User manual
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Data Matrix 2D Bar Code
Data Matrix Bar Codes - <DTM,#,#,#>{barcode text}
All of the Data Matrix (DTM) bar code command parameters are optional. If omitted default values will be used.
The DTM command and the barcode text is all that is required. For example the command <DTM>{Boca
Systems} will create a Data Matrix 2D barcode for the text “Boca Systems” using all default values.
Experimentation with the parameters is the easiest way to determine the effect of each.
Apply Tilde Range 0 or 1 Default 0
Encode Mode Range 0 – 3 Default 0
Preferred format Range 0 – 29 Default 0
{Barcode text} ASCII Text
Apply Tilde - When Apply Tilde is equal to 1, the tilde (~) may be used to recognize some special characters in
the input data. Apply Tilde - If set to 1, you can use the format ~ddd if you want to specify the ASCII code of the
character to be encoded. Default is off. For example, if you enter the following text in the Data field: ~029AB you
will actually be encoding GSAB where GS is a delimiter ASCII 29 character. This can be used in a single string
to encode GS and RS characters (GS = ASCII 29 and RS = ASCII 30). Other commonly used ASCII codes are
~009 for a tab and ~013 which is a return function. These are useful when encoding multiple fields in a single
symbol.
Encode Mode - The data represented in the symbol may be compressed by changing the encoding mode, if
certain text is being encoded. Valid values are 0 for BASE256, 1 for C40, 2 for TEXT and 3 for ASCII.
Preferred Format - The preferred format determines the smallest size of the symbol. If the data encoded cannot
fit in the selected size, a larger symbol will automatically be generated.
NOTE:
The FGL <HW#,#> command is used in FGL to manipulate height/width ratios of item printed. For the Data
Matrix barcodes to print correctly, a <HW1,1> will used exclusively. There are eleven Data Matrix barcode fonts
available numbered from <F50> to <F60>. The default is <F50>. They have a point size of 2 to 14 and vary in
height width ratios. The 2 point font is very difficult to scan with anything less than a top of the line scanner.
Examples:
The example below will print a 6 point DTM barcode known as <F54>. The <HW2,2> command will not be
used for the barcode, but can be used for other text. It will appear on the ticket at 150,150 without rotation.
<HW2,2><RC150,150><F54><NR><DTM>{The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog}<p>
The example below will use all default values. It will print a 2 point DTM barcode known as <F50>. It will print
at the current X,Y coordinates in the current rotation mode.
<DTM>{The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog}<p>