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Glossary

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized coding system for assigning numerical codes to letters and symbols.

auto line feed

When this feature is selected in the default-setting mode, each carriage-return (CR) code is automatically followed by a line-feed (LF) code.

bidirectional printing

Printing in which the print head prints in both directions (bidirectionally). This increases the print speed but may reduce precise vertical alignment. Bidirectional printing is this printer's standard printing mode. See also unidirectional printing.

buffer

The portion of the printer's memory used to store data before it is printed.

character table

A collection of letters, numbers, and symbols that constitute the set of characters used in a particular language.

characters per inch (cpi)

A measurement of the size of text characters.

continuous paper

Paper that has sprocket-feed holes on both sides, is perforated between pages, and is supplied in a folded stack. Also called fanfold paper.

continuous forms with labels

A kind of continuous paper that has one label on each page. This is different from label paper, which consists entirely of labels. When printing on continuous forms with labels, the printer must adjust the height of the print heads for the extra thickness of the labels. Before printing on this kind of paper, set the paper-thickness lever to AUTO.

control code

A special code used to control a printer function such as performing a carriage return or line feed.

cpi

See characters per inch (cpi).

cut-sheet feeder

An optional, detachable device that automatically feeds single sheets of paper into the printer.

data dump

See hex dump.

default

A value that takes effect when the equipment is turned on, reset, or initialized.

dithering

A way of arranging dots on a page to simulate a shade or tone.

dot matrix

A method of printing in which each letter or symbol is formed by a pattern (matrix) of individual dots.

draft

The print mode used by your printer when you select Draft as the font. The Draft font uses less dots per character for faster printing. See also high speed draft.

driver

See printer driver.

ESC/P

Abbreviation for EPSON Standard Code for Printers. This is the system of commands your computer uses to control your printer. It is standard for all EPSON printers and supported by most application software for personal computers.

ESC/P 2

The enhanced version of the ESC/P printer command language. Commands in this language produce laser-like results, such as scalable fonts and enhanced graphics.

fanfold paper

See continuous paper.

font

A style of type designated by a name such as Roman or Sans Serif.

form feed (FF)

A control code and control panel button that advances the paper to the next top-of-form position.

hex dump

A troubleshooting method that helps identify the cause of communication problems between the printer and the computer. When the printer is in hex dump mode, it prints each code that it receives in hexadecimal notation and ASCII characters. Also called data dump.

high speed draft

A mode of draft printing you can select using the default-setting mode. High speed draft uses a minimum number of dots per character to produce extremely high-speed printing. See also draft and letter quality (LQ).

interface

The connection between the computer and the printer over which print data is transmitted to the printer.

letter quality (LQ)

The print mode used by your printer when a font other than Draft is selected. Printing with letter-quality fonts provides better readability and appearance at a reduced print speed. See also draft and high speed draft.

line feed (LF)

A control code and control panel button that advances the paper one line space.

loading position

The position to which the paper is automatically loaded.

overlapping multipart forms

A kind of continuous paper that provides you with multipart forms. The page length of the multipart forms is longer than that of the backing continuous paper. So when extended, one page's multipart forms overlap the next page's multipart forms. This overlapping area is thicker than the printable area.

overlapping multipart forms with labels

This kind of continuous paper is a combination of overlapping multipart forms and continuous forms with labels. Be sure to follow any special instructions intended for either type.

platen

The black roller that provides a backing for the paper during printing.

printable area

The area of a page on which the printer can print. It is smaller than the physical size of the page due to margins.

printer driver

A software program that sends commands from the computer for using the functions of a particular printer.

reset

To return a printer to its default settings.

resolution

A measure of the amount of detail that can be represented. Resolution of printed images is measured in number of dots per inch (dpi).

self test

A method for checking the operation of the printer. When you run the self test, the printer prints the characters stored in its ROM (Read Only Memory).

tear off

A control panel button that feeds the perforation of continuous paper to the tear-off position and then feeds the paper back to the top-of-form position.

tear-off position

The position the printer feeds the paper to when you press the Tear Off button or when auto tear-off mode is on. Using the Micro Adjust function, you can adjust the position so that the paper's perforation meets the printer's tear-off edge.

top-of-form position

The position on the paper that the printer recognizes as the first printable line. This is the default top-margin position.

unidirectional printing

Printing in which the print head prints in one direction only. Unidirectional printing is useful for printing graphics because it allows precise vertical alignment. You can select unidirectional printing in the printer's default-setting mode. See also bidirectional printing.

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