User manual

11
default size of 4 will be used. Each unit represents an 8 dot high bar so a default bar code will be 32 dots high.
Bar codes can only be rotated in specific directions - <NR> and <RU> for picket fence; <RR> and <RL> for
ladder bar codes. Refer to the particular bar code supplement selected in order to find the exact commands and
strings needed for bar code printing.
BAR CODE EXPANDED COMMAND - <X2>
This command allows you to expand the width of a bar code bar (normally based on a one dot unit). The
number following the X will be the new dot unit bar size. In the above example, the new width of a bar is 2 dots.
This will double the length of the bar code. An <X3> command would triple the bar code length. Normally, a
setting of 2 dot wide bars is all that is needed for clear, readable bar codes.
Note: 9 (nine) is the largest expansion number allowed.
BAR CODE RATIO ADJUST COMMAND
<AXB#>string or <aXB#>string , future commands: <AYB#>string or <aYB#>string
A= N (for three of nine)
A= F (for interleaved two of five)
a= n (for three of nine)
a= f (for interleaved two of five)
All bar codes naturally default to a 2:1 ratio between wide and narrow spaces. However, certain bar codes
(I2of5, 3of9) can be printed in a 3:1 (5:2) wide to narrow ratio. This is accomplished by adding an X (Y) to the
normal command structure as shown above. For example, to print a 3:1 (5:2) ratio ladder 3of9 bar code you
would use a <NXL> (<NYL>) string command. Do not use the X (Y) with bar codes that can't be printed in that
format!
NOTE: The 5:2 ratio has not yet been implemented and will not be available until sometime in the future.
PRINTING LENGTH COMMAND - <PL#>
This command allows the user to control the length of a printed ticket. On power-up, the printer calculates the
length of the ticket. It then sets the printing length equal to this value. Therefore, a standard ticket is usually
printed to about 1050 columns. To reduce the printable area on the ticket, use a number smaller than the actual
length of the ticket. The printing length may not exceed the actual ticket length. If a <PL> command is sent that
is too big, the printer will set it equal to the ticket length. Please note that the first column always starts on the
far left-hand side of the ticket. Using this command to reduce the print length will generally cause the print time
to be slightly faster. The printer will not have to reverse as much on the first ticket. This command is not used
very often.
PERMANENT PRINTING LENGTH COMMAND - <pl#>
This command will cause the printer to permanently store the printing length value in the flash. The # sent is
equal to the number of dot column positions you want to print. If no number is sent, the printing length
determined during initialization will be stored. Once a value has been stored, the ticket measuring function of
the printer, after power on, is disabled. This is a handy feature when using label stock where the motion of the
ticket out and back during initialization can peel off the label. By having the label printing size permanently
stored, there is no reason to measure the label.
PERMANENT TICKET LENGTH COMMAND - <tl#>
This command should only be used if the ticket length is greater than the printing. This command will cause the
printer to permanently store the ticket length value in the Flash. The # sent is equal to the dot column size of
the ticket. If no number is sent, the ticket length determined during initialization will be stored. Once a value
has been stored, the ticket measuring function of the printer, after power on, is disabled.
Normally, the ticket length and the printing length are the same. However, when using short die cut labels
(under 1.5") it is often desirable to have the print length smaller than the ticket length. Label stocks usually have
a clear (non-printing) area between labels so that the ticket (label) size is larger than the printing size. In this
case, the length of the gap between labels is typically used as the difference between the print length and the
ticket length. Please note that the <tl#> command must be sent before <pl#> command.
DELETE PERMANENT LENGTH COMMAND - <dpl>
This command re-enables the automatic ticket measuring function of the printer after power on. This command
is used when you want to delete the <pl#> or <tl#> command. This command clears the printing length and
ticket length values from the Flash memory and re-enables the automatic ticket measuring function.