The Fastback P31 PowisPrinter - Frequently Asked Questions - Part 1

The Fastback P31 PowisPrinter is an extremely unique printer that allows you to print graphics, titles, subtitles and other information directly onto a fastback binding strip. This allows you to label the spine of a book or to add a title to your document or report. The P31 can be used as a stand alone device or can be hooked up to a printer. It is a really cool device. This article will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the PowisPrinter. If you have other questions you might want to check our other articles, there were too many questions for just one article and so we split them in two.

I feel like I'm forcing the strip into the printer. Am I doing it wrong?

As long as you insert the Binderstrip adhesive-side up, into the feed entry (the purple chute on top of the PowisPrinter), you're fine. While you shouldn't jam the Binderstrip into the entry, you should guide it until the Printer grabs the strip.

What if I want to undo the last thing I did?

In most instances, ESC serves as an undo button. If you accidentally hit a button, hit ESC and it will usually take you back to the Text Screen.

What does the MENU key do?

Pressing the MENU key opens a menu of keyboard options. Here you can change the Font Size, Style, and Type; Save and Recall Titles; Review titles; and set the Language, Measurement Units, and the Default Styles. Simply press MENU to utilize these options.

What is the book image in the bottom left corner of the keyboard?

That book, and the adjacent buttons, depict the zone and orientation keys. There are three buttons on the spine of the book, representing the three different zones. You can put text in each of these three zones. The buttons above the book are the orientation keys, which format how the text orients on the spine.

What do the lights mean on the edge of the book image?

The zone lights mean two things. A flashing zone light indicates what zone you are currently in. A constant zone light indicates where you have entered text.

How can I change how the script looks?

Press MENU. Press 1 (SELECT FONT). Press the number of the font you want. The screen now asks if you want to change all the zones or just one of them. Make your selection. If you don't choose any - and just press ENTER - the PowisPrinter changes the font only in the zone you are currently in.

How do I make the font bigger or smaller?

Press MENU. Press 2 (FONT SIZE). Enter the font size you want. If you want the PowisPrinter to automatically size your text to fit the strip, press A for AutoFit. If AutoFit is already on the screen, the screen will not change when you press A. The PowisPrinter registers your AutoFit choice. Press ENTER.

I'm confused about font styles (normal, bold, italic, and bold-italic). Can I use two font styles within one zone?

Not really. You can print a title like this if you're using your computer, but only by using two zones very close together. But whether you're using a computer or the PowisPrinter keyboard, you can use only one style per zone. While you can't use two styles in one zone, you can use different styles in different zones. So your top zone could be bold-italic, the middle zone normal, and the bottom bold. (This also applies to font style and size. While you can have different sizes and types in different zones, you can only have one size and type within each zone.)

Is there a way to review what font I've chosen?

Yes. Press MENU. Press the right arrow key to move to the next screen. Press 7 (REVIEW TITLE). The display screens now shows what font types, sizes, and styles you have selected for each active zone.