Features Of Interfaces; Serviceability - Epson MX-80 Technical Manual

1.1 Features of MX-80
The MX-80 is a serial dot matrix printer featuring 80 CPS bi-directional printing with logical
seeking capability and 9
x
9 dot-matrix character formation, and is a fruit of our constant
efforts in pursuit of miniaturization, light weight and high performance. The Printer is thus
capable of fully displaying its intended performance when used with various computers. The
MX-80 also has optional interface boards to permit the connection of the Printer to any of the
computers which are provided with various interfaces. By merely adding these optional
interface boards to the MX-80, data transfer is possible between the computer and the
MX-80.
1.2 Features of Interfaces
The MX-80 has a Centronics-compatible parallel interface as the standard equipment. With
this standard interface, the MX-80 can be connected to any of various personal computers
for data communication.
In addition to the standard interface, the MX-80 has the following interface options which
permit the user to connect his Printer to almost all the computers equipped with various
interfaces.
(1) RS-232C/Current Loop Serial Interface
This optional interface is bf a 20mA/60mA current loop type which is the same as the
level prescribed for serial interfaces by the EIA Standards, TTY, etc., and permits the
Printer to receive data at a bit rate ranging from 75 to 9,600 BPS.
(2) IEEE 488 Interface
This optional interface has the bus structure defined by the IEEE Std. 488-1975, and per-
mits the Printer to be connected parallelly to any computer or measuring instrument
which is equipped with this bus structure. Thus, information such as measured data, etc.
from the computer or measuring instrument can be recorded on the MX-80 printer.
(3) APPLE II Interface
This optional interface permits the MX-80 to transfer data to and from an APPLE II (or 1\
Plus) personal computer manufactured by the Apple Computer Inc. when it is incorpor-
ated into the computer.
(4) TRS-80 Interface
This optional interface is connected to the bus system of a TRS-80 computer manufac-
tured by the Tandy Radio Shack, to permit printing of the TRS-80 programs and other
data on the MX-80.
As described above, the MX-80 is configured to cope with various interfaces. For further
information on the respective interface options, refer to the user manual separately
published for each interface.
1.3 Serviceability
The MX-80 has been designed to minimize maintenance and repair in operation under its
normal use.
Should maintenance or repair be required, the printer mechanisms and circuit boards of the
MX-80 are readily replaceable. Access to the respective mechanical components can be
obtained easily. Accordingly, the user is permitted to perform minimum maintenance and
repair with ease by referring to this manual.
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