Star Micronics LC24-20 User manual

USERS MANUAL
LC 24 -20MULTI-FONT
DOT MATRIX PRINTER
ZBA 80825525

Self Declaration
Radiointerferenceregardingthisequipmenthasbeeneliminatedaccordingto Vfg 1046/1984announced
by the DBP.
DBP has been informed of the introduction of this special equipment and has been granted the right to
examine the whole series.
It is the user’s responsibility to see that his own assembled system is in accordance with the technical
regulations under Vfg 1046/1984.
To conformto FTZ-regulations it is necessarytomake allconnectionstothe printer with shieldedcable.
The equipment may only be opened by qualified service representatives
The above statement applies only toprinters marketedin Germany
Trademark Acknowledgements
LC24-20, LC24-200, LC24-10, SF-1ODS, PT-1OZS, RC-32Z, DC-322, SPC-8K:Star Micronics
CO., Ltd.
IBM-PC, PS/2, PC-AT, Proprinter X24E, Proprinter 24P, PS/1 printer, PC-DOS: International
Business Machines Corp.
MS-DOS, Microsoft BASIC: Microsoft Corporation
LQ-860, LQ-850: Seiko Epron Corp.
NOTfCE
QAll rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever without
STAR’s express permission is forbidden.
●The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
●Alleffortshavebeenmadetoensurethe accuracyofthecontentscrfthismanualatthetimeofpress.
However,shouldanyerrors bedetected, STAR wouldgreatly appreciatebeinginformedofthem.
●The above notwithstanding, STAR can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual.
OCopyright 1991Star Micronics Co., Ltd.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Thismanual isorganized intoeleven chapters. To learnhow tomakethebest
use of your printer you are urged to read through chapters 1through 6.
Chapters 7through 11maybe treated as areference guidefor programming
operations, etc. It assumes adegree of knowledge of the operation of
computers. The chapters are as follows:
Chapter 1— Introduction
This chapter indicates the primary features of your printer, the names and
functionsof the printer components, and an actualexample of the many font
styles that your printer can produce.
Chapter 2—Setting Up the Printer
This chapter explains how to get the printer unpacked and set up. Read this
chapter before you do anything else.
Chapter 3—Paper Installation and Use
This chapter describes the instructions for printing such as selecting paper
types, adjusting the printing gap, and installing paper.
Chapter 4—Control Panel Operations
There are anumber of controls on the front panel which perform various
functions related to paper handling, print modes and font selection.
After performing the setup of the printer, read this chapter and try out the
procedures to find out how the printer works.
Chapter 5—Default Settings -EDS mode
This chapter explains how to setthe Electronic DIP Switch (EDS) mode to
make your printer match your system and software needs.

Chapter 6—Troubleshooting
This section shows alist of check points to follow if your printer is not
working properly. It also includes details of some routine maintenance
operations you can perform yourself. It isnot, however, acomplete service
manual. Call your authorized service center ifyou are unsureof your ability
to carry out any maintenance or servicing operations on the printer.
Chapter 7—Optional Accessories
This chapter explains the optional accessories that are available for your
printer, and how to install and use them.
Chapter 8—Printer Control Commands
This chapter explains thedifferent emulations provided by your printer,and
the software commands that are used to drive it.This section is of use ifyou
arewriting ormodifyingprogramstotakeadvantageoftheprinter’sfeatures.
Chapter 9—Download Characters
This chapter explains the procedures to create your own characters.
Chapter 10— MS-DOS and Your Printer
Since the PS/2 or PC-AT family of computers running under MS-DOS is
currently the most popular configuration of microcomputer, we have in-
cluded afew hints and tips to help you use your printer with such systems.
Sincevirtuallyall PCs are sold with aMicrosoft BASIC interpreter, wehave
also included some hints, and asample program in this language to demon-
strate the capabilities of the printer.
Chapter 11— Reference
This section provides references for your printer, such as specifications,the
pinout of interface connector, and the character tables.
The character table charts give the different character sets available.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1INTRODUCTION
Printercomponents
Summaryofprinterfeatures
Fontstyleexample
Chapter 2SETTING UP THE PRINTER
Printerplacement
Unpackingandinspection
Settingup
Installingtheplatenknob
Removingthefrontcover
Installingtheribboncartridge
Installingthefrontcover
Installingthepaperguide
Installingthemutecover
Connectingtheinterfacecable
Configuringyoursoftwarefortheprinter
Chapter 3PAPER INSTALLATION AND USE
Selectionofpaper
Adjustingtheprintinggap
Loadingfanfoldforms
Loadingthepaper
Paperparking
Paperunparking
Tearofffunction
Loadingsinglesheets
Chapter 4CONTROL PANEL OPERATIONS
Buttonandindicatorfunctions
ONLINE
PAPERFEED
EJECT/PARK
PITCH
FONT
Power-upfunctions
Shorttestmode
Longtestmode
Printareatestmode
1
2
4
6
9
9
10
12
12
13
14
15
16
16
17
18
19
19
21
22
23
26
27
27
28
31
31
32
32
33
33
34
35
35
36
37

Pitch lock mode
Font lock mode
Font and Pitch lock mode
Dot adjustment mode
Hexadecimal dump
Switch combination functions
Form feed
Top of form
Forward micro-feed
Reverse micro-feed
Changing the auto loading position
Clearing the buffer/All reset
Save macro definition
Condition indicated by messages and tones
Summary of display messages
Summary of beep tones
Chapter 5DEFAULT SETTINGS-EDS MODE
How to set the EDS mode
Functions of the EDS settings
Chapter 6TROUBLESHOOTING
Chapter 7OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Automatic Sheet Feeder
Setting up
Loading paper
Feeding asingle sheet
Pull Tractor Unit
Setting up
Loading paper
Font Cartridges and RAM Cartridges
Interface Converter
DIP switch functions on the Converter
Chapter 8PRINTER CONTROL COMMANDS
Font control commands
Character set commands
Character size and pitch commands
Vertical position commands
37
37
37
38
40
41
41
41
42
42
42
43
43
45
45
47
49
49
50
57
65
65
66
68
70
71
71
73
75
78
79
81
82
87
90
96

Vertical position commands
Horizontal position commands
Graphics commands
Download character commands
Other printer commands
Chapter 9DOWNLOAD CHARACTERS
Defining your own characters with Standard mode
Assigning the character data
Assigning avalue of character space
Sample program
Defining your own characters with IBM mode
Assigning the download character set
Assigning the character dot pattern
Assigning the Index Table data
Sample program
Chapter 10 MS-DOS AND YOUR PRINTER
Programming the printer with DOS commands
Programming with BASIC
Chapter 11 REFERENCE
Specifications
Pinout of interface connector
Parallel interface
Serial interface
Character sets
Standard character set #2
International character sets
IBM character set #2
Character set #1
IBM special character set
Proportional spacing table
96
104
109
113
117
121
121
122
123
124
126
126
127
129
130
133
133
136
143
143
147
147
148
149
150
152
153
160
161
162
INDEX 173
COMMAND SUMMARY 177

I
chapter 1INTRODUCTION
Thisprinterhas afullcomplement of features, making itan excellent partner
for apersonal computer. It supports the EpsonlIBM printer commands and
character sets, enabling it to print just about anything your computer can
generate, both text and graphics.
The selectionof paper you can use isasvaried as thetypes ofdocuments you
can produce. This printer accepts any of the following papers:
●Single sheets (cut forms) and stationery
sFanfold forms (continuous forms)
●Multi-part forms
●Preprinted forms
●Labels.
This Multi-fontprinterhas the following resident (internal) fonts which you
can print:
●Draft ●High-Speed Draft ●Roman
●Sanserif ●Courier ●Prestige
●Script
In addition, you can print wide variation of fonts by using optional Font
Cartridges.
The control panel has five buttonsand one LCD display. The LCD displays
and beep tones provide immediate, easy to understand feedback when you
press the buttons on the control panel.
The fivebuttonscan operate incombinations to perform asurprisingvariety
of functions, including saving amacro.
The Paper Parking function enables you to keep fanfold forms parked in
readiness while printing on single sheet paper.
To getacquainted withtheprinter’scomponentsandcapabilities,refertothe
information on the pages that follow.

Entry,slot
PRINTER COMPONENTS
Power
ver
[ridge
I‘\ .“’
... +,.
-—___
slot
Pr’inthead /
Control panel \Interface connector
2

Component
Paper guide
Release lever
Front cover
Mute cover
Rear cover
Entry slot
Control panel
Power switch
Platen knob
Interface connector
Cartridge slot
Print head
Ribbon cartridge
Adjustment lever
Tractors
Clamp lever
Bail lever
Description
Alignssinglesheets(cutforms) tohelptheprinter
detect when paper is inserted.
Releasespressureonthepaper.Thislevermustbe
back for cut-sheet forms (~), and forward for
fanfold forms (~).
Protects the print head and other internalcompo-
nents of your printer.
Reduces the printing noise.
Protectsthetractorfeed unitand separates incom-
ing and outgoing fanfold forms.
For inserting single sheets of paper.
Indicatesprinterstatusand makes variouscontrol
of printer functions simple and convenient.
Switches power on or off.
Advances the paper manually.
Connects the computer to the printer.
Holds the optional Font cartridge or RAM car-
tridge.
Has”ahigh resolution dot matrix (24-wire) com-
position for outstanding print quality.
Contains the printer ribbon.
Controlsprintdarkness by adjustingforthethick-
ness of forms being printed.
Control the movement of fanfold forms.
Clamps the tractor in place.
Opens and closes the paper bail which holds the
paper against the platen.
Thisleverisalsousedto loadpaperandtoperform
the short tear off function.
3

SUMMARY OF PRINTER FEATURES
Feature
Dot matrix (24-wire)
impact printing
Extensive software
support
AEC mode
Multi-font support
Carriage size
Multi-speed printing
Function
High-Speed Draft, DraftandLetter-Quality print-
ing.
Itiscompatible withtheEpson andIBM standard,
and works with any software that supports those
printers.
Auto Emulation Change (AEC) mode isprovided
toselecttheproperemulation modeautomatically
sent from your program.
This printer includes HS-Draft, Draft, Roman,
Sanserif, Courier, Prestige, and Script fonts.
In addition, you can print wide variation of fonts
by using optional Font Cartridges.
Astandardcarriagethatprintsonfanfoldformsup
to 254 mm (10 inches) wide and cut forms up to
279.4 mm (11 inches) wide.
In High-Speed Draft mode, prints at speed up to:
●210 CPS (Characters per second) in 10pitch
(CPI).
In Draft mode, prints at speeds up to:
●240 CPS in 15pitch
●192CPS in 12pitch
●160CPS,in 10pitch
In Letter-Quality mode, prints at speeds up to:
●80 CPS in 15pitch
●64 CPS in 12pitch
●53 CPS in 10pitch.
4

Feature
Character spacing
LCD Control panel
Font/Pitch Lock
Quiet mode
Graphics printing
Paper parking
Print styles
Tear off function
Multi-part forms
Ribbon cartridge
EDS mode
Function
Prints in 10, 12, 15, 17,20, and 24 CPI, as well as
proportional spacing.
Button control for fonts, pitches, paper move-
ment, and paper park functions. LCD messages
indicate current status.
Ignores font and pitch selections sent from your
computer, and stayson the selected font and pitch
with the control panel.
Reduces printing noise by approximately 50%.
However, printing speed is also reduced.
Standard graphics printing with resolution of up
to 360 x360 dots per square inch.
It also supports the NEC graphics commands.
Parks fanfold paper. You can print on cut sheet
paper without unloading the fanfold forms.
Highlighting capability with the following em-
phasis styles:
●Double-high ●Double-strike ●Double-wide
●Emphasized ●Italics ●Outline
●(Werlining ●Quadruple-high●Quadruple-wide
●Shadow ●Subscript ●Superscript
●Underlining.
Fanfold forms can be tom off without advancing
blank forms.
Prints up to three-part forms.
Contains the printer ribbon.
Electronic DIP Switch (EDS) modeallowsyouto
easily change the default settings of your printer
to match your system and software needs.
5

I
FONT STYLE EXAMPLE
The following example shows the many font styles your printer can print.
RESIDENT: HS-Draf tI,,,):..:;.,.:,/,!::,;::,;;.;::.:[
!“”’’1!..:;1:,:1.:11.”.,:.1!.:1(:1:‘t!,
Fc- 1z:
FC-2Z :
FC-3Z :
FC-5Z :
FC- 10Z :
FC- 11 Z:
FC-12Z :
Draft ‘];:3,.q,::j;:,:/~(;! Af~(::i.)t: <)bcde
Roman 12345678S’ ABCDE abcde
Sans erif123456789 ABCDE abcde
Cour ier123456789 ABCDE abcde
Pres t i ge 123456789 ABCDE abcde
Scrip t123456789 A13CDE abc.de
Orator 123456789 ABCDE ABCDE
Orator-2 123456789 ABCDE abcde
Letter Gothic 123456789 ABCDE abcde
Blippo 123456789 flBCDE abcde
Cinema 12345(5789 ACCC)Edt)~(lt?
OCR-B 123456789 ABCDE abcde
OCR-A 1Z395L787 ABCDE abcde
CODE 39 11111111111111111111111111111111
11111111111111111
lllllll
UPC/EAN ,123456789 12345 11111 11[11
TW-Light 1234S6’?8S ABCi3E abcde
H–Gothic 123456789 ABCDE abcde
Orane 123456789 ABCDE abcde
Old Style 1234567/39 A?IUJ13E QITciYe
Firenze 123456?89 /%13Ci3Ecikmclc. —
SLQ Script 123456769 AHCDE abcxk
SLQ Roman 123456789 ABCDE abcde
SLQ TW-Light 123456789 ABCDE a“bede
6

Res ident LQ fonts are :
Roman characters ,Sanserif characters,
Courier characters, Pr.es ~igechara c tcrs ,
SCx.LPX. ch.a,qac...teti.
Print pi t ches are :
Pica pi tch (10 C~PI),Elite pitch (12 CPI) ,
Semi-condensed Pitch (1‘5CPI),Cond:nsedpica pitch ([7 CPI),
Lmdmsd:1ite pitch(20CPI),
Normal proportional, Condensedproportional.
Quad-s izMI.
Various 1ine and character spa cings :
Othe rfeat ur es :
txrmumm,mwcmm,mmwm wurMs~,
Emphasized, Doubl e-strike, 1fs 1ics,
Under 1ini n=, ~, UVE-i-l--lfi1ng ,
,—.—.
... -—..——.——.——
suP E R s c R1PTarid su B S c RIPT~
Down 1oad characters :rrrr‘aaastt rs *s
Dot graphics :
7

MEMO

chapter2 SETTING UP THE PRINTER
This chapter describes the following procedures to set up your new printer.
Printer placement
Unpacking the carton box
Mounting the platen knob
Installing the ribbon cartridge
Configure your software for the printer
Ifyouhaveoptional accessories, refer to Chapter 7after setting uptheprinter.
.
.
.
●
.
PRINTER PLACEMENT
Before you start setting upyour printer, make sure that you have asuitable
place on which to locate it. By “a suitable place”, we mean:
.
.
●
.
.
.
.
.
Afirm, level surfacewhich is fairly vibration-free
Away from excessive heat (such as direct sunlight, heaters, etc)
Away from excessive humidity
Away from excessive dust
Asteady power supply that is not subject to power surges should be
connected totheprinter. Forexample, do notconnect itto the samecircuit
as alarge, noise-producing appliance such as arefrigerator or an air
conditioner.
Make sure the line voltage is the voltage specified on the printer’s
identification plate.
Installtheprinter where there issufficientroomfor thefanfold paper stack
and any paper being fed in or printed out.
If you areconnecting yourprinter with aparallel interface, make surethat
thecable iswithin 2m(6ft)ofthe printer. An RS-232 connection usingthe
optional SPC-8K interface converter can be made over longer distances.
—9

I
UNPACKINGAND INSPECTION
Nowcheck each iteminthebox againstFigure2-1tomakesurethatyouhave
everything (there should be six items).
If any of these items are missing, contact your supplier.
FigureZ-l. Checktomakesureyouhaveallsixitems:1)Printer,2)Platenknob, 3) HlbbOn cartnage, 4j raper
guide, 5) Mute cover, and 6) User’s manual.
10

Film ribbon cartridge (FZ24)
Font cartridges (FC series)
RAM cartridge (RC-32Z, DC-32Z)
Serial-Parallel converter (SPC-8K)
Automatic sheet feeder (SF-10DS)
Pull tractor unit (PT-1OZS)
The optional accessories which you may have ordered with your printer are:
●
.
.
.
.
●
For details of the optional accessories, refer to Chapter 7.
11

I
SETTING UP
Place the printer in the desired location. and remove all packing material
from theprinteras shown in Figure 2-2.This packing material isintendedto
prevent damage to the printer while in transit.
Youwillwant10keep all the packing material. along with the printer carton,
in case you have to move the printer to anew location.
Figure 2-2. Remove the packing material from the printer.
Installing the platen knob
The platen knob is packed into an accessory box with other accessories.
Align theknob on the platen shaft. which islocatedon therig~t-handsideof
the printer. Rotate the knob on the shaft before pushing the knob fully into
position.
P~atenknob
Figure 2-3. Installingthe platenknob