Printek Emulation
106
Forms and Tractors
The FormsMaster 8003 contains three sets of paper tractors (front, center, and rear). It is possible, via
software, to change to a different form that is set up to use any set of tractors. It is even possible to use
some combinations of tractor paths for longer print jobs.
The “Tractor Path” value in the forms menu specifies “Front”, “Center”, “Rear”, “Center+Rear”, or
“Front+Center+Rear” (abbreviated “Frnt+Cntr+Rear”) for each form that is defined. When a form is
selected, the associated set(s) of tractors is also automatically selected.
Load Form ESC L n
Causes the current line to be printed, and then loads paper and form parameters for form n. 0≥n≥9. If
form n is already loaded, this sequence is ignored. If not, the current form will be unloaded, the
parameters for form n will be selected, and the printer will go offline to wait for the operator to install
the new form and place the printer back online. In the FormsMaster 8003 the same happens unless
selecting form n also selects a different paper path. In that case, the current form is unloaded, the
tractors are moved to engage the new path, the new form is loaded, and printing may continue. If the
selected form had not been previously loaded in that path (see the FormsMaster 8000 Series
Operator’s Manual), then the printer will go offline until an operator has loaded the form.
The printer will not unload the current form if a previously printed form has not been torn off. In this
case, the printer will go offline, sound the bell, and display the message”Too Much Paper to Unload”.
When an operator tears off the paper and places the printer back online, the printer will unload the
current form and continue.
If the printer is unable to load the new form, it will sound the bell and display the message”No Paper to
Load” and go offline to wait for an operator to clear the error.
Example: The following escape sequence will load form 2.
Escape Sequence: ESC L 2
Hexadecimal: 1B 4C 32
