User`s guide

Chapter

Introduction

Bar code printers are programmable devices. Most Cognitive Solutions

printers use the same command language, which has become an

industry standard.

NOTE: Pinnacle printers are an exception. The information in this file is not

applicable to Pinnacle. If you are programming a Pinnacle printer, contact our

Sales Department and order a copy of the Pinnacle Programmer’s Guide, CSI

P/N 10-00-0133.

In typical label printing applications, you will use simple ASCII

commands to control the printer. You will write these commands in files

called label formats. When sent to the printer, each label format tells

the printer how to produce one or more labels.

One label format can print many similar labels. Label formats may be

sent to the printer individually or in batches, in multiple file uploads.

You may combine several different ASCII label formats in a single file,

with each format capable of producing a different label.

This document describes the ASCII and graphics commands used to

create label formats, stored objects, and menus, as well as the

VARIABLE commands used to configure the printer.

IMPORTANT: If you are using Microsoft Windows and preparing and printing

label formats directly from Notepad or another Windows-based program, be

aware that most Windows printer drivers will not work with Cognitive printers.

The "generic ASCII" printer driver (supplied with Windows) will pass ASCII

label formats to the printer without interference. Please install and use this

driver when sending ASCII label formats to the printer from the Windows

environment. Do not use the Cognitive Windows Driver when sending ASCII

formats to the printer. The Cognitive Windows Driver converts Windows

documents to ASCII label formats; thus, your label formats will print as they

appear in the text editor rather than directly control the printer as intended.