Printronix P9212 User manual

P9212 Line Matrix Printer
Maintenance Manual
R

P9212 Line Matrix Printer
Maintenance Manual
R
P/N 134630–001, Rev B

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 B. January 1996.
Trademark Acknowledgements
IPDS is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

17500 Cartwright Road, P.O. Box 19559
Irvine, California 92713
Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
Technical Support (714) 221–2686
COPYRIGHT 1993, 1996, PRINTRONIX, INC.

i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1Overview
About This Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Use This Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Conventions in this Manual 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and Indicators 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Controls and Indicators 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mechanical Controls 1–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools, Test Equipment, and Supplies 1–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Principles of Operation
Line Matrix Printing 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Hammer Bank 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Generation 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Operation 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P9212 Architectures 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P9212 (CCB, Triple I/O) 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P9212–CT 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P9212 LMI (Quad I/O) 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P9212 CTHI 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Elements of the Printer 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Control Panel 2–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controller Boards 2–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controller Communication with the Host and Operator 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Panel 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic UART (LMI models) 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floppy Disk Controller Module (LMI models) 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing 2–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii Table of Contents
Hammer Driver Interface Functions 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mechanical Interface Functions 2–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Monitoring 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Bank and Hammer Driver Faults 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Faults 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon and Shuttle Faults 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CCB Hardware Summary 2–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communicating With the Host Computer 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communicating With the Operator 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing 2–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Monitoring 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LMI Hardware Summary 2–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communicating With the Host Computer 2–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communicating With the Operator 2–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing 2–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Monitoring 2–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mechanism Driver Board 2–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Drive System 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Velocity 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Tension 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start / Stop Ribbon 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Shuttle Drive System 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Feed System 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reverse Paper Feed System 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Driver Board 2–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Driver Logic and Control 2–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Filtering 2–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Bank Cooling 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply 2–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AC Power 2–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC Power 2–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Mechanisms 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Bank, Shuttle, and MPU 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii
Table of Contents
Ribbon Deck 2–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Feed Control 2–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Printer 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Troubleshooting
Introduction 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fault Messages 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48V Power Fail 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48 Volt Failed * 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CCB to Mech Err. 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DCU RAM 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disk Read Error 4–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disk Write Error 4–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic RAM Fault 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Font PROM 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ham. Bank Hot 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ham. Coil Open * 4–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ham. Coil Short * 4–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ham. Drv. Short * 4–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hmr Coil Too Hot 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hmr Driver Short 4–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal Error 4–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mech Driver Hot * 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mech Driver Link * 4–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NVRAM 4–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Line / Line Check Par. 4–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Line / Line Check Par. 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Jam 4–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Out 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv Table of Contents
Platen Open 4–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Stall 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Fan * 4–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Jam 4–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software Error * 4–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Symptoms Not Indicated by Fault Messages 4–28. . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Aids 4–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Confidence Check 4–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CCB Diagnostic Check 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CTPC Diagnostic Check 4–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Self–Tests 4–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hex Code Printout 4–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASCII Character Set 4–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearing Nonvolatile Memory (NVRAM) 4–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Adjustments
Hammer Bank Service Position 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Spring Retensioning 5–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Tip Alignment 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Pickup Gap 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Pickup Phasing Adjustment 5–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Feed Belt Tension 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Platen Gap 5–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Tracking Check and Adjustment 5–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Shuttle and Counterweight Preload 5–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle and Counterweight Spring Adjustment 5–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Belt Tension 5–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
Table of Contents
6Replacement Procedures and Parts
Replacement Procedures
Blower Assembly 6–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cabinet Cooling Fan 6–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Card Cage Fan 6–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Panel 6–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Counterweight Assembly 6–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Shuttle) Cam and Flywheel 6–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas Shock 6–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Bank 6–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Cover Assembly 6–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Spring and Hammer Coil 6–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I/O Panel and Cable Assembly 6–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnetic Pickup Assembly (MPU) 6–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Wick 6–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Feed Motor and Belt 6–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paper Motion/Out Detector 6–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Platen Open Motor and Belt 6–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Platen Open Switch 6–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) 6–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply 6–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Hub 6–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Motor 6–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Motor 6–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Motor Belt 6–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tractor Assemblies 6–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illustrated Parts Lists
Printer Assembly 6–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print Mechanism 6–40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon Deck 6–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tractor Shafts 6–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi Table of Contents
Motors and Switches 6–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Bank Assembly 6–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hammer Springs and Coils 6–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Counterweight Assembly 6–52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shuttle Cam and Flywheel 6–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Card Cage and Control Panel (CCB) 6–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Card Cage and Control Panel (LMI) 6–58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blower Assembly 6–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply and I/O Assemblies 6–62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Appendices
A Wire Data
B Signal Mnemonics and Acronyms
C PROM and Chip Locations
D Torque Table
E Metric Conversion Tables
F Printer Specifications

1–1
Overview
1Overview
Chapter Contents
About This Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Use This Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Conventions in this Manual 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Controls and Indicators 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard Electrical Controls 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coax Electrical Controls 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twinax Electrical Controls 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IPDS Electrical Controls 1–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mechanical Controls 1–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools, Test Equipment, and Supplies 1–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–2Overview
About This Manual
This is a field service maintenance manual for the P9212 line matrix printer.
This manual is designed so that you can quickly locate maintenance
information.
How to Use This Manual
You can locate information three ways:
♦Use the Table of Contents at the front of the manual.
♦Use the Chapter Contents listed at the front each chapter.
♦Use the Index at the back of the manual.
When following a maintenance procedure, read the entire procedure before
beginning the task. Gather all required tools and make sure you understand
all warnings and special information before you begin working on the printer.
(See below.)
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. Special heading are defined below:
WARNING
A warning tells you of conditions that can harm you and damage the
printer.
CAUTION
A caution tells you of conditions that can damage the printer.
IMPORTANT
Important draws your attention to information vital to proper operation
of the printer.
NOTE: A note gives you helpful tips about printer operation and
maintenance.

1–3
Overview
Related Documents
This manual does not explain how to operate or configure the printer. For
that information, refer to the Operator’s Guide and Setup Guide that
accompany each model.
Information pertaining to printer control languages, emulations, and codes is
in the Impact Printer Programmer’s Reference Manual.
Printing Conventions in This Manual
Switches, indicators, and switch positions that are labeled on the printer are
printed in uppercase letters.
Example: Press the CLEAR switch.
Messages that appear on the liquid crystal display (LCD) are printed in
quotation marks.
Example: Press the CLEAR switch. “Off–Line”appears on the LCD.

1–4Overview
Controls and Indicators
Standard Electrical Controls (Figure 1–1)
Switch or
ON LINE
LCD
NLQ
Function
Toggles the printer on–line and off–line.
Indicator
Status lamps
FF Advances paper to top of form on next page.
VIEW
See above.
Locks and unlocks ENTER switch when pressed with B
switch. Causes display of configuration menus,
submenus, and diagnostic tests.
CONFIG
ENTER
Displays previous parameter in a configuration or
diagnostic test menu.
On when the printer is on–line, off when printer is
off–line. Flash to indicate a fault or warning.
Toggles the printer font between NLQ–10 or DP–10.
Selects one of four predetermined printer configurations.
Enters displayed parameter into printer nonvolatile
memory. Must be unlocked before using.
Clears printer after a fault is corrected. Returns printer to
off–line state from within a configuration menu. Resets
printer to most recently saved configuration when
pressed simultaneously with ENTER switch.
Displays next parameter in a configuration or diagnostic
test menu.
Advances paper for viewing through cover window,
then returns paper to print position.
CLEAR
SET TOF Sets location of first line of print on a page.
Y
"
B
A
Turns printer on and off: up = on, down = off. This
switch is also a circuit breaker.
NOTE: ON LINE and VIEW are the only switches that operate when the printer
is on–line. The other switches operate only when the printer is off–line.
Power Switch
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays printer status
and error messages.
(UP)
(DOWN)
(PREV)
(NEXT)

1–5
Overview
Status LampsLiquid Crystal Display (LCD)
RAISE PRINTER
COVER TO USE
THESE SWITCHES
ON LINE FF CLEAR
ENTER
VIEW
SET
TOF
CONFIG
NLQ
Off
On
Printer Cover
UP
DOWN
NEXTPREV
Figure 1–1. Standard Electrical Controls

1–6Overview
Coax Electrical Controls (Figure 1–2)
Switch or
ENABLE/HOLD
LCD
Function
Toggles the printer between the enable and hold modes.
Indicator
Status lamps
FORM FEED
Press and release to move paper up for inspection. (Press ADJUST to continue.) In hold
mode, moves paper up in steps of 1/72 inch. In alternate and program modes, moves
“up”in and displays menus and submenus.
BUFRP
TEST/ENTER
Puts the printer in program mode. In program mode, selects the previous option in a menu.
On when the printer is on–line, off when printer is off–line. Flash to indicate a fault or
warning.
Advances paper one line at a time.
Prints the contents of the buffer. Press ALT, then PA1 to send Program Attention 1 (PA1)
message to the control unit.
TEST prints an 80–column sliding alphabet test pattern. In program mode, ENTER
confirms a selected configuration value as the active value.
Lit when the printer communicates with the host computer.
Activates control panel switches for alternate functions. In program mode, selects the next
option in a menu.
CU
SETUP Sets the logical print head to line one, column one. In hold mode, used with FORM FEED
to set top of form.
Turns printer on and off: up = on, down = off. This switch is also a circuit breaker.
Power Switch
INSPC
ADJUST
PGM
ALT
Lit when the printer operates in SCS mode.
SCS
Lit when alternate switch functions are active.
ALT
Lit when an error occurs.
CHECK
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays printer status messages.
CANCL Cancels a print job. Press ALT, then PA2 to send Program Attention 2 (PA2) message to
the control unit.
FUNC Locks and unlocks program mode.
A
Y
B
"
Returns paper to print position after using INSPC. In hold mode, moves paper down in
micro–steps of one dot row. In configuration mode, moves paper down in of 1/72 inch
steps. In program mode, moves “down”in menus and submenus.
INDEX
PA1
PA2
Enter numerical values when printer is in program mode. Numeric entries must total three
digits; use intial zero(s) if necessary.
0 –9
Numbered Switches
Advances paper to top of form on next page. Used with SETUP to set top of form.

1–7
Overview
Status LampsLiquid Crystal Display (LCD)
RAISE PRINTER
COVER TO USE
THESE SWITCHES
FORM FEED SETUP
FUNC
TEST
BUFRP
CANCL
Off
On
Printer Cover
4
ADJUST
ALTPGM
CU SCS ALT CHECK ENABLE/HOLD
INSPC
5
89INDEX
0123
6
7
ENTER
PA1
PA2
Figure 1–2. Coax Electrical Controls

1–8Overview
Twinax Electrical Controls (Figure 1–3)
Switch or
ENABLE/HOLD
LCD
Function
Toggles the printer between the enable and hold modes.
Indicator
Status lamps
FORM FEED
In hold mode, moves paper up in steps of 1/72 inch. In program mode, moves “up”in
and displays menus and submenus.
INSPC
TEST/ENTER
Puts the printer in program mode. In program mode, selects the previous option in a menu.
On when the printer is on–line, off when printer is off–line. Flash to indicate a fault or
warning.
Advances paper one line at a time.
Press INSPC to move paper up for inspection. Press again to return paper to print
position. Also used to check and adjust top of form.
TEST prints an 80–column sliding alphabet test pattern. In program mode, ENTER
confirms a selected configuration value as the active value.
Lit when there is activity on the twinax line.
In hold mode. press to print one line of data. In program mode, selects the next option in a
menu.
LINE SYNC
SETUP Sets the logical print head to line one, column one. In hold mode, used with FORM FEED
to set top of form.
Turns printer on and off: up = on, down = off. This switch is also a circuit breaker.
Power Switch
PGM
PRT 1
Lit when the printer communicates with the host computer.
SYS AVAIL
Lit when the buffer print option is turned on.
BUFFER PRINT
Lit when an error occurs.
ATTN
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays printer status messages.
CANCL Cancels a print job from either enable or hold mode.
FUNC Press simultaneously with PGM to unlock program mode; then press PGM to enter
configuration menu. Press simultaneously with CANCL to lock program mode.
A
Y
B
"
In hold mode, moves paper down in micro–steps of one dot row. In configuration mode,
moves paper down in of 1/72 inch steps. In program mode, moves “down”in menus and
submenus.
INDEX
ADJUST
Enter numerical values when printer is in program mode. Numeric entries must total three
digits; use intial zero(s) if necessary.
0 –9
Numbered Switches
Advances paper to top of form on next page. Also used with SETUP to set top of form.

1–9
Overview
Status LampsLiquid Crystal Display (LCD)
RAISE PRINTER
COVER TO USE
THESE SWITCHES
FORM FEED SETUP
FUNC
TEST
INSPC
Off
On
Printer Cover
4
PRT1PGM
ENABLE/HOLD
5
89INDEX
0123
6
7
ENTER
ADJUST
CANCL LINE
SYNC SYS
AVAIL BUFFER
PRINT ATTN
Figure 1–3. Twinax Electrical Controls

1–10 Overview
IPDS Electrical Controls (Figure 1–4)
Switch or
START/STOP
LCD
Function
Toggles the printer on–line and off–line.
Indicator
Status lamps
FF Advances paper to top of form on next page.
Moves paper up in micro–steps of one dot row. In configuration mode, moves “up”in
and displays menus, submenus, and diagnostic tests. Coax only: press with ALT to send
Program Attention 1 (PA1) signal to host.
EJECT
TEST/ENTR
Puts the printer in program mode. In program mode, selects the previous option in a menu.
On when the printer is on–line, off when printer is off–line. Flash to indicate a fault or
warning.
Advances paper one line at a time. Press with ALT to reverse one line.
Interrupts a print job and feeds paper up for inspection.
Starts and stops tests in diagnostic mode. In configuration mode, enters displayed
parameter into printer memory.
Lit when there is activity on the line to the host computer.
Prints one line of data. In program mode, selects the next option in a menu.
LINE SYNC
SET TOF Sets location of first line of print on a page.
Turns printer on and off: up = on, down = off. This switch is also a circuit breaker.
Power Switch
UP
DWN
PGM
PRT1
Lit when the printer communicates with host. Not used on coax printers.
SYS AVAIL
Lit when printer is receiving data or when data are in buffer.
JOB IN PROGRESS
Lit when a coax printer is on non–IPDS (SCS) mode.
CX/SCS
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays printer status messages.
CAN/BPRT Cancels a print job, an error message, and turns off audible alarm. Coax only: when
pressed with ALT, prints contents of buffer.
ALT Enables alternate functions of LF ↓, PR1, PA2, BPRT switches.
(PREV)
PA1
PA2
(NEXT)
LF ↑/LF ↓
Moves paper down in micro–steps of one dot row. In configuration mode, moves “down”
in and displays menus, submenus, and diagnostic tests. Coax only: press with ALT to
send Program Attention 2 (PA2) signal to host.