Texas Instruments TI-99/4A - Page 173

A printer comes equipped with one of two kinds
of interface connections: serialorparallel.
You
cannot use a printer with a parallel interface
connector with your TI-99/4A. The RS-232 Pe
ripheral Interface accessories use a type of prin
ter interface known in the computer world as a
serialinterface. Buya printer only ifit has a
serial interface.
Printers will operate at a variety of speeds (called
baud rates),and the manufacturers provide
switches on the printer so that you can set the
printer at a certain baud rate. Once you have
done this, you have completed just half of the
job. The RS-232 Peripheral Interface Card or Pe
ripheral Interface Adapter for the TI-99/4A must
also be set at a speed that will match that of the
printer. If you're unsure about selecting the
proper printer, get help—either from the per
sonnel at the store where you purchased the
computer, or from instructions, where available,
that tell you how to set the switches that are
used by the printer. Doing so will help put your
computer and printer on "speaking terms."
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