Image forming apparatus and method for performing preparation operations prior to image data receipt

An image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a communication interface;
• an image forming unit including a recording head;
• a plurality of sheet feeders;
• a motor configured to selectively apply a drive force to any one of the plurality of sheet feeders;
• a transmission assembly configured to switch transmission of the drive force selectively to any one of the plurality of sheet feeders, by switching a connection between the motor and the plurality of sheet feeders;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive preceding data from the communication interface, the preceding data notifying the image forming apparatus that control data will subsequently be received, the preceding data not specifying which of the plurality of sheet feeders is to be used in response to subsequent receipt of control data;
• in response to receipt of the preceding data and prior to receipt of control data, control the transmission assembly to initiate a switch of the transmission of the drive force to a standard sheet feeder among the plurality of sheet feeders;
• and
• in response to receipt of control data received after the preceding data from the communication interface, control the image forming unit, the motor, and the transmission assembly to form an image on the sheet based on an image forming condition included in the control data.