Mode Priorities - Epson FX Series User Manual

DIP switch 1-1 on. This adjustment will make the printer reset to
Compressed Mode, after which you can switch to other modes as
needed. You could get Pica Mode with control codes, for instance, by
using the Compressed shut-off code: CHR$(18). Then you could
return to Compressed with either of the usual commands-CHR$(15)
or ESCape" @ "-or by turning the printer off and back on.

Mode priorities

These first three pitches-Pica (10 cpi), Elite (12 cpi), and Com-
pressed (17.16 cpi)-are mutually exclusive. That is, only one can be
in use at a given time. When a program activates conflicting modes,
one of them will take precedence. In the case of Elite, Compressed,
and Pica Modes, for example, Elite has the highest priority. To check
this, try RUNning this line in your current program. In this example
and many others throughout the manual we use the format that com-
bines the command with the print string. The printer will interpret the
letter M as part of the command and will not print it. This format is
further explained in the preface.
10 LPRINT CHR$(27)"MELITE PITCH"
This time the printer doesn't make it to Compressed Mode. Your
entire printout is in Elite pitch even though Compressed Mode is
turned on in line 20. Does that mean the printer ignores the CHR$(15)
when it is in Elite Mode? Let's find out. Change line 30 to read:
30 LPRINT CHR$(27)"PCANCEL ELITE TO SEE COMPRESSED"
ESCape "P" did cancel Elite Mode, which caused line 30's text to print
in Compressed. So the printer did recognize the command for Com-
pressed Mode-CHR$(15)--in line 20, but its program masked that
command as long as Elite was in effect.
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