INDEX BASIC

Braille printer for continuous tractor-fed paper

User manual version 3.00

1. Unpacking 

1.1 Remove the transport locking 

Open and lift the printer out of the box.
1. Remove the plastic transport locking, located trough the back plate of the printer. 
2. Store it by pushing it into the storage position at the end of the back plate. 
Remember that it is important to replace the printing head locker and to use the original packing whenever you need to ship the printer.

Before installing the printer make sure that there is no visible damage to the printer and that the delivery is complete. If you encounter any problems, contact your local dealer.

IMPORTANT! 
DO NOT DISCARD THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

1.2 Unpacking checklist 

The shipment should have the following contents:

Index Basic Braille printer 
User manual ink print and Braille
Support disc
Power and computer cables
Braille paper

1.3 Safety instructions 

Before power on, make sure that the voltage selection switch is set for the correct value.
The switch is located under the left-hand panel.

2. Operating the printer 

2.1 Loading paper 

1. Open the front cover. 
2 Release the tractor position lockers, and adjust the right tractor according to the paper width.
3. Load paper and close the tractors.
4. Pull the tractors outward to give a slight tension to the paper and lock the tractors.

2.1.1 Top of form setting

To set the Top of Form (TOF) position, the first paper of the box should be inserted to the tractors. Double-click the Form Feed (FF) key. The printer will first echo a beep to confirm the command and then automatically find the edge of the paper before it will feed the paper to the printing position. When this operation is completed, close the cover over the tractors.
It is important that this command is done correctly, with the first un-printed paper of the box. The paper will be reversed for a short distance, and then fed to the starting position.
Note! Never pull a printed paper back into the printer - it may cause damage to the printing head. 

2.1.2 Set paper guide position 

On the back of the printer there is two paper guides located. To set the paper guide position, press the Form Feed key once to feed a paper trough the paper.
Open the screw fixing the each one of the guides, slide them so they are following the edge of the paper, giving a slight pressure to the paper.

2.1.3 Paper length setting 

When the Basic is powered on for the first time, the paper length is set for 12".
If a paper with a different length is used, the new length is set in the printer setup module. 
See chapter 4.3.3 to find correct setting.
2.2 Computer connection 

Connect Index Basic to the computer with the Serial or Centronics interface. When turning on the Basic, both ports are ready to receive information.

2.2.1 Serial communication cable 

Basic is equipped with a 9 pin female (D-sub) on the serial interface, and a standard 
Centronics connector for the centronics interface. 
Serial Pin configuration: 
2=RXD in, 3=TXD out, 4=DTR out, 5=GND, 6=DSR in, 7=RTS out, 8=CTS in. 

Transmitting parameters (factory setting) are:
Baudrate=9600, Data Bits=8, Parity=N, Stop Bits=1, Handshake=DTR hardware handshake.

2.2.2 Communication parameters 

The communication parameters on the serial-port and centronics port on your PC are normally set with the following command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
MODE LPT1:,,P

2.3 Front panel 

The front panel and user logic on the Basic is designed to make the use and installation of the printer as easy and efficient as possible. All the keys are marked both in Braille and ink print, and organised in clearly marked modules. The user is guided by digitized speech.

2.3.1 Start printing 

Connect the printer to your computer, load the paper, turn it on and press Form Feed. Basic is ready for use with the default factory settings. 

2.4 Default setup 

To change the active default setup, press the DEFAULT SETUP KEY A, B or C.

2.5 Setup 

If you need to change the setup parameters use the front panel.
To start the setup sequence press SETUP. In setup mode you can change and save all parameters in the group: BRAILLE CODE, SERIAL COMMUNICATION, PAPER LAYOUT and OPTION. 

2.6 Flow schematic for Setup 

3. Front panel 

The front panel is designed to be easy to understand and use. The keys are organised in five groups and the user is guided by digitised speech. 

1. STANDARD COMMANDS; On Line, Off Line, Form Feed, Help.

2. PRINT MODE; Normal, Reform, Split Page, Double/Single and Z-folding.

3. COPY; Repeat, Multiple, 1, 10.

4. DEFAULT SETUP;

A = Default setup A. 
B = Default setup B. 
C = Default setup C.

5. SETUP; Setup, Group, Item, Value.

3.1 Standard commands 

3.1.1 On/off line 

Connect/disconnect line to computer. Press Off line during printing to pause.

3.1.2 Form Feed 

Form Feed sets the paper to start position by feeding the paper one form length.

3.1.3 Help 

The Help key, in the print mode, is used get a printout of active printer settings in both Braille and graphic. The printout includes the software version, Braille code, and active setup parameters for Braille code, paper layout, serial communication and options. Press Off line and FF to interrupt the Braille printout and start the graphic printout.
3.2 Print mode 

Print mode includes the keys for changing between the different print modes. You can choose between single-sided and double-sided or normal, reformatted or split page.

3.2.1 Double/Single sided 

Press the key marked Single/Double to toggle between double and single-sided mode. 

On the single sided Basic this feature is not accessible.

3.2.2 Normal 

In Normal mode the Basic will print the Braille as it is formatted in the text file. The text has to be formatted with the correct characters per line according to the setup of the printer.

3.2.3 Reformatted 

In Reformatted print mode the Basic format's the text to erase space in the text file, like multiple space, FF (Form Feed) and CR/LF (New line). This function is very useful when printing a text file made for ink print in Braille or normal literary (grade 1) Braille. 

Re-formatting function works in the following way:

Auto linefeed and word wrap is automatically set ON.
One or multiple space substituted with one space.
One CR/LF is substituted with one space.
Two CR/LF are substituted with one CR/LF
Three CR/LF are substituted with one CR/LF followed by two spaces.
More than three CR/LF's are substituted with two CR/LF's.
One FF is substituted by one space.
More than one FF is substituted with one FF.

3.2.4 Z-Folding 

Z folding gives a printout where every second sheet is printed "upside down" in order to use for cutting unit. 

Z folding requires double sided printout.

3.2.5 Split page

The Split Page prints Braille with more characters per line than the setting of the printer, by splitting up the file on several pages width. In SPLIT PAGE mode the printout will be single-sided with a maximum line length of 328 characters. 

3.3 Copy

With the Copy feature you can produce large quantities of Braille without tying up your computer during the printout. 

COPY includes the following keys REPEAT, MULTIPLE, 1 and 10. 
With REPEAT and MULTIPLE you can choose between the different copy functions and with "1" and "10" you can select the number of copies, and/or what part of a document to print.
3.3.1 Multiple

Multiple is used to select number of copies

Example: Make 54 copies.

MULTIPLE + 5 x 10 + 4 x 1 + MULTIPLE and send the file to Basic.

3.3.2 Repeat

Repeat is used to copy the last printed document or a part of it. 

Press REPEAT twice to print one copy of latest document. 

Press REPEAT once completed by the number 1+10 to select starting page, REPEAT 1 + 10 to select ending page. Press REPEAT again, and Basic will print one copy of the selected part of the document.

3.3.3 Load buffer

Repeat can be used to download a file to the printer buffer.
Press the repeat key after power on - Index echo "File to buffer".
Send the file to Basic and use the repeat/copy commands to start the print.

4. Setup from control panel

4.1 Default setup A/B/C

Basic has three different setup parameter settings stored as DEFAULT SETUP A, B and C.

To select DEFAULT SETUP press A, B or C. All changes that are made in the setup are stored in the active default setup.

4.2 Setup

The group of setup keys includes four keys SETUP, GROUP, ITEM and VALUE.

4.2.1 Change Setup

To activate SETUP, press SETUP, Basic will echo "Change Setup A". The changes will be stored in the active Setup. 

The keys GROUP, ITEM and VALUE are organised in a tree structure where GROUP is the selection of four major groups, ITEM is the different items to change in each group and VALUE is the value for each item. (See description in chapter 2.6)

4.2.2 Setup keys

4.2.2.1 Group

GROUP includes four different groups of parameters, BRAILLE CODE, SERIAL COMMUNICATION, PAGE LAYOUT and OPTION. When pressing GROUP several times you will toggle between these four groups, in a similar way as in ITEM and VALUE.

4.2.2.2 Item

ITEM is the selection available within one GROUP. For example in the GROUP; PAGE LAYOUT you can select between the following ITEM: Characters per line, left margin, Binding-margin, top margin, bottom margin, line spacing, page mode, print mode, page number and lines per page.

4.2.2.3 Value

VALUE is the actual value that you can select in any item. For example left margin 0,1,2 or 3 characters.

4.2.2.3.1 Page layout information

Pressing VALUE with the printer in stand-by mode, echoes the active number of "lines per page" and "characters per line". 

4.3. Change Setup

This is a command sequence that changes the item VOLUME in group OPTION to highest level.

1. Press SETUP.
2. Press GROUP until the printer echoes "Option".
3. Press ITEM until the printer echoes "Volume".
4. Press VALUE until the printer echoes "Five".
5. Press SETUP to save. 

4.3.1 Braille code

In this group the following items can be changed; Language, Computer or Literary (Grade 1) Braille, 6 or 8 dot Braille in computer Braille, and with or without capital prefix in Literary (Grade 1) Braille. 
When a user defined Braille table is used, it can be changed to all combinations between literary and computer Braille with no system limitations.

4.3.2 Serial communication

In this group all serial communication parameters can be changed.

Baud rate 300/600/1200/2400/4800/9600.
Serial data 7/8.
Parity Odd/Even/None. 
Stop Bit 1/2.
Handshake Hardware/Software.

4.3.3 Page layout

Page layout contains the following options:

Characters per line 23-48 
Left margin 0/1/2/3. 
Binding margin 0/1/2/3.
Top margin 0/1/2/3. 
Bottom margin 0/1/2/3.
Line spacing 2.5, 3.8, 4.4, 4.7, 5.0, 5.2, 5.5, 7.5, 10 mm.
Page mode Single/Double. 
Print mode Normal/Reformatted. 
Page number On/Off. 
Page length 1/2 1-20 " (Full inch)
Page length 1/2 1/4", 1/3", 1/2", 2/3" and 3/4" (Parts of inch)
Z-folding On/Off

4.3.3.1 Characters per line

With item characters per line you select the value for number of characters per line.
Max.. Char/line: 
Interpoint is 42
Interline is 48
Jumbo Braille 30 

4.3.3.2 Left margin

The option left margin gives the width of your margin. Select number of characters.

4.3.3.3 Binding margin

Binding-margin is used to provide an extra width to the margin if you wish to bind it into a file binder or as a book.

4.3.3.4 Top margin

Top margin gives blank lines at the top of each page. Select number of lines.

4.3.3.5 Bottom margin

Bottom margin gives blank lines at the bottom of each page. Select number of lines. 

4.3.3.6 Line distance

Line distance sets the distances between the lines.

4.3.3.7 Page mode

With page mode, you can select between single- or double-sided. Default is double-sided.

On the Single sided Basic this feature is not accessible.

4.3.3.8 Print mode

With the option print mode, select between normal and reformatted printout.

4.3.3.9 Page number

With the option page number, select page numbering - On/Off.

NOTE! Minimum bottom margin value 1 to choose page number on.

4.3.3.10 Page length

Set the page length according to the installed paper form length. Paper sizes from 1" to 20 2/3" within 1/2", 1/3" and 2/3" can be used.

4.3.3.11 Z-Folding

Select Z-folding On/Off. 
ON gives a printout where every second sheet is printed reversed in order to use a cutting unit. Off gives a normal printout with odd pages at the upper side and even pages at under side.

Z folding requires double sided printout.

4.3.3.12 Page layout guideline

In determining the layout of an interpoint printout, there is a few things to be aware of.

Line length

Maximum number of characters should never exceed the paper size, even if the file is correctly formatted, otherwise parts of the text on the even pages will start to be printed outside the paper and therefore be lost.

Use the following setting of the characters per line in interpoint/interline 2,5 mm mode.

8.5" / 215 mm width = max 32 char/line
12" / 297 mm width = max 42 char/line

In Japanese standard interline, 2,2 mm 
dot distance, use the following setting

8.5" / 215 mm width = max 36 char/line
12" / 297 mm width = max 48 char/line

Margins

See the description on the picture beside.

On the front-page all margins are at the given position. The left margin and the binding margin are both to the left of the page. On the back-page the left margin has "moved" to the opposite side, viewed form the front, and the binding margin remains on the same position. 

When changing the size of the binding margin, the text-blocks on both sides move simultaneously in the same direction, but when changing the left margin, the text-block's moves in the opposite directions.

4.3.4 Options

The following options are available:

Word wrap On/Off. 
Auto Linefeed On/Off. 
Form feed On/Off. 
Volume 1/2/3/4/5.
Impact level 1/2/3/4/5. 
Delay time 1/2/3/4/5. 
Print quality Normal/High
Graphic dot distance 1.6/2.0/2.5 mm 
Text dot distance 2.2/2.5/3.2 mm
Setup Open/Not open


4.3.4.1 Word wrap

Select between split words or wrap it to the next line.

4.3.4.2 Auto linefeed

Select an automatic linefeed together with a carriage return according to your computer software.

4.3.4.3 Form Feed

Select ON to get an empty page between each Braille copy of a document.

4.3.4.4 Volume

Select the volume of the speech feedback. 

4.3.4.5 Impact level

Select the impact level on the hammers for different paper qualities.

4.3.4.6 Delay time

Select the delay time for the printer to wait for more information after a file.

Note! Using a computer with a slow disc-drive requires a longer delay time in the printer.

4.3.4.7 Print quality

Select high or normal print quality. High will give a 50% reduced printing speed.

4.3.4.8 Graphic dot distance

Select resolution in graphic mode. Select between 1.6, 2.0 or 2.5 mm.

4.3.4.9 Text dot distance

Selects resolution in text mode. Select between 2.2 or 2.5 mm.

4.3.4.10 Set up

Select access to setup. NOT OPEN gives access only by the command "power on + Setup key". OPEN gives access by pressing the Setup key when printer is on stand by.
Changing of access to Set up (Open/Not open) will effect all three setups, A/B/C.

5. Basic Support disc

Together with the printer documentation, you will find a disc labelled INDEX BASIC SUPPORT DISC. The disc contents all the required support software for Basic. 
Note! All programs are DOS programs, why you have to run the computer in DOS level.

5.1 Support program installation 

Type INSTALL to install the support program to your hard disk.
A number of sub-directories will be created.
We strongly recommend you make a back up copy of your BRLED disc.

5.2 Open the main menu

When the installation is ready, the following menu will be displayed:

Support program 
BRLED - Create your own Braille codes
SETUP - Change printer parameters
MANUAL - Read the manual on screen
HAMMER - Set dot alignment and impact level
FONT - Create your own LETTER font
UPGRADE - Download Software for BASIC
RESTORE - Restore operating system
SPEED - Speed test for Braille printers
EXIT - Exit the support program 

5.3 Run programs

Place the cursor on the desired program, for example BRLED, and press enter. 

5.4 Edit a Braille table

The BRLED program can edit the Braille table and save a user defined Braille table on disk and in the printer. Basic and the BRLED program can save ten user defined Braille tables named OWN ONE to OWN TEN. You can select these tables by choosing OWN ONE to OWN TEN in the SETUP/BRAILLE CODE/LANGUAGE from the front panel.

5.4.1 Different types of Braille.

Before you start to work with user defined tables we would like to tell you more about different types of Braille and how they work. 

There are three types of Braille: computer, literary (Grade 1) and contracted Braille (Grade 2).

Computer Braille.

In computer Braille there is always a one to one relation between the ASCII sign and the Braille sign, one ASCII sign will generate one Braille cell. Computer Braille will maintain the original formatting of the text-file. Computer Braille can be with 6 or 8 dots Braille. Dot 7&8 in the 8-dot code is normally used to create capital letters, figures and different types of control characters.

Literary Braille (Grade 1)

In Literary Braille (always 6 dots) most ASCII-sign are represented by one Braille cell, but there are a small number of characters that are represented with 2-4 Braille cells normally different types of mathematics' and control sign. Capital letter can be also printed with a prefix. All figures will be printed with a number prefix.
The Basic literary Braille have an option to select between capital prefix on/off. Capital prefix on will generate the capital prefix sign before a capital letter or a string of capital letters.

In a literary Braille printout in the page formatting will be changed depending on prefixes and multiple Braille cells. We recommend to select reformatted printout on Basic. 

For normal printout, format the text in the computer with a shorter line length than the active line length on Basic. This will give space for "random" extra Braille characters.

Contracted Braille (Grade 2)

Contracted Braille are normally created with a Grade 2 PC translation program such as Megadots, Duxbury , Dolphin, PIA or similar. Grade 2 can also be generated by a Braille specialist direct on the computer. All grade 2 translation program are re-formatting the text to Braille page format. 

5.4.2 Start BRLED program

Place the cursor on the selected program line BRLED, and press enter. 
The program will give you the following options:

1. Create a new Braille code Define your own table from a standard source table 
2. Edit existing Braille code Re-edit your own previously created table
3. Send Braille code to BASIC Install your own table in Basic
4. Communication parameters Set the communication parameters of the serial port 
5. End Exit BRLED

5.4.3 Keyboard control

To control the program use the following keys:

5.4.3.1 Cursor position

Letter (ex A) = move the cursor to position ex A - (ASCII 65) 
- all ASCII signs can be used.
Down = move the cursor to next page
Home = move the cursor to the top of the page
End = move the cursor to the bottom of page
ESC / F10 = end the editing - back to main menu 
5.4.3.2 Edit Braille keys

F1 = Help.
F2 = Edit Braille cell.
F3 = Capital letter Y/N.
F4 = Figure Y/N.
F5 = Cut figure string Y/N.
F6 = Not in use.
F7 = Not in use.
F8 = Print current Braille table on LPT1 to a DOS TEXT printer.
F9 = Gives you an information screen, displaying version, approved by, etc.
F10 = End the program.
INS = Insert multiple cell.
ESC = Stops a command.
DEL = Deleting Braille cell verify by CR.
CR = Verify a command.

5.5 What you can edit

All positions in the Braille cell, number prefix, capital prefix and prefix for a string of capital letters can be edited. It is also possible to edit 2 or more Braille cells that correspond to one ASCII sign. Multiple characters of up to 15 Braille cells can be created.

In addition and for use in literary (grade 1) Braille, you can define;
- if a character is capital letter - gives capital prefix in literary Braille (option).
- if a character is a figure - gives a number prefix in literary Braille.
- if a character will cut a figure string and insert a new number prefix. 

5.5.1 Edit a Braille cell

Place the cursor on the sign that you wish to edit. Press F2 and the cursor will move to the dot position combination for the selected character. Figure 1-8 corresponds to the position in the Braille cell. Pressing one of the figures 1-8 will toggle that dot between active and not active. All changes to the Braille cell will be saved with Enter. If the same combination already exists in another position in the Braille table, a warning will be given. Verify your change with Enter or amend with ESC.

5.5.2 Create a multiple Braille sign

Place the cursor and press INSERT. The cursor will move to the multiple Braille cell position. Edit the multiple sign in the same way as editing a normal Braille cell. Repeat the command to insert more multiple characters.

5.5.3 Edit a multiple cell

Editing a Braille cell in multiple Braille works in the same way as editing a normal cell.

5.5.4 Edit a prefix

In literary Braille tables the prefix for figures, capital prefix and prefix for many capital figures is placed above the normal Braille table on position 256, 257, 258. This prefix can be edited as all normal Braille cells.

5.5.5 Edit information screen.

To ensure a good quality Braille table, it is important to know the background and the creator of the Braille table. When exiting the table or if you press F9, you will reach the information screen, and you can see and edit what Braille table it is, and the source table that has been used.
Always use the information screen to make notes of changes and when and why changes were done.

5.5.6 Save the OWN table.

The OWN table will automatically be saved on disk when ending the program. 

5.5.7 Send the Braille code to Basic

Select 3 at the main menu and choose the Braille table to be sent according to the menu on screen and press ENTER, then select port using the function keys and the transmission of the Braille table will start.

5.5.8 Clear own table from Basic

Select 3 at the main menu and choose "C" according to the menu on screen and press ENTER, then select port using the function keys and the clearance of the Braille table will start.

5.6 Setup program for Index Basic

On the support disc you will find a setup-program. The program creates ESC-sequences for permanently or temporary changes in the setup.

To use the program, see the description below:

5.6.1 Run SETUP

Place the cursor on the line SETUP in the Basic support program main menu. Press Enter.

You will first see a presentation menu. Press any key.
In the bottom of the screen you will now see the Function keys configuration:


F1=Help, F2=Load, F3=Printscreen, F4=Send, F5=All Unchanged, F6=Activate setup
F7=Append to file, F8=Reset. F10=Save, Esc=Quit 

F1 displays a help-text for each option that you choose to chance and inform you if there are any limitations or other options that are connected to it.
F2 opens a new menu where you can select what type of file and what file you like to work with.
F3 takes a print screen. Choose port with the function keys F1-F4.
F4 sends the setup file to Basic. Choose port with the function keys F1-F4.
F5 sets all positions to unchanged.
F6 Activate setup A, B, or C on the printer.
F7 appends a text file to a temporary setup file.
F8 Reset positions to default value.
F10 opens a new menu, where you can save the file in the same or in a new name.
ESC Quit the setup program.

5.6.2 Load Setup file

Press F2 to load a Setup file. 
Choose what type of file you wish to load.

You have the following selection.

*.IND = Permanent driver.
*.INT = Temporary driver to be connected to text file.
*.INF = Text file including temporary driver. 

To create a permanent file, load the file called SETUP.IND. The file is a source file, to create new files. It contains the default settings of the printer. The file SETUP.IND cannot be over-written, it must be stored in a new name.
To create a temporary file, load the source file called TEMP.INT. 
Move the cursor to the selected file and press ENTER. 

The Setup A of the selected file will now be displayed on the screen. If you intend to change the values for any of the other Setup's B or C, press enter at the first position, SETUP, and then select (A), B or C.

5.6.3 Change Setup values

Place the cursor at the Item that you wish to change.

Press ENTER. A new menu with the different values for each item will now appear. 
Place the cursor at the selected value and press ENTER.
Continue and make all changes.

5.6.4 Save Setup values

When all the changes are done, save the file by pressing the F10 key and follow the instructions in the menu.

F10 Save *.* (active file) F9 Save with a new file name

5.6.5 Print screen

If you need a print screen of your settings on DOS-text printer, press the F3 key, and follow the instructions.

5.6.6 Set all positions to unchanged

To change only a single or a few positions, first press F5 to set all positions to Unchanged. 
Do the following: 1. Press F5 to set all for Unchanged. 2. Change the required items.

5.6.7 Append driver to text

To append text to a driver, load first the temporary driver that you intend to use.
Press F7.
Choose text-file (i.e. *.txt) and press Enter, then select the file and press enter again.
The temporary driver will now appear on the screen, but with the file name of the text-file with the new extension "inf".
Press F10 to save.

5.6.8 Send file to Basic

To set up Basic, press the F4 key, and follow the instructions.

During the transmission the printer will echo out what items that are changed and finally give a message to confirm that the transmission is ready.

5.6.9 Set up Basic from DOS

It is possible to send the Setup-file to the printer from DOS level. Use a Print or Copy command.

5.6.10 Reset to default value

Press the F8 key and all positions will be resetted to default value (factory standard).

5.6.11 Exit

To exit the Setup program, press ESC in main menu.

5.7 Display the on-screen manual

5.7.1 Open the main menu

Place the cursor on the line MANUAL, and press Enter.

The manual will now be displayed on the screen.

5.7.2 Find your way in the on-screen manual

When the manual is displayed on the screen, you will first see the Table of Contents. 
Use the arrow keys to move the cursor. Place the cursor on the selected headline in the table of content sand press Enter. The cursor will move to the selected item.

5.7.3 Print the manual

The manual can also be printed on your Basic. It is formatted to be printed with the following settings on the printer.

IBM 437 computer 6 dot Braille
32 characters per line.
29 lines per page.

To print the manual, make a COPY or PRINT command of the file Manual.TXT.

Example: Copy C:\BASIC\BAS300\MANUAL\MANUAL.TXT :LPT1

5.8 Hammer

The hammer program has two functions: individual hammer impact adjustment and vertical dot alignment. 
In order to get the best possible result, make the correction of the impact levels (option 1) before you run the dot alignment item.

5.8.1 Impact adjustment 

The program allows adjustment of the impact level for each hammer individually or all as a group. 

A. Choose HAMMER from the Basic menu program.
B. Make sure that port connection is correctly set. Toggle with the ENTER key until the correct port is displayed. The setting will be saved as default value.
C. Choose IMPACT LEVEL in the menu and press Enter to display the next menu.

The next screen displays two tables, where the first table displays the hammers represented according to the numbering at the test printout (ON LINE + POWER ON). The next table displays the current level for the hammer.

It is possible to set the value for each hammer from 0-255. Default value is 127.

D. Select hammer using the UP or DOWN arrow keys.
E. Change value as follows: Right arrow increase the impact level of the selected hammer
Left arrow decrease the impact level of the selected hammer
Shift + Right arrow increase the impact level of the all hammers
Shift + Left arrow decrease the impact level of the all hammers

Press ENTER to send the settings to the Basic. A test printout using a low impact level will now start.

When the printout is completed, compare the different hammer patterns and make sure that they all has an even height. If not, adjust the required hammer another time
Note! You may find that some hammers don't have a good vertical alignment, however that is nothing to mind about at this time as we here are using a lower impact then normally is possible, in order to make a good adjustment. If required, the vertical alignment can be corrected in the other part of the program, called vertical adjustment.

5.8.2 Vertical adjustment

Before using this part of the program, make sure that the impact level is correctly set to each hammer.

A. Choose HAMMER from the Basic menu program.
B. Choose VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT in the menu and press Enter to display the next menu.

The next menu will display the different print modes and all the different values for the impact levels available in each mode.

1. Use the UP/DOWN arrow key to choose print mode to be adjusted.
2. Use TAB to shift between the different impact levels within the print mode. 
3. Change value by using the Left/Right arrow keys 
4. Press ENTER to send the settings to Basic. When the file is transmitted, the printer will print a test page according to the chosen print mode with one line for each impact level. 

5.9 Font program 

In the Basic program there is a font package implemented, used with the LETTER printout.
The fonts are possible to change, using the program FONT on support disc.

5.9.1 Edit a font

A. Select FONT from the Basic menu.
B. Choose source file to edit your own font table using the arrow keys. Standard.txt is the file used in the English version. Press ENTER. 
The next screen will display all character of the different ASCII positions. 
C. Choose character to edit using the ARROW keys. 
D. Press ENTER at the selected character.

The selected character will now appear on the screen represented by dots. Use the ARROW keys to move the red coloured dot to any position on the screen and press ENTER do enable/disable that position.

If you need to change the width of the font, use the +/- keys on the numeric keyboard.
Press ESC to exit the editing of the selected character and return to the main menu of the FONT program. The changes will be automatically saved.

5.9.2 Send font table to Basic

From the ASCII table menu of the FONT program, you can send the new font table to Basic by the following command.

A. Press F1. The installation program will be activated.
B. Make sure that Basic is connected and powered up. Press ENTER.
C. Press any of the function keys to select the connected port.

The upgrading of the font table in Basic will now take place. After the complete transmission the program will indicate that the process is completed.

D. Press ENTER. A 

A new menu will appear, giving you the possibility to print the complete FONT table for evaluation. 

E. Use the function keys to select the connected port and start the printout, or press ESC to return to the main menu of the FONT program.

5.10 Printer Software

The printer is configured with English speech and standard factory settings for each setup on delivery. 
The support disc contains software for updating the printer to local speech, printer program, Braille codes, font system, Windows drivers and the manual.
In a failure situation when the printer does not work at all, it is possible to restore the internal printer program and make it possible to restore the printer software.
This operation is more complicated why we suggest that you contact your local service centre for support.

5.10.1 Update the printer software

Follow the instructions below in order to update your printer with new software.

1. Select UPGRADE from the Basic menu.
2. Make sure that Basic is connected and powered up. Press ENTER. 
3. Choose port from the menu on the screen, according to the connected port of the computer.
Press ENTER.
4. A menu displaying the program modules available will now be displayed. Press ENTER.
5 The upgrading of the program for Basic will now take place. During the process the printer will echo out a few beeps and then be quiet for a few minutes. After the complete transmission the program will indicate that the process is completed. 
The printer will perform a factory reset to activate the new program with its settings.
6. Press ESC to return to the main menu of the Basic menu.

5.10.2 Restore the internal operating system

If the printer will not start up at all, which may happen if some of the information in the flash prom has been destroyed, it is necessary to restore the internal operating program.

5.10.2.1 Re-boot the printer

Re-boot the printer by pressing the VALUE key whilst you turn the power on. The printer will now give repeated beeps.

5.10.2.2 Restore the printer software

After performing the Re-boot operation, follow this instruction.

1. Select RESTORE from the Basic menu.
2. Choose port from the menu on the screen, according to the connected port of the computer. Press ENTER.
3. A menu displaying the program modules available will now be displayed. Press ENTER.
4 The upgrading of the program for Basic will now take place. During the process the printer will echo out a few beeps and then be quiet for a few minutes. After the complete transmission the program will indicate that the process is completed. 
The printer will perform a factory reset to activate the new program with its settings.
5. Press ESC to return to the main menu of the Basic menu.

5.11 Speed

This program is created by Index to establish an easy and fair way to rate and compare the printing speed of various Braille printers.
It is based on the test file used by NFB, National federation of the Blind in USA, for their speed test published in the magazine the Braille Monitor, January 1996.

The program will be used by the major Braille printer manufacturers, such as
Blazie Engineering, USA
Braillo, Norway
Index Braille Printer Company, Sweden
Theil, Germany

5.11.1 Run Speed

1. Select SPEED from the Basic menu. An information screen will appear.
2. Press Enter to reach the menu of for parameter settings.
Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to select item to change.
3. Select port by toggling with the ENTER key until you see the correct port is displayed.
4. Choose format to print, 32 or 40 char/line by toggling with the ENTER.

Make sure the printer is correctly set according to the following recommendations

Braille Code: US computer Braille, 6 dot.
Page format: 11"x11"(40 char/line) or 11"x 8.5" (32 char/line)
Number of pages: 80
Communication: Centronics LPT 1, 2 or 3

5.11.2 Start printout

Start the test printout by pressing the ENTER key at the line Start test. 
The selected centronics port will immediately transmit the file, and in same moment the program starts to measure the time. A message will be given with the unique file name where the result of the test will be stored.
When the printout is ready, press ENTER to stop the watch, and the program will calculate the different printing speed values and display the results on the screen.

Press ESC to exit the program.


6. Graphic

6.1 Graphic resolution

Basic has three different graphic resolutions, 1.6, 2.0 and 2.5 mm. 

Change the resolution in the SETUP/group OPTION/ item GRAPHIC DOT DIST./ Value 1.6/2.0/2.5.

Graphic printout will be printed in single-sided mode, giving an empty backside of the graphic printout. If a text file contents a graphic image, Basic will automatically reform the connecting pages.

6.2 Letter graphic

Index Basic offers an implemented font system for printing raised letter graphic simply by adding an ESC-sequence in the text string.

Use Letter Graphic with the following command: [ESC][252] TEXT [ESC]

7 Control sequences

7.1 Pro-printer emulation

The INDEX utilises and interprets the control commands in a similar way to the IBM-PROPRINTER X24. The printer will automatically remove the control commands, which are only applicable to ink printers.
Some of the command strings requires even additional variables. 
Refer to the IBM Proprinter X24 Mode Commands.

Table of ESC Sequences
* ESC A 65 Text Line Spacing 
* ESC B 66 Vertical Tabs.
* ESC C 67 Form Length 
* ESC D 68 Horizontal Tabs 
* ESC E 69 Emphasised Print 
* ESC F 70 Cancel Emphasised Print 
* ESC G 71 Near Letter Quality 
* ESC H 72 Cancel Near Letter Quality 
* ESC I 73 Font Selection 
* ESC J 74 Variable Line Space 
* ESC K 75 Normal Density Bit Image Graphics 
* ESC L 76 Dual Density Bit Image Graphics 
* ESC N 78 Automatic perforation Skip 
* ESC O 79 Cancel Automatic perforation skip 
* ESC P 80 Proportional Space Mode 
* ESC Q 81 De-select Proprinter XL 
* ESC R 82 Reset Tabs 
* ESC S 83 Super/Subscript Print 
* ESC T 84 Cancel Sub/Superscript Print 
* ESC U 85 Unidirectional Print 
* ESC W 87 Double Wide Print 
* ESC X 88 Set Horizontal Margins 
* ESC Y 89 Dual Density Bit-Image Graphics 
* ESC Z 90 High Density Bit-Image Graphics 
* ESC 0 48 1/8 Inch Line Spacing 
* ESC 1 49 7/72 Inch Line Spacing 
* ESC 2 50 Start Text Line Spacing 
* ESC 3 51 Graphic Line Spacing 
* ESC 4 52 Set Top of Form 
# ESC 5 53 Automatic Line feed 
ESC 51 Auto Line Feed ON 
ESC 51 Auto Line Feed OFF 
# ESC 6 54 Select Character set 2 
* ESC 7 55 Select Character set 1 
* ESC _ 95 Continuous Over-score 
* ESC - 196 Continuous Underscore 
* ESC : 58 12 CPI Print 
* ESC ^N 14 Sets single line double width printing
* ESC ^O 15 17 CPI print 
* ^R 18 Release compress printing 
* ESC = 61 Font Image Down-load
* ESC [+@ 91,64 Double height printing 
# ESC \ 92 Select all Characters Chart 
ESC\n1(n2x256) Transparent mode where n1 and n2 (Hex) are the number of characters in the transparent string. In the string there is no translation "bit 1" corresponds to "dot", "bit 2" to "dot 2" etc.
* Esc^ 94 Prints 1 character from all character chart.
* ESC k 107 Selects print font style
* ESC * 42 Sets bits image mode selection
* ESC [+g 91,103 Sets bits image mode selection
* ESC [+\ 91,92 Selects the base line feed unit
* Esc d 100 Sets relative position
* Esc j 106 Sets off line mode
7.2 Defined codes

Decimal ctrl.char Function 
*8 ^H Backspace
*9 ^I Horizontal Tab. Skip
#10 ^J Linefeed
*11 ^K Vertical Tab-skip
#12 ^L Form Feed
#13 ^M Carriage return
*14 ^N Double with (for 1 line only)
*15 ^O 17 CPI (condensed)
*17 ^Q Print suppress OFF
*18 ^R 10 CPI (pica)
*20 ^T Double with OFF (Before end of line)
#24 ^X Clear Buffer
#27 ESC ESC - before codes
#32 Space Space

* = INDEX removes this ESC sequence from the text file 
# = INDEX controls this ESC sequence in a similar way to the IBM Proprinter

7.3 ESC Sequences - Index commands

ESC ^C Select 6-dot Braille cell
ESC ^D Select 8-dot Braille cell
ESC 1 Start 6-dot graphic
ESC ] End 6-dot graphic
ESC ^G Start 4 dot graphic
ESC ^F End 4 dot graphic
ESC ^A Start 6-dot Braille printout for VersaPoint files
ESC ^B End 6-dot Braille printout for VersaPoint files
ESC ^O Start/End Setup sequence from computer
[ESC][252]"TEXT"[ESC] Letter Graphic

7.4 VersaPoint graphic

ESC ^A Start 6-dot Braille printout for VersaPoint files
ESC ^B End 6-dot Braille printout for VersaPoint files

7.5 Multiple copy selection by ESC sequences 

Choose number of copies by sending the following ESC sequence in the beginning of the file, like a driver:

[ESC][^R], xxx,[ESC][^R]

Note! If the printer is preset in multiple copy mode, that will override the software command!

7.6 Page numbering selection by ESC sequences

While printing several documents, that should be connected to each other as one document, it is possible to select continuous page numbering.

To choose continuing number from the of the previous document, send the following ESC-sequence in the beginning of the file, like a driver: ESC^Q,0,ESC

To choose a certain page number from the first page of the next document, send the following ESC-sequence in the beginning of the file, like a driver: ESC^Q,xxx,ESC

7.7 Remaining copies to print

While printing multiple copies of a document, it is possible to get a message of the number of copies left to be printed by the following command:

1. Press Off line. 
2. Press Help. The printer will echo the remaining number of copies to print, and at what page the printout was interrupted: Number of copies #, page #.

Example: Print a document of 10 pages, interrupt in copy no. 3 at page no. 6:
ECHO: "Number of copies 7, page 6. "

7.8 Transparent mode

Command = ESC\n1n2 "text"

n1 and n2 (hex) gives together the total number of characters printed in transparent mode and is given in the base of 256. 
n1 is the number of singular and n2 the multiple number of 256.

When printing transparent mode, first set the printer for 8-dot computer Braille.

Example

Print 1 character; text "A". Command ESC\1OA
[ESC][\][SOH][NULL]A

Print 257 characters; text "A". ESC\11AAAA....(257xA)
[ESC][\][SOH][SOH]A....(text string)

Print 260 characters; text "A". ESC\41AAAA....(260xA)
[ESC][\][EOT][SOH]A....(text string)

7.9 Power on commands

7.9.1 Self test

Command: on line + power on. 

This command starts a self will print a pattern of all hammers.
Then choose a printout at normal impact level by pressing ON LINE again, or at low impact level by pressing OFF LINE to compare the variations between different hammers. 

7.9.2 Factory setting 

Command: group + power on. 

The printer will reload all default parameter settings.
The factory setting will activate setup A.

After the system reset, the printer will echo "SETUP 000, Index Basic ready".

7.9.3 Training mode

Command: help + power on. 

Learn how to use and setup in TRAINING mode.
When you are ready, turn the printer OFF to end the TRAINING mode.

9.10.4 Transport mode

Command: Form Feed + power.

To find the correct position for the printing head in order to get the transport locker in position, press the Form Feed key while you power up the printer. The printing head will find the position and then echo: "Basic ready". Turn the printer off again and insert the lockers into the hole in transportation locking hole accessible from the back of the printer.

Note! It is very important to install the printing head transportation locking before you pack the printer in the original box. Ignoring this can cause major damage to the printer.

7.10 Fault messages

7.10.1 Failure "Out of paper"

Appears when the printer runs out of paper. Insert new paper and press ON LINE to continue the printing. 

7.10.2 Failure invalid setup value

If there is an invalid numeric value in the setup file, the printer will echo i.e. "Fail item Baudrate, Value10".

7.10.3 Failure "150" - invalid setup value

Appears if there is a non-numeric value in the setup file.

7.10.4 Failure "160" - EEPROM failure

Appears if there is a major fault in EEPROM. Contact your distributor!

7.10.5 Failure "170" - Printer buffer exceeded

Appears if a file is larger then the available text buffer. Repeat command is not accessible.

8 ASCII-table

Control-codes

NUL = Null
SOH = Start Of Heading
STX = Start Of Text
EXT = End Of Text
EOT = End Of Transmission
ENQ = Enquiry
ACK = Acknowledge
BEL = Bell
BS = Backspace
HT = Horizontal Tabulation
LF = Line Feed
VT = Vertical Tabulation
FF = Form Feed
CR = Carriage Return
SO = Shift Out
SI = Shift In
DLE = Data Link Escape
DC1 = Device Control 1 (XON)
DC2 = Device Control 2
DC3 = Device control 3 (XOFF)
DC4 = Device control 4
NAK = Negative Acknowledgement
SYN = Synchronous Idle
ETB = End Of Transmission Block
CAN = Cancel Line
EM = End Of Medium
SUB = Substitute (even used as EOF = End Of File)
ESC = Escape
FS = File Separator
GS = Group Separator
RS = Record Separator
US = Unit Separator
SP = Space