Plot Data Line Format - Printronix P6000L User's Reference Manual

Plot Data Line Format

A P-Series compatible plot data line contains a maximum of 132 data bytes, a plot mode con
trol code, and a line terminator as shown in Figure 4-8. The first data byte in the line addresses
the dot positions to print in the first character column; the second data byte addresses the dot
positions to print in the second character column, etc.
The P-Series Plot mode control code is either odd dot plot (05 hex) or even dot plot (04 hex),
depending on the desired plot density, and should occur before any of the data bytes. The line
terminator used is commonly a line feed (0A hex), but a form feed (0C hex) can also be used.
VFU commands cannot be used as a line terminator in the Plot mode.
For normal density plot, the odd dot plot control code is sent along with the data bytes and a
line terminator. In odd dot plot, a line feed control code used as the line terminator causes the
contents of the buffer to be plotted and advances the paper a single dot row based on the verti
cal density of the current mode. If a form feed control code is used as the line terminator, the
contents of the buffer are plotted and the paper is advanced to the next top-of-form position.
The printer then defaults to the print mode.
For high density plot, the even dot plot and odd dot plot control codes are used in conjunction
with two data lines. The even dot plot control code is sent with the first data line along with the
line terminator. The line terminator, either a form feed or a line feed, causes the contents of
the buffer to be plotted in the even dot columns but does not advance the paper. The printer
waits for the second line of data using the odd dot plot control code and a line terminator. If a
line feed control code is used as the line terminator of the second line, data in the buffer is plot
ted in odd dot columns of the same row where even dot column data was just plotted, paper is
advanced one dot row (at the vertical density of the current mode), and the printer defaults to
the print mode. If a form feed is used as the line terminator of the second data line, the same
action occurs except the paper is advanced to the top of the next form rather than one dot row.
PLOT MODE
05 HEX =
NORMAL
DENSITY PLOT
OR
04 HEX + 05 HEX =
HIGH
DENSITY PLOT
4-8
1st CHAR 2nd CHAR
0011111 1111111
F F F F F F F F F F F F
BIT 1
BIT 1
BIT 6
BIT 6
Figure 4-8. Plot Data Line Format
3rd CHAR 132nd CHAR
1100001 0000111
s s
F F
LINE TERMINATOR
0A HEX=
LINE FEED
OR
0C HEX=
FORM FEED
Graphics