Letterprinter 100 Operator Guide

This document is an Operator Guide for the Digital Equipment Corporation Letterprinter 100, first published in January 1983.

Key aspects covered include:

• Product Overview: Describes the Letterprinter 100 as a microprocessor-controlled, receive-only dot matrix printer capable of various print qualities (correspondence, medium, draft, graphics) and multiple character sets/fonts.
• Controls and Indicators: Detailed descriptions of all operator controls (e.g., power, paper and printhead adjustments, ribbon control, tractor levers) and operator panel keys (e.g., AUTO/MAN, LTR/DRAFT, ON-LINE/OFF, SELF-TEST, SET TOF, FORM FEED/CLEAR FAULT). It also explains visual indicators (POWER/FAULT, DSR, DPS, ROM Cartridge, Column) and audible alerts.
• Ribbon and Paper Installation: Step-by-step procedures for changing ribbon cartridges, loading various paper types (single sheet, roll paper, tractor feed forms), adjusting the printhead for print quality, and setting the "top of form."
• Operator Selectable Features: Explains how to configure the printer's communication and operational settings using internal switches, covering aspects like baud rate, parity, data bits, speed control, modem control, paper fault responses, coded disconnect, XON/XOFF flow control, and receiver error processing. Instructions on how to store these features in permanent memory are also provided.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Guidelines for general cleaning, a checklist for diagnosing common printer issues (e.g., power problems, print quality issues, paper jams), and instructions for performing various self-tests (power-up, character pattern, horizontal registration, nonprinting, loopback) to identify and resolve problems.
• Accessories and Supplies: A comprehensive list of compatible ribbon cartridges, different paper types and sizes, and various accessories (e.g., carrying cases, paper tractors, stands, anti-static mats, cables, acoustic couplers), along with ordering information.
• Model Variations: An appendix detailing different Letterprinter 100 models and their standard configurations.

The guide is intended as a reference for operators, providing essential information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. It also includes important warnings and cautions regarding safe and proper use of the terminal.