Okidata Microline 390 - 24 Pin Printer
                       Copyright 1989 David W. Batterson


     Today we'll look at another 24-pin dot matrix printer: the Microline 390
from Okidata.  Let's look at the specs first, and then we can get on to the
printer's overall merits and rating.
     The print speed is a zippy 270 characters per second (cps) in draft
(Okidata calls it "Utility") mode, at 12 characters per inch (cpi).  While in
Letter Quality (LQ) mode, you still get a decent 90 cps @ 12 cpi.
     Graphics resolution is 360x360 dots per inch (dpi).  Parallel port is
standard, with option serial.  The 390 weighs in a 18.5 lbs., and is about 13
1/2" deep x 15 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" high.
     The printer will accept 12- to 24-lb. tractor feed paper, 9- to 11-lb.
multipart forms (original + 3 copies), cut sheets of 16- to 24-lb., up to 24-
lb. envelopes, and even card stock (5" x 8" maximum).  Naturally, you can also
print standard labels and transparencies.
     Configuring your software to use this printer is a snap, since it
emulates the Epson LQ series, and IBM ProPrinter.  The 390 is convenient in
the paper loading department, but I didn't find it quite as easy as the ALPS
Allegro 24.  The auto paper feed worked flawlessly every time, however.
     There's a handy red baseline on the paper shield above the print head; it
helps you line up the top of form just where you want it.  You can do micro
increments for precise adjustments if you want.  After lining the paper up,
press the TOF(Top Of Form)/QUIET button.
     With most printers you have to go OFF LINE in order to do a form feed or
line feed.  With the 390, you just press the FORM FEED or LINE FEED button,
and away it goes.  So it saves pushing an extra button each time.
     If you don't like wasting one sheet of paper after each print job, you
can make use of FORMS TEAR OFF mode.  That feature moves the paper up to the
tear bar when printing stops.  When the printer receives data again, the paper
moves down to print position again.
     The 390's resident font is ol' basic Courier.  Additional font cards are
an available option.  There are five character pitches:  10, 12, 15, 17 and
20.  There is also proportional printing, in LQ mode only.
     Selecting the front panel's Menu Mode allows you to customize the default
settings to your particular needs.  These settings stay in memory until you
change them again.
     For instance, you might want to make LQ your default choice, along with
Epson LQ emulation, form tear off activated, bi-directional graphics printing
(recommended), IBM character set, an unslashed zero, and so forth.
     If a dot matrix printer's noise level gets on your nerves, the 390 has
some relief: the QUIET mode.  Selecting it makes the printer do a less noisy,
double-pass across the page.
     As I don't have a suggested list price, check with Okidata or your dealer
for current pricing information.  (Always check with discounters to save lots
of money.)
     I still prefer the design features of the ALPS Allegro 24, but the
Microline 390 is definitely no slouch in the 24-pin printer competition.
     For more information, contact Okidata, a division of OKI AMERICA, Inc.,
532 Fellowship Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ  08054; 800-OKIDATA, 609-235-2600, FAX:
609-778-4184.
                                       #
     David Batterson writes about various microcomputer products and
applications.  Send comments via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.