First Byte Electron Printer Interface
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* Plug in cartridge to expand your Electron to give "BBC style" printing commands * Works with all parallel/Centronics printers * Compatible with standard BBC printer leads * Attractive tough plastic casing * Reliable positive-fit connectors * Full instructions provided * Does not interfere with keyboard operation * 12 month guarantee * Extends the versatility of your Electron computer - First Byte Electron Printer Interface, Back Cover, 1984 |
What It Does
The First Byte Electron Printer Interface is a 8.5cm x 7.5cm x 1cm creme coloured interface which plugs into the back of the unexpanded Acorn Electron computer. It needs a printer lead to be plugged into its top and a suitable printer connected to that lead.
The First Byte Electron Printer Interface, as with many third party Electron interfaces, was knobbled by the official Acorn Plus 1 extension. It hit the shops only a few weeks later than this interface.
Fitting Instructions
- Turn off the power and remove the protective plastic cover from the expansion bus connector at the rear of the Electron.
- Plug the interface into the rear connector of the Electron.
- Plug your printer cable into the 26 way printer port on the interface noting that the small triangular orientation marker embossed on the printer cable connector must be on the top or damage may result.
- Turn the Electron on.
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Turn printer on and check it is "on line".
The printer is now ready for use. There is no need to disconnect the interface or cable after use.
Note: Never insert or remove the interface when the Electron is powered. This may cause serious damage to either the interface or the computer.
Using The Interface
| The following commands may be used:- | |
| VDU2 | Software command to switch all print or list commands to the printer. |
| CTRL B | Keyboard command for above (Hold the CTRL and B keys down together). |
| VDU3 | Software command to switch off printer. |
| CTRL C | Keyboard command to switch off printer. |
To select the device to which output is sent:- |
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| *FX3,0 | To screen and printer. |
| *FX3,10 | To printer only. |
| *FX3,4 | To screen only. |
| *FX3,6 | To neither device. |
| *FX6,0 | Stops over printing on one line. |
| VDU1,X | Sends the ASCII value X to the printer:- |
This command is also used for sending control or 'escape' characters to the printer. For example, many printers have an emphasised mode of printing requiring an "ESCAPE-E" code to be sent. In Electron BASIC, this is VDU 1,27,1,69 where 27 is the ESCAPE code and 69 is the ASCII value of "E". Using this example and your printer manual, it is quite simple to convert any printer control codes into Electron BASIC.
Thank you for buying a genuine First Byte Addon. We wish you many hours of enjoyment.
Artwork And Images
The outer box and pictures of the interface itself are shown below. ElectrEm emulates an Acorn Electron with an Acorn Plus 1 as standard but all commands described above are equally applicable.
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Front View [Connects to Acorn Electron] |
 Rear View [Connects to Centronics Printer] |
Price Guidance
The First Byte Electron Printer Interface was originally available in computer stores for £19.99. A second hand First Byte Electron Printer Interface, despite its rarity, will usually sell on eBay for around £3. One in absolutely mint, unopened condition may sell for £10.
