Printronix P6000L, User'S Reference Manual

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5-7 Vertical Format Units
P-Series EVFU
The EVFU, a standard feature on all P6000L/P6200L Series printers, is a software controlled
vertical formatter. It allows you to preprogram frequently used lines on forms and documents
for efficient paper handling in merging operations such as invoicing or payrolling. By flagging
each line to be printed, the EVFU automatically slews the paper (rapidly advances the paper)
to the identified lines. The EVFU provides 14 channels to identify up to 132 lines. The EVFU
also allows you to slew a specific number of lines on the form.
General P-Series EVFU Programming Information
The P-Series EVFU is loaded with a program of line identification codes, one code assigned
to each line of the form. To load the memory, the host computer sends the Start Load code, a
line identification code (channel code) for each line on the form, and the End Load code. After
the memory is loaded, a line identification code occurring in the data stream enables the
EVFU to slew the paper to the identified line. The EVFU memory can be cleared by sending
just a Start Load code without channel codes or the End Load code.
Apply the following information when programming and using the EVFU.
Printer Operation During EVFU Load - The printer mechanism should not operate during
the EVFU memory load routine. If the printer starts to print or if the paper advances, an error
may occur in the load program.
Intelligent Graphics Processor - Some operation of the EVFU as described in this section
may change when the IGP option is installed. Refer to the IGP-10/20/40 or IGP-11/21/41 UsĆ
er's Reference Manual for operating parameters.
Page Perforation Skip - Loading the EVFU disables the page perforation skip.
Forms Length - Forms of any length, up to 22 inches, can be defined using the EVFU simply by
loading the EVFU memory with the desired number of lines on the form. If the printer is set for
6 lpi spacing and a 4-inch high form is to be printed with the EVFU, 24 lines must be loaded in
the EVFU memory to establish the proper forms length (4" x 6 lpi = 24 lines). Similarly, if the
same form were printed at 8 lpi, 32 lines must be loaded (4" x 8 lpi = 32 lines). If a Start Load
code is sent to clear the EVFU memory, the printer then responds to form feed codes by adĆ
vancing the paper the forms length set by printer configuration.
Line Spacing - The printer can use 6 or 8 lpi spacing with the EVFU. The EVFU calculates the
forms length by line density selected. For example, the maximum of 132 lines at 6 lpi yields a
22-inch forms length. The 6 and 8 lpi spacing should not be mixed on the same form. However,
if mixed line spacing is unavoidable, the forms length can be calculated as follows.
1. Count the number of lines printed at 6 lpi and divide by 6; the result is in inches.
2. Count the number of lines printed at 8 lpi and divide by 8; the result is in inches.
3. Add the two results; this is the total forms length and should not exceed the maximum
allowable forms length which is 22 inches.
Elongated Characters - Elongated characters can be used within EVFU programs. The
EVFU automatically counts one line of elongated characters as two character lines.