Editing Amstrad PCW 8256 (section)

=== Printer and keyboard ===
The printer connects to the monitor unit by a 34-way ribbon cable and a separate power lead.<ref name="ug8" /> Amstrad lists the printer mechanism as one exchange assembly (171127) and gives a full mechanical parts list, including the print head assembly (171186), timing belt (171204), paper feed motor and head drive motor.<ref name="sm8" /> The ribbon is a cassette, Amstrad Printer Ribbon PR-1.<ref name="ug8" />

The 82-key keyboard has its own controller, the Amstrad 40027, and plugs into a 4-pin DIN socket on the right-hand side of the monitor unit.<ref name="sm8" /><ref name="ug8" /> The keyboard board has three option links; fitting LK1 puts the keyboard into a self-test mode in which it sends test patterns continuously and the Shift Lock LED stays lit.<ref name="jehw" /> The 8256 and 8512 keyboards are marked 256K and 512K but are interchangeable.<ref name="acuc" />