Abstract: A microprocessor controlled printer includes a forms feed assembly, a dot matrix print assembly, a ribbon drive assembly and a number of emitter assemblies associated with the foregoing to provide positional information during operation of the printer which prints on a line-by-line basis. During the printing of characters, such as Kanji characters, extremely accurate control of dot placement is required. In order to achieve a balance between the operating cycle times of the microprocessor and the forms feed assembly, the microprocessor analyzes emitter pulses in two stages. One stage involves use of relatively low frequency emitter pulses for start-up, normal speed, and high speed operations. Another stage involves use of an additional emitter track that produces high frequency pulses utilized by the microprocessor during stopping conditions to achieve greater precision in final positioning of the forms.