IBM 6400 Series, Setup Manual

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Standard Capabilities
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Printronix P-Series Printer Emulation
This code system was developed especially for Printronix line matrix printers.
As line matrix printers became more sophisticated, this code system kept
pace by adding codes that fully utilized line matrix printer capabilities.
IMPORTANT
This emulation appears as “P-Series” on the operator panel.
Printronix P-Series XQ Variant Printer Emulation
This code system was devised for a series of Printronix printers manufactured
between 1974 and 1991, that are no longer available. It enables the printer to
emulate Printronix P300 and P600 printers.
IMPORTANT
This emulation appears as “P-Series XQ” on the operator panel.
Printronix Serial Matrix Printer Emulation
This printer emulation is very similar to the code systems used by an IBM
Graphics Printer, but incorporates several systems into one emulation. This
emulation enables a line matrix printer to print files coded for a serial matrix
printer, and is sometimes referred to as the Serial Matrix collection.
IMPORTANT
This emulation appears as “Serial Matrix” on the operator panel.
NOTE: Serial matrix refers to the way printer characters are formed. A
moving printhead uses pins to form whole characters one at a time
and one after the other. The pins print dots according to programmed
matrix patterns. Data is sent to the printer through either a serial or
parallel interface, but the printhead must receive the data serially to
form each character.
An IBM line matrix printer also forms characters with dots in matrix
patterns, but it feeds print data in parallel to many hammers mounted
on a rapidly oscillating shuttle. The hammers fire simultaneously to
print entire lines at a time.