Abstract: An apparatus for generating pulses for both character and individual "dot" strobing, as for example, in matrix printers. The apparatus includes a first stationary synchronization track and a cooperating first movable synchronization track (to move with the matrix printer) for generating the start of character pulses and a second stationary synchronization track and a second cooperating second movable synchronization track (to move with the matrix printer) for generating individual "dot" pulses of a character to produce vertically aligned characters in a bi-directional printer. The first synchronization tracks are designed to produce pulses having narrow rise and fall slopes for accurate character location and the second synchronization tracks are designed to produce pulses having gradual rise and fall slopes to provide for adjustment of the individual "dot" pulses for bi-directional printing.