Page 1 Your Gemini User’s Manual Not Intended for Sale...
Page 2 Trademark Acknowledgement Gemini-10X, Gemini-15X: Star Mfg. Co., Ltd. grafstar, Universal/Atari Parallel Interface, Universal/Commodore Parallel Interface: Apple, Apple II, Apple II + , Apple Ile, Apple Ill, Applesoft: Atari 400, Atari 800, Atari 850: Atari Inc., a Warner Communications Commodore, VIC-20, C-64: Commodore CPIM: Digital Research IBM Personal Computer, IBM PC:...
Page 3: Appendix
As you already know (or are about to learn), the Gemini-lox...
Page 4 This User’s Manual serves the operators of the Gemini-lox and Gemini-15X printers. The Gemini-lox accommodates paper up to 10 inches wide. The Gemini-15X can handle paper up to 15.5 inches wide, and can print more characters per line.
Page 5 Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Paper and Ribbon Chapter 3. The Gemini Self-Test Chapter 4. Interfacing Gemini with Your Computer Chapter 5. Putting Gemini to Work for You Chapter 6. The Fundamentals of Dot Matrix Printing Chapter 7. The Full Range of Printing Capabilities Chapter 8.
Page 7: Introduction
Gemini, and we’ll discuss its technical specifications. Gemini, refer to Appendix G to learn how the pieces fit together, then return to this chapter to discover how to put your printer to work for you. A TOUR AROUND GEMINI Let’s begin with a tour around the outside of the Gemini.
Page 8 This connector is for a “parallel” like a string of double-wired Christmas lights, burns independently. serialinterface. controls are on the right side of the User’s Manual Gemini for the parallel used types interface, a by having the printer Data from your This optional...
Page 9 2 for information on loading the ribbon and setting the print head’s gap. After you’ve cleared those hurdles (which you’ll do soon enough), this is what your printer will look like. uses standard typewriter ribbons, saving you money you might have had to spend for special-purpose ribbon cartridges.
Page 10 Figure 1-3. For more information separator, and holder should be attached to the printer, please refer to Appendix G at the back of this manual. Curve Between Failures). If you ever need to replace the print head, you can detach it yourself for replacement.
Page 11 F.F. stands for “Form Feed:’ When you’re in the “local” F.F. can tap this button to the printer to the first line of the next page, or to the start of the next form. L.F. means “Line Feed” and allows you to advance line at a time.
Page 12 The two buttons in front are used to advance paper through the printer, to the next line on which you want to print. L-F- advances the paper one line at a time, and form (or page) forward.
Page 13 Lower casing Figure l-5. The main components of the Gemini printer are the power unit, the control board unit, and the printer mechanism (which features a detachable tractor). The control board also contains the computer to send a batch of information Gemini then stores until it can get to it.
Page 14 A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes, and a byfe equals one letter of the alphabet (or a symbol, or a number). The print-out is accomplished by theprintermechanism, shown in Figure l-5 and represented in Figure 1-6. The printer mechanism can produce a variety of typographical sizes (including superscripts and adjustable tabs, and block graphics.
Page 15 GEMINI’S OPERATING When you install your Gemini printer, you should use common sense and good judgment about where you place it. The following are worthy of consideration environment: Position Gemini horizontally on a level surface. Pick a place that does not have...
Page 16: Specifications
Gemini-lox great! If you don’t, that’s okay, too. Either way, by the time you finish reading this manual, you should know more than enough to use your printer to its full potential. Note: The technical subject to change without notice.
Page 17 introduction Mean curve between 5 x lo8 lines (excluding failure (MCBF): 10 x 10’ characters Print head MCBF: Columns (maximum): Normal Elite Condensed Enlarged Line spacing: l/6, l/8, 7/72 plus programmable 10 lines/second Paper slew: Paper handling: Fanfolded Roll paper Single *Note: Standard...
Page 19: Paper And Ribbon
With Chapter 1 now “imprinted” ready to apply all these new discoveries about the Gemini printer. In this chapter, we’ll learn how to load paper into the printer, install the ribbon, and set the print head gap. Chapter 3 will give you a chance to print something;...
Page 20 Superman may be able to stop a speeding locomotive, but you just lifted a tractor! With the tractor removed, your Gemini should look like the printer shown in Figure 2-2. (Of course, if you have a Gemini-15X your printer will be wider, but you still get the idea.) Gemini User’s Manual...
Page 21 Paper and Ribbon The Gemini tractor unit is easy to remove for using single FigureZ-1. sheets or roll paper. Tractor frame - Release lever Figure 2-2. Tractor frames support the unit on the left and the right. Be sure to adjust the release lever when removing or mounting the tractor unit.
Page 22 Note:After removing the tractor unit you’ll need to set the “release lever” when you are ready to print single sheets. The release lever is located on the left side of the printer (see Figure 2-2). This is somewhat like shifting an off-road vehicle from two-wheel to four- wheel drive.
Page 23 I _. .‘: : “. Paper and Ribbon Note: Never touch the printing head during printing. Aside from the mechanical moving device, there is the danger of burning your fingers. As the caution label on the print head states: Caution: Hot Surface, Avoid Contact Release lever Paper Figure 2-3.
Page 24: Loading Roll Paper
Roll paper thickness: :.. > ” ‘. ‘. .: ,, : Diameter ::: ., Roll paper, like single sheets, is fed into the printer by what is called “friction removal of the tractor unit. Paper separator Figure 2-4. Both Gemini printers separators and iden tical roll-paper assemblies.
Page 25 Paper and Ribbon Roll paper utilizes accessories with every Gemini printer. As shown in Figure 2-4, these accessories roll-paper holder, and holder shaft. For information attach these accessories, The steps for inserting straightforward: Turn the power “off:’ Remove the tractor unit, if you haven’t already done so.
Page 26 “locked” “closed” letter “FI’ Lower the paper separator, as shown in Figure 2-6. Gemini User’s Manual roll paper in the Gemini printer is similar to to accommodate position (that position, marked with the guide...
Page 27 Paper and Ribbon Figure 2-6. mechanisms set in their proper places (steps 70- 12), you can turn the platen knob to adjust the roll paper vertically. Note: If you encounter any problem finding suitable roll-paper supplies, contact your Gemini dealer. Rotate the platen knob and check to see if the roll paper is feeding smoothly.
Page 28 Figures 2-1 and 2-2 showed you how to remove the tractor unit from your Gemini. The tractor unit drives (“feeds”) the sprocket paper through the printer. When you want to print onto this type of paper, you must first attach the tractor unit. Figure 2-7 shows you the correct alignment for gliding the unit into position and snapping it into place.
Page 29 On the other side of the spacer(s) is the left sprocket unit. These mechanisms drive the paper through the printer. Each has a hood, secured with a spring. Try lifting the hood, if you want. Toward the back of the top of each sprocket mechanism is a clamp lever.
Page 30 Install the tractor unit. Install guide, as described in Appendix G. Pull the release lever, located on the left side of the printer, toward the “open” position (marked ‘IT”). Lift up the paper press. Pull the paper separator upright, as shown in Figure 2-8.
Page 31 Rotate the platen knob, and roll the paper up or down until the correct “print-start” position is obtained. When the paper installation replace the printer cover and turn the power the opposite of “upright” mechanisms; adjust (right and left) so that the...
Page 32 Gemini User’s Manual Clamp lever Tractor cover Figure 2-9. Expose the “teeth” of the sprockets, and align the mechanisms so the paper “feeds” through them. If the sprocket paper you just loaded in your Gemini-lox is Figure 2- 70. multilayer (non-carbon) forms, then refer to the end of this chapter to learn how to adjust the print-gap.
Page 33 Gemini-lox, The Gemini-15X is designed to accept paper either from the back of the printer or paper fed from beneath the printer. That’s right, there’s a slot in the undercarriage Gemini-15X above your stack of fanfold computer paper; this paper is fed up through the printer and out the back.
Page 34 The first step is to prepare the Gemini-75X by putting the mechanical controls in the “open”position. Stepsg-12leadyoudown 12A are for loading sprocket paper from “behind” the printer; steps 9B through 12B instruct you on loading paper from “beneath” the Gemini-15X.
Page 35 The Gemini-15X can be loaded with sprocket paper from the Figure 2- 12. back (as shown here) or from a stack of paper beneath the printer (depicted in Figure Z-13).
Page 36 “Bottom Pass” loadlng Figure 2-13. Whether you use the “bottom pass” (shown here) or the “back pass” option (also shown), you start and end with the same steps. Adjust the paper so that it will feed through straight, and push the paper press back to its operational position.
Page 37 Paper and Ribbon Close the tractor covers. Rotate the platen knob, and set the print- start position of the paper. Turn the power “on” and put your Gemini to work for you. NoWThe best “start-position” paper on which you are printing and the number of blank lines in your document.
Page 38: Loading The Ribbon
LOADING THE RIBBON You already know that your Gemini printer is one of the best buys available today in terms of what you get for your initial investment. What’s more, Gemini’s sensible ribbon requirements are even more economical as time passes.
Page 39 Paper and Rlbbon How to Set the Ribbon Telling you how to set the ribbon is like writing a narrative describing how to tie your shoelaces. Figure 2-14 and 2-15 show you the way to thread the ribbon on the Gemini-lox Gemini-15X, respectively.
Page 40 Hint #3: Begin by setting securely on a ribbon spool axle. Make sure you have the spool positioned so it will wind/unwind as shown in the figures. Place the spool securely on the axle, so that the “drive pins” engage the spool. Figure 2-16.
Page 41 Paper Ribbon Ribbon guide Print head ink ribbon (Correct) (incorrect) (incorrect) Two wrongs don’t make a right, so try to be careful Figure 2- 17. when setting the ribbon near the print head (shown here). Release lever Eyelet grommet Ribbon spool The eyelet grommet (which signals Gemini to Figure 2- 18.
Page 42 The eyelet grommet (which signals Gemini Hint #5: to automatically direction) should be placed on the ribbon- spool side of the changeover lever. Set the other ribbon spool on the opposite Hint #6: spool axle, making sure the “drive pins” are engaged.
Page 43: Adjusting The Gap Between The Print Head And Platen
Paper and Ribbon ADJUSTING THE GAP BETWEEN THE PRINT HEAD AND PLATEN Gemini printers can accommodate papers of varying thicknesses by allowing you to change the print-head gap. This “gap” is the distance between the print head and the platen. Gap adjustment is done by moving the “adjust lever:’...
Page 44 _& -M-u,“‘= ._s. --------...
Page 45: The Gemini Self-Test
Insert a sheet of paper. While holding down the “LF” button on the control panel, turn the power switch “on? The Gemini-lox Self-Test (Figure 3-1, a &. b) consists of four After you run the Self-Test on your printer, you can skip to...
Page 46 WHAT THE SELF-TEST LOOKS LIKE The left side of the Gemini-lox Self-Test printout (shown Figure 3-la. actual size). The left side of the Gemini-15X Self-Test printout (shown Figure 3-2a. actual size). Gemini User’s Manual...
Page 47 Self- Test GHIJ~::LMNOF’QHSTlJVWXY%C\l.“‘_ ‘abc:defghi _il:lmno Figure 3- 1 b. The right side of the Gemini-lox Self-Test, which is a continuation of this two-part figure. Figure 32b. The right side of the Gemini-15X Self-Test, which is a continuation of this two-part figure.
Page 48 WHAT THE SELF-TEST MEANS The Gemini Self-Test allows you to test the printer’s performance before putting demonstration its permanent memory. On the following pages, groups of characters from the Self- Test are identified and discussed. Where a character has multiple meanings or uses, this manual provides the most common and generally used.
Page 49 Se/f-Test In Figure 3-3, the letter “a” codes a character that’s as hard to see as the wind. That’s because the first line begins with a blank space. The “blank” character may not seem important, but without everythingwouldruntogetherlikethis The first character that appears in the lower line of Figure 3-3 is the “exclamation “factorial”...
Page 50 ARCDEFGHIJKLMNGPQRSTlJVWXYZC\l’.~-’ Figure 3-4. The Self-Test prints the uppercase alphabet in the first line, 10 characters per inch. In Chapter 5, you’ll learn how to print larger and smaller letters (from 5 to 17 characters per inch). In Figure 3-4, the characters coded “a” and “c” are “brackets:’ These are sometimes used in the same manner as parentheses.
Page 51 Figure 3-5. This segment of the Gemini Se/f-Test shows you what the lowercase letters look like, unless you command the printer to use another type sty/e or a different size. The 96 italic characters form the third line of the Figure 3-6.
Page 53: Interfacing Gemini With Your Computer
Your Gemini printer is a remarkable engineering. A few short years ago, the information-handling capability built into Gemini would qualify the “printer” considered a “computer” (“hooked up to”) your microcomputer, the results can be dazzling. The characters identified Gemini’s mad-on/ymemory(ROM’chips.
Page 54: Interface Options
PCB and to fully reside within the body of the printer. If your system requires a serial interface, contact your Gemini dealer for purchase of the Gemini SBI-4010X serial interface board.
Page 55 (Figure 4-2). DIP switch 2 can be set at the rear of the printer as shown in Figure 4-3. It is necessary to remove the upper casing to set DIP switch 1. Please refer to Chapter 10 for...
Page 56 Ground Terminal Figure 4-3. DIP switch 2 controls (1) detection of when your Gemini runs out of paper, (2) the effect of the CR codes on buffer-full printing, (3) 7-bit or 8-bit interface, and (4) automatic line feed. Switch Pin No. Function Figure 4-4.
Page 57 Interfacing Gemini with Your if DIP Switch 1-l and l-4 are set as follows: Figure 4-5. The setting of DIPswitches l-l and 14 control the charactersets. DIP Switch Settings Figure 4-6. By setting different combinations of DIP switches l-6, 1-7, and 1-8, you can select different international lengths that are standard in those countries.
Page 58 ::::::::::::::.: :::::::::.;:lj :::::::::::::::’ Figure 4-7. DIP switch 2 is “on/off” toggles for four important printer operations. The “on” position is when the toggle is flipped “up”; the switch is turned “off” when the toggle is pointed “down:’ The switches are numbered on Gemini, with the left-most toggle identified as “no.
Page 59: Connecting The Parallel Interface
18 metal strips, called pins, that are set in the blue plastic spacer. interface, turn to Appendix N at the back of this manual. computer/printer compatible with the Gemini pin configuration. The Connecting Plug and Cable Note: The cable length should be as short as is workable to minimize signal loss.
Page 60 Interfacing Gemini with Your Computer Warning: Power to your computer and printer must be attaching the interface cable. The parallel interface connector on Gemini is a rounded trapezoid, with the top edge longer than the lower edge. The connecting plug must be complementary with the Gemini connector;...
Page 61: Serial Interface
DIP switch 1-5. International are set according to the DIP switches 1-6, 1-7 and 1-8. with the type of connector the printer for operation. Gemini is somewhat like “cleaning are accomplished in download characters and form length...
Page 63 (such as math or Greek). Aside from the DIP switches and control panel buttons atop Gemini, there are no controls to set on your printer to produce various printing computer by means of electrical signals carried via the connector cable.
Page 64 The ASCII Code Every letter, numeral, and other character that is sent from the computer to Gemini is transmitted in the form of a number code. A standardcode was agreed upon to allow greater compatibility among the hundreds peripherals. This industry-wide American Standard Code for Information Interchange, or ASCII (pronounced “ask-key”) Please turn to Appendix K and you will see each character...
Page 65 The easiest way to transmit functional control codes is to build them into the software program that sends the regular codes for letters and numerals. Sending the control codes to the printer by building them into the program allows you to change the printing instructions during the program.
Page 66 CPIM, use PRINT to send information both to the screen and to the printer. Using the PR#l information only to the printer, and using PR #0 sends information only to the screen. Confused? The example programs in this manual will use IBM-PC Microsoft BASIC.
Page 67 After entering this line, when you hit the return key (the “enter” key on some systems), you’ll be sending function codes and text to your printer. Hit the return and see what happens. If your Gemini prints out your simple program, you know that you’re ready to take the plunge with the more advanced sample programs that follow.
Page 68 The program you just typed in was a long one, but it illustrates about one-half of the features available on Gemini. Before we run the program, let’s utilize Gemini as a line printer. Create a program listing by typing that you have correctly entered the reference program (Figure 5-l).
Page 69 Putting Gemini to Work !O WIDTH “LPT!: “, 132 20 ESCWHR4(27) : LWCHR$(lO! 30 PICM=ESCI+‘B”+CHR4 40 SUPERI~ESCS+‘S’+CHR$fO) SO ITGLIC(1ESCStCHR4(52I 60 WIDEWHR#(14) 70 EMPH+ESW”E’ 90 LPRINT PRSET$;ESCI; 90 FOR I * 1 TO 2 !OO IF I = 1 THEN LPRINT 110 IF I = 2 THEN LPRINT 120 FOR N = 1 TO 40 : LPRINT 130 LPRINT”...
Page 70 Run the Reference Program Because we left the printer in the 17-CPI mode at the end of the sample program listing, we need to reset Gemini before running the program. To reset (initialize) your printer, turn the power “off:’ then back “on:’...
Page 71 27) is set to to advance one line (ASCII code 10) is set to is set to ASCII code 12, a command to Gemini that the printer should advance to the top of the next page. Thedefault value, set by power “on”...
Page 72 ESC$ + “W” + Ocancels the double-width mode. You might note that with the three type sizes, plus the double-width mode, we have six different character sizes from which to select. On the end of line 60 is the printer reset command we call in this program. Gemini User’s Manual...
Page 73 ESC$ + “F” cancels the emphasized printing. ESC!§ + “G” puts the printer in double-strike mode, and ESC$ + “H” cancels that mode. same time restrictions apply to the use of emphasized printing and some of the other print commands.
Page 74 Figure 5-2. Line 130 is straightforward; it prints the column headings for the table. Because the printer has been set to produce these headings in I = 1 and in I = 2, the headings appear in normal and TYPE STYLES”;...
Page 75 5-2, change these strings and rerun the program. Line 160 starts the loop-over printing modes. Line 170 puts the printer into italic type when I = 2. This is required because we will use the printer-reset to clear the print modes at the end of this loop.
Page 76 When the spacing control codes are sent to the printer, the spacing for the line feed is set to n/72 inch. Thus, if n is set to be 12, the spacing in 12172, which is I/, of an inch. If n is...
Page 77 Line 390 is the bottom of the outer loop. Line 400 finishes up the program by sending a form-feed command to Gemini, resetting the “line printer” to an 8Ocharacter width. With that, line 400 ends the program. Now that we have considered the causes, let’s look at the effects.
Page 78 characters. (“Alphanumeric” letters in the alphabet and numerical symbols for numbers.) The difference between Figures 5-2 and 5-3 is that the latter has had some of the superscripts and subscripts eliminated. The “supers” and “subs” are designed for normal and double- strike type in IO, 12, and I7 CPI.
Page 79 Putting Gemini to Work the sloping in this sample program is the frequent superscripts and subscripts. When you print “supers” and “subs:’ Gemini executes the “scripts” in the double-strike printing the characters once, then reprinting them 11144th inch lower. One one-hundred-and-forty-fourth detectable (unless you have the eyes of a hawk).
Page 80 “dumb” printer to print the word again. With Gemini, the function code ESC “E” tells the smart printer to automatically the LPRINT command conveyed in BASIC.
Page 81 “original? Software Patching Setvices Another solution to the problem of software/printer incompatibility is to turn to one of the “software recycling” services that advertise in hobbyist computing publications.
Page 82 THEN SOSUB 530:GOT0 390 IF G+“Q” THEN GOT0 410 400 GOT0 360 410 RETURN “C” 200:60TO X,Y:PRINT ’ “:X=X+l:Y~l:LOCRTE Y.l:GOTO =l:BEEP: Y=O THEN ” ^P) printer “:: ” ‘D) delete “::COLOR @ ^A) restart “::COLOR ” “El exit “::COLOR stand bv “;:FOR...
Page 83 Putting Gemini to Work 420 1:O:LOCATE 23,4:PRINT 430 6%=fNKEYS:IF 61:“” 440 IF WCHR$(l3) 450 PRINT 460 PRINT ” “; 47b s~(I)*6~lI~I+lr6Ot0 430 112 THEN FOR Jli +CHRI(VAL(Dt)1rDW” 490 IF I-2 THEN STWHRS(27J+SS(OI+CHR$WALWfl1 SO0 IF THEN StWHR1127)+S1(0) 510 LPRINT ST$iSTS*“‘:FOR 520 LOCATE 23,4:PRINT 530 LOCATE 23,2:PRINT...
Page 84 “ESC” option and type “Wl” and then hit c CR>, and the code will be sent to the printer. After sending the codes, you may gc back to the 2nd menu and print your text again.
Page 85 F 6:’ Putting Gemini to Work WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? If you want to get to work, you may take your leave at this point. You’ve gotten a good idea of what Gemini is all about - how the parts fit together, how to add paper and ribbon, the Self-Test, in- terfacing with your computer, and various printing capabilities.
Page 87: The Print Head
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DOT MATRIX PRINTING Understanding dot-matrix printing and Gemini’s graphics begins with knowing some details about the print head and the software that controls it. This chapter will provide you with those details. The print head, print matrix, and vertical spacing are described in understandable introduce you to dot graphics: the control codes for firing the “pins:’...
Page 88 “Needle” pin Sprlng \’ Clapper Printer solenoid Figure 6-2. This side-view schematic of the print-head mechanism shows how electrical signals to the solenoid cause the clapper to “fire” the needle-like pin that impacts the ribbon/paper/p/a ten. After the solenoid releases the clapper, a spring returns the pin to its original position.
Page 89 Gemini, we manipulate number of pins fired and the order in which they are fired. If you know which control code to send from your computer’s keyboard, through the computer to the printer, you can even create new “characters” by controlling...
Page 90 though there are only five boxes across, you have “9x9” printing positions. The uppercase letters are formed by the top seven pins. Some of the lowercase letters (“9:’ “j:’ “p:’ “q:’ and “y”) extend down to the eighth and ninth pins. This style of character generation, called “true descenders:’...
Page 91: Vertical Spacing
Superscripts and subscripts follow the same matrix pattern typewriters, you have a choice of single, When you “initialize” your printer, Gemini is automatically For block graphics (each of which is up to six dots tall), Anticipating that you would want to be able to adjust the...
Page 92 CHR$(13) is a code for a carriage return. Microsoft BASIC can’t resist inserting a line feed, CHR$(lO), behind every CHR$(13) that it handles en route to the printer. The computer language doesn’t know that this particular CHR$(lO) is the final character in the ESC “3”...
Page 93 Line 100 and 110 end the J loops, and line 120 resets the printer and ends the program. Discussion of the Vertical Spacing Program Let’s start by looking at how close the dots are vertically in Figure 6-5.
Page 94 High-Resolution Vertical Spacing Using the ESC 3 n Control Code 11144 21144 31144 41144 51144 61144 71144 --__I- 81144 --I_ ------------- 91144 ------- -------1------------ 101144 111144 121144 141144 151144 161144 171144 181144 ------- 191144 ---..-- 201144 --------- ---------- 211144 221144 ----m-m- ------__--_--------I- Figure 6-5a.
Page 95 Fundamentals of Dot Matrix Inch Spaclng _------------------------------------ _----e--------m- 231144 -----------------------------~ ----__--------- 241144 ----------_---_---_^______ 25/l 44 261144 ------ -----m-----------w 27/l 44 ---- -v----m 28/l 44 LPRINT TAB(30);“High Resolution Vertical Spacing * 15 LPRINT TbB(30)~“Using the ESC 3 n Control 20 FOR I * I TO 30 SO IF I = 13 THEN 6020 110 40 M * INT ( 144 I ( 6 t I 1 1 : !F II { 2 THEN H = 2 50 LPRINT CHR1(271;...
Page 96: Introduction To Dot Graphics
When we enter into the bit-graphics control over the firing of each individual pin in the print head. The graphics mode opens up the full potential of the Gemini printer by allowing us to create any image we can imagine. When printing...
Page 97 F undamenta/s of Dot Matrix Printing instead of “K:’ we would be asking Gemini for high-resolution be asking for high-resolution graphics with double speed, and if we used “2” or CHR$(122), we would be asking for ultra-high-resolution normal speed. nl and n2 represent the set of ASCII codes that define how many columns of graphics to print on a line.
Page 98 10X/15X, with control codes ESC “y” nln2 and ESC “z” nln2, will take you two steps beyond high-resolution graphics, and allow you to print faster and with even greater density. ESC “y” nln2 commands the printer to ESC “z” nln2 puts Gemini in the quadruple- Firing the Pins There are nine pins in the Gemini print head.
Page 99 Fundamentals of Dot Matrix Pfinting Print Head Pin Number Based on the chart presented above, if you had a 7-bit computer and wanted to fire pins number 1 and 4 simultaneously, you would send CHR$(64+8). In other words, you’d send CHR$(72): Therein is the pattern.
Page 100 You computer aficionados may have already figured out that the high-order bit of the character controls the top pin, the next bit controls the number-two pin, etc. Okay, now that you know how to fire the pins, what code do you think will fire pins no.
Page 101 Fundamentals of Dot Matrix Pflnting Next, you should construct the character you wish to “draw” and label the rows and columns. Figure 6-6 shows one such process, using two lines of seven rows each. Flrlng Coder ‘; Llnr 1 tlrlng code: Llno 2 flrlng code: Figure 6-6.
Page 102 114. Using our handy table, we know that nl = 114 and n2 = 0. Therefore, the control code we send to Gemini to put the printer in the low-resolution ready to print our 14 columns, is as follows: LPRlNT CHR$(27);...
Page 103 Fundamentals of Dot Matrix !O RESTORE 15 WIDTH “LPI!:“,255 20 LPRINT CHR$(??):“@“:CHR~(27):“~” TO 2 30 FOR L - 1 40 LPPINT CHRt~27):“K”:CHRS~114)1CHR((O!: 50 FOR SPACE * f TO 100: LPRJNT CHMIO):: 60 FOR COL!! = 1 TO !4 : RERD C : LPRINT CHRSX):: 70 LPSINT : NEXT L 80 DllTA 14,16,34,64,140,140,!2~,!28,!40,140,64,!4,16,14...
Page 105 This chapter builds on the foundation of Chapters 5 and 6 and demonstrates how you can put Gemini to work for you. written in Microsoft BASIC for the IBM-PC. If you have an Apple, Atari, Commodore, Osborne, or TRS-80, you should consult the Appendices for those computers at the back of this manual.
Page 106 For example, LPRINT “Plus”; CHR$(194); “a change plus c’est la me”; LPRINT CHR$(8); CHR$(94); “me chose:’ will print: Plus c,a change plus c’est la mQme chose. (“The more things change, the more they remain the same:‘) We used the CHR$(194) character to print the cedilla (“c,“). For the “5:’...
Page 107 Printing Capabilities 2. By using DIP switch 1 (refer to Figure 4-6) DIP Switch Pin MONETARY COMMUNICATION You’ve probably heard the expression: “Money talks:’ Your Gemini can speak the language of business, as well: Dollars Cents CHR$(36) W&212) SCIENTIFIC AND MATHEMATIC NOTATION Science, engineering, “languages”...
Page 108 You can also combine characters, using the backspace command: LPRINT CHR$(126); CHR$(8); CHR$(95) produces: =, the symbol for “approximately Printing Equations Gemini provides three different types of “grouping” use in mathematical expressions: CHR$(40) CHR$(41) CHkS(l23) The character set of Greek symbols, often used in scientific and mathematical equations, include: sigma CHR$(l84) CHR;(,85)
Page 109 Printing Capabilities ASCII code 160,161,162, and 163 provide the four segments of a “two-line” circle: LPRINT CHR$(163); CHR!§(161); CHR$(27); “A” CH I%(6) LPRINT CHR$(l62); CHR$(l60); CHR$(27); “2” This little program will produce: You can use two arcs from the circle to produce a different symbol: LPRINT TAB (2);CHR$(l63);CHR$(27);“A”;CHR$(6) LPRINT CHR$(l60) The result is a two-line symbol that serves as the scientific...
Page 110 The result is: BLOCK GRAPHICS The block graphics, ASCII codes 225 to 255, are a series of squares, triangles, and intersecting together, they form simple graphic designs and decorative embellishments. The 6 x 6 matrices are designed to print continuously (meaning “next to each other”), so Gemini does not add any extra spacing between...
Page 111 6172 = l/l2 inch. This ensures that the 6 x 6 block- graphic characters unwanted vertical space between them. Line 15 sets your printer to unidirectional Figure 7-l) ensuring vertical alignment. Line 30 is a loop-over. In this example, the “W” and “y” are nine lines high.
Page 112 The first time, K = 1, so line 30 tells Gemini to set 10 CPI spacing. The second time the boat is printed, K = 2, and line 30 tells the printer to use 12 CPI spacing. The third time, K = 3, and line 30 calls for 17 CPI.
Page 113 Prlntlng Caprblllties 10 LPRINT CHRI~Z?):CHR$(65):CHR)(b);CHR1(151 !5 LPRINT CHk$~27~:CHRt(85):CHR$~l~: 20 FOR K = ! TO I :O LPRINT CHR((27):CHPS(66);CHfi((K) 40 RESTORE 50 FOR J = 1 TO 9 $0 FOR I = 1 TO 1; 70 REkD A 80 LPRINT CHRS (A!: 90 NEXT 1 100 LPRINT 110 NEXT J...
Page 114 As we learned in Chapter6, dot graphics commands allow you to control the firing of individual pins in the print-head - these commands give you total control over your printer. That’s the good news. The rest of the news is that you have to tell Gemini where to place, exactly, every single dot.
Page 115 Printing Capabilities The Concept We are going to construct a bit-image “map” of the sheet of paper in the computer’s memory. Then we’re going to print that image on paper by selectively firing the dot-producing pins on the print head. As you know, the memory in your computer functions terms of bits, which are represented as being either “0”...
Page 116 It will print 12 lines and each line contains 375 dots. Data will be sent to the printer one line at a time. The shape we plot will il- lustrate our ability to plot mathematical curves. Since we need to generate high quantities of data through our equations, please note that it will take a few minutes to use this program.
Page 117 Printing Capablllties 10 CLS:PRINT "':PRINT "":PRINT "":PRIN' I* 20 PRINT "THIS PROGRAM TAKES ABOUT 3 MINUTES TO RUN" 30 PRINT 'PLEASE TURN ON YOUR PRINTER AND STAND BY" 100 DIM E!TX(76,12) 110 MASKX(l)=l28:MASKX(41-16 !20 MASKX(21=64 :MASKXWd 130 MASKXt3)=32 :MASKX(6)=4 !40 LX:20:LY=20...
Page 118 3ClO XL=X?-Xl:YL=Y?-Y! 3020 NX=ABS(XLtXFAC):NY=ASS(YLtYFAC! 3030 IF NX:NY TgEN NX=N" 7040 YS%=INT(NX+!) 3050 DX=XL/NSX:DY=Y!I~S' !ObO FDR !=! TO NSY, 3070 Xl=X!'DX:"!=Y!tDY 3OflO GOSUB 4000 3090 NCXT : 3100 RETURN 4000 REM PLOT A POINT A? Xl,Y! 4ClO XX-XltXFAC:YY=YltYFAC 4020 COL-?NTtXX)+: 4030 ROW~INTfYYI61 4040 XITXrINTiYY-(btROW))+l 4OSO BITX(CttL,ROW)=BIT%(COL,ROW) 4060 RETURK...
Page 119 Printing Capabilities Notes...
Page 121: Downloadable Characters
(In computer jargon, this is called downloadable characters). Up to 96 downloadable characters can be memorized by the RAM of the printer. You can also use the Gemini’s ability to group commands together into a single com- mand to simplify your programming (“macro command”, more...
Page 122 After we’ve placed all of the dots for our character, we need to turn them into numbers that the printer can understand. To do this, go down each column and add up the value of each dot. The numbers placed on the left-hand side are the value for each dot.
Page 123 Downloadable and Custom After defining a download character, we must activate the download characters in the printer. The code to perform this trick CHR$(27) CHR$(36) CHR$(l) let’s put all this together in an example and print out a few of our new paragraph symbols.
Page 124 CHR$(27) CHR$(42) CHR$(O) This code copies all of the normal characters downloadable area (RAM) of your printer. Let’s insert this into Ex- ample 2 before we define our copyright symbol. !E REI Dt!iv !!r Ef:ane :tara::r* tC ESC$+CHRI(??)
Page 125 Downloadable and Custom Descenders Earlier in this chapter we mentioned the descender informa- tion. When we left it as azero you probably thought this was easy. Well, it is! We only have two choices for descender data; it’s either a zero or a one. When it’s a zero, nothing happens. When it is a one, all the dots that make up our character are shifted down two rows.
Page 126: Macro Commands
The Gemini’s macro command capability allows you to group printer commands together and execute them with a single com- mand. Now, this might not appear very useful at first glance, but some of you just might be scheming on ways to tame a wayward spreadsheet program or to get some cooperation from an un- cooperative word processor.
Page 127 Downloadable and Custom Commands Now we’ll try an example on your own. 70 REM define MC?~ be eaahasirad 40 LPRIN? ESC¶:~HR~(43):ESCt:“~“:~SC$:~~“:C~R~!~!:~HR~ cmmand 50 REP! isstie 3acfo 60 ?PRINf EW:CHRS”?‘* \tid#, 70 :PR!NT Er!mCrd ‘EsohasizeC and Empha5ized MacY-CB 8-7. Program listing using macro instructions. Figure and then you’re free to be creative and sxpauled...
Page 128 / Y”/,,,...

Gemini Printer User Manual

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Gemini Printer

Summary of Contents for Gemini Printer

Table of Contents