time to test the interface with the computer. The simplest way to do this is with a direct command. Power up both the printer and computer, load paper, then try a command like one of the following:

MS-DOS or PC-DOS command:

A>ECHO THE INTERFACE WORKS>PRN

Microsoft BASIC command:

LPRINT “THE INTERFACE WORKS”

Or you can try any other command understood by your computer to print a line of text. Consult your computer manual if you need help. If you repeat the command a few times, the printout will come into view.

Next you may want to try a test printout with word-processing software, but for this to succeed you will have to set the printer’s DIP switches (see the end of this chapter) and install your software to support the printer correctly (see Chapter 3).

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Star Micronics LC24-10 user manual Long self test, Interface test

LC24-10 specifications

The Star Micronics LC24-10 is a robust and high-performance dot matrix printer that caters primarily to the needs of businesses requiring reliable and efficient printing solutions. Known for its durability and versatility, the LC24-10 is ideal for environments such as retail, manufacturing, and warehousing, where multi-part forms and continuous printing are crucial.

One of the standout features of the LC24-10 is its ability to handle various paper types and formats. It can print on single-sheet paper, multi-part forms, and labels, making it a versatile choice for myriad applications. The printer supports both standard and custom paper sizes, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of end-users.

In terms of technology, the LC24-10 utilizes a 24-pin print head which offers high-speed and high-quality printing. This print head technology enables the printer to produce sharp and clear characters, even when printing on thick or multi-part media. The printer can reach print speeds of up to 550 characters per second, significantly improving productivity in fast-paced environments.

The LC24-10 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features a simple control panel that allows for easy configuration and status monitoring. Additionally, the printer supports a variety of connectivity options, including parallel, serial, and USB interfaces, making it compatible with a wide range of systems and devices. This flexibility allows businesses to integrate the printer seamlessly into their existing operations.

Durability is another key characteristic of the LC24-10. Its rugged design ensures that it can withstand the rigors of busy working environments, with a mean time between failure (MTBF) rated at over 10,000 hours. This reliability translates to less downtime and lower overall maintenance costs for businesses.

Furthermore, the LC24-10 is equipped with advanced features such as a slip-feed mechanism that allows for easy loading of various media types without jamming. It also boasts multiple character sets and emulations, enabling it to cater to different printing needs without compromising on quality.

In summary, the Star Micronics LC24-10 stands out in the world of dot matrix printers due to its robust design, versatility in handling various media, high-speed performance, and user-friendly features. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for businesses that require heavy-duty printing capabilities.