Main Columns; The Print Head - Epson FX-80 User Manual

6 columns
Figure 3·1. Dot·matrix characters.
Main columns
The construction of the print head restricts the maximum height of
any character to nine dots. The print head uses a vertical column of
nine pins (actually, wires-see Figure 3-2a) that are fired at the paper
by electrical impulses. Each pin presses against the ribbon to produce
a single dot of the matrix. Because there is only one column of pins,
the head must move sequentially to each of the different column posi-
tions of the matrix, then fire the appropriate pins. At each position,
only the pins necessary to print the current character are fired.
T
a. The wires b. In action.
Figure 3·2. The print head.
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