User`s manual

A–22 Bar Codes
Automatic Mode
The printer creates the shortest possible bar code by automatically sending
the subset switch character to switch from subset B into subset C whenever
strings of four or more consecutive numeric characters are detected in the
input data. As long as the data includes ordinary keyboard characters and no
subset switch, the printer switches in and out of subsets B and C
automatically before and after numeric character strings. Start codes, stop
codes, and check digits are generated automatically.
NOTE: You must use >0 to represent the > character. The printer recognizes
>0 as the “greater than” character (>) on a standard ASCII chart.
Manual Mode
Manual mode is selected by inputting a subset switch character (characters
preceded by >) anywhere in the bar code data. In the manual mode, you must
insert the special codes into the bar code to switch to another subset. When
the printer finds a special code in the data, all automatic switching features
are suspended, the readable data field option is cancelled, and the printer
expects you to provide all special code switching commands. In manual
mode, you must supply the start code; if no start code is provided, the printer
inserts a subset B start code. Stop codes and check digits are generated
automatically in the manual mode. More information about Manual Mode is
provided in the following section.
Code 128 Manual Mode Operation
NOTE: In the manual mode, you are responsible for correct implementation
of Code 128 in accordance with the Code 128 Standards Manual.
The Code 128 character set is shown in Table A–3. The Alternate column
identifies the special subset switch characters that switch the printer to the
manual mode. These > characters are also horizontally aligned with functions
also performed in an automatic mode. For example, >/ represents SI in subset
A, o in subset B, and value 79 in subset C. Thus, the following commands
generate the same bar code using Alternate characters, or subsets B or C: