CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF PRINTER EMULATION

Commands are sent to the printer in the form of control codes and escape sequences. These differ from normal data to be printed in that they give instructions to the printer on paper movement, style of print, size, density, and many other selectable features.

Certain protocols are needed so that the printer can recognize and act on these commands sent from the host.

The shuttle matrix printer contains emulations to make it behave in a manner that is functionally similar to other printers. The emulations that it contains are:

▪ ANSI Standard X3.64-1979 (Default)

▪ Printronix P300/P600

▪ Printronix P Series

▪ IBM Proprinter

▪ Epson FX286-e (9-wire dot matrix)

▪ DEC LG / Compaq LGPlus

▪ DEC PPL III

Each emulation has a set of control codes and/or escape sequences that are explained in this manual. There is a separate chapter for each emulation.

CONTROL CODES

Control codes are used to transmit information other than printable characters to the printer. They may occupy the first 32 locations on the ASCII code chart and are represented by two- or three-letter abbreviations. Locations 0X80 through 0X9F may also be interpreted as control codes, depending on the emulation and settings.

The control code <LF> (10 decimal, 0A hex), for instance, is almost universally interpreted as a line feed. However, the response of the printer to other control codes will depend on the emulation.

ESCAPE SEQUENCES

Remote selection of the printer's functions and features is achieved by using command strings (a combination of characters and parameters) preceded by an <ESC> (27 decimal, IB hex) or CSI character (155 decimal, 9B hex). Escape sequences associated with similar functions will vary from one emulation to the next.

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Chapter 1. Introduction GEK-00029B