Abstract: This invention relates to printing mechanisms, particularly those that use stepper motors to advance paper through the mechanisms. The invention also relates to a method of advancing paper through a printing mechanism. The method involves an iterative sequence for controlling a variable speed motor. Before advancing the paper through the printing mechanism with the motor set to run at an initial speed, a sensor detects whether the motor is able to advance the paper. If the motor is unable to advance the paper, the speed of the motor is varied according to the iterative sequence until the paper is able to advance through the printing mechanism. The invention also relates to a printing mechanism that incorporates the use of such an iterative sequence.