Star Micronics SB-10 User manual

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USER’S MANUAL
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Star Micronics

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CONTENTS
TABLE OF TABLES
INTRODUCTION
SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER
The Complete Printer Package
Placement of the Printer
How to Assemble the Printer
Features of the Printer
The Control Panel
Dual In-Line Package (DIP) Switches
How to Load Paper Into the Printer
Adjusting the Print Head Gap
How to Print the Self-Test
Connect the Interface Cable to Your Computer
L.
SECTION 2
WORD PROCESSING WITH THE PRINTER
An Introduction to ASCII Codes
Decimal Codes
Hexadecimal Codes
17
Escape and Control Codes
Word Processing for All Purposes
Providing Information to Your Word Processing Package

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SPREADSHEET
PACKAGE
Printing Commands and Parameters for
Three Popular Spreadsheets
VisiCalc
VisiCalc Setup Codes
The VisiCalc Print Command
SuperCalc
The SuperCalc Setup Codes
Lotus l-2-3
The Lotus Print Commands
The Lotus Options Menu
23
EXPLORING PRINT FEATURES 29 ---
The Letter-Quality (LQ) Mode
Double-Strike Printing
Emphasized Printing
Underlining Text
Proportional Printing
The Draft-Quality Mode
A Variety of Pitch Sizes
Pica Pitch
Elite Pitch
Condensed Pitch
Combining Print Features With the Macro Command
International Character Sets
SECTION 5
CREATlNG PAGE FORMATS 39 -
Setting the Left and Right Margins
Choosing the Page Length and Number of Lines Per Page
Setting the Top and Bottom Margins
Adjusting Line Spacing
Superscripts and Subscripts
Vertical Tabs
Horizontal Tabs -

PROGRAMMING IN BASIC
A Word About MBASIC
The Character String (CHR$)
Expanded Type
Emphasized and Double-Strike Printing
Underlined Printing
Superscripts and Subscripts
Line Spacing and Reverse Line Feed
47
BASIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
Preventive Maintenance
How to Clean the Printer
Replacing the Fuse
Replacing the Print Head
Checking the Printer for Correct Operation
53
APPENDIX A
FUNCTION CODE REFERENCE
Font Styles and Print Controls
Formatting Controls
67
APPENDIX B
INSTALLING THE PRlNTER INTO YOUR WORD PROCESSING
PACKAGE 95
The Installation Menu
Installing Special Features
APPENDIX C
THE ASCII CODE CONVERSION CHART 101
APPENDIX D
DUAL IN-LINE PACKAGE (DIP) SWITCHES
DIP Switch Settings and Their Functions
Selection of the International Character Set
109

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APPENDIX E
CHARACTER SETS OF THE PRINTER
Letter-Quality (LQ) Character Set
Draft-Quality (DQ) Character Set
International Character Set
Block Graphics Character Set
111
APPENDIX F
DESIGNING BIT-IMAGE GRAPHICS
Four Modes for Bit-Image Graphics
Printing 8-Bit Graphics
115
APPENDIX G
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 125 _
APPENDIX H
INTERFACES
The Parallel Interface
The Serial Interface
The IEEE-488 Interface
129
INDEX 137
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO
FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT 140 -
STAR MICRONICS WARRANTY 141
COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE 145

l-l. Slide positions for determining
the left margin
2-l.
2-2.
3-l.
3-2.
3-3.
4-1.
4-2.
4-3.
4-4.
4-5.
4-6.
4-7.
4-8.
4-9.
4-10
4-l 1
5-1.
5-2.
5-3.
5-4.
5-5.
5-6.
6-l.
A-l.
D-l.
D-2.
F-l.
Examples of decimal and hexadecimal codes
Examples of escape and control codes
The various draft-quality pitch sizes and
their VisiCalc setup codes
SuperCalc setup codes for the draft-quality
pitch sizes
Lotus l-2-3 setup codes for the draft mode
pitch sizes
The codes for double-strike printing
The codes for emphasized printing
The codes for underlining text
The codes for proportional spacing
Codes for the LQ and DQ modes
The codes used to activate pica printing
The codes used to activate elite printing
The codes to activate condensed printing
The codes for the macro instruction
DIP switch settings for the International
Character Sets
Codes used to activate the International
Character Sets
Setting the left and right margins
Setting the page length, number of lines
per page, and the top and bottom margins
Adjusting line spacing
Printing superscripts and subscripts
Setting and using vertical tabs
Setting and using horizontal tabs
Expanded print conversion chart
Options for the master print mode
DIP switch settings and their functions
Selection of the International Character Set
Setup codes for the printer’s
four graphics modes
F-2. Calculating the width of your graphic image
H-l. Parallel interface connector signals
H-2. Connector signals for the serial interface
H-3. Connector signals for the IEEE-488 interface
TABLE OF TABLES
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18
19
24
25
z
31
31
32
32
33
34
34
35
36
36
40
41
42
42
43
44
48
88
109
110
118
119
131
133
136

I

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations for choosing this printer, one of the finest avail-
able at any price. Your new printer will reward you with many years
of high-quality document printing, and is backed by Star Micronics’
more than 30 years in manufacturing precision parts. You already
know that it represents the state of the art in tack-sharp dot matrix
printing with its rugged 24-pin print head. Its bidirectional,
logic-seeking operation gives you letter-quality hardcopy at 54 cps,
and draft-quality print at speeds of up to 144 cps.
its many features include:
*High-resolution graphics
*Built-in expandable buffer
*An entire range of character sets for printing in eight languages
*A host of specialized printing capabilities found in only the finest
printers
And, best of all, your new printer is compatible with the most
popular personal computers and software packages-so no matter
how sophisticated your applications become, it will continue to meet
your needs.
These are just a few of the reasons you chose a product by Star
Micronics, one of the most respected names in dot matrix printers.
We want you to get the most from your printer with the least effort
on your part, so please take a few minutes to read this easy-to-un-
derstand guide. You’ll find that it will help you produce crisp, clean
documents in the shortest time possible.
You will also find that this printer is remarkably simple to set up
and operate, and that it’svirtually maintenance-free. Enjoy your new
Star Micronics printer!

SECTION
SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER
WHAT THIS SECTION SHOWS YOU:
l The Complete Printer Package
dow To Assemble the Printer for Operation
Gestures of the Printer
*Dual In-Line Package (DIP) Switches
*How to Load Paper into the Printer
*How to Print the Se/f-Test
As you unpack your new printer, please take special care to verify
the complete contents of the printer package:
cassette Spare
Cut sheet
guide
Figure 1-l. The complete printer package

You’ll find your Star Micronics warranty and registration card with
this book. Please read the warranty carefully, and mail us the
completed registration card as soon as possible. We place a high
value on the information only you can provide.
This printer has been precision-packed to ensure its arrival in
perfect working order. Lift the front cover, and you’ll find the packing
material used to protect it during shipment. Be sure to remove this
interior packing material from the carriage stay before you assemble
the printer. -
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Figure 1-2. Interior packing material. -
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n PLACEMENT OF THE PRINTER
To ensure the long life and proper operation of your printer, please
consider the following suggestions when you select a location near
the computer.
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lPlace the printer on a flat, stable surface.
mAvoid direct sunlight or indoor heat sources; as a general rule,
use it only in an environment where you are comfortable.
.Be sure the area is free from dust, dirt, and excess humidity.
@Provide a power source with the correct voltage (there should
be no more than 10% variance above or below the voltage spe-
cified on the printer’s identification plate.)
@Don’t plug any other appliances into the outlet occupied by the
printer (except the computer).
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n HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE PRINTER
Now you’re ready to set up your printer for operation. Make sure
the printer is turned off before you begin.
Load the ribbon cassette:
Loading and replacing the one-piece ribbon cassette is a simple
and clean procedure:
Turn the knob on the cassette
counter-clockwise to tighten the
ribbon.
Snap the cassette onto the
carriage, as shown in the illus-
tration.
Check to make sure the ribbon
lies flat between the print head
and the print mask. Again, turn
the knob to take up any slack.
Figure 1-3. Loading the ribbon
cassette.
3

Your printer has been supplied with an extended-use multistrike
ribbon cassette. Because this type of ribbon has no end detector,
we suggest that you replace it whenever the print quality becomes
faded or uneven.
_-
NOTE: Always make sure the printer is off before removing
or replacing the ribbon cassette. If the printer has
been in operation, be careful not to touch the print
head or metal housing on the carriage-they will
be very hot. Use both hands to remove the cassette,
grasping it by the edges. -
Attach the cut sheet guide:
This plastic guide is used to feed single-sheet paper or business - _
forms into the printer. (If you are using perforated “tractor-feed”
paper, you won’t need it at this time.) -
To attach the guide, insert its
two tabs into the notches on the
back cover of the printer.
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Figure 1-4. Assembly of the cut .-
sheet guide. _
Connect the power cord to the printer:
Begin by inserting the cord into the three- prong connector on the
back of your printer.
NOTE: Make sure the power switch is off before connecting
the power cord to a wall outlet.
Plug the power cord into your 120 VAC power source. We highly
recommend that you use a surge protector between the printer and
power source. This simple device-available at your local computer
store-prevents any potentially damaging fluctuations from reaching
4

your printer. If you’re not using a surge protector, make sure that
your printer and computer are the only devices plugged into the AC
outlet.
n FEATURES OF THE PRINTER
The simple steps you’ve just performed have readied the printer
for operation. Before you turn on the printer, take a few minutes to
become familiar with its features.
Paper out
‘?Q p detector
open detector
Control’ 1
panel \
Ower ywitch
Bker case
Figure 1-5. Features of the printer
Release lever: Adjusts tension on paper. Has two settings:“friction”
(closed) for single sheets and “tractor” (open) for form feed paper.
Paper out detector: Sounds alarm and puts printer into “Pause”
mode when it senses end of paper during operation. Adjust DIPswitch
1-l to the OFF setting to override this function.
Bail lever: Opens and closes paper bail.
Back cover: Flips open to access built-in tractor feed mechanism.
Platen knob: Allows manual adjustment of paper against platen.
Control panel: Contains indicators and touch controls to monitor
and operate printer(see Figure l-6).
Front cover: Protects interior mechanisms and reduces noise. (Must
be closed before printer will operate.).
5

Front cover open detector: Puts printer into “Pause” mode when
cover is opened during operation.
Power switch: Turns printer on or off.
Fuse holder: Contains 5MT 2 amp fuse.
Buffer case: Contains optional buffer and parallel or serial interface.
Interface connector: Connects cable (parallel or serial, depending
on configuration) to your computer.
Entry slot for form feed paper: Feeds paper to the tractor feed
guides.
Adjustable tractor feed guides: Directs form feed paper to the
platen.
n THE CONTROL PANEL
Now take a closer look at the control panel on your printer. This -
panel contains all the controls and indicators you will need for the
routine operation and monitoring of the printer
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Figure 1-6. The printer control panel. -
Power lamp: Glows green to indicate power on
Busy lamp: Indicates buffer is temporarily full, and printer is unable -
to accept new data. Light goes out when buffer has cleared all stored --
information. Your computer should automatically send new data to
the printer. -
Paper empty (PE) lamp: Signals you to add paper. Printer stops
when paper runsout, and resumes printing at the same location after -
new paper is added.
Pause lamp: Indicates pause button has been activated or front
cover has been opened. Printing resumes when condition is cleared.
Pause button: Pressing this button interrupts printing. This feature
is useful for inserting or adjusting paper, replacing the ribbon cas-
sette or checking printed copy while a page is in progress. Press this
button a second time to reactivate printer.
On line lamp: This lamp glows green, when the printer is “on-line”
and ready to accept data transmissions from the computer.
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On line button: When “on-line” the printer will accept data and
instructions from your computer. The TOF, FF and LF switches are
inoperative while the printer is on-line. When “off-line” data trans-
missions are disabled and the control panel switches are enabled.
Top of form (TOF) button: Used to set the starting point for sin-
gle-sheet or form feed paper.
Form feed (FF) button: Used to manually advance form feed paper.
Line feed (LF) button: Press to advance paper one line at a time.
Press and hold to advance paper continuously.
w DUAL IN-LINE PACKAGE (DIP) SWITCHES
In addition to the features you have just seen, your printer also
has 18 Dual In-line Package (DIP) switches to help determine the
way it handles information from your computer. Before examining
the DIP switches, turn off the printer.
To find the DIP switches, lift the cover and manually move the
carriage to the far left. On the right-hand side of the printer’s interior
you’ll see a small rubber cover. Carefully pull the cover back; the
DIP switches are directly below it. These switches are preset at the
factory, so please leave them in their present position for the time
being.
Rubber cover
Figure 1-7. Dual In-line Package (DIP) Switches.
The DIP switches are used to control the many functions of your
printer, including:
lCharacter pitch *Line spacing
*Form length @Paper-out detector

@Letter-quality/draft-quality
print selection .International Character Sets
Throughout this manual, we’ll show you how to use these switches
to tailor the printer’s printing to your exact specifications. (For more
information on the positioning of the DIP switches, please see Ap-
pendix D.)
W HOW TO LOAD PAPER INTO THE PRINTER
As you become acquainted with your printer, you’ll appreciate it
more and more for the conveniences it offers you-especially its
ability to accept single-sheet and form-feed paper without requiring
any external devices. Read on, and you’ll discover how to use both
kinds of paper in it.
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Sing/e-sheet loading:
This printer is designed to print on standard-size stationery,
multilayer business forms, and almost any other kind of cut-sheet
paper. We’ll show you how to load paper of varying thicknesses later
in this section. For now, all you need is a standard 8 l/2-by-1 i-inch
sheet of paper.
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*If you haven’t installed the cut-sheet guide yet, please do it now.
(Please refer to Fig.l-4.)
*You can use the adjustable metal slide on the paper guide to set
your left margin. The positions are as follows:
Table.l-1 Slide positions for determining the left margin
SLIDE POSITION PRINT DISTANCE FROM
LEFT MARGIN .-
left edge
center
.64 in.
.25 in. -
-
right edge .05 in. -
When you have set the metal slide for the margin you want, you’re
ready to insert the paper.
@Turn the power switch off.
*Open the paper bail by pulling the lever toward you.
*Insert a sheet of paper straight down into the printer, turning the
platen knob clockwise (away from you). Open the cover and roll
the paper onto the platen.
@Close the paper bail by pushing the lever away from you.
*Close the cover and align the top edge of the paper with the
cutting edge of the shield. Turn the printer on.
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_
8 -

When the paper is in this position, printing begins at about 2 inches
from the top of the page. You can adjust the start-point as you wish,
by using the Line Feed button to advance the paper one line at a time.
Remember to first put the printer into the “Pause” mode by pressing
the “Pause” button.
Figure l-8. Loading single-sheet paper.
Figure 1-9. Aligning the page with the cutting edge of the shield.

Form-feed loading:
Your printer’s built-in tractor feed device is one of the most con-
venient features ever offered in a printer. It works with standard
form-feed paper as well as with laser-perforated, form-feed bond
paper- so you can produce top quality documents with a swift,
continuous feed. Here’s how it works:
*Turn off the power switch to avoid damaging the gears and raise
the hinged back cover. (If you have attached the cut-sheet guide,
you’ll need to remove it now.)
*Loosen the clamp screws and flip up the covers on each of the
tractor units.
linsert the form-feed paper through the slot beneath the back
cover of the printer; line up the tractor units with the sprocket
holes in the paper.
lPress the paper into place on the sprockets, and snap the covers
down on the tractor units. Tighten the knobs.
Figure l-10. Inserting form feed paper into the printer.
@Open the paper bail (pull the lever toward you). Set the paper
release lever in the “tractor” position (open) by pushing the lever
away from you.
*Advance the paper into printing position by turning the platen
knob clockwise. (You may want to open the front cover first, to
be sure the paper clears the cutting edge.) --
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10 -

Figure l-11. Form feed paper correctly loaded.
@Close the paper bail and the front and back covers; turn the
printer on.
You can now check the operation of the automatic tractor feed.
Press the Form Feed (FF) button to advance the paper to the next
page, after pressing the “Pause” button.
n ADJUSTING THE PRINT HEAD GAP
This printer is designed to accommodate paper of varying thick-
nesses, as well as multilayer forms. You can easily ensure correct
printing with a simple adjustment to the print head gap.
.Lift the front cover, and find the red lever just in front of the platen
knob.
FOR THICK (HEAVYWEIGHT) PAPER OR CARD STOCK: Pull the
lever toward you to widen the gap.
FOR THIN (LIGHTWEIGHT) PAPER: Push the lever away from you
to narrow the print head gap.

Figure 1-12. Adjust the print head gap.
By experimenting with this lever, you will learn which position will
yield the highest quality print for the paper you’re using.
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n HOW TO PRINT THE SELF-TEST
Eager to see the beautiful, high-density dot matrix characters your -
new printer can produce? We thought so!
You can easily view a sample of its work by printing the self-test. --
The self-test confirms both the correct operation of the printer and -
the proper loading of paper and ribbon cassette. -
You won’t need to connect your computer to print the self-test-
just be sure the printer is plugged into a power source and is turned -
off.
@Insert a sheet of paper (or form-feed paper) as you learned in
“How to Load Paper Into the Printer.” -
lPress and hold the Line Feed (LF) button, and at the same time,
turn the power switch on. -
@When the printer begins printing, you can release the Line Feed
button. -
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12 -