MICROCOM CORPORATION MODEL 465 DIRECT THERMAL / THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER OPERATOR'S MANUAL Part Number 880011-0131 August 1995 Software Version 1.
Operator's Manual 465 Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer - Revised 08/16/95 MSG - Centronics is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation. HP and LaserJet II are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. Comstar and I.D. Images are trademarks of Comstar Incorporated. FastFont is a trademark of Page Technology Marketing, Inc. Other products, names, and brands are trademarks of their respective holders. FastFont Typefaces are Copyright © 1993, Page Technology Marketing, Inc.
Table of Contents List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . .
.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 LINES/RECTANGLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.
List of Tables Status Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Serial Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Parallel Port Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction The Microcom 465 is a Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer label printer with a high resolution (832 dots or 8 dots/mm), 4.09 inch wide print head. The printer has the 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 most special purpose computers.
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CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS The Microcom 465 Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer printer is designed with many standard features that are unique when compared to other printers. The 465 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.
1.2 BAR CODES ! Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, Code 93, Plessey, Modified Plessey, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Postnet, MAXICODE, and selectable ratios for producing HIBC, AIAG, and Logmars ! Barcodes may be printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations 1.3 FONTS ! Downloadable HP LaserJet II™ soft font compatibility and 16 resident bit mapped font styles, including OCR-A.
1.6 PHYSICAL ! Construction: Rigid painted steel with high impact molded front panel ! Height: 11.00" (279.4mm) ! Width: 10.125" (257.2mm) ! Depth: 10.10" (256.5mm) ! Weight: 35 LBS (15.89 K/g) 1.7 ENVIRONMENT ! Temperature: 0" C to 40" C operating ! Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing 1.8 ELECTRICAL ! Voltage: Switchable 100,110,120,220,240VAC nom., 50-60 Hz. ! Current: 3 Amps maximum (100VAC) 1.
LEFT SIDE COVER PAPER SUPPLY LEFT SIDE FRONT PANEL DISPLAY PAPER SUPPLY HOLDER KEYPAD PAPER SUPPLY RACK RIGHT SIDE COVER PAPER SLOT RIBBON VIEW WINDOW RIGHT SIDE FRONT PANEL BACKING PAPER SLOT Microcom 465 Printer Front View Figure 1 RIGHT SIDE COVER LEFT SIDE COVER RACK THUMB SCREW LEFT PAPER SUPPLY RACK SERIAL PORT PAPER SUPPLY HOLDER POWER SWITCH POWER ENTRY MODULE RIGHT PAPER SUPPLY RACK POWER CORD PAPER LINE GUIDE Microcom 465 Printer Rear View Figure 2 6
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION 2.1 UNPACKING THE 465 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. The printer must be returned in the original container to insure proper warranty coverage. Printer Parts Figure 3 2.
2.4 FRONT PANEL KEYPAD AND STATUS DISPLAY The front panel contains a three button keypad and a three LED status display. Keypad Layout Figure 4 2.4.1 LABEL PRINT KEY The front panel keypad (see figure 4) contains a 'LABEL PRINT' key. If this key is pressed the unit will print the currently loaded label format or the default label if no format has been loaded. If the printer is in the process of printing a predetermined quantity of labels (see ^D73, section 5.
2.4.3 ON/OFF LINE KEY Pressing the 'ON/OFF LINE' key causes the printer to suspend the processing of characters through the communication ports. If a character is sent to the printer when communicating serially, the printer will accept the character and send another XOFF (assuming X-OFF has been enabled). The printer will allow up to 9 characters to violate the flow control, at which time any further characters will cause the printer to issue the buffer overflow error (show on the table below).
Part of the 465's versatility is in the different ways it processes labels. The following two sections explain the dispensing modes and printing methods. Refer to figures 2 and 5 for the printer components. 2.6.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES Place the label supply shaft and stock onto the wire rack. Raise the print head with the lift lever and insert the paper with the thermally sensitive side up. Follow the loading diagram and thread the paper through the printer and under the print head.
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS The Microcom 465 printer and printhead should be cleaned approximately every 5,000 labels or every two weeks whichever occurs first. The printer should also be cleaned whenever you run out of label stock. Proper cleaning assures that any adhesive that may come off the end of the previous roll, is removed. A Microcom cleaning kit (part #040005) should be used for cleaning and maintaining a Microcom printer product.
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CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS The 465 is very versatile. It can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose machines. It is capable of serial RS-232-C and optionally Centronics® parallel communication. The following sections explain the communication interfaces. Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the Microcom 465 communicates using serial RS-232C at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking.
Parallel Port Configuration 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 = = = = = = = = = = = /STROBE D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 /ACK BUSY 12 13 14 15 16 17-18 19-30 31 32 33 34-36 = = = = = = = = = = = PAPER OUT SCLT NC NC LOGIC GND NC LOGIC GND /INIT /ERROR LOGIC GND NC (36 PIN CENTRONICS®) Table 2 3.2 PRINTER CABLES For parallel connection: Use a 36 pin male centronics® to 25 pin male cable, connected from the desired parallel port of the host computer to the 36 pin connector on the 465.
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 barcodes 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..
If a terminal program is not available, it is possible to send files to the printer using the DOS COPY command. To do this you must first create a text file containing the information to be sent (i.e. ^C ). You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters (QEDIT, Wordstar non-document mode, DOS 5.0 EDIT, EDLIN...). Use the following DOS MODE command to set up the appropriate PC port. Note: COM1 may be any available communications port on your PC.
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS You can test some of the control code functions (see section 5.1) directly through the keyboard. Large label files, such as some of those illustrated in Appendix B, may be entered in a straight ASCII text word editor and then up-loaded to the printer using a terminal emulation program or the DOS copy command. (To use the DOS copy command, first use the DOS mode instruction to configure the PC. For example, MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P).
Microcom Label Figure 6 The sequence ^D575 puts the printer in format entry mode. The next line is the header information: sizing the label (812 dots wide 609 dots high). The next four lines are layout information for each data field in the format. The sequence ^D565 selects the user layout. The sequence ^D25 tells the printer to start accepting data for each defined field. (Field #1 defines where Data #1 should be positioned.) (Note: The label prints from bottom to top.
4.4 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 465 print head (8 dots/mm). There is a maximum 832 dots in the X direction (width).
FEED DIRECTION OR 12 DOTS THIS IS THE WEB VALUE MICROCOM Y BEGINNING THIS IS 0,0 .
Refer to Figure 7 for a visual representation of the physically locatable 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 software confusion, do not set the HFM parameter to a number higher than the number of fields defined.
Print Speed DPS VALUE MM PER SECOND INCHES PER SECOND INCHES PER MINUTE 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 152.4 149.9 147.3 144.8 142.2 139.7 137.2 134.6 132.1 129.5 127.0 124.5 121.9 119.4 116.8 114.3 111.8 109.2 106.7 104.1 101.6 99.1 96.5 94.0 91.4 88.9 86.4 83.8 81.3 78.7 76.2 73.7 71.7 68.6 66.0 63.5 61.0 58.4 55.9 53.3 50.8 6.0 5.9 5.8 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.1 5.0 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 4.
LCB LABEL CONTROL BYTE This parameter selects between the various gap detection methods. Continuous Stock: If set to a value of 2, the printer will not activate the gap detector circuit. After all fields are printed, the printer will advance the extra distance in the SPG header element. Normal Stock (leading edge): If set to a value of 0, the printer will detect the leading edge of the label (the start of the next label).
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) This is the label header from the sample label in section 4.3. 4,812,609,,20,48,,,5 5 5 4 - 4 fields following the header 812 - Label width (LSX) of 812 (812/203 = 4 inches). 609 - Label length (LSY) of 406 (609/203 = 3 inches). - The WEB parameter can be defaulted. 20 - A GAP between labels of 20 48 - Label print speed (DPS) of 48 = 3.
4.5 LABEL FIELDS A field is broken down into many different parameters. These parameters contain the information necessary to position data (text, barcodes, 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.
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.
CGN CHARACTER GENERATOR NUMBER This refers to the character generator (font size, barcode size, etc.) that is used. The generator numbers and the specifications for the various fonts, barcodes, and graphics are shown below. Remember, there are 203 dots per inch.
Table 5 constitutes the barcodes available on the 465 printer. Some barcodes offer different ratios to accommodate different applications. See Section 7.1 for more information on designing with barcodes.
Starting position definitions: Table 6 shows how to obtain proper character placement relative to orientations and justifications.
TSP TEXT STARTING POSITION This parameter marks the starting position of the character in the text string to be used as data. This is useful for allowing several fields to use sections of the same text string, minimizing the amount of data transmitted. For example, for the text string 0123456789, A TSP of 5 and a CC (character count) of 2 would print 45. See section 5.3.4 for use of this parameter with clock fields.
4.5.2 GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS A graphic field is broken down into ten different parameters. The first position must be set to 1. The next two are the start coordinates. The next two positions should be set to 1,7. The GN position refers to the slot number where the desired image is stored. GO and GJ change the print orientation and justification. The GMX and GMY positions are used to magnify the image. A carriage return must follow every graphic field definition line.
GJ GRAPHIC JUSTIFICATION This parameter defines the justification of the graphic image on the label. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Right justified above base-line. Left justified above base-line. Right justified below base-line. Left justified below base-line. Centered above base-line. Centered below base-line. GMX GRAPHIC MULTIPLIER X DIRECTION This parameter multiplies the graphic image in the X direction. The maximum multiplication is 8X.
4.5.3 LINES/RECTANGLES A line field is broken down into ten different parameters. The first position must be set to 1. The next two are the start coordinates. The next five positions should be set to 1,5,1,0,0. The XS and YS positions determine the width and height of the line. A carriage return must follow every line definition. If printed areas overlap, the common areas will become white.
MAKING LINES Program sample: Lines ^D57 7,506,771,,,30 1,240,005,1,5,1,0,0,004,255 1,240,260,1,5,1,0,0,004,255 1,400,005,1,5,1,0,0,004,255 1,400,260,1,5,1,0,0,004,255 1,244,040,1,5,1,0,0,156,004 1,404,040,1,5,1,0,0,100,004 1,055,300,1,5,1,0,0,185,004 ^D56 ^D2 ^D3 Lines Figure 8 34
4.5.4 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) Looking at the sample label... ^D575 A label format is coming 4,812,609,,20,48,,,5 Header Information 1,100, 40, 4, 1,45 Field #1 information 2,100, 60,17, 1,45 Field #2 information 3,100,100, 5, 1,65 Field #3 information 3,100,150, 5,16,2,,,,305 Field #4 information ^D565 Select RAM Format ^D25 Text Data is Coming EASY5 Text String #1 MICROCOM MAKES IT5 Text String #2 HELLO5 Text String #3 ^D35 Print Label ... and referring to Field #1.
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CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS The 465 printer has a large and versatile collection of command 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 465 will recognize either the one-character control character or the two-character caret and alpha character sequence.
5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES The following control characters perform special functions. All other control characters are ignored. Some of these instructions are also accessible through a ^D sequence. ^A Accumulator Mode: Used to supply parameters for ^D commands. These parameters must be positive integers and are generally decimal numbers but they can be binary if preceded by a ASCII B. (i.e., ^AB00000001^D215 equals ^A1^D215) ^B Text Entry Mode: Instructs the printer to enter text entry mode.
5.2 PRINTER ENQUIRIES It is important for the host computer to know the status of the printer as labels are produced. This facilitates security in the system and flags electrical and mechanical errors. Enquiries can also be used to adjust the pace of the printer with that of the operator. The 465 printer is capable of returning responses to enquiries in three different ways depending on how the machine is programmed. (see software dip switch1 #1, ^D21, Section 5.3.
5.3 SENDING ^D PRINTER COMMANDS Unless otherwise specified, these commands are entered by sending a ^DXX, where XX is the command number. It is followed by a carriage return or another control code. Some commands load data or control numbers and are preceded by a ^AXX, where XX represents the data or control number. Unless otherwise specified, command codes should appear first in the label format, if a label format is being sent.
^A ^D 21 COMMAND Change SW1: Software dip switch #1. The dip switches are the only commands that use binary input. They can use a ^AB sequence followed by an 8 digit 0 or 1 code. For example: ^AB10000011^D215 will configure the printer for a text equivalent enquiry response, accept control codes, disable echo, and enable XON/XOFF flow control. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******. 1=XON/XOFF Enable, 0=Disable ******.) Not Used *****.)) 1=Echo Enable, 0=Disable ****.))) Not Used ***.)))) Not Used **.
^A ^D 22 COMMAND Change SW2: Software dip switch #2. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)))), ******.)))),* *****.
^A ^D 23 COMMAND Change SW3: Software dip switch #3. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)Not Used ******.) Not Used *****.)) 1=Ribbon Break Sensor Disable, 0=Enable ****.))) 1=Pulse Tone On Piezo, 0=Continuous ***.)))) 1=Head Up Error Disable, 0=Enable **.))))) 1=Response After Print Enable, 0=Disable *.)))))) Not Used .))))))) 1=Piezo Sound Disable, 0=Enable Position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Piezo Sound: If set to 1, the piezo is disabled.
^A ^D 24 COMMAND Change SW4: Change software dip switch #4. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .
^A ^D 25 COMMAND Change SW5: Change software dip switch #5. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .)))))))) Position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Not Used 1=Enable Auto Error Message Transmission Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Auto Error Message Transmission: When set to 1, all catastrophic error messages will automatically be sent to the serial port.
^A ^D 26 COMMAND Change SW6: Change software dip switch #6. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .)))))))) Position: 1 2 3 4 Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used 5-8 Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Memory Configuration Switches #5 #6 #7 #8 User Memory Max Slices Label Height 0 0 0 0 296K 1651 8.
^A XX ^D 36 Command Adjust Contrast Base: Use this command to adjust/calibrate the default contrast. Since the non-permanent ^D35 command is used to control the darkness in a format file, the ^D36 command is offered to correct any contrast differences that may exist between different printers while using the same format file. This command is non-volatile and only needs to be sent once.
^A XX ^D 75 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). The batch of labels will be printed when a ^D35 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 sequential numbers in the batch. (see Section 5.
^A ^D 39 Command Autosize Label: 0 Clears the use of autosize values set by ^A1^D395. 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. 3 Same as ^A2^D395, but prints the values on a label, instead of on the screen.
5.3.4 REAL-TIME CLOCK ^A ^D 30 Command Change Clock: Use the sequence below to set the time and date of the optional real-time socket: ^D305 HH:MM:SS5 DD/MM/YY/W5 HH = hours (24 hour format) MM = minutes SS = seconds W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 = = = = = = = = MM = month DD = day of month YY = last 2 digits of year day of the week SUN MON TUE WED THR FRI SAT The clock produces a string of text that is accessed through use of a TSN of 0 (See table 9 for definitions of field parameters).
A sample program using the clock function: ^D575 2,,6095 0,320,40,8,16,2,,4,2,60,,105 0,320,20,8,1,10,,4,,,,105 ^D565 ^D35 ^D575 3,,6095 0,320,40,12,16,2,,4,2,60,2,235 0,320,20,12,1,10,,4,,,,235 1,320,110,20,1,11,,45 ^D565 ^D25 EUROPEAN DATE FORMAT5 ^D35 ^D575 3,,6095 0,320,40,12,16,2,,4,2,60,2,105 0,320,20,12,1,10,,4,,,,105 1,320,110,20,1,11,,45 ^D565 ^D25 US DATE FORMAT5 ^D35 ^D575 3,,6095 0,320,20,34,1,10,,45 0,550,80,8,1,10,3,45 1,320,60,18,1,13,,45 ^D565 ^D35 5.3.
XX 81 Disable Single Serial Number Field: Will disable an individual serial number field. XX 82 Enable Single Serial Number Field: Will recall a stored serial number (1-16) and place it into an individual serial number field on the label. XX determines the stored serial number slot to be recalled. The TSN (Text String Number) is selected by following the ^AXX^D825 with the TSN surrounded by quotes ("TSN"5).
^A XX ^D 75 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.
5.3.6 LABEL HEADER COMMANDS The following ^D commands, 41 - 51, all refer to label header values. They are provided to allow single element modification without having to send the entire label header. The printer will use these values for all subsequent label formats unless a ^D40 is executed, the machine is powered off, or a replacement value is sent or included in a new label header. More information on what these label header values mean can be found in section 4.4.
XX 50 Load X direction offset (OFX): ^A indicates the X offset. XX 51 Load Y direction offset (OFY): ^A denotes the Y offset. 5.3.7 SAVED FORMAT FILE COMMANDS The printer has the capability to store format files to RAM without processing them. Later, these format files can be accessed repeatedly at very high speeds, because access to the formats are now a direct memory fetch. If formats are saved in Non-Volatile memory the printer will retain these format files after removal of power.
To read a file that has previously been sent to the printer, use the ^AX^D545 command, where ^AX denotes the file (slot #) to be read. The printer will send the file to the serial port. If you are using a terminal or terminal utility, the file will be sent to your screen. Sample files: File #1 initiates the save format file memory and downloads saved format file #1. File #1 includes all the fixed data on the label.
5.3.8 LABEL PRESENCE SENSOR CONTROL The label presence sensor instructs the printer to dispense labels at the operators pace. If a label has been printed but not removed, the printer will wait until the label is removed before allowing another label to be printed. The following modes define its operation. ^A XX ^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.
^A ^D 98 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.
62 Pre-padded Text: This command is sent after text that is to appear at the beginning of each field. Text sent after this command will be appended to the prepadded text. This is useful, for example, if the first two numbers of a barcode are always constant and only the new barcode numbers need to be sent. The printer would automatically update the new barcode with the two fixed numbers. ^D625 protects existing text and appends new text. A ^D625 prevents existing text lines from being over-written.
This is an example of the D63, 64 and 65 Commands... ^A0^D645 ^A55^D915 ^A1^D655 ^D575 11,640,400,,20,36,,1,4125 1, 35,325,10, 1, 6,, , , 25 2,320,325,20, 1,10,,45 3,320,305,25, 1,10,,45 4,320,285,25, 1,10,,45 5, 35,250,10, 1, 6,, , , 25 6,230,355,30, 1,125 7, 75,133,29, 1,135 7,320,185,20,16, 2,,4, 2, 50,25 8, 75,089,29, 1,135 9, 75,045,29, 1,135 10, 75,001,29, 1,135 ^D565 ^D25 SHIP FROM:5 MICROCOM CORPORATION5 8333-A GREEN MEADOWS DR., N.
5.3.10 MISCELLANEOUS PRINTER COMMANDS ^A ^D 2 Command Text string entry mode: Begin text entry mode. This command must be sent before the printer will accept text or barcode information. (Equivalent to ^B) 5 Send Printer Status: See section 5.3 (Equivalent to ^E) 29 Printer Statistics: ^A selects the mode.
^A XX ^D 32 Command Reset Machine: Restores printer to power-up settings. 33 Display Model and Revision Number: Displays important reference numbers. 35 Contrast Window Adjust: Adjusts to a percentage of current contrast base. Used for temporary variations in paper and should be lowered for ladder style (vertical) barcodes. This command should be placed directly before the ^D57 command in a format file. This adjustment has a range from 60% to 140% in 1 % increments.
CHAPTER 6: GRAPHIC IMAGES The Microcom 465 printer is capable of storing 16 graphic images. Any of the following methods may be used to convert a PCX or PCC file to the 470 format. METHOD #1: Create your own software to create graphic files. METHOD #2: Use the PCX2465 software to convert your PCX file. METHOD #3: Use a WYSIWYG on-screen label design package to convert the PCX file. 6.1 PROCEDURE FOR USING MICROCOM PCX2465 SOFTWARE To Create Graphic Images Using the PCX2465 Software.
6.2 FORMAT OF GRAPHICS FILES The following section has been provided to assist experienced programmers that wish to create their own conversion utility or integrate graphics into a custom program. The 465's graphic format consists of an "Image Descriptor Block" followed by the actual image. Since the graphic is treated the same as a downloaded character, some positions are not applicable and will remain constant. Step #1: Select a slot (1-16) to store the graphic image in.
For example, the following image is 36 dots wide and 30 dots high.
6.3 GRAPHIC IMAGE COMMAND SUMMARY The following commands refer to the use of graphic images: ^A X ^D 71 Command Clear Single Non-Volatile Saved Graphic: This command will clear a single non-volatile saved graphic file and open the slot for a new graphic. (1-8) 2 102 Send List of Non-Volatile Saved Graphic Images: Sends list to serial port. X 106 Load Graphic Image into Memory: ^A selects which slot (1-8) to load.
CHAPTER 7: SPECIAL DESIGNS 7.1 DESIGNING WITH BARCODES When 0 and 180 degree barcodes 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 barcodes, use the default value for the spacing element (SP) in the field parameters. On some barcodes (CODE 39 ...) you may choose a larger spacing than the printer default, but you may not use a smaller spacing.
7.1.1 HUMAN READABLES Text conversion identifiers 32 and 33 refer to human readable UPC barcodes. These identifiers are designed to be used in conjunction with the UPC barcodes, and do not create the actual barcodes. They represent numerical bottom borders that extend some of the barcode lines. These barcode human readables must be lined up with the bottom of the barcodes. Text conversion identifiers 28 and 29 are MSI human readables that do not border themselves with bar lines like 32 and 33.
7.2 REVERSE VIDEO The 465 has the ability to print white text on a user definable black background. The text is actually placed on top of a black box (rectangle). If the reverse video bit is turned on in the text field descriptor, any text placed within the black rectangle will be reversed.
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CHAPTER 8: SOFT FONTS The Microcom 465 printer is capable of storing up to 8 soft fonts in non-volatile memory. The printer treats soft fonts just like the standard bit mapped fonts mentioned in chapter 4.5.1. Since the printer has the ability to rotate characters, only the Portrait or 0 degree rotation is required. You may either purchase downloadable soft fonts from Microcom (see section 9.
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CHAPTER 9: OPTIONS The 465 printer has many options available to enhance the performance of the printer. Contact your sales representative for more information on these features. 9.1 MICROCOM GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES PCX2465.EXE This PC software program decodes PCX files and converts them to the Microcom Bitmap format which can be stored in the 465 printer. See Chapter 4.5.2 and 6 for more information about printing graphic images. PCX2BIT.
9.5 CLEANING KIT An approved cleaning kit is offered for the 465 printer. A Microcom cleaning kit must be purchased to validate warranty. It is suggested the printer be cleaned once every two weeks, every 5,000 labels, or whenever label stock is replaced.
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES LIMITED WARRANTY Microcom printers, excluding thermal printheads 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.
APPENDIX B: MORE LABEL SAMPLES POSTNET ^D575 4,831,600,,18,205 1,60,320,50,4,,,,25,55,8,,,75 2,60,260,50,4,,,,15,40,8,,,55 3,60,200,50,4,,,,15,40,8,,,55 3,60, 80,50,365 ^D565 ^D25 MICROCOM CORPORATION5 8333-A GREEN MEADOWS DR., N.
^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,290, 30,7, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,205,100,9,43, 2,0,0, 3,805 2,317, 71,9, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 CODE 935 1234567895 ^D35 ^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,110, 20,18, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,245,100,10,15, 3,0,0, 3,805 2,291, 65,10, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 INTERLEAVED 2 OF 55 1234567895 ^D35 ^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,260, 30, 8, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,213,100,11,40, 2,0,0, 3,805 2,298, 71, 9, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 CODE 1285 1234567895 ^D35 ^D575 3,
^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,290, 28, 5, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,280,100, ,13, 2,0,0, 3,805 3,290, 71,11, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 UPC-E5 070402000085 07040285 ^D35 ^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,290, 28, 5, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,201,100,11,44, 2,0,0, 3,805 2,278, 71,10, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 AS-105 123456789015 ^D35 5 ^D575 3,800,200,,,18,0,, 80,0,05 1,212, 28,15, 4, 1,0,0,27,30,3,1,0,55 2,212,100,11,24, 2,0,0, 1,805 2,281, 71,20, 1,10,0,0, 1, 15 ^D56^D25 MSI-PLESSEY5 123456789015 ^D35 ^
FONTS 465 ^D575 16,620,4415 1, 40,420,14,1, 15 2, 40,405,14,1, 25 3, 40,389,14,1, 35 4, 40,372,14,1, 45 5, 40,355,14,1, 55 6, 40,338,14,1, 65 7, 40,320,14,1, 75 8, 40,301,14,1, 85 9, 40,282,14,1, 95 10, 40,260,14,1,105 11, 40,235,14,1,115 12, 40,207,14,1,125 13, 40,157,14,1,135 14, 40,107,14,1,145 15, 40, 62,14,1,155 16, 40, 01,14,1,165 ^D565 ^D25 FONT 1: 5X35 FONT 2: 7X55 FONT 3: 7X75 FONT 4: 9X55 FONT 5: 9X75 FONT 6: 12X95 FONT 7: OCRA5 FONT 8: 15X125 FONT 9: 18X105 FONT 10: 19X155 FONT 11: 19X15B5 FONT 1
^D575 5,620,4415 1,100, 40,12, 1,105 5,100, 62, 3, 1,10,,,85 4,100, 84, 3, 1,10,,,45 3,100,106, 3, 1,10,,,25 2,100,128, 3, 1,105 ^D56^D25 X MULTIPLIER5 1X5 2X5 4X5 8X5 ^D35 ^D575 5,620,4415 1,100, 40,12, 1,105 5,100, 62, 3, 1,10,,,, 85 4,100,168, 3, 1,10,,,, 45 3,100,226, 3, 1,10,,,, 25 2,100,260, 3, 1,105 ^D565 ^D25 Y MULTIPLIER5 1Y5 2Y5 4Y5 8Y5 ^D35 ^D575 5,620,4415 1,100, 40,14, 1,105 5,100, 62, 3, 1,10,,,8,85 4,100,168, 3, 1,10,,,4,45 3,100,226, 3, 1,10,,,2,25 2,100,260, 3, 1,105 ^D565 ^D25 XY MULTIPLIE
^D575 3,620,4415 3, 50,122,23,1,10,,,,,105 2, 50,144,23,1,10,,,,, 55 1, 50,166,23,1,10,,,,, 15 ^D565 ^D25 CHARACTER SPACING 15 CHARACTER SPACING 55 CHARACTER SPACING 105 ^D35 ^D575 9,620,4415 1,320, 30,11, 1,10, ,45 2,320,120,11, 1,10, ,45 2,320,137, 1,16, 2, ,4, 2,40,25 3,487,254,11, 1,10,3,45 3,470,254, 2,16, 2,3,4,40, 2,25 4,320,387,11, 1,10,1,45 4,320,370, 3,16, 2,1,4, 2,40,25 5,160,254,11, 1,10,2,45 5,177,254, 3,16, 2,2,4,40, 2,25 ^D565 ^D25 ROTATIONS5 0 DEGREES5 90 DEGREES5 180 DEGREES5 270 DEGREES5 ^
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 465 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, 535, 0, 0 The following is a list of BIT MAPPED field mnemonics and their default values: TSN, XB, YB, CC,TCI,CGN, FO, FJ, CMX,CMY, CS, TSP,TAN 1, 0, 0, *, 1, **, 0, 0, 1, 1, *, 1, 0 The following is a list of LINE field mnemonics and their default values: *, XB, YB, 1, 1, 1, *, 1, *, 5, *, 1, *,
41 42 43 44 Code 128 barcode (No Compression) Codabar barcode Code 93 barcode AS-10 barcode 84
^A ^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. (Equivalent to ^C) 5 Send Printer Status: (Equivalent to ^E) 11 Print a Test Label: (Equivalent to ^K) 12 Print a Blank Label: (Equivalent to ^L) 21 Change SW1: Software dip switch #1. Below is the ^AB sequence. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.
22 Change SW2: Software dip switch #2. Below is the ^AB sequence: 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.)))), ******.)))),* *****.
25 Change SW5: Software dip switch #5. Below is the ^AB sequence. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .)))))))) 26 Not Used 1=Enable Auto Error Message Transmission Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Change SW6: Software dip switch #6. Below is the ^AB sequence. 12345678 ^ABxxxxxxxx *******.) ******.)) *****.))) ****.)))) ***.))))) **.)))))) *.))))))) .
28 Show Head Size: This function will send the print head dot count to the communications port. The output is in standard ASCII and will be 640, 768, or 832.
XX 36 Adjust Contrast Base: A battery backed ram command. The ^AXX is between 10 and 200%. Section 5.3. This command should only be used to adjust/calibrate head base contrast differences between printers. Use ^D35 in normal use. 37 Check Voltages: This command will send the current power supply voltages and head temperature measurements to the communications port. 39 Auto-Size Label: Section 5.3.3. 0 Clears the use of auto-size values set by ^A1^D39.
XX 47 Load label control byte (LCB): Preceded by ^A. XX 48 Load number of steps to activate gap detector (AGD): Preceded by ^A. XX 49 Load number of steps past gap (SPG): Preceded by ^A. XX 50 Load X direction offset (OFX): Preceded by ^A. XX 51 Load Y direction offset (OFY): Preceded by ^A. XX 54 Send Non-Volatile Saved Format File to Serial Port: ^A selects which the file to be sent (1-32). Section 5.3.6. XX 55 Select Default Label Layout: Select from the ROM power-up layouts.
63 Text Mode Control: Section 5.3.8. 0 Disable 1 & 2. 1 Enable auto-print mode 2 Clear all previous text upon receiving new data. 3 Enable 1 & 2. XX 64 Auto Print String Count: ^A tells the printer how many text strings to accept before printing. Section 5.3. 67 24 Hour Date Format: 0 24 hour format. 1 12 hour format. 70 Clock Chip Initialization: Non-Destructive initialization of battery backed clock functions.
XX 76 Load Delay Time Between Labels: Preceded by ^A which contains the wait in 1/10ths of a second. Maximum value is 650. 80 Disable all serial numbering. XX 81 Disable Single Serial Number Field: Will disable an individual serial number field. XX 82 Enable Single Serial Number Field: Will recall a stored serial number (1-16) and place it into an individual serial number field on the label. XX determines the stored serial number slot to be recalled.
XX 88 Send Serial Number To Serial Port: ^A specifies which stored serial number (116) to send. XX 89 Send Increment/Decrement Value To Serial Port: ^A specifies which stored increment/decrement value (1-16) to send. XX 91 Load Value for Printer to See Valid Gap. Section 5.3. 93 Load Control Code Recognition Status: 0 Enable control code recognition. 1 Disable control code recognition.
100 Clear Non-Volatile Memory 101 Send amount of free users memory to serial port. 102 Send List of Occupied Memory Slots: ^A select which type to list. 0 List all types. 1 List non-volatile saved formats. 2 List non-volatile saved graphic images. 3 List non-volatile saved soft fonts. XX 103 Clear Single Non-Volatile Saved Format: ^A selects which slot (1-16) to erase. XX 104 Clear Single Non-Volatile Saved Graphic Image: ^A selects which slot (1-16) to erase.
APPENDIX E: HARDWARE DIP SWITCHES (inside printer) It is necessary to open the right side cover and remove the two (2) screws which secure the left side cover (see figure X). Once the cover is opened, the switches are located in the upper left hand corner of the PC board (see figure X1). Note: Disconnect power cord before opening printer. Hard Switch 1 12345678 xxxxxxxx *******. Not Used ******.) Not Used *****.)) 0=No Parity, 1=Enable Parity ****.))) 0=Odd Parity, 1=Even Parity ***.
Index ^A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 41-55, 57-59, 61, 62, 66, 71, 85, 89-94 ^B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 42, 61, 85 ^C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 16, 38, 47, 85 ^D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 38, 40-51, 53-55, 57, 58, 61, 62, 66, 71, 85 ^E . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Human Readables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29, 31, 32 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 42 Label Control Byte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 54, 90 Label Fields . .
Notes ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ______________________