MPS 802

Summary

The MPS 802 is a Commodore dot-matrix printer. MPS stands for Matrix Printer Serial. Individually controlled pins in the print head strike an ink ribbon between the head and the paper. The MPS 802 prints bidirectionally, placing characters on the paper during both directions of travel and achieving 60 characters per second.

Dot-matrix printers have existed since the late 1970s. They are robust, print on continuous paper and can produce multiple carbon copies, making them useful for office work. Their disadvantages include high noise levels, low resolution and slow page printing. Print quality depends on ribbon wear, and printing large amounts of text can overheat the print head.

The MPS 802 has 9 pins, although only 8 are used as standard. Enhancements such as the Super ROM also control the 9th pin.

Commodore previously runs the MPS 802 under the model designation VC-1526. The company continues to produce thermal printers (such as MCS-810), inkjet printers (such as MPS 1270), type wheel printers (model 8028) and laser printers (LP 806 and LPS 2000, not for C64).