A printer with a hammer actuating mechanism comprising elongated drive-ratchet and control-cam shafts mounted in spaced parallel relationship and a plurality of pivotal hammers extending transversely of the shafts. A drive pawl pivotally mounted on each hammer arm is engageable by the drive-ratchet shaft for pivotal actuation of the hammer for producing a printout and the control-cam shaft is rotatable for releasing the drive pawls for engagement by the drive-ratchet shaft. A pivotal control arm is operable by an electromagnet for actuation by the drive-ratchet shaft in the manner of the hammer actuation to rotate the control-cam shaft for releasing the drive pawls.