DIP switch 1-4 controls the choice of operating modes. Turning the
switch OFF selects Epson mode, and turning it ON selects IBM printer
emulation mode.
The Epson character graphics set
Half of the characters used by IBM PCs and compatibles are special
character graphics and international characters. Most previous Epson
printers printed italics instead of these characters. With the FX-86e and
FX-286e, however, you can print the character graphics without losing
italics or any of the power of the Epson commands.
DIP switch 1-3 controls the choice between the italic and the
character graphic table (called CG table in the DIP switch printout).
Turning the switch ON selects the character graphic table, and turning
it OFF selects the italic table. Remember that italics are available even
if you select the character graphic table.
Making the choice
The decision you make about the operating mode and the character
graphics set depends upon the software you use. For most applications,
choose the Epson mode and the Character Graphics set (DIP switch
1-4 OFF and DIP switch 1-3 ON). That way you can set up your
software for an Epson printer and have the full power of the Epson
commands.
If you have trouble printing italics, change DIP switch 1-3 to OFF to
choose italics instead of character graphics. On the other hand, if you
have trouble printing character graphics, change the printer to IBM
printer emulation mode by setting DIP switch 1-4 ON and set your
software to match.
WARNING
You must always be careful to set up your printer and software to
match. Although the IBM commands are based on some of the Epson
commands, important differences affect much software. These
differences can cause erratic printing. In particular, line spacing and
page layout are likely to be wrong, and extra characters may appear.
Other DIP switch settings
Appendix D summarizes all the DIP switch settings in a group of
tables. See that appendix for reference and further information.
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Setting Up Your FX Printer