L Customizing The Fx-80 - Epson FX-80 User Manual

Appendix L
Customizing the FX-80
The FX-80 can be adapted to fit a variety of needs. The print capa-
bility can be altered both by hardware switches that change default
conditions and by software codes that activate or deactivate different
print modes. In this Appendix we look at a few typical applications
and adjustments of the printer which may be appropriate.
Spread-Sheet Programs
Three changes in the standard configuration of the printer may be
of some use to those who make heavy use of spread-sheet programs.
Changing switch 1-2 to
ON
will print all Os with slashes, making it
easy to distinguish between Os and a's. Switch 1-4
ON
makes the 2K
buffer available so that you can work with the computer while the
sheet finishes printing. Also, Switch
I-ION
changes the power-up
pitch to Compressed so that you can squeeze more characters into a
line.
Word Processing
If your printer is used primarily for word processing, you may want
to make some permanent adjustments. Since most word processors
have their own page formatting controls, you should probably leave
switch 2-3 (automatic skip-over-perforation) OFF.
When switch 1-5 is on, it activates Emphasized Mode on power-up
to give your printouts a better look. Keep in mind that this puts more
wear on your ribbon than usual.
An even better look can be achieved with Proportional print. Since
there is no hardware switch for this mode, you'll have to send the
required codes to activate Proportional Mode from BASIC (or per-
haps from your word processor). But don't try to right-justify your
text unless the word processing program is specifically designed to
justify characters with Epson's Proportional Mode.
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