DEC-Datasystems High Speed Printers

This DEC Datasysems Hardware Product Bulletin introduces optional high-speed line printers, available in two models: an 80-column version and a 132-column version.

Key Features and Performance:

• Variable Speed: Print speeds range from 245 to 1110 lines per minute (LPM), depending on the number of columns being printed.

  • Maximum full-line speeds are 356 LPM for the 80-column model and 245 LPM for the 132-column model.
  • When printing only 20 columns, both models can achieve up to 1110 LPM.

• Printing Technology: These are impact printers that use a revolving character drum and a hammer for each column.

• Character Set: They feature a 64-character ASCII set (A-Z, 0-9, and various symbols), printed in an Open Gothic font at 0.065 inches high and wide.
• Forms Capability: Capable of printing on multi-part forms, up to six copies simultaneously.
• Paper Handling: Utilize adjustable pin-feed tractors, supporting fanfold paper widths from 4 inches up to 14-7/8 inches (for the 132-column model). The paper slew speed is 13 inches per second.
• Print Area: 8 inches wide for the 80-column model, and 13.2 inches wide for the 132-column model, both left-justified.
• Spacing: Horizontal character spacing is 0.100 inches, and vertical line spacing is 0.167 inches (6 lines per inch).

Operation: Characters are loaded serially into the printer's buffer memory (20 characters for the 80-column model, 22 for the 132-column model). Printing occurs automatically once the memory is full or a special non-printing character (like Carriage Return, Line Feed, or Form Feed) is recognized.

Control Indicators: The printers include standard control lights (POWER, READY, ON-LINE) and operational switches for functions such as TOP-OF-FORM advance, PAPER STEP (single line advance), and an ON-LINE/OFF-LINE mode selector.