MICROCOM CORPORATION MODEL 400 DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR'S MANUAL Part Number 880014-0220 March 1999 Software Version 2.
Operator's Manual 400 Direct Thermal Printer - Revised March 23, 1999 MSG - HP and LaserJet II are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. FastFont is a trademark of Page Technology Marketing, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation Other products, names, and brands are trademarks of their respective holders. FastFont Typefaces are Copyright © 1993, Page Technology Marketing, Inc. This manual is subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 4.5 4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 LABEL FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT AND BAR CODE FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 4.5.2 DOWNLOADABLE FONT/GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 4.5.3 LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 4.5.
Table of Contents ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
400 Operators Manual
List of Tables Status Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Serial Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Parallel Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
400 Operators Manual
Introduction The Microcom 400 is a Direct Thermal label printer with a high resolution (832 dots or 8 dots/mm), 4.09 inch wide print head. The economic size and price have no effect on the printer's ability to handle a wide variety of labeling tasks - even the most demanding applications. The resident Label Design Software (LDS) is a powerful and easy-to-use package that allows you to create personalized label formats. It can be driven from a PC, mini-computer, mainframe, and other special purpose devices.
2 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS The Microcom 400 Direct Thermal printer is designed with many standard features that are unique when compared to other printers. The 400 is built to meet the demands of complicated applications and rigorous use. A guarantee of excellence in engineering is provided by fulfilling the requirements for approval by UL, CSA and the FCC. 1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES ! Direct Thermal tag/ticket feed operation ! Resolution of 8 dots/mm (.
Features and Specifications Chapter 1 1.3 FONTS ! Converted HP LaserJet II™ font compatibility and 8 resident bit mapped fonts, including OCR-A and OCR-B. ! All Bit Mapped fonts expandable in height and width ! Bit Mapped fonts and bar codes in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations 1.
Chapter 1 1.8 ELECTRICAL ! Voltage: 117 VAC nom.,60Hz ! Current: 3 AMPS maximum 1.9 OPTIONS ! Label supply covers ! Assorted printer cables ! 8 inch OD media supply racks ! Real-time clock with battery back-up ! On-screen label design PC software packages ! PCX to printer graphics conversion PC software ! On-demand label support rack ! Windows® 95/98 driver Features and Specifications 1.
Features and Specifications Chapter 1 LABEL SUPPORT RACKS LABEL SUPPLY SHAFT PUSH TO LIFT HEAD LEVER PEEL EDGE TOP COVER DRIVE ROLLER PINCH ROLLER POWER CORD PINCH ROLLER RELEASE LEVER (OPTIONAL) FRONT PANEL LED FRONT PANEL LABEL FEED AND LINE FEED BUTTON Microcom 400 Printer Front View Figure 1 LINE GUIDE ADJUSTMENT KNOB THUMB NUTS LABEL DIAPHRAGMS POWER SWITCH SERIAL PORT LINE GUIDE IDLER POWER CORD LINE GUIDE SHAFT PAPER LINE GUIDES REAR PANEL Microcom 400 Printer Rear View Figure 2 6 4
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION 2.1 UNPACKING THE 400 PRINTER While unpacking the printer, please check all packing materials closely to avoid misplacing any necessary parts. After the printer is removed from the box, verify that all parts are present and in good condition (see Figure 3). All packaging material should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped. Printer Parts Figure 3 2.
Basic Operation 2.4 Chapter 2 INITIAL POWER UP Before connecting the printer to a power source, verify that the voltage printed on the rear panel correctly matches the supply. Plug the printer in and turn the power switch on. The front panel LED should turn green. If this does not occur, check the power source and if necessary call your service organization. 2.5 FRONT PANEL SWITCH AND STATUS LIGHTS The front panel switch performs several different functions depending on the printer mode: 2.5.
Chapter 2 Basic Operation 2.5.3 STATUS LABEL MODE When status label mode is accessed, the printer creates a status label and temporarily defaults all serial communication settings. To print a status label, hold the button while turning on the printer until the status light turns orange. Release the button and a test pattern with statistical information will be printed (see figure 5).
Basic Operation Chapter 2 2.5.4 PAPER-OUT MODE After a paper-out condition, the front panel switch serves to load and realign the new label stock. When a paper out condition occurs, the indicator light will turn red. Pressing the button and holding it will cause the status light to go from red to yellow and feed paper. The status light will then flash yellow until the button is pressed for a label request.
Chapter 2 2.7 Basic Operation LOADING PAPER Part of the 400's versatility is in the different ways it processes labels. The following two sections explain the dispensing modes. Refer to figures 1, 2 and 6 for the printer components. Printer Feed Mechanism Figure 6 2.7.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES Unwind about two feet of stock from the paper supply roll of paper. Set the roll behind the printer on the table. Remove the label supply shaft.
Basic Operation 5. 6. 7. 8. Chapter 2 Pull and hold the pinch roller release lever and insert the leading edge of the backing paper between the black drive roller and the white pinch roller, making sure it is positioned evenly between the rollers. Firmly push the head lift lever and press the feed button until most of the slack is taken out, then release the lift lever. Continue feeding paper until labels are reached. To avoid a paper jam, remove the labels as they start to peel.
Chapter 2 Basic Operation 6) Moisten the felt side of a cleaning card with the cleaning solution. Insert card with felt side facing up into the rear of the printer as you would insert label stock. Hold down on the print button to feed the card through the printer (see section 2.3). Do not lift the print head for this operation. Allow the printhead to ride on the cleaning card. Repeat the process if needed. The cleaning card may be used once at each end. 7) Remove the label diaphragm (see section 2.4).
Basic Operation 14 Chapter 2 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS The model 400 can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and other special purpose machines. It is capable of serial RS-232 or optional parallel communication. The following sections explain the communication interfaces. Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the Microcom 400 communicates using serial RS232 at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking. This configuration may be changed as shown in Appendix E. 3.
Communications Chapter 3 Parallel Port Configuration 1 = /STROBE 2 = D0 3 = D1 4 = D2 5 = D3 6 = D4 7 = D5 8 = D6 9 = D7 10 = /ACK 11 = BUSY 12 = PAPER OUT 13 = SLCT 14 = NC 15 = /ERROR 16 = /INIT 17 = NC 18-25 = GROUND (25 PIN FEMALE) Table 3 3.2 PRINTER CABLES Warning: Connection of a serial 400 to a parallel port may result in damage to the printer and/or computer. Connection of a 400 with a parallel board to a serial port may result in damage to the printer and/or computer.
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the software resident in the printer used to decipher label formats sent by the host computer. All fonts, character sets and bar code symbologies are resident in the printer. A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps: 1: Control commands to define printer operation 2: A header to define label height, width, print speed, etc..
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 Note: COM1 may be any available communications port on your PC. C:>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P You must then send the file to the printer using the following DOS command. C:>COPY FILENAME COM1 4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL) Items required: A computer with at least one unused parallel communications port. (LPT1,LPT2...) A parallel interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information) Create a text file containing the information to be sent. (^C is the print command.
Chapter 4 4.3 Designing Labels Using LDS FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW A label format consists of a header record and field records, followed by the text data to be printed. The records describe how the label is to be printed. The header contains information about the label itself such as label height, width, print speed, etc. The field records refer to the data section and contain information about positioning coordinates, the type of character generators or bar codes to use, etc..
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 Microcom Label Figure 7 20 400 Operators Manual
Chapter 4 4.4 Designing Labels Using LDS LABEL HEADER The header consist of eleven parameters. These parameters contain information about the label. It is not necessary to enter information for all of the parameters: If a parameter is left blank, then the default value will be used. A carriage return must follow the label header parameters. The value of measurement for many of the header elements is the dot. There are 203 dots per inch on a 400 print head (8 dots/mm).
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 Refer to Figure 8 for a visual representation of most header parameters. The following is a description of each header element: HFM NUMBER OF FIELDS IN LAYOUT This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more fields are defined than what is specified for HFM, the extras will be ignored. To prevent errors, do not set the HFM parameter to a number higher than the number of fields defined.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS Print Speed DPS VALUE MM PER SECOND INCHES PER SECOND INCHES PER MINUTE 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 76.8 74.2 71.7 69.1 66.6 64.0 61.4 58.9 56.3 53.8 51.2 48.6 46.1 43.5 41.0 38.4 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 180 174 168 162 156 150 144 138 132 126 120 114 108 102 96 90 Table 4 LCB LABEL CONTROL BYTE This parameter selects between the various gap detection methods.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 AGD NUMBER OF STEPS TO ACTIVATE GAP DETECTOR This parameter selects the number of steps (dots) that the printer should skip before gap sensing is activated. This value is usually defaulted. It is not defaulted when using stock that contains pre-print or gaps that may cause the gap detector to trigger incorrectly. SPG NUMBER OF STEPS PAST GAP The number of steps to advance the label after detection of a label gap. Use autosizing (See section 5.3.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS 4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) This is the label header from the sample label in section 4.3. 5,812,1218,,20,355 5 5 5 - 5 fields following the header 812 - Label width (LSX) of 812 (812/203 = 4 inches). 1218 - Label length (LSY) of 406 (1218/203 = 6 inches). - The WEB parameter can be defaulted. 20 - A GAP between labels of 20 35 - Label print speed (DPS) of 35 = 2.0 inches per second (from Table 3) - (20/203 = 0.10 inch).
Designing Labels Using LDS 4.5 Chapter 4 LABEL FIELDS A field is broken down into many different parameters. These parameters contain the information necessary to position data (text, bar codes, graphics, etc.) on the label. It is not necessary to enter values for all of the field parameters; the default values will be used if left blank. The fields to be defaulted must be separated by commas. A carriage return must follow each label field. 4.5.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS CC CHARACTER COUNT This parameter determines the number of characters that will be used in a field. If the number of characters in the selected text string is more than the quantity specified by CC, then the remainder of the text string is ignored. If the text string has less than the number of characters specified by this parameter, then only those characters defined by the text string are printed. For example, the text string - MICROCOM - would be 8 characters long.
Designing Labels Using LDS CGN Chapter 4 CHARACTER GENERATOR NUMBER The following is a list of the character sets and specifications for the embedded fonts.
Chapter 4 FO Designing Labels Using LDS FIELD ORIENTATION This parameter defines the rotation of each field on the label. The point of rotation is determined from the field justification. 0 1 2 3 FJ 0 degrees (normal rotation). 180 degrees (upside-down rotation). 270 degrees (right rotation). 90 degrees (left rotation). FIELD JUSTIFICATION This parameter defines the justification of each field on the label. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Left justified above base-line. Right justified above base-line.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 CMX CHARACTER MULTIPLIER X DIRECTION This parameter multiplies each character in the X direction. The valid range is 1 to 8. (Values above 8 are possible but produce poor quality and are slower to process.) CMY CHARACTER MULTIPLIER Y DIRECTION This parameter multiplies each character in the Y direction. The valid range is 1 to 65536. (Values above 8 produce poor print quality and are not recommended.
Chapter 4 4.5.2 Designing Labels Using LDS DOWNLOADABLE FONT/GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS The 400 does not differentiate between downloadable fonts and graphics. A graphic image is simply a one character font where any character can be referenced to access the image.
Designing Labels Using LDS FO FIELD ORIENTATION This parameter defines the rotation of each field on the label. The point of rotation is determined from the field justification. 0 1 2 3 FJ Chapter 4 0 degrees (normal rotation). 180 degrees (upside-down rotation). 270 degrees (right rotation). 90 degrees (left rotation). FIELD JUSTIFICATION This parameter defines the justification of each field on the label. See Table 6. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Left justified above base-line. Right justified above base-line.
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS AN ATTRIBUTE NUMBER If this parameter is set to a value of 1, the printed image will reverse if placed on top of another image (white on black background). A value of 0 is normal. (Note: If reverse imaging is desired, the AN should be set on all fields that overlap each other.) 4.5.3 LINES A line field is broken down into ten different parameters. The first position is a constant of 1. Next is the X starting coordinate followed by the Y.
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 XS X SIZE The X size of the line. Valid range is 1 to 832. YS Y SIZE The Y size of the line. Valid range is 1 to 65536. CONSTANT FIELDS The next 4 fields are always defaulted. AN ATTRIBUTE NUMBER A value of 1 will reverse the image when printed over a black image. A value of 0 is normal. (Note: If a reverse image is desired, all overlapping fields must have the AN set to 1.
Chapter 4 4.5.4 Designing Labels Using LDS A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) Looking at the sample label...
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 The field parameters that were not defined will default. A FO and FJ of 0 will place EASY to the right of the X coordinate with a rotation of 0 degrees. CMX and CMY will default to 1, so the character will be the size as defined by the font. The TSN is 1, therefore the entire word EASY will print (a TSN of 2 would have printed ASY). CLX and CLY will default to 5 and 7, respectively, so a full character will be printed.
CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS The 400 printer has a large and versatile collection of control codes to meet the special needs of labeling applications. Most of the commands use a ^D control sequence, however the printer also recognizes a selected number of other control sequences. For all the commands listed in this manual, the 400 will recognize either the one-character control character or the two-character caret and alpha character sequence.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 ^M Terminate text or data string: Must be used to terminate a text or data string. (Same as a carriage return or enter key on a PC keyboard.) ^H (or DEL) Deletes the last printable character entered: This is usually only used when communicating to the printer through the keyboard. (Same as the backspace key on a PC keyboard.) ^K Print test label: A test label consists of a series of diagonal lines.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands Enquiry Responses TEXT >RESTARTED< >READY< >DATA ERROR< >LOW STOCK< >LOW TEMP< >OVER TEMP< >OVER VDD< >TAKE LABEL< ^ALPHA or CONTROL CODE ^Z ^F ^U ^Y ^^ ^[ ^\ ^V DEFINITION Printer has been reset Normal condition Communication error Out of labels Head temperature is low Head temperature is high VDD voltage is high Printer is waiting for a label to be taken Table 8 5.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 5.3.1 SOFTWARE DIP SWITCHES AND EEPROM COMMANDS The following commands are different from the other printer commands in that they are stored in EEPROM, are non-volatile and configure the machine upon power-up. Once sent to the printer, they do not need to be sent again. The printer will only configure to the following commands after a the machine has been powered off and then turned back on. The printer will not accept these commands until this is done.
Chapter 5 ^A ^D 21 Printer Commands COMMAND Change SW1: Software dip switch #1. The dip switches are the only commands that do not use the ^A parameters. Instead, they use a ^AB sequence followed by an 8 digit 0 or 1 code. For example: ^AB10101011^D215 will configure the printer for a text equivalent enquiry response, accept control codes, even parity, disable parity, disable echo, 8 data bits and enable XON/XOFF flow control. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) 1=XON/XOFF Enable, 0=Disable ******.
Printer Commands ^A ^D 22 Chapter 5 COMMAND Change SW2: Software dip switch #2. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)))), ******.)))),* *****.)))),** ***** RRR Power-up Label Format ***** 000=ALWAYS EPROM Format 1 ***** 001=ROM or Saved Format File 1 ***** 010=ROM or Saved Format File 2 ***** 011=ROM or Saved Format File 3 ***** 100=ROM or Saved Format File 4 ***** 101=ROM or Saved Format File 5 ***** 110=ROM or Saved Format File 6 ***** 111=ROM or Saved Format File 7 ****.
Chapter 5 ^A ^D 23 Printer Commands COMMAND Change SW3: Software dip switch #3. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******. ******.) *****.)) ****.))) ***.)))) **.))))) ** *.)))))) .))))))) Position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Always 0 Always 0 Always 0 Always 0 Always 0 1=Send Response After Print 0=No Response After Print Always 0 1=Disable Extended ASCII, 0=Enable Extended ASCII: If enabled, characters over 7F hex will be processed.
Printer Commands ^A ^D 24 Chapter 5 COMMAND Change SW4: Change software dip switch #4. Below is the ^AB sequence. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.3.2 PRINTING COMMANDS The following commands initiate label printing or define the number of labels to be printed. ^A ^D 3 Command Print Command: Prints a single label or starts the printing of a batch of labels. This is usually the last command in a format file. 11 Print Test: Prints a label with diagonal lines that is useful in determining the condition of wear of the print head. (Equivalent to ^K) 12 Form Feed: (Equivalent to ^L) Prints a blank label.
Printer Commands ^A XXX ^D 76 Chapter 5 COMMAND Load Delay Time Between Printed Labels: Delays the printing between labels in a batch. Preceded by ^A which contains the wait in 1/10ths of a second increments. The maximum value is 650. Example usage: ^A10^D765 - introduces a one second delay between printed labels. 5.3.3 AUTO-SIZING and VALID GAP COMMANDS The auto-size feature gives important format file values for the label header.
Chapter 5 ^A ^D 39 Printer Commands Command Auto-Size Label: 0 Clears the use of auto-size values set by ^A1^D39. 1 Uses the values obtained for the variables above instead of what the user supplies in the header of the file format. This will not display the variables on the screen. 2 Automatically sizes the label and displays on the screen the values for the size variables. These values should be placed in the label header for that stock.
Printer Commands 5.3.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands ^A ^D Command 31 Show Clock: This command will send the date and time to the serial port.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 5.3.5 SERIAL NUMBER COMMANDS The following commands, ^D80 through ^D89, refer to the serial number function of the 400 printer. The 400 can increment or decrement any single serial number on the label by any amount. However, if there is more than one serial number on the label, then all serial number fields can only increment or decrement by one. Single and multiple serial commands cannot be implemented on the same label.
Chapter 5 ^A XX ^D 75 Printer Commands Command Load Label Count: Tells the printer to print a batch of labels using the serial number function if enabled. Can be used in conjunction with load copies count (^D73, see section 5.3). The batch of labels will be printed when a ^D3 is executed. Therefore, this must precede a ^D3 command. The only difference between this command and ^D73 is in the ability of this command to increment and decrement serial numbers in the batch.
Printer Commands 5.3.6 Chapter 5 SAVING FORMAT COMMANDS The printer has the capability to store up to 128 format files in RAM without processing them. Later, these files can be accessed repeatedly at very high speeds, because access is now a direct memory fetch. With the use of battery backed RAM socket, the printer will retain these format files after the removal of power. The printer can be configured through software dip switch 2 (see section 5.3), to automatically process the file at power up.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands Terminate the file with an escape character. Select the saved format and send the variable data as normal. It may be the difference between sending a few lines of data versus the entire format! Access is very fast. To list a file that has previously been sent to the printer, use the ^AX^D54 command, where ^AX denotes the file to be read. The printer will send the file to the serial port.
Printer Commands Chapter 5 File #3 ^A2^D595 ^D575 4,620,161,,18,35,,73,35 1,120,110,50,1,115 2,120, 80,70,1,105 3,120, 60,70,1,105 4,120, 40,70,1,105 ^D565 ^D25 MICROCOM CORPORATION5 8333-A GREEN MEADOWS DR., N.5 WESTERVILLE, OH 430815 (740) 548-62625 The above file would be selected by sending an ^A2^D585.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.3.7 LABEL PRESENCE SENSOR CONTROL The label presence sensor that is standard on the 400 printer gives the printer the ability to print at the operators pace. The following modes define its operation. ^A XX 0 1 2 3 ^D 96 Command Load Advance Delay: ^A specifies how many milliseconds to delay repositioning of the label in tag/tear and peel-and-dispense modes. Example usage: ^A1000^D96 would delay label advance by one second.
Printer Commands ^A ^D 98 0 1 XX 56 Chapter 5 Command Peel-and-Dispense Mode: A method of dispensing a label, where the backing paper is automatically peeled away from the label. It allows the operator to take the label and apply it to an object without having to peel the label off the backing paper. The printer will advance the label so that it is still hanging off the tear bar. This will make it easier for the operator to take the label.
Chapter 5 Printer Commands 5.3.8 TEXT STRINGS COMMANDS The following commands support special editing features that allows the positioning of new text, protects existing text, and enters text without using the ^D25 or ^B delimiter. These commands are generally used when there is a format already loaded in RAM. They are used to edit that file in order to print variations, often only the text in one field.
Printer Commands ^A0^D645 ^D575 11,832,640,,20,365 1,47,463,10,1,25 2,416,439,20,1,3,,45 3,416,412,25,1,3,,45 4,416,385,25,1,3,,45 5,47,350,10,1,25 6,307,503,30,1,35 7,60,207,29,1,55 7,416,277,20,16,2,,4,2,50,25 8,60,149,29,1,55 9,60,090,29,1,55 10,60,031,29,1,55 ^D565 ^D25 SHIP FROM:5 MICROCOM CORPORATION5 8333-A GREEN MEADOWS DR., N.
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHIC IMAGES The Microcom 400 printer is capable of storing multiple fonts/graphic images. You may either use the Microcom "PCX2400" software utility to convert a PCX or PCC file, or use your own software to format a graphics file into a form that the printer can understand. METHOD #1: Create your own software to manipulate graphic files into the 400 format. METHOD #2: Use the "PCX2400" software to turn your PCX file into the 400 format.
Loading Graphic Images Chapter 6 400 Look-up Table dw,dw,dw,dw... ;Offset in bytes, from START2 to the specified character descriptor. The first entry would point to the descriptor of the first character (the space character for example) and the second entry would point to the second character (the ! character for example) and so on. If a character is not decoded , then the word should point to the default character, usually the space character. This table continues for every character in the font.
Chapter 6 6.3 Loading Graphic Images DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS COMMAND SUMMARY The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphic images: ^A XX ^D 100 Command Clear User RAM: This command will clear all downloaded fonts, graphics, and stored label formats. 101 List Memory Bytes Available: The printer will send a < character followed by the amount of bytes and finally a > character. (ie.
Loading Graphic Images 62 Chapter 6 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 7: BAR CODES Although bar codes are accessed in the same manner as text fields, bar codes often limit or expand the type of data that can be used. The purpose of this chapter is to explain and eliminate many of the questions that surface when dealing with bar codes for the first time. 7.1 TYPES OF BAR CODES Universal Product Code - Version A (UPC-A), TCI=12 The UPC-A bar code is primarily used in the supermarket industry. It contains 11 numeric data characters and a single numeric check digit.
Bar codes Chapter 7 UPC Zero Reduction Format SYMBOL 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
Chapter 7 Bar codes will allow custom inter character spacing as long as the maximum does not exceed the timeout zone of the intended scanning equipment. Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI=24 MSI is primarily used on retail self labels. It is a low density and numeric only bar code due to the amount of space that each character consumes. MSI 2 and MSI 3 are variations which contain 1 or 2 check digits respectively.
Bar codes Chapter 7 For example: The UCC-128 shipping container specification requires the 128 bar code to start in subset C and contain the character function 1. The following format example illustrates how this is done. ^D575 1,8325 1,100,200,30,40,,,,2,1005 ^D565 ^D25 #9#612345678905 ^D35 Codabar (Rationalized Codabar), TCI=42 The Codabar bar code is typically used to identify air shipping containers, library items and blood information. It can encode the characters 0 through 9, -$:.
Chapter 7 n..3 an..
Bar codes 348(***) 349(***) 350(***) 351(***) 352(***) 353(***) 354(***) 355(***) 356(***) 360(***) 361(***) 362(***) 363(***) 364(***) 365(***) 366(***) 367(***) 368(***) 369(***) 400 410 411 412 414 420 421 8001 8002 8003 8100 8101 8102 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 Chapter 7 Depth, Thickness, Height or 3rd Dimension, Feet, Logistics Depth, Thickness, Height or 3rd Dimension, Yards, Logistics Area, Square Inches Area, Square Feet Area, Square Yards Area, Square Inches, Logistics Area, Square Feet, Logist
Chapter 7 Bar codes (*) : To indicate only year and month, DD must be filled with “00” (**) : Plus one digit for length indication (***) : Plus one digit for decimal point indication Each subfield's format is expressed as the format of the Application Identifier number + the format of the associated data. Each subfield must adhere to the format specified or else the printer will be unable to locate following subfields, causing errors in printing.
Bar codes 7.2 Chapter 7 DESIGNING WITH BAR CODES When 0 and 180 degree bar codes are X multiplied (CMX), the space between characters is also multiplied to maintain the correct ratios. The printer will do this internally. Therefore, when multiplying bar codes, use the default value for the spacing element (SP) in the field parameters. On some bar codes (CODE 39 ...) you may choose a larger spacing than the printer default, but you may not use a smaller spacing.
Chapter 7 Bar codes 7.2.1 BAR CODE HUMAN READABLES Text conversion identifiers (TCI position in field description) 32 and 33 refer to the human readable portion of UPC-A bar codes. They are designed to be used in conjunction with UPCA bar codes, They only create the text equivalent of the UPC-A bar code and optionally add the extended portions of the bar code lines. This lower portion must them be lined up with the upper to create a correct UPC-A bar code.
Bar codes Chapter 7 012345678905 EAN13 0123456789015 EAN8 01234565 UPC-E 001234000055 UPC-E 101234000055 ^D35 72 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 8: SPECIAL EFFECTS 8.1 REVERSED PRINT (WHITE TEXT OVER BLACK) The 400 has the ability to print white text on a user definable black background. Reverse video text can be produced by manually placing a black box under the text field by using the line, or any other image. If text is printed on top of the black background, and the white on black option in the text field descriptor is set, the text placed within the black area will be reversed.
Special Effects 74 Chapter 9 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 9: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS/GRAPHICS The 400 is capable of storing up to 20 downloadable fonts/graphics. The printer treats downloadable fonts/graphics just like the standard bit mapped fonts mentioned in chapter 4. You may either purchase downloadable fonts from Microcom (see section 11.3) or use the Microcom "JET2400" software utility to create an 400 file from your own collection of LaserJet II™ compatible fonts.
Downloadable Fonts/Graphics 76 Chapter 9 400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 10: OPTIONS The 400 printer has many options available to enhance the performance of the printer. Contact your sales representative for more information on these features. 10.1 MICROCOM GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES PCX2400.EXE This PC software program decodes PCX files and converts them to the Microcom 400 format which can be stored in the 400 printer. It supports all 400 graphics features. See chapter 4.5.3 and 6 for more information about printing graphic images. 10.
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES LIMITED WARRANTY A Microcom cleaning kit must be purchased with each printer to validate warranty. For a period of 12 months Microcom warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship. The thermal print head is warranted for a period of three months or 500,000 linear inches to be free from defects in material of workmanship. Determination of such print head failure shall be determined by the print head manufacturer or Microcom.
APPENDIX B: LABEL SAMPLES 400 Operators Manual 79
APPENDIX C: SAMPLE BASIC PROGRAM This Basic program produces labels for computer diskettes. It is intended to show the simplicity that higher languages communicate with the 400 printer. Communication parameters may need to be changed for some computers.
APPENDIX D: QUICK REFERENCE COMMAND SUMMARY The following is a list of HEADER element mnemonics and their default values: HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY 0, 832, 443, 10, 10, 48, 0, 1, 479, 0, 0 The following is a list of EMBEDDED FONT field mnemonics and their default values: TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, AN 1, 0, 0, *, 1, **, 0, 0, 1, 1, *, 1, 0 The following is a list of DOWNLOADED FONT/GRAPHIC IMAGE field mnemonics and their default values: TSN, XB, YB,
Quick Reference Command Summary Appendix D The following is a combined list of all TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) numbers: 1 2 3 6 8 12 13 14 15 16 *17 20 21 *22 *23 24 25 26 *28 *29 *32 *33 36 40 41 42 43 44 50 51 82 Text Text Surrounded by Asterisks (Code 3 of 9) Text with UPC-A/UPC-E Checksum Digit Printed Square Line/Box Downloadable fonts/graphics UPC-A Bar Code UPC-E Bar Code (SEND 11 DIGITS) UPC-E Bar Code (SEND 7 DIGITS) Interleaved 2 of 5 Bar Code Code 3 of 9 Bar Code Text with UPC-E Checksu
Appendix D ^A Quick Reference Command Summary ^D 2 Command Text string entry mode: Precedes the text strings that are supplied to the various fields in the label (Equivalent to ^B). 3 Print Command: Prints a single label or starts the printing of a batch of labels.
Quick Reference Command Summary 22 Appendix D Change SW2: Software dip switch #2. An EEPROM command. Below is the ^AB sequence: ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)))), ******.)))),* *****.
Appendix D 24 Quick Reference Command Summary Change SW4: Software dip switch #4. An EEPROM command. Below is the ^AB sequence. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)) ******.))) *****.)))) ****.))))) ***.)))))) **.))))))) *.)))))))) .
Quick Reference Command Summary Appendix D 39 Auto-Size Label: Section 5.3.3. Clears the use of auto-size values set by ^A1^D39. Uses the values obtained for the variables instead of what the user supplies in the header of the format file. Automatically sizes the label and displays on the screen the values for the size variables. Same as ^A2^D39, but prints the values on a label, instead of on the screen. 40 Clear Commands 41-51. XX 41 Load number of fields in layout (HFM): Preceded by ^A.
Appendix D XX Quick Reference Command Summary 61 Mark Text Starting Position: ^A designates which text field to start entering new data. Section 5.3.8. 62 Pre-padded Text: This command is sent after text that is to appear at the beginning of each field is sent. 63 Text Mode Control: Section 5.3.8. Disable 1 & 2. Enable auto-print mode Clear all previous text upon receiving new data. Enable 1 & 2. 64 Auto Print String Count: ^A tells the printer how many text strings to accept before printing.
Quick Reference Command Summary Appendix D XX 87 Load Field Number to Clear Increment/Decrement status: Clear the status of one or more serial numbers with this command. XX 88 Load Field Number to Increment by 1: For multiple serial numbers. XX 89 Load Field Number to Decrement by 1: For multiple serial numbers. XX 91 Load Value for Printer to See Valid Gap. Section 5.3.
Appendix D Quick Reference Command Summary 97 Tag/Tear Operation: Turns off tag/tear operation. Advance after every label. Advance after copies count. Advance when idle. 98 Peel-and-Dispense Mode: Section 2.1.2. Turn off peel-and-dispense mode. Turn on peel-and dispense mode. 100 Clear User RAM: This command will clear all downloaded fonts, graphics, and stored label formats. See Section 5.3.8. 101 Send User RAM Available: The printer will send the number of free bytes to the serial port (ie.
Index ^A 37, 40-52, 55-57, 61, 75, 83, 86-88 ^B 37, 57, 83 ^C 17, 18, 37, 83 ^D 37, 39-52, 55-57, 61, 75, 83 ^E 17, 18, 37, 38, 83 ^H 38 ^K 38, 45, 83 ^L 38, 45, 83 ^M 38 ^Q 38 ^S 38 Accumulator 37 Bar code 1, 17, 19, 26-28, 35, 57, 63-66, 70, 71, 82 Bar code Symbologies 1, 17, 28 Batch Mode 4, 8 Baud Rate 4, 9, 40, 83 Cable Pinout 15 Character Count 27, 30-32, 35 Character Generators 19 Character Multiplier X Direction 30, 32 Character Multiplier Y Direction 30, 32 Character Spacing 1, 30, 32, 59, 63-65 Cl
Index Label Fields 26, 86 Label Header 18, 21, 22, 25, 46, 47, 80 Label Jams 3 Label Samples 79 Label Size X Direction 22 Label Size Y Direction 22 Offset 24, 59, 60, 86 Parallel 4, 5, 15, 16, 18, 41 Physical 4, 68 Power-Up 9, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46, 57, 84-86 Print Count 45 Print Head 1, 12, 13, 21, 35, 38, 45, 56, 70, 78 Print Width 3 Printing Commands 45 Repair 78 Reset 9, 39, 42, 85 Resolution 1, 3 Reverse Video 73 Revision Number 9, 85 Serial Number 9, 45, 50, 51, 67, 68, 78, 87 Serial Port 10, 15, 16, 41
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