User's Manual Part 1

Getting Started
Select a Communication Interface
58981L-001 Rev. 1 9/7/2004 R110PAX3 User Guide 25
Optional Print Servers
• External ZebraNet PrintServer II (PSII). For more information on PSII, see the
PrintServer II User and Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L).
DB-15 Applicator Interface Connector
A DB-15 Applicator Interface Connector provides communication between the print engine
and the associated applicator hardware. In some applications, control signal timing may be a
critical element in the performance of the print engine.
System Considerations
Communications Code The print engine sends and receives American Standard Code for
Information Interchange (ASCII). This code consists of 128 characters (256 for Code Page
850) including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and various
control codes.
Interfaces The method of interfacing the print engine to a data source depends on the
communication options installed in the print engine and the host. The standard interfaces are
an RS-232 serial data port and an IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel port.
Communication Specifications When communicating via an asynchronous serial data
port (RS-232), the baud rate, number of data and stop bits, the parity, and the XON/XOFF or
DTR control are user-selectable and should be set to match those of the host computer. When
communicating via the IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel port, the previously mentioned
parameters do not apply. Refer to Print Engine Configuration on page 51 to configure the
communication parameters for the print engine.
Interface Considerations
RS-232 A serial communication method consisting of data and control signals; available as a
standard feature on most PCs and other hosts.
• Advantages: Cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores
and suppliers; easy to connect; two-way communication between the host and the print
engine.
• Disadvantages: Slower than the parallel connection; limited to 50 feet (15.24 m) of cable.
IEEE 1284 Bi-directional Parallel A common communication method available on most
PCs and other hosts.
• Advantages: Fastest of the four communication interfaces; cables and connectors are
readily available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; two-way communication
between the host and the print engine; easy to connect.
• Disadvantages: Shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet (1.83 m); many computers
are equipped with only one parallel port, allowing only one IEEE 1284 bi-directional
device to be connected at a time.