Bit Splotches: Dot Matrix Printing with Python
summary
Restores a 1988 9‑pin dot‑matrix to a modern Linux workflow by decoding Epson‑style graphics commands, mapping image bits to NumPy matrices, and using NetPBM and Pillow/GIMP/ImageMagick for dithering and quantization. Implements a CUPS postprocessor with Tea4CUPS to accept PostScript, convert to PBM, and stream escape sequences; adds a 3‑pass interweaving trick to emulate 120×216 vertical resolution. Ribbon reviving with WD‑40 is used; final prints (photos and fonts) are workable.
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chapters (42)
- 0:00Bit Splotches: Dot Matrix Printing with Python
- 2:20FLOPPIES
- 3:351541 DRIVE
- 4:53STAR NX-10000
- 7:47LASER & INKJET
- 9:18ZOOM FLOPPY
- 10:15CONNECT
- 12:46MANUAL
- 13:32VICE EMU
- 14:19SIGN
- 14:39GRAPHIC PRINT
- 15:26DRIVER?
- 17:08COMMANDS
- 17:33COMMAND LIB
- 18:09NICE TEXT
- 19:10TEACUPS
- 21:03NOT GRAPHICS
- 21:16BEEP BEEP
- 21:38PRINTER DRIVER
- 23:05DOT GRID
- 24:19BIT STREAMS
- 25:33GETTING FANCY
- 25:49NETPBM
- 27:05FIRST PICTURE
- 28:32WD-40
- 29:46MORE IMAGES
- 30:24USABLE PRINTS
- 30:43PRINT MODES
- 31:52CUSTOM FONTS
- 34:00THE FUTURE THE FUTURE
- 34:36NEW MODE 120 X 216
- 35:40INTERWEAVING
- 36:09NUMPY SLICES
- 37:16HIREZ
- 37:37IMMEDIATE MODE
- 38:33COLORS
- 39:06STAR EXAMPLE IM GE OF OLOUR
- 39:22PIL PALETTE
- 40:21SEPARATIONS
- 40:41PHOTOS
- 40:52ART
- 41:22THANK YOU
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