Epson FX-1050 User Manual - Page 70

Using graphics software The FX is capable of producing finely detailed graphic images. Although the section on graphics later in this chapter gives specific information on the graphics commands, the easiest way to take advantage of the FX's capabilities is with one of the many graphics programs available. When buying graphics software, always make sure the program has an option to print on an FX printer. Any program with an option for an FX printer should give excellent results, using different dot densities to produce a realistic scale of grays. Most graphics programs have a printer selection procedure, in which case you should check the lists on page 4-2 to find the proper selection. Computer-Printer Communication Your computer communicates with your printer using a standardized set of numbered codes called ASCII codes (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). When you press the letter A on the keyboard, it is translated into the ASCII code for A, transmitted to a peripheral device such as your computer screen or your printer, and then converted back into the letter A. There are ASCII codes for all the letters in the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase letters, and for the numbers 0 through 9. The ASCII set of codes also includes most punctuation marks and some codes that control printer functions. In the Command Summary in Chapter 8, each code is expressed three different ways: as an ASCII character, as a decimal number, and as a hexadecimal (base 16) number. For example, the uppercase letter A is represented as the ASCII character A, the decimal number 65, and the hexadecimal number 41. The numbering system you use depends on your software and your preferences. All letters, numbers, and punctuation marks are assigned decimal numbers from 32 through 255. ASCII codes with decimal values of less than 32 are called control codes, because they control the operation of Using Software and Graphics 4-5