Some printers assume an 8-bit (8 bits per byte) interface to the host. Although an 8-bit printer may print when attached to a 7-bit interface, the printed output may not be acceptable. To determine if your printer assumes an 8-bit interface, consult your printer manual.
Incorrect printed output can be produced in the following situations:
If an 8-bit printer must be attached to a 7-bit interface, follow this procedure to prevent incorrect printed output.
j=!j=!
This prevents print file initialization strings, which may contain 8-bit command sequences, from being sent to the printer.
Note: This also bypasses printer initialization. So, depending on the pitch, line spacing, and other attributes left by the previous print file, the output may not print correctly.