User-defined Characters
With this printer, it is possible to define and print characters of your
own
design. You can design
an
entirely new alphabet or typeface,
create special characters for use as mathematical or scientific
symbols, or create graphic patterns with user-defined characters to
serve as building blocks for larger designs.
Below, you can see samples of typefaces created with the user-
defined character function.
Note:
To use user-defined characters, you must turn DIP switch
2-5
off.
You can make the task of defining characters easier by using a
commercial software program that assists you in creating characters
or simply supplies you with sets of characters already created. Also,
some popular software programs make use of the printer’s user-
defined character function to enhance printouts. (These characters
are called download characters in some programs.)
The standard ASCII characters are stored in the printer’s Read Only
Memory (ROM) or optional Multi-Font Module, and the user-
defined characters are stored in the printer’s Random Access
Memory (RAM).
Designing Your Characters
User-defined characters are like dot graphics because you send the
printer precise instructions on where you want each dot printed. In
fact, planning a user-defined character is like planning a small dot
graphics pattern.
4-20
Software and Graphics
