Printers

Archiver

Stamp users,

does anyone know how print head locates the letters? For example, a line
printer, or a typewriter with one of those sphere's. How do they make any
particular letter be at the front? I'd assume they get creative with the
electromagnetic fields and the poles?

Thanks

david fixemer

Archiver

> DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW PRINT HEAD LOCATES THE LETTERS? FOR EXAMPLE, A LINE
> PRINTER,
Band printers have one or more inconsistencies on the band (ex: pilot hole,
notch, etc) that is detected by an appropriate sensor which is stationary on
the printer. This allows the printer to "see" each complete rotation of the
print band. Since the band rotates at a constant speed, the printer can
"hit" the appropriate letter by waiting a computed amount of time past the
index marker before firing the hammer for that character location.

Well ... that was probably over general, but I hope that helps a little! <g>

-- Mitch

P.S. I don't know about those typewriters with the ball ... I've often
wondered the same thing myself!