Centronics 101 User manual

@~§~&lJ@~§
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SERIES 100 PRINTERS
JULY 1975
Centronics No. 37400001 Rev. C
I:EnTRDnll:S
data computer corp.
HUDSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03051
TELEPHONE [phone]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....... .
UNPACKING/REPACKING PROCEDURES
SET-UP PROCEDURES
OPERATING NOTES
OPERATING GUIDE
OPERATOR CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
LOADING PAPER
TOP OF FORM ADJUSTMENT
FORMS THICKNESS CONTROL
VERTICAL FORMAT UNIT
VERTICAL FORMAT TAPE
RIBBON REPLACEMENT .
RIBBON AND PAPER SPECIFICATIONS
RIBBON REPLACEMENT DIAGRAMS
SPECIAL CONTROL CODES . . .
STANDARD CHARACTER SETS ...
USASCII CODE
I:EnTROnll:S
CENTRONICS DATA COMPUTER CORP.
HUDSON. N.H. 03051
TELEPHONE [phone]
TWX [phone]/TELEX 94-3404
EASTERN REGION: [phone] (MASS.)
CENTRAL REGION: [phone] (OHIO)
WESTERN REGION: [phone] (CALIF.)
CENTRONICS DATA COMPUTER (CANADA) LTD .•
MISSISSAUGA. ONTARIO [phone]
CENTRONICS
INTERNATIONAL CORP.,
BRUSSELS. BELGIUM [phone]
CENTRONICS OF PUERTO RICO, INC.,
DORADO, PUERTO RICO [phone]
Page
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•. 7
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. Back Cover
Back Cover
©Copyright 1975 Centronics Data Computer Corp.
A
II rights reserved
Patents pending in USA and
other countries

INTRODUCTION
Scope
This manual contains instructions reiating to the installation and operation of all Cen-
tronics' Series 100 printers. This includes uncrating and set-up procedures, operating instruc-
tions and other reference information useful to the printer operator.
General Description
The Centronics Series 100 printers are medium speed, impact printers which use
dot
matrix techniques for character generation. Each is a completely self-contained unit which
includes the mechanical and electro-mechanical components, control logic, character pattern
generator, single line buffer (132 characters) and power suppiy.
Available models include:
(a) Model 101 -The basic printer, prints 132-column lines at 165 characters per
second.
(b) Model
lOlA -Similar to the Model 101, but with additional features such as
paper runaway inhibit, manual line feed switch, remote select/deselect, etc.
(c) Model 101AL -Functionally the same as the lOlA, but uses more compact
electronics packaging.
(d) Model 101S -Prints standard O.l-inch characters
as well as large-scale (e.g.,
.2, .3, .4 and .7-inch high) symbols, using .1-inch dot patterns as building
blocks.
(e) Model 102A -Prints at twice the speed of the 101 A by using two print
heads.
(f) Model 102AL -Functionally the same as the 102A, but uses more compact
electron
ics packaging.
The model number
is specified on a nameplate located on the back of the printer.

UNPACKING/REPACKING
PROCEDURES
Tools you may use:
17mm Socket Wrench
Adjustable Wrench
Tinsnips
or wire-cutters
UNPACKING
1. Cut the two bands (1 )(strapping) around crate.
2. Lift top of crate (2) up straight.
3. Remove plastic cover from printer.
4. Remove nuts (3), washers (4), springs (5) from
long bolts (8).
5. Lift printer off pallet (10).
6. Remove bolts (12) and washers (11) from
bottom of platform (7).
PRINTER MUST BE COMPLETELY
REMOVED FROM ALL PALLETS
7. Remove elastic retain ing bands from:
(a) Head
Exercise Caution -
Do not place any
stress on the Video Amplifier PC Board
(see diagram on next page)
(b) Paper Tractor Units
(c) Ribbon Spool right side
8. See SET
UP PROCEDURE.
REPACKING
9. To repack, reverse the uncrating procedure in
steps 2 through 6 and add new strapping
around the crate.
2

SET-UP PROCEDURES
COMPLETE ENTIRE UNPACKING PROCEDURES PRIOR TO
PERFORMING THE
STEPS LISTED BELOW
1. Note any discrepancies in general appearance.
2. Thread the enclosed pin feed locking knobs into
the pin feed units and attach the paper guide and
stacker (shipped separately) to printer using the
four screws taken from the guide mounting holes.
The left pin feed
unit should be locked at the ex-
treme left side.
3.
lift front cover and manually move the print
head from left to right. Ensure that optic pick-
up head clears the timing fence over the entire
length of the fence. Caution: TIM ING FENCE
CAN
BE DAMAGED IF THERE IS NO CLEAR-
ANCE OR IF OPTIC HEAD IS MISALIGNED.
4. Open the right and left pin feed gates, feed paper
through the opening at the top of the printer and
insert the paper in the pin feed units. Close the
pin feed gates.
5.
Adjust head penetration for optimum print qual-
ity as follows: 1) Loosen lock knob(s) and slightly
increase head
penetration by turning penetration
control knob(s); (Note: This knob is preset to 5
prior to shipping); 2) Manually move the print
head(s) across the paper and keep increasing the
penetration until smudging occurs; 3) Back off
on the penetration just to the point of no
smudging (Approx .. 006 in.); 4) Hghten the lock
knob(s).
NOTE: THE NUMBERS ON THE PENETRATION
KNOB DO NOT CORRESPOND TO THE
NUMBER OF COPIES BEING USED.
3
6. On a Series 102 printer, printouts by each head
should be aligned both horizontally (separated by
one intercharacter space) and vertically. To adjust
the heads, refer to Section 5.2.2.3 in a Series 102
technical manual.
7. Plug
the printer into the appropriate AC outlet.
(Note: Printers wired for 220V /50 Hz are
shipped without a 3-prong power cord connec-
tor). ALWAYS USE A 3-WIRE GROUNDED
OUTLET.
8. Press ON/OFF switch on Operator Panel.
9. Ensure that video lamp is lit (located beneath the
print head carriage).
10. Ensure that SELECT indicator on 0 perator Panel
is off.
11. Press TOP
OF FORM switch on Operator Panel.
12. Pull out and turn platen knob to position the
paper.
13.
Turn power off, and connect the printer to the
desired input device (i.e., computer, exerciser,
etc.) via
the interface connector.
14. Turn on power and press SELECT switch on
Operator Panel to enable the printer to receive
data.
RS232 SERIAL INTERFACE
MODEL 101/l01A
i i---I;:~-C·' ",
~
;1?~~1!.:
~---
OPERATOR
PANEL

OPERATING NOTES
• Always plug the printer into a 3-wire grounded outlet.
• Ensure that all covers are closed and secured during operation.
• Never operate the printer without paper.
• Avoid leaning or placing objects on any part of the printer.
• Turn power off before adjusting print head or replacing ribbon.
OPERATING GUIDE
If the printer is not operating properly, refer to the following table for possible sou rces of
error. If the printer still fails to operate properly after performing the indicated actions, then call
for service.
Symptom
Printer won't print and ON/OFF indicator
is off.
Printer won't print, ON/OFF indicator is
on, but SELECT light is off.
Printer won't print, but SELECT indicator
is on.
Paper skewing.
Ink ribbon tracking problems.
Poor print quality (e.g., smudging or
light print).
Missing dots in printed character.
Form feed or vertical tab problem.
4
Action
Try the ON/OFF switch, check the power
cord, check fuses.
Press SELECT switch.
Ensure that front cover is closed, check
fuses, ensure that interface cable at rear of
printer is secure.
Position the paper feed tractors and tighten
the fixing knobs as outlined on page 6.
Make sure
ribbon is installed as outlined
on pages 10 & 11.
Adjust head penetration as outlined on
page 7.
Open front cover and carefully wipe timing
fence with damp cloth.
Caution: USE ONLY WATER AND MILD
DETERGENT.
Check vertical format unit. (See page 8)

OPERATOR CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
THIS SWITCH IS USED
TO TURN AC POWER
ON
OR OFF. IT LIGHTS
~::~~:::HR::~~::D ~ .......... -------
TO SELECT THE PRINTER f
AFTER TURNING ON POWER. f
IT LIGHTS WHEN THE _______ I .' •••• 111
PRINTER IS SELECTED. ~ iii SELECT
TOP OF
FORM
THIS SWITCH IS USED. ~ .•
FOR MANUALLY SLEWING ______ t :til •••• ,
PAPER TO TOP OF FORM. ~
IT PERFORMS THE SAME ,
FUNCTION AS A FORM ..
FEED CODE.
THIS SWITCH WHEN
DEPRESSED
OVERRIDES
THE INTERNAL PAPER
OUT SWITCH, ALLOWING
THE LAST FORM TO BE
PRINTED BEFORE
CHANGING PAPER.
The printer also contains:
THIS PUSHBUTTON SWITCH
(NOT CONTAINED ON MODEL
101) IS USED FOR MANUAL
- .-- - .. - ... -- / Li NE FEEDS. IT PERFORMS
/
THE SAME FUNCTION AS A
LINE FEED CODE.
,,!,t
THIS INDICATOR IS
_______ PROVIDED FOR SPECIAL
~ APPLICATIONS.
PAPER
ou~~ THIS INDICATOR IS USED
• ~ TO INDICATE AN OUT-
OF-PAPER CONDITION
(1) A Bell Alarm -consisting of a 2-second audible tone sounded in response to a
BELL code (octal 007) or a paper empty condition.
(2) A Form Thickness control knob (and lock knob) -located on the print head
carriage, adjusts the penetration
of the print wires on to the paper.
(3) A Platen Knob -used to manually adjust paper in the printer. The knob ODerates
by pulling It out and rotating it in either direction.

LOADING PAPER
1. Before loading paper into the printer, first lift the front cover and open the gates for the left
and right pin feed units. Make sure the left pin feed unit is locked in place at the extreme
left margin.
2. Feed paper down through the slanted opening in the top of the printer. The paper will
follow the forward paper pan and come up to the pin feed tractors.
3. Place the top sheet in the paper feed tractors. Make sure the holes are aligned so that the top
of the sheet is parallel with the top of the printer. If necessary, loosen the fixing knob on
top of the right pin feed unit and move the unit to accommodate the width of the paper.
When properly adjusted, tighten the fixing knob.
4. Close the gates for the pin feed units, then close the forward cover.
FIXING
KNOB
PLATEN
KNOB
TOP OF FORM ADJUSTMENT
PAPER
FEED
TRACTOR
1. With the printer turned on, press the TOP OF FORM Switch. This aligns the top of
form hole in the vertical format paper tape, directly over the light source in the paper
tape reader.
2. Use
the platen knob to adjust the paper so that the desired top line on the form is
aligned vertically with the print head. This adjustment is performed by pulling out the
platen knob and rotating it in either direction. Once aligned, each time a Form Feed
code (octal 014) is received or the TOP OF FORM Switch is pressed, the paper will
slew
to this same line at the top of the next form.
6

FORMS THICKNESS CONTROL
Two adjustment knobs on either side of the print head carriage control the clearance
between the platen and the face
of the print head. This clearance must be adjusted according to
the thickness of the forms being used. On a Series 102 printer, the two heads must be adjusted
independently.
To adjust the print head for optimum print quality perform the following steps:
1. Loosen the Lock knob on the left side of the print head.
2. Increase the penetration of the print wires on to the ribbon by slightly turning the
Penetration Control knob.
3. Manually move the print head across the paper.
Keep increasing the penetration until
smudging occurs.
4. Back off on the Penetration Control knob just to the point of
no smudging.
5. Tighten the Lock knob to secure the print head
in position.
Note
Numbers on Penetration Control knob do not
correspond
to the number of copies used.
LOCK
KNOB
7
---- PENETRATION
CONTROL
KNOB

VERTICAL FORMAT UNIT
Vertical formatting in the Series 100 printers is controlled by a paper tape in the Vertical
Format Unit. This unit is located on the upper left side of the printer just under the left cover.
The tape is a standard l-inch wide, 8-channel, black opaque paper tape. The sprocket
holes, located between Channels 3 and 4, have a 1/10 inch pitch between holes. Channel 5
defines
the Vertical Tab (VT) format and Channel 7 the Top of Form (TOF) format. The tape
reader and paper feed mechanisms are mechanically linked so that each line feed advances both
the paper by one line and the paper tape by one sprocket hole, on a 6 line-per-inch printer.
Reception of a Vertical Tab code (octal 013) advances the paper (and tape) to the next
hole in Channel 5. For example, if the holes in Channel 5 are spaced six sprocket holes apart,
each Vertical tab will advance the paper six lines (one inch).
Similarly,
reception of a Form Feed code (octal 014) or pressing the TOP OF FORM
switch advances the paper (and tape) to the next hole in Channel 7.
As an
optional feature on some printers, a hole in both channels 5 and 7 indicates bottom
of form (BOF). Detection of this condition automatically advances paper to the top of the next
form. BOF and TOF indications on tape must be separated by at least one line.
On the standard paper tape shipped with the printer, Vertical Tab holes are spaced six
sprocket holes apart in Channel 5, (corresponding to a l-inch tab) and Top of Form holes are
spaced 66 sprocket holes apart in Channel 7 (corresponding to an l1-inch form).
VERTiCAL FORV,':'T
TAPE READER
\ERTI(AL FORMAT
TAPE
8
VERTICAL FORMAT TAPE
DIRECTION OF
TAPE MOTION
•
SPROCKET HOLES ~
BETWEEN g
CHANNELS 3 &'I
g
BOTTOM OF FORM
I 0 0 o-r-- CHANNELS 5 & 7
~ . g I (OPTIONAL)
SPACING
(1/10" PITCH)
g I TOP OF FORM
~ TCHANNEL 7 ONLY
g VERTICAL TAB
o CHANNEL50NLY
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
~l"WIDE~
USING TELETVPEWRITER -0
GENERATE A TAPE
SPACING:
CONTROL SHIf- I & P
CH·~,II,J"~[~ - cO~-:qCi ... '~
CH.ANNH 7' "HIFT P
CHANNEL 5 & 7: ASCII P

VERTICAL FORMAT TAPE
1. Generating a Master Tape
To generate a master tape on a Teletypewriter unit, use the following procedure:
a. Turn LOCAL Switch on Teletypewriter unit to extreme clockwise position.
b. Turn punch switch to ON. (Use black opaque tape only.)
c. Press HERE IS key several times to generate a tape leader.
d.
To generate a Vertical Tab hole in Channel 5, press and hold the CONTROL key
and then press Q.
e. To generate a Top of Form hole in Channel 7, press the SHIFT and P keys.
f.
To generate a hole in both Channels 5 and 7 (Vertical Tab and Top of Form), press
the P key alone.
g.
To space the tape between holes, press and hold the CONTROL and SHIFT keys,
then press P. One sprocket hole will be generated each time the P key is pressed.
h.
After the tape has been fully generated, press the HERE IS key to generate a rear
trailer
of sprocket holes. Remove the tape from the reader.
2. Splicing
the Tape
a. As shown in the figure, overlap the two ends of the tape (A and B) and place the
sprocket holes over one another to properly align the two ends. Arrange the splice
so
that the distance between consecutive Form Feed holes is the same all around
the tape.
b. Glue both ends of the tape together.
3. Duplicating the Tape
SPROCKET
HOLE
VERTICAL TAB
HOLES
a. Insert the master tape in a Teletypewriter reader and lock it in.
b.
Turn the switch to ST ART and a duplicate tape will be punched automatically.
9

RIBBON REPLACEMENT
(See diagram on opposite page)
To replace the ribbon, open the front cover and loosen the Lock knob on the left side of the
print head(s). Note setting on the Penetration Control knob, then set knob to
No.5. In the
Model 102A, repeat this for both print heads. Open side covers. Remove caps from ribbon
reversing guides. Swing ribbon tension arms clear of spools. Lift spools from axles. Place empty
spool (partially wound) on right-hand axle. Insert ribbon through right-hand reversing guide and
thread through idlers and ribbon guides. Place full spool on left-hand axle, assuring
that ribbon is
inserted in left-hand ribbon reversing guide. Replace ribbon reversing guide caps. Close side
covers. Readjust Penetration Controi knob to originai setting and iock.
in Modei 102A, readjust
Penetration Control knob for both heads.
RIBBON SPECIFICATIONS
The printer uses a 1-inch nylon ribbon mounted on 3-inch diameter spools. The following
four colors are available:
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Part No. 63002293-01
Part No. 63002293-02
Part No. 63002293-03
Part No. 63002293-04
PAPER SPECIFICATIONS
The printer uses continuous form paper with standard feed holes on each edge. Paper widths
from 4 to 14-7/8 inches can
be accommodated by the printer. Using multiple-part form, one
original and up to 4 copies can
be printed, all very legible. Paper weight specifications are as
follows:
Single-Part Forms:
Multiple-Part Forms:
Carbon Paper:
15 to 20 Ib
Original -12 to 15 Ib
Copies - 9 to 12 Ib, last copy 15 Ib
(Maximum of five parts)
7-1/4
Ib with medium hardness
10

RIBBON REPLACEMENT DIAGRAMS
RIGHT-HAND~- -~\
AXLE j ~~ \
(A) SERIES 101
(8) SERIES 102
11
IDLER
PENETRATION
CONTROL
KNOB
(NOT SHOWN)
-----~--rl

SPECIAL CONTROL CODES
Reception of any of the following control codes from the input device will cause a special
printer action, as described below.
Function
BELL
LINE FEED
VERTICAL TAB
FORM FEED
CARRIAGE
RETURN
ELONGATED
CHARACTER
SELECT
DE-SELECT
DELETE
Octal
Code
007
012
013
014
015
016
021
023
1"
I I
Description
Generates an audible tone, about two seconds in dur-
ation, in the speaker at the rear of the printer.
Advances
the paper one line.
Advances the paper until the next hole in Channel 5
of the VFU paper tape is reached.
Advances the paper until the next hole in Channel 7
of the VFU paper tape is reached.
Causes the-line of characters stored in the printer
buffer to be printed. As a standard feature, an auto-
matic line feed occurs after printing the line.
Prints
entire Iine of up to 66 characters as expanded
characters (double width).
Note: Because of the two print heads and internal
logic
in the 102A, a line of elongated char-
acters must be received in the following
order: (1) first 33 printable characters, (2)
33 "Don't care" characters, (3) next 33
printable characters, and (4) carriage return
code. The 102AL, however, prints the
first 66 characters double width.
Selects the printer (Le., makes it available to receive
data).
Not available on Model 101.
De-selects
the printer (Le.} prevents the printer from
receiv'ng data}. Not available on Modell 01.
Clears the buffer and initializes the printer electronk~.
12

STANDARD CHARACTER SETS
STANDARD 5 X 7
CHARACTER MATRIX
040 041 042 043 044 04e 04e 047
II1IIIII
050 oel oe2 <le3 oe4 oee oes oe7
111111111
060 061 062 OS3 OS4 ose otiS otI7
IIIIIIII
070 071 072 073 074 Onl 078 077
IIIIIIII
100 101 102 103 104 lOti loti 107
IIIIIIII
110 III 112 113 114 115 116 117
IIIIIIII
120 121 122 123 124 12e 12S 127
lmltm:tttmttmmtlffi11lfRlffi11
EElBIBmtHDIM1
130 131 132 133 134 13e 1311 137
II1IIIII
STANDARD 9 X 7
CHARACTER MATRIX
040 041 042 043 045 04S 047
II1IIIII
050 051 oe2 053 054 oee OtiS 057
111111111
060 061 062 OS3 OS4 OS5 otiS OS7
IIIIIIII
070 071 072 073 074 Onl 0711 077
IIIIIIII
100 101 102 103 104 103 lOS 107
IIIIIIII
110 III 112 113 114 115 116 117
IIIIIIII
120 121 122 123 124 12e 12S 127
;m,tm:.lmltm.fmf~tf:Rlmil
EEE.me.E
130 131 132 133 134 135 13S 137
III1IIII
00 00
01 o1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1
~ ~
b6 ~
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
B. b ~
It
~b4b3b2 bl~
t t t tRow
USASCII CODE
ized
Notes:
1. ~ Indicates
control codesrecogn
by Centronics printe rs
7)
2. Underscore (octal 13
is replaced by a back
arrow in the standar -
d
9 x 7
matrix
0 0 o 0 0
o 0 o 1 1
o 0 1 0 2
o 0 1 1 3
o 1 o 0 4
0 1 o 1 5
0 1 1 0 6
0 1 1 1 7
1 0 0 0 8
1 0 o 1 9
1 0 1 0
10
1 o 1 1
11
1 1 0 0 12
1 1 0 1
13
1 1 1 0
14
1 1 1 1 15
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NUL
DLE SP 0 @ P \ P
SOH
DCl
! 1 A 0 a q
STX
DC2
" 2 B R b r
ETX
DC3 # 3 C S c s
EOT DC4 $ 4 D T d t
ENO
NAK
% 5 E U e u
ACK
SYN & 6 F V f v
~EL
ETB , 7 G W g w
BS CAN ( 8 H X h x
HT
EM
) 9 I Y i y
'''LF SUB * J z j z
ryT
ESC
+ I K [ k {
"'FF
FS
, < L
"-
I I
"'CR
GS
--M ] m }
"'SO
RS
> N " n
"'""
SI US
/ ? 0 a DEL
-
.... '- ..... --_"'-----"'''----v----''
CONTROL STANDARD OPTIONAL
CODES