Instruction manual

2-2 Packet Reference Manual
Standard Syntax Guidelines
When creating MPCLII packets:
 Begin each packet with a start of header ({).
 End each packet with an end of header (}).
 Define no more than 200 fields in a format. Each | indicates one field. However, options are
not counted as fields. The actual number of fields a format can have may be less, because
the number of fields is limited by the available memory.
 The field number (0 to 999) must be unique. We recommend starting at 1, instead of 0.
 Do not use a field number more than once per format.
 Define all fields in the order to image/print them. The printer does not print in field number
order.
 Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).
 End each field with a Field Separator (|).
 Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or phrases within quotation marks.
 Include all parameters for a field unless documented as optional.
 Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they apply.
 Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.
 Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be used in any combination
except as noted with each definition. Options are processed in the order they are received.
 Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider fields than monospaced fonts. For
variable field data, use a letter W to determine the maximum field size.
 Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing character within a field definition.
However, a carriage return or line break after each | makes your formats easier to read.
T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |

Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.
 Indenting options improves readability of your formats.
T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
R,42,1 |

Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted string to send function codes or
extended characters or send the 8-bit ASCII code.
You can modify formats and fields with the optional entry method. See “Optional Entry Method
”
in Chapter 6 for more information.