Abstract: A compact printer has a type drum having at least one row of types, the types, including at least one space, being arranged on the periphery of the drum at regular intervals. The type drum is rotated by a stepper motor and a hammer member is provided for moving a selected type towards the paper for printing. The stepper motor is turned by signals which correspond to each step necessary to move the type drum through at least one pitch distance between types. Ratchet teeth, moving with the type drum, can be engaged by a blocking lever when rotation of the type drum is reversed, so as to stop vibration of the type drum at the time of printing.