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number systems
Three number systems are commonly used with printers:
decimal is base 10 and uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
9. (This is the most familiar system.)
hexadecimal (hex) is base 16 and uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. This is frequently used by
programmers. Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be
expressed by a two-digit hex number.
binary is base 2 and uses only the digits 0 and 1. All
information in computer systems is handled in binary form
represented by electrical signals that are ON or OFF. A binary
digit is often called a bit; any decimal number between 0 and
255 can be expressed by an eight-bit decimal number.
on line
When the printer is on line, it is able to communicate with the
computer connected to it.
paper-out sensor
A small switch behind the platen that sends a signal when it is not
in contact with paper, causing the PAPER OUT light to go on, and
informing the printer and computer that there is no paper loaded.
paper tension unit
The part of the printer that fits above the platen to assure proper
paper tension.
parallel interface
An interface that connects the computer and the printer. A parallel
interface transmits data one character or code at a time. See also
serial interface.
Glossary
GL-7