Instruction manual

Printer Optimization 9-3
Increasing Throughput
Reducing the imaging time increases throughput. You can also increase the baud rate to
increase the transmission time and increase throughput. Make sure the communication
settings at the printer match those at the host. Using a baud rate of 19200 is almost twice as
fast as 9600 baud. Using a baud rate of 38400 is almost twice as fast as 19200 baud.
General Format Tips and Hints
The following tips and hints are helpful to keep in mind when designing MPCLII formats.
With Packets
 Leave parameters blank that you do not need to change when sending online configuration
packets. For example, {I,A,,,,1 | } prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online
system setup parameters.
You can group fields with similar parameters. For example
T,1,10,V,50,50,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0 |
T,2,15,,,75 |
T,3,,,,100 |
The first text field sets all the parameters for that field. The second text field’s number of
characters and column location changes from what was defined in the first field. In the third
text field, only the column location is changed. This method can be used on bar code and
constant text fields as well.
Note: You should understand the basics of each field before using this method.
After you modify any fields or parameters with the optional entry method, resend the format,
batch, or configuration packet to the printer.
With Bar Codes
 Be careful when rotating or placing a UPC/EAN bar code with human readable characters,
because the bottom reference point is at the bottom of the bars, not at the bottom of the
human readable characters.
With Fields
 Data that remains the same for each label should be in a constant text field. Data that
varies for each label should be in a text field.
 Check for trailing spaces in text or constant text fields if you receive a “field off tag” error.
An easy way to see trailing spaces is to print the field in the reverse font.
 Make sure if you magnify a field, it does not go off the label or cover another field.
Magnifying a field increases the distance between the printed character and the edge of the
cell.