® XL Series Thermal Transfer Tag Printers Operator and Technical Reference Manual for XL400 and XL410 PN9001038 Rev.
SATO America, Inc. 10350-A Nations Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28273 Main Phone: (704) 644-1650 Technical Support Hotline: (704) 644-1660 Fax: (704) 644-1661 © Copyright 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 SATO America, Inc. Warning: This equipment complies with the requirements in Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class A computing device.
PREFACE XL SERIES PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL The XL Series Printer Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the printer such as setup, installation, cleaning and maintenance. It also contains complete instructions on how to use the operator panel to configure the printer. The following is a brief description of each section in this manual. SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW This section contains a discussion of the printer specifications and optional features. SECTION 2.
Preface APPENDICES Page - ii APPENDIX A: Command Code Quick Reference APPENDIX B: Bar Code Specifications APPENDIX C: Custom Characters and Graphics APPENDIX D: Optional Features APPENDIX E: Custom Protocol Command Codes Appendix F: Care Symbol Fonts 9001038 Rev.
Preface TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW Introduction . . . . . . . . . General Printer Specifications Character Fonts . . . . . . . . Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Print Head, Platen, Rollers and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 4-1 4-2 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface Tag Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calendar Option Commands . . . . . Calendar Increment . . . . . . . . Calendar Print . . . . . . . . . . Calendar Set . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Card Option Commands . . . Clear Card Memory . . . . . . . . Expand Memory Area . . . . . . . Fonts, TrueType Recall . . . . . . Fonts, TrueType Store . . . . . . Format/Field Recall . . . . . . . . Format/Field Store . . . . . . . . Graphics, Custom Recall . . . . . Graphics, Custom Store . . . . . .
Preface SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING Initial Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Centronics (Parallel) Interface Using the RS232C (Serial) Interface . . Error Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 7-1 7-3 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The SATO XL400 and XL410 Thermal Transfer Printers are complete, high-performance labeling systems designed specifically for printing tags and labels. All printer parameters are programmable using the front panel controls and DIP switches. All popular bar codes, including 2-D codes, eight human-readable fonts with two Care Symbol fonts and a fast and efficient vector font, are resident in memory, providing literally thousands of type styles and sizes.
Section 1. Printer Overview GENERAL PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATION XL400 XL410 PRINT Method Direct or Thermal Transfer Speed (User Selectable) 5 to 8 ips 125 to 200 mm/s 4 to 6 ips 100 to 150 mm/s Print Module (Dot Size) .0049 in. .125 mm .0033 in. .083 mm Resolution 203 dpi 8 dpmm 305 dpi 12 dpmm Maximum Print Width 3.94 in. 100 mm Maximum Print Length 9.45 in. 240 mm Maximum Print Length with 2MB Memory Card 49.2 in. 1249 mm 32.8 in. 833 mm MEDIA Minimum Width 1.26 in.
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Section 1. Printer Overview PHYSICAL SPECIFICATION XL400 XL410 DIMENSIONS Wide 19.6 in. (302 mm) Deep 11.8 in. (552 mm) High 11.5 in. (294 mm) WEIGHT 30.
Section 1. Printer Overview OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ACCESSORY XL400 XL412 MEMORY EXPANSION Two slots for PCMCIA Memory Cards (up to 2MB each). Can be used for graphic file storage, print buffer expansion and downloaded TrueType fonts. CALENDAR An internally mounted Date/Time clock that can be used to date/time stamp labels at the time of printing. INTEGRATED STACKER Allows cut labels to be stacked. Interfaces to EXT Accessory Port connector.
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SECTION 2. INSTALLATION INTRODUCTION This section is provided to assist you in taking the XL printer from the shipping container and familiarization with the controls. The following information is provided in this section: • Unpacking and Parts Identification • Setting Up the Printer • Loading Labels or Tags • Loading the Ribbon • Adjusting the Sensors • Powering On/Off SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION Consider the following when unpacking the printer: • The box should stay right-side up. • Lift the printer out of the box carefully. • Remove the plastic covering from the printer. • Remove the accessory items from their protective containers. • If the printer has been stored in a cold environment, allow it to reach room temperature before powering it on. • Set the printer on a solid, flat surface.
Section 2. Installation Verify that you have the following materials when unpackaging: • Printer • Power Cord • Extra Ribbon Core • Operator’s Manual SETTING UP THE PRINTER Consider the following when setting up the printer: • Locate a solid, flat surface with adequate room to set the printer. If a Cutter/Stacker is to be used with the printer, make sure thaere is adequate room for the unit. The printer cover swings upward and back, make sure there is enough clearance for the cover to swing open.
Section 2. Installation PRINTER COMPONENTS Before attempting to set up the printer, please familiarize yourself with the major components. Ribbon Rewind Ribbon Unwind Media Supply Spindle Cover Media Retaining Plate Print Head Head Lock Lever Cutter Page 2-4 Operator Panel 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation DIP Switch and Potentiometer Cover Fuse Power Switch Media Hold-Down AC Connector Power Switch INTERFACE CONNECTORS Centronics Parallel Serial RS232 EXT Accessory SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation Cutter On/Off LED Error LED On Line LED SATO XL PRINTER LCD Display Start/Stop Feed Cutter On/Off Eject Media Type OPERATOR PANEL The XL Operator Panel consists of three LED indicators and five key switches. They are used to set the printer operating parameters and to indicate the status of the printer to the operator. Page 2-6 On Line: LED. Illuminated when the printer is ready to receive data. Cutter On/Off: LED. Illuminated when the Cutter is enabled. Error: LED.
Section 2. Installation Operator Panel Push in for Tilt position The Operator Panel has two positions; one is flush with the printer (vertical) and the other is tilted backward. The position should be set for the best viewing by the operator. Release for Vertical position Operator Panel SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation MEDIA Tag Types Tag Cut Line Side Notch Center-Hole Tag without Notch (set printer for Center Hole) Center-Hole Tag with Side Notch (set printer for Center Hole) Outside Edge Outside Edge Side-Hole Tag without Notch (set printer for Side Hole) Page 2-8 Side-Hole Tag with Side Notch (set printer for Side Hole) 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation X: = 3.75 mm minimum Y: = 2 mm minimum, 3 mm maximum Z: = Center of Notch Width = 2.5mm R-Corner Specifications (set printer for R-Corner Tag) I-Mark Label Gap I-Mark Specifications (set printer for I-Mark Tag or Label) SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation Label Gap Label Gap Specifications (set printer for Label Gap) Media Specifications Page 2-10 MEDIA TYPE MINIMUM SIZE MAXIMUM SIZE Center Hole Tag 32mm W x 25 mm L 100mm W x 240mm L I-Mark Tag 32mm W x 25mm L 100mm W x 240mm L Side Hole Tag 50mm W x 25mm L 100mm W x 240mm L R-Corner Tag 32mm W x 25mm L 100mm W x 240mm L Label with Gap 25mm W x 16mm L 100mm W x 237mm L I-Mark Label 32mm W x 25mm L 100mm W x 237mm L 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation INSIDE MEDIA GUIDE R-Corner Sensor 2.5mm I-Mark Sensor 7mm 16mm Sensor (not used) Center Hole & Gap Sensor Range 34mm 50mm Side Hole Tag Sensor Range Feed Direction 94mm Sensor Positions Relative to Inside Media Guide SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation LOADING TAGS AND LABELS Open the Cover and power the printer on. Turn power on and open the cover. Cover Power Switch Remove the Media Retaining Plate and place the media roll on the Media Supply Spindle.Remove Replacethe theMedia MediaRetaining RetainingPlate Plateand load the tag roll. to secure the roll in place. Note: The media should come off the bottom of the roll (wound face-in).
Section 2. Installation Open the print head by rotating the Head Release Lever to the rear of the printer. Open the Media Hold Down by lifting up on the release tab underneath the green tab marked “PUSH.” Media Hold Down Head Lock Lever Load the tags from the rear until the leading edge of the first tag is underneath the print head.
Section 2. Installation latch theby Media Holddown Downonand close Cover. Close theClose Mediaand Hold Down pushing thethen green tab the marked “PUSH.” It will automatically latch in place. Close the print head by rotating the Head Lock Lever toward the front of the printer until it latches in place. Cover Media Hold Down Power the printer On and press the Start/Stop key.
Section 2. Installation LOADING RIBBON Turn the power off and open the Cover. Cover Power Switch Open the print head by rotating the Head Lock Lever toward the rear of the printer. It will automatically retract to the open position. Head Lock Lever SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation Place the ribbon on the Ribbon Unwind Shaft, making sure the ribbon unwind direction is as shown). Place an empty ribbon core one the Ribbon Rewind Shaft. Ribbon Unwind Ribbon Rewind Ribbon Ribbon Core Route the ribbon as shown and tape the end to the ribbon core on the Ribbon Rewind Shaft. Rotate the shaft in a clockwise direction until several layers of ribbon are wound on the core. Tape Ribbon Page 2-16 9001038 Rev.
Section 2. Installation Make sure the media is fed into the printer with the leading edge underneath the print head. Close and latch the print head in the down position by rotating the Head Latch. Cover Head Lock Lever Power the printer On. Press the Start/Stop key to initiate the automatic media feed. If the Media Type setting is incorrect, a “Sensor Error” will be displayed on the LCD.
Section 2. Installation CUT SENSOR ADJUSTMENT These adjustments are for R-Corner Tag (Side-Notch), Center-Hole and Edge-Hole tags only. Open the cover. The Cut Sensors are located on an adjustable assembly that must be correctly positioned for the type of media used. They must be adjusted correctly even though the Cutter is disabled. If they are not, a “Cutter Error” will result when you try to feed tags. Cover Loosen the green Sensor Adjustment Thumbscrew on the Cutter Sensor assembly.
Section 2. Installation The scale used depends upon the type of media selected (i.e. R-Corner, Center-Hole or Side-Hole) and the setting corresponds to the width of the media (i.e., if you are using center hole tags that are 80mm wide, the notch should be set at the 80mm mark of the black scale). Notch R-Corner: . Center-Hole: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Side Hole: . Scale . . . . . Inside scale, 32 to 42mm.
Section 2. Installation After adjusting the Cutter Sensor Assembly, tighten the Sensor Adjustment Thumbscrew and close the Cover. Cover Sensor Adjustment Thumbscrew After adjusting the Cutter Sensor, make sure you: • Have the media and ribbon loaded correctly. • The media and ribbon type are correct for the configuration. • The Print Head and Media Hold Down are latched in the closed position. • The cover is closed. NOTES: If the media is not positioned correctly, press the FEED key to realign it.
Section 2. Installation POWERING ON/OFF SATO XL PRINTER Total number of labels printed. Will increment each time a label is printed since the last time the printer was powered On. Total number of labels to be printed. Will decrement each time a label is printed. Before Turning Power Off When removing power from the printer, you should first feed any printed labels or tags out of the printer by pressing the EJECT key while the printer is On Line.
Section 2. Installation being used, the leading edge of the first label should be under the print head and even with the “Label Setting Position” label. • Close the Media Hold Down and press the START/STOP key. • The printer will automatically feed the media into the printer and position it correctly. Page 2-22 9001038 Rev.
SECTION 3. CONFIGURATION INTRODUCTION The configuration settings for the XL Series printers are set in two ways. The first is via three DIP switches (DSW1, DSW2 and DSW3) located under the cover. The other is using the Operator Panel LCD Display. CONTROL PANEL Control Panel Cover Fuse Label Hold Down Power Switch AC Connector Cutter On/Off LED Error LED On Line LED SATO XL PRINTER LCD Display Start/Stop Feed Cutter On/Off Eject Media Type SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 3. Printer Configuration PRINTER DIP SWITCH CONFIGURATION DIP Switch Panels There are three DIP switches (DSW1, DSW2 and DSW3) located underneath an access panel inside the printer. These switches can be used to set: • RS232C transmit/receive parameters • Thermal transfer or direct thermal mode • Head check mode • Hex dump mode • Receive buffer size • Operation mode Each switch is an eight section “toggle” switch. The ON position is always to the top (up).
Section 3. Printer Configuration Stop Bit Selection (DSW1-4) - Selects the number of stop bits to end each byte DSW1 transmission. DSW1-4 SETTING ON Off 1 Stop Bit OFF On 2 Stop Bits 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Baud Rate Selection (DSW1-5, DSW1-6) - Selects the data rate (bps) for the RS232 port.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Reserved (DSW2-4) - Reserved for future use. Receive Buffer Selection(DSW2-5) - Selects the operating mode of the receive buffer. See Section 6: Interface Specifications for more information. DSW2-5 SETTING Off Single Job On Multi Job DSW2 ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 Reserved (DSW2-6) - Reserved for future use. Protocol Code Selection (DSW2-7) - Selects the command codes used for protocol control. Refer to page E-1for more information.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Default Settings Switch Selections - All switches are placed in the Off position (default) for shipping.
Section 3. Printer Configuration PRINTER ADJUSTMENTS The LCD Panel on the XL400 and XL410 is used by the operator to manually enter printer configuration settings. Many of the settings can also be controlled via software commands and in the case of conflict between software and control panel settings, the printer will always use the last valid setting.
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Section 3. Printer Configuration USER MODE To enter the USER mode, power the printer on while pressing the START/STOP key. After the printer beeps, release the START/STOP key. USER MODE Pressing the FEED key will result in the printer now displaying the first USER mode adjustment (Print Darkness). Print Darkness Setting There are three Darkness (or heat range) settings on the XL400/410 (1, 2 and 3). The higher numbers represent darker settings.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Print Speed Adjustment There are three SPEED settings on the XL410 (4 ips, 5 ips and 6 ips) and four on the XL400 (5 ips, 6 ips, 7 ips and 8 ips). They are listed on the bottom line of the display. The current setting is indicated by an underline cursor under one of the speed settings. To change the setting: PRINT SPEED 4 5 6 1. Use the START/STOP key to step the underline cursor to the desired speed setting. 2.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Original Print Line Position ABCDEFG Moved with both Vertical and (+) Horizontal Offset Inside Edge Feed Direction ABCDEFG 7. The underline cursor is now positioned under the least significant digit of the H offset setting. The horizontal offset will increase each time the START/STOP key is pressed. If the START/STOP key is pressed and held down, the value will count up rapidly. 8.
Section 3. Printer Configuration SERVICE MODE A Service Mode is provided to make adjustments that require only occasional changes. Since they affect the basic operation of the printer, the procedure for entering this mode is designed to prevent someone from accidently changing the settings. To enter the Service Mode, the printer is powered on while pressing the START/STOP simultaneously with the MEDIA TYPE key while powering the printer on.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Setup Sensor SERVICE MODE SENSOR SETUP The XL Series printers determine the location of the leading edge of the label or tag by measuring the difference between light levels when it sees either a media edge or a black I-Mark. This adjustment allows you to manually set the threshold voltage level, between the maximum and minimum light levels. The type of sensor is automatically selected by the MEDIA TYPE setting (Note: GAP is also used for tags).
Section 3. Printer Configuration 3. Calculate the starting point voltage using the formula. 4. Use the START/STOP key to step the counter to the desired setting. The display will increment one step for each time the Start/Stop key is pressed. If the START/STOP key is held pressed for more than two seconds, it will automatically go into the fast scroll mode. The reading will advance to a setting of 4.9 (the maximum voltage) after which it will automatically wrap and start at “0.0” again. If a value of “0.
Section 3. Printer Configuration 4. Use the START/STOP key to step the counter to the desired setting. The display will increment one step for each time the START/STOP key is pressed. If the START/STOP key is held pressed for more than two seconds, it will automatically go into the fast scroll mode. The reading will advance to a setting of 4.9 (the maximum voltage) after which it will automatically wrap and start at “0.0” again. If a value of “0.
Section 3. Printer Configuration 8. Once the setting is correct, pressing the FEED key will advance to the Cut Offset display. Cut Offset The Cut Offset is the distance from the reference line (see page 3-20)of a label or tag to the desired cut position. The cut position of the label or tag can be adjusted relative to the reference line +/- 99 dots in increments of 1 dot using the following procedure (1 dot = .005" for the XL400 and .0033" for the XL412). Once the position is set, it can be adjusted +/- 3.
Section 3. Printer Configuration 2. Use the START/STOP key to select the type of media to be used. 3. Once the correct media type is shown in the display message, pressing the FEED key will advance to the Backfeed Offset direction adjustment. 4. Use the START/STOP key to step the underline cursor to either the positive (+) or negative (-) selection. 5. Once the correct direction setting is underlined, pressing the FEED key will advance to the Backfeed Offset adjustment. 6.
Section 3. Printer Configuration USER TEST PRINT This option allows you to print a Test Label. It is recommended that you print a Test Label after you have changed any of the settings in the User Mode. The test label allows you to verify that you indeed did make the desired changes. To enter the User Test Print Mode, apply power to the printer while simultaneously pressing the FEED key. The printer will “beep” once and display the following message on the LCD panel: USER TEST PRINT 1.
Section 3. Printer Configuration 4. Presing the FEED key will start the Small Service Print Test label print mode. The printer can be paused by pressing the FEED key again. 5. To exit the Service Print Test Mode, pause the printer using the FEED key and then remove power. Page 3-18 9001038 Rev.
Section 3. Printer Configuration POTENTIOMETER ADJUSTMENTS There are four potentiometer adjustments located on the Control panel underneath a protective cover at the rear of the printer. They are accessible by loosening the screw and removing the cover. Print Position (Pitch Offset) After the pitch has been set with the LCD panel, it is sometimes desirable to make minor adjustments. This can be done using the PRINT POSITION potentiometer on the control panel.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Cut Position When the printer is in the Cut mode (cutter enabled), the Cut Offset is set using the LCD Service Mode to correctly position the label for cutting. Once the correct Cut Offset is obtained, it may be necessary to adjust the position slightly. This is done with the CUT POSITION potentiometer on the front panel. When turned all the way clockwise the cut position is moved down the tag 3.75mm and when turned all the way counterclockwise, the cut position is moved 3.
Section 3. Printer Configuration Display This potentiometer is used to adjust the contrast of the LCD display for optimum viewing under various lighting conditions. Print Darkness There are three Print Darkness settings that can be set either via the LCD panel or with softwware commands. The Print Darkness potentiometer allows you to fine tune the darkness.
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SECTION 4. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION This section provides information on user maintenance for the XL Series printers. The following information is covered in this section: • Adjusting the Print Quality • Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers PROCEDURES ADJUSTING THE PRINT QUALITY The XL printers are equipped with two different methods of adjusting the quality of the print: print darkness and speed.
Section 4. Cleaning and Maintenance Print Speed The other method of controlling print quality is by controlling the speed at which the label is printed. This adjustment is made on an individual label basis using the either the Print Speed command code or the LCD display panel . For more details on this command, see page 5-53 in Section 5: Programming.
Section 4. Cleaning and Maintenance CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD, PLATEN, ROLLERS AND SENSORS Supplies needed: SATO SA070 Cleaning Kit 1. Power the printer Off. Ribbon Roller 2. Open the print head by rotating the green Head release lever counterclockwise. 3. Moisten a cotton swab with SATO Thermal Print Head and Platen Cleaner. Print Head 4. Carefully rub the cotton swab over the Platen Roller length of the print head and along and around the Platen and Ribbon Rollers. 5.
Section 4. Cleaning and Maintenance 10. Moisten a cotton swab with SATO Thermal Print Head and Platen Cleaner. 11. Carefully clean the entire surface of the Cut Roller. Rotate the roller to expose the complete surface while cleaning. Cut Roller 12. Remove the Sensor Plate by pressing down on the detent latch located inside the Sensor Plate mounting 13. Moisten a cotton swab with SATO Thermal Print Head and Platen Cleaner. 14. Clean the Pitch and I-Mark sensors. Pitch Sensor Sensor Plate 4.
SECTION 5. PROGRAMMING INTRODUCTION This section presents the commands that are used with the SATO XL Series printers to produce labels with logos, bar codes and alphanumeric data. All of the XL commands use the same syntax. Some commands reference a physical point on the label using horizontal and vertical dot reference numbers. The allowable range for these references is dependent upon the particular printer to accomodate different print widths and resolutions.
Section 5. Programming Reference These commands set the operational parameters of the printer, like “set the print speed to 3.” {Command} {Parameter} {Data} Some commands can contain both Parameter and Data elements, such as “print a Code 39 symbol containing the data”. SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES Protocol codes are the special control characters that prepare the printer to receive instructions.
Section 5. Programming Reference 2. If you are using the printer’s RS232 interface, it is necessary to set the COM port on the PC such that the CTS and DSR signals will be ignored. Send your OPEN “COM” statement in the following way: OPEN “COM1:9600,E,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1 This sets the RS232 communication parameters of the host PC’s COM1 port for 9600 baud, Even parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and directing the port to ignore the CTS and DSR control signals. 3.
Section 5. Programming Reference 30 PRINT #1,CHR$ (2); Sends an (ASCII Code a decimal “2”) to the printer instructing it to prepare to receive a message. 50 PRINT #1,E$;"A"; Sends an “A” command code to Print Port #1 opened by statement 20 above. 60 PRINT #1, E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be placed 400 dots horizontally and 100 dots vertically on the label and printed in the “XL” autosmoothed font.
Section 5. Programming Reference against the inside left edge of the printer as viewed from the front of the printer. The normal reference point is located at the H1, V1 position of the print area in the normal print orientation (no rotation). Table 5.1, Print Area XL400 XL410 Resolution 203 dpi 8 dpmm 305 dpi 12 dpmm Max Print Width 800 dots 3.9 in. 100 mm 1200 dots 3.9 in. 100 mm Max Label Width 5.0 in. 128 mm 5.0 in. 128 mm Std Print Length 1920 dots 9.5 in. 240 mm 2880 dots 9.5 in.
Section 5. Programming Reference The new Base Reference Point then becomes: New Base Reference Point = Maximum Print Width - Label Width For a XL410, the new Base Reference Point is New Base Reference Point = 1200dots - 610 dots = 590dots 2. Use the normal base reference point from the print area and use the horizontal position for each field to properly locate it on the label. Calculate the distance (in dots) from the normal base reference point to the closest edge of the label.
Section 5. Programming Reference Label Label 4" 2" If you are using a 2 inch wide label, the entire image may not appear on your label. By adding the following Base Reference Point command to the second line of the data stream, the base reference point will be changed, causing the image to be shifted over toward the inside of the printer where it can be printed on the narrower label.
Section 5. Programming Reference SATO SATO *SATO* *SATO* *SATO* *SATO* 2" Label 4.0" ROTATED FIELDS The XL Series printers can rotate each print field in 90° increments using the Rotate command. • % - The field rotates, but the base reference point for the field remains the same. The following data stream will rotate the print field but will not change the base reference point of the field: A%1V800H200L0202XB1EQ1Z Page 5-8 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Base Ref Point H=200 E Label Feed Direction V=800 “%1” COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS There are some types of commands that must have a value specified before a label can be printed. If the data stream does not contain these commands, a “default” value is assumed.
Section 5. Programming Reference COMMAND CODES This section contains all the XL Series printer Command Codes. The commands must be sent to the printer in an organized fashion in order for the label(s) to print. The purpose of this section is to: 1. Explain the different commands and provide examples of their usage. 2. To provide a detailed reference for programming the XL Series Printers. Each command begins on a separate page with its own heading.
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Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. UPC and EAN bar codes are not affected by the different types of narrow to wide ratios. Instead, the D command adds descender bars to these codes where needed to meet UPC specifications. The BD command places decender bars in the symbol. 2. The Code 128 and UCC 128 bar codes are not affected by the narrow to wide ratios. 3. The Codabar and Code 39 bar codes are affected by the Character Pitch command.
Section 5. Programming Reference Bar Codes, Expansion Command Structure BWaabbb aa = bbb = Command Function Input to Printer: Expansion factor by which the width of all bars and spaces will be increased (01-12) Bar height by dot (004-600 dots) Example: BW02100 Placement: Immediately follows the BT command and precedes data to be encoded.
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Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. This command must be immediately followed by the BW Bar Code Expansion command (see Page 5-13). 2. You may use only one variable ratio bar code per label. 3. If the data specified in this command is incorrect, the command is ignored and the ratio used will be based on the previous setting. 4. See Appendix B for more specific instructions and details regarding individual bar code symbols. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Batch Separator Command Structure Ia a = 1 Batch Marker- Prints a black mark on the edge of the first tag of the print job. b = 1 Batch Separator - Cuts the first tag in a print job 2 mm longer and the following tag 2 mm shorter. Example: See Above Placement: Before or after job data stream Default: None Command Function To separate tag batches in the stacker.
Section 5. Programming Reference Base Reference Point Command Structure A3H-aaaaVbbbb - Command Function = This character is optional. When present, it specifies that the horizontal offset is in the negative direction. If it is left out, the offset direction is positive.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. Use of this command will set the Vertical/Horizontal Offset setting of the printer configuration until a new Base Reference Point command is issued or the setting is changed from the operator panel. See Section 3: Printer Configuration. 2. This command may be used more than once in a print job. 3. An alternative to using this command is to make changes to your current Horizontal and Vertical Print Position commands (see Page 5-50).
Section 5. Programming Reference Characters, Custom-Designed Command Structure Store Command: Tabcc Recall Command: Kab90cc a = 1 2 b = Specifies the character encoding method for the data stream H Hexadecimal characters B Binary characters cc = Memory location to store/recall the character.
Section 5. Programming Reference Printer Output Special Notes 1. When printing the custom character using the Recall command, the character is affected by the following commands: Character Expansion (see Page 5-21) Character Pitch (see Page 5-23) Line Feed (see Page 5-44) Rotate, Base Reference Point Fixed (see Page 5-59) 2. The characters are stored in volatile memory and must be reloaded if the printer power is lost. 3.
Section 5. Programming Reference Character Expansion Command Structure Laabb aa bb = = Multiple to expand horizontally (01-12) Multiple to expand vertically (01-12) Example: L0305 Placement: Preceding the data to be expanded Default: L0101 Command Function To expand characters independently in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The command allows you to enlarge the base size of each font (except the vector font) up to 12 times in either direction.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes This command will expand the following fonts: 1. Fonts XU, XS, XM, OA & OB (see Page 5-28) and fonts XB and XL (see Page 5-32). 2. This command will also affect the following commands: Character Pitch (see Page 5-23) Characters, Custom-Designed (see Page 5-19) 3. The Character Expansion value is in effect for the current print job until a new expansion command is specified. 4.
Section 5. Programming Reference Character Pitch Command Structure Paa aa = Number of dots between characters (00-99) Example: P03 Placement: Preceding the text to be printed Default: P02 Command Function To designate the amount of spacing (in dots) between characters. This command provides a means of altering character spacing for label constraints or to enhance readability.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. This command is affected by the L Character Expansion command (see Page 5-21). The character pitch is actually the product of the current horizontal expansion multiple and the designated pitch value. Example: L0304 P03 Pitch = (03) x (03) = 9 dots 2. To avoid confusion, you may want to include the L Character Expansion command and this command together in your program. 3.
Section 5. Programming Reference Clear Print Job(s) & Memory Command Structure *a a = If the “a” parameter is not included with this command and the printer is in the multi-buffer mode, this command clears all print jobs in the printer memory, including the current print job.
Section 5. Programming Reference Copy Image Area Command Structure WDHaaaaVbbbbXccccYdddd aaaa = Horizontal position of the top left corner of the area to be copied bbbb = Vertical position of the top left corner of the area to be copied cccc = Horizontal length of the image area to be copied dddd = Vertical length of the image area to be copied Example: WDH0100V0050X0600Y0400 Placement: Anywhere within the data stream, after specifying the location of the duplicate image.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. Use the Print Position commands (V and H) to locate the new area for the duplicate image (see Page 5-50). 2. Position of the new target area must not be inside the original image. 3. If you use the Rotate command, V, H, X and Y axes will be reversed. 4. If the reference area of the target image exceeds the print area, it will not be printed. 5.
Section 5. Programming Reference Fonts OA, OB, XU, XS & XM Command Structure Command Function Font XU: Font XS: Font XM: Font OA: Font OB: Example: See above Placement: Preceding the data to be printed Default: None To print text images on a label. These are eight of the built-in fonts available on the printer. All matrices include descenders.
Section 5. Programming Reference characters. It is recommended to use a spacing of 5 dots for OCR-A and 1 dot for OCR-B. 3. You may also create custom characters or fonts. See the T Custom-Designed Characters command (Page 5-19). 4. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There is no default font. 5. The proportionally spaced fonts XU, XS, XM, XL and XA can be printed with fixed spacing using the PS Proportional Space command. 6.
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Section 5. Programming Reference Printer Output Special Notes 1. The Pitch command can be used with Vector fonts. 2. If the font size designation is out of the specified range, a default value of 50 is used. 4. The font width and height values include asenders, desenders and other space. 5. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There is no default font. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Fonts XB & XL Command Structure Command Function Font XB: Font XL: XBa XLa a 0 1 Disables auto-smoothing of font Enables auto-smoothing of font (see notes below) Example: XB1123456 Placement: Preceding the data to be printed Default: None To print text images on a label. These are the two auto-smoothing fonts available on the printer.
Section 5. Programming Reference 3. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the A Character Pitch command (see Page 5-23). 4. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There is no default font. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Fonts XCS and XCL Care Symbols Command Structure Font XCS: XCS,{data} Font XCL: XCL,{data} {data} Command Function = ASCII code for Care Symbols Example: XCS,0123ABC Placement: Preceding the data to be printed Default: None To print Care Symbols images on a label. These are the four auto-smoothing fonts available on the printer.
Section 5. Programming Reference Form Feed Command Structure A(space)Z Example: See above Placement: Separate data stream sent to printer Default: None Command Function To feed a blank tag or label, which is the equivalent of a “form feed” Input to Printer A(space) Z Printer Output Blank label or tag SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Form Overlay, Recall Command Structure / Example: See above Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before the Print Quantity command (Q) Default: None Command Function To recall the label image from the form overlay memory for printing. This command recalls a stored image from the overlay memory. Additional or different data can be printed with the recalled image.
Section 5. Programming Reference Form Overlay, Store Command Structure & Example: See above Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before the Stop command (Z) Default: None Command Function To store a label image in the volatile form overlay memory. Only one label image may be stored in this memory area at a time.
Section 5. Programming Reference Graphics, Custom Command Structure Gabbbccc(data) a = Specifies format of data stream to follow B Binary format H Hexadecimal format bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (see Note 7 for allowable range). ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (see Note for allowable range).
Section 5. Programming Reference Printer Output Special Notes 1. Do not use ASCII or characters (carriage return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as specified. 2. A custom graphic cannot be enlarged by the L Character Expansion command (Page 5-21). 3. A custom graphic is not affected by either of the Rotation commands. Therefore, always design and locate your graphic image to print in the appropriate orientation. 4.
Section 5. Programming Reference Graphics, PCX Command Structure GPaaaaa,(data) aaaaa = Number of bytes to be downloaded Example: GP32000, ... data... Placement: Anywhere within the job data stream Default: None Command Function To allow the creation and printing of graphic images using a PCX file format. Printer Input See Appendix Appendix C for a detailed example A V0150H0100GP03800,(...Data...) Q1 Z Printer Output Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Job ID Store Command Structure IDaa aa = Job ID assigned (01 to 99) Example: ID09 Placement: Immediately following the A in the job data stream. Default: None Command Function To add an identification number to a job. The status of the job can then be determined using the ENQ command in the Bi-Com status mode (See Section 5: Interface Specifications for more information). Printer Input A ID02 . . . Job . . .
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Section 5. Programming Reference 1. It is recommended that all lines and boxes be specified in the normal print direction. 2. The maximum allowable lengths for the different XL printers are as follows. XL400 XL410 Horizontal cccc 0001 to 0800 0001 to 1200 Vertical cccc 0001 to 1920 0001 to 2880 SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Line Feed Command Structure Eaaa aaa = Number of dots (001-999) between the bottom of the characters on one line to the top of the characters on the next line Example: E010 Placement: Preceding the text that will use the line feed function Default: None Command Function To print multiple lines of the same character size without specifying a new print position for each line.
Section 5. Programming Reference 4. This command is invalid only if the value specified is zero. 5. The rotation command can be used with this command. 6. Following this command with a character will allow you to print with auto line feed. In this case, the print position will be determined from the value specified in the command and the H value set in the printer. However, if you specify several H values after this command, the print position will be determined by the H value last specified.
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Section 5. Programming Reference Off-Line/Pause Command Structure @,nnn...n nnn...n = Display message, up to 32 ASCII characters Example: See above Placement: In its own data stream Default: None Command Function To specify the printer to come to an off-line state. When used within a print job, the printer goes off-line after finishing the print job. Input to Printer A @,Load Blue Tags - 1" W by 3" L Z Printer Output There is no printer output for this command.
Section 5. Programming Reference Print & Cut Offset Command Structure #abbbb a = bbbb = Offset Direction + Feed Direction (plus offset) - Reverse Direction (minimum offset) Number of dots for offset (000 to 400) Example: #+40 Placement: In data stream for job Default: None Command Function To move the tag cut position. Printer Input A #+040 V0100H0200P2L0202WB1ABCD Q3Z Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Print Darkness Command Structure #Ea a = Example: Print darkness value (see Note 2 for allowable setting) #E2 Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: See Note 2 Command Function To specify a new print darkness setting. This command allows software control of the darkness setting for unique media and ribbon combinations.
Section 5. Programming Reference Print Position Command Structure Horizontal Position: Haaaa Vertical Position: Vbbbb aaaa = Number of dots horizontally from the base reference point (1 to maximum) See Note 2. bbbb = Number of dots vertically from the base reference point (1 to maximum) See Note 2. Example: H0020V0150 Placement: Default: Command Function Input to Printer Preceding any printed field description of lines/boxes, fonts, bar codes or graphics.
Section 5. Programming Reference 2. For print lengths greater than 9.5 inches, an optional Memory Card must be used. XL400 XL410 Maximum Print Width aaaa 800 dots 3.9 in. 100 mm 1200 dots 3.9 in. 100 mm Standard Print Length bbbb 1920 dots 9.5 in. 240 mm 2880 dots 9.5 in. 240 mm Maximum Length with Memory Card (2) 128 Kbyte bbbb 1168 dots 5.7 in. 146 mm 743 dots 2.4 in. 62 mm 512 Kbyte bbbb 4768 dots 23.5 in. 596 mm 2977 dots 9.7 in. 248mm 1 Mbyte bbbb 9360 dots 46 in. 1170 mm 5956 dots 19.
Section 5. Programming Reference Print Quantity Command Structure Qaaaaaa aaaaaa = Total number of labels to print (1-999999) Example: Q500 Placement: Just preceding Z. This command must be present in every print job. Default: None Command Function To specify the total number of labels to print for a given print job. Input to Printer A H0100V0100WB1XL400 Q3 Z Printer Output Three labels containing the data “XL400” wll be printed.
Section 5. Programming Reference Print Speed Command Structure CSa a = Designates the speed selection See Note 2 for allowable settingsExample: Example CS6 Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: As previously set in the printer configuration Command Function To specify a unique print speed through software for a particular label.
Section 5. Programming Reference Repeat Label Command Structure C Example: See above Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: None Command Function To print duplicate of the last label printed Input to Printer A C Z Printer Output A duplicate of the previous label will be printed. Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Replace Data (Partial Edit) Command Structure 0 (zero) Example: See above Placement: Must follow A and precede all other print data Default: None Command Function To replace a specified area of the previous label with new data. This command will cause the previous label to print along with any changes specified within the current data stream.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. Specify the exact same parameters for the image to be replaced as were specified in the original data stream, including rotation, expansion, pitch, etc. This will ensure that the new data will exactly replace the old image. If the replacement data contains fewer characters than the old data, then the characters not replaced will still be printed. 2.
Section 5. Programming Reference Reverse Image Command Structure (aaaa,bbbb a b = = Horizontal length in dots of reverse image area Vertical height in dots of reverse image area. See Note 6 for field ranges Example: (100,50 Placement: This command must be preceded by all other data and be placed just before Q Default: None Command Function To reverse an image area from black to white and vice versa.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. A reverse image area is affected by the rotate commands. Therefore, always assume the printer is in the normal print orientation when designing and sending the Reverse Image command. 2. If using reverse images with the form overlay, place this command before the Form Overlay command in the data stream. 3. If the Rotate commands are used with this command, the V and H parameters are reversed. 4.
Section 5. Programming Reference Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point Command Structure %a a = 0 1 2 3 Sets print to normal direction Sets print to 90°CCW Sets print to 180° rotated (upside down) Sets print to 270° CCW Example: %3 Placement: Preceding any printed data to be rotated Default: %0 Command Function To rotate the print direction in 90° increments without changing the location of the base reference point. The diagram below illustrates the use of the % Rotate command.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. The specified values are valid until another Rotate (%) command is received. 2. Page 5-60 Receipt of a Stop Print (Z) command will reset the setting to the default value. 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Sequential Numbering Command Structure Faaaabcccc,dd,ee aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data (0001-9999) b Plus or minus symbol (+ for increments; - for decrements) = cccc = Value of step for sequence (0001-9999) ,dd Number of digits for sequential numbering (01-99). The first incrementing character position starts after the positions exempted from sequential numbering as specified in ee. If these digits are left out, the default is 8.
Section 5. Programming Reference Printer Output Special Notes 1. The value specified for Print Quantity (see Page 5-52 should be equal to the number of different sequential values desired multiplied by the number of repeats specified. Example: To print 2 sets each of the numbers 1001-1025 on separate labels, we need 50 total labels. The commands would be as follows: A H0100V0100F002+001XM1001 Q50 Z 2.
Section 5. Programming Reference Start/Stop Label Command Structure Start Command: A Stop Command: Z Example: See above Placement: A must precede data Z must follow data Default: None Command Function For all print jobs, the Start command must precede the data, and the Stop command must follow. The print job will not run properly if these are not in place.
Section 5. Programming Reference Tag Feed Command Structure EJ Example: See above Placement: Following the print job Default: None Command Function Feed the already printed tags or labels out of the printer. Input to Printer A EJ Q1Z Printer Output If cutter is enabled, the printer feeds and cuts each printed label. If the cutter is disabled, the printer feeds all printed labels out and cuts the last one. Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Calendar Option Commands The following commands in this section require the Calendar Option. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Calendar Increment Command Structure WPabbb a = bbb = Y Years M Months D Days h Hours Numeric data: Years (1-9), Months (01-99), Days (001-999), Hours (001-999) Example: WPM03 Placement: Anywhere within the data stream Default: None Command Function To add a value to the printer’s current date and/or time, which may then be printed on the label. This command does not change the printer’s internal clock setting.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes: 1. This command requires the Calendar Option. See your SATO representative for more details 2. Once the year increments past “99” it will wrap back to “00”. 3. This command can only be used once per data stream. 4. The printer’s internal clock may be set through the Calendar Set command (see Page 5-70). 5. If a print quantity of more than one label per job is used, the same time and date will be on each label of the entire print job.
Section 5. Programming Reference Calendar Print Command Structure WA(elements) (elements) = YY MM DD hh mm Year Month Day Hour Minute Example: WAMM/DD/YY hh:mm Placement: Anywhere within the data stream Default: None Command Function To specify the printing of a date and/or time field from the printer’s internal clock. This may be used to date/time stamp your labels.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes: 1. This function requires the Calendar Option. See your SATO representative for details. 2. The date and time elements may be placed in any order for printing. 3. Use a slash (/) to separate date elements and a colon (:) to separate time elements. 4. The font for the date/time elements must be specified before this command. 6. The printer’s internal clock may be set through the Calendar Set command (see Page 5-70). 7.
Section 5. Programming Reference Calendar Set Command Structure WTaabbccddee aa bb cc dd ee = = = = = Year (01-99) Month (01-12) Day (01-31) Hour (00-23) Minute (00-59) Example: WT9101311200 Placement: This command must be sent in an independent data stream. Default: None Command Function To set the time and date of the printer’s internal clock. Input to Printer: A WT9312251300 Z Printer Output There is no printer output for this command.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Option Commands These commands require the Memory Card Option. Note: Before a Memory Card can be used for the first time, it must be initialized using the BJF command (see page 5-84). If it is not initialized, the printer will not recognize the card and respond as if no card was installed. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
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Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Expand Memory Area Command Structure EXa a = Memory Designation 0 Use Printer Memory 1 Use Slot 1 2 Use Slot 2 Example: EX1 Placement: In its own data stream imediately after powering on. Default: None Command Function This command expands the memory available to image labels by using the Memory Card. Input to Printer A EX2 Z Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Standard Print Length XL400 XL410 1920 dots 9.5 in. 240 mm 2880 dots 9.5 in. 240 mm Maximum Length with Memory Card (2) 128 Kbyte 1168 dots 5.7 in. 146 mm 743 dots 2.4 in. 62 mm 512 Kbyte 4768 dots 23.5 in. 596 mm 2977 dots 9.7 in. 248 mm 1 Mbyte 9360 dots 46 in. 1170 mm 5956 dots 19.5 in. 496 mm 2 Mbyte 9999 dots (1) 49.2 in. 1249 mm 9999 dots (1) 32.8 in. 833 mm (1) Limited by the number of digits in the command field.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Fonts, TrueType Recall Command Structure BJRabbccddeeeeff...f a = bb = cc = dd = eeee = ffff = Font ID (0 thru 9) Horizontal Expansion (01 thru 12) Vertical Expansion (01 thru 12) Character Pitch (01 thru 99) Number of characters to be printed using the font Data to be printed Example: BJR1020201000004SATO Placement: Immediately following the CC Slot Select command.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Fonts, TrueType Store Command Structure Begin Download BJ( aa...abb..b Download BJDcccccddddee...e End Download BJ) aa..a = bb..b = ccccc= dddd = ee...
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Format/Field Recall Command Structure YR,aa /D,bb,cc...c aa = bb = cc...c = Format number to be recalled (01-99) Field number to be recalled (01-99) Data to be placed in recalled field. Example: YR,01/D,01,99 Placement: Immediately after CC Slot Select command Default: None Command Function To recall a field from a stored format and place new data in the field.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Format/Field Store Command Structure YS,aa/N,bb,cc{.......} aa bb cc {.....} = = = = Format number to be stored (01-99) Field number to be stored (01-99) Length of field to be stored (01-99) Command stream describing the field to be stored. Example: YS,01/N,01,05 Placement: Immediately after CC Slot Select command. Default: None Command Function To store a format field description in the memory card.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Graphics, Custom Recall Command Structure GRaaa aaa = Graphics storage number (001-999) Example: GR111 Placement: The Recall command is sent in a secondary data stream to print the graphic, and follows any necessary position or size commands. Default: None Command Function Use the Recall command any time you want to print a graphic image on a label along with other printed data.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Graphics, Custom Store Command Structure GIabbbcccddd{data} a = bbb = ccc = ddd = {data}= Specifies character format of the data H Hex data B Binary data Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (001-248) Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (001-267) Graphics storage number (001-999) Hex or binary data to describe the graphic image Example: See Appendix C for detailed information on creating Hex and Binary graphic files.
Section 5. Programming Reference Example of correct data stream: A GIHaaabbb001(DATA) Z A GIHaaabbb002(DATA) Z Example of incorrect data stream: A GIHaaabbb001(DATA) GIHaaabbb002(DATA) Z 5. Do not use ASCII or characters (carriage return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as specified. 6. The graphics storage number (ddd) must be specified with this command. 7.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Graphics, PCX Recall Command Structure PYaaa aa = Storage area number (001 thru 099) Example: PY001 Placement: This command must be placed within its own data stream specifying the placement of the graphic. Default: None Command Function To recall for printing a graphic file previously stored in a PCX format in the Memory Card.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Graphics, PCX Store Command Structure PIaaa,bbbbb,{data} aaa bbbbb {data} = = = Storage area number (001 thru 999) Size of PCX file in bytes Data Example: PI001,32000,{data} Placement: This command must be placed within its own data stream Default: None Command Function To store for later printing a PCX graphic file in the Memory Card.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Initialize Command Structure BJFaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaa = Eight character alphanumeric user ID Example: BJFsatocard Placement: Immediately following the CC Slot Select command. Default: None Command Function This clears all of the data from Memory Card in the specified slot and prepares the card to accept data.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Slot Select Command Structure CCa a = Memory Card Slot designation 1 Slot 1 2 Slot 2 Example: CC1 Placement: Immediately following the A Start Code. Default: Last selected Memory Card Slot. Command Function Selects the card slot to be used for following Memory Card commands. Printer Input A CC1 {commands} Z Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
Section 5. Programming Reference Memory Card Function Status Command Structure BJS Example: BJS Placement: After the CC Slot Select command. Default: None Command Function Casues the printer to print the card status. Printer Input A CC1BJS Z Printer Output MEMORY CARD Slot [ 1 ] Special Notes 1. This command requires the Memory Card option. See your SATO representative for more information 2.
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Section 5. Programming Reference STX = 7B ETX = 7D ENQ = 23 CAN = 26 OFFLINE = 7E AUTO ONLINE = ZERO SLASH = ESC = 25 NULL = 2A YES YES Press the “FEED” key to activate the User Default or power the printer off to ignore them. Special Notes 1. Commas must be used to separate the parameters. If a parameter is omitted between two commas, the default Non-Standard Protocol Command codes for that parameter will be used. See Appendix E. 2.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Symbols The following commands are used to create the two-dimensional symbologies supported by the XL Series printers. SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Bar Codes Data Matrix, Data Format Command Structure BXaabbccddeeefffghh aa = bb = cc dd eee fff g = = = = = hh = Format ID. 01-06 or 11-16. The values 07 and 17 will not be accepted by the printer. Error correction level. 00 ,01, or 04-14. The values 02, 03 or values of 15 or greater will be processed as a 00. Horizontal cell size. 03 - 12 dots/cell. Vertical cell size. 03 - 12 dots/cell. Number of cells in one line. Must use 000 to optimize.
Section 5. Programming Reference 4. The Format ID specified for “aa” is defined by the following table. The printer only supports the Format ID’s defined in the table.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Bar Codes Data Matrix, Print Data Command Structure DCxx...x xx...x = Data, maximum of 500 characters Example: DC00006000 Placement: Immediately following the BC Data Format designation command or the FX Sequential Numbering command. Default: None Command Function To print a Data Matrix two-dimensional bar code image on a label.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Bar Codes Data Matrix, Sequential Numbering Command Structure FXaaabcccdddeee aaa = b = ccc = ddd = eee = Number of duplicate labels to be printed (001 -999) Increment or Decrement + = Increment - = Decrement Increment/Decrement Steps (001 - 999) Sequential numbering start position (001 - 999) Referenced to left side.
Section 5. Programming Reference Label Set #2 1. The maximum number of FX Sequential Numbering commands that can be used in one job is eight. 2. In the example above four total labels will be printed (FX002+005003DC00006000), the sequential numbering will start at position 5 and the three digits “600” will be incremented in steps of 1. A total of two sets of labels will be printed, the first set of two labels with the value “00006000” and the next two label set with the value “00006010”.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Bar Codes Maxicode Command Structure BUaaa,bbb,cccccc,dddd,ee...e aaa bbb cccccc dddd ee...e = = = = = Service class, numeric only (001-999) Country code, numeric only (001-999) ZIP code, alphanumeric (000000-999999) Extended ZIP code, numeric only (0001-9999) Low priority message, alphanumeric, 84 digits.
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. The Secondary Message field (ee...e) must contain exactly 84 characters. If a smaller message is specified, the field must be padded with “exclamation point” character(s). 2. represents Hex 1E, represents Hex 1D, represents Hex 04, represents Hex 1B and represents Hex 20. Page 5-96 9001038 Rev.
Section 5. Programming Reference Two-Dimensional Bar Codes PDF417 Command Structure BKaabbcddeeffffnn...n aa = bb = c dd = = ee = ffff = nn..n = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02 or greater than 10 are specified. Minimum module pitch dimension (04-24 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02, 03 or greater than 25 are specified. Security (error detection) Level (1-8). Code words per line (01-30).
Section 5. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. When the code words per line and the number of rows per symbol (“dd” and“ee”) are set to all zeroes, the printer will calculate the optimum configuration. 2. If the product of the values entered for “dd” and “ee” are not equal to or less than the value of “fff” (i.e.,“ffff”eual to or greater than “dd” x “ee”), an error will occur and the symbol will not be printed.
SECTION 6. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS INTRODUCTION This section presents the interface specifications for the XL Series printers. These specifications include detailed information on how to properly interface your printer with your host system.
Section 6. Interface Specifications THE RECEIVE BUFFER The XL printers have the ability to receive a data stream from the host in one of two ways. The receive buffer may be configured to accept one print job at a time or multiple print jobs. The single job print buffer is generally used by software programs that wish to maintain control of the job print queue so that it can move a high priority job in front of ones of lesser importance.
Section 6. Interface Specifications The receiving buffer will not be able to receive more data again until a “Buffer Available” condition occurs. This takes place when the receiving buffer has emptied so that only 56K bytes of data are being held (8K bytes from being full). At this time, DTR will go “high” or an X-On is sent to tell the host that it can again receive data. All printer error conditions (i.e.
Section 6. Interface Specifications PIN ASSIGNMENTS RS232C Interface Signals PIN DIRECTION SIGNAL DEFINITION 1 Reference 2 To Host TD (Transmit Data) - Data from the printer to the host computer. Sends X-On/X-Off characters or status data (Bi-Directional protocol). 3 To Printer RD (Receive Data) - Data to the printer from the host computer. 4 To Host RTS (Request to Send) - Used with Ready/Busy flow control to indicate an error condition.
Section 6. Interface Specifications Cable Requirements HOST FG TD INTERCONNECTION PRINTER ←→ 1 FG (Frame Ground) → 3 RD (Receive Data) 4 RTS (Request to Send) 5 CTS (Clear to Send) 6 DSR (Data Set Ready) * ← 20 DTR (Data Terminal Ready) SG ←→ 7 SG (Signal Ground) Data Streams Once the flow control method has been chosen for the RS232C interface, the data stream must be sent in a specific manner.
Section 6. Interface Specifications Cable Requirements HOST INTERCONNECTION PRINTER FG ←→ 1 FG (Frame Ground) RD ← 2 TD (Transmit Data) TD → 3 RD (Receive Data) 4 RTS (Request to Send) 5 CTS (Clear to Send) 6 DSR (Data Set Ready) 20 DTR (Data Terminal Ready) SG ←→ 7 SG (Signal Ground) Data Streams The data streams for X-On/X-Off are constructed in the same way as they are for Ready/Busy flow control.
Section 6. Interface Specifications If a CAN (18 hexadecimal) is received by the printer, it will cancel the current print job and clear all data from the receive buffer. Status Response The Bi-Com protocol is an advanced version of bi-directional communications where the printer can also report the number of labels remaining to be printed for the current print job. Upon receipt of an ENQ command, the printer responds with nine bytes of status information bounded by an STX/ETX pair.
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Section 6. Interface Specifications CENTRONICS PARALLEL INTERFACE ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Printer Connector AMP 57-40360 (DDK) or equivalent Cable Connector AMP 57-30360 (DDK) or equivalent Cable Length 10 ft or less Signal Level High = +2.4V to +5.0V Low = 0V to -0.4V DATA STREAMS Single Job Buffer: The Single Job Buffer mode is not available when using the Centronics interface. Multi Job Buffer: A . . Job#1 . . ZA . . Job#n . .
Section 6. Interface Specifications ACCESSORY (EXT) CONNECTOR The Accessory (or EXT) connector on the XL printer rear panel is intended for use with the external rewinder or stacker. PIN ASSIGNMENTS PIN DIRECTION 1 No Connection 2 Reference Signal Ground 3 To Rewinder Enables the Rewinder. 4 Page 6-10 SIGNAL DESCRIPTION No Connection 5 To Printer Full Switch - Stops the printer when the stacker or rewinder is full. 6 To Stacker Enables the stacker. 7 No Connection. 10 No Connection.
SECTION 7. TROUBLESHOOTING This section has been devised to help you if you are unable to produce output on the XL Series printers. Use this section to make sure the basics have been checked before deciding you are unable to proceed any further. The section is divided into three parts: • Initial Checklist • Centronics Parallel Interface • RS232C Serial Interface INITIAL CHECKLIST 1. Is the printer powered up and ON-LINE? 2.
Section 7. Troubleshooting 4. When you send the print job to the printer and it does not respond, and there is no error message on the PC: A. Check your data stream for some of the basics. Is your job framed as follows? A—DATA—Z B. Verify that you’ve included all required parameters in the data stream. C. Verify the following: • You have not typed a “0” (zero) for an “O” (letter) or vice-versa. • You have not missed any characters where they’re needed.
Section 7. Troubleshooting USING THE RS232C (SERIAL) INTERFACE 1. Is the RS232C Serial cable connected securely to your serial port on the PC (DB- 25S Male) and to the RS232C connector on the printer? 2. Is the cable defective? At the very least, you should be using a “Null Modem Cable,” which crosses pins in a specific manner. This should enable your printer to print. But we recommend that you eventually use a cable built to specifications as described in Section 6. Interface Specifications. 3.
Section 7.
APPENDIX A. COMMAND CODE QUICK REFERENCE INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE A Start Code. Begins all print jobs. Page 5-63 A1 Media Size. Page 5-46 A(space)Z Form Feed. Feeds a blank tag or label. Page 5-35 A3H-aaaa Vbbbb Base Reference Point. Establishes a new base reference point position in dots for the current label. Units of measurement are dots. Page 5-17 aaaa = Horizontal Print Offset bbbb = Vertical Print Offset Babbcccd XL400 XL410 0800 1200 0001-1920 0001-2880 Bar Codes.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE BDabbcccd Bar Codes. Prints a 2:5 ratio bar code, except for UPC, EAN, Code 128 and UCC128 symbols, which are fixed width bar codes. For values a, bb, ccc and d see instructions for Babbcccd. Page 5-11 For UPC/EAN bar codes, this command puts descender bars and humand readable text below the symbol. BTabbccddee Bar Codes - Variable Ratio.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE Faaaabcccc ddee Sequential Numbering. Allows the printing of sequencing fields (text, Page 5-61 bar codes) where all incrementing is done within the printer. aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data (0001-9999) b = Plus or minus symbol (+ for increments; - for decrements) cccc = Value of step for sequence (001-9999) dd = No. of digits for sequential numbering (01-99, default = 8) ee = No.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE Haaaa Horizontal Position. Specifies a field’s horizontal location across the width of the label from the current base reference point. The units of measurement are dots. aaaa = New Horizontal Position XL400 XL410 0001-0800 0001-1200 Page 5-50 Ia Batch Separator. generates a batch separator. Page 5-16 a = 1 Prints the first tag 2mm longer. The following tag will be 2mm shorter.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE Qaaaaaa Print Quantity. Specifies the total number of labels to print. aaaaaa = Total number of labels to print for the job (000001-999999) Page 5-52 Tabcc(data) Store Custom Designed Characters. To create and store custom characters or images in the printer’s volatile memory. See Kab90cc to recall the character for printing.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE XU Font type. Specifies the 5W x 9L dot matrix font (including descenders). Page 5-28 Z Stop Code. Ends all print jobs. Page 5-63 %a Rotate - Fixed Base Reference Point. Rotates printing in 90° increments without changing the base reference point. a = 0 Sets print to normal direction 1 Sets print to 90° CCW 2 Sets print to 180° rotated (upside down) 3 Sets print to 270° CCW (90° CW) Page 5-59 $a,b,c,d Vector font.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION 0 (zero) Replace Data (Partial Edit). Provides the ability to replace a specified area of the previous label with new data. Page 5-55 *a Clear Print Job(s) and Memory. Clears individual memory and buffer areas. a = Memory section to be cleared T Custom character memory, printer & Form overlay memory, printer X Clears all memory all memory and buffers Page 5-25 @ ,nn...n Off-Line/Pause.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE CALENDAR OPTION COMMANDS WA(elements) Calendar Print. Prints the date and/or time field (up to 16 characters) from the printer’s internal clock. Use slash to separate date elements and colon to separate time elements. elements = YY Year MM Month DD Day hh Hour mm Minutes WPabbb Calendar Increment. To add a value to the printer’s current date Page 5-66 and/or time. Does not change the printer’s internal time setting.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE MEMORY CARD OPTION COMMANDS BJ(aa..abb..b Start TrueType Font Storage. Prepares the Memory Card to accept TrueType font data. aa...a = 40 byte font description bb...b = 10 byte date field Page 5-76 BJDcccccdddd Download TrueType Font Data. Downloads the TrueType font data ee...e to the memory area specified. ccccc = Memory Offset (hexadecimal) dddd = Data size in bytes (max = 2000 ee...
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE GIabbbcccdd ee...e Store Custom Graphics. Stores a graphic image in the memory card to be called later for printing on a label. a = Specifies format of data stream to follow B Binary H Hexadecimal bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (001-248) ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (001-267 for 7" label) dd = Graphics storage number (01-99) ee...e = Data to describe the graphic image Page 5-80 GRaaa Recall Custom Graphics.
Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION PAGE 2-D BAR CODES BKaabbcdd eeefffnn...n PDF417. Prints PDF417 2-D symbols. Page 5aa = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will not print for values of 01, 02 or 10. bb = Minimum module pitch dimension (05-240 dots). Will not print for values of 01, 02, 03 or greater than 25. c = Security level (1-8). dd = Code words per line (01-30). If 00 is specified for dd and ee, printer will automatically optimize settings.
APPENDIX B. BAR CODE SPECIFICATIONS BAR CODE SYMBOLOGIES This section contains detailed information on the printing of bar codes on the XL Series printers. Information on printing the following bar code symbologies is provided: • Codabar • Code 39 • Interleaved 2 of 5 • UPC-A/EAN-13 • EAN-8 • Code 128 • UPC-E • UPC Supplements (Bookland) • UCC-128 • Data Matrix • Maxicode • PDF417 SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Codabar Command Structure Character Set 1:3 ratio 2:5 ratio 1:2 ratio BD0bbcccd..(data)..d bb ccc d (data) Width of narrow element in dots (01-12) Bar height in dots (001-600) Required Start and Stop character (A, B, C, or D) Bar code data (alphanumeric) = = = = B0bbcccd..(data)..d D0bbcccd..(data)..
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Code 39 Command Structure Character Set 1:3 ratio: 2:5 ratio: 1:2 ratio: B1bbccc* (data) * BD1bbccc* (data) * D1bbccc* (data) * bb ccc * (data) Width of narrow element in dots (01-12) Bar height in dots (001-600) Required Start and Stop character (asterisk) Bar code data (alphanumeric) = = = = 0-9, A-Z, Space, $, %, +, -, .
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Interleaved Two of Five (I 2/5) Command Structure Character Set 1:3 ratio: 2:5 ratio: 1:2 ratio: B2bbccc (data) BD2bbccc (data) D2bbccc (data) bb = ccc = (data) = Width of narrow element in dots (01-12) Bar height in dots (001-600) Bar code data (numeric); must be an even number of digits or else the printer will add a leading zero; start and stop code are provided by the printer 0-9 (numeric only) Density Table Printer Model XL410 XL400 Narrow/
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications UPC-A/EAN-13 Command Structure B3bbccc (data) D3bbccc (data) BD3bbccc (data) bb = ccc = (data) = Width of narrow element in dots (01-03) Bar height in dots (001-600) Bar code data (numeric); must be exactly 13 digits. For UPC-A, the first digit must be a zero and the last 11 digits are the actual UPC-A data followed by a check digit. To select UPC-A, 11 digits of data is sent. The printer adds a “0” and automatically generates the check digit.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Calculating the Mod 10 Check Digit ODD EVEN If you wish to encode the UPC-A data “01234567890”, follow these steps to find the correct check digit. 0 2 1 4 3 6 5 8 7 0 9 CD 1. First add all the numbers in the ODD positions. i.e., 0+2+4+6+8+0 = 20 2. Multiply the result of Step 1 by 3. i.e., 20 x 3 = 60 3. Add up all the numbers in the EVEN positions. i.e., 1+3+5+7+9 = 25 4. Add the result of Step 2 to that of Step 3. i.e., 60 + 25 = 85 5.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications EAN-8 Command Structure B4bbccc (data) D4bbccc (data) bb = ccc = (data) = Character Set Width of narrow element in dots (01-03) Bar height in dots (001-600) Bar code data (numeric); must be exactly 8 digits. 0-9 (numeric only) Density Table Printer Model XL410 XL400 Notes Value of “bb” Narrow Bar Width (mils) Magnification Factor 02 6.7 Below Minimum 03 10.0 75% 04 13.3 100% 02 10.0 75% 03 15.0 112% 04 20.0 150% 1.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Code 128 Command Structure BGbbcccdd (data) bb ccc dd = = = (data) = Character Set Width of narrow element in dots (01-12) Bar height in dots (001-600) Start code to specify initial subset of bar code data >G Subset A Start code >H Subset B Start code >I Subset C Start code Includes bar code data and subset Shift codes; Shift codes are used to change the subset type within the bar code data.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications UPC-E Command Structure BEbbccc (data) DEbbccc (data) bb = ccc = (data) = Character Set Width of narrow element in dots (01-03) Bar height in dots (001-600) Bar code data (numeric); must be exactly 6 digits 0-9 (numeric only) Density Table Printer Model XL410 XL400 Value of “bb” Narrow Bar Width (mils) Magnification Factor 02 6.7 Below Minimum 03 10.0 75% 04 13.3 100% 02 10.0 75% 03 15.0 112% 04 20.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplements) Command Structure BFbbccc (data) bb = ccc = (data) = Character Set Width of narrow element in dots (01-03) Bar height in dots (001-600) Bar code data (numeric); must be exactly 2 or 5 digits 0-9 (numeric only) Density Table Printer Model XL410 XL400 Example Page B-10 Value of “bb” Narrow Bar Width (mils) Magnification Factor 02 6.7 Below Minimum 03 10.0 75% 04 13.3 100% 02 10.0 75% 03 15.0 112% 04 20.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications UCC-128 Command Structure BIbbcccd (data) bb ccc d = = = Width of the narrow elements in dots (01 to 12) Bar height in dots (001 to 600) Placement of human readable text 0 None 1 Text at top of bar code 2 Text at bottom of bar code (data) = 17 digits made up of the following: 1st digit = Container type digits 2-8, Shipper identification digits 9-17, Container Sequential number Note: The Container Sequential number is not automatically sequenced by the printer.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Example Without incrementing A H0100V0100BI04150101234567000000001 Q2Z With incrementing A H0100V0100F001+001 BI04150101234567000000001 Q2Z Page B-12 9001038 Rev.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Data Matrix Command Structure Data Format aa = bb = cc dd eee fff g = = = = = hh = BXaabbccddeeefffghh Format ID. 01-06 or 11-16. The values 07 and 17 will not be accepted by the printer. Error correction level. 00 ,01, or 04-14. The values 02, 03 or values of 15 or greater will be processed as a 00. Horizontal cell size. 03 - 12 dots/cell. Vertical cell size. 03 - 12 dots/cell. Number of cells in one line. Must use 000 to optimize. Number of cell lines.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Character Set ID NUMBER CHARACTER SET ENCODING SCHEME 16 Bit CRC 01 Numeric, Space Base 11 02 Upper Case Alpha, Space Base 27 03 Upper Case Alpha, Space,Comma, Period, Slash, Minus Base 41 04 Upper Case Alphanumeric, Space Base 37 05 ASCII 7-bit, Full Keyboard (20H - 7FH) ASCII 06 ISO 8-bit, International (20H - FFH) 8-Bit 32 Bit CRC 11 Numeric, Space Base 11 12 Upper Case Alpha, Space Base 27 13 Upper Case Alpha, Space, Comma, Period, Slash,
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Maxicode Command Structure BUaaa,bbb,cccccc,dddd,eee..e aaa bbb cccccc dddd ee...e Character Set = = = = = Service class, numeric only (001-999) Country code, numeric only (001-999) ZIP code, alphanumeric (000000-999999) Extended ZIP code, numeric only (0001-9999) Low priority message, alphanumeric, 84 digits. Field dependent.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications PDF417 Command Structure BFaabbcddeeffffnnn...n aa = bb = c dd = = ee = ffff = nn...n = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02 or greater than 10 are specified. Minimum module pitch dimension (04-24 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02, 03 or greater than 25 are specified. Security (error detection) Level (1-8). Code words per line (01-30).
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications CODE 128 CHARACTER TABLE The Code 128 Table lists 105 data values for the three subsets: A, B, and C. Each subset column displays either a single column of data or a double column of data. • If the subset column displays a single column of data, that is the data to be entered to produce the result. • If the subset column displays a double column of data, the first column contains the desired output, and the second column contains the actual characters to be entered.
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Code 128 Character Table VALUE SUBSET A SUBSET B SUBSET C VALUE SUBSET A SUBSET B SUBSET C 0 SP SP 00 36 D D 36 1 ! ! 01 37 E E 37 2 “ ” 02 38 F F 38 3 # # 03 39 G G 39 4 $ $ 04 40 H H 40 5 % % 05 41 I I 41 6 & & 06 42 J J 42 7 ‘ ‘ 07 43 K K 43 8 ( ( 08 44 L L 44 9 ) ) 09 45 M M 45 10 * * 10 46 N N 46 11 + + 11 47 O O 47 12 , , 12 48 P P 48 13 - - 13 49 Q
Appendix B: Bar Code Specifications Code 128 Character Table (cont’d) VALUE SUBSET A SUBSET B SUBSET C VALUE SUBSET A SUBSET B SUBSET C 72 BS >( h >( 72 89 EM >9 y >9 89 73 HT >) i >) 73 90 SUB >: z >: 90 74 LF >* j >* 74 91 ESC >; { >; 91 75 VT >+ k >+ 75 92 FS >< | >< 92 76 FF >, l >, 76 93 GS >= } >= 93 77 CR >- m >- 77 94 RS >> ~ >> 94 78 SO >. n >.
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APPENDIX C. CUSTOM CHARACTERS AND GRAPHICS CUSTOM-DESIGNED CHARACTER EXAMPLE The following example is presented to help understand the use of the Custom Designed Characters command. It demonstrates the design and printing of an “arrow” in a 16 x 16 matrix. 1. Determine which matrix size to use • 16 dot x 16 dots • 24 dots by 24 dots 2. Lay out a grid and draw the image on the grid.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics 3. Transfer the image into two bit map representations and then into hexadecimal or binary format.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics 6. To recall the custom character from memory, send the following code to the printer: A L505H0150V100K1B903F L505H0600V100K1B903F L0303H0125V0250XMTHIS SIDE UP ! Q1 Z The printer output for both the hexadecimal and binary format examples is: SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics CUSTOM GRAPHICS EXAMPLE The following example is presented to help you understand the use of the Custom Graphics command. It demonstrates the design and printing of a “diskette” in a 48 x 48 matrix. 1. Determine the matrix size for the graphic. It must be in 8 dot by 8 dot blocks. The example here has six blocks horizontally and six blocks vertically (48 x 48). 2. Lay out a grid and draw the image on the grid.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics 3.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics 4. Using the hexadecimal data, send the following code to print the graphic image as designed.
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics PRINT #1,CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03); PRINT #1,CHR$(&HC0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03);CHR$(&HC0);CHR$(&H00); PRINT #1,CHR$(&H03);CHR$(&HC0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H07);CHR$(&H00); PRINT #1,CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03);CHR$(&HC0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H0F); PRINT #1,CHR$(&HF0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03);CHR$(&HC0);CHR$(&H00); PRINT #1,CHR$(&H0F);CHR$(&HF0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03);CHR$(&HC0); PRINT #1,CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H0F);CHR$(&HF0);CHR$(&H00);CHR$(&H03); PRINT #1,CHR$
Appendix C: Custom Characters and Graphics PCX GRAPHICS EXAMPLE A graphics file in a PCX format may also be transmitted to the printer. The file must not be larger than 32K bytes (DOS file size reported in a DIR listing). For example, the WIZ.PCX image shown below has a file size of 15076 bytes. The uncompressed size (PCX is a compressed file) of the file must not be greater than 64K bytes.
APPENDIX D. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES INTRODUCTION This section contains instructions for using the following XL Series optional features: • Label Rewinder • PCMCIA Memory Cards • Calendar • Stacker LABEL REWINDER The rewinder is an external unit that allows for labels and tags to be rewound in rolls up to 8.5 inches in diameter. It derives its power directly from the printer’s EXT connector using a built-in cable.
Appendix D: Optional Features the WIND option on the rewinder, and when ready to begin, set the power switch to ON. PCMCIA MEMORY CARDS Description The Memory Card Option provides the connectors and interface board for two PCMCIA memory cards slots. The two Memory Card slots, labeled A and B, are accessible on the Back Panel. Each card slot can have a standard PCMCIA memory card installed with a maximum of 2MB each, allowing the printer memory to be expanded up to 4MB.
Appendix D: Optional Features ERROR DESCRIPTION Low Battery - Low battery condition is detected when printer is powered on. INDICATION ERROR LED: Blinking Audible Beep: 1 long Display:Card Low Battery REMEDY Replace Memory Card battery. Note that all data will be lost when the battery is removed. Depress START/STOP key to print Card Status. Card R/W Error 1. No card is inserted. 2. Card is write protected. 3. Invalid store/recall number. 4. Card has not been initialized.
Appendix D: Optional Features STACKER The Integrated Stacker option can stack up to 500 tags at the maximum print speed of the XL400 or XL410. It obtains its power through the EXT Accessory port connector on the rear of the XL printer. SPECIFICATIONS Media Tag (Center/Side Hole, Side Notch or I-Mark) Size 9.4" W x 9.7" D x 11.6" H 238mm W x 253mm D x 294mm H Weight 7.7 lb. (3.5 Kg) Stack Type Stack Up Capacity Maximum of 500 pieces, +/- 50 Tag Size 1.0" (26mm) to 5.9" (150mm)Long 1.
Appendix D: Optional Features INSTALLATION The Stacker Option consists of four major components: • Stacker- The Stacker collects and stacks the tags as they are printed and cut. • Tag Stop - The Tag Stop is adjusted to the length of the label. It is magnetically held in place and should be adjusted for the length of the tags being stacked. A scale is provided for reference when making this adjustment. • Tag Edge Guide - The Tag Edge Guide should be adjusted for the width of the tag.
Appendix D: Optional Features 6. Turn the printer on and make sure the cutter is enabled and the tags aligned for printing. Note: If the tag sensors are not aligned properly, the printer feeds out a length of tag stock without cutting it as it is attempting to determine the tag pitch (length). Temporarily move the Stacker unit to one side if this occurs until the sensors are correctly set and the tags are at the proper position. See Section 2 for instructions on loading and aligning the tags. 7.
APPENDIX E. CUSTOM PROTOCOL COMMAND CODES DESCRIPTION This section contains information on creating custom Protocol Command Codes for operating the XL Series printers. The Protocol Command codes are used to tell the printer that a specific type of information is being transmitted to the printer. As an example, the Standard Protocol Command Code specifies the use of an character to tell the printer that the following character(s) will represent a specific command.
Appendix E: Custom Protocol Command Codes DOWNLOAD PROCEDURE The procedure for downloading a custom Protocol Command Code set is: 1. Reset the printer to the default settings using the Reset procedure. 2. Place DIP switch DS2-7 in the ON position. 3. Turn the POWER switch ON while simultaneously pressing the START/STOP switch. This places the printer in the USER DOWNLOAD mode as signified by a “User Download” displayed on the LCD panel. USER DOWNLOAD 4.
APPENDIX F: CARE SYMBOL FONTS XCS Font SATO XL Series Printers 9001038 Rev.
Appendix F: Care Sumbol Fonts XCM Font Page F-2 9001038 Rev.
