Instead of emailing, I’d rather answer here so that others can see it too.

You didn’t mention if you have managed to print anything yet or not. So is it working at all, or are you just trying get everything out of it by testing different modes? Nevertheless, I would first test it without changing anything in the code or moving the DIP switches.

Based on your question I become to think that you have the manual for your printer. In the good old C-64 days manuals contained some pretty useful data, so it might actually contain the information you are asking “between the lines”. Since I don’t have that printer, nor the manual, I can only guess and give some hints.

First, Commodore printers usually use address 4 or 5. Your printer might have a DIP switch for selecting the address. You may need to change the address in the code, or use the switch so that they match, but there’s a good chance that this is OK already.

Second, the timings I used for serial communication are based on information contained in my printer’s manual and web. I believe communication with other printers should work with this code, but I am not sure about it – maybe there are differences. Moreover, I got it working without implementing every last detail of the communication protocol mentioned in the manual, but another printer models might be more strict about that. You just have to test.

Third, different printers probably have different kinds of modes and commands for activating them. I don’t know what exactly the ASCII mode means and how it differs from Commodore mode, but I assume that if you use Commodore mode, the printer should work with this code. Since there is a DIP switch for defaulting to Commodore mode after power-on, things should be easy: just make sure that the switch is set to Commodore mode (it probably is), then you should get something printed with the self test function. In case you want to experiment further, you can try to enable the ASCII mode by modifying my code, since you seem to have the information how the mode can be changed from code.

i have a question about the graphics and business charcter set. In my Star NL-10 printer the standaard control codes are: CHR$(145) and business CHR$(17). And it says something about The operating mode

” your printer has twho basic modes of operation: the Commodore mode and the ASCII mode. Normally you will use the Commodore mode, wich is set automatically whn you turn on the pinter by setting the DIP switch 1-5 on. The ASCII operating mode — wich has no functional relation to ASCII codes — provides certain other functions. Operating mode commands:
function
Select ASCII operating mode: CHR$(27);CHR$(93);CHR$(49)
Select Commodore operating mode: CHR$(27);CHR$(93);CHR$(48)

”

Do i have to change anything in the script? and to i have to change the DIP switches?

mail me: i_kill_bombs (AT) hotm ail . co m

With regards,

Martijn (The Netherlands)