Epson FX-185 User Manual - Page 19

l Program debugging mode (hexadecimal dump of codes received from the computer) l Fast print speed-160 characters per second-for rapid processing of documents l 2K print buffer for smooth operation l Adjustable tractor unit for narrow forms l Both friction- and tractor-feed capability l Replaceable print head l Easy-to-reach DIP switches to customize printer features. l Epson reliability, quality, and support In short, the FX is loaded with features that will challenge your ability to put them to work. This manual can help you use one or all of them. Inside the Printer The FX printers contain two kinds of internal memory: ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). There are 12K bytes (approximately 12,000 characters) of ROM. This unchangeable memory contains all the logic required for the various print features as well as the patterns for all the built-in character sets. The FX also contains a RAM memory buffer that stores up to 2K bytes of text and printer commands as they are received from the computer. This frees your computer so that you can continue working while the FX is printing. You can also use RAM another way; you can define your own set of characters and then store them in RAM so that you can print them at will. It is always tempting (though not always wise) to start playing with a new printer the instant it is out of the box. Because the FX is a sophisticated piece of equipment, it is important that you understand what the printer will do and how to operate it before you start printing. Inside This Manual This manual will guide you on a carefully planned tour of the various features of the FX printers. In these pages, you can learn how to use your computer to control the printer for a large variety of applications. 2