Timeout: Sidespread Question

[leed@sfsu.edu (DONALD CY LEE)]

Hi!
	I just purchased a used copy of Timeout: Sidespread, and while 
doing the configuration, the program asked whether about 7 or 8 bits for 
the printer and card setup.  At first I put 8, and it seemed to work 
fine, but then later, the print quality seemed to go down (that's 
probably due to a old ribbon) but when I reset the bit to 7 everything 
seemed to be fine again.  I have an Epson MX-80 and a Grappler+ parallel 
card, and I checked the Grappler manual, and it seems the Epson can use 
the 8th bit for special characters, but my question is when it comes to 
Sidespread, does it matter that I set the program for 7 or 8 bits?  I 
don't plan to use any special characters, and since Sidespread doesn't 
allow for special codes for condensed, etc.  it wouldn't seem to matter, 
but this is just for peace of mind.  Thanks!

-Don