Commodore MPS 1000 User manual

DOTMATRIX PRINTER
USER'S MANUAL

ffiPS
1000
DOTMATRIX PRINTER
USER'S MANUAL

Copyright © 1985 by Commodore Elecrronics Limited
Copyright © 1984 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano , Japan
All rights reserved
This manual contains copyrighted and proprietary information. No part of this
publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission
of Commodore Electronics
Limited.
Commodore BASIC
Copyright © 1985
by Commodore Elecrronics Limited
All rights reserved
Copyright © 1977 by Microsoft Corp.
All rights reserved
Centronics® is a registered rrademark of Dara Computer Corporarion.
IBM-PC®
is a registered rrademark of Internacional Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.
II

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................ .. .................. 1
CHAPTER 1, Setting Up Your MPS 1000 Printer .. ... ........ 5
Unpacking your printer ............................. 5
Getting your primer ready to use ................ .. . .. 6
Using the tractor unit ............................. 11
The control panel ................................ 16
Connecting the MPS 1000 to your computer . ........... 18
The DIP switches ........ ... ...... ... ............. 22
Primer maintenance .................... . ........ .24
CHAPTER 2, Elements
of Dot Matrix Printing ............. 25
The prim head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .... . .. . . . ... 25
Bidirectional printing ............................. 26
Changing pitches
....... ... ... .. ......... . ..... . .26
Near Letter Quality (NLQ) mode
.................... 28
CHAPTER
3, Printer Control Codes .............. . ...... 31
PETASCII and IBM Extension ASCII codes ............ 31
Secondary addresses and ESCape codes ................ 33
Programming languages ........................... 34
CHAPTER
4, Commodore Print Mode ... ....... ... .. .. .. 35
Demonstration programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
The MPS 1000 and Commodore BASIC ............... 36
Control codes for printing text
....................... 37
Advanced control with secondary address
............. .45
CHAPTER 5, IBM®Print Mode .
...... . ................. 59
Demonstration programs .............. . ............ 59
Printing text .................................... 60
ESCape codes ................................... 63
Page formatting in IBM mode ...................... 68
111

CHAPTER 6, Dot Graphics in Commodore Mode ........... 73
Introduction to dot graphics
....................... . 73
Bit image coding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Dot address determination . ......... . ... . ..... . ... .79
Double density coding
................... . ........ 80
CHAPTER 7, Dot Graphics in IBM Mode . ....... . .... . . . . 81
The print head . .......... . ....................... 82
IBM dot graphics mode ...... . ......... . . . . . ...... . 83
Design your own graphics ........... . .... . .. . ... . .. 90
Graphics programmi ng tips ............ . .. . . . . . .... 93
CHAPTER 8, Troubleshooting . ......... . .. .. ........... 99
Problem/solution chart . .
......................... .99
Beeper error warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
101
Specific computer problems ... . .. . ....... . .... . .. . . 101
APPENDICES
Appendix A, MPS Character Fonts, PETASCII and IBM
Extended ASCII Codes . .
... . .. ... ..... . .... .... . ... A-1
Appendix B, Secondary Addresses
and Control Codes .... ... B-1
Appendix C, Formatting Examples . . .. .. .... . . . . ... . .. . . C-1
Appendix D, Serial and Parallel Interfaces ........... . .... D-1
Appendix E, Technical Specifications
.... ... .. . .. ...... .. E-1
User's Manual Statement . ... .. . . . . .. .. .... .Inside Back Cover
IV

Introduction
The Commodore MPS 1000 is a full-function dot-mauix printer that
allows
you to create printed copies of documents, programs, or illustra-
tions
you design with your computer. The documents you print can
appear
in several character styles, and the ability to use several bold and
enhanced features adds variety to the printed material.
The MPS 1000 can function with other Commodore equipment con-
nected with the serial port, or with any other equipment that can use a
Centronics® parallel port for connection, such
as IBM®-compatible
machines.
Operating Modes
The MPS 1000 has two basic modes of operation:
• Commodore mode
• IBM® 5152 Plus* mode
The printer
is shipped from the factory ready to be used in Commo-
dore mode, but either mode can be chosen before the printer
is turned
on
by setting a DIP switch on the back of the printer. See Section 1,
Setting Up Your MPS 1000, for details about changing the DIP switch
setting
if you want to use IBM mode.
Your MPS 1000 can be connected through the serial bus to use the
Commodore mode or the
IBM mode. The parallel port connection can
be used for
IBM mode only. This means that serial-connecting comput-
ers, like the Commodore 128, can take advantage
of both print modes
through the serial bus.
*This mode is IBM-compatible with enhancementS.

Character Styles
Each character the MPS 1000 prints is made up of dots, arranged in a
specific pattern stored in the printer's permanent memory. The
MPS
1000 has four styles of characters, called fonts, which allow you flexibil-
ity in the appearance
of the printout. The four fonts are:
• Draft Quality characters, Commodore mode
• Draft Quality characters, IBM mode
• Near Letter Quality (NLQ) characters, Commodore mode
• NearLetter Quality (NLQ) characters, IBM mode
Draft characters are legible, but are often considered inappropriate
for final drafts because they are
less dense and therefore more difficult
to read than NLQ characters. NLQ characters are made up of many
more dots than draft characters,
so the characters appear more fully
formed.
In Commodore mode, the Commodore character set, including
graphics,
is available. In IBM 5152 Plus mode (IBM mode), the IBM
character sets are available. The full character sets are displayed in
Appendix A.
Using the MPS 1000
Many applications programs, including word processors and spread-
sheets, contain all the built-in printer instructions needed in order to
print successfully. Certain programs, however, may not contain all
of the
print functions
you require. For example, you may wish to use a raised
numeral superscript
to signify a footnote, but the program you have
chosen doesn't support this function.
Your MPS 1000, however, has the
ability
to print superscripts and many other enhancements, and a short
BASIC program can tell the printer to use these special features.
About This Manual
You can read as much or as little of this manual as you need. If you
have used printers before and have a specific program that you want to
use with the MPS 1000, a quick reading of the first chapter may be all
you need. If, on the other hand, you are new to computers and printers,
you will find this manual easy to follow and the MPS 1000 easy to use.
No matter what your background is,
if you want to learn about all the
advanced features
of the MPS 1000, the information you need is here.
2

For a preview of what your MPS 1000 can do look at the following
samples
of a few of its typestyles and graphics.
NEAR LETTER QUALITY
NLQ standard ABCDEFGHIJKLMnopqrstuvwxyz
NLQ emphasized ABCDEFGHIJKLMnopqrstuvwxyz
DRAFT MODE
Pica ABCDEFGHIJKl. Mnopqr stuvwxyz
Elite ABCDEFGHIJKLMnopqrstuvwxyz
Condensed ABCDEF6HIJKL1nopqrstuvwxyz
Underline ABDCDEFGHIJKLMnopgrstuvwxyz
Emph~~iz~d ~~1~~g~ci
:~~·J=1:t:i=-~:t•~···~[~
REVERSE PRINTING OFF
:~~•J::il:t:l*"\l\JD STANDARD PFn NT I NG
I
3

Chapterl
Setting Up Your MPS 1000 Printer
Unpacking Your Printer
After you unpack your printer, carefully check to see that you have
everything
you should, and that nothing is damaged. Don't throw away
any of the packaging material until you have located all the contents of
the carton. In addition to this manual, the package should contain:
1. Commodore MPS 1000
2. Serial cable
3. Paper feed knob
4. Paper separator
5. Warranty card
6. Printer ribbon cassette
7. Snap-on pull tractor
All the
pans of the MPS 1000 are identified below in Figure 1-1.
Ribbon cassette
~
Serial cord
Snap-on
tractor
c:ti) Paper feed knob
Figure 1-1. Printerparts
5

Getting Your MPS 1000 Printer Ready To Use
Setting up your MPS 1000 printer is a matter of attaching two parts,
putting in the ribbon and paper, and connecting the printer
to your
computer.
This chapter will have
you printing a test pattern within fifteen to
twenty minutes and doing more complicated
work not long after.
Now that your printer
is unpacked, you need to find the best place to
put it. Keep the following tips in mind:
• Place the printer close enough to the computerfor the cables to reach.
• Place the printer on a stable surface. Avoid setting the MPS 1000 on
carpeting or chairs.
• Use a grounded outlet and do not use an adapter plug.
• Avoid using outlets controlled by wall switches. A switch, turned off
by mistake, could destroy valuable information in your computer's
memory and stop your printing.
• Try not to use an outlet on the same circuit breaker with large elec-
trical machines or appliances. These can cause disruptive power fluc-
tuations.
• Protect your printer from direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture,
and dust.
• Keep your printer and your computer away from base units for cord-
less telephones.
One of the most important characteristics of the MPS 1000 is its flexi-
bility. The
MPS 1000 has both a serial and a parallel port to accommo-
date a wide range
of computers without the necessity of additional inter-
faces.
Depending on your computer,
you may need a parallel cable. The
parallel cable connects the printer to your computer through the parallel
port.
NOTE: Printer is configured from the factory in Commodore
mode with the Commodore serial port (See Connecting the
MPS 1000
to Your Computer).
6

Installing The Paper Feed Knob
Before you can load paper into your
MPS 1000, you need to install the
paper feed knob. Simply push the knob onto the shaft on the right side
of the printer. The shaft has one flat side that must be matched with the
flat side
of the hole in the knob. See Figure 1-2 below.
Figure 1-2. Paper feedknob installation
Installing Or Replacing The Ribbon
The
MPS 1000 uses a continuous-loop, inked fabric ribbon which is
enclosed in a cassette that makes installation and replacement clean and
easy. The parts of this case ~re labeled below in Figure 1-3 .
.--------Ribbon
-......-------....,..... .......
Nl00---4--®
=P
Pin--
Figure 1-3. Ribbon cassette
_-Pin
7

To install or replace the ribbon, just follow these steps:
CAUTION: If you have been using your printer just before you
change ribbon cassettes, be careful not to touch the
print head because
it becomes hot during use. Also
remember never to move the ribbon carriage when the
printer
is turned on, because you may damage your
printer.
1. Make sure the printer is turned OFF. Remove the front lid of the
printer
so that you can see the ribbon carriage.
2. Slide the ribbon carriage manually to the center of the printer so that
the other parts
of the printer do not get in your way. Also, be sure the
paper bail is against the black roller.
3.
If you are changing ribbon cassettes, lift the front of the old cassette
and remove it.
4. Hold the
new ribbon cassette so that the small knob is on top and the
exposed ribbon faces
away from you. Fit the cassette onto the ribbon
carriage
by sliding the pins at the back of the cassette under the small
hooks on the carriage. See Figure 1-4 below.
Figure 1-4. Print headassembly
8

5. Snap the cassette into place so that the exposed ribbon fits between
the print head and the silver ribbon guide.
See Figure 1-5 . below.
Figure 1-5. Ribbon cassette installation
6. Tighten the ribbon by turning the knob on the cassette in the direc-
tion
of the arrow. As you turn the knob, make sure the ribbon slips
down into its proper place between the print head and the silver
ribbon guide. See Figure
1-6 below.
Figure 1-6 . Ribbonplacement
9

Paper Loading
A sheet of paper is already in the printer to protect the paper-out
sensor during shipping. Remove it before loading any paper.
If you ship
the printer
or move it long distances, put in another sheet.
Now
put a sheet of paper in your MPS 1000 so you can test it. Figure
1- 7 shows the names of the parts you need to know.
Paper feed knob
Figure 1- 7. MPS 1000 ready forpaperloading
1. First, make sure the printer is turned OFF. Open the front lid, push
the friction lever back, and pull the paper bail forward.
2. Then move the print head by hand to the center of the printer and
feed the paper into the paper slot in the top
of the printer.
3. When the paper will not go any farther,
turn the paper feed knob to
advance it
as you would a typewriter.
10

4. Turn the knob until the top of the paper is at least 3I4 inch above the
ribbon guide. Then push the paper bail against the paper.
If the
paper becomes crooked, pull the friction release
lever forward,
straighten the paper, and push the friction
lever back.
Using the Tractor Unit
The tractor unit allows you to use continuous paper with pin feed
holes along the sides. The unit is adjustable so that the continuous
paper can be any width from
4to10 inches.
Printer Location
When you use the tractor and continuous paper, you must put your
MPS 1000 where the paper can flow freely in and out of the printer. Use
a printer stand or any other arrangement that fits your working area.
Just make sure that the paper coming out
of the printer does not inter-
fere with the paper going in and that the paper going in does not catch
on the printer cable. Because of the cable, it is usually best for the paper
that feeds into the printer to be stacked somewhat behind the printer
instead
of directly beneath it. Two possible setups are shown in Figures
1-8 and 1-9.
Figure 1- 8. Continuouspaperwithprinterstand
11

Figure 1-9. Continuouspaper withoutstand
Tractor Unit Installation
To install the removable uactor unit, first pull the friction lever
toward the front
of the printer. Then hold the tractor with the gears to
the right
as shown in Figure 1-10.
Figure 1-10. Tractor placement
In each tractor slot are two pegs that fit into the notches on the tractor
fittings. Tilt the tractor back
so that the rear notches fit over the rear
pegs. Then tilt forward until it clicks into place.
That 's all there is to it.
12

Install the paper separator and pull out the paper guide as shown in
Figure 1-11 . Fit the notches in the bottom corners of the separator over
the pins at the front of the paper slot. The separator keeps the paper
that
is coming out of the printerfrom being pulled back in. Pull out the
paper guide at the back
of the printer. This guide helps keep the incom-
ing paperfrom catching on the printer cable.
Figure 1-11. Paper separator and paperguide
When you want to use single sheet paper in your MPS 1000, you can
remove the tractor
unit quite easily. Push back the two tractor release
levers shown in Figure 1-12, tilt the unit backwards, and lift it.
Figure 1-12. Tractor release levers
13

Loading Continuous Paper
Once your tractor
is installed, you can load continuous paper. See
that the printer is turned off and open the front lid. Then move the
print head to the center
of the printer. Pu11 the paper bail away from the
platen (the black roller) just
as you did for single sheet loading. (Look at
Figure
1- 7 if you need to check on the names of any of these parts.)
Using Figure
1-13 as your guide, pu11 the locking levers forward so
that you can move the pin feed holders to the left and right. Put the left
holder approximately 3
I4 of an inch from the extreme left position and
then push the locking lever back to
lock that holder in place. Leave the
other holder unlocked.
Figure 1-13 . Pin feedholderadjustment
Open the pin feed covers as shown in Figure 1-14 and feed the paper
under the paper separator and into the paper slot; push the paper
through until it comes up between the ribbon guide and the platen.
14