Abstract: A line printer apparatus with which a printing control operation is carried out by using a printing mechanism and printing operation control unit in which the reversal of the motion of a printing unit is carried out in synchronization with the feeding of a paper to be printed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an advancing circuit, such as a tractor, disposed on a first side of a printing head for feeding recording material. The printing apparatus has an improved tension circuit for providing adequate tension to the recording material in order to eliminate slack in the recording material, particularly during a manual feeding operation. Tension is provided by a motor driven driving roller which is disposed on a second side of the printing head opposite the first side. The driving roller is rotated in a direction in which tension is to be provided to the printing material by a tension motor. A rotary encoder, for example, is fixed to a rotating portion of the motor for driving a tractor which advances the recording material. The rotary encoder outputs position pulse signals indicating the displacement of the advancement elements. The tension motor is driven in response to the position pulse signals by a position feedback control operation performed by a control circuit.