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EK-LA210-UG

February 1986

84 pages

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Document:	Users Guide 198602
Order Number:	EK-LA210-UG
Revision:	000
Pages:	84
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/terminal/la210/EK-LA210-UG-002_Users_Guide_198602.pdf

OCR Text

EK-LA21 O-UG-002

LA210 Letterprinter
User Guide

Prepared by Educational Services
of
Digital Equipment Corporation

1st Edition. February 1985
2nd Edition, January 1986
Copyright e 1985, 1986 by Digital Equipment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The reproduction of this material, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. For copy
information, contact the Educational Services Department, Digital Equipment
Corporation, Maynard, MA 01754.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may
cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the
specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following methods.
•
•
•
•

Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
Move the computer away from the receiver.
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on
different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the booklet How to Identity
and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission, helpful. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Epson is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Graftrax is a registered trademark of CompuSoft, Inc.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard,
Massachusetts.

~D~DDmD"'
DEC
DEC mailer
DEC mate
DECnet
DECsystem-10
DECSYSTEM-20
DEC US

DECwriter
DIBOL
LA
Letterprinter
MASS BUS
PDP
P/OS
Professional

Rainbow
RSTS
RSX
UNIBUS
VAX
VMS
VT
Work Processor

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
INSTALLING RIBBON AND PAPER

Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.................................... 3
Inserting Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjusting the Printhead ............................................ 17
SWITCHES AND INDICATORS

Power Switch ...................................................... 20
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Auto/Manual Switch .......................................... 20
Letter/Draft Switch ........................................... 20
On Line/Off Line Switch ...................................... 21
Normal/Self Test Switch ...................................... 21
Set Top of Form Switch ....................................... 22
Local Form Feed (Reset) Switch .............................. 22
Font Select Switch ............................................ 22
Indicators ............... : .......................................... 23
Data Set Ready Indicator ..................................... 23
Power/fault Indicator ......................................... 23
Font Indicators ............................................... 23
Paper-Low Detector (optional) ................................ 23

iii

Printer Controls .................................................... 24
Paper Adjust Knobs ........................................... 24
Paper Release Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Printhead Release Lever ...................................... 24
Printhead Adjustment Lever .................................. 24
Tractor Release Levers ....................................... 26
Tractor Adjustment Levers .................................... 26
Paper-Out Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

COMMUNICATION
Interface Signals ................................................... 28

CONFIGURATION SWITCHES
Setup Adjustments ................................................. 29
Speed Control/Restraint Protocol Switch (A 1) ................. 30
Modem Control Switch (A2) ................................... 30
Fault Response Switches (A3 and A4) ........................ 31
End of Transmission Switch (AS) .............................. 31
XON/XOFF Protocol Switch (A6) .............................. 32
Error Processing Switch (A7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Store Features Switch (A8) .................................... 33
Baud Rate Select Switches (B1 Through BS) .................. 34
Split Baud Rate Select Switches (B1 Through BS) ............ 34
Data Parity Switches (B6 and B7) ............................. 35
Data Format Switch (BB) ...................................... 35
Parallel Interface Switches (Optional) ......................... 36

SELF-TESTS
Internal Self-Test .................................................. 37

1/0 Loopback Tests ................................................ 42
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Platen ................................................ 46
Replacing the Printhead ........................................... 51
Replacing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Checklist ............................................. 59
FONTS

General ............................................................... 62
Changing Character Sets .............................................. 63
PRINTER EMULATION MODES

General ............................................................... 65
Setup Procedures ..................................................... 66
IBM/Epson MX80 Mode ............................................... 68
IBM/Epson MX80 with Graftrax Plus Mode ............................. 70
IBM Graphics Printer Mode .................................... ; ....... 72
SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX

Digital Services ........................................................ 78
On-Site Service ................................................... 78
Carry-In Service .................................................. 78
DECmailer ........................................................ 78
Accessories and Supplies .............................................. 79

INTRODUCTION
This user guide shows you how to operate and maintain the LA21 O
Letterprinter. It describes ribbon and paper installation, operating
controls and indicators, data communications, printer adjustments and
maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The user guide is part of the LA21 O Letterprinter user documentation
package. There are four other documents in this package.
Installing the LA210 Letterprinter

EK-LA210-IN

LA210 Letterprinter Programmer Reference
Manual

EK-LA210-RM

LA210 Letterprinter Operator and Programmer
Reference Guide

EK-LA210-RC

LA210 Letterprinter Emulation Modes Reference EK-LA210-RG
Guide
The information in these documents is for three different audiences.
• the hardware installer who needs specific instructions and
checkout information
• the operator who needs general operating information
• the applications programmer who needs interface and control
function descriptions

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The warnings, cautions, and notes in this user guide have specific
purposes.
WARNINGS

Contain important information that relates to
personal safety.

CAUTIONS

Contain information to prevent damage to the
equipment.

NOTES

Contain general information.
1

FEATURES
The LA210 Letterprinter is a dot matrix, receive only (RO) printer. You can
use this compact desktop printer in personal computer systems, office
workstations, and small business computer systems.
The LA210 Letterprinter operates in text or graphics mode. In text mode,
you can select letter quality or draft quality printing. In graphics mode, the
computer controls the dot printing elements.
Letter quality mode provides medium or high density printing at low speed
(40 characters per second maximum). Draft mode provides low density
printing at high speed (240 characters per second maximum).
The printer contains the courier 1O USASCI I, courier 1 O multinational, and
VT100 line drawing character sets. You can plug in up to two optional
fonts in the font assembly.
A paper tractor comes with the printer. This tractor can handle wide paper
and 4-part paper(original plus three copies). You can feed paper from the
back of the printer (single-part only) or through a slot in the bottom of the
printer. The ribbon comes in a disposable cartridge.
The printer can also emulate the IBM/Epson MX80 printer, the I BM/Epson
MX80 printer with Graftrax, and the I BM Graphics printer.
You can select emulation modes by changing the configuration switch
settings and the plug-in font cartridges. To operate the printer in the
emulation modes, see the major sections on "Configuration Switches,"
"Fonts," and "Printer Emulation Modes."

INSTALLING RIBBON AND PAPER
Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge
1.

Remove the access cover by pulling up and out.

Remove and discard the old ribbon cartridge.
RIBBON CARTRIDGE

MA-0099·84

CAUTION: Digital recommends the LA 1OR ribbon cartridge for
replacement. Using other ribbon cartridges may damage the printhead and void the warranty.

Remove and save the gap-setting guide from the new cartridge. (You
need this guide to adjust the printhead.)
Turn the ribbon adjustment knob on the new cartridge clockwise to
tighten the ribbon.

MA-1497-84

Move the printhead adjustment lever to the right.

Fit the cartridge over the mounting holes and push into place.

Make sure the ribbon fits between the printhead and smudge guard.

Press the cartridge into place and tighten the ribbon with the ribbon
adjustment knob.

NOTE: If you need to adjust the printhead, see the "Adjusting the
Printhead" section.

Replace the access cover by sliding in and down.

Inserting Paper
1. Remove the access cover by pulling up and out.

-2. · Move the paper-out switch left and toward you (disabled position).

DISABLED
POSITION
MA-0328-84

CAUTION: Make sure the paper-out switch is disabled before you
feed or remove paper through the bottom slot. If not, the switch may
be damaged.
NOTE: Make sure the paper-out switch is disabled before you feed
paper through the back and around the platen. If not, the Power/fault
indicator turns on and the printer will not feed paper.

3. Pull the paper release lever toward you.
4. Hold the tractor assembly with both hands and press down on the
tractor release levers.
5. Line up the tractor assembly with the two slots in the top of the
printer. Lower the assembly into place.

TRACTOR RELEASE
LEVER

PAPER RELEASE

MA·0067·84

6. Release the tractor release levers.

TRACTOR
RELEASE
LEVER

TRACTOR
RELEASE
LEVER
MA·0068·84

7. Open the window.
WINDOW

8. Open the paper clamps.

9. This step depends on the printer's location.
Printer on Table or Desk

Guide the paper under the back of the tractor assembly, around the
platen, and up onto the tractors.

NOTE: Use only single-part paper when feeding paper from the
back of the printer. If you use multipart paper, you must feed paper
through the bottom of the printer as follows.

Printer on Stand
Feed paper through the slot in the bottom of the printer and onto the
tractors.

TRACTOR

STAND

PAPER
SLOTS

CROSS
MEMBER

NOTE: You can enable the paper-out function when feeding paper
from the bottom. First load the paper. Then return the paper-out
switch to the enabled position. (Move switch to left and away from you.)

ENABLED
POSITION

MA-0086-84

10. Fit the paper on the tractors. If the paper does not fit correctly, use the
tractor adjustment levers to move the tractors.

11. Feed the paper through the window slot and close the tractor clamps.

MA-0074-84

12. Replace the access cover by sliding in and down. Then close the
window.

MA-0017-85

Adjusting the Printhead
1. Remove the access cover by pulling up and out.

MA-0011-85

You need the gap-setting guide that came with your ribbon cartridge.
Slide the narrow end of the guide between the printer and the paper.

Move the printhead adjustment lever to the left, until you feel a slight
resistance when you slide the gap-setting guide between the printhead and paper. The printhead is now adjusted correctly.

MA..-0188-84

R~place the access cover by sliding -in and down.

SWITCHES AND INDICATORS
Power Switch
The power switch is on the rear of the printer. To turn power on, you set the
switch to the up (1) position.

Control Panel
The operator's control panel is on the top right of the printer. The control
panel includes the following switches and indicators.
Auto/Manual Switch
This switch specifies whether the computer or the operator has control
over letter quality and draft printing. In the Auto (up) position, the
computer has control. In the Manual (down) position, the operator has
control and uses the Letter/Draft switch to select print quality.
Letter/Draft Switch
This switch only works when the Auto/Manual switch is set to Manual.
Set the Letter/Draft switch up for letter quality, and down for draft
printing.

c:JData Set Ready
Power/f ault
1

ES
ES ; 1
~--

_,_FONTS

04
Os

D
Auto .A

·--

Font
Select

Letter .A

Manual-

Draft

Normal A

Line

...

Line
- - Off
-Self

Test

Set
Top of
Form

Local
Form Feed
(Reset)
MA-0077-84

On Line/Off Line Switch

This switch controls whether the printer is available for printing (on-line) or
in local mode (off-line). Set the switch up for printing and down for local
mode. The Off Line position is used for such functions as running selftests, and setting top of form and local form feed.
NOTE: Normally, data is not lost when you switch the printer off-line
(unless the printer is in self-test mode). When you switch the printer back
on-line, the printer resumes printing where it left off.

Normal/Self Test Switch

This switch is used to put the printer in self-test mode. To use self-test
mode, first set the On Line/Off Line switch to Off Line (down). Next set
the Normal/Self Test switch to Self Test (down). For normal print mode
operation, both switches s_hould be up.

Set Top of Form Switch
This switch controls the position of the top of the sheet of paper or form
used. To set a new top of form, first set the On Line/Off Line switch to Off
Line. Next, fit the top of the paper on the tractors. Then press the
momentary-contact Top of Form switch. Reset the On Line/Off Line
switch to On Line to continue printing.
NOTE: The printer starts printing at the top margin, not the top of form
(unless the top margin is the same position). See the LA210 Letterprinter
Programmer Reference Manual for details.

Local Form Feed (Reset) Switch
When the printer is off-line, this switch advances the paper to the next topof-form position each time you press it. If you hold down this switch while
turning power on, it does not advance paper, but resets the printer to the
factory default settings. This switch also resets certain faults (such as
cover open) after the fault is cleared.
Font Select Switch
This switch lets you select which font the printer uses, or have the
computer control font selection. When the system is first turned on, the
computer has font control. When you first press the Font Select switch, it
selects font 1. Pressing this switch again selects font 2, and so on. The
font indicators show the selected font. After you select font 5 and press
the switch again, font selection control returns to the computer.
NOTE: You can only select font positions that contain fonts. You cannot
select font 2 and font 4 unless optional external fonts are installed.

Indicators
Data. Set Ready Indicator
Th.

tha~~~l .1s present.

is indicator is on
DSRYisand
sent
bY the whenever
read
com puter th
DSR (dat a set ready) si
able
(ore mod
P
o send and
received:;)
to indicate

ower/fault Ind"

e system is

. .
icator
This indicator.
on, the power. 's a combination P

aF fault in the

. n ermittentflash'
. icator is
~~~t:~nd. the printer~:~;~~:~Yt
indicator. If the ind'

ont Indicators

ll~g

mg indicates

~nt

These five indicate
you are selecf
rs show which f

selected font.
fonts manually,
is currently select
represents the the computer sel e indicator that is ed for printing. If
selected font· in
the font the .
represents the
Pa
•
is cas
'
'" 1cato th
per-Low Det
e, all other ind·
r at is off
T .
ector
1cators are

th~cts

od~

his connec•or.
on.
etector wh en you us e an optional
sheet feede;. is for the paper-low d

Printer Controls
Paper Adjust Knobs

Use either knob on the platen to adjust the paper vertically. Once the top
of form is set, rotating the paper adjust knobs will change the top of form
setting.
Paper Release Lever

This lever controls paper-holding tension. Put the lever in the forward
(released) position for tractor operation.
Printhead Release Lever

Use this lever only to replace the printhead, if necessary. Move the lever
toward the rear of the printer to unlock the printhead. Move the lever
toward the front of the printer to lock the printhead in place.
Printhead Adjustment Lever

Move this lever to the left for single-part paper (one sheet thick). The
printhead will move toward the platen. Move the lever to the right for
multipart forms or heavy forms. The printhead will move away from the
platen. You can also use this lever to move the printhead away from the
platen and change the ribbon.
For the best print quality, see the "Adjusting the Printhead" section.

---

MA-0102-84

Tractor Release Levers

These levers let you remove the tractor assembly. To remove the tractor,
push both release levers down while lifting the assembly.
Tractor Adjustment Levers

These levers control margin location and paper width. Pull the adjustment
levers forward to release the tractors. Adjust the horizontal space
between the tractors for different-size paper. After adjusting a tractor,
push the lever to the rear to lock in place.

Paper-Out Switch

This switch is under the access cover. You use this switch for paper
loading, and to disable paper-out detection when paper is loaded from the
back of the printer. Pull the switch forward to override paper-out detection,
or to load paper. Push the switch back to enable paper-out detection when
paper is loaded through the bottom of the printer.

DISABLED
POSITION

MA-0087-84

COMMUNICATION
Interface 5·1gnals

-------- -----

. interfac e.
The LA210 Letterprinter has a standard RS232 C serral

Printer
User
Printer
User
User

9*
11

12
19
20
22

23
25*

User
Printer
Printer
User
Printer
Printer
User
Printer
Printer

Function
Protective ground
Transmitted d
Rec .
ata
e1ved data
Request to send
Clear to send
~.ata set ready
ignal ground
Carrier detect
Clock baud r
.
Restraint
ate signal

--~C~ONFIGURATION
Setup Ad"

SWITCHES

iustments

re~

The configuration
.
most Digital s
switches are fact

sections~

settings. Che/stems. All the Ii uory·set so you can u
necessary. Aftek your system
res in this
the printer with
settings unless' you set these
to see if :now the factory
computer.
you make a cha nge es,
you
normall
to the commu~·do Y
~otchanges
change are
the

swi~~~ments

icat1on system

CAUTION·

or
b all point
. pen or simil
Use a
..
usear
a item.
lead
.
pencil. to cha nge the switch pos1t1ons.
·

Never

Speed Control/Restraint Protocol Switch (A1)

Set switch A1 down for transmission restraint using the EIA BUSY control
line. Set the switch up for speed control using the EIA SPDI (speed
indicator) and SPDS (speed select) control lines.
Function

Switch Setting

Restraint mode
Speed control mode

Down (factory setting)
Up

~~~~~i~~
'\'~'
MODEM

CONTROL

RESTRAINT

MA-0107-84

Modem Control Switch (A2)

Switch A2 controls access to modem control.
Function

Switch Setting

No modem control
Modem control

Down (factory setting)
Up

Fault Response Switches (A3 and A4)

Switches A3 and A4 select the response to a paper fault when it occurs.
Switch Settings
3
4

Function

Select no action.
(XOFF is sent if enabled.)

Down

Down (factory setting)

Select to send break signal.

Down

Select disconnect.
(Drop DTR.)

Down

Select do not connect.

FAULT
RESPONSE

END OF
TRANSMISSION

MA-0230.84

End of Transmission Switch (AS)

Switch AS controls the EOT (end of transmission) characters.
Function

Switch Setting

Disable coded disconnect.
(Ignore EOT.)

Down (factory setting)

Enable coded disconnect.
(Disconnect upon
receiving EOT.)

XON/XOFF Protocol Switch (A6)
Switch A6 controls XON/XOFF.

Function

Switch Setting

Enable auto XON/XOFF.
Disable auto XON/XOFF.

Up (factory setting)
Down

~~~~~i~~
',

·~·

XON/XOFF
PROTOCOL

•

'\'

ERROR
PROCESSING

Error Processing Switch (A7)
Switch A7 controls receiver error processing.

Function

Switch Setting

Set receiver processing to
print substitute character.

Down (factory setting)

Set receiver error processing
to print characters as received.

Store Features Switch (AB)
Switch AB stores the computer-selectable features in user permanent
memory. These features are as follows.
Horizontal tab
Vertical tab
Form length
Horizontal pitch
Vertical pitch
Horizontal margins
Vertical margins
Paper alignment

Paper width
Answerback message
Character set selection and mapping
Pitch mode
End of line control
New Line request
C1 receive
C1 transmit

You can verify that these features are stored as follows.
1. Set the printer off-line.
2. Turn printer power off and on.
3. Print the status message.
The computer cannot change the features stored in user permanent memory.
To store or change these features, reset the desired configuration switches.
Then move switch AS from down to up. Moving switch AS from up to down has
no function.
The factory default settings for some features are listed in the status
message. The default settings that are not listed are as follows.
Feature
Left margin
Right margin
Top margin
Bottom margin
Paper alignment
Paper width

Setting
Column 1
Paper width= 132 columns
Line 1
Form length= 66 lines
Offset= O
13.2 inches

~~~~~i~~
1-"
I

•

STORE
FEATURES

;

Baud Rate Select Switches (B1 Through BS)

These switches select the speed at which the printer communicates with
the computer.
Baud
Rate

Switch Settings
1
2
3

50
75
110
134.5
150
200
300
600
1200
1800
2400
4800 (factory setting)
7200
9600

Down Down Down Down Down
Up
Down Down Down Down
Down Up
Down Down Down
Up
Up
Down Down Down
Down Down Up
Down Down
Up
Down Up
Down Down
Up
Down Up
Down Down
Up
Up
Up
Down Down
Down Down Down Up
Down
Up
Up
Down Down
Down
Down Up
Down
Down Up
Up
Up
Down
Down Up
Up
Down
Down Down Up
Up
Up
Down
Down Up

BAUD RATE
SWITCHES

MA-0106- 84

Split Baud Rate Select Switches (B1 Through BS)

The following settings are for split transmission speed baud rates. Set
switch position BS up to select split speed mode.
Split Rate
Transmit/Receive

Switch Settings
1
2
3

75/600
75/1200
150/600
150/1200

Down Down
Up
Down
Down Up
Up
Up

Down
Down
Down
Down

Up
Up
Up
Up

Down
Down
Down
Down

Split Rate
Transmit/Receive

Switch Settings
1
2
3

300/2400
300/4800
600/2400
600/4800

Down
Up
Down
Up

Down
Down
Down
Down

Up
Up
Up
Up

Down
Down
Up
Up

Up
Up
Up
Up

Data Parity Switches (86 and 87)

These switches select the data parity to match communication requirements with the computer.
Parity
7-Bit

8·Bit

Switch Settings
6
7

Space
Mark
Even
Odd

No parity
No parity
Even
Odd

Down
Up
Down
Up

123•

Down (factory setting)
Down
Up
Up

ii~i~~~i

•>l•11~1

~678

DATA
PARITY

DATA
BITS
MA-0231·84

Data Format Switch (88)

The printer may send and receive data in either 7-bit or 8-bit ASCII
mode. Switch 88 selects the character processing mode.
Data Bits

Switch Settings

Up (factory setting)
Down

Parallel lnterf ace Switche
T

hese switch
s (Optional)
connector foret~ econtrol
the
clock
parallel
interf
in 9) and powe r (pm
. 25)
ace(p'adapt
Function
er option (LA1

OX-EP~.t the EIA

Parallel int
and pow erface clock
er off

Switch Sett"
ongssetting)
P actory
Both u (f

Parallel
and
powint erface clock
er on

Both down

SELF-TESTS
The access cover must be on to run the self-tests. If the printer does not
pass the tests, see the "Troubleshooting Checklist."

Internal Self-Test
1.

Turn the printer power switch on.

POWER SWITCH

MA-0124-84

Press the On Line/Off Line switch down to the Off Line position.

Press the Normal/Self Test switch down to the Self Test position.

You should see the following status message. This message shows
the firmware version number, configuration switch settings, and
computer selectable features. If the message smudges, see the
"Adjusting the Printhead" section.
LA210 V2.l
RO
Emulation mode 0
2K Buff er
DPSs: 006 ..• 131 ..... .
*Printer Settings
Form Length (l/24):264
GO Character set:United States
Gl Character set:Line drawing
G2 Character set:DEC Multinational
G3 Character set:United States
GL Set mapping:GO
GR Set mapping:G2
Pitch Mode:All Pitches
Horiz pitch <cpil:lO
Vert pitch (lpil:6
End of line control:wrap mode
New Line request char. :none
~Communication

Settings

Auto-answerback:Disabled
Disconnect on EOT:Disabled
Paper fault processing:XOFF (if enabled)
Parity:B/N
Receiver error:Print error block
Speed(bps):4800
Auto XON/XOFF:Enabled
Modem Control:No Modem Control-Restraint Mode
Cl receive:Disabled
Cl transmit:Disabled
MA- 0085 ·84

Press and release the momentary Local Form Feed switch. This
starts self-test 1.

You should see the following printout.
' • t •I I' I 1 ••, - .10 I ;:J4S6?89:: <• ~ ?~•O•C:l•Ef•:iH l JICL"HO .. !Jk~ IUUW U Zl \. 1- _' itic <l•f1" 1 Jlt. l •riopq r • t.uvwxys( I>'"' 1 ' t fl & · I H•, - • /U 12 .H5b 789: ; ·. • · 'fllll1'C llEF
• tt XI· l l A•, - • / 0 l z::...1~U ?81) ! ; <• "PAltCl•EFGlol tJ~Ll'IMOt'OiSTUUWk ro:L \ J- _ · 1t.c ·1•f')h 1 J' l •nopq r •t•Jvw~y:< I >• 1 • t U. t. • t I A•, - • 10 l;: H:>U 789: : · • · "'IAllCt•EFG
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MA-0115-84

Press and release the Local Form Feed switch to stop this test and
start self-test 2.

You should see the following printout.
f I U JU Ht I f I U U U I II It 11lttl11lllIItUltU11111UUUII11 II llllt UllU 1111IIItU11UflJtflII111111111tl11111llIfHttilll111U11 U I
tllffUIUllUllllUltUllUtflltlllUllUlllltllltUUtllllllllHlllUlllUllllllllllUltlllllSUIUIUtUUUlUlllllllllllllllU•
U Utttt II U 11• t ttHH UtfU tU I t tit tllllU It ltl I I t t I t Ill Htlt tilt lit I ttt U Hit I It 1 U I II f l t ftfl f l Ult tfll 11 I t ltH tit ff llltl I II' II Ht.
UtUflllttlllllHlllltUUllllfltlltllttlllllUttUlflUlltltllllllllfllllfUllltllllllllllttltttllllllllttlllllllflltllllUlllllll
IUI ltU UUUll U' lft Ullll 11111 llllltlll l l l l l t l t l t l f l l l lltttlltllfl I I 411 I tlllll I ttl U tll llfllllllUlllll I fltlll ll U I l l l U l l " It I Ill t
" " ' ' " ' " ' ' " " ' ' " ' " " '.. ""''''""""'''''''"''""''''"'"111utttu•u•••tt••tu1111u•u•t••tuu1uuu111u111t•••••••

MA-0116-84

Press and release the Local Form Feed switch to stop,this test and
start self-test 3. This test moves the carriage to each character
position, advances lines, but does not print. Check for smooth
carriage and paper feed motion.

Press and release the Local Form Feed switch to stop this test and
reprint the status message. After the status message prints out
again, the printer stops.

1/0 Loopback Tests
1.

Turn the printer power switch off.

Plug in the loopback connector.

Turn on the power.

MA.-008:)..84

Press the On Line/Off Line switch down to the Off Line position.

Press the Normal/Self Test switch down to the Self Test position.
You should see the status message print, as shown in step 3 of the
"Internal Self-Test" section.

Press the Set Top of Form switch.

The printer runs a baud rate test and prints a pass or fail message. Here is
a sample message.
Control lines OK
NOTE: There is a delay of about 1 minute before the printer completes
the test message.

Data path OK
Printing loopback
Next, the printer runs a data communications test. This test prints out all
characters (similar to self-test 1).

Press and release the Normal/Self Test switch to stop the test.

The printer prints

Stopped

MAINTENANCE
This section includes information you need to keep your printer in good
operating condition.
The printer does not require preventive maintenance. Clean the outer
surfaces and platen with a damp cloth only. Do not use solvents of any
kind.
CAUTION: Always turn off printer power before performing any
maintenance.

Cleaning the Platen
1.

Remove the tractor assembly and access cover.

Press the platen release levers down and lift the platen straight out.

Clean the platen with a damp cloth.

Install the platen in its original position. The platen will click in place.

Install the access cover.

Pull the paper release lever toward you.
assembly.

Then install the tractor

TRACTOR RELEASE
LEVER

PAPER RELEASE

Replacing the Printhead
1.

Turn the printer power switch off.

Remove the tractor asse mbly an d access cover.

Remove then'bbon cartridge.
RIBBON CARTRIDGE

MA-0099-84

Move the printhead adjustment lever to the right.

Push the printhead release lever away from you.

Firmly grasp the printhead. Tilt it toward you and pull up.

Disconnect the printhead from the connector.

©PRINTHEAD

-------- · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8.

Plug in the new printhead and place it in position.

Pu II the release lever toward you.

1o. Install the ribbon cartridge.

11. Install the access cover.

12. Pull the paper release lever toward you. Then install the tractor
assembly.

TRACTOR RELEASE
LEVER

PAPER RELEASE
LEVER

MA·0067-84A

13. Turn on the printer power switch.

POWER SWITCH

14. Install paper and adjust the printhead as described in the "Adjusting
the Printhead" section.

Replacing the F use
1.
2.

Turn the print er power switch off and .
Push in on th
disconnect the a
remove the I e fuse cap,
rotat
c power
.
ounterclock
. cord.
use holder
e 1/4 turn c
Remove th
wise and
eold f
'
holder.
use and insert a new fuse of equal value in th e f use
Insert the f use hold
urn clockwise to
.
ock into place.
er into the printe rand rotate 1/4 t

TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUTION: Always turn off the printer power switch before you try to
correct a problem.

If you have a problem, use the following checklist. If you cannot correct it,
turn off the printer and contact your dealer or the nearest Digital service
center. (See Appendix.)

Troubleshooting Checklist
Symptom

Possible Cause

Remedy

Printer does not
turn on when power
switch is turned on.

The ac power cord
is not plugged into
wall receptacle or
printer.

Plug in cord.

Power is not coming
from wall receptacle.

Check receptacle
with a known
working device.

The ac line fuse is
blown.

Turn power switch
off and replace fuse.

Printer is out of
paper.

Install paper and
turn power switch off
and on to reset the
printer.

Access cover is
open.

Close access cover
and set power
switch off and on to
reset the printer.

Characters do not
print. Power/fault
indicator flashes.

Troubleshooting Checklist (Cont)
Symptom

Possible Cause

Remedy

Characters do not
print. Carriage
moves across paper.

Printhead is too far
from paper.

Readjust printhead.
(See the "Adjusting
the Printhead"
section.)

Ribbon is not
installed properly.

Reinstall ribbon.

Data set (modem) is
disconnected.

Plug in data set.

Baud rate is
incorrect.

Make sure baud rate
matches computer.

Communication
setup is incorrect.

Make sure other
communication
features are set to
match computer.

Printhead is too far
from paper.

Readjust printhead.
(See the "Adjusting
the Printhead"
section.)

Ribbon is out of ink

Replace ribbon.

Printhead is too
close to paper.

Readjust printhead.
(See the "Adjusting
the Printhead"
section.)

Characters do not
print or are garbled.

Character printing is
too light.

Characters smudge
during printing.

Troubleshooting Checklist (Cont)
Symptom

Possible Cause

Remedy

Paper does not
advance.

Paper is not
loaded correctly.

Reload paper.

Feed holes are torn.

Reload paper.

Friction feed is not
released.

Move paper release
lever forward.

Pri nthead is too
close to paper.

Readjust printhead.
(See the "Adjusting
the Printhead"
section.)

Paper is not
straight in printer.

Realign paper.

Tractors are
incorrectly adjusted.

Readjust right
tractor.

Paper or printhead
jam occurs.

Open access cover
and clear jam. Close
cover and turn the
power switch off
and on to reset the
printer.

Nonvolatile memory
(NVM) content is
invalid.

Turn printer power
switch off. Press the
Local Form Feed
(Reset) switch and
turn power on. Refer
to Page 33 to store
factory settings in
memory.

Multipart paper
tears.

Printer prints "NVM
ERR" at power-up.

FONTS
General
The LA210 Letterpri t
(RO
M) to form
n er uses in
dot _P a !tern sets store .
character
s th e characters

ar:~~

~~~

e~~t~IP~

printer let els, or different ho .different type styled in read only memo
Pri nte r
estore u P to th reer ;ia; pitches. Int
fonts), differ e
line drawing chcourier
0 USASCll ' acourier
tern sets.
OM slots
in the
aracter 1sets
10 The
mulrset s supplied
with
th

You can also.

inational, and VT1

.
s
the
fontprovi~mbly
ass
in~ontrol
panel
next to the
o the slots int . es access to th

co n t rol panel. install
The tw o external font

font assembly. Fontdoor
next to fit
the
cartridges

NOTE:

in slot 2

en you install an
his assembly
e
o
4.
mary
cartridge
and the o ver/ay cartridge
overlayca
t
.
.
in ~ r~dge, install the pri

The two cartridge slots correspond to the second and fourth font
indicators on the control panel, as shown in the figure. The exception is
when an overlay cartridge is installed; in this case, only the primary font
set indicator turns on.
After you install a font cartridge, you can use the Font Select switch to
select that font for printing. See the next section.

Changing Character Sets
NOTE: Do not remove or insert a font cartridge while the printer is
printing. You may lose one or two lines of print. However, you can change
your font by pressing the Font Select switch any time during operation.

Open the access door and remove the currently installed cartridge.

Insert the new character font cartridge.

Close the access door.

POWER
SWITCH
CLOSE ACCESS
DOOR

MA-0100-84

~~;:~ts

s;~tch,

fo~~~t

When th e system· ·
you. first pre ss theis Ffirst turned on, th
switch again
ont Select
. e computer has

selected font.
font 2, and
again, font sele r you select the I
c ion control

it selects
ton. The font ind·
installed font

contml. When
. Pressing this
show the

If you are selecti

to the computer

press the switch

return~s

an~cators

selected font If
fonts manually th .
.
font. sei eels
the font' that.
th e is
on represents
represents th.e selected
he computer
e indicator
off
indicator
that .IS th
e

PRINTER EMULATION MODES
General
Normally, the LA21 O Letterprinter operates in standard Digital (DEC)
mode. The printer also has three optional printer emulation modes. These
optional modes let the LA210 Letterprinter operate like the following
printers.
DEC
MX
GT
GP

(mode 0)
(mode 1)
(mode 2)
(mode 3)

Standard Digital mode.
Emulates IBM/Epson MX80 printer.
Emulates IBM/Epson MX80 printer with Graftrax Plus.
Emulates IBM Graphics printer.

This section describes how you can select the three optional printer
emulation modes. To use the three optional modes (1, 2, and 3), you must
reset configuration switches A and 8, and insert optional plug-in
cartridges.
When you use parallel printer communication lines, you must use the
optional parallel interface adapter (LA 1 OX-EP) and reset the parallel
interface switches. The printer's status message shows printer microcode
information and the emulation mode in use.

Setup p rocedures
1.

Turn off the printer powe r switch
.

Plug the
.
. interfa
ion (LA1 OX-EP .
EIA connector
parallel
ce adapter opt"
Set the parallel .
) into the printer
mterface sw1"t ches down.

NOTE· y
LA 1OX-EPOU
External
must set
the sw·t
Interface
the
~arallel
interfa ce. See the
Guide
(EK-L1
p arallel
' ches 0U~ er

OE0U0

Select the plug-in cartridge(s) for the desired emulation from the
following list and plug the cartridge(s) into the font option assembly.
Mode 1
(IBM/Epson MX80)

Mode 2
(IBM/Epson MX80
with Graftrax Plus)

Uses one cartridge, the LA 1OX-LB (mosaic).
Install it in either slot 2 or 4. The remaining
slot can hold any other font cartridge.

Font

LA 1 OX-LB

137

Uses two cartridges, the LA 1OX-AP
(italic 10 - primary font) and LA 1 OX-LC
(Graftrax). You must use both cartridges to
fully emulate GT mode. Install the italic font
in slot 2 and the Graftrax font in slot 4.
If you want to print in any style other than the
standard courier or italic 10, install the
alternate primary font cartridge in slot 2.

Mode 3
(IBM Graphics
Printer)

Font

LA1 OX-AP
LA10X-LC

011
143

Uses two cartridges, the LA 1OX-LA (line
drawing) and LA1 OX-LO (foreign style). The
cartridges can be installed in either slot 2 or
4. You must use both to fully emulate GP
mode.

Font

LA 1 OX-LA
LA 1 0 X- L D

139
14 1

Set the configuration switches for the desired emulation according
to the following tables.

NOTE: In emulation mode, most configuration switches are only activated
at power-up. Always power down the printer before changing the switch
settings.
In standard (DEC) mode, the switches are monitored all the time. You do
not have to power down the printer first.

IBM/Epson MX80 Mode
This mode emulates a basic dot matrix line printer. It provides single and
double-width characters, four horizontal pitches, 1/6-inch high characters
with two-pass printing, and bar charting.

iiii~~ii

iiiii~i~

12345678

MA-0226-84

NOTE:

Switches are shown in standard settings.

Switch A

Setting

Function

A1, A2

Up or down

Not used.

When line buffer is full, printer prints line
and advances to next line.

Down

When line buffer is full, printer drops
characters.

Cancel (CAN) character clears line buffer.

Down

CAN character is ignored.

Down

DEL character is ignored.

Delete (DEL) character clears line buffer.

Down

Printer only performs a carriage return.

Printer performs an automatic line teed
when it receives a carriage return (CR)
character.

Switch A

Setting

Function

When printer receives BELL character,
error bell sounds.

Down

BELL character is ignored.

Selects standard 8-inch paper width at
power-up.

Down

Selects 13-inch paper width.

Switch B

Setting

Function

B1 to 84

All up

Enables emulation mode.

Selects MX emulation mode.

Down

Selects MX emulation mode.

Up or down

Not used.

Down

Enables 0.13 K buffer.

Enables 2 K buffer.

NOTE: Some applications set a time limit for the printer to empty its input
buffer. If the printer exceeds this limit, printing stops.
In emulation mode, the LA210 Letterprintergives you a choice of two input
buffers- a2K butter and a 0.13Kbutter. If your application displays a timeout message, use the 0. 13 K buffer. Otherwise, use the 2 K buffer to reduce
the number of data requests from the printer to the host.

IBM/Epson MXSO with Graftrax Plus Mode
This mode expands the MX80 mode to include new graphics and
character processing capabilities. This mode emulates the basic printer
and adds italics, graphics, 1/16-inch high script characters, balding, and
more.

iiii~ii~

12345678

MA-0227·84

NOTE:

Switches are shown in standard position.

Switch A

Setting

Function

Down

Printer is set to standard horizontal pitch
at power-up.

Printer operates at compressed horizontal
pitch at power-up.

Down

Prints full page.

Sets bottom margin to 1 inch at power-up.

Down

Disables bold printing at power-up.

Enables bold printing at power-up.

Down

Disables italic printing at power-up.

Enables italic printing at power-up.

Down

Disables slashed zero(~) printing at
power-up.

Enables slashed zero (0) printing at
power-up.

Switch A

Setting

Function

Down

Printer only performs a carriage return.

Printer performs an automatic line feed
when it receives a carriage return (CR)
character.

When printer receives BELL character,
error bell sounds.

Down

BELL character is ignored.

Selects standard 8-inch paper width at
power-up.

Down

Selects 13-inch paper width.

Switch 8

Setting

Function

B1 to 84

All up

Enables emulation mode.

Down

Selects GT emulation mode.

Up or down

Not used.

Down

Enables 0.13 K buff er.

UJr-

Enables 2 K buffer.

NOTE: Some applications set a time limit for the printer to empty its input
buffer. If the printer exceeds this limit, printing stops.
In emulation mode, the LA21 O Letterprinter gives you a choice of two input
buffers- a 2 K buffer and a 0. 13 K buffer. If your application displays a timeout message, use the 0. 13 K buffer. Otherwise, use the 2 K buffer to reduce
the number of data requests from the printer to the host.
Sending a reset escape sequence causes the printer to reset to the A1
through AS configuration switch settings.

IBM Graphics Printer Mode
This mode increases the capabilities of the basic MX line printer and
includes an extended character set, 1/16-inch high characters, bolding,
underlining, subscripting and superscripting, four graphics modes, and
bottom margin control.

iiiiiii~

iiii~~ii

12345678

MA-0228-84

NOTE:

Switches are shown in standard position.

Switch A

Setting

Function

A1, A2

Up or down

Not used.

When line buffer is full, printer prints line
and advances to next line.

Down

When line buffer is full, printer drops
characters.

Cancel (CAN) character clears line buffer.

Down

CAN character is ignored.

Down

DEL character is ignored.

Delete (DEL) character clears line buffer.

Down

Printer only performs a carriage return.

Printer performs an automatic line feed
when it receives a carriage return (CR)
character.

Switch A

Setting

Function

When printer receives BELL character,
error bell sounds.

Down

BELL character is ignored.

Selects standard 8-inch paper width at
power-up.

Down

Selects 13-inch paper width.

Switch B

Setting

Function

81 to 84

All up

Enables emulation mode.

85, 86

Selects GP emulation mode.

Up or down

Not used.

Down

Enables 0.13 K.

Enables 2 K buffer.

NOTE: Some applications set a time limit for the printer to empty its input
buffer. If the printer exceeds this limit, printing stops. ·.
In emulation mode, the LA210 Letterprinter gives you a choice of two input
buffers- a 2 K buffer and a 0. 13 K buffer. If your application displays a timeout message, use the 0. 13K buffer. Otherwise, use the 2 K buffer to reduce
the number of data requests from the printer to the host.

SPECIFICATIONS
Weight

11.3 kg (25 lb)

Dimensions
Height

12.7 cm (5 in) without tractor
22.8 cm (9 in) with tractor

Width

54.6 cm (21.5 in)

Depth

34.3 cm (13.5 in)

Environment
Temperature

10° to 40° C (50° to 104° F)

Relative humidity

10% to 90%

Input voltage

90 to 128 Vac or 180 to 256 Vac
47 to63 Hz

Power consumption

154 watts maximum

Power receptacle

Nonswitched, 3-prong, grounded receptacle

Data interface

Serial RS232C EIA
Parallel optional

System cables
(not supplied)
PC
EIA

BCC04
BC22D

Ribbon

Cartridge (part number LA 10 R)

Paper
Types
Single Part
Multi part

Single cut sheet when using sheet feeder
Fanfold pin-feed forms
4-part carbon (bottom feed only)
Fanfold pin-feed forms
3- or 4-prong crimped margins
are recommended.
Stapled, dot, or line-glued margins
are not recommended.
Split forms with each side containing a
different thickness or number of sheets are
not recommended.

Width
Weight
Single Part
Thickness

8.89 cm to 37.77 cm
3112 in to 141/e in
56.25 grams/m 2 (15 lb) paper minimum
90.00 grams/m 2 (24 lb) paper maximum
0.0381 cm (0.015 in) maximum
(multipart 4 parts)

Print head

9-pin dot matrix
(part number 70-19655-00)

Printing method

Dot matrix using a 9-pin printhead with
1/144-inch head lift

Bidirectional

Text mode (draft printing)

Left to right

Text mode (letter quality)
Graphics mode

Input buffer capacity

Print speed

240 characters/second maximum
(7 x 9 matrix, draft printing)
185 characters/second throughput
(10 characters/inch, 132 columns)
80 characters/second maximum
(33 x 9 matrix, letter quality medium density)
62 characters/second throughput
(10 characters/inch, 132 columns)
40 characters/second maximum
(33 x 18 matrix, letter quality high density)
30 characters/second throughput
(10 characters/inch, 132 columns)

Print matrix
Draft quality

7 x 9 dots/character

Letter quality
(high density)

330 x 144 dots/inch
(33 x 18 dots/character at 1O characters/inch)
(28 x 18 dots/character at 12 characters/inch)

Letter quality
(medium density)

330 x 72 dots/inch
(33 x 9 dots/character at 1O characters/inch)
(28 x 9 dots/character at 12 characters/inch)

NO TE: In emulation mode, vertical resolution is 144 dots/inch, with an
algorithm to approximate 216 dots/inch.
Graphics

73.33 x 72 dots/inch
82.5 x 72 dots/inch
94.29 x 72 dots/inch
11 O x 72 dots/inch
132 x 72 dots/inch
165 x 72 dots/inch
220 x 72 dots/inch
330 x 72 dots/inch

Fonts
Standard

Courier 1O US/UK draft/near letter quality
Courier 1O multinational draft/near letter quality
VT100 line drawing 10 draft/near letter quality

Other

Optional and custom fonts available

Horizontal pitch
Draft

5, 6, 6.6, 8.25, 1O, 12, 13.2, 16.5 characters/inch
(10 or 12 pitch fonts)

High resolution

5 and 10 characters/inch (10 pitch)
6 and 12 characters/inch (12 pitch)

Vertical pitch

2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 lines/inch

Character sets
Standard

USASCll
VT100 line drawing
Digital multinational
Digital Finnish
Digital French Canadian
Digital Norwegian/Danish
Digital Spanish
ISO French
ISO German
ISO Italian
ISO Spanish
ISO United Kingdom

Optional

NOTE:

APL
DEC Technical
Katakana
JIS Roman

Other optional and custom character sets are available.

Emulationmodes

EPSON MX80
EPSON MX80 with Graftrax Plus
IBM graphics printer

APPENDIX
Digital Services
Digital provides a wide range of maintenance programs that cover small
systems and terminals. These include on-site, carry-in and mail-in maintenance services. You can use these programs to select a plan that suits
your service needs, from complete Digital support to self-maintenance.
On-Site Service
Digital offers fast, low cost, quality maintenance performed at your site by
Digital-trained Service Specialists. Whether you take advantage of our
DECservice or basic service agreements, or choose our time and materials
service, you can be sure that your small system or terminal is getting the
best possible maintenance.
Carry-In Service
There are several hundred Digital service centers in major cities worldwide. Digital service centers offer convenient, fast, and dependable carryin maintenance. This lets you save over on-site service.
DEC mailer
If you can perform self-maintenance, you should use our fast turnaround
module and subassembly repair service - DECmailer.
For more information on any of Digital's maintenance services, call the
Digital Field Service information number in your area during normal
business hours.
U.S.A
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Holland
Ireland

(800) 554-3333
(02) 4125555
(222) 6776410
(02) 2425095
(800) 267-5251
(2) 889666
(0) 423511
(6) 077-8292
(30) 631222
(1) 308433

Italy
Japan
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
West Germany
78

(02) 617961
(03) 9897161
(09) 595914
(2) 160290
(1) 725402
(1) 7331900
(08) 7338000
(01) 8169111
(734) 868711
(089) 95910

Accessories and Supplies
A wide variety of accessories and supplies (including manuals) are
available to enhance printer versatility and make operation easier. To
place an order or request a catalog, call one of these numbers during
regular business hours.
Continental United States
New Hampshire
Alaska or Hawaii
Canada

(800) 258-1710
(603) 884-6660
(408) 734-4915
(800) 267-6146
(TWX) 61 0-562-8732