Changes

The CPC [[Printer Port]] has only 7bit 7 bit data. Which is okay sufficient for english 7bit English 7 bit ASCII character sets, but not enough for 8bit 8 bit character sets. Also, printing bitmap graphics usually requires 8bit 8 bit data (though Amstrads own printers are probably working usually can also print 7 pixels columns combined with 7bita 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 [[Connector:Printer portAmstrad Computer User]]using a replacement driver (only for printers accepting EPSON control codes).

== Internal 8bit 8 bit Printer Ports/Mods ==

=== Happy Computer 8bit 8 bit Printer Port upgrade (DIY) ===A good method to upgrade to full 8bit 8 bit has been described in the german magazine "[[Happy Computer (Schneider Sonderheft )]] 2/85 and 4/86":

Sharing that pin will cause no problems (as long as you do not attempt to send data to the tape drive and to printer at the same time). Of course, you will also have to customize your software, or BIOS ROM, or the BIOS jump vectors in RAM, in order to take advantage of the modification. In contrast, this DIY is supported by [[FutureOS]].

=== 8bit CPC Schneider International - 8 bit Printer Port in KC Compact Mod ===

The DIY from [[KC CompactCPC Schneider International]] uses the Bit5 of [[8255|PPI]] Port C as 8th printer bit (issue 12'85, page 64), this is same as the Happy Computer modsolution uses joystick port pin 8 (or (keyboard?) pin 2, see aboveunclear?).* For details see: [[CPCI 8bit Printer Mod]]

=== 8bit PC Amstrad International - 8 bit Printer Port in Aleste 520EX Mod ===

The DIY from [[Aleste 520EXPC Amstrad International]] includes an 8bit printer port(issue 8/9'91, using PSG Ext Port B for data (which does not exist on the CPCpage 69-70), and this solution uses PPI port C, Bit 4 for strobe .Pin12 (which would be Tape Motor in CPC). The Aleste doesn't have same as the normal CPC-style [[Happy Computer 8bit Printer PortMod]] at Port EFXXh).

=== 8bit 8 bit Printer Port in CPC Plus KC Compact ===In the CPC Plus, Bit 3 of [[CRTC]] Register 0Ch can be used as eighth printer bit. For compatibility to normal CPCs, this feature can be disabled by removing the 10kOhm resistor R30 on the mainboard (aka R130 in the schematic). See [[LK Links]] for more info.

* [[8bit === 8 bit Printer Port (Amstrad Action)]]in Aleste 520EX ===

AlsoThe [[Aleste 520EX]] includes an 8bit printer port, reportedlyusing PSG Ext Port B for data (which does not exist on the CPC), and PPI port C, Bit 4 for strobe (which would be Tape Motor in CPC). The Aleste doesn't have the normal CPC-style [[Printer Port]] at Port EFXXh. The BIOS functions are patched accordingly; including for supporting the 8th bit (unlike the CPC Plus and KC Compact, which do not support the following hardware exists:8th bit in BIOS functions).

* Communicator 104 (KDS Electronics) (1992) Reportedly: "Serial and Parallel interface" (or=== 8 bit Printer Port in CPC Plus ===In the CPC Plus, actuallyBit 3 of [[CRTC]] Register 0Ch can be used as eighth printer bit. For compatibility to normal CPCs, this feature can be disabled by removing the 10 kOhm resistor R30 on the mainboard (aka R130 in the schematic). See [[MiniLK Links]] for more info. Although the 8th bit is a built-Max Modemin feature, the CPC Plus Firmware doesn't support it. However the 8 bit printer port of the CPC Plus is supported by [[FutureOS]]). == External Printer Ports == * [[8bit Printer Port (KDS ElectronicsAmstrad Action) ]] (this may be same as aboveDIY)* 8bit Printer - connects to Expansion Port (Pride Utilitiesuses Port FBF8h/FBF9h) (* [[Pride Utilities 8bit Printer Port|details(Paul Bauriedl)]](DIY) - connects to Printer Port (splits port EFxxh to 2 x 4 bit)* 8bit [[BrunWord|BrunWord's Eight Bit Status port]] - connects to Printer Port with Dual RS232 (splits port EFxxh to whatever, details are unknown)* [[Timatic SystemsCPCI 8bit Printer Mod]](DIY) - connects bit 7 to Joystick_1_Select signal (can be connected internally or externally)

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