Printronix MVP Series User Manual
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Printronix MVP Series User Manual

Printronix MVP Series User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Printronix MVP Series

  • Page 1 MVP Series User's Manual...
  • Page 3 MVP Series User's Manual P/N 112301–001, Rev B...
  • Page 4 Printronix, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Printronix, Inc. shall not...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    ..........Assembling the Pedestal Assembling the Paper Tray Mounting the Printer onto the Pedestal Attaching the Paper Tray Table Top Mounting Applying Power .
  • Page 6 Operation Introduction ..........Mechanical Controls Power On–Off .
  • Page 7 Graphics Introduction ..........Raster Plotting .
  • Page 8 EFVU Introduction ..........Programming EVFU Memory Start Load Code —...
  • Page 9 Self–Test Configuration Appendices Appendix A: Character Sets and Control Codes Appendix B: Printer Diagnosics Appendix C: Specifications, Accessories and Options Index .........

  • Page 11: Chapter Contents

    ..........Printer Features .

  • Page 12: About This Manual

    About This Manual This manual applies to the MVP–Series of Printronix printers; the standard MVP, L150, 150B and L150B. Explanations and descriptions that refer to standard MVP or MVP–Series printers apply to all four printers in the series. Chapters that address configuring and programming issues distinguish between the MVP/L150 and 150B/L150B.
  • Page 13 Switches, Keys, Indicators and Display Messages Switches, indicators and switch positions on the printer are uppercase. For example: Press and release the RDY switch. Messages that appear on the control panel display are printed in initial capital letters and set off with quotation marks (except for conjunctions, which are all lowercase).

  • Page 14: Introduction

    Printer Features The Standard MVP is a sophisticated printer that has a wide variety of printing capabilities. It provides standard features and functions that allow you to control and define printer output. Its counterpart, the L150, offers the Standard MVP features and functions along with additional features that allow for especially high quality print and graphics.

  • Page 15: Mvp-Series Printers

    • Changing the print mode • Changing the forms length • Configuring the printer • Running self–tests • Configuring with a Printronix Intelligent Graphics Processor (IGP–20) to produce bar codes, labels, and business forms. Overview 1–5...

  • Page 16: L150 Printers

    L150 Printers In addition to the standard features and functions listed in “MVP Printers,” the L150 printers print approximately a 0.017 inch diameter dot that assures printed bar codes will meet demanding size and quality specifications. L150 printers also have various print modes that match dot density and resolution to specific bar code applications: •...

  • Page 17: Optional Features

    500 feet. PI–3287 Printer Interface Allows the L150 to emulate an IBM 3287 printer, and attaches to IBM 3274 or 3276 cluster controllers through Type A Interface. It may be used with or without IGP–20 option.

  • Page 18: Character Formation

    Character Formation The MVP–Series printers generate characters by accumulating groups of dots in matrices. Dot impressions are made by an assembly of 17 hammers installed on an oscillating shuttle that impact the paper through a moving ink ribbon. Synchronized horizontal shuttle movement and vertical paper advancement produce overlapping dots that form solid characters (Figure 1–1).

  • Page 19: Line Matrix Printing

    Dots are printed in both directions of shuttle travel, at a printer stroke length of .2” to print through two character positions. By printing a row of dots, dot matrix line printers achieve higher print duty cycles than moving head dot matrix (serial) printers.

  • Page 20: Print Rate

    Print Rate The print rate, in lines per minute (lpm), is a function of the number of dot rows required to produce the character line regardless of the number of characters in the line. For example, more dot rows are required to print lowercase characters with descenders;...

  • Page 21: Plot Rate

    Plot Rate The MVP–Series printers are capable of dot–addressable graphic plotting, as well as character printing. Based on the protocol selected either P–Series or Serial Matrix, you may select either Plot Mode or Bit Image Graphics respectively. The plot rate specifications apply to both P–Series and Serial Matrix types of graphic plotting.
  • Page 22 1–12 Overview...

  • Page 23: Installation

    ..........Assembling the Pedestal Assembling the Paper Tray Mounting the Printer onto the Pedestal Attaching the Paper Tray Table Top Mounting Applying Power .

  • Page 24: Introduction

    Perform the procedures in the order presented. The shipping restraints must be removed prior to operation to prevent damage to the printer. In addition, the shipping restraints must be installed whenever the printer or shuttle assembly is shipped or transported to prevent damage.

  • Page 25: Power Requirements

    Strom aus einem gesonderten AC–Stromanschluss von 20 A bei 60 Hz zu decken. A label on the back of the printer near the power cord shows the voltage and frequency requirements. The printer must be connected to the specified power source, either 110, 220 or 240 volts at 50 to 60 Hz. Line voltage can vary by 10%.

  • Page 26: Site Requirements

    5 and a relative humidity of 10% to 90%. The site selected for the printer must also allow air to circulate freely all around the printer. Finally, a minimum of three feet clearance behind the printer should be provided to allow air circulation and easy access to the paper stacking area.

  • Page 27: Installing The Printer

    Installing the Printer If you’ve ordered the Printronix pedestal mounting kit, follow the pedestal assembly procedures before installing the printer. Assembling the Pedestal To assemble the optional pedestal for pedestal model printers perform the following steps. A 5/16 inch nut driver and 5/32 inch hex wrench are required.
  • Page 28 Assemble the Two Legs and Modesty Panel Align the mounting holes of the modesty panel with the holes on the left leg as illustrated. Insert and lightly tighten bolts in the two side and bottom rear panel holes. Proceed with the right leg; align the mounting holes, insert and lightly tighten bolts.
  • Page 29 Insert and hand tighten bolts in the bottom left and right mounting holes in the paper guide panel. Align the top mounting holes on the modesty panel, paper guide panel, and left leg. Insert and hand tighten bolts through the top left and right mounting holes. pedestal leg Adjust and Tighten Firmly tighten all bolts.

  • Page 30: Assembling The Paper Tray

    Assembling the Paper Tray To assemble the paper tray refer to Figure 2–1, and perform the following steps. Make sure the paper tray kit contains the following items: • 1paper tray • 1 ground cable • 1 clamp • 1 screw •...

  • Page 31: Mounting The Printer Onto The Pedestal

    Mounting the Printer onto the Pedestal To mount the printer onto the pedestal you need a 5/32 inch Allen wrench. Set the printer on a stationary table or desk. Remove the four rubber feet from the printer by carefully sliding the printer over the edge of the table to access two feet.

  • Page 32: Attaching The Paper Tray

    Push the ground cable connector onto the protruding metal tab located on the back of the printer, to the right of the power connector. 2–10 metal tab...

  • Page 33: Table Top Mounting

    However, the table must be designed or modified to accommodate the printer paper path and proper air ventilation. Select a table sturdy enough to support the weight of the printer. If the table is not designed for a bottom feed paper path and proper air ventilation modify the table.

  • Page 34: Applying Power

    Check that the voltage shown on the printer identification label (located at the right rear of the printer) is the same as your power source. Voltage in North America is usually 120 volts/60 Hz, and printers sold in the United States are configured for power in that range.

  • Page 35: Operation

    Operation Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Mechanical Controls Power On–Off .

  • Page 36: Introduction

    Figure 3–1 is an interior view of an MVP with the shuttle cover removed to expose various mechanical controls, switches and indicators. Study this figure in relation to your printer to become familiar with the positions of the items specified.

  • Page 37: Power On-Off

    Power On–Off The power On–Off switch is located at the rear of the printer and is marked “O” for power off, and “I” for power on. When you press the power switch to “I”, all function indicators light for approximately two seconds, and the RDY indicator remains lit to show the printer is on–line.
  • Page 38 When the printer is off–line, use the front panel function keys. Other If the printer is connected to the host, the host controls the printer when it is on–line. When the printer is off–line, the host no longer has control.
  • Page 39 TOF (Top–of–Form) Purpose Advances the paper or adjusts top–of–form one line or one page at a time. Status The indicator is always off, you must press to activate. Action To move the paper one line; press and release very quickly. To move the paper one page or the to the top of the next form;...

  • Page 40: Second Function Switches

    Action When the indicator is lit, the printer is in 2nd FUNC mode. When the indicator is off, the printer is in the normal operation mode. Result When the indicator is lit, only the MODE, F/L, ADDR and TOF can be used.
  • Page 41 Purpose Sets forms length from 3.0 to 24.0 inches in 0.5 increments. Verifies proper forms length when changing paper. See page 4–36 for proper configuration. See page 3–17 for the procedure to set the forms length. Status The indicator is always off, you must press to activate. Action Press and release to display current length.

  • Page 42: Loading Ribbon

    Loading Ribbon The standard ribbon for MVP–Series printers is nylon fabric, one–inch by 60 yards, spool to spool, (Printronix part number 107675). The ribbon rewinds automatically to the supply side when installed, so either spool may be installed on either hub. The ribbon should be replaced when the print contrast is too low, or approximately after each box of standard size computer paper is used.
  • Page 43 If the printer power remained on during ribbon loading, press the CHK switch. If there is no paper in the printer, the CHK indicator will continue to flash. NOTE: Ribbon loading directions are also shown on the black plastic shuttle cover inside the printer.

  • Page 44: Removing The Ribbon

    To remove the ribbon refer to the illustrations in “Loading the Ribbon,” and perform the following steps. Move the forms thickness adjustment lever to the base of the printer as far as it will go. (If the power is on, the CHK indicator will flash when you move the lever back.) The ribbon mask in back of the ruler will...

  • Page 45: Paper Guidelines

    • Fan–fold forms should go through the printer without bunching or any distortion of the paper Paper Type and Thickness Paper type and thickness will affect print quality. Therefore, take both thickness and type under consideration when determining where to position the forms thickness adjustment lever.

  • Page 46: Loading Paper

    Loading Paper To load paper lift the printer cover and perform the following steps. Read all of the instructions before loading the paper. NOTE: The power does not need to be on when you load paper. If it is, make sure the RDY light is flashing.
  • Page 47 Feed the paper into the slot from underneath if the printer is on a pedestal or from the front if the printer has a front feed attachment. Continue to feed the paper until it passes between the ribbon mask and the wide metal bar.
  • Page 48 Advance the paper with the positioning knob so the paper will feed out of the opening between the raised cover and the top of the printer. Make sure the paper supply from the bottom will feed into the printer in a straight line.

  • Page 49: Removing Paper

    Pulling the paper down through the printer could damage the printing mechanisms. Move the forms thickness adjustment lever to the base of the printer as far as it will go. Open both tractor gates and lift the paper from the sprockets.

  • Page 50: Setting Top-Of-Form

    TOF switch. Release the 2nd FUNC switch. Press and hold the TOF switch for about one second; this action advances the paper to the top of the next form. Press the RDY switch to set the printer ready for printing (on–line). 3–16 vertical positioning knob...

  • Page 51: Setting Forms Length

    After the number advances to 24 (24.0), it will automatically begin again at 3 (3.0). If you want the printer ON–LINE, (ready to print) after setting the new forms length, press the 2nd FUNC switch to turn its indicator off. When the indicator goes off, the RDY indicator will flash.
  • Page 52 3–18 Operation...

  • Page 53: Configuration

    Configuration Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Changing Configurations MVP/L150 .

  • Page 54: Introduction

    Factory default options that take effect when the printer is turned on, provided no other options have been set. • Partial or total options set by you that take effect when the printer is turned on. • Options entered by you after the printer is turned on.

  • Page 55: Changing Configurations

    Changing Configurations You can change configuration options by following the procedure particular to your MVP printer. For 150B and L150B printers, the configuration option procedures release the Configuration Safety Lockout, then locks it after changes are made. MVP/L150 Press and release the RDY switch until the indicator flashes.

  • Page 56: 150B/L150B

    Press and hold ADDR until the display reads 16.3 10. Press and release DATA until the display reads 16.4; this step locks out accidental reconfiguration. 11. Press and release 2nd FUNC to return the printer to off–line, and to lock in the new configuration. 4–4...

  • Page 57: Verifying Configurations

    To verify a configuration: Print out a configuration self–test using the Self Test Procedure on page 9–10to set the configuration option to 00.1. (Make sure the printer is on–line.) Compare the values of configuration options 20 through 99 with application requirements.

  • Page 58: Configuration Options

    After assembling and interfacing the printer, configuration changes are usually limited to configuration options 20 through 59. Options 60 through 99 are only changed when it is necessary to reconfigure the printer for a new interface. Configuration addresses 00 through 19 are print and service tests.
  • Page 59 Insert automatic Line Feed in Data Stream Automatic Line Feed on Carriage Return Inhibit Lowercase/Underline and Translate Lowercase to Uppercase Binary Count Slew Printer On–line with Power On Paper Out Delay Underline Delete Print or Graphics Mode at Power On...
  • Page 60 Option 20 — Host Mode Control Programming Standard Discussion Option 20.0 is used to store data that allows you to select the Host Mode Control. Option 20.1 allows up to 11 beginning characters (or headers) of control code sequences that are valid when encountered in the data stream; option 20.2 allows only one.
  • Page 61 Description Double wide on per line basis only. Enables Mode 6. Initiated by either control code ESC SO or SO (see page 7–31). If the printer is operating at 10 pitch when the control code is executed, printer operation shifts to pitch 5. However, if the printer is operating at 16.7 pitch (Mode 5) when the control code is executed, printer...
  • Page 62 Option 21 — Vertical Dot Density Discussion Option 21 permits a four percent increase in vertical dot density. (The Density Option paper feed pulley must be installed for proper operation.) MVP/L150 Option Display Number 21.0 21.1 150B/L150B Option 21 must be set to 21.0. 4–10 Configuration Description...
  • Page 63 Option 22 — Insert Automatic Line Feed in Data Stream Discussion Normally, Option 22 is disabled. When it is enabled, a line feed is automatically inserted into the data stream after the last character in a character line. MVP/L150 Option Display Number 22.0...

  • Page 64: Option 23 - Automatic Line Feed On Carriage Return

    NOTE: The Underline feature, Configuration Option 28, cannot be used if option 23.1–.3 is selected. These options set CR equal to one, two, or three line feeds, respectively, and cause the printer buffer contents to be printed before the underlines can be loaded into the buffer.
  • Page 65 Option 24 — Inhibit Lowercase/Underline and Translate Lowercase to Uppercase Discussion Normally, underlines and lowercase characters are produced in the default configuration. When Option 24 is enabled, lowercase characters and underlines are inhibited for all modes. MVP/L150 Option Display Number 24.0 24.1 150B/L150B...
  • Page 66 Option 25 — Binary Count Slew MVP/L150 Option Display Number 25.0 25.1 NOTE: If Paper Instruction (PI) is enabled by configuration option 61.1, option 25 enables the user to shift the values for the line slew control codes by one. Note that a single PI (hex 00) command will slew a blank line.
  • Page 67 Option 26 — Printer On–line with Power On Discussion Normally when the printer is turned on, the RDY switch must be pressed before the printer is on–line. When Option 26 is enabled, the printer is automatically on–line when the printer is turned on.
  • Page 68 Option 27 — Paper Out Delay Discussion Normally when the printer is out of paper, it will stop printing after the current line has been printed. Option 27 allows printing to continue until the next form feed (FF) is received or until the end of the page reaches the print hammers (typically an additional 1.1 inch of print).
  • Page 69 Option 28 — Underline Discussion When 28.0 is selected and Option 23.0 is selected (CR=0 line feeds), characters can be underlined in the present character line. MVP/L150 Option Display Number 28.0 28.1 NOTE: Configuration Options 23.1, 23.2, and 23.3 effectively disables underlining if CR is used as the line terminator.
  • Page 70 Option 29 — Delete Code 7F Discussion When a DEL (Delete) code is received, either a character from a font or a space may be printed depending on the configuration option selected. MVP/L150 Option Display Number 29.0 29.1 150B/L150B Option Display Number 29.0...
  • Page 71 High Speed Plot Enable Mode 004 – (low resolution graphics) Condensed Print Enable Mode 005– (medium resolution graphics) Save current mode when the printer is turned off. Configuration Description Data Processing Enable Mode 002 – Corresponding/Word Processing Enable Mode 001 –...
  • Page 72 When the control code assigned to a specific configuration option appears in the data stream, the printer will operate in response to the selection in that option. For example, if Configuration Option 33.4 (8 lpi) is set, code 03 Hex (ETX) functions as Code 06 Hex (ACK), the code that causes the printer to shift from 6 lpi to 8 lpi.
  • Page 73 Option Display Option 32 Number Control Code Assignment – 02 Hex 32.0 Ignore (default). 32.1 Host Mode Control Header. Code 02H (STX) performs the same as Code 01H (SOH). 32.2 Even dot plot. Performs the same as 04H (EDT). 32.3 Odd dot plot.
  • Page 74 Option Display Option 35 Number Control Code Assignment – 05 Hex 35.0 Odd dot plot (default). 35.1 Host Mode Control Header. Code 05H (ENQ) performs the same as Code 01H (SOH). 35.2 Even dot plot. Performs the same as 04H (EDT). 35.4 8 lpi.
  • Page 75 Option Display Option 38 Number Control Code Assignment – 08 Hex 38.0 Elongated characters (default). 38.1 Host Mode Control Header. Code 08H (BS) performs the same as Code 01H (SOH). 38.2 Even dot plot. Performs the same as 04H (EDT) 38.3 Odd dot plot.
  • Page 76 Option Display Option 41 Number Control Code Assignment – 0F Hex 41.0 Shift In (alternate font deselect). Performs the same as OFH (SI). Reserved. Host Mode Control Header. Code 0FH (SI) performs the 41.1 same as Code 01H (SOH). 41.2 Even dot plot.
  • Page 77 Control Code Assignment Slash zero disable (default). Slash zero enable. Option 34 Control Code Assignment – Alternate Printronix Plot Control Enable ESC Y, even dot centers. (default) Ignore ESC Y. Option 35 Control Code Assignment – Alternate Printronix Plot Control Enable ESC Z, odd dot centers (default).
  • Page 78 Option Display Number 36.0 36.1 37.0 37.1 38.0 38.1 39.0 39.1 40.0 40.1 41.0 41.1 4–26 Option 36 Control Code Assignment – Mode 1 Select Enable ESC P = Mode 1 (default) (ESC n if configuration 31.1) Ignore ESC P. Option 37 Control Code Assignment –...
  • Page 79 Option 42 — Electronic Vertical Format Unit (EVFU) Control Discussion The EVFU is normally fully enabled with Option 61 set to 61.0. When Option 61 is set to 61.1, Paper Instruction (PI) may be used to disable Paper Slew. MVP/L150 Option Display Number...
  • Page 80 Option 43 — Plotting Exit Discussion Normally, changing the printer from plotting to character printing requires an extra line feed that will reset the dot row counter to zero and prevent the upper part of the characters from possibly being truncated. Option 43 can be configured to automatically include the line feed without being sent from the host computer.
  • Page 81 Enable printing of buffer contents when printer is off–line and TOF switch is pressed. Disable off–line buffer printing. Configuration Description Enable printing of last line of buffer contents when printer is off– line and TOF switch is pressed. (default) Disable off–line last line buffer flush. 4–29...
  • Page 82 Option 45 — Mode 4 150B/L150B Option Display Number 45.0 45.1 NOTE: Configuration Option 46 is used to reconcile use of EVFU Codes for Epson. 4–30 Configuration Description (Mode 4) High Speed Plot Mode with Configuration Option 59.0 enabled. (default) (Mode 4) Draft Mode with 59.0 Configuration...
  • Page 83 Option 46 — EVFU Control with no PI 150B/L150B Option Display Number 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 NOTE: 46.1 is effected by Control Code 42 and Control Codes 10H – 1FH can be used as EVFU control commands (except for ESC code [1BH] that is part of an escape sequence and codes DC 2 [12H], DC4 [14H], and CAN [18H].
  • Page 84 Option 47 — SOH and ETX 150B/L150B Option Display Number 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 NOTE: 47.4 through 47.9 are the same as 47.2. The EPSON like command sequence can not be initiated if 47.2, or 47.4–.9 is used in conjunction with the Configuration Option 46.2 (the ESC character can be used as an EVFU command).
  • Page 85 Option 48 — Characters Per Inch in Mode 5 150B Option Display Number 48.0 48.1 NOTE: Power does not have to be cycled when this option is changed (from 48.0 to 48.1 and vice versa). Once changed, the selected pitch for the character mode printing will remain in effect (even if power is cycled) until a different option is selected again.
  • Page 86 Option 50 — Page Perforation Skip Discussion Use this option to avoid printing over page perforations. Option 50 allows the bottom of the current page and the top of the next page to remain blank for a variable vertical distance ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Perforation skip is disabled by selecting Option 50.1 and is automatically disabled when the EVFU is active regardless of Option 50 setting.
  • Page 87 Option 51 — Lines Per Inch (lpi) Line Spacing Discussion Normally, the printer offers 6 lpi and 8 lpi spacing for modes 001, 002, 003, and 005. Option 51 may be configured to change the 8 lpi spacing to 9 lpi or 10 lpi spacing for Modes 002 and 003.
  • Page 88 Option 52 — Forms Length at Printer Power Up Discussion Forms length can be set to one of seven selectable lengths including the default 11 inches. With Option 52 set to 52.7, any forms length between 3 inches and 24 inches (in 1/2–inch increments) can be selected with the Forms Length (F/L) switch.
  • Page 89 Display Number 54.0 54.1 54.2 NOTE: Power must be cycled when changing option 54 from .0 to .1. Toggling the LPI switch after powerup will reset the printer to 6LPI. Option 56 — Column Print Spacing 150B Option Display Number 56.0...

  • Page 90: Option 57 - Input Buffer Size

    Option 57 — Input Buffer Size 150B Option Display Number 57.0 57.1 NOTE: Power must be cycled when Configuration Option 57 is selected (from 57.0 to 57.1 and vice versa). Option 58 — ESC DC1 Sequence 150B Option Display Number 58.0 58.1 Option 59 —...

  • Page 91: Graphics

    Graphics Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Raster Plotting .

  • Page 92: Introduction

    Raster Plotting Raster plot data is sent to the printer as “printable” ASCII characters. Each printable ASCII character has seven–bit binary code associated with it. There are 96 printable ASCII characters (see Table 5–1), starting with SP (space) decimal code 32, through DEL (delete) decimal code 127.
  • Page 93 Graphics 5–3...

  • Page 94: Raster Plot Syntax

    Raster Plot Syntax The proper syntax for raster plot data is: Control Sequence . . . ASCII Character . . . Line Terminator All printable ASCII characters following the control sequence will be interpreted as plot data. Raster plot data must terminated with one of the following: •...

  • Page 95: Print Modes For Raster Plots

    Print Modes for Raster Plots The second function switches allow you to manually select among the print or plot modes (see Table 5–2). When manually set, the last valid mode command received before printing will determine the line print mode. The features listed as available in a particular mode are accessible on a per character basis and can be combined within a line, and in some cases, within a character matrix.

  • Page 96: High Resolution Raster Plot Syntax

    High Resolution Raster Plot Syntax The proper command syntax for high resolution graphics is: 1) Even dot center control sequence . . . plot data . . . line terminator followed by: 2) Odd dot center control sequence . . . plot data . . . line terminator For Example, (data) (data)

  • Page 97: Exiting From Raster Plot

    Exiting from Raster Plot To exit from raster plot, you must set Configuration Option 43.0, and send one additional line terminator character after the last dot row is printed. An additional line terminator will cause the paper to advance vertically to the start of the next character line, even if the last printed dot row was between character line boundaries.

  • Page 98: Bit Image Graphics

    Bit Image Graphics Bit image graphics are created by printing a series of vertical bit image data bytes which represent the binary code bit pattern. This method utilizes the 1 or true bit from a binary data byte to print dot patterns. These data bytes are actually the binary equivalent of ASCII character decimal values 0 through 255.
  • Page 99 Figure 5–1. Vertical Data Byte Pattern ASCII DECIMAL CHARACTER VALUE Figure 5–2. Bit Image Pattern from an ASCII Character Graphics BINARY VERTICALLY CODE ROTATED DATA EQUIVALENT BYTE PRINTED BIT IMAGE PATTERN 5–9...

  • Page 100: Plotting A Bit Image Pattern

    Plotting a Bit Image Pattern You can produce a a bit image pattern in four steps: Lay out the graphic(s) pattern you want to print, on a quadrille pad or graph paper. Determine the decimal equivalent of each bit image data byte required to produce your pattern (Figure 5–3).

  • Page 101: Bit Image Density

    Bit Image Density You can print bit image graphics in different dot densities. To select dot densities, send the appropriate control code to the datastream. Control Code ESC K ESC L Graphics Table 5–4. Bit Image Density Dot Density Mode Result Single Density Single density bit image graphics in the Data...

  • Page 102: Bit Image Programming Format

    Bit Image Programming Format The Bit Image command format is: ESC CC(n1)(n2)DATA where: n1, n2 DATA Refer to the following guidelines when using the Bit Image Programming Format: • The syntax of the bit image expression must be correct. • The expression must include the appropriate dot density control code, the number of bytes of data to be plotted, and the data itself.

  • Page 103: Bit Image Sample Program

    Bit Image Sample Program The following sample program written in BASIC produces single density bit image graphics of the pattern shown in Figure 5–3. The 7 data bit pattern is repeated 40 times. The printed result of running the program is shown in Figure 5–4.

  • Page 104: Other Bit Image Features

    Modes 3 and 4 Bit image plotting is not available in Mode 3 or 4. However, if the feature is called on a Mode 3 line, that line is printed in Mode 2, then the printer returns to Mode 3.

  • Page 105: P-Series Plot Mode

    P–Series Plot Mode P–Series compatible Odd/Even Dot Plot mode is only available in P–Series printer protocol. Since plot mode can address and print any individual dot position, it is possible to produce a variety of graphics, including bar codes, complex curve graphs, pie and bar charts, block characters, or halftones.

  • Page 106: Plot Data Byte Format

    Figure 5–7 illustrates the actual data pattern sent. Whereas Figure 5–8 shows how the printer interprets the data for plotting; a dot is printed at the location addressed by each of bits 1 to 6 in the data byte that is set (1 or true).
  • Page 107 BIT 8 BIT 7 USED Figure 5–7. Actual Data Pattern Sent BIT 1 NOTE: BIT 6 AND/OR BIT 7 MUST BE “1” FOR PLOT MODE DOT COLUMN #12 OF PREVIOUS CHARACTER COLUMN 1 1 1 BIT 1 Figure 5–8. P–Series Plot Data Byte Format as Graphics BIT 6 BIT 5...

  • Page 108: Plot Data Line Format

    Regardless of which line terminator code is sent, the printer defaults to the previously selected print mode unless further plot control codes are provided with the data.
  • Page 109 Send the even dot plot control code EOT (04 hex), followed by plot data bytes. (Refer to Table 5–1 on page 5–3.) Send a line terminator. The line terminator allows the printer to plot the data bytes. The paper is not advanced in double density plot; the printer will wait for the second plot command and plot data bytes.

  • Page 110: Plotting Data

    Plotting Data P–Series Plot mode plots the image from the horizontal bit pattern. Figure 5–9 duplicates the pattern shown in Figure 5–4 but is modified for Odd Dot Plot. Eight dot rows are required, two characters per row, six columns per character. (The dots required to produce the pattern are shown in Table 5–1 on page 5–3.) CHARACTER ODD COLUMNS...
  • Page 111 Programming Example with Odd Dot Plot The following program uses the Odd Dot Plot control code to produce the image in Figure 5–10. 10 LPRINT “Odd Dot Plot” 20 FOR I=1 TO 8 30 READ R1 40 READ R2 50 LPRINT CHR$(5); 60 FOR N=1 TO 25 70 LPRINT CHR$(R1);CHR$(R2);...

  • Page 112: Exiting P-Series Plot Mode

    Exiting P–Series Plot Mode When you want to return to the print mode from the P–Series Plot mode, include an extra line feed in the data stream to maintain proper print line registration relative to the last line of plot graphics. If the extra line feed is not included, the first character line after the graphics data may be truncated, as shown in Figure 5–11.
  • Page 113 EVFU Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Programming EVFU Memory Start Load Code —...

  • Page 114: Introduction

    (Configuration Option 52). When you use EVFU to define print lines on a form, it increases system efficiency because it allows the printer to slew paper to a predetermined line with a single command.

  • Page 115: Channel Assignment

    Channel Assignment All data bytes received after the Start Load code are interpreted as channel assignment data until the End Load code is received. A maximum of 12 channels can be assigned to one physical line on the form. Two eight–bit data bytes (EVFU characters) are required per line. As show in Figure 6–1, the least significant 6 bits of the first data byte are used to assign channels 1 through 6;...

  • Page 116: Line Spacing

    After printing all the forms in the run, clear the EVFU memory for the next form program by sending a Start Load command or by momentarily turning the printer power OFF and then ON. End Load Code – 6F (Hex) The EVFU End Load code is 6F (hex) with the PI line higher.

  • Page 117: Evfu Command Codes

    EVFU Command Codes The EVFU command codes (top–of–form, vertical tab, start load, and end load) used in EVFU operation function the same way for both Centronics and Dataproducts interfaces. Although the EVFU command codes function the same way, there are two major differences between the interfaces: •...
  • Page 118 Form EVFU Sample Form Line Load Headings Number Program NAME RANK TITLE ADDRESS CH14 NUMBER CH12 DATE 6–6 Hex Code Hex Code Centronics Dataproducts Interface Interface PI No PI Line True Line Figure 6–1. EVFU Load Program Explanation Resets EVFU –– Forms length defaults to current setting of FL;...

  • Page 119: Troubleshooting For Evfu Programming

    Printer Operation During EVFU Loading The printer mechanism should not move during the loading of the EVFU program. If the printer starts to print or if the paper advances, an error may be present in the load program. Forms Length...

  • Page 120: Using Evfu

    Using EVFU Once the EVFU program has been enabled and loaded, the program can be accessed by sending the appropriate channel instruction to the printer. The paper is slewed to the physical line on the form having the specified channel number assigned in the EVFU memory.

  • Page 121: Evfu/Igp Execute Form Mode

    EVFU/IGP Execute Form Mode To use the EVFU with the IGP, the EVFU must be loaded while the IGP is in the Execute Form mode. Therefore, you must create and execute an empty form with the IGP prior to using the EVFU load routine. The typical procedure to load the EVFU while the IGP is in the Execute Form mode is as follows.
  • Page 122 Sample Form Heading Line Number NAME_______ AGE ________ RANK_______ TITLE_______ ADDRESS____ NUMBER_____ DATE________ Figure 6–2. Example of Line Slewing 6–10 Hex Code Hex Code with 25.0 with 25.1 Explanation Form Feed 2 line slew 2 line slew 3 line slew 1 line slew 4 line slew 3 line slew...

  • Page 123: Clearing Evfu Memory

    Clearing EVFU Memory Use one of the three following actions to clear (reset) the EVFU Memory. • Send only the Start Load and End Load codes (no channel assignment data). • Send an odd number of EVFU characters (channel assignment data) (detected after the End Load code is received).
  • Page 124 6–12 EVFU...

  • Page 125: Programming

    Programming Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Control Codes (Quick Reference Tables) MVP/L150 Control Codes 150B/ L150B Control Codes...

  • Page 126: Introduction

    Introduction A typical transmission by the host computer is a data stream of ASCII characters that includes alphanumeric characters, spaces and various symbols and control codes. This chapter describes control codes, plotting, and host mode controls. 7–2 Programming...

  • Page 127: Control Codes

    Control Codes All codes in this manual are shown in hexadecimal (Hex) notation. Appendix A contains a complete listing of the ASCII characters in octal, decimal and hexadecimal notation. Code Number (Hex) 01–09, 0E, 0F 1B 10H–1FH ASCII Characters Horizontal Tab Mode Selection from Host Computer Underline Methods 1 &...

  • Page 128: Mvp/L150 Control Codes

    MVP/L150 Control Codes 0AH — Line Feed During character printing, this control code causes the contents of the printer buffer to be printed, followed by a one line advance of the paper to the top row of the next character line. When multiple line feeds are sent, paper is slewed at high speed for as many lines as line feeds sent.
  • Page 129 0CH — Top–of–Form/Perforation Skip Control code 0CH causes the contents of the print buffer to be printed, and follows up with a top–of–form or a perforation skip operation. With Configuration Option 50 You can set the length of the Perforation Skip by using Configuration Option 50 for one of four lengths.
  • Page 130 0DH — Carriage Return Control Code 0DH causes the logical print head to move to the left margin without any motion or printing activity. Therefore, to initiate printing you must send a line feed with the carriage return. If you send configuration Option 23 for line feed on carriage return, the buffer contents will print when a carriage return is sent.
  • Page 131 If you select the alternate character set when the alternate character set PROM is not installed, a blank space will be inserted each time a character code is received. To alter this situation, the printer must receive the Shift In code or a line feed .
  • Page 132 Figure 7–1 illustrates the actual data pattern sent. Whereas Figure 7–2 shows how the printer interprets the data for plotting; the dot pattern progresses from the left to right with the left dot set by the least significant bit (LSB).
  • Page 133 BIT 8 BIT 7 USED Figure 7–1. Actual Data Pattern Sent BIT 1 NOTE: BIT 6 AND/OR BIT 7 MUST BE “1” FOR PLOT MODE DOT COLUMN #12 OF PREVIOUS CHARACTER COLUMN 1 1 1 BIT 1 Figure 7–2. Odd Dot Plot/Even Dot Plot as Programming BIT 6 BIT 5...
  • Page 134 Line Terminators Even Dot Plot line terminators are 0AH (line feed), 0CH (form feed), and 0DH (Carriage Return). The printer will default to character printing after each plot line unless you include the control code for plot within the next data line.
  • Page 135 Line Terminators Odd dot plot line terminators are 0AH (Line Feed), 0CH (form feed), and 0DH (carriage return). The printer will default to character printing after each plot line unless you include the control code for plot within the next data line.
  • Page 136 06H — Lines per Inch Spacing Use this code to shift from 6 lpi to 8 lpi. The 8 lpi switch must be inactive. In modes 002, 003, or 004 (not modes 001 or 005), the spacing can be changed to 9 or 10 lpi by configuring Option 51.

  • Page 137: Elongated Characters

    08H — Elongated Characters To form elongated characters, include Control Code 08H in the character line, which will cause each dot row to be printed twice (except the top dot row of uppercase characters and the bottom dot row of lowercase characters), and keep the number of dot columns to remain the same as in standard characters.
  • Page 138 S = Space (20 Hex) LF = Line Feed (0A Hex) NOTE: The printer must be configured for CR=CR only. If configured for a carriage return and line feed the contents of the buffer will print when the CR code is received.
  • Page 139 Dot Density High resolution plot combines even dot plot with odd dot plot. (Normal plotting uses odd dot plot only.) Even dot columns are printed then odd dot columns are printed, which is followed by a paper advance. The result is a pattern of overlapping horizontal dots that gives the appearance of continuous lines.
  • Page 140 Table 7–5. Matrix Dot Densities and Plot Speeds for L150 Printers Graphics Dot Density/Inch Horz. High Resolution (Mode 001) Medium Resolution (Mode 002) Medium Resolution 62.5 (Mode 003) High Resolution 72.5 (Mode 004) High Resolution (Mode 005) 7–16 Plot Resolution Dots/Inch Vert.
  • Page 141 Editing Any printable character in the data stream can replace printable characters or spaces already loaded into the printer buffer. The space character (20H) is used to skip over characters not to be replaced as shown in Figure 7–4. NOTE: The editing function will not print the same character twice in the same location.
  • Page 142 Slewing a Specified Number of Lines To slew a specified number of lines, set Configuration Option 25 to either 25.0 or 25.1, and Configuration Options 60 and 61 to enable the use of the PI line for EVFU control. Also, program the host computer to send a paper instruction (PI) and a Hex code that represents the number of lines to slew.
  • Page 143 Sample Form Heading NAME_______ AGE ________ RANK_______ TITLE_______ ADDRESS____ NUMBER_____ DATE________ Figure 7–5. Line Slew (EVFU Not Loaded) Programming Line Number Code Code with 25.0 with 25.1 Explanation Form Feed 2 line slew 2 line slew 3 line slew 1 line slew 4 line slew 3 line slew 3 line slew...
  • Page 144 You can change modes on the 150B/L150B printers using host mode control by embedding the mode change control code sequence in the data stream. Control code sequences are interpreted according to the configuration options resident in printer firmware, and the printer output is modified accordingly. Host Mode Control Feature Selection...
  • Page 145 Table 7–7. Configuration Options and Valid Headers Configuration NOTE: Non–Volatile Memory can be temporarily bypassed by pressing the CLEAR switch. No configuration data may be saved, and the factory default is loaded. NOTE: One or all (up to 11) of the ASCII character hexadecimal values associated with 20.1 can be operational as a valid header.
  • Page 146 Host Mode Control Code Sequence Format P–Series The P–Series (Configuration Option 20.1) control code sequence format is: (Valid Header); [Ps q where: Valid Header NOTE: Do not use any spaces in the host mode control code sequence. ANSI The ANSI–compatible operation (Configuration Option 20.2) requires the following Control Code sequence: where: ESC [Ps q...
  • Page 147 Host Mode Control Code Sequence Placement A host mode control code change sequence conventionally follows a line terminator character and applies to the data occurring before the next line terminator character. The line terminator characters are line feed (LF), form feed (FF), vertical tab (VT), EVFU channels (10H to 1DH), and EVFU load codes (1EH and 1FH).
  • Page 148 Control Code Sequence The printer will not return to the previous mode when a line with a mode change is printed. The printer will always remain in the new mode until another mode is specified. Cycling the printer power will restore the default mode (Configuration Option 30);...
  • Page 149 Invalid Control Code Sequence An invalid control code sequence in the data steam will be treated as normal ASCII characters. Printable characters will be printed and control characters will be processed according to existing configuration options. For example: If CHR$ (4) or CHR$ (5) are used as headers and Configuration Options 24.1 or 25.1 have not been selected (default values 34.0 and 35.0 are in effect), the line will be plotted as dot patterns rather than printed as characters.
  • Page 150 Vertical Format Unit (EVFU). 20H — Space The printer will leave a blank space where a space character appears (in each character position) in a character line. Do not fill the end of a character line with spaces unless you configure Configuration Option 22 to insert automatic line feeds in the data stream after a particular number of characters.
  • Page 151 150B Control Codes 150B/L150B printers recognize certain ASCII characters and character sequences as “control codes.” These codes, when placed within a program line, cause the printer to react according to the code. There are specific codes that can: • make the data in the associated data line print in a particular manner •...

  • Page 152: Ascii Characters

    LPRINT CHR$ (n) statements, all the control codes are referenced by their decimal value. For example, if you wish to transmit a Line Feed command to the printer in BASIC, you would use the following syntax: LPRINT CHR$ (10);...
  • Page 153 Character Name Control Code Backspace Cancel Carriage Return Programming Dec Value Printer Response (ASCII) CHR$(n) Sets one line spacing to 1/8, 1/9, or 1/10 inch depending on configuration 51.X. Positions logical print head print position one space toward left margin. See Appendix A for the BS/CR Protocol.
  • Page 154 Chapter 2). Forms length may be changed with control code Esc C from the host computer or the front panel switches. Tabs printer to next horizontal tab stop. Refer to detailed explanation of horizontal tabbing on page 7–36. (10) Advances paper feed mechanism one line.
  • Page 155 128–160 foreign characters. Those can be accessed only using ESC 6. ESC @ (27) (64) General Printer Reset Command a) Clear horizontal tabs to default values. b) Clear underlines, clear emphasis, clear double strike. c) Reset print mode to current default.
  • Page 156 Escape, “C”, ESC C n Dec. No. 1–127. Escape, “C”, ESC C 0 n “zero”, number 7–32 Dec Value Printer Response (ASCII) CHR$(n) ESC# (27) (35) Cancels the MSB (Data Bit 8) control set by ESC = or ESC >. ESC*...
  • Page 157 (27) (76) Sets Double Density Bit Image feature. (n1) (n2) (Printer will print both even and odd dot centers.) Operates in Modes 1, 2, and 5 in a manner similar to ESCAPE K. A dot pattern obtained using ESCAPE L would have twice the dot density of one using the ESCAPE K feature.
  • Page 158 48 (2) n=1 or 49 Escape, “T” Escape, “V” Escape, “W” ESC W(n) 7–34 Dec Value Printer Response (ASCII) CHR$(n) (27) (78) (n) a) Enables host computer to set skip over perforation to be n lines. b) Ignored if n is greater than forms length.
  • Page 159 Escape, Nine Escape, –0 Escape, –1 Escape, –2 Escape, –3 Programming Dec Value Printer Response (ASCII) CHR$(n) ESC Y (27) (89) a) Option code 34.0 causes ESC Y to act (n1) (n2) as even dot plot. (Same as 04 code when 40.0 is set.)

  • Page 160: Horizontal Tab

    Horizontal Tab Horizontal tabs enable you to put text at a precise column in a print line. Up to 28 stops may be set at a time, spanning character columns 1–216. Loading a Horizontal Tab Table You may design and load your own horizontal tab table and tab the print head with CHR$ (9), the decimal value of ASCII control character HT.
  • Page 161 Density Specifications The following table list both the horizontal and vertical dot densities (dots/inch) in each of the print modes as well as their character pitches in inches: Mode 1 Pitch Chars/line Mode 2 Pitch Chars/line Mode 3 Pitch Chars/line Mode 4 Pitch Chars/line...
  • Page 162 Hard Copy Considerations Follow these guidelines for using horizontal tabs: • Tabs must be set in ascending order. • The maximum decimal value of n(i) will depend on the mode in use. NOTE: Be sure proper width will accommodate tab settings. •...
  • Page 163 Table 7–10. Horizontal Tabs at Power–up TAB# TAB position Programming MODE (Mode 1 & 2) (Mode 3) (Mode 5) 7–39...
  • Page 164 NOTE: DC2 resets mode 5. Printer stays in Mode 5 until another mode is selected or DC 2 is sent. When the DC2 is sent, the printer will reset to the power–up mode as set by configuration 30.X if no other mode is asserted.
  • Page 165 Underline — Methods 1 & 2 The printer will automatically generate the underline as required by the particular character line transmitted. Leading and trailing spaces are not underlined. Use the following guidelines and see Figure 7–6: • Underlines start and stop on the normal character boundary and are permissible at 6 or 8 lpi.
  • Page 166 TEXT: ****now****is****the****LF ****time***for*all****LF KEY: * = space 1 = Underline turned ON. 2 = Underline turned OFF. 3 = Underline turned ON. Result: 4 = Underline turned OFF. Result: time Figure 7–6. Leading and Trailing Spaces Programming 7–42...
  • Page 167 Method 2 (Merged) Underlining can also be accomplished by sending the sequence: TEXT, CR, SP/UL, line terminator. Underlining is on a per character basis. Example: Sent: A B C D E, CR, SP, UL, SP, SP, CR, LF Printed: ABCDE •...
  • Page 168 Programming 7–44...

  • Page 169: Chapter Contents

    Interfaces Chapter Contents Introduction ..........Centronics and Dataproducts Interface Characteristics Centronics Interface .

  • Page 170: Centronics And Dataproducts Interface Characteristics

    Dataproducts interfaces allow the parallel transfer of 8 data bits, one byte at a time. The switch from one interface to the other requires a simple change of the printer’s input/output (I/O) cable, terminating resistors, and Configuration Option 66 (see “Switching Interfaces” on page 8–26 ).

  • Page 171: Centronics Interface

    The Centronics (standard) interface transfers parallel data bytes at a rate of up to 200,000 characters per second. The interface requires an I/O cable assembly with an Amphenol compatible connector (Printronix P/N 110376–001) as shown in Figure 8–1, connected to the properly terminated Parallel Controller PCBA at P4.
  • Page 172 A high active level from the printer to indicate a check (CHK) condition. BUSY A high active level from the printer to indicate a check (CHK) condition. 5 VOLT Supplies +5V (at one Ampere) output for powering a Printronix Test TEST Exerciser (Exerciser not required for the L150)> CHASSIS Connections for a cable shield.

  • Page 173: Dataproducts Interface

    400,000 characters per second. It requires an I/O cable assembly with Winchester–compatible connector (Printronix P/N 110628–001) as shown in Figure 8–3 or an Amphenol–compatible connector (Printronix P/N 110638– 001) connected to the properly terminated Parallel Controller PCBA at P4. Configuration Option 66 must be set to 66.1 Figure 8–3.
  • Page 174 PAPER A high active level from the host computer clocked INSTRUCTION into the printer with the same timing as the data (PI) lines. Effective only when Configuration Option 60 is set to 60.2 and 61 is set to 61.1...
  • Page 175 VERIFICATION Jumper between two pins on the interface connector enables verification that the interface connector is seated correctly TEST Supplies +5V (at one Ampere) output for the Printronix test exerciser. (Exerciser not needed for L150.) Interfaces Output Signals Description Amphenol...

  • Page 176: Interface Configuration Options

    Interface Configuration Options 60–99 The final step in the printer/host computer interfacing procedure requires obtaining a configuration printout (self–test 00.1) to ensure that the correct interface control configuration options (addresses 60–99) are set. Addresses 60–66 apply to the parallel (Centronics and Dataproducts) interfaces. Refer to Chapter 4 for reconfiguration procedures.
  • Page 177 Option 60 — Data Line 8 with Parallel Interface MVP/L150 Option 60 allows the use of parallel interface Data Line 8 to select the Alternate Font PROM or for paper instruction (PI). Option Display Number 60.0 60.1 60.2 150B/L150B Option Display Number 60.0...
  • Page 178 Option 61 — Paper Instruction with Parallel Interface MVP/L150 The paper instruction (PI) is normally not used but may be enabled for use in controlling the EVFU. Option Display Number 61.0 61.1 150B/L150B Option Display Number 61.0 61.1 8–10 Configuration Description Disable or not used (default).
  • Page 179 Option 62 — Data Strobe Line Polarity with Parallel Interface MVP/L150 Data Strobe is normally a low active (negative true) signal but may be configured to be high active (positive true). Option Display Number 62.0 62.1 150B/L150B Option Display Number 62.0 62.1 Interfaces...

  • Page 180: Parallel Interface

    Option 63 — Data Lines and Response Line Logic Polarity with Parallel Interface MVP/L150 Lines in Option 63 are normally high active (positive true) but they may be configured to low active (negative true) signals; Selected/Online, PE, and Data Request are affected. Acknowledge, used in the Centronics interface, remains low active.

  • Page 181: Option 65 - Busy Line

    Option 65 — Busy Line MVP/L150 A high active busy line normally indicates the printer cannot receive data (the printer is advancing paper or is offline). The configuration may be set for active busy with any print line terminator including CR=0 line feeds. Option...
  • Page 182 Option 66 — Parallel Interface Selection MVP/L150 The default sets the Centronics interface; however, this option also may be set for the Dataproducts interface. Option Display Number 66.0 66.1 150B/L150B Option Display Number 66.0 66.1 8–14 Configuration Description Enable Centronics compatible parallel interface (default). Enable Dataproducts compatible parallel interface.
  • Page 183 Option 70 — Serial Interface/ Protocol Selection Two fundamental protocols, basic RS–232 and current loop are available for transferring data across the interface. Three character–oriented protocols can be used in combination with the fundamental protocols: XON/XOFF, ACK/NAK, and ETX/ACK. Option Display Number 70.0...
  • Page 184 71.3 71.4 71.5 71.6 71.7 71.8 71.9 NOTE: Stop bits apply only to printer transmitted data. 8–16 Configuration Description 9600 Baud (1 stop bit) or not used if RS–232 not installed (default). 110 (2 stop bits). 150 (1 stop bit).
  • Page 185 8th bit can also be ignored. The parity bit is used for either even parity or odd parity or it can be ignored. Any parity error detected by the printer will cause a question mark (?) to be printed for that character.
  • Page 186 Option 73 — Transmitted Data Polarity Logic polarity is normally positive true, but can be reconfigured to be negative true. Option Display Number 73.0 73.1 8–18 Configuration Description Enable normal logic (default). Enable interverted polarity logic. Interfaces...

  • Page 187: Option 74 - Request To Send (Rts)

    Option 74 — Request to Send (RTS) Interface line pin 4 can be made true when the printer status is : ONLINE AND BUFFER ALMOST EMPTY (READY) OFFLINE OR BUFFER ALMOST FULL (BUSY) ONLINE (NO REGARD FOR BAE) Option Display Number 74.0...
  • Page 188 Two interface lines normally ignored by the printer. When a modem is used, they are configured to avoid being ignored. CTS (pin 5) informs the printer that the host computer is ready to receive data. CD (pin 8) allows the printer to send data.
  • Page 189 Option 76 — Data Set Ready (DSR–RS–232 pin 6) Interface line pin 6 is normally ignored by the printer. When configured to not to be ignored, the printer firmware must verify that this interface line is true before the printer accepts the data.
  • Page 190 Option 77 — Reverse Channel (RC) The Reverse Channel Interface line (pins 11 and 14) is disabled by default. The RC interface line can be made high true when the printer status is: ONLINE AND BUFFER ALMOST EMPTY (READY) OFFLINE OR BUFFER ALMOST FULL (BUSY)

  • Page 191: Option 78 - Data Terminal Ready (Dtr)

    Option 78 — Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Interface line pin 20 can be made true when the printer status is: ONLINE AND BUFFER ALMOST EMPTY (READY) OFFLINE OR BUFFER ALMOST FULL (BUSY) In addition, the DTR interface line can be held always ON (true) or always OFF (false).
  • Page 192 Option 79 — XON Buffer Level Threshold Allows a choice of two Buffer Almost Empty (BAE) thresholds. Option Display Number 79.0 79.1 Option 80 — XOFF Buffer Level Threshold Allows a choice of two Buffer Almost Full (BAF) thresholds. Option Display Number 80.0...
  • Page 193 NOTE: The Configuration Option Format on the digital panel changes for Configuration Options 82 through 84. After first indicating the address selected (82, 83, or 84), the left digit changes to zero and the two right digits display a two digit decimal Configuration suffix. 82 —...

  • Page 194: Switching Interfaces

    Switching Interfaces As previously mentioned, switching from one interface to the other requires a simple change of the printer’s input/output (I/O) cable, terminating resistors, and Configuration Option 66 (refer to Switching Interfaces in this chapter). Interface Cables The Centronics or Dataproducts interface cable must not exceed 40 feet in length and must allow the transmission of signals having standard TTL logic levels (0.0V to +0.5 low and +2.4V to +5.25V high).
  • Page 195 Figure 8–5. Controller PCBA Figure 8–6. Interface Receiver and Driver Circuits Interfaces 8–27...
  • Page 196 8–28 Interfaces...
  • Page 197 Character Sets and Control Codes Appendix A–1...

  • Page 198: Ascii Character Set

    ASCII Character Set BITS COLUMN (XON) 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 (XOFF) 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0...

  • Page 199: Extended Character Set

    The following lists show the extended font character set. Note that Character 128 is available in Modes 1 and 6 only, or 1, 2, and 6 if the printer is equipped with V50.59 DCU and font PROM 116043–001 or equivalent.
  • Page 200 Appendix A–4...
  • Page 201 BS/CR Protocol Protocol After Receiving a CR or BS Character* Old Character 1. space 2. character 3. space 4. character 5. underline 6. character 7. bit image 8. space 9. character 10. underline 11. bit image 1. normal 2. dbl wide (Conf.
  • Page 202 ASCII Control Codes by Function Print Width Commands Control Code (ASCII) ESC P ESC R ESC V ESC W(n) ESC Y ESC Z ESC n ESC r ESC M ESC [mq A–6 Character Dec Value Name CHR$(n) End of Text Enquire (18) (20)
  • Page 203 Print Quality Commands Control Code (ASCII) ESC E ESC F ESC G ESC H ESC S (n) ESC T ESC SO ESC SI ESC–n ESC –0 ESC –1 ESC –2 ESC –3 Appendix Character Name Dec Value CHR$(n) Escape, “E” (27) (69) Escape, “F”...

  • Page 204: Selecting Print Modes

    Selecting Print Modes Control Code (ASCII) ESC @ ESC I ESC h ESC CAN ESC! ESC [ Graphic Modes Control Code (ASCII) ESC K ESC K (n1) (n2) ESC L (n1) (n2) ESC* A–8 Character Name Dec Value CHR$(n) Escape, “At” (27) (64) Escape, “I”...
  • Page 205 Special Printer Features Control Code (ASCII) ESC 6 ESC > ESC 7 ESC = ESC# Forms Control Commands Control Code (ASCII) ESC C n ESC C 0 n ESC N(n) 1 < n < 127 ESC O ESC 8 ESC 9...

  • Page 206: Paper Feed Commands

    Paper Feed Commands Control Code (ASCII) ESC A (n) (0 < n < 85) ESC 0 ESC 1 ESC 2 ESC 3(n) (0 < n < 255) ESC 3(n) (0 < n < 255) ESC J ESC x A–10 Character Name Dec Value CHR$(n) Escape, “A”,...

  • Page 207: Formatting Commands

    Formatting Commands Control Code (ASCII) ESC D Appendix Character Name Dec Value CHR$(n) Horizontal Tab Vertical Tab (11) Escape, “D” n1, n2... (27) (68) (n1) (n2) NULL (255) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30)

  • Page 208: Routine Service And Diagnostics

    ..........Cleaning the Printer...

  • Page 209: Introduction

    250 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. If the printer is located in a dusty area or is used for heavy duty printing, clean it more often. Any service other than periodic cleaning must be done only by an authorized service representative.

  • Page 210: Before Cleaning

    Before Cleaning Before cleaning the printer, turn the printer off and unplug the power cord. Unload the paper (page 3–12), and perform the following steps. (refer to the maintenance manual for further assistance). NOTE: If you must move the printer, follow instructions in the next section on Moving the Printer.
  • Page 211 Remove the hammer bank assembly cover as follows: Lift and hold the shuttle locking knob as far as it will go. Black Knob Grasp the hammer bank cover assembly carefully and tilt it up from the front, away from you. °...

  • Page 212: Cleaning The Printer

    Cleaning the Printer Using a soft–bristled brush and nonmetallic vacuum cleaner extension tool, brush and vacuum paper and dust particles from the paper path, ribbon guides, ribbon path, and base pan. Hammer Tips Check the ribbon mask and hammer tips cover for bits of torn paper ribbon lint and ribbon ink build–up.
  • Page 213 Dry the lower cabinet interior by wiping it with a clean, lint–free cloth. When necessary, clear the ventilation slots at the back of the printer, ensuring that they are not blocked by any objects such as drapes, books, paper, etc.

  • Page 214: Moving The Printer

    Replace the shuttle cover by reversing the instructions on page 9–3. NOTE: Ensure that the printer is level at its new location, then remove the shuttle cover. Remove the transport restraining bolt.

  • Page 215: Reconnecting The Cables

    Reconnecting the Cables Perform the following instructions to connect the cables to the printer. Verify that the voltage shown on the printer ID label is within the same range as the site line voltage, and that the proper power cord has been selected.

  • Page 216: Corrective Maintenance

    Corrective Maintenance When the printer malfunctions, you will have to determine whether a service call is necessary. In these instances, there are several measures you can take before making the call. Electronic, mechanical and system are three major areas that you can check, and possibly repair, when determining where and what the problem is.

  • Page 217: Self-Tests

    Self–Tests There are twenty printer self–tests you can use to determine configuration, evaluate print quality, and check paper motion. Self–tests are divided into six general types: Configuration, Automatic Sequence, Repeating, Print, Paper Motion and Hex Dump. A detailed explanation of the six types of self–tests and the procedures to initiate a test are contained in the following paragraphs.

  • Page 218: Self–Test Configuration

    ADDR/Data Switches 00.1 Configuration printout including part numbers of each installed PROM and font 00.2 Primary and alternate font – printout of each installed character set including PROM part numbers 01.1 (MVP/L150) Continuous sequence of test patterns 05.1, 05.2 and 06.1 (150B/L150B) 02.1, 02.2, 02.3, 02.4, 03.1, 03.2, 03.3, 03.4, 05.1, 05.2, 06.1 02.1 All E repeating...
  • Page 219 Configuration Self–Test Two configuration self–tests (00.1 and 00.2) produce the printer configuration options and additional information. Test 00.1 prints the configuration setting of Configuration Options 20 through 99 and the part number of each PROM installed. Figure 9–1 shows a sample configuration printout for a standard L150 controller configured for use with the optional IGP–20.

  • Page 220: Automatic Sequence

    (06.1). The two print tests and the paper motion test can also be selected individually. 150B/L150B On the 150B or L150B printer, the Automatic Sequence Test (01.1) runs one complete sequence of test patterns 2.1 through 6.1. Routine Service and Diagnostics...
  • Page 221 Repeating Repeating Tests Repeating tests E (02.1), H (02.2), # (02.3) and Underline (02.4) print the character in every character position across the full width of the paper. Shift Recycle Shift Recycle (03.1) prints the character set (uppercase only) across the width of the paper.
  • Page 222 Print Shift Recycle Shift Recycle Full Character Set (05.1) prints the full character set across the width of the paper. The order of the characters remains the same from line to line but all characters shift one character position to the left for each line. Double High (05.2) prints 16 lines of elongated characters.

  • Page 223: Paper Motion

    Paper Motion The Paper Motion Test (06.1) completes a top–of–form operation, slews paper, and prints one line of characters a total of six times. Mode Changing Examples M = mode 1 = WP, 10 cpi 2 = DPI, 10 cpi 3 = Compressed, 12.5 cpi 5 = Condensed, 16.7 cpi Example 1...

  • Page 224: Hex Dump Mode

    Set Configuration Option 15 to 15.1. NOTE: Configuration Option 16.3 must be set to enable the Hex dump. Press RDY to place the printer on–line. The RDY indicator should remain lit. Send data from the host computer; a Hex dump printout will list each ASCII character with its corresponding Hex code value.
  • Page 225 9–18 Routine Service and Diagnostics...

  • Page 226: Printer Diagnostics

    Printer Fault Conditions A steady or flashing CHK indicator signals a fault in the printer which must be corrected or bypassed before the printer can be placed on–line. When a fault condition occurs, check for one of three situations: •...
  • Page 227 On or Off Clear Check Condition After all faults are corrected: Press CHK to clear the fault condition (CHK indicator will go out). If applicable, press RDY to place the printer on–line. B–2 Table B–1. Fault Code Chart Fault Description...

  • Page 228: Printer Performance

    Specifications, Accessories and Options This Appendix consists of the specifications, accessories and options for the Standard MVP, L150 and 150B/L150B printers. Printer Performance DOT DENSITY (dots/in) (horz x vert) with Density Option PRINT RATE (lines/min) Uppercase Underline or descenders Double Height characters...
  • Page 229 L150 CHARACTER PITCH DOT DENSITY (dots/in) (horz x vert) PRINT RATE (lines/min) Uppercase Underline or descenders Double Height characters PLOT RATE (in/min) PLOT RESOLUTION (dots/in) PAPER SLEW RATE 150B High Density Font DOT DENSITY (dots/in) 100 x96 (horz x vert) PRINT RATE (lines/min) Uppercase Underline or descenders...

  • Page 230: Print Format

    Print Format High Density FONT MATRIX Uppercase (horz x vert) 7(13) x 9 + 3 VERTICAL FORMAT 6, 8 (lines/in) ASCII CHARACTER SET EXTENSION with Up to 128 additional characters for each print mode. ALTERNATE FONT PROM NOTE: The FONT MATRIX specification is read as: Seven overlapping dots print in the horizontal plane on 13 vertical centers.
  • Page 231 L150B High Density Font FONT MATRIX Uppercase (horz/vert) 7(13) x 9 Lowercase 7(13) x 12 HORIZONTAL FORMAT Characters/Line Pitch (chars/in) VERTICAL FORMAT (lines/in) 6, 8, 9, 10 Character Set ASCII NOTE: Mode 6 is operable only if configuration 20.0 is selected. C–4 Data Compressed...
  • Page 232 Labels must be placed at least 1/16 in. from the fanfold perforation. Do not use labels that have excessive adhesive that can be squeezed out during printing. Ribbon Type Nylon fabric, spool to spool, one inch wide by 60 yards long; Printronix P/N 102247 (Standard), P/N 102796 (OCR). Appendix Characteristics/Function...
  • Page 233 Environmental Temperature Operating 0 to 40 degrees C. Storage – 40 to +70 degrees C. Acoustic Noise 60 dBa maximum on Printronix pedestal Product Certification UL Standard 478 Listing. FCC Rules, PartI5, Docket 20780–Part A Compliance. C–6 Characteristics/Function International 120 (+10%, –30%) Vac or 240 (+10%, –30%) Vac single phase...

  • Page 234: Operator Controls And Indicators

    Operator Controls and Indicators Specifications Switches/Indicators (Internal and External Panels) Power ON/OFF Turns printer On/Off; (includes circuit breaker for 150B) RDY (Ready) Places/indicates printer on–line or off–line CHK (Check) Indicates/clear fault condition 8 LPI Selects line spacing in lines per inch (LPI) Advances paper one line or to top–of–form;...
  • Page 235 Interfaces Specifications Data Input Format 7 or 8 bit parallel, ASCII Input Buffer Data Transfer Rate C–8 Centronics Full line. Up to 200,000 char/sec Dataproducts (RS–232 Serial) See page 8–5. See page 8–5. Up to 400,000 char/sec Appendix...
  • Page 236 LPI Line Spacing (51), 4–35 Mode 4 (45), 4–30 Page Perforation Skip (50), 4–34 Paper Out Delay (27), 4–16 Plotting Exit (43), 4–28 Print or Graphics Mode (30), 4–19 Printer On–line with Power On (26), 4–15 SOH and ETX (47), 4–32 Index–1...
  • Page 237 Page Perforation Skip (50), 4–34 Paper Out Delay (27), 4–16 Plotting Exit (43), 4–28 Print or Graphics Mode (30), 4–19 Printer On–line with Power On (26), 4–15 Underline (28), 4–17 Vertical Dot Density (21), 4–10 Configuration Options 20 to 59 Table, 4–7 Control Codes (150B), 7–3, 7–27...
  • Page 238 Fault Code Chart, B–2 Features 150B/L150B, 1–6 L150, 1–6 MVP–Series, 1–5 optional, 1–7 Forms Length, setting, 3–17 F/L (Forms Length), 3–5, 3–7 2nd FUNC, 3–6 Graphics, Single Density Bit Image Sample, 5–13 Host Mode (MVP/L150) Control Code Sequence Format, 7–22 Control Code Sequence Placement, 7–23 Interface Config.
  • Page 239 9–9 electronic, 9–9 mechanical, 9–9 system, 9–9 Mechanical Controls, 3–2 MODE, 3–6 Moving the Printer, 9–7 Odd Dot Plot Pattern Plan, 5–20 On/Off, 3–3 Operator Panel, (see also, Switches), 3–3 P–Series Plot Mode, 5–15 exiting, 5–22 plot data byte format, 5–16 plot data line format, 5–18...
  • Page 240 C–6 environmental, C–6 interfaces, C–8 operator controls and indicators, C–7 paper and ribbon, C–5 physical, C–6 print format, C–3 printer performance, C–1 product certification, C–6 Switches 2nd FUNC, 3–6 8LPI (8 Lines Per Inch), 3–4 ADDR, 3–7 Check (CHK), 3–4 DATA, 3–7...
  • Page 241 Index–6...
  • Page 243 RINTRONIX 17500 C ARTWRIGHT 19559 92713-9559 RVINE, 714/863-1900 HONE: 714/660-8682 RINTRONIX EDERLAND OX 163, IEUWEWEG 283 NL-6600 A IJCHEN ETHERLANDS (31) 2464 90170 HONE: (31) 2464 19768 RINTRONIX 512 C 02-15 ANE, EDOK NDUSTRIAL STATE 1646 INGAPORE (65) 449-7555 HONE: (65) 449-7553 112301–001B...

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