Genicom MatrixPrinter LA36 - Manual (Page 23)

3-2
Figure 3.1 shows printer functional components and connecting cables without showing their names since
locating the connectors is easy.
Printer control board
Gears
Sensors
Control panel
LF
motor SP
motor Print
head
100-120 VAC or
220-240 VAC
Power supply
Printer
Note:
indicates a cable and connector.
Printing mechanism Color ribbon
shift motor
Centronics (parallel)
To computer
RS-423 (serial)
RS-423 board
Figure 3.1 Printer functional block diagram
a. Printing mechanism
The printing mechanism consists of the print head and carriage, carriage drive, forms feed mechanism,
sensors, and print head gap adjustment mechanism. The carriage includes ribbon feed and other sensors.
The printing mechanism has two motors, for driving the carriage and feeding forms.
b. Printer control board
The printer control board consists of a main controller, memory, drivers, sensor receivers, and Centronics
parallel interface controller. This board governs the computer interface, control panel, and printing mecha-
nism using the main controller and memory that holds resident character patterns and firmware, including
resident emulation programs.
c. RS-423 board
The RS-423 board controls the RS-423 (DEC-423) serial interface.
d. Control panel
The control panel is used by the operator for operations such as changing or feeding forms, resetting the
printer, and selecting operating conditions in setup mode. The panel displays the printer status via a buzzer
and LEDs.