Dot Matrix Line Printing - Printronix P6000L User's Reference Manual

Dot Matrix Line Printing

Unlike single head dot matrix printing, the Printronix P6000L/P6200L Series creates graphics
and characters by printing an entire dot row at one time. As shown in Figure 1-2, dots are
printed in both directions of shuttle travel. In the 400 line per minute printers, the shuttle
sweeps through three tenths (3/10) of an inch. In the 800 line per minute printers, the shuttle
sweeps through two tenths (2/10) of an inch. Paper is advanced as the shuttle reverses direction
and the next row of dots is printed.
During each sweep of the shuttle, hammers are activated to print dots at selected positions in a
single dot row. When the shuttle reaches the end of a sweep, it reverses direction, paper ad
vances one dot row, and the hammers print the next row of dots.
After an entire line of characters is printed, hammer activity ceases and the paper advances to
the first dot row of the next print line. This creates a series of blank rows between lines of char
acters. The number of rows allowed for line separation depends on the line spacing selected.
Line spacing may be selected from the control panel or the host computer.
ONE
CHARACTER
ROW
*
**
NOTE: 400 lpm models sweep through three character positions
800 lpm models sweep through two character positions
1-4
INDICATES DIRECTION OF SHUTTLE MOVEMENT
DOT
ROW START
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
*
9
* *
10
11
SPACE
0
12
1
2
USED FOR LOWERCASE DESCENDER ONLY
USED FOR UNDERLINE AND LOWERCASE DESCENDER
Figure 1-2. Dot Matrix Line Printing
PAPER
ADVANCES
PAPER
FEED
PAPER
ADVANCES
Overview