In this article we examine seven different printers from seven different
manufacturers.
TERMINOLOGY
Following is some printer jargon you will find helpful.
CPS-CHARACTERS PER SECOND
This rating was once considered the true test of a printer. These ratings are
often misleading. If a printer has three different sets of characters, it will
have three different CPS ratings. Most ratings are based on conditions ideal for
speed. We have developed a benchmark to compare each printer under similar
conditions. This test prints 50 lines of 80 characters per line.
CPI-CHARACTERS PER INCH
All printers seem to use a 10 CPI standard type size. Most also use a condensed
(16 or 17 CPI) and an enhanced (bold 5 CPI). A few of the tested printers use a
correspondence quality proportional print font. Proportionally spaced characters
use only as much space as they need. A capital "W" takes more space than a small
"i" for example.
DOT MATRIX
This refers to how each of the tested printers forms the characters on paper.
Each character is made up of a number of dots. These dots are created by pins
that are forced out of the printer head to impact the ribbon and paper, causing
an impression. Print heads use from seven to nine pins stacked up one on top of
another. Each character is formed by a number of movements of the print head
(again, usually from 7 to 9). Each movement of the head forms another column of
dots comprising the character. This happens so fast that it appears as though the
letter is printed all at once. A 9 x 9 dot matrix, then, would be able to print
letters or characters using any combination of 81 dots. Graphics capabilities,
requiring appropriate software, allow individual dots to be positioned anywhere
on the paper.
BUFFER
A buffer is memory within the printer that stores data from the computer until it
can be printed. Buffers vary in size, with options for 1000 and 2000 characters
becoming widely available. Peripheral products are appearing that will allow
attachment of buffers in 8000 (8K) character increments.
FONT
This is the style or "face" of the type your printer produces. Many printers now
have fonts that change with the CPI. Be sure to see a sample of the available
fonts before you buy. Some inexpensive dot matrix fonts are hard to read.
FRICTION and TRACTOR FEED
These terms describe the method by which the paper is fed through the printer.
Tractor, also known as pinfeed, requires paper with holes in the margins and
generally comes in "fan-fold" boxes. This is convenient and allows continuous
printing.
Friction feed is like a regular typewriter feed, and allows single sheet
operation or roll paper. The latter is not very practical but the paper is
inexpensive.
LOGIC SEEKING (short line)
Actually, "short-line seeking" is a better description than "logic seeking." If a
given line is less than marginto-margin, the printer will make a carriage return
when the last character is printed, rather than wait until the head has moved
across the page. This speeds up printing when lines are short as when doing
program listings .
PARALLEL and SERIAL
Of the two, Parallel data transmission is faster. The 850 interface uses a
parallel port to connect with your printer. Since most printers use a standard
parallel connection compatibility problems are reduced.
THE PRINTERS
NEC 8023A-C
The NEC printer works well with the ATARI, It is a sturdy, well-built printer and
with several good features. First, it has a highquality proportional character
set that is fully supported by the latest version of TEXT WIZARD(C) by DataSoft
and their new companion to MICRO-PAINTER, COLOR PRINT(C). This makes it a very
versatile printer which will produce quality letters as well as great
graphics.
I especially like the ease of paper handling. The NEC supports both tractor and
friction feed, with a minimum of difficulry. There is a lever that
engages/disengages the pressure rollers, allowing a quick change from one type of
paper to another. Tractor-feed paper loads easily on the NEC due to the tractor
mechanism that engages the paper before it gets to the roller (platen). This
means, that the tractors do not interfere with the print head at all, and allow
for the paper to be torn off just above the print head. Most other printers
require you to waste a full sheet of paper each time you wish to remove your
printed work. I have two complaints about the NEC. First, the sound seemed to be
louder and higher than others. Second, the ribbon carrridge cover has snap
latches that felt as though they would break each time I removed the cover
I rate the NEC very high as an all around printer. It includes most of the
desired features as standard equipment, is sturdy, and is priced right.
EPSON MX80 F/T
The top model in the EPSON line, this is a high quality printer that handles both
friction and tractor feed. The standard model comes with 12 character type and
size combinations and 3 boldness options, all software selectable. It produces
quality type for word processing, and works with all major word processors, and
lacks only a porportional print.
The tractor feed is a good one, and is removable, but sits above the print head.
This wastes paper each time you tear off the current sheet. A set of
user-installed ROM chips add significantly to the MX80, but cost extra in most
cases. This is the second generation of add-on chips for the EPSON, so be sure
you are getting the GRAFTRAX-Plus chips. These will add features such as italic
print in all 12 character types, underlining, and of course great graphics. EPSON
produces a solid printer that will meet most needs. If it only had a proportional
character set I would place it close to the top.
OKIDATA-Microline 84
This top-of-the-line printer put us at a disadvantage
very quickly. Our intention was to review printers costing
$1,000 or less. This model retails for $1495. We
were tempted to eliminate it, but reconsidered after
working with it for a while. First, it is a wide printer, but
not large considering its 16" paper-width handling
capability. It's main benefit is speed. Rated at 200cps by
the manufacturer, it really seems to go that fast. During
a program listing session, it actually kept up with the
computer! Also, it produced excellent quality characters,
and has full graphics built in. The tractor mechanism
is standard and worked well throughout our testing.
It is easily removable, but like the EPSON wastes a
sheet of paper in order to tear off the current sheet.
This printer is the fastest of those tested, and that's
important when you do a lot of printing. Otherwise,
you might want to consider one of the other OKIDATA
printers such as the Microline 82A. This is a standard
size printer with most of the other features of its big
brother, except the speed and graphics.
C. ITOH 8510A
This printer looked like a carbon copy of the NEC
8023A-C reviewed earlier. In fact, the paper handling,
print mechanism, cover and switches are virtually identical.
Print type even seemed similar until the propor
tional type was examined closely. A few of the proportional
letters are not complete looking, the serifs are
missing. The serif is the little tail found at the ends of
letters. In all other respects this printer performed like
the NEC.
AXIOM-IMP MiniPrinter
This printer has no features that make it stand out, but
it is a solid, average machine. The character formation
is good, and the print quality clean It has a wide variety
of font / size types, but no proportional font. The built-
in graphics are standard, and appeared to be accept-
able, but not great. The printer came with a disk of soft-
ware (the only printer that did). The disk included
several sample pictures that could be printed and I
assume this will continue to be a standard part of the
package.
I have three complaints about this printer First, the
paper is difficult to load. You have to turn the printer
upside down and feed the paper through a slot in the
bottom. Second, you have to turn the printer "on" to
feed paper because there is no knob for manual paper i
advance. You have to use the line-feed function to set
the top-of-form, and that can be difficult. The third
annoyance is that the fan runs whenever the printer
switch is on.
Micro Peripherals-MPI 99G
When I first saw this printer at last year's Computer Faire in San
Francisco s I was impressed by its ability to produce high quality
graphics. But the mechanism, I found, was nearly identical to the AXTOM
Imp. The paper was difficult to load the first time through, and I
began to think that my first impression was wrong. Well, the bottom
line is that some of the problems with O the Imp still exist, but
others have been overcome. i Noise is less of a problem because there
is no fan, and it t comes with a cover that shields out much of the
racket. b There is a document quality font created by an 11 x 7 ,9
matrix giving very good quality, though not proporb tional. The nicest
feature of the MPI is the single sheet tray that fits on the under-side
of the body. Once in place, you can feed a single sheet in perfectly
from the t front of the printer. Finally, MPI gets an A + for providw
ing a cable WITH the printer. This is a nicely packaged t printer with
a few minor deficiencies.
ATARI 825
This printer is the Centronics 727 with an ATARI label. The ATARI 825
proportional print is excellent and produces a fine looking right hand
justified document if used with any of the 3 major word processors. It
has pin-feed as well as friction feed, and forward and reverse paper
feed. This is a solid quality printer, but not without its problems.
The inked ribbon is the dirtiest and by far the most difficult to
change. I have spewed ribbon throughout my computer room on several
occasions. The ribbon is loose and not in a cartridge, which makes
handling difficult. Next, it doesn't have adjustable pin feeds. This
means you have to find really wide label sheets or use the friction
feed option for label printing. If you have ever tried that, you will
not consider label printing to be one of the ATARI 825 strengths.
Finally, paper feed is poor which causes many jams when doing larger
print jobs.
INTEGRAL DATA SYSTEMS-Prism 132
Another new entrant to the printer market is the IDS Prism. Makers of
the Paper Tiger series have now produced the Prism in 2 models that
have 80 or 132 column paper capability. Due to our inability to get a
cable in time to do a working test, we can only list some of the
specifications. First, it is the largest printer we looked at (9 x 22 x
12 ") and the heaviest (29 Ibs). It also has some impressive options
available at an extra cost. True color printing, for example, using a
multi-colored ribbon; a high speed feature alowing over 200 CPS; a
semiautomatic single sheet paper feed tray, and one or 2 others.
The printer came with a test sheet that indicated very impressive
graphics capabilities also, so-this one is deserving of more in-depth
test. Watch the next issue of Antic for an update.
COMPATIBILITY
Peripheral devices not made by or specifically for ATARI raise the
question of incompatability.
CABLES
There is no standard printer cable, but the Centronics parallel
connection is a wiring protocol that comes close. This has little to do
with the plug type, however. The most common cable connection for
printers is a 36-wire plug at the printer. This is connected to a
cable, and at the other end is a 15-pin connector to plug into the
ATARI 850. Of the printers tested here, only 3 did not use this type of
connection, and 2 of those come with a cable. The MPI has an internal
cable connection and comes fully equipped, ready to go. The same is
true of the Atari 825 printer. The AXIOM Imp we tested also came with a
cable, available at extra cost. The IDS Prism uses a different
connector than all three, and unfortunately we were not able to locate
one in time to do a true test on the machine. All of the other printers
worked fine using the cable I made up for the NEC printer. These
printers are noted by a "C" in the cable column in our chart, but if
that column does not also show an "I" for "included", then you are on
your own for a cable.
CONTROL CHARACTERS
You have heard the term "under software control" before. The major of
parameters, such as type size, line spacing, and character emphasis,
are controlled by sending the printer code from the computer. There is
no discernible standard as to what these codes should be, and as a
result, each printer is unique. Be very aware of the following: Word
Processors are designed for specific printers. In some cases they may
allow modification (LJK's top of the line) and in some cases they can
handle more than one printer (TEXT WIZARD). Some printers allow you to
modify the control codes to suit a particular application (EPSON-with
GRAFTRAX), but most printers and word processors do not. Check the
printer specifications and the word processor specifications before you
make a purchase. The word processors are being updated to allow a wider
selection, so check version numbers carefully. The ATARI Word Processor
will work with most printers if you understand the control codes. A
unique feature allows you to insert special control characters and it
will right justify the margins if you use 10 CPI. I understand that the newest
versions of
both TEXT WIZARD and LETTER PERFECT also allow special control codes to
be used, but ASK to be sure. I)on't be afraid to call the manufacturers
of both products. If they can't answer the question of compatibility
you shouldn't purchase the product.
OK, SO WHICH PRINTER IS FOR ME??
That is a question that can be answered only by a careful review of
your current and future needs. If you are a programmer and need little
more than good quality but high speed printouts, then you have a very
wide selection. All of the printers seemed to fit that bill, with the
OKIDATA providing the fastest by a good margin. If you are likely to do
a lot of word processing, then you will have to look more carefully at
several features. First, compatibility with the word processors. The
ATARI word processor, for example, has the ability to send printer
control codes from within the body of your text. This simply means that
you can address most features of a given printer without expecting too
many problems. TEXT WIZARD has added the NEC 8023A-C to its
compatibility list which allows an alternative to ATARI 825 for
proportional print. I now use this combination more than any other
because I really like the NEC printer, and TEXT WIZARD allows right
margin justification. LJK claims that their new version of LETTER
PERFECT can accommodate any printer. We have not tested this product
yet, so cannot verify the claim.
Graphics are more commonly standard
equipment and the only thing lacking is good software. Macrotronics
produces a cable and software combination that allows graphics on a few
other machines, but seems overpriced. The graphics capabilities are
there, but the software is not yet abundant, so keep your eyes open for
new entries.
Printer choice is a tough one because most of the printers
are substantially better than was available as little as a year ago.
Your best bet is to review your needs, list your favorite programs that
require a printer, consult the comparison chart accompanying this article, and narrow down your choices. Then if you can get some
hands-on exposure to a couple of the remaining contenders, you may find
that the decision is made for you.
PRINTERS COMPARISON CHART
FEATURES
NEC 8023A-C
EPSON MX80
ATARI 825
MPI-99G
AXIOM GP100
C.ITOH 8510
OKIDATA 84a
IDS Prism
Friction feed
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Tractor feed
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y2
Y2
Y1
Y2
Y
Reverse feed
Y
X NOTE 1
Y1
N
N
Y
N
NOTE 2
Skip over perf
N
X NOTE 1
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Lines per inch
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Max paper width
9 1/2"
9 1/2"
9 1/2"
9 1/2"
9 1/2"
9 1/2"
16"
15"
Min paper width
4"
2 1/2"
9 1/2"
1/2"
1/2"
4"
2"
2"
Chars per second
100
100
80
100
100
100
200
200
Benchmark speed
81
92
73
79
77
83
161
NOTE 2
Chars per inch-- 5 (enhanced)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
10 (standard)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
12 (medium)
Y
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
NOTE 2
16/17 (condensed)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Proportional
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y NOTE 3
Y
Letter descenders
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Top of form
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Self Test
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Bidirectional
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Short line logic
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Graphics
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Ribbon type
C
C
O
C
C
C
S
S
Cable
U
U
Y
Y
Y
U
U
X
Overstrike (bold)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Underline
Y
X NOTE 1
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Manual
1
2
2
1
4
3
1
1
Y = Yes, included as part of the package
N = No, not included as part of the package
X = Extra cost option
U = Unavailable from manufacturer
F = Future availability expected
V = wide or unlimited selection
C = Cartridge
0 = 0pen
S = Spool
1 = excellent
2 = good
3 = fair
4 = poor
NOTE 1: MX80 F/T with GRAFTRAX-Plus
NOTE 2: Not Tested
NOTE 3: Requires 2 passess of the print head
ANTIC VOL. 1, NO. 3 / AUGUST 1982 / PAGE 8