Changes

The CPC [[Printer Port]] has only 7 bit data. Which is sufficient for english English 7 bit ASCII character sets, but not enough for 8 bit character sets. Also, printing bitmap graphics usually requires 8 bit data (though usually can also print 7 pixels columns combined with a reduced line-feed rate). Amstrad's DMP1 works perfectly with 7 bit, but Amstrad's later DMP2000/DMP2160 include a few functions that won't work on 7 bit ports - so even the official CPC printers aren't fully compatible with the CPC printer port. There's a software solution though, proposed by [[Amstrad Computer User]] using a replacement driver (only for printers accepting EPSON control codes).

DIY from [[CPC Schneider International]] (issue 12'85, page 64), this solution uses joystick port pin 8 (or (keyboard?) connector pin 2, unclear?). Both PINs are connected to Pin 11 of the 74LS145 Decoder.This fix can be implemented completely external with a cable from Joystickport to the Printercable without any modification on the CPC itself required. However also a permanent internal connection can be created.

There's nothing else known about that Other external printer-related hardware(though not 8bit related): * Centronics to serial 8-pin DIN Adaptor for "Gabriele 9009" daisy-wheel printer from Triumph-Adler (DIY, [[CPC Schneider International]] 12-1985, pages 88, 89)* KDS Printer T Switch ([[KDS]]) - allows to connect 2 printers, the desired printer can be selected via software  == Software solution (only for printers that support EPSON control codes) == Written by J. G. Gribbs and published in [[Amstrad Computer User]] magazine in July of 1991. <gallery>image:ACU9107-056.jpgimage:ACU9107-057.jpg </gallery> 

[[Category:HardwarePrinters and printer ports]] [[Category:DIY]]