Dot-Matrix Printers (Epson, IBM, and compatibles) SuperPrint version 1.1 last updated: 16-Dec-90 ===================================================================== Printer Models -------------- The Epson 24-pin (max 180V) and Epson 24-pin (max 360V) were added to distinguish between, for example, the Epson LQ-800 which cannot move in 1/360" vertical increments, and newer Epson printers. If your printer can't handle the 360 x 360 ultra high resolution, it will be quite obvious in the printout. If you have a dot-matrix printer other than Epson or IBM, then you should read your printer's manual for suggestions. Usually, the manual will help you identify an Epson or IBM model with which your printer is compatible. The SuperPrint manual refers to "8 or 9 pin" printers when in fact there are only 9-pin printers. The confusion stemmed from the fact that only 8 of the 9 pins are used to print graphics. Presentation Mode ----------------- The spectacular new Presentation Mode has been enhanced since the manual's completion to support 9-pin printers as well. To save some time, we suggest that you print draft copies with Presentation Mode off until you get your page just right. Then, check Presentation Mode and you'll get output with almost none of the usual dot-matrix printhead banding. This improved output is great for copying and FAXing. Also, the combination of Floyd-Steinberg error diffusion dither and Presentation Mode produces the best dot-matrix output we've ever seen. Hewlett-Packard Soft Fonts (HPSF) on Dot-Matrix printers -------------------------------------------------------- This strange combination produces some interesting results. Because the HPSF fonts are bitmaps, they distort when printed at non-square aspect ratios (e.g. 120x72, 240x216, 360x180, etc.). But use this to your advantage! If the X resolution is greater than Y, then you'll get CONDENSED versions of the type. This lets you put more on the page! For 9-pin printers, choose a Soft Font for a memo to print at 240x216 and you'll get slightly condensed text. However, printing in Landscape orientation will give you expanded text. For 24-pin printers, output at 360x180 (portrait) lets you double the number of characters per line!