Matrix printer with variable letter width - controlling use of gaps between matrix points varies width

Thematrix printer, which can, for example, use printing wires forming a 9 by 9 matrix, is able to print symbols whose width is varied at will. In an example the symbol N can be stored in a fixed value store (symbol generator) and printed with a gap between the vertical limbs and the diagonal part of the symbol. In a narrower form the symbol can be printed without these gaps so that the two limbs are closer together. This is achieved by using a gap program and a back-coupled register at the output to the symbol generator. When a broader version of the symbol is to be printed, the symbol is recalled from the symbol generator through the gap program.