Epson SQ-2000, Operating Manual

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Chapter 8
Programming Hints
The SQ-2000 printer can be used with many different compu-
ters. However, almost all computers have some built-in quirks
that cause problems with the SQ-2000 (or any other printer, for
that matter).
We’re sure that the computer’s designers would describe these
quirks as features, because they typically solve one sort of prob-
lem-while creating another. For example, the MBASIC pro-
gram, which is a widely used CP/M BASIC interpreter from
Microsoft, automatically converts the horizontal tab code
(ASCII 9) into a series of spaces to advance the print head to the
next tab position. This is handy if your printer doesn’t under-
stand tabs, but it causes problems with a printer like the SQ-2000
that does understand tabs, and it makes it difficult to use ASCII 9
in graphics.
We will look at some of the problems that can occur on some
typical computer systems. While we can’t cover all the problems
for every computer system, we can point out some of the more
common problems and solutions. With these suggestions, and
your computer’s documentation, you can solve any problems you
have using your computer with the SQ-2000.
High level language problems
Most of the solutions that we will discuss are directed at
BASIC language interpreters. This is because high level lan-
guages tend to have more problems (or is that features?) built
into them. Lower level languages, like assembly language, usual-
ly give the programmer freedom to send any code to the printer
(but, of course, require more programming effort to do it).
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