Quit often it is useful to repeat a keystroke or macro a set number of times. For example, if you need a line of ``*''s across the screen ....
After pressing [Esc][\] you will receive two prompts. The first asks for a count. If you have previously used this count, the last count used is stored as a default, in which case you can just press [Return].
Next, you will be asked for the key to repeat. If you enter [Ctrl-A] you will receive a third prompt for the macro key.
Now, the key (or macro) will be repeated the specified number of times. Note that any error conditions will stop the repeat.