The Interface Boards; Choosing An Interface - Epson LQ-1050X User Manual

The Interface Boards

A number of optional interfaces are available that supplement the
capabilities of your printer's built-in serial and parallel interfaces.

Choosing an Interface

Optional interfaces can be divided into four main categories which
are described briefly below.
Serial interfaces are required if your computer is not equipped
with a parallel interface or if you need an interface that conforms
to the Current Loop standard instead of Rs-232C. These
interfaces also provide some combination of the following
features: X-ON/X-OFF data communication protocol, loopback
self test modes, and data buffers that increase the printer's data
buffering capacity by 8 KB.
IEEE-488 interfaces offer standardized connections, trouble-free
operation, and the ability to connect computers, printers, and
other devices on the same line so that they may share data freely.
Third-party interfaces, such as Coax and Twinax, allow Epson
printers to function as local IBM printers without the addition of
any other circuitry or components.
The buffered parallel interfaces also offer trouble-free operation
and standardized connections. They provide the printer with
more memory to free the computer for other tasks when printing
large amounts of text or graphics. You can increase the printer's
data buffering capacity by an additional 32 KB (about 10 pages).
If you are unsure whether you need an optional interface or would
like to know more about interfaces, contact your Epson dealer.
Using the Printer Options 5-41