SERIAL DOT PRINTER

PURPOSE:To shorten the length of an approach section for movement of a printing head while keeping the printing quality for a serial dot printer in which each of a plurality of printing speeds is used properly in accordance with the density of letters to be printed. CONSTITUTION:A selection circuit 17 for controlling printing mechanism that judges the kinds of letters to be printed is provided, and when printing is made for high density letters, a printing head 10 is moved at a fixed speed for executing the printing. At this time, a fixed reference pulse is generated, based on clock signals in specified cycles, and the printing is controlled, based on the reference pulse, with a first circuit 15 for controlling the printing mechanism. In the case where the printing is made for low density letters such as alphabet, figures and kana (Japanese syllabary), the printing is made at faster speed by acceleration and deceleration not only in the approach section but also in the printing section. At the same time, the printing is also controlled, based on spacing signals indicating the position of the printing head, with a second circuit 16 for controlling the printing mechanism.