Digital Equipment LGplus Series User manual

LG
plus
Series
Text and Graphics Printer
Setup Guide
Order Number: EK–LGPLS–SG, Rev. A
Digital Equipment Corporation
TM

FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide a reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Installing this equipment in an FCC Level B composite system results in an FCC Level A Composite System as defined in the
FCC Rules and Regulations.
Canadian Department of Communications compliance statement:
This equipment does not exceed Class A limits per radio noise emissions for digital apparatus as set out in the Radio
Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications. Operation in a residential area may cause
unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception requiring the owner or operator to take whatever steps are necessary to
correct the interference.
Avis de conformite aux normes du ministere des Communications du Canada:
Cet equipment ne depasse pas les limites de Classe A d’emission de bruits radioelectriques pour les appareils numerriques
tells que perscrites par le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectriques etabli par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
L’exploitation faite en milieu residentiel peut entrainer le brouillage des receptions radio et tele, ce qui obligerait le proprietaire
ou l’operateur a prendre les dispositions necessarires pour en eliminer les cause.
European Directive.
This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of the EC Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of
the Laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.

All Rights Reserved. December 1995.
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this publication
will not infringe on existing or future patent rights,nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of
licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized only pursuant to a valid written license
from Digital or an authorized sublicensor.
Digital Equipment Corporation 1995. Printed in U.S.A.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DEClaser, DECnet, DECserver, OpenVMS, PrintServer,
ThinWire, ULTRIX, VAX, and the DIGITAL logo.
PostScriptTM is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. AppleTalk,
LocalTalk, LaserWriter, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft, MS, MS–DOS, and
Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Centronics is a trademark of Centronics Data Computer
Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark and IBM PC/AT is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

i
Contents
1 Overview
About This Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Conventions in this Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The LGplus Series Line Matrix Printer 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Features 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Computer Interface 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Emulations 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Formatting and Language Options 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics and Vertical Formatting 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Built-in Diagnostic Tools 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Enhancement Options 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols and Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line Matrix Printing 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Speed 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Setting Up the Printer
Before You Begin 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Requirements 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select a Site 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Shipping Restraints 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Bubble Wrap and Protective Film 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Cardboard Packing 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Platen Protective Foam 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii
Remove the Hammer Bank Protective Foam 2–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release the Paper Chains 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect the Interface and Power Cables 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install the Ribbon 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load the Paper 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power On the Printer 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set the Top–of–Form 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test the Printer 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Configuring the Printer
Overview 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing and Saving Parameter Settings 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Default and Custom Configurations 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Modes 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Panel Keys 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Factory Default Configuration Values 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Parameters 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving Your New Configuration 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing the Current Configuration 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Configuration Values 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Power–Up Configuration 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 The Configuration Menus
Overview 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration Main Menu 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONFIG. CONTROL Menu 4–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Config. 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save Config. 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Config. 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delete Config. 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power–Up Config. 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protect Configs. 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii
ACTIVE EMULATION Menu 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EMULATION Menu 4–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LG Emulation 4–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Font Submenu 4–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vert. Forms 4–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horiz. Forms 4–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Autowrap 4–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CR (Carriage Return) 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LF (Line Feed) 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsolicited Rpt. 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LinePrinter+ Menu Overview 4–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proprinter XL Emulation (LinePrinter Plus) 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define CR Code 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto LF 4–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define LF Code 4–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FF Valid at TOF 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 CPI Condensed 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Epson FX Emulation (LinePrinter Plus) 4–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define CR Code 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto LF 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define LF Code 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Select 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set 4–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 CPI Condensed 4–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P–Series Emulation (LinePrinter Plus) 4–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Code 06 4–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Code 08 4–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define CR Code 4–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto LF 4–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overstrike 4–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define LF Code 4–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select SFCC (Special Function Control Character) 4–29. . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv
EVFU (Electronic Vertical Format Unit) Select 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alt. Set 80–9F 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LinePrinter Plus Formatting Options 4–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPI/LPI Select 4–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Font Attributes 4–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page Format 4–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MAINT / MISC Menu 4–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hex Dump Mode 4–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power–Up State 4–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Language 4–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HOST INTERFACE Menu 4–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial Submenu 4–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Type 4–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Protocol 4–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Baud Rate 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Word Length 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop Bits 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parity 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Terminal Ready 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Request to Send 4–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Size in K 4–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel Submenu 4–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Options 4–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Bit 8 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Polarity 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strobe Polarity 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Response Polarity 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Busy on Strobe 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latch Data On 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prime Signal 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOF Action 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Size in K 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
Bidirectional (IEEE–1284 Parallel) Submenu 4–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Submenu 4–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Bit 8 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PI Ignored 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Polarity 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Request Polarity 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strobe Polarity 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Size in K 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRINTER CONTROL Menu 4–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unidirectional 4–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PMD (Paper Motion Detection) Fault 4–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open Platen @BOF (Bottom of Form) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NO TAG
Slow Paper Slew 4–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Saver Time 4–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSTICS Menu 4–51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Tests 4–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Width 4–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Out Dots 4–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Memory 4–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Statistics 4–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Interfaces
Overview 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface Signals 5–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface Configuration 5–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Parallel Interface 5–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Interface Signals 5–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Parallel Interface Configuration 5–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Modes 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Negotiation Phase 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi
Signals 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminating Resistor Configurations 5–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS–232 and RS–422 Serial Interfaces 5–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS–232 and RS–422 Serial Interface Signals 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS–232 and RS–422 Serial Interface Protocol 5–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS–232 and RS–422 Serial Interface Error Handling 5–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS–232 and RS–422 Serial Interface Configuration 5–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Configuration with the VMS Operating System 5–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Routine Service and Diagnostics
Routine Service 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Requirements 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Cleaning 6–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Cleaning 6–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Self–Tests 6–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing a Hex Dump 6–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Messages 6–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendixes
A Printer Specifications
B ASCII Character Set
Glossary
Index

1–1
1 Overview
Contents
About This Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Conventions in this Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The LGplus Series Line Matrix Printer 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking Care of Your Printer 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Features 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Computer Interface 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Emulations 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Formatting and Language Options 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics and Vertical Formatting 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Built-in Diagnostic Tools 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Enhancement Options 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols and Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line Matrix Printing 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Speed 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–2
About This Guide
The Setup Guide is designed so that you can quickly find the information you
need to install and configure your Digital Equipment Corporation (DECR)
LGplus Series printer.
How to Locate Information
•Use the Table of Contents at the front of the manual and on the first
page of every chapter.
•Use the Glossary to look up computer terms and acronyms.
•Use the alphabetical Index at the back of the manual.
Warnings and Special Information
Read and comply with all information highlighted under special headings:
WARNING
Conditions that could harm you as well as damage the equipment.
CAUTION
Conditions that could damage the printer or related equipment.
IMPORTANT
Information vital to proper operation of the printer.
NOTE: Information affecting printer operation.
Printing Conventions in This Guide
UPPERCASE print indicates control panel keys.
Example: Press the CLEAR key, then press the ON LINE key.
Quotation marks (“”) indicate messages on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
Example: Press the ON LINE key. “OFFLINE” appears on the LCD.

1–3
The +(plus) symbol represents key combinations.
Example: “Press Y+B” means press the Y (UP) key and the B
(DOWN) key at the same time.
Related Documents
Following is a list of related documentation for the LGplus Series printer.
•LGplus Series Text and Graphics Printer Maintenance Manual
(P/N EK–LGPLE–MM) – Explains how to maintain and repair the
LGplus Series line matrix printer at the field service level of
maintenance. This manual covers alignments and adjustments,
preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and basic
principles of operation.
•LGplus Series Text and Graphics Printer Operator’s Guide
(P/N EK–LGPLE–OG) – Describes the keys on the operator panel and
provides quick reference information on daily printer operations such as
loading paper and replacing ribbons.
•LGplus Series LinePrinter Plus
TM
Programer’s Reference Manual
(P/N EK–LGPLE–RM) – Covers the host control codes and character
sets for the three LinePrinter Plus emulations.
•LGplus Series (LG) Emulation Programmer’s Reference Manual
(P/N EK–LGPLP–RM) – Explains the host control codes and character
sets for the Digital LG emulations.
•LGplus Series PGL Progremmer’s Manual (P/N EK–LGPGL–PM) —
Provides information used with the optional IGP Printronix emulation
enhancement feature. The IGP Printronix emulation allows you to create
and store forms; generate logos, bar codes, and expanded characters;
create other graphics, and merge graphics with alphanumeric data as a
document is printed.
•LGplus Series VGL Programmer’s Manual (P/N EK–LGVGL–PM) —
Provides information used with the optional Code V PrintronixR
emulation enhancement feature. The Code V Printronix emulation
allows you to create and store forms; generate logos, bar codes, and
expanded characters; create other graphics, and merge graphics with
alphanumeric data as a document is printed.

1–4
The LG
plus
Line Matrix Printer
Figure 1–1. The LGplus Series Printer
The LGplus printer offers software versatility and the latest refinements in
line matrix printing technology.
Most line matrix printers have specialized architectures, which enable the
printer to emulate, or behave like, another printer. These specialized
architectures are restricted. Your printer, however, introduces an open
architecture concept that is not available on any other line matrix printer.
Digital LG is the standard emulation; the Proprinter XL, Epson FX–1050,
and Printronix P–Series emulations are also available as part of the
LinePrinter Plus group of emulations. The IGPR/PGL and IGPR/VGL
graphics enhancement emulations are available as optional upgrades. No
matter what emulation is installed, your printer is very easy to use. The
message display and lights on the control panel communicate with you
directly and clearly. You can select every function on your printer at the
control panel, or you can send commands from the host computer.
In addition, the LGplus Series printer uses flash memory to store its operating
software and the custom configurations that you may select from the control
panel. Flash memory allows the printer to initialize much faster than a

1–5
diskette–based printer during a power–up or reset sequence. In addition, you
may download operating software to the printer’s flash memory from a
diskette loaded onto an attached host system. This allows you to upgrade the
software resident in the printer very simply, without having to install
replacement EPROMs on a PCBA. The default amount of flash memory
installed on the printer can be added to for additional performance
enhancement, up to 30 Mbytes of flash.
The print mechanisms are housed in sound–insulated floor cabinets that
make the LGplus among the quietest impact printers in the world.
Taking Care of Your Printer
Your printer will produce high print quality jobs if it is well taken care of.
Periodic cleaning, handling the printer properly, and using the correct
consumables, such as paper and ribbons, will ensure optimum performance.
Chapter 6 explains how to clean the printer, and consumables are listed in
Appendix A.
Whenever it is necessary to service the printer, remember these important
maintenance concepts:
•Use only the ribbons specified in Appendix A. Use of incorrect ribbons
can lead to ink migration problems, degraded print quality, and
expensive damage to the printer.
•Incorrect closure of the forms thickness lever can lead to smearing,
degraded print quality, paper jams, and damage to the platen and shuttle
assembly. Never close the forms thickness lever too tightly.

1–6
Standard Features
The LGplus printer offers a wide range of horizontal and vertical dot
densities, operates quietly, and can load an emulation very easily. Other
features are specified in the following sections.
Host Computer Interfaces
The following host computer interface choices are available:
•Dataproducts parallel interface
•Centronics parallel interface
•IEEE 1284 parallel interface
•RS–232 serial interface
•RS–422 serial interface
Printer Emulations
You may select the following printer emulations (or protocols) at the control
panel:
•Digital LG
•P–Series
•Epson FX
•Proprinter XL
•IGP/PGL (optional upgrade)
•IGP/VGL (optional upgrade)
Each emulation provides a different set of configuration menus, control
codes, and character sets.
Text Formatting and Language Options
The LGplus Seires printer has the following output control features:
•Three modes for printing text:
1) Correspondence
2) Data Processing (DP)
3) Draft (high speed)

1–7
•Selectable horizontal and vertical dot densities that enable you to tailor
output to a wide variety of printing requirements.
•Selectable forms length and width
•Character attribute specification:
1) Selectable pitch: normal, expanded, and compressed
2) Bold (double-strike) printing
3) Emphasized (shadow) printing
4) Automatic underlining and overscoring
5) Superscript and subscript printing
6) Double high and wide printing
•Resident multinational character sets
Graphics and Vertical Formatting
Several graphics and vertical formatting features are available:
•Four built-in graphics generators:
1) IBM Proprinter III XL bit–image graphics
2) Epson FX dot graphics mode
3) P–Series Plot
4) LG Sixel Graphics
•Programmable electronic vertical formatting provides rapid vertical
paper movement to specified lines for printing repetitive and continuous
forms. You can choose from the following methods:
1) Vertical tabbing in Proprinter III XL and Epson FX
emulation modes
2) Electronic Vertical Format Unit (EVFU)
in P–Series emulation mode
Built-in Diagnostic Tools
The following diagnostic tools are provided with the printer:
•Comprehensive diagnostic self-tests permanently stored in the printer
•Configuration printout
•Data stream hex code printout

1–8
Graphics Enhancement Options
The IGP/PGL and IGP/VGL Printronix emulations allow you to create and
store forms, generate logos, bar codes, expanded characters, and create other
graphics. Alphanumeric and bar code data are added as the form is printed.
These emulations are available as factory–installed or field–installed options.
For more information, contact your authorized Digital service representative.
Protocols and Emulations
A protocol is a set of rules governing the exchange of information between
the printer and its host computer. These rules consist of codes that
manipulate and print data and allow for machine-to-machine communication.
A printer and its host computer must use the same protocol. As used in this
manual, protocol and emulation mean the same thing.
Most impact printers use single ASCII character codes to print text, numbers,
and punctuation marks. Some characters, both singly and in groups of two or
more, are defined as control codes. Control codes instruct the printer to
perform specific functions, such as underlining text, printing subscripts,
setting page margins, etc. The main difference between most printer
protocols is in the characters used to create control codes and the ways in
which these characters are formatted.
When the printer executes the character and control codes of a particular
printer protocol, it is “emulating” that printer. If the printer uses the
Proprinter XL protocol, for example, it is emulating an IBM Proprinter XL
printer. If the printer is using the Epson FX printer protocol, for example, we
can also say it is in Epson FX emulation mode.

1–9
Line Matrix Printing
Your printer is an impact printer; it creates characters by printing ink dots on
paper. The dots are printed on an invisible matrix mapped in printer memory.
(See Figure 1–2.) Dot impressions are made by an array of steel hammers
mounted on a rapidly oscillating shuttle. The hammers strike the paper
through a moving ink ribbon.
Unlike serial dot matrix printers, which form whole characters one at a time
with a moving printhead, the printer divides every printable line into
horizontal dot rows. The printer then prints a dot row of the entire line with
every lateral sweep of the shuttle.
Dot Column
Dot Row
Character Row
Character Column
Matrix visible only to
the printer
Ink dots formed by
hammer tips.
Figure 1–2. Dot Matrix Character Formation

1–10
During each sweep of the shuttle, the hammers print dots at the required
positions in the dot row. When the shuttle reaches the end of a sweep, it
reverses direction, the paper is advanced one dot row, and the hammers print
the next row of dots as the shuttle sweeps in the opposite direction. (See
Figure 1–3.)
After a line of characters is printed, hammer action stops while the paper is
advanced to the first dot row of the next print line. The number of rows
allowed for line separation depends on the line spacing you select.
Dot
Row Start
Paper
Feed
Number of rows is determined by line spacing.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
n
1
2
*
**
This row is used only for lowercase descenders.
This row is used for underlining and lowercase descenders.
*
**
One
Text
Line
Direction of Shuttle Movement
Direction
Figure 1–3. Dot Matrix Line Printing