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- GCSFX
-
- Epson FX-85 Printer Utility
-
- By
-
- Glencannon Systems
- Los Gatos, CA
-
-
- This program is placed in the Public Domain in honor of the many
- fine programs that have preceded, and with the hope that many
- will follow.
-
-
- WHAT GCSFX DOES
-
- GCSFX allows the user to select common print options available on
- an Epson FX-85 printer. The program sends control codes to the
- printer. The user can then:
-
- - Exit and print a file using another program
- - Print a built-in test string to check print options
- - Print a file
- - Operate the console and the printer in a Typewriter mode
-
-
- RUN GCSFX
-
- Syntax: GCSFX to run.
- GCSFX FILENAME.EXT to run and print a file,
-
- where FILENAME.EXT is an ASCII file.
-
-
- SELECT PRINT OPTIONS
-
- Press the SPACEBAR to move field pointer ( -> ) to the option
- field of interest. Then press a LETTER KEY or a NUMBER KEY to
- cycle through the options. There are certain unallowed
- combinations and GCSFX will adjust the options as necessary.
-
- MODE: NOT ALLOWED:
-
- Near Letter Quality (NLQ) Italic
- Compressed
- Double-Strike
- Elite
-
- Compressed Emphasized
-
- Elite Emphasized
-
- Subscript Superscript
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- SEND PRINT OPTIONS TO PRINTER AND EXIT
-
- Press ESCAPE ( or CONTRLO-[ ).
-
-
- PRINT A TEST STRING
-
- Once options have been set, they can be tested by printing a test
- string. Put a sheet of scratch paper in the printer, place it
- on-line, and press CONTROL-Z. This will print the string:
-
- ABCDEFGHIJKLmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890
-
-
- PRINT A FILE
-
- Select print options, then press RETURN. This requires that a
- filename was given as an argument when running GCSFX.
-
-
- TYPEWRITER MODE
-
- Select print options, then press CONTROL-W to enter Typewriter
- mode. Type normally and observe the string on the console. Edit
- as necessary with the BACKSPACE ( CONTROL-H ) key. The maximum
- string length is 80 characters. Press RETURN to print (a CR, LF
- is sent to printer). Escape sequences may be sent to set options
- not covered by GCSFX. Press CONTROL-W to return to Option
- Select mode.
-
-
- BACKGROUND INFORMATION
-
- GCSFX was written on an ATARI 1040ST in CP/M-80 version 2.2
- emulation mode. The console emulates a VT-52 terminal.
- The program is written in Z80 assembly language and uses only
- those instructions with an 8080 equivalent. VDE26 was the editor,
- and ZMAC the assembler. The program has been tested only with an
- FX-85 printer, but may work with others.
-
- This program was written for several reasons:
-
- 1. Investigate the CP/M environment.
- 2. Develop a simple, non-scrolling method of setting program
- options using only CP/M Operating System Calls.
- 3. Use the method in a practical application.
- 4. Verify the level of emulation by writing and posting the
- application for use by 8080 and Z80 CP/M machines.
- 5. Encourage other ATARI applications for CP/M.
- 6. Give something to the Public Domain after having gotton
- so much.