Printronix P9212 User manual

P9212 Line Matrix Printer
Setup Guide
R

P9212 Line Matrix Printer
Setup Guide
R
P/N 134621–001, Rev C

US and CANADA Radio Interference Note
Note: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in order to meet FCC emission limits.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by using other than
recommended cables and connectors or by unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment.
Unauthorized changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The input/output (I/O) cable must be shielded for the printer to comply with FCC rules and regulations Part
15 governing the radiation limits for Class “A”equipment.
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference–Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Printronix, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not
limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Printronix, Inc. shall not
be held responsible for errors contained herein or any omissions from this material or for any damages,
whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, in connection with the furnishing, distribution,
performance or use of this material. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be
reproduced, copied, translated or incorporated in any other material in any form or by any means, whether
manual, graphic, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Printronix, Inc.
All rights reserved. Revision C. February
, 1996.
Trademark Acknowledgements
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
IGP is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.
RibbonMinder is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.
Printronix is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.
QMS is a registered trademark of QMS, Inc.
Code V is a trademark of QMS, Inc.

17500 Cartwright Road, P.O. Box 19559
Irvine, California 92713
Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
Technical Support (714) 221–2686
COPYRIGHT 1993, 1995, 1996, PRINTRONIX, INC.

iTable of Contents
Table of Contents
1Introduction
About This Setup Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys and Display Messages 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The P9212 Line Matrix Printer 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Features 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Computer Interface 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Command and Control 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Output Control 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics and Vertical Formatting 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Built-in Diagnostic Tools 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Features 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols and Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Setting Up the Printer
Before You Begin 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select a Site 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Shipping Restraints 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release the Paper Chains 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect the Interface Cable and Power Cord 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load the Paper 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set the Top of Form 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install the Ribbon 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test the Printer 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii Table of Contents
3Configuring the Printer
Overview 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating States 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Configurations 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the ENTER Key 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking the ENTER Key 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving Parameters 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Factory Default Configuration Values 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing the Current Configuration 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Configuration Values 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving Your New Configuration 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Predefined Configurations 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Customized Configurations 3–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting the Printer to Default or Saved Parameters 3–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration Menu Diagrams 3–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Life Menu Options 3–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Ribbon 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Job Rate 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analyze Job 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Ribbon Size 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Worn Action 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enable/Disable 3–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Font Menu Options 3–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set Menu Options 3–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application Compatibility Menu Options 3–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Protocol 3–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Size 3–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uppercase Select 3–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Select 3–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Advance SW (Switch) 3–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power On State 3–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm On Fault 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Timeout 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iiiTable of Contents
Unidirectional 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select SFCC 3–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
80–9F Hex 3–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Code 06 3–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Code 08 3–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overstrike 3–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compress Print 3–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draft Print 3–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Font Select/Elongated 3–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
View 3–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Language 3–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Format Menu Options 3–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line Spacing 3–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form Length Set 3–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Line Feed 3–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define CR (Carriage Return) Code 3–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Define LF (Line Feed) Code 3–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VFU (Vertical Format Unit) Select 3–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VFU (Vertical Format Unit) Table 3–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Perforation Skip 3–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Out 3–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paperout Adjust 3–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PMD (Paper Motion Detection) Fault 3–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slew Relative 3–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Width 3–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Interface Menu Options 3–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Menu Options 3–51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Bit 8 3–52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PI (Paper Instruction) Line 3–52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Polarity 3–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Response Polarity 3–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fast Busy 3–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strobe Polarity 3–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latch Data On 3–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv Table of Contents
Dataproducts Menu Options 3–55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Bit 8 3–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PI (Paper Instruction) Line 3–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Polarity 3–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Response Polarity 3–57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Strobe Polarity 3–57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latch Data On 3–57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial RS-232 Menu Options 3–58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Protocol 3–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Rate 3–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Word Length 3–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop Bit 3–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parity 3–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bit 8 Function 3–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Term Ready 3–61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Request to Send 3–61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse Channel 3–62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Parameters Menu Options 3–63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Saved Parameters (1, 2, 3, or 4) 3–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load IGP Parameters 3–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load IBM 3287 Parameters 3–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load IBM 5225 Parameters 3–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Factory Parameters 3–65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save Parameters Menu Options 3–66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostics Menu Options 3–67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vTable of Contents
4Printer Interfaces
Overview 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface Signals 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dataproducts Parallel Interface Configuration 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Parallel Interface 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Parallel Interface Signals 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Centronics Parallel Interface Configuration 4–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Terminating Resistors 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal and Installation 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Serial Interface 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Serial Interface Signals 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Serial Interface Protocols 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Serial Interface Error Handling 4–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RS-232 Serial Interface Configuration 4–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Routine Service and Diagnostics
Overview 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Requirements 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Outside the Cabinet 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Inside the Cabinet 5–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Tests 5–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuration Printout 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Data Stream in Hex Code 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Test 8 Inch Width 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Test Full Width 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Statistics 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running the Diagnostic Tests 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Hex Code 5–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Messages 5–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi Table of Contents
6RibbonMinder
Overview 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running a Job 6–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring the RibbonMinder 6–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up a New Ribbon 6–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Ribbon Size 6–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling and Disabling RibbonMinder 6–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Worn Action 6–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analyzing Jobs 6–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Analyze Job Mode 6–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analyzing Jobs Quickly 6–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Job Rate 6–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RibbonMinder Host Data Stream Commands 6–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set Job Rate 6–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Worn Action 6–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enable/Disable 6–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices
A Printer Specifications
B A Quick Look at Line Matrix Printing
C ASCII Character Set
D Predefined Configuration Values
Glossary
Index

1–1
Introduction
1Introduction
Chapter Contents
About This Setup Guide 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys and Display Messages 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The P9212 Line Matrix Printer 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Features 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Host Computer Interface 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Command and Control 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Output Control 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics and Vertical Formatting 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Built-in Diagnostic Tools 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Features 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols and Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocols 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emulations 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–2Introduction
About This Setup Guide
This Setup Guide is designed so you can quickly install and configure your
P9212 printer.
How to Locate Information
•Use the Table of Contents at the front of this guide.
•Use the Chapter Contents listed on the first page of each chapter.
•Use the Glossary to learn the printer terms and acronyms in this Setup
Guide. The Glossary is located just before the Index at the back of this
guide.
•Use the alphabetical Index at the back of this guide.
Warnings and Special Information
For your safety and to protect valuable equipment, it is very important that
you 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 and helpful tips about printer operation.

1–3
Introduction
Keys and Display Messages
Keys and indicators that are labeled on the printer are printed in uppercase.
Example: Press the ON LINE key.
Messages that appear on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) are enclosed in
quotation marks and printed with initial capital letters.
Example: The message “Save Config”appears on the display.
Related Documents
For more information about your printer, refer to the following documents:
•P9212 Line Matrix Printer Operator’s Guide. Includes step-by-step
instructions on daily printer operations.
•Impact Printers Programmer’s Reference Manual. Describes printer
codes and character sets for various printer emulation modes. This
manual will assist users who wish to create and send custom data streams
to the printer.

1–4Introduction
The P9212 Line Matrix Printer
The P9212 printer incorporates the latest refinements in line matrix printing
technology, yet is very easy to use. The LCD and Light Emitting Diodes
(LED) status indicators on the control panel communicate with you directly
and clearly. You can select every function on your printer at the control panel
or by sending commands from the host computer. The print mechanism is
housed in an insulated floor cabinet that makes this printer one of the quietest
impact printers in the world.
Figure 1–1. The P9212 Line Matrix Printer

1–5
Introduction
Standard Features
General
•Quiet operation
•Print speeds of up to 1200 lines per minute (lpm)
Host Computer Interface
•Dataproducts-compatible parallel interface
•Centronics-compatible parallel interface
•RS-232 serial interface
Printer Command and Control
•Three printer emulations are selectable at the control panel and
controlled by software:
1) Printronix P-Series emulation
2) Printronix P-Series XQ emulation
3) Serial Matrix printer emulation (similar to the IBM Graphic
Printer, but with more features)
•All emulation software, fonts, and character sets are permanently stored
in printer Read–Only Memory (ROM).
Output Control
•Five modes for printing text:
1) Near-Letter Quality (NLQ)
2) Data Processing (DP)
3) High Speed (HS), with a choice of three vertical densities
4) Optical Character Recognition Font A (OCR-A)
5) Optical Character Recognition Font B (OCR-B)
•Selectable alternate horizontal and vertical dot densities enable you to
tailor output to a wider variety of printing requirements.
•Selectable forms length

1–6Introduction
•Character attribute specification:
1) Selectable pitch: normal, expanded, and compressed
2) Emphasized (“shadow”) printing
3) Double strike (bold) printing
4) Automatic underlining
5) Superscript and subscript printing
6) Double high printing
•Resident multinational character sets
•Downloadable character sets and international languages. You can add
international languages to the font library and access them in both
P-Series and Serial Matrix emulations.
•RibbonMinder, a ribbon ink–life indicator
Graphics and Vertical Formatting
Several graphics and vertical formatting features are available:
•Two built-in graphics generators:
1) P-Series odd-even dot Plot Mode
2) Bit-image graphics (serial matrix printer emulation)
•Programmable electronic vertical formatting provides rapid vertical
paper movement to specified lines for printing repetitive and continuous
forms. You can choose from a variety of methods:
1) EVFU: Printronix Electronic Vertical Format Unit
2) DAVFU: Dataproducts-compatible Direct Access Vertical Format
Unit
3) NVFU: Printronix New direct access Vertical Format Unit
4) CVFU: Centronics-compatible direct access Vertical Format Unit
5) Vertical tabbing in Serial Matrix emulation mode
Built-in Diagnostic Tools
Several diagnostic tools are provided with the printer:
•Comprehensive series of diagnostic self-tests permanently stored in ROM
•Configuration printout
•Test pattern printout
•Data stream hex code printout

1–7
Introduction
Optional Features
We offer a variety of options that enable you to fine-tune your printer to
nearly any printing application:
•Intelligent Graphics Processor (IGP–200 and IGP–210). The IGP
processes and plots all graphics, freeing the host computer for other
tasks. You can create forms, bar codes, logos, expanded characters, and
other graphics. You can print sideways or upside down. You can print
forms with graphic components overlayed with alphanumeric and bar
code data, all in a single pass.
•Coaxial/Twinaxial option: Allows the printer to emulate IBM 3287,
5225, and 4234 printers.
For more information, contact your sales representative.

1–8Introduction
Protocols and Emulations
Protocols
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 the its host computer must use the same protocol.
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 principal difference between most printer protocols is in the characters
used to create control codes and the ways in which these characters are
formatted.
You can select the protocol at the control panel. The printer stores three
protocols in ROM:
•Printronix P-Series
•Serial Matrix
•P-Series XQ
Emulations
When the printer executes the character and control codes of another printer
protocol, we say that it emulates that printer. If the printer uses the P-Series
protocol, for example, it is emulating a Printronix P-Series printer.
As used in this manual, protocol and emulation mean the same thing. If the
printer is using the Serial Matrix printer protocol, for example, we can also
say it is in Serial Matrix emulation mode.
For additional information, refer to the Impact Printers Programmer’s
Reference Manual.

2–1Setting Up the Printer
2Setting Up the Printer
Chapter Contents
Before You Begin 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select a Site 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove the Shipping Restraints 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release the Paper Chains 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect the Interface Cable and Power Cord 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load the Paper 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set the Top of Form 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install the Ribbon 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test the Printer 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–2 Setting Up the Printer
Before You Begin
Read this chapter carefully before installing and operating the printer.
The printer is easy to install, but for your safety and to protect valuable
equipment, perform all the procedures in this chapter in the order presented.
Select a Site
Select a printer site that meets the following requirements:
•Has a power outlet that supplies either 50 or 60 Hz power, with a voltage
range of either 100 to 120 VAC or 200 to 240 VAC. The printer
automatically senses the power line voltage and adjusts itself to conform
to the correct voltage range.
Primary circuit protection is built-in; the power switch is also a circuit
breaker.
IMPORTANT
It is recommended that printer power be supplied from a separate AC
circuit protected at 20 amperes for 120 volts or 10 amperes for 230 volts
at 50 or 60 Hertz.
•Permits complete opening of the printer cover and both doors of the floor
cabinet.
•Allows at least three feet of clearance behind the printer. (This permits
air to circulate freely around the printer and provides access to the paper
stacking area.)
•Is relatively dust-free.
•Has a temperature range of 10°Cto40°C (50°F to 104°F) and a
relative humidity from 10% to 90% (non–condensing).