MODEL 324M / 424M DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER 880026-0144 Revised: November 20, 2013 CPC Copyright © 2013 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Proprietary Statement This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described herein. Product Enhancements Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... VII CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS............................................... 1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3 General Specifications ......................................................................................... 1-1 Printing Specifications.......................................................................................... 1-1 Media Specifications ..............................
3.7.1 Environmental Considerations .................................................................... 3-30 3.7.2 Printer Mounting Orientations...................................................................... 3-30 3.7.3 Media Mounting Considerations.................................................................. 3-31 3.7.4 Designing a Roll Support ............................................................................ 3-32 3.7.5 Designing for Fan-Fold Media .....................................
4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number) ................................................................................ 4-18 4.7 Line Draw........................................................................................................... 4-18 4.8 Reverse Video ................................................................................................... 4-21 4.8.1 Reverse Video ............................................................................................ 4-21 4.8.2 True Reverse Video .....
5.9.4 Cutter Hold-off............................................................................................. 5-41 5.10 Dispensing Commands ...................................................................................... 5-42 5.10.1 Tag/Tear Operation..................................................................................... 5-42 5.10.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation ..................................................................... 5-42 5.10.
8.1.7 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21 .............................. 8-3 8.1.8 Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI 24 ................................................................. 8-3 8.1.9 Modified Plessey (MSI 2), TCI 25 ................................................................. 8-3 8.1.10 Modified Plessey (MSI 3), TCI 26 ................................................................. 8-3 8.1.11 GS1 Databar, TCI 35 ................................................................
.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 10-1 Thermal Printer Card.......................................................................................... 10-2 Internal Cleaning ................................................................................................ 10-4 Print Head Maintenance..................................................................................... 10-5 CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING.
Introduction The Model 324M and 424M printers are high performance Direct Thermal open frame printers specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. The only difference between the two printers is the width of the print head: the 324M has a 3” wide print head, and the 424M has a 4” wide print head. All other features are the same on both printers.
viii 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications 1.1 General Specifications Width* Height* Depth* Weight* Electrical Current Temperature Humidity SRAM Memory Code Flash Memory User Flash Memory Agency Approvals Interface Communications Flow Control Baud Rate Parity Data Bits Protocols 8.53” (217 mm) 4.00” (102 mm) 3.50” (88.9 mm) 4.16 lbs. (1.
Printer Specifications Chapter 1 1.3 Media Specifications Media Types Maximum Media Thickness Maximum Media Width Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled or fanfold .010” (.25 mm)* 324M = 3.5” (89 mm)** 424M = 4.5” (115 mm)*** Table 1-3 Media Specifications *NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the material; however, this requires testing and evaluation.
Chapter 2: Features and Options 2.1 Fonts 7 (203 DPI) smooth bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts from 6pt to 14pt. TrueType® font capability using Microcom Corporation utility program. 19 (203 or 300 DPI depending on the print head resolution) downloadable standard font set. All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width. Reverse image printing. Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º. 2.2 Graphics Resident Lines feature.
Two-dimensional GS1 Databar Omni-directional Truncated Stacked Stacked Omni directional Limited Expanded PDF-417 Maxicode. Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º. Expandable in height and width. 2.4 Special Features 2-3 3 Serial Data inputs RS-232D, up to 115,200 baud USB 1.
2.5 Options 3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full Cut Only, 170 g/m2 3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full/Partial, 120g/m2 3.425” (87mm) or 4.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 3.1 Unpacking and Inspection The printer has been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage during shipment. Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the shipping company immediately to file a damage claim. After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list are present and in good condition.
Getting Started 3.2.1 Chapter 3 Printer Power Microcom Corporation offers three (3) different “Desktop” universal power supplies as options. Any power supply that conforms to the standard supply specifications listed in Table 3-1 below may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC power supply that operates in the 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4 Amps.
Chapter 3 Getting Started View of Optional Desktop Power Supply Output cable connector GND +24V GND +24V Figure 3-2 AC Input (115-230VAC) Optional Desktop Power Supply Output DC Output (+24 VDC) On/Off Switch Note: Verify that the printer’s On/Off switch is switched “off” before plugging in the power cord into the electrical outlet and the power supply’s output cable into the printer. Figure 3-3 3.2.
Getting Started Chapter 3 are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would require them. 3.2.2.1 RS-232 Serial Cables The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable, which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE. For a 25-pin serial communication port – Use a 25-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
Chapter 3 Getting Started 3.2.3.1 USB Driver Setup The Windows combined driver model (CDM) may be installed on XP, VISTA, Windows 7 or Windows 8 allowing applications to access FTDI devices through either the D2XX DLL or a COM port without having to change driver type. However, it should be noted that an application can only communicate through one of these interfaces at a time and cannot send commands to the D2XX DLL and the associated COM port at the same time.
Getting Started Chapter 3 Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. If already connected, disconnect USB and then reconnect the USB. The FTDI USB device should now recognize and install. 3.3 MICPrinter USB Windows Driver MICPrinter is a driver that allows most traditional Windows applications to print to a Microcom printer equipped with fast USB capability.
Chapter 3 Getting Started You will see a screen similar to this showing the progress of the installation. Click “Continue Anyway” if this dialog box pops up.
Getting Started Chapter 3 The next step is to install the FTDI USB driver. While this is a communication port (RS-232) emulator, no configuration of the RS-232 port is required. Once installed, the FTDI USB device will show up as a USB SERIAL PORT (COM) listed under the “COMM PORTS AND LPT” within Device Manager. The “x” indicates the COMM port number this will be used for that USB port connection to the printer. Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on.
Chapter 3 Getting Started Micprinter\Properties\Advanced Options\Setup Printer or START button\Programs\Micoptions\Micoptions. Micprinter listed under the Printers and Faxes folder.
Getting Started Chapter 3 This is a Micoptions configuration window sample. Select the COMM port # that the FTDI device is connected to. If selected, the driver will auto detect the communication port. This should be disabled if using the command line. Selecting this will report the port that the USB device is detected on. The Form Setup may be used to save a configuration. Export the form to save the setup and select Import to use an existing setup.
Chapter 3 Getting Started Media and printer configurations Error monitors and the ability to insert commands or files into the data stream. Select and send commands, files, and images directly to the printer port. This is a great way to get started and to verify printer settings.
Getting Started Chapter 3 The Detect Hardware button is used to read settings from the printer. When the Autodetect is enabled, the driver will communicate to the printer and automatically set the Internal Parameters section. The Calculate SPG button is to manually calculate the SPG which is a registration parameter used by the printer. The AutoCalc SPG will cause the printer to automatically calculate the parameter.
Chapter 3 Getting Started The Internal Parameters section is set based on the printer being used. Please use the table below to determine the proper values if the Autodetect and AutoCalc and not checked.
Getting Started Chapter 3 The “APPLY” button needs to be pressed in order for changes to be saved. You will also need to create form sizes that match the media you are using within the Windows form sizes if your form size is not included. To do this, open the Printers and Faxes folder and select Server Properties from the File drop down menu.
Chapter 3 Getting Started A window similar to this will appear showing the available forms. To create a new form, check the “Create a new form” check box, fill in the Form name, Form description and remember to press Save Form to save it! After you have created the appropriate forms you need. Press OK Double click on the MICPrinter and you should see: If we were printing any files they would be listed here. From the Printer drop down menu select Properties. The properties pages are displayed.
Getting Started Chapter 3 The appropriate form size for the media we are using with the printer is set within this screen. Select Printing Preferences.
Chapter 3 Getting Started Form Size created under Server Properties Print resolution of the printer; 200 or 300 Press OK once finished Select the Paper Size (form size) being used. Select the Print Resolution of the printer under the Print Quality. Press the OK to continue. Now we return to the MICPrinter Properties page. Print Test Page Press the Print Test Page and see a sample printout. Micprinter also provides the ability to use the driver in a Command line environment.
Getting Started Chapter 3 need to be used as the GUI will only support one install. Only one driver should be used at a time. Issues may occur if more than one instance of Micprinter is used at the same time. If a second printer is desired, then you could run two independent setups. You would need to copy all of the supporting Micprinter files including the executable into separate directories and specify the working directory of each as well.
Chapter 3 Getting Started C:\Program Files\MICOptions> micprint c:\temp\app1\image.bmp 0 –p08 –d "c:\\temp\\app1" -f c:\temp\app1\app1.set This example prints image.bmp on COMM 8 using the app1.set Micoptions configuration. Please note that the supporting files are located at c:\temp\app.
Getting Started Chapter 3 -61 - binary image download timeout -62 - binary file size error -64 - status after print timeout error -65 - clear memory command error -66 - image processing error Example: ******************************************************************** cls @echo off REM Clears the environment variable so temporary status variable can be set set errorlevel= micprint c:\bin\odds4\sample.bmp 0 -p3 -d "c:\\bin\\odds4" fc:\bin\odds4\3.15x2.75_Odds.
Chapter 3 Getting Started :LabelP00 echo SUCCESS GOTO END :LabelN01 echo UNABLE TO OPEN IMAGE FILE GOTO END :LabelN02 echo UNKNOWN IMAGE FILE TYPE GOTO END :LabelN03 echo UNABLE TO ALLOCATE MEMORY GOTO END :LabelN04 echo UNKNOWN ERROR GOTO END :LabelN05 echo UNSUPPORTED IMAGE RESOLUTION GOTO END :LabelN06 echo ERROR OPENING OUTPUT FILE GOTO END :LabelN08 echo ERROR OPENING BINARY OUTPUT FILE GOTO END :LabelN09 echo UNKNOWN ERROR GOTO END :LabelN10 echo UNKNOWN ERROR GOTO END :LabelN11 echo IMAGE COMPRESSI
Getting Started Chapter 3 GOTO END :LabelN23 echo SETTING DISPENSE MODE 1 ERROR - ADVANCE WHEN IDLE GOTO END :LabelN24 echo SETTING DISPENSE MODE 2 ERROR - ADVANCE EVERY LABEL GOTO END :LabelN25 echo SETTING DISPENSE MODE 3 ERROR - CUT EVERY LABEL GOTO END :LabelN26 echo SETTING RETRACTION DELAY ERROR GOTO END :LabelN27 echo SEETING DISPENSE DISTANCE ERROR GOTO END :LabelN29 echo LOW STOCK PRIOR TO PRINTING GOTO END :LabelN30 echo LOW STOCK DETECTED POST PRINTING GOTO END :LabelN40 echo PRE-PRINT COMMAND
Chapter 3 Getting Started :LabelN65 echo CLEAR MEMORY COMMAND ERROR GOTO END :LabelN66 echo IMAGE PROCESSING ERROR GOTO END :End ******************************************************************** 3.3.1 Optional Cutter Interface The printer is fitted with a connector on the rear panel for the optional cutter interface. Use this connector when a cutter is to be installed on the printer. To prevent damage to the printer and/or cutter, connect the cutter when the printer power is off.
Getting Started Chapter 3 LPD Sensor Port Input 1 Input 2 LPD Range Adjustment LPD Sensor LED (Flashes red when label is present) Input 1 Sensor LED (Flashes amber when label is present) Figure 3-4 Input 2 Sensor LED (Flashes green when label is present) Sensor Input Ports 3.4 Loading Media The easy- to-release print head makes loading media into the Model 324M/424M printer an easy process. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media. 1.
Chapter 3 Getting Started Adjustable Paper Guides Step 1. Insert label stock here until it stops… Step 2. … then press and hold Print Button to advance label stock. Step 3. Print test labels until print is properly registering with label stock by tapping Print Button.
Getting Started Chapter 3 3.5 Print Button and Status Indicator Light The Print Button and the Status Indicator Light are used to identify and perform many functions. This section provides a description to familiarize you with the basic function of the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light. Print Button Status Indicator Light Figure 3-6 3.5.
Chapter 3 3.5.2 Getting Started Status Indicator Light Light Color Description Solid Green Indicates that the power is on and the printer is in a ready state. Indicates an error has occurred. The printer will remain in this state until the condition is removed. If an unexplained error persists, contact your Service Representative. Solid Red The printer is in the Tag/Tear or Peel-and-Dispense mode and is waiting for the label/tag to be taken.
Getting Started 3.6.2 Chapter 3 Halted Mode: RED The printer is in the HALTED Mode when it has stopped due to an error condition. The Status Indicator Light will be solid red in color when the printer has entered the HALTED Mode. The printer will remain in this mode until the error has been corrected and cleared. Once the error has been cleared, the printer will attempt to execute the previous format and/or commands. 3.6.2.1 Steps to clear the >STOCK OUT< error a) Load new label media.
Chapter 3 Getting Started 3.6.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode To enter the Diagnostic Mode, press and hold the Print Button “IN” while turning the printer “ON.” Release the Print Button after printer begins to print the Status Label. The printer will enter the DIAGNOSTICS Mode, and print the Statistics label and a print test pattern. In the DIAGNOSTICS Mode, the printer is forced to use the RS-232 port at 115,200 baud.
Getting Started Chapter 3 The general issues are: 3.7.1 Only trained personnel should have access to, operate, or service the printer. Dispense position of the media, top, front or dropped into a tub. Mounting of the printer to the kiosk. Printer Power Requirements. Interface between the host computer and the printer.
Chapter 3 Getting Started 8.54” 4.56” 8.20” 5.52” *Printer pictured with optional cutter installed. Figure 3-8 3.7.3 Printer Dimensions Media Mounting Considerations The printer uses direct thermal media which is chemically treated to react to heat. The printer has several basic requirements for running the media to the printer from a roll or fan-fold media which include: The printer uses direct thermal media which has been chemically treated to react to heat.
Getting Started Chapter 3 produce a compressed print, slipping, and jamming which can occur more frequently as the printer ages. 3.7.4 Designing a Roll Support Media roll supports may be purchased from Microcom. If you are designing a custom roll support, please be aware of the following design guidelines. • Implement a simple design which allows the media to be gently placed in the kiosk. • Minimize the drive train load caused by the media supply.
Chapter 3 Getting Started • Upon exiting the printer, the media should never be forced or bent as this will cause jamming. • The stock should never be expected to drop through a chute as this may be unlikely due to electrostatic discharge as covered later in this document. • The exit chute should act as a funnel and always be larger than the dispense point. • Never allow the user to grab the printed media prior to the cut operation as this could cause jamming or stretched print.
Getting Started Chapter 3 Voltage Protection is activated, the power supply will shut down. The power supply should be fully protected against short circuits and automatically recover gracefully. It is highly recommended that Microcom provide the power supply in order to prevent damage to the printer or cause the printer not to function properly. 3.7.8 Electrostatic Discharges and Ground Connections The printer should have a dedicated earth ground connection.
Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using LDS Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the control language resident in the printer used to create labels. All bitmapped fonts, character sets and bar codes are resident in the printer. Additional fonts and graphic images may be sent from a host and stored in the printer’s memory. A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Control commands to define printer operation.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 COM1:115200,n,8,1,p) before copying the files to the port. Create a text file, enter “^D3” (carriage return) and save it as “D3.txt”. Send the file to the printer by either using the DOS COPY (C:\>copy d3.txt com1) command or by using a terminal program. Figure 4-1 HyperTerminal™ Window Example 4.2.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS press the “Shift” key and the “6”) plus the alpha character. See Chapter 5 for additional information regarding control codes and printer commands. There are some special features offered by the printer that assist in label design. For example, the auto-size command (^A2^D39 ) provides most of the header format information needed to define the different properties of the media being used.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 The next line is the header information that sets the label size and other pertinent information. The next five lines are layout and configuration for each data field in the format. The command ^D56 selects the user’s layout or more simply the end of the formatting information.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS DPI). The dot size of a 203 dots per inch head (8 dots/mm) is 0.0049”. The dot size of a 300 dots per inch head (12 dots/mm) is 0.0032”. The dot size is the same in both the horizontal and vertical direction. For example, a 4” X 6” label printed with a 203 DPI print head would be 812 (4 X 203) dots in the horizontal or “X” direction, and 1218 (6 X 203) dots in the “Y” direction.
Designing Labels Using LDS 4.4.1 HFM Chapter 4 (Number of Fields in Layout) HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more format fields are defined than specified in the HFM parameter, they will be ignored and will not print. The HFM was set to a value of 5 in the format used to create the sample in Error! Reference source not found.. This means that a total of five format fields are to be generated.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS This parameter is the height, measured in dots, of the registration mark used to identify the beginning of a label. The label sample (Error! Reference source not found.) GAP measures 0.123” or 38 dots. 4.4.6 DPS (Print Speed) HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY The DPS parameter is used to set the printing speed for the printer. Refer to Table 4-2 for the list of print speeds, DPS values, and corresponding inches per second values.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 This parameter selects the method the printer uses for detecting registration marks on the different media types. The Model 324M and 424M printers have both upper (transmissive) and lower (reflective) gap detectors as standard equipment. The following sections discuss the LCB settings for the different media types. 4.4.7.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS This parameter selects the number of step (dot rows) that the printer should skip before gap sensing is activated. This value is usually set to “1”. It is a good idea to set it to a value to ignore areas of pre-printed or perforated stock that might cause incorrect gap detection. 4.4.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 SPG = (284 + 203 - 203) mod (203 + 25) SPG = 284 mod 228 SPG = 56 D2G (468) = The Dot to Gap distance for a 203 DPI 424M printer (Table 4-3). LSY (203) = The height of the printable area; 1" x 203 DPI = 203 dots. SBL (25) = The Space Between Labels, or die-cut GAP in this case; .125" x 203 DPI = 25 dots. DRM (203) = The Distance to Registration Mark is from the leading edge of the printable area to the next registration mark; 1" x 203 DPI = 203 dots.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS = A carriage return must follow the header. 4.6 Label Format Fields The Label Format Fields are used to define the characteristics, placement and representation of the corresponding text data of the individual fields. A format field is broken down into many different parameters. It is not necessary to enter values for all of the parameters (default value will be used if a parameter is left blank) but each parameter must be separated with the comma delimiter (“,”).
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 Figure 4-4 Label Format Field Elements 4.6.1 TSN (Text String Number) The parameter determines which line of text data will be used for formatting. This allows for more than one field to use the same text data. A TSN of “1” accesses the first line of data. A TSN of “2” accesses the second line of data, and so forth. The text data is the text that follows the “^D2” command in the label’s layout.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS TCI VALUE TCI DESCRIPTION 1 Regular Text (standard embedded fonts, no barcode) 2 Text Surrounded by Asterisks 3* Text with UPC-A / UPC-E Checksum Digit Added 6 Line Draw 7 FLASH Fonts and Graphics 8 RAM Fonts and Graphics 12 UPC-A Symbol 13 UPC-E Symbol (Send 11 Digits) 14 UPC-E Symbol (Send 7 Digits) 15 Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode 16 Code 39 Symbol 17* Text with UPC-E Checksum and Extended Bars Added 20 EAN-13 Symbol 21 EAN-8 Symbol 22* Text with EAN-13 Checksum and Ext
Designing Labels Using LDS 4.6.6 CGN Chapter 4 (Character Generator Number) The CGN parameter is a numeric entry that determines the representation and size of embedded font and bar codes as well as the memory location of graphic images that have been selected by the TCI parameter. 4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts The Model 324M and 424M printers provide seven resident Helvetica style 203 dpi embedded fonts that can be selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS Standard Downloadable Font Set CGN VALUE POINT SIZE FONT TYPE 17 12 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree 18 14 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree 19 14 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree 20 16 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree 21 16 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree 22 20 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree 23 20 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree 24 24 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree 25 24 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree 30 6 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree 31 6 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree 32 8 Swiss™721 Bold 0
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 4.6.6.3 Embedded Bar Codes Certain bar codes can be printed using various ratios and character spacing options. The following table illustrates these options. See Chapter 8 for more detailed information on designing label formats using bar code symbols. Some bar codes do not require a CGN value and should be omitted by entering the comma delimiter.
Chapter 4 4.6.8 Designing Labels with LDS FJ (Field Justification) This parameter defines the justification of the format field on the label.
Designing Labels Using LDS 4.6.11 CS Chapter 4 (Character Spacing) This parameter adjusts the spacing between each character. If this parameter is omitted, then the default for the selected character generator (CGN) is used. The values (0-127) add dots while (128-255) subtract dots. For example, a value of 4 would insert 4 dots between the characters while a value of 131 would subtract 4 dots between the characters. Bar codes have default spacing according to the indicated multiplier.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS ^D57 2,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 1,340,750,,6,,,,600,25,,,,,0 1,627,150,,6,,,,25,600,,,,,0 ^D56 ^D2 Line ^D3 Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample This is a list of the first label format field element mnemonics for the sample label in Error! Reference source not found.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 Feed Direction 4” PRINT HEAD CMX CMY YB XB X beginning This is the origin; 1,1 Y beginning Figure 4-6 Label Format Line Draw TSN (Text String Number) The TSN parameter may point to any valid text string but it is a good idea to always use “1” to make trouble-shooting formats easier. The text string that the TSN is referencing must contain at least one character in order for a line to print properly.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS CGN (Character Generator Number) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position. FO (Field Orientation) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position. CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction) This element sets the length of a horizontal line or the thickness of a vertical line.
Designing Labels Using LDS ^D57 6,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0 1,280,300,,6,,,,720,520,,,,,1 2,640,700,8,3,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,1 3,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,1 4,640,465,26,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,1 5,640,350,6,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,1 5,640,50,6,16,3,,4,5,150,,,,,0 ^D56 ^D2 Line Microcom Corporation Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 ^D3 Chapter 4 Micr oco m Co rpor a tion Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 Figure 4-7 Reverse Video Sample 4.8.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands The printer has a large and versatile collection of control commands to meet the special needs of the most demanding applications. Most of the commands use the “^D” control sequence, however the printer also recognizes a selected number of other control sequences. For all commands listed in this manual, the printer will recognize the one character control code (“Ctrl+D”) or the two-character caret plus alpha character (“^+D+”) sequence.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 ^C Print: Starts the print cycle or batch. This command is the equivalent of the “^D3” command sequence but does not require the carriage return. Because the “control C” is shorter than the ^D3 command sequence it is easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general the ^D3 sequence is better to use inside a format and/or program to assist in trouble-shooting the format. ^D Command Mode: Used to issue commands to the printer.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands configured for binary compression (D23 -SW3 bit 7), which is required if saving graphics, the ^E will not function. This means that if the printer is going to be using binary compression, the 5 NULL’s method should be used to request status instead of the ^E command. 5 NULLS + 02: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the printer even when the printer in configured in binary compression mode.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 Text Mode Response Byte Mode Response Definition 6 6 TICKET ACK 16 16 OUT OF TICKETS 25 25 ILLEGAL DATA 29 29 CUTTER JAM Table 5-1 STL Status Responses Text Mode Response Byte Mode Response Definition >RESTARTED< 1A Printer has been reset >READY< 06 Normal condition >CUTTER ERROR< 07 Cutter cannot rotate >TAKE LABEL< 16 Printer is waiting for label to be taken >LOW STOCK< 19 Media supply is low or out >INPUT 1< 0E Input sensor #1 active >INP
Chapter 5 Printer Commands >NO FLASH DATA FOUND< The printer was unable to locate a valid configuration and is forcing the default configuration or “birth” pattern. >CHECKSUM VERIFICATION FAILED< Configuration checksum does not match printer will attempt to restore configuration. >FLASH READBACK FAILED< The printer failed to read and verify the configuration parameters are present. >ERASE FAILED FOR SECTOR n< The flash was unable to erase at the memory sector noted by the “n” Table 5-2 5.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 1 = Ignore Incoming Control Codes 0 = Accept Incoming Control Codes 4 Port #1 Parity Selection: Sets the printer port #1 parity for serial communication. 1 = Odd Parity 0 = Even Parity 5 Port #1 Parity Enable: Turns printer port #1 parity ON or OFF for serial communication. 1 = Disable Parity (NONE) 0 = Enable Parity 6 Echo: If this feature is enabled, the printer will echo all received characters to the serial port.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 0 = Enable 4 Print Repetition: Defines the function of the Print Button. If set to a “0”, the button can be used for feeding labels but the print function is disabled and blank forms will be issued. 1 = Label PRINT 0 = Label FEED only 5 Power-ON Format Type: Determines whether to use a saved format file or a standard ROM format. User downloaded Label FORMAT files are saved in non-volatile FLASH memory. Any of these FORMATs may be used for the Power-ON label.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 3 Response After Print: If enabled, an enquiry response will be sent through the communications after every print automatically. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 4 INPUT 2 Active State: This bit determines whether the INPUT 2 sensor must see an object or not to send back the >INPUT 2< response. A setting of 1 (active LOW) will report the >INPUT 2< message if no reflection is detected. A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the >INPUT 2< message if a reflection is detected.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 2 External Print Request: (Call Microcom for more information.) 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 3 Stock Out function: Enable this function to get a >LOW STOCK< message when the printer runs out of stock. When this is disabled, the printer will not report stock out conditions. 1 = Disable 0 = Enable (stock out detection reports >LOW STOCK<) 4 Auto-size on Power-up: When enabled, the printer automatically sizes the label to determine the appropriate format header values on powerup.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 If this function is disabled, pressing the print button clears the error condition, prints the pending job, and reenters the previous halting error state. The button must be pressed and held during printing in order to exit the error routine. This is used to reprint the pending job until the print realigns before continuing. 1 = Enable (Single Button Error Clear) 0 = Disable (Reprint and Align) 2 >BUTTON PRESSED< status enable.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 8 Status Byte Mode: If enabled, the printer will enter a special mode that sends a status byte to the host. See D110 command 1 = Enable Status Byte Mode 0 = Disable Status Byte Mode 5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6 ^AB ^D XX 26 COMMAND Change SW6: Software Switch #6.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 1 = Enable >STOCK NOT LOADED< response 0 = Disable >STOCK NOT LOADED< response 5 48-466 Compatibility Mode: A special limited 466/48-466 LDS compatibility mode has been developed for the X24/X24M code base. The objective of this compatibility mode is to allow applications that use formats and/or commands developed for a Model 48-466 printer to be sent to a 203 dpi X24 or X24M Model printer with little or no changes required.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands d) The ^Ax^D125 command controls the location of the euro character as provided in the model 48-466 printers. The euro character which by default is mapped to location 0xE3 (227 decimal) can be moved to another location specified by the x if x>0. If x=0 no remapping will take place and the euro will stay at location 0xE3. Also if the printer must be configured to use a code page other than the default (0000) code page.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 general inputs in the form of “>IO 0nH< where “n” is a hex number from 0 to F. Example: A status of >IO 05H< would indicate that inputs 1 and 3 are active (24v) and that inputs 2 and 4 are inactive (0v); 05H = 0101(binary). The ^D151 is a nonvolatile command used to set which GP inputs are configured to cause an immediate error when active. An immediate error will immediately stop printing and go into an error condition.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands Example: If the application wanted to configure outputs 1 and 3 active, a ^D6805 command (the indicates carriage return characters) would be issued. The printer ignores the LF characters, so a is interpreted as a as well) would be sent to the printer.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 8 = g/p output 4 - Format loaded All outputs are active high. 24.0 VDC = high 0.0 VDC = low Pin 1 Pin 1 P17 OUTPUTS P17 INPUTS Figure 5-1 7 General Purpose Hardware Inputs and Outputs Select PIC Mode: This command is used to select from the various PIC modes the printer supports. The PIC code is dedicated to the take-up motor or the cutter. 0 = Select Cutter PIC mode of operation.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.2.1.7 Software Switch #7 ^AB ^D XX 27 COMMAND Change SW7: Software Switch #7.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 5.2.1.8 Software Switch #8 ^AB ^D XX 28 COMMAND Change SW8: Software Switch #8. ^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number) Position: 1 Custom Test Ticket: When this feature is enabled, the printer will process the saved power up format specified by the D22 command every time the printer button on the printer is pressed.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands low 355 458 559 635 686 762 864 965 1067 1130 1181 1270 1371 1828 203 dpi norm 406 508 609 660 711 812 914 1015 1117 1142 1218 1320 1421 2233 hi 457 558 634 685 761 863 964 1066 1129 1180 1269 1370 1827 2300 low 525 676 826 939 1014 1126 1276 1426 1576 1670 1745 1876 2026 2701 300 dpi norm 600 750 900 975 1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1688 1800 1950 2100 3300 hi 675 825 938 1013 1125 1275 1425 1575 1669 1744 1875 2025 2700 3400 Autoheader User Mode The Autoheader User Mode oper
Printer Commands Chapter 5 7 Reflective Stock Out Detection: When this feature is enabled, the printer will use reflective sensor to detect stock out conditions. This should only be used if a Transmissive sensor is not available. 1 = Enable Reflective Stock Out Detection 0 = Disable Reflective Stock Out Detection 8 LTS Jam Detection: This feature uses the printer’s Label Present or Label Taken sensor to identify a jam condition after sending a print job to the printer.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.2.2.2 Set Serial Port Source Command (Non-volatile- ^D108) This command sets which serial port will be used the next time the printer is turned ON. The 224/424 printer has three serial data ports on the rear panel: RS-232, USB, or Ethernet. Only 1 port can be active at any given time. The D108 command sets how the printer selects the active serial port the next time the printer is powered ON.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 0 203DPI: This sets the printhead resolution to 203dpi. This requires that a 203dpi printhead is installed on the printer. If the setting is not set properly, the printed image could produce 1 300DPI: This command the printhead resolution to 300dpi. This requires that a 300dpi printhead is installed on the printer. If the setting is not set properly, the printed image could produce The only valid entries are ^A0 for 203dpi and ^A1 for 300dpi.
Chapter 5 ^A XX ^D 110 Printer Commands Command General Purpose Status Byte The printer has a special mode of communication for General Purpose control environments. Communication is over the Ethernet port and uses the following protocol. The host sends a command byte to the Ethernet port every few milliseconds. The printer’s Ethernet interface will pass the command byte on to the printer only when there is a change, i.e., when there is a new command.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 The General Purpose Status byte mode of operation is enabled by Soft Switch #5, Bit #8. These are the specific commands: ^ABxxxxxxx1^D25 Enable General Purpose Mode ^ABxxxxxxx0^D25 Disable General Purpose Mode Note that the binary data entry mode is shown in these 2 commands. The user must set the “xxxxxxx” values to agree with current settings in order to avoid changing any of the other settings in Soft Switch #5.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands a) Send the printer a ^D116 command. This will force the printer to process the label to the point that the label bitmap is ready to be sent to the print head. After this command is sent no communications will be possible with the printer until the next step is completed. b) To start the print, send a high-going pulse on the PRINT input line. To ABORT the job, whether printing or not, send a highgoing pulse on the ABORT input line.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 Example: ^D57[CR][LF] 1,1280,940,,,3,0,1[CR][LF] ^D56[CR][LF] This format only needs to be sent one time after the unit has powered on. The >RESTARTED< status message could be used to indicate when this needs to be sent or simply send it each time a print is desired. 2. The Host then sends the printer the ^D149 command followed by the raw image size that has been converted by the bmp2mic rev 1.02 or later.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.4.3.1 Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile - ^D35) This command is useful for adjusting contrast for specific label formats where different label media is used on a single printer. The command can be entered into specific label formats rather than affecting print contrast on all label formats. ^A XX ^D 35 COMMAND Adjust Contrast Window: This is a volatile command used to adjust the contrast window. The range is 1 to 9 of the base (^D36). 5.4.3.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 ^A 1 ^D 143 COMMAND Save and Reboot (Hard Reset): This command instructs the printer to save statistics stored in RAM to non-volatile Flash memory and then actually resets the printer hardware. Issuing this command is the equivalent of turning the printer off and back on.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 80 percent of the transmissive sensor reading when no media is detected by the transmissive sensor. This value is calibrated at the factory and should not require adjustment unless the transmissive sensor has been replaced. ^A X ^D 129 COMMAND Auto Set Threshold: This command will cause the printer to scroll 1350 dots, determine the proper threshold value, and set the nonvolatile threshold for proper registration. The ^Ax selects either reflective or transmissive detection.
Printer Commands 5.4.7 Chapter 5 Auto-size Commands The auto-size command attempts to automatically calculate important format values for the label header including LSY, GAP, AGD, SPG, ^D90, and the ^D91 values. The printer feeds a sample of labels through the GAP sensors and takes an average of the values it receives. The auto-size command uses the appropriate sensors to detect the registration marks set by the ^D47 command.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands When stock is initially loaded the printer will do an auto header to determine the correct header parameters. After this, when stock is loaded, the printer will just advance the stock to the correct printing position wasting the first label unless stock is loaded after a stock out condition. Then the printer will pull the stock in and print on the first label and clear the error. ^A 0 ^D 147 COMMAND Execute AutoHeader on power-up only.
Printer Commands 5.5.1 Chapter 5 AutoLoad + Form Feed This command is useful to load media without having to press the Print Button to start printing again. The operator must insert the label stock into the printer until it stops against the drive roller. The printer will automatically begin to turn the drive roller after the stock is sensed by the transmissive sensor. A delay (^D120) may be set from when the stock is first sensed and when the drive roller starts to turn.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands format does not have to print; it simply needs to load the correct media size to be used as the alignment format. 5.5.2 AutoLoad + Top-Of-Form This command is used on printers that are configured with a “Top-Of-Form” (TOF) sensor option used to detect the leading edge of the media. AutoLoad with a TOF sensor prevents the loss of the first label as in AutoLoad + FF. Soft switch #5, bit #3 selects the type of TOF sensor.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 ^A1250^D120 121 Top of Form Command. This command initiates a TOF operation: a) Media is advanced until the leading edge is detected by the “Top Of Form” sensor, b) Media is then retracted to position the leading edge of stock to the correct starting location. This command is useful when using the AutoLoad + Top of Form command. XX 123 5.6 Set TOF Retract Distance: When a TOF operation is in process, the paper moves forward until its leading edge is seen by the TOF sensor.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands command is most effective when used in conjunction with the Tag/Tear and Peel-n-Dispense modes. The “^A1” enables the Infinity Print while a “^A0” will disable this function. XX 75 XXX 76 5.7 Load Label Count: Instructs the printer to print a batch of labels using the serial number function if enabled. If the serial number function is disabled, the ^D75 command will print the number of copies (the same label) specified by the “^Axx” sequence just like the ^D73 command.
Printer Commands 5.7.1 Chapter 5 Serial Number Commands The following commands, ^D80 through ^D89, are used for the serial number function commands of the printer. The printer can increment or decrement any single serial number on the label by any amount. If the format contains more than one serial number, then all serial number fields can only increment or decrement by a value of one. Single and Multiple serial number commands cannot be used on the same format.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands field that will be decremented by one. The printer will not decrement fields beyond 0. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to 0. A sample format using the single serial number function: ^D57 1,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 1,280,300,2,1,5 ^D56 ^A2^D86 ^A1^D84 ^A5^D85 ^A3^D75 ^D2 20 ^D3 This format would enable the decrement function (^A2^D86).
Printer Commands Chapter 5 entering new data. This is useful for creating variable text fields after a string of fixed text fields. If set to a value of 2, the first line of new text entered following the ^D2 will overwrite line two. If two new text strings are entered, the existing text lines two and three will be overwritten. This command is used when fixed data is used much like a template and only the variable data is to change. 62 Pre-padded Text: This command is used to pre-pad text data.
Chapter 5 XX Printer Commands 64 Auto-Print String Count: This command is used in conjunction with the ^A1^D63 auto-print command. The ^Axx specifies the number of text strings (carriage returns) to accept before issuing the print command. When the printer is in the auto-print mode, it is not necessary to send the ^D2 command to enter text or the ^D3 command to initiate printing.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 then cuts the media. The media is not retract until the next format which helps to prevent paper jams going into the cutter or media wrapping around the platen roller. Modes 2 and 4 use the optional LTS sensor. When using these modes, a second form will not print until the label is taken. The printer will report the >TAKE LABEL< message when the LTS detects media and then only >READY< when the form is taken. XX 0 1 2 4 111 Kiosk Cutter Mode Disable Kiosk Cutter Mode.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands when that quantity is reached. This command will not operate if the Cutter Control (^D99) command is set to partial cut. XX 103 Partial Cut Interval: This command instructs the printer when to issue a Partial Cut. A partial cut requires the use of a Cutter that is capable of Partial cuts. A Partial Cut leaves a thin piece of media in the center after the cut cycle is finished.
Printer Commands ^A XX ^D 117 5.10 Chapter 5 COMMAND Cutter Hold-off: X represents the number of cuts to skip on the first X labels following a Top of Form. Dispensing Commands Dispensing commands are commands that advance the media for cutting, tear off, or presenting and then retract the media to a home position so that media is not wasted. These dispense commands include Peel-n-Dispense, Tag/Tear, Cutter commands, and optional media handling commands as well.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.11 View Printer Configuration and Statistics These commands display or print configuration settings. The user may reset the Printed Labels and Inches if they wish to track label usage, print head life, etc. Total Labels and Inches cannot be reset by the user.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 Sample format saved to RAM slot #1: ^A1^D59 ^D57 5,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0 1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 ^D2 Saved Format ^D3 ^[ ^D 66 COMMAND Clear Single FORMAT Stored in RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to clear (1-128). This command only functions with FORMAT files and not with downloadable fonts and/or graphics. 100 Clear User RAM: This command clears all the downloaded fonts and graphics that have been stored in RAM.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands Flash Based Formats - [file number, size] [1,176] Slot #1 of FORMAT flash has a FORMAT file that is 176 bytes. Format Flash Memory Available - 65359 There are 65,359bytes of FORMAT flash open. Label Memory - [size, available] [43231,41618] The difference is the amount of memory to process current format. NOTES: RAM GRAPHICS can extend beyond the starting slot # into sequential ones. RAM formats are numbered #1 to #128 (RAM FONTS are limited to 64K in size.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 (See Chapter 6, Downloadable Graphics) XX 134 Delete a GRAPHIC from FLASH. ^A0 deletes all GRAPHIC files in FLASH ^Axx deletes the GRAPHIC stored in FLASH Slot #xx Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the CGN #xx that will be cleared. The ^D119 command may be used to verify what memory Slot #’s are available in FLASH for storage. ^D ^A xxyy 135 COMMAND Save FONTS to FLASH This command is not normally seen by the user.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands If a FONT is downloaded that has the same CGN # as a FONT that is already stored in FLASH, then an error message is sent back indicating a Duplicate CGN error. The printer’s FLASH is nonvolatile, so FONTS that are downloaded using the ^D135 will be stored in FLASH memory until specifically erased by the user. The following 3 parameters are included in the FONT file when it is created: 1. Memory destination: RAM or FLASH 2. Memory File #: 1255 (this is the CGN #) 3.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 This command tells the printer to take the Label FORMAT file in Slot #xx and build up its image in the printer’s slice buffer. After this command is finished, the label may be printed by sending the ^C print command. NOTE: If the FORMAT file contains a print command, then the label will be printed at the end of this command. ^A XX ^D 139 140 COMMAND Send a FLASH FORMAT to the communications port.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands Please note that this command may take some time (depending on how much is stored). During this time the printer will not respond to commands. The printer may appear to be locked up until the command finishes. Hint: Use command ^D119 to confirm that FONTS and GRAPHICS were erased in user FLASH memory, and that all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS, and GRAPHICS were erased in RAM. 5.13 ^A X Printer Code Update ^D 7 5.
Printer Commands X 153 ^A X ^D 154 X 155 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Chapter 5 Feed Forward Distance: This command will move the motor in the forward direction by the X amount (specified in dots) when issued. The maximum value is 65535. The feed speed is defined by the D155 command. COMMAND Feed Reverse Distance: This command will move the motor in the reverse direction by the X amount (specified in dots) when issued. The maximum value is 65535.
Chapter 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ^A X Printer Commands 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 600 625 ^D 159 COMMAND Brownout Reporting: A brownout condition is a sag or drop in the supply voltage that dips below 16.4Vdc but does not continue to sag and perhaps goes back to the 24Vdc supply voltage. The printer will attempt to update its configuration and counters in this condition.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 Bit Position (12345678) Definition Operation 1 Reserved NA 2 Reserved NA 3 PSO (Pre Stock Out) 1 = Stock Detected 0 = No Stock Detected 4 Input 2 See Sw3-4 (D23) 5 Input 1 See SW3-2 (D23) 6 LTS / TOF 1 = Stock Detected 0 = No Stock Detected 7 Transmissive Registration Sensor 1 = No Stock Detected 0 = Stock Detected 8 Reflective Registration Sensor 1 = No Stock Detected 0 = Stock Detected Table 5-7 5-52 Sensor Status Byte Definitions 324M/424M Operat
Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics The 324M/424M printer allows the user to download their own GRAPHICS and store the GRAPHICS in either non-volatile FLASH memory, or in volatile RAM memory. 6.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1. 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS. 2. 128 slots for label FORMATS. 3. 7 “embedded” FONTS. These FONTS are downloaded at the factory.
Downloadable Graphics 6.3.1 Chapter 6 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure 1. Execute the conversion utility from a DOS prompt. Microsoft(R) Windows 98 (C)Copyright Microsoft Corp 1981-1999. C:\WINDOWS>cd\ C:\>BMP2MIC.exe STEP 1 At the Command Prompt: Type “BMP2MIC.exe” Press [ENTER] 2. Type the conversion utility name and required information at the command prompt. Press [ENTER]. BMP2MIC - Convert BMP Graphic File to Microcom Printer Graphic Rev. 2.01 Copyright 1998-2005 Microcom Corp.
Chapter 6 Downloadable Graphics 3. Conversion is complete. Converted GRAPHIC file is ready to download to printer. BMP format data: Windows 3.X format. dimensions: 74 wide, 31 high. 8 bits per pixel Input file: Jet.bmp Output file: Jet.mic Output type: Model x24 Extended Binary (any size image) using font slot 100 Destination is ^D133 - for saving to flash (0) Image width = 74 dots. Image height = 31 rows. Image occupies 332 bytes of space in printer memory. Decompressed file contains 1 FFs and 295 00s.
Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6 6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers The following sections are provided to developers who wish to create usable GRAPHIC images within their own applications. Commands in the following section are not typically seen for users using Microcom GRAPHIC utilities. 6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107) The following is the format of the ^D107 command when used to store a compressed GRAPHIC image file into RAM.
Chapter 6 6.5.3 Downloadable Graphics Binary Compression Algorithm The binary data that make up the image file is a run-length compressed version of the image data described in Section 7.2. Bytes with a value of “0” HEX or “FF” HEX are followed by another byte indicating the number of times that value is repeated.
Downloadable Graphics 6.5.4 Chapter 6 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104) This command allows graphic and/or font images (fonts must be less than 64KB uncompressed) to be transmitted in ASCII-HEX, thereby allowing all data to pass over 7 or 8-bit data connections. This command is usable on data connections that support either 7 or 8-bit data.
Chapter 6 Downloadable Graphics 6.6 Graphic Image Data Format The image data consists of a set of data structures and location offsets to those structures. All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored least-significant-byte first. The method illustrated below allows graphic images to span 64KB memory segments.
Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6 Word char_width width of the graphic image in dots Byte bitmap_data[char_height][byte_width] bitmap of character, 2d array. The most significant bit of the first byte in each row, prints as the right most dot of the character, and the first row is the bottom row when printed. 6.
Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts The 324M/24M printer allows the user to download their own fonts and store the fonts in either volatile RAM memory, or non-volatile FLASH memory. 7.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1. 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS, using TCI #7. 2. These FONTS are downloaded using the ^D135 command. 3. These GRAPHICS are downloaded using the ^D133 command. 4.
Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 The following section details the process required to convert and download fonts to the printer. The conversion utilities “SFP2MIC.exe” and “TTF2MIC.exe” may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com. These 16 bit DOS utilities convert LaserJet™ SFP or TrueType® TTF fonts into a format that is suitable for downloading to the printer. 7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program 1. Run the SFP2MIC program from a DOS prompt. 2.
Chapter 7 Downloadable Fonts 7.4.1.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127) The following is the format of the ^D127 command when used to store a compressed FONT file into RAM. ^A^D127 Where: is the memory slot location (1-255) where the FONT will be saved in the printer’s RAM memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to select downloadable fonts or graphics for storage into RAM.
Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 ^A^D104 Where: is the memory slot location (1-255) where the GRAPHIC will be saved in the printer’s volatile RAM memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to select downloadable fonts or graphics. Therefore a font and a graphic cannot have the same Slot Number or CGN number. is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright font and 1 for a 90-degree rotated image.
Chapter 7 Downloadable Fonts beginning of the file. So the ^D135 command is never sent by itself, it’s always in a FONT download file, and the user never really sees it. The FONT download file may be larger than 64Kbyte. The only limit on the file size is the amount of memory available to hold the file. When the FONT file is created, a specific reference number, called a CGN # is assigned to the file by the user.
Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 (Word is a 16-bit value, Byte is an 8-bit value, and Label is a location within the file) Label start: the beginning of the file Word, Word, lookup_table_offset distance in bytes from start to beginning of lookup_table (4 bytes) Word tallest_char Word widest_char height of graphic image in dots Width of graphic image in dots Byte default_spacing Default spacing, usually 0 Byte byte_width Width of graphic image in bytes Byte first_char 20 HEX Byte last_char 20 HEX
Chapter 7 Downloadable Fonts ^A ^D 101 COMMAND List Memory Bytes Available: The printer will send the “>” character followed by the amount of available bytes and then finally a “<” character. (i.e. >192690<) XX 104 Load GRAPHIC or FONT into RAM Memory without Compression: The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to place the image/font (1-255). This command should be used with an ASCII-HEX file that contains only printable characters less than 80 HEX. This command supports GRAPHICS over 64KB.
Downloadable Fonts 7-8 Chapter 7 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 8: Bar Codes The purpose of this chapter is to provide information pertaining to the unique requirements of the individual symbologies that are resident in the printer. Bar codes are accessed by selecting the appropriate TCI number. 8.1 Types of Bar Codes This section provides information regarding the different requirements of the available resident bar codes. Unless stated otherwise in the descriptions below, the printer will automatically generate the necessary check digits when required.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 SYMBOLOGY DECODED NUMBER X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 NS X1 X2 0 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 1 NS X1 X2 1 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 2 NS X1 X2 2 0 0 0 0 X3 X4 X5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 3 NS X1 X2 X3 0 0 0 0 0 X4 X5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 4 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 0 0 0 0 0 X5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 5 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 5 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 6 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 6 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 7 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 7 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 8 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0 0 8 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 9 NS X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 0 0 0
Chapter 8 Bar Codes spacing, Code39 will allow custom inter-character spacing as long as the maximum does not exceed the timeout zone of the intended scanning equipment. 8.1.6 European Article Numbering System 13 (EAN-13), TCI 20 The European Article Numbering system (EAN) is a European version of the UPC symbology that is used in the retail industry. It is also referred to JAN or Japanese Article Numbering system in Japan.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 8.1.11.1 GS1 Databar Omni-Directional The GS1 Databar Omni-Directional is used to encode numeric characters 0 -9 and does not support alpha or special characters. The code can encode up to 14 characters, including 13 data characters and 1 check digit. If less than 14 characters are entered in the “Data To Encode” field, zeroes are padded to the front after the linkage flag. Non-numeric characters are stripped from the “Data To Encode” field.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes Figure 8-4 GS1 Databar Stacked Omni-directional Sample 8.1.11.5 GS1 Databar Limited GS1 Databar Limited has the same data characteristics as the GS1 Databar Omnidirectional barcode, except that it may only include values up to 4 trillion. This symbology is specifically designed to be read by wands and handheld laser scanners. Omni-directional scanners can not read it efficiently. Figure 8-5 GS1 Databar Limited Sample 8.1.11.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 Valid values for parameters Type of GS1 Databar barcode: 0 = Omni-directional 1 = Truncated 2 = Stacked 3 = Stacked Omni-directional 4 = Limited 5 = Expanded Multiplier: 1 to 100. This specifies how big to make the symbol. Multiplies both X & Y. Segments per ROW: 2 to 22. EVEN number ONLY! X Undercut: 0 to (MULTIPLIER-1) Y Undercut: 0 to (MULTIPLIER-1) Separator Height: MULTIPLIER < = Separator Height < = 2 * MULTIPLIER.
Chapter 8 8.1.13 Bar Codes Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37 Postnet is a numeric-only symbology that is commonly used in postal application to sort mail. The five-digit zip plus six-digit extension may be used to generate this Postnet (TCI 37) bar code. Example: 12345-123456. 8.1.14 MaxiCode, TCI 38 MaxiCode is a fixed-size, 2-D matrix symbology that is capable of encoding the entire ASCII character set (0 to 255) and up to 93 characters per symbology.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 [)>#1e01#dYYPPPPPPPPP#1dCCC#1dSSS#1dA..A#1dB..B#1dC..C#1e#04 Where: #1e is the ASCII RS character #1d is the ASCII GS character #04 is the ASCII EOT character YY is the two digit numeric year PPPPPPPPP is the 9-digit numeric US Postal Code. if using a 5-digit Postal Code, the last 4 digits must be 0. CCC is the 3-digit numeric Country Code (840 in the US). SSS is the 3-digit numeric Class of Service. A..A, B..B, C..C, etc. are variable-length alphanumeric fields separated by #1d.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes DATA STRING CONTROL CODE ASCII NAME HEX VALUE #00 #01 #02 #03 #04 #05 #06 #07 #08 #09 #0A #0B #0C #0D #0E #0F #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #1A #1B #1C #1D #1E #1F ## Control @ Control A Control B Control C Control D Control E Control F Control G Control H Control I Control J Control K Control L Control M Control N Control O Control P Control Q Control R Control S Control T Control U Control V Control W Control X Control Y Control Z Control [ Control \ Control ] Control
Bar Codes Chapter 8 compression, however it is not recommended. Please note that if a subset is forced while using automatic compression the printer will automatically switch to subset C if 6 or more numeric characters are contained in the data string. Once the even number of characters has been processed, the printer will then switch to subset B. This could create problems if a user sent 6 numeric characters while forcing subset A (“#7123456”).
Chapter 8 Bar Codes Subset A This subset contains 106 unique characters, which includes numbers 0 through 9, the English alphabet (uppercase only), punctuation marks, ASCII control codes, and the special function codes listed in tables above. Subset B This subset contains 106 unique characters, which includes numbers 0 through 9, the English alphabet (both uppercase and lower case), punctuation marks, and the special function codes listed in tables above.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 The following format is used to generate a PDF-417 bar code: ^D77 :Text Data^\ Number_of_Rows Number_of_Columns Rotation ECC_Percent ECC_Level Aspect_Ratio This format is then followed by the placement instructions and text placeholder. :Text Data^\ This parameter is where the desired data is placed and must be terminated with the “^\[“ or 0x1C control code. The text data may include carriage returns and other control codes.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes ECC# 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Table 8-4 Number of Error Correction Codewords 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 256 512 PDF-417 Error Correction Level The following format samples show how to generate a PDF-417 bar code: Sample Format #1: ^D77 :PDF-417 bar code data^[ 3 30 0 0 0 2:1 ^D57 2,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285 1,190,300,1,46 2,190,200,11,1,5 ^D56 ^D2 P Text string ^D3 Figure 8-9 Text string PDF-417 Sample Format #1 324M/424M Operator’s Man
Bar Codes Chapter 8 Sample Format #2: ^D77 :PDF-417 bar code data entered on two separate lines^[ 3 30 90 0 0 2:1 ^D57 2,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285 1,190,300,1,46 2,190,200,11,1,5 ^D56 ^D2 placeholder Text string ^D3 Text string Figure 8-10 PDF-417 Sample Format #2 8.1.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes The sample below shows how to generate a data matrix symbol: ^D164 <---------------------------------Start of Datamatrix Data 0 <----------------------------------------Width 0 <----------------------------------------Height 1 <----------------------------------------Rotation A <----------------------------------------Encoding 0 <----------------------------------------Barcode ID :0123456789^\<---------------------- Data to encode ^D57 2,1280,900,,,10,0,1,250 1,300,300,1,47,0,,,10,10 <
Bar Codes Chapter 8 Numeric Capacity 88 124 172 228 288 348 408 560 736 912 1152 1392 1632 2100 2608 3116 10 20 32 44 64 98 Symbol Size 26 x 26 32 x 32 36 x 36 40 x 40 44 x 44 48 x 48 52 x 52 64 x 64 72 x 72 80 x 80 88 x 88 96 x 96 104 x 104 120 x 120 132 x 132 144 x 144 8 x 18 8 x 32 12 x 26 12 x 36 16 x 36 16 x 48 Table 8-5 Alphanumeric Capacity 64 91 127 169 214 259 304 418 550 682 862 1042 1222 1573 1954 2335 6 13 22 31 46 72 Binary Byte Capacity 42 60 84 112 142 172 202 278 366 454 574 694 814 1048
Chapter 8 Bar Codes T- Text Primarily Lowercase Alphanumeric 5.33 B- Base256 All byte values 0 – 255 8 X- X12 Similar to C40 5.33 E- Edifact 63 ASCII plus un-latch char 6 Table 8-6 Data Matrix Encoding Schemes ACSII Encoding Scheme ASCII encoding is the basic scheme that encodes ASCII data, double density numeric data and symbology control characters. Which means it encodes one alphabetic or two numeric characters per byte.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 Codeword Data and/or Function 1 - 128 ASCII data (ASCII value +1) 129 Pad Character 130 - 229 2 digit data 00 – 99 (Numeric Value + 130) 230 Latch to C40 Encoding Scheme 231 Latch to Base256 Encoding Scheme 232 FNC1 233 Structured Append 234 Reader Programming 235 Upper Shift (shift to Extended ASCII) 236 05 Macro 237 06 Macro 239 Latch to Text Encoding Scheme 241 ECI Character Table 8-7 ASCII Codeword Values Barcode ID The printer is able to print two diffe
Chapter 8 Bar Codes ^D57 3,1280,900,,,10,0,1,250 1,300,300,1,47,0,,,10,10 <---------- Multiplier (10, 10); TCI 47; Barcode ID = 0 1,600,300,1,47,1,,,10,10 <---------- Multiplier (10, 10); TCI 47; Barcode ID = 1 2,300,230,11,1,5 ^D56 ^D2 . Data Matrix ^D3 Data Data to be converted to 2D Data Matrix Barcode, maximum number of characters supported in the printer implementation is 1000. 8.1.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode bars TYPE FIELD DIGITS EXAMPLE Barcode Identifier 2 (2nd digit must be 0-4) 01 Special Services 3 234 Customer Identifier 6 567094 Sequence Number 9 987654321 Delivery Point ZIP Code 0, 5, 9, or 11 01234567891 Tracking Code Routing Code Table 8-8 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure Complete data string from above: 0123456709498765432101234567891 or 01234567094987654321-01234567891 Barcode Identifier The Barcode Identifier fiel
Chapter 8 Bar Codes Sequence Number The Sequence Number is a 9-digit field. For Destination Confirm, this field holds the existing Mailing ID field, which is a 4- or 6-digit field. The Mailing ID field can be expanded to 9 digits if so desired. Otherwise, leading zeros should be used to fill the field completely.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 ^D176 Rotation Planet Code String EXAMPLE: ^D176 3 <------------------------------------ Rotation parameter 1234567890123 <---------------- Planet Code data ^D57 1,832,2000,0,0,08,2,1,,0,0 1,400,400,1,49,,,4,12,3 <------- Placement information ^D56 ^D2 . ^D3 8.1.23 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50 UCC/EAN 128 symbologies are actually code 128 bar codes that have specific data format guidelines for multiple data subfields.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes AI Content Format 11(*) Production Date (YYMMDD) n2+n6 13(*) Packaging Date (YYMMDD) n2+n6 15(*) Sell By Date (Quality) (YYMMDD) n2+n6 17(*) Expiration Date (Safety) (YYMMDD) n2+n6 20 Product Variant n2+n2 21 Serial Number n2+an..20 22 HIBCC – Quantity, Date, Batch, and Link n2+an..29 23(**) n3+n..19 250 Lot Number (Transitional Use) Additional Product Identification assigned by the Manufacturer Secondary Serial Number n3+an..30 30 Quantity n2+n..
Bar Codes Chapter 8 AI Content Format 335(***) Gross Volume, Liters n4+n6 336(***) Gross Volume, Cubic Meters n4+n6 340(***) Gross Weight, Pounds n4+n6 341(***) Length or 1st Dimension, Inches, Logistics n4+n6 342(***) Length or 1st Dimension, Feet, Logistics n4+n6 343(***) Length or 1st Dimension, Yards, Logistics n4+n6 344(***) Width Diameter, or 2nd Dimension, Inches, Logistics n4+n6 345(***) 346(***) nd Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Feet, Logistics nd n4+n6 n4+n6 350(***)
Chapter 8 AI Bar Codes 91 Content Purchase From (Location Code of Party from Whom Goods are Purchased) EAN Location Code for Physical Identification Ship To (Deliver To) Postal Code Within a Single Postal Authority Ship To (Deliver To) Postal Code with 3 Digit ISO Country Code Prefix Roll Products – Width Length, Core Diameter, Direction, and Splices Electronic Serial Number for Cellular Mobile Telephones UPC/EAN Number and Serial Number of Returnable Asset Coupon Extended Code – Number System Character
Bar Codes Chapter 8 need not be the correct check digit). This character is used as a placeholder and will not be printed. The printer will calculate the correct check digit and replace the character already there. 8.1.24 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51 The TCI 51 generates the UCC/EAN information as text. This TCI uses the same criteria for formatting as the TCI 50 bar code. The CGN selects the desired resident font that will be used to generate this string.
Chapter 8 Bar Codes 180 Degrees 270 Degrees ROTATIONS 90 Degrees 0 Degrees Figure 8-12 Bar Code Rotations 8.3 Bar Code Human Readable Text Certain bar codes require human readable text and/or extended bars to conform to specifications. This is accomplished by using specially created TCI’s, which add the human readable text and extended bars. This section will provide the necessary information to successfully add these items. This should not be confused with simply making all bar codes human readable.
Bar Codes Chapter 8 The Text/Extended Bar TCI’s generate the human readable text and extended bars that are aligned with the original bar code to create the complete bar code, see Figure 19. UPC-A (TCI 12) UPC-A (TCI 32) Text & Extended Bars with Checksum added Figure 8-13 UPC-A Text/Extended Bars The TCI 32 text/extended symbol, shown in Figure 27, is positioned with the TCI 12 code so that there is no space between the two. This creates one bar code.
Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.1 What is Code Page Switching? There are 256 numeric codes used on the PC to represent letters, symbols, and numbers. Up to 256 codes are available to represent lower and upper case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and all the mathematical symbols on a PC’s keyboard. This may seem like more than enough, but it is not possible to represent all the letters and characters used in every language using one character set of 256 codes.
Code Switching 9.3.1 Chapter 9 Code Pages The Default Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0000. Figure 9-1 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Default Code Page.
Chapter 9 9.3.2 Code Page Switching Danish Code Page The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0001. Figure 9-2 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Danish Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.3 Chapter 9 860 Code Page The 860 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0010. Figure 9-3 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 860 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSPortuguese.
Chapter 9 9.3.4 Code Page Switching Spanish Code Page The Spanish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0011. Figure 9-4 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Spanish Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.5 Chapter 9 850 Code Page The 850 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0100. Figure 9-5 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 850 Code Page. To simplify the exchange of computerized documents between countries, the International Standards Organization (ISO) defined a new code page called 850, for use across national boundaries.
Chapter 9 9.3.6 Code Page Switching German Code Page The German Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0101. Figure 9-6 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the German Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.7 Chapter 9 865 Code Page The 865 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0110. Figure 9-7 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 865 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSNordic.
Chapter 9 9.3.8 Code Page Switching Swiss Code Page The Swiss Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0111. Figure 9-8 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Swiss Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.9 Chapter 9 852 Code Page The 852 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1000. Figure 9-9 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 852 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSLatin2 (Eastern Europe). Latin2 covers the languages of Central and Eastern Europe: Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Croatian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Sorbian.
Chapter 9 9.3.10 Code Page Switching French Code Page The French Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1001. Figure 9-10 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the French Code Page. .
Code Switching 9.3.11 Chapter 9 863 Code Page The 863 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1010. Figure 9-11 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 863 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSCanadaF.
Chapter 9 9.3.12 Code Page Switching Swedish Code Page The Swedish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1011. Figure 9-12 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Swedish Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.13 Chapter 9 437 Code Page Code Page 437 is the famous code page used in the original IBM PC. This code page contains lot of box drawing characters and a few foreign letters. The 437 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1100. Figure 9-13 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 437 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSLatinUS.
Chapter 9 9.3.14 Code Page Switching Italian Code Page The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1101. Figure 9-14 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Italian Code Page.
Code Switching 9.3.15 Chapter 9 British Code Page The British Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1110. Figure 9-15 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the British Code Page.
Chapter 9 9.3.16 Code Page Switching USA Code Page The USA Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1111. Figure 9-16 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the USA Code Page.
Code Switching 9-18 Chapter 9 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 10 10.1 Printer Maintenance Maintenance Schedule It is important to note that the optimum print quality and print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head. A Microcom Corporation approved cleaning kit (part # 040005-0000) is available; contact your sales representative for purchasing information.
Printer Maintenance 10.2 Chapter 10 Thermal Printer Card Any decline in print quality, voids or dropout areas in bar codes and/or graphics may indicate that the print head is dirty and needs to be cleaned. The necessary cleaning materials can be purchased through Microcom Corporation by contacting your sales representative and ordering the Cleaning Kit, part # 040005-0000.
Chapter 10 Printer Maintenance Place dampened cleaning card into printer as shown… …then close and latch print head assembly.
Printer Maintenance 10.3 Chapter 10 Internal Cleaning The overall internal cleaning of the printer is important to help reduce the dust and other contaminates residing in the printer that may attach to the print head or drive roller and affect the printer’s performance. Refer to Figure 10-3 for common areas needing cleaning. 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the printer power “OFF.” 3. Release print assembly latches and lift to access the inside of the printer. 4.
Chapter 10 10.4 Printer Maintenance Print Head Maintenance If print quality has not improved after cleaning (using a thermal cleaning card, or if one is not available, foam or cotton tipped swabs or a clean lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol may be used. Follow the steps below to clean the print head. 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the printer power OFF. 3. Release print assembly latches and lift to access the inside of the printer. 4.
Printer Maintenance 10-6 Chapter 10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 11: 11.1 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Tips The printer fails to turn “ON” and the status indicator light fails to light: Verify that the power cord is connected to the printer, as well as the AC outlet. Verify that the printer power switch is in the “ON” position. Verify that the AC outlet is functioning properly. Contact your Service Representative.
Troubleshooting Chapter 11 Vertical blank or light lines appear on printed areas: Clean the print head. Verify that the paper using has proper thermal coating (reverse paper as a test). Print head may need to be replaced. Contact your Service Representative. The status indicator light is solid amber in color: Indicates that the printer has been paused or a tag/tear mode is being used. Press the print button; light should turn green and resume printing if the printer has been paused.
Chapter 11 Troubleshooting During download the status indicator light flashes red in color: The file contains an illegal operation / command. The graphic or font is not valid or has errors. The intended memory slot is already occupied. Verify that the printer is properly configured for the type of download being sent. Clear memory and attempt download again. Verify that the format has been created properly.
Troubleshooting 11-4 Chapter 11 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Index General Index ^D100 Clear User RAM ...................................................................................................................... 5-44, 13-13 ^D101 Send User RAM Available ....................................................................................................... 5-44, 13-13 ^D102 Full Cut Interval ....................................................................................................................... 5-40, 13-14 ^D103 Partial Cut Interval............
^D29 Printer Statistics ..........................................................................................................................5-43, 13-9 ^D3 Print Command .............................................................................................................................5-34, 13-5 ^D32 Reset Printer ...............................................................................................................................5-27, 13-9 ^D33 Display Model and Revision Number .....
^D98 Peel-n-Dispense Mode.............................................................................................................. 5-42, 13-13 ^D99 Cutter Control ............................................................................................................................ 5-40, 13-13 Agency Approvals.............................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Alphanumeric................................
Control Codes.......................................................................................................................... 5-1, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11 Conversion Utilities ............................................................................................................................................ 7-2 CTS................................................................................................................................................................ 13-22 Cutter ............
YB................................................................................................................................................................ 4-12 Label Header ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-4 AGD...........................................................................................................................................4-8, 5-35, 13-10 DPS ..............
Memory........................................................................................................................................................ 5-43 Printing ........................................................................................................................................................ 5-34 Serial Numbers............................................................................................................................................ 5-36 Text String .........
List of Figures Typical Printer Accessories ......................................................................................3-1 Optional Desktop Power Supply Output ...................................................................3-3 Connecting the Power ..............................................................................................3-3 Sensor Input Ports..................................................................................................3-24 Loading Media.................
Code Page - Danish ................................................................................................ 9-3 Code Page - 860 ..................................................................................................... 9-4 Code Page - Spanish .............................................................................................. 9-5 Code Page - 850 ..................................................................................................... 9-6 Code Page - German ..........
List of Tables General Specifications .............................................................................................1-1 Printing Specifications ..............................................................................................1-1 Media Specifications ................................................................................................1-2 100 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 40°C ....................................................................
Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure.......................................................................... 8-20 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ........................................................................... 8-25 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s ................................................................. 8-27 Recommended Maintenance Schedule .................................................................
Appendix Appendix A: Limited Warranty Microcom Corporation printers, excluding thermal print heads, which are warranted separately below, are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of original shipment by Microcom Corporation.
13-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Appendix B: RMA Procedure Return Material Authorization (RMA) Procedure A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained prior to the return of printers and/or materials to Microcom Corporation’s Service Department. The purpose of the RMA number is to provide effective tracking and control of returned printers and/or materials. Microcom Corporation will not be responsible or held accountable for printers and/or materials returned without proper authorization.
13-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Appendix C: ^D Command Summary 5 NULLS + 01: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the printer even when the printer in configured in binary compression mode. The command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 01 are sent to the printer in order to issue the command. This command is used to request the printer’s status and is very similar to the ^E command.
^A 8 X 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ^D COMMAND Cycle the cutter: This command makes the cutter cycle once. 11 Print Test Pattern: (Equivalent to ^K). 12 Print Blank Label: (Equivalent to ^L).
678 23 Software Bank Switch #3: A non-volatile command used to set the various functions identified below.
^AB ^D 25 1111 = US English (7 bit) COMMAND Software Bank Switch #5: A non-volatile command used to set the various functions identified below. ^AB12345678 Position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 26 Software Bank Switch #6: A non-volatile command used to set the various functions identified below.
8 ^AB ^D 28 1 = Enable Finish Mode; 0 = Disable COMMAND Software Bank Switch #8: A non-volatile command used to set the various functions identified below.
^A XX ^D 41 COMMAND Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value. XX 42 Load Label Width in dots (LSX): The ^Axx specifies the value. XX 43 Load Label Height in dots (LSY): The ^Axx specifies the value. XX 44 Load the Web Size in dots (WEB): The ^Axx specifies the value. XX 45 Load the Gap Size in dots (GAP): The ^Axx specifies the value. XX 46 Load Print Speed: The ^Axx specifies the value. Uses the same values as the DPS header value; 0 to 13.
^A X ^D 63 COMMAND Text Mode Control: Allows the entry of new text without the ^D2 command and/or clears all previous text when new text is added. Disable 1 and 2 Enable Auto-Print Mode Clear all previous text upon receiving new data. Enable 1 and 2 XX 64 Auto-Print String Count: The ^Axx instructs the printer how many text strings to accept before printing. XX 66 Clear Single FORMAT Stored in RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to clear (1-128).
^A ^D 80 COMMAND Clears Command 86, 88, and 89 81 Disable Serial Number Function: This command disables the serial number function for either single or multiple serial numbers. XX 84 Load Text String Number to Increment/Decrement: Instructs the printer which text string to increment/decrement. Only used in conjunction with single serial numbers. XX 85 Load Increment/Decrement Step Value: The ^Axx specifies the value that the serial number will be incremented or decremented.
^A X ^D 94 COMMAND Set Slice Buffer Size: Sets the size of the slice buffer memory that is used by the printer to generate images to be printed. If the slice buffer memory size is set to low, the printer may start printing and then stop to process additional slices before starting again. 88Kbytes 192Kbytes 256Kbytes 320KBytes 384KBytes XX 95 Load Advance/Retract Distance: Used in conjunction with cutter and dispense command.
^A XX ^D 102 COMMAND Full Cut Interval: Instructs the printer when to issue a Full Cut. The default value is 1. If it is set to a value of “1” the printer will full cut whenever the copies count has been reached or after each format if a copies count has not been specified. If this command is set higher than “1” (maximum of 65536), the printer will full cut when that quantity has been reached. This command will not operate if the Cutter Control (^D99) command is set to partial cut.
^A X 0 1 2 ^D 109 COMMAND Serial Port Source (volatile) RS-232 USB Ethernet X 110 General Purpose Status Byte XX 111 Kiosk Cutter Mode: This command enables the non-volatile full and/or partial cut operation. The ^D112 command is also used with the ^D111 command to adjust the advance distance to the cutter blades and then retract to the home position (dot row one). Disable Kiosk Cutter Mode. Enable Kiosk Cutter Mode. Enable partial Kiosk Cutter Mode.
^A XX ^D 120 COMMAND AutoLoad Delay Selection: The AutoLoad Delay is the amount of time, in Milliseconds, that the printer waits after detecting that media has been put into the printer before it starts feeding it in. 121 Top Of Form Command: This command causes the printer to perform a Top-of-Form. This command requires a LPD sensor to be installed on the printer. 122 Display Available FLASH memory: This command is used to display the amount of available flash memory for file storage.
^A ^D xxyy 135 COMMAND Save FONTS to FLASH: This command is used to save font’s into the printer’s non-volatile flash memory. The ^Axxyy^D135 command is placed at the beginning of a font file download and instructs the printer to save the following data as a font file. The (^[ or 0x1B) instructs the printer the end of file download and acts as the command terminator. xx yy The number of additional 64KB sectors needed to save the graphic file.
^A XX ^D 146 COMMAND Pre Stock-Out Distance: This command sets the distance in dots that the PSO option uses to feed the media when the >INPUT 1< sensor detects an out of media condition. If the length of the label happens to be larger than the distance from the pre stock out sensor to the dot row (^D146 command) the printer will not be able to completely finish printing the last label. Other than this, the operation of the printer will be the same as above.
^A X ^D 156 COMMAND Set Non-stick Time Interval: Sets the time interval for the Non-stick TOF mode (D26 position 8). The value for X represents the number of seconds that the printer will execute the Non-stick TOF operation. The default setting is 14400 or 4 hours. The valid range is from 2 to 65536. X 157 Takeup Motor Run Time: Only used with custom Takeup PIC code. The value for X represents how long the takeup motor will run, in milliseconds, after printing has stopped.
^A X 0 1 5 255 ^D 159 COMMAND Brownout Reporting: Reports the number of recorded brownout conditions. After a power up, reports the “running” total of detected Brownouts.
Glossary Alphanumeric - A term used to identify characters consisting of letters, numbers, and other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols). Bar code - Alphanumeric characters that are represented using a system of printed lines and can be read by a computer. Black-line - A registration mark, typically a black line on the underside of certain media used to identify the starting position of a label.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready) - A status signal used to provide information about the status of the communication line connected to the DCE end of an RS-232 link. Used in conjunction with DSR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal. Ethernet - A fast and capable serial interface used by many networks for connecting host computers to various peripherals. Fanfold media - Die-cut or tag media that is folded into stacks.
RTS (Request To Send) - A status signal from the host PC (DTE) to the printer (DCE) indicating when the PC has data to send to the printer. The printer (DCE) will only transmit data to the PC (DTE) when it sees RTS up. RTS comes into the printer on pin #7 of the RS232 connector. RXD (Receive Data) - An essential signal that carries data from the printer (DCE) to the host PC (DTE) for 2-way RS-232 serial communication. Signal is also known as RX and RD.
13-24 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Appendix D: User Notes _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
13-26 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
