GCSFX

                       Epson FX-85 Printer Utility

                                   By

                           Glencannon Systems
                             Los Gatos, CA


       This program is placed in the Public Domain in honor of the many 
       fine programs that have preceded, and with the hope that many 
       will follow.


       WHAT GCSFX DOES

         GCSFX allows the user to select common print options available on 
         an Epson FX-85 printer.  The program sends control codes to the 
         printer.  The user can then:

         - Exit and print a file using another program
         - Print a built-in test string to check print options
         - Print a file
         - Operate the console and the printer in a Typewriter mode


       RUN GCSFX

         Syntax:  GCSFX               to run.
                  GCSFX FILENAME.EXT  to run and print a file,

                  where FILENAME.EXT is an ASCII file.


       SELECT PRINT OPTIONS

         Press the SPACEBAR to move field pointer ( -> ) to the option 
         field of interest.  Then press a LETTER KEY or a NUMBER KEY to 
         cycle through the options.  There are certain unallowed 
         combinations and GCSFX will adjust the options as necessary.

                MODE:                          NOT ALLOWED:

               Near Letter Quality (NLQ)      Italic
                                               Compressed
                                               Double-Strike
                                               Elite

                Compressed                     Emphasized
  
                Elite                          Emphasized
 
                Subscript                      Superscript













       SEND PRINT OPTIONS TO PRINTER AND EXIT

         Press ESCAPE ( or CONTRLO-[ ).


       PRINT A TEST STRING

         Once options have been set, they can be tested by printing a test 
         string.  Put a sheet of scratch paper in the printer, place it 
         on-line, and press CONTROL-Z.  This will print the string:
 
         ABCDEFGHIJKLmnopqrstuvwxyz    1234567890


       PRINT A FILE

         Select print options, then press RETURN.  This requires that a 
         filename was given as an argument when running GCSFX.


       TYPEWRITER MODE

         Select print options, then press CONTROL-W to enter Typewriter 
         mode.  Type normally and observe the string on the console.  Edit 
         as necessary with the BACKSPACE ( CONTROL-H ) key.  The maximum 
         string length is 80 characters.  Press RETURN to print (a CR, LF 
         is sent to printer).  Escape sequences may be sent to set options
         not covered by GCSFX.  Press CONTROL-W to return to Option 
         Select mode.


       BACKGROUND INFORMATION

         GCSFX was written on an ATARI 1040ST in CP/M-80 version 2.2 
         emulation mode.  The console emulates a VT-52 terminal.
         The program is written in Z80 assembly language and uses only 
         those instructions with an 8080 equivalent.  VDE26 was the editor, 
         and ZMAC the assembler.  The program has been tested only with an 
         FX-85 printer, but may work with others.

         This program was written for several reasons:

         1. Investigate the CP/M environment.
         2. Develop a simple, non-scrolling method of setting program 
            options using only CP/M Operating System Calls.
         3. Use the method in a practical application.
         4. Verify the level of emulation by writing and posting the
            application for use by 8080 and Z80 CP/M machines.
         5. Encourage other ATARI applications for CP/M.
         6. Give something to the Public Domain after having gotton
            so much.