EPL2 Programmer’s Manual Manual No. 980009-001 ©1999 Zebra Technologies Corporation Rev.
FOREWORD This manual provides programming information for the Eltron brand printers, featuring Zebra’s Eltron Programming Language (EPL2) command language, which are manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California. COPYRIGHT NOTICE This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Table of Contents PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . 1-1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Command Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Image Control Commands . Printer Control Commands Memory Control . . . . . . Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Command Conventions . . . Basic Command Syntax . . . Command Editor . . . . . . Printer Memory Organization Forms . . . . Graphics . . . Soft Fonts . . Image Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GI Command - Print Graphics Information . . . . GK Command - Delete Graphics . . . . . . . . . GM Command - Store Graphics . . . . . . . . . . I Command - Character Set Selection . . . . . . . JB Command - Disable Top Of Form Backup . . . JF Command - Enable Top Of Form Backup . . . LE Command - Line Draw Exclusive. . . . . . . . LO Command - Line Draw Black . . . . . . . . . LS Command - Line Draw Diagonal . . . . . . . . LW Command - Line Draw White . . . . . . . . . M Command - Memory Allocation. . . . .
French . German Italian . Spanish Swedish Swiss. . USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming . . . . . . F-1 Cutter Option Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2 Cutter Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2 C Command - Cut Immediate . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 f Command - Cut Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 OC Command - Cutter Option Select . . . . . . . . F-5 Appendix G - Advanced Programming . . . . . . . . G-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1 AUTOFR - Automatic Form Printing Feature . . .
Appendix H - Programming Examples . . . . . . . . H-1 Example 1 - Text and Line Graphics . . . . . . . . . . H-2 Example 2 - Text and Line Graphic Interactions . . . . H-4 Example 3 - Bar Code Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . H-6 Example 4 - Bar Code and Line Graphics Interaction . H-8 Example 5 - Sequencing Graphic Elements . . . . . . H-10 Example 6 - Steps for Downloading a PCX Graphic . . H-12 Example 7 - Printing A PCX Graphic . . . . . . . . .
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PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS This section contains information about the basic features, command syntax and terminology of the Eltron Programming Language 2 (EPL2). Features The Eltron Programming Language 2 (EPL2) is a robust text (ASCII) based command language used to control most Eltron brand Zebra printer models. EPL2 takes advantage of the intelligent features built into the printer to reduce programming overhead and minimize data transmission time.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS formatting the appearance of the time and date onto printed labels. See Appendix E for details. Command Functions The EPL2 printer has four (4) basic command functions: ❏ Image Control ❏ Print Control ❏ Memory Control ❏ Status Reporting Image Control Image control commands directly affect the Commands memory used by the printer for storing the print image prior to printing. The image commands assemble each of the individual elements of the print image, (i.e.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Printer Control Printer control commands set the image (label) Commands size, position of print area, speed, density (heat setting), control and positioning of label for cut, peel or presentation, and printer interface and control. Command D I JB JF O P PA Q q R S W Z 980009-001 Rev.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Memory Control Memory control commands provide access to v o l a t i l e ( t e m p o r ar y ) an d n o n v o l at il e (permanent) memory in the printer. Volatile memory is for storing variable data and counters. Nonvolatile memory is for storing form, graphic data (PCX) and soft fonts.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Printer memory is divided into three basic groups: SRAM for image buffer generation, nonvolatile storage memory and firmware (internal printer control programming). All EPL2 printers have SRAM for image generation. Printers with nonvolatile data storage maintained by battery, share the SRAM memory with the image buffer and have EPROM for firmware. Printers with flash memory share nonvolatile data storage with firmware.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Flash Nonvolatile Memory 2443 (Orion) 2684 (Strata) 2722 2742 3742 2746 2344 (Eclipse) P2222 P2242 Flash Standard Maximum 512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1 MB 1MB — 512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1.5MB 512 KB 512 KB SRAM Standard Maximum 256 KB 512 KB 512 KB 1 MB 128 KB 256 KB 256 KB 512 KB 512 KB 1 MB 512 KB 1 MB 256 KB 384 KB 128 KB 160 KB Printers with flash memory have a limited number of write cycles.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Status Reporting Status reporting commands provide the user and programmer with printer operational status, memory usage, and listings of forms and graphics loaded into printer memory. The status responses are for maintenance and program debugging.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Command The manual uses the following typographic Conventions conventions to describe commands. Example Description A Commands (Case Sensitive) p1,p2,p3 Required parameters [p1, p2, p3] Optional parameters {Choice 1|Choice 2} Indicates a mandatory choice between two or more items. You must include one of the items unless all of the items are also enclosed in square brackets.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Basic Command Each command consists of one or two ASCII Syntax (case sensitive) alpha characters to identify the specific command desired. Some commands require one or more additional parameters to supply the printer with sufficient information to complete the command. Refer to Figure 1-1 for the basic command syntax.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Command Editor One method to create command files is through an ASCII based text editor. In the DOS environment, MS-DOS EDIT or BRIEF are good choices. To execute the file, use the editor’s print command or from the DOS prompt, use the COPY command to send the file directly to the printer. An example of the use of the COPY command is: COPY “FILENAME.EXT” LPT1↵ or COPY “FILENAME.EXT” COM1↵ For more information on the use of the COPY command, refer to your DOS software manual.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Printer Memory The EPL2 printers feature nonvolatile memory Organization for storage of label forms, graphics and soft fonts. This memory can be located in the printer, in removable memory cartridges or both depending upon the printer model. Many EPL2 printers require the use of the M command to specify the amount of memory allotted to memory storage groups: image buffer, forms, graphics and soft fonts.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Soft Fonts Soft Font data is stored in nonvolatile memory. Up to 52 soft fonts, can be loaded into printer memory (and recalled as A-Z, a-z; see Section 2, Command Reference). The number of soft fonts that printer memory can hold is strictly dependent upon print memory availability. Easily download soft font data to the nonvolatile memory with programs such as Soft Font Downloader Utility, CAL Tools and Create-ALabel 3.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Image Buffer The printer allocates image buffer memory usAddressing ing the stored values for length and width. The default length of the image buffer is set by the EPL2 printer’s AutoSense feature. The default image buffer width is the print head width in dots. The width of the print head is measured in dots per inch (dpi) or dot per millimeter (dot/mm). ❏ 2 inch printers - the maximum print width is 2.20 inches (54 mm) at 203 dpi (8 dot/mm) resolution.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Sample Format "q" dots x axis y axis (0,0) Text Text Text Point of Origin for Text Object Point of Origin for BarCode Object Direction Of Feed Point of Origin for Text Object Rotated 90° "Q" dots Point of Origin for Text Object Rotated 270° The minimum non printing margin on all edges of the label is 1mm. Printing closer than 1mm to the top or bottom edge of the label may cause the printer to advance unwanted labels or cause the printer to go into error condition.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS A small amount of SRAM memory is used to operate and temporarily store variables (counters, text variables, control parameters, etc.) needed to print. See the formulas on page which account for this additional SRAM requirement. The following tables outline the memory required to print two (2) images of various sizes. 203 dpi Printers Image Buffer Size (Kbytes) Width in inches 1.20 1.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 8.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Double Buffering EPL2 printers with firmware version 3.0 and higher (except TLP2046) support double buffering of print images to increase through-put. The printer can print the image out of one buffer while loading an image into a second image buffer, if sufficient memory is available to load the second image. The printer will automatically test and enable double buffering. Double buffering allows the printer with most image formats to print continuously.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS The q value affects the available print width. Minimizing the q value will maximize the print length and print speed (double buffering). Use the appropriate dot measurement conversion to determine the image buffer size with the following formulas: For 203 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) printers; OR For 300 dots per inch (11.8 dots per mm) printers: Single Buffer (Height in dots[Q]+10) x Width in dots[q]/8096=KBytes required Double Buffer ([Single Buffer Kbytes Required] x 2) + 0.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Text (Fonts) The standard EPL2 printer has five (1-5) resident mono-spaced dot fonts. Fonts A-Z and a-z (upper and lower case alpha characters) are reserved for downloading soft fonts. First Character of Text String Reference Point 12 D o t s 8 Dots Character Width Total Character Width Inter-character Space (actually white dots) Control text height (in horizontal dots) and width (in vertical dots) with the horizontal and vertical multipliers.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Horizontal Dots x axis y axis (0,0) Text Text - No Size Multipliers 2x Horizontal Multiplier Text Text Point of Origin for Text Object 2x Vertical Multiplier Point of Origin for Text Object Text Text Point of Origin for Text Object Point of Origin for V Text Object e Rotated 90° r t i c a l D o t s Direction Of Feed Point of Origin for Text Object Rotated 270° The reference point of the first character in a text string is not affected by the font size multiplier va
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Bar Codes All bar codes supported by the EPL2 language have associated industry specifications that the programmer should be aware of and adhere to. The programmer needs to consider bar code features and requirements when choosing and using a bar code for different applications.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Programming Graphic elements can interact and the resultant Sequences Affect image can be affected by other commands. Graphic Results Structure command sequences to reduce the chances of unexpected print results. The printer will process lines, text, boxes and most bar codes in command sequence. The printer then processes the printer control processes, counters, variable data, Postnet, and then graphics last. See the programming examples in Appendix H.
PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS Determining Printer The printer version numbers are a code used to Firmware Version document product function and the feature support level of the printer. To check the firmware version installed in your printer, perform the AutoSense procedure described in the printer’s user’s manual or via the printer interface by issuing a programming U command. 1-22 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE COMMAND REFERENCE This section contains a complete listing of printer commands in alphabetical order and describes the basic commands. 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE A B b C C D EI EK eR ES f FE FI FK FR FS GG GI GK GM I JB JF LE LO LS LW M N O o oB 2-2 ASCII Text Bar Code 2D Bar Code Counter Cut Immediate Density Print Soft Font Info. Delete Soft Font User Definable Error Response Store Soft Font Cut/Peel Position End Form Store Print Form Info. Delete Form Retrieve Form Store Form Retrieve Graphics Print Graphics Info.
oH oM oW P p PA Q q r R S TD TS TT U Ux V W xa X Y Z ? ^@ ^ee Macro PDF Offset Disable Initial Esc Sequence Feed Customize Bar Code Parameters Print Reset Top of Form Sensing Print Automatic Set Form Length Transmissive (Gap) Sensor Black Line Sensor Continuous Stock Set Form Width Buffer Mode Set Reference Point Speed Select Define Date Layout (& Print Date) Set Real Time Clock Define Time Layout (& Print Time) Print Configuration Status, Debug & Inquiry (Serial Port Only) - UA, UB, UE, UF, UG, UI, UM, UN
COMMAND REFERENCE A Command - ASCII Text Description Prints an ASCII text string Syntax Ap1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,"DATA" Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Rotation Value 0 Description No rotation 1 90 degrees 2 180 degrees 3 270 degrees p4 = Font selection Value 1 Description 203 dpi 300 dpi 20.3 cpi, 6 pts, 25 cpi, 4 pts, (8 x 12 dots) (12 x 20 dots) 2 16.9 cpi, 7 pts, (10 x 16 dots) 18.75 cpi, 6 pts, (16 x 28 dots) 3 14.
COMMAND REFERENCE A Command - ASCII Text The backslash (\) character designates the following character is a literal and will encode into the data field.
COMMAND REFERENCE A Command - ASCII Text The data field can be replaced by or combined with the following commands: Vnn= Prints the contents of variable “nn” at this position where nn is a 2 digit number from 00 to 99. Cn= Prints the contents of counter “n” at this position where n is a one digit number from 0 to 9. See Appendix E for additional Data parameters for printers with the RTC (real time clock) option installed.
COMMAND REFERENCE B Command - Bar Code Description Use this command to print standard bar codes. Syntax Bp1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,p8,"DATA" Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Rotation Value 0 Description No rotation 1 90 degrees 2 180 degrees 3 270 degrees p4 = Bar Code selection (see Table 2-1 on next page). p5 = Narrow bar width in dots. (see Table 2-1 on next page). p6 = Wide bar width in dots. Acceptable values are 2-30.
COMMAND REFERENCE B Command - Bar Code Bar Codes Code 39 std.
COMMAND REFERENCE B Command - Bar Code Example: ¿ N¿ B10,10,0,3,3,7,200,B,"998152-001"¿ P1¿ Will Produce: The data field can be replaced by or combined with the following commands: Vnn =Prints the contents of variable “nn” at this position. Range of nn = 00 to 991. Cn =Prints the contents of counter “n” at this position. Range of n = 0 to 9 See Appendix E for additional Data parameters for printers with the RTC (real time clock) option installed.
COMMAND REFERENCE b Command - 2D Bar Code Description Print 2D Bar Code - This command will direct a printer equipped with the 2D bar code feature to print a two (2) dimensional bar code type. This command is listed here for reference only. See Appendix D-15 for details about two dimensional (2D) bar codes and command structure supported by most Eltron printers.
COMMAND REFERENCE C Command - Counter Description The command defines one of 10 automatic counters used in consecutive numbering applications (i.e. serial numbers). For Numeric Serialization Only. The counter function does not support Alpha or Alpha-Numeric Serialization. Syntax Cp1, p2, p3, p4, “[-][--]PROMPT” Parameters p1 = Counter number. Range: 0 to 9 p2 = Maximum number of digits for the counter. Range: 1 to 29 p3 = Field Justification.
COMMAND REFERENCE C Command - Counter The C command is used in forms that require sequential numbering. When initializing counters, they must be defined in order (e.g. C0 first, C1 second...). Field justification (p3) affects the printing of counter data. When L, R or C are selected, the counter field is the width of p2 value. Data will justify within the counter (p2) field per the selected p3. The N parameter will print the minimum number of characters. See programming example 13 in Appendix H.
COMMAND REFERENCE C Command - Counter Saving and Protecting Consecutive Numbers in Nonvolatile Memory This feature is useful when the counter field represents a serial number (or others types of numbers) that should never be repeated. This feature allows for automatic retrieval and incrementing (or decrementing) of the previous counter value used every time a form is retrieved (and printed).
COMMAND REFERENCE D Command - Density Description Use this command to select the print density. Syntax Dp1 Parameters p1 = Density setting.
COMMAND REFERENCE EI Command - Print Soft Font Information Description This command will cause the printer to print a list of all soft fonts that are stored in memory. Syntax EI↵ Soft fonts can be downloaded to and deleted from the printer from the Soft Font Downloader Utility, CAL Tools or CAL3. See Appendix G, Advanced Programming, for details on the programming and commands to directly format, download and delete soft fonts. Example: EI↵ :prints soft font list Will Produce: 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE EK Command - Delete Soft Font See Appendix G ES Command - Store Soft Fonts See Appendix G 2-16 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE FE Command - End Form Store Description This command is used to end a form store sequence. Syntax FE Example: FS"FORMNAME"↵ ... FE↵ The form store sequence is started with the FS command. 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE FI Command - Print Form Information Description This command will cause the printer to print a list of all forms stored in memory. Syntax FI Example: FI↵ :prints forms list Will Produce: 2-18 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE FK Command - Delete Form Description This command is used to delete forms from memory. Syntax FK {“FORMNAME”|"*"} Parameters “FORMNAME” = By entering the name of a form, that form will be deleted from memory. · The name may be up to 8 characters long. · Form names stored by the printer are case sensitive and will be stored exactly as entered on the FS command line; i.e. “FORM1”, “form1” and “FoRm1” are three different forms when stored into the printer or when retrieved by the user.
COMMAND REFERENCE FR Command - Retrieve Form Description Use this command to retrieve a form that was previously stored in memory. Syntax FR"FORMNAME" Parameters “FORMNAME” = This is the form name used when the form was stored. · The name may be up to 8 characters long. · Form names stored by the printer are case sensitive and will be stored exactly as entered on the FS command line; i.e. “FORM1”, “form1” and “FoRm1” are three different forms when stored into the printer or when retrieved by the user.
COMMAND REFERENCE FS Command - Store Form Description This command begins a form store sequence. Syntax FS"FORMNAME" Parameters “FORMNAME” =This is the form name that will be used when retrieving the stored form. · The name may be up to 8 characters long. · Form names stored by the printer are case sensitive and will be stored exactly as entered on the FS command line; i.e. “FORM1”, “form1” and “FoRm1” are three different forms when stored into the printer or when retrieved by the user.
COMMAND REFERENCE FS Command - Store Form Example: ¿ FK"TESTFORM"¿ FS"TESTFORM"¿ :delete form “TESTFORM” :begins the form store sequence of :the form “TESTFORM” V00,15,N,"Enter Product Name:"¿ B10,20,0,3,2,10,100,B,"998152.001"¿ A50,200,0,3,1,1,N,"Example Form"¿ A50,400,0,3,1,1,N,"Model Name: “V00¿ FE¿ FI¿ :ends form store sequence :prints list of stored forms A form will not store if sufficient memory is not allocated to form memory.
COMMAND REFERENCE GG Command - Print Graphics Description Use this command to print a PCX (format) graphic that has been previously stored in printer memory. Syntax GGp1,p2,{"NAME" | Variable Data} Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. “NAME” or Variable Data = This is the graphic name used when the graphic was stored. This name can be supplied via variable data (V00 - V99). · The name may be up to 8 characters long.
COMMAND REFERENCE GI Command - Print Graphics Information Description This command will cause the printer to print a list of all graphics stored in memory. Syntax GI Example: GI↵ :prints graphics list Will Produce: 2-24 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE GK Command - Delete Graphics Description Use this command to delete graphics from memory. Syntax GK {“NAME”|"*"} Parameters “NAME” = By entering the name of a graphic, that graphic will be deleted from memory. · Graphic names stored by the printer are case sensitive and will be stored exactly as entered with the GM command line; i.e. “LOGO1”, “logo1” and “LoGo1” are three different graphics when stored into the printer or when retrieved by the user.
COMMAND REFERENCE GM Command - Store Graphics Description Use this command to store PCX graphics files in memory. Syntax GM"NAME"p1¿ “DATA” Parameters “NAME” = This is the graphic name that will be used when retrieving the stored graphic. · The name may be up to 8 characters long. · Graphic names stored by the printer are case sensitive and will be stored exactly as entered with the GM command line; i.e.
COMMAND REFERENCE GM Command - Store Graphics Example: First, create a text file “STOREIT.TXT” with an ASCII text editor, as follows: ¿ GK“WORLD”¿ GM"WORLD"2004¿ Where WORLD is the name of the graphic and 2004 is the size (in bytes) of the PCX file. Next, at the DOS prompt, type: COPY STOREIT.TXT + WORLD.PCX PRN /b Verify the proper storage of the graphic with the GI command. A graphic will not store if sufficient memory is not allocated to graphic memory.
COMMAND REFERENCE I Command - Character Set Selection Description Use this command to select the appropriate character set for printing and display (KDU). Syntax Ip1,p2,p3 Parameters p1 = number of data bits. Acceptable values are 8 for 8 bit data or 7 for 7 bit data.
COMMAND REFERENCE JB Command - Disable Top Of Form Backup Description This command disables the Top Of Form Backup feature when printing multiple labels. At power up, Top Of Form Backup will be enabled. Syntax JB Example: JB↵ With the JB command enabled, the first label will backup to the Top Of Form before printing. This preserves the first label which has stopped approximately one-half inch from the print head. This is the label's tear away point as set by the previous print operation.
COMMAND REFERENCE LE Command - Line Draw Exclusive Description Use this command to draw lines with an “Exclusive OR” function. Any area, line, image or field that this line intersects or overlays will be “reversed out” or inverted. In other words, all black will be reversed to white and all white will be reversed to black within the line’s area (width and length). Syntax LEp1, p2, p3, p4 Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots.
COMMAND REFERENCE LO Command - Line Draw Black Description Use this command to draw black lines, overwriting previous information. Syntax LOp1,p2,p3,p4 Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Horizontal length in dots. p4 = Vertical length in dots. Example: N↵ LO50,200,400,20↵ LO200,50,20,400↵ P1↵ :clear image buffer :draw a line :draw another line :print one label Will Produce: 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE LS Command - Line Draw Diagonal Description Use this command to draw diagonal black lines, overwriting previous information. Syntax LSp1,p2,p3,p4,p5 Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Line thickness in dots. p4 = Horizontal end position (X) in dots. p5 = Vertical end position (Y) in dots. Example: N↵ LS10,10,20,200,200↵ P1↵ :clear image buffer :draw a diagonal line :print one label Will Produce: 2-32 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE LW Command - Line Draw White Description Use this command to draw white lines, effectively erasing previous information. Syntax LWp1,p2,p3,p4 Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Horizontal length in dots. p4 = Vertical length in dots.
COMMAND REFERENCE M Command - Memory Allocation Description Use this command to reformat (clear) the nonvolatile memory used to store forms, graphics and soft fonts. The M command manipulates/allocates memory differently, depending on the hardware configuration of the printer. SRAM (Nonvolatile) Memory Printers: Use this command to clear/allocate/partition the printer memory into separate areas for image (buffer), forms, graphics and soft fonts storage.
COMMAND REFERENCE M Command - Memory Allocation See Programming Considerations starting at page 1-11 “Printer Memory Organization” for more information on printer memory. Sending the M command will reformat all memory, erasing ALL forms, graphics and soft fonts. SRAM Nonvolatile Memory Printers New memory cartridges or a SRAM upgrade require partitioning before the printer can use the memory for printing or storage of forms, graphics or soft fonts. Cartridge (KB) Total - Max.
COMMAND REFERENCE M Command - Memory Allocation See Programming Considerations starting at page 1-11 “Printer Memory Organization” for more information on printer memory. Graphics/Ext. Fonts(KB) 512 128 1 MB 256 KB 384 128 2742 512 256 1 MB 512 KB 384 128 3742 512 512 1MB 1MB 1MB 331 2443 (Orion) 512 256 1 MB 512 KB 384 128 2684 Strata 512 512 1 MB 1 MB 384 128 2344 (Eclipse) 512 256 1.
COMMAND REFERENCE M Command - Memory Allocation Available memory and the current allocation of memory can be displayed with the U command or an AutoSense procedure, see the printer user’s manual. The M command should be sent whenever: ❏ The memory requirement for a label size is larger than the current image buffer memory area. ❏ You need to change the size of the form, graphic, or soft font memory area to accommodate more or less forms, graphics or soft fonts.
COMMAND REFERENCE N Command - Clear Image Buffer Description This command clears the image buffer prior to building a new label image. Syntax N Do not use the N command within stored forms. Example: N↵ :clears the image buffer Always send a Line Feed (LF) prior to the N command to ensure that the printer is initialized. 2-38 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE O Command - Options Select Description Use this command to select various printer options. Options available vary by printer model. Syntax O[C[p1], D, P, L, S] Parameters D = Enable Direct Thermal Mode, use this option when using direct thermal media in a thermal transfer (TLP) printer. P = Enable Label Dispense Mode Portables The printer will present each label and wait for the label to be removed before continuing.
COMMAND REFERENCE O Command - Options Select Options Command Availability C Models \ Options D d P L S LP2122 LP2142 LP2242 ✔ ✔ LP2622 ✔ ✔ LP2642 ✔ ✔ LP2722 ✔ ✔ ✔ LP2742 ✔ ✔ ✔ LP3742 ✔ ✔ ✔ LP2344 (Eclipse) ✔ Orion ✔ ✔ A LP2684 (Strata) ✔ ✔ A ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ P2222 P2242 ✔ ✔ TLP2242 ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP2622 ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP2642 ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP3642 ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP2722 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP2742 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP3742 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ TLP2344 (Eclipse) ✔ ✔ TLP2046 ✔ ✔ TLP2746 ✔ ✔ TLP2684 (St
COMMAND REFERENCE oM Command - Disable Initial Esc Sequence Feed Description: This command disables the automatic label calibration routine executed by the printer upon receiving the first command sequence. The printer normally measures a single label and sets the top of form prior to printing the first label after a power-up reset. The Eltron Windows™ printer driver issues escape sequences when printing. This command’s primary use is to save preprinted forms such as serialized labels, tags or tickets.
COMMAND REFERENCE P Command - Print Description Use this command to print the contents of the image buffer. Syntax Pp1, [p2] Parameters p1 = Number of label sets. Range = 1 to 65535 p2 = Number of copies of each label (used in combination with counters to print multiple copies of the same label). Range = 1 to 65535 The P command cannot be used inside of a stored form sequence. For automatic printing of stored forms, use the PA command.
COMMAND REFERENCE PA Command - Print Automatic Description Use this command in a stored form sequence to automatically print the form (as soon as all variable data has been supplied). Syntax PAp1, [p2] Parameters p1 = Number of label sets. Can be variable data. Range: 1 to 9999 p2 = Number of copies of the same label. Can be variable data. Range: 1 to 9999 Sets the number of copies of each label (used in combination with counters) to print multiple copies of the same label.
COMMAND REFERENCE Q Command - Set Form Length Description Use this command to set the form and gap length or black line thickness when using the transmissive (gap) sensor, black line sensor, or for setting the printer into the continuous media print mode. The Q command will cause the printer to recalculate and reformat image buffer. Syntax Qp1,p2[±p3] Parameters p1 = Label length measured in dots Default: Set by the AutoSense of media. · Distance between edges of the label or black line marks.
COMMAND REFERENCE Q Command - Set Form Length AutoSense routine does not detect black line or continuous media. All EPL2 printers have a transmissive (gap) sensor designed to detect the top of each label or tag. It does this in one of two ways: · Sensing through the label liner at the gap between labels. · Looking through a hole (notch) in the tag. Printers equipped with a black line sensor can determine the top of each label or tag by sensing a “black line” preprinted on the media backing.
COMMAND REFERENCE Q Command - Set Form Length Examples: Standard Label p1 p2 Where: p1 = 20.0 mm (160 dots) p2 = 3.0mm (24 dots) The Q command would be: Q160,24↵ Butterfly Label p1 p2 p3 Where: p1 = 12.5 mm (100 dots) p2 = 3.0mm (24 dots) p3 = 3.0mm (24 dots) The Q command would be: Q100,24+24↵ 2-46 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE Q Command - Set Form Length Black Line On Perforation p1 p2 Perforation p3 Where: p1 = 31.0 mm (248 dots) p2 = 7.0mm (56 dots) p3 = 0.5 mm (4 dots) The Q command would be: Q248,B56+4↵ Black Line Between Perforation p1 Perforation p2 p3 Where: p1 = 31.0 mm (248 dots) p2 = 7.0mm (56 dots) p3 = 17 mm (136 dots) The Q command would be: Q248,B56-136↵ 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE q Command - Set Label Width Description Use this command to set the width of the printable area of the media. Syntax qp1 Parameters p1 = The width of the label measured in dots. The q command will cause the image buffer to reformat and position to match the selected label width (p1). Image Buffer Positioning - Center Aligned Printers Print Head Max. Image Buffer Max.
COMMAND REFERENCE q Command - Set Label Width All Printers (Exceptions - 2746, 2348, 2344, 2046 & P2222) This command will automatically set the left margin according to the following rules: (print head width - label width) / 2 The q value affects the available print width. Minimizing the q value will maximize the print length and print speed (double buffering).
COMMAND REFERENCE R Command - Set Reference Point Description Use this command to move the reference point for the X and Y axes. All horizontal and vertical measurements in other commands use the setting for R as the origin for measurements. Use the R command as an alternative to sending the q command to position (center) labels that are narrower than the print head. Syntax Rp1,p2 Parameters p1 = Horizontal (left) margin measured in dots. p2 = Vertical (top) margin measured in dots.
COMMAND REFERENCE R Command - Set Reference Point Example of X and Y Positioning ZB Reference Feed Direction x y Rp1,p2 Rp1,p2 y x ZT Reference Example of Left Aligned Printing Print Head 0,0 (ZB) Printable Area Left Alignment Edge Example: ↵ Q609,24↵ ZB↵ R15,10↵ 980009-001 Rev.F Image Buffer Q 0,0 (ZT) : Sets label length : Sets image buffer to the bottom right : corner (and left side of the print head). : Sets the margin : (See Left Aligned Example, above).
COMMAND REFERENCE S Command - Speed Select Description Use this command to select the print speed. Syntax Sp1 Parameters p1 = Speed select value. Model Value Speed 2122 2142 2622 1.0 ips (25 mm/s) 0 2642 (2242) 1.5 ips (37 mm/s) 1 3642 2.0 ips (50 mm/s) 2 2722 2742 3742 P2222/P2242* 1.0ips (25 mm/s) 0 1.5 ips (37 mm/s) 1 2.0ips (50 mm/s) 2 2824 2.5 ips (63 mm/s) 3 3.5 ips (83 mm/s) 4 1.0ips (25 mm/s) 0 1.5 ips (37 mm/s) 1 2443 (Orion) 2.0ips (50 mm/s) 2 2.5 ips (63 mm/s) 3 2.0 ips (50 mm/s) 2 3.
COMMAND REFERENCE U Command - Print Configuration (General) Description Use this command to print the current printer configuration.
COMMAND REFERENCE U Command - Print Configuration (General) Explanation Of Printout - SRAM Printers TLP2044 ver 2.00 Serial port:96,N,8,1 3 SRAM installed Image buffer size:106K Fmem:005.1K,005.1K avl Gmem:010K,010K avl Emem:265K,265K avl I8,0,001 rY S4 D00 R128,000 ZT UN q832 Q1022,029 Option:D,N,C,S 16 23 31 Date: 10-05-94 Time:01:00:00 now in DUMP MODE Dump Mode Print Sample A. Printer model or code number and firmware version number. B. Serial port configuration. C. Print head test pattern. D.
COMMAND REFERENCE U Command - Print Configuration (General) Explanation Of Printout - Flash Printers 4M03351F 16 V3.18 Serial port:96,N,8,1 Image buffer size:106K Fmem:005.1K,005.1K avl Gmem:010K,010K avl Emem:265K,265K avl I8,0,001 rY S4 D00 R128,000 ZT UN q832 Q1022,029 Option:D,N,C,S 16 23 31 Date: 10-05-94 Time:01:00:00 now in DUMP MODE Dump Mode Print Sample 980009-001 Rev.F A. Printer I.D. code number and firmware version number. B. Serial port configuration. C. Print head test pattern. E.
COMMAND REFERENCE V Command - Define Variable Description Use this command to define variable data for the text and bar code data fields in stored forms. Variable data can be combined with fixed data or other data types (counter, date, etc..) in text or bar code data fields. Syntax Vp1,p2,p3,"[-][—]PROMPT" Parameters p1 = Variable number. Range: 00 to 99 . Variable (reference) numbers are sequential and must be input into a form in ascending order. p2 = Maximum number of characters Range: 1 to 99 .
COMMAND REFERENCE V Command - Define Variable Use this command in forms that require unique data on each label. When initializing variables: · They must be defined in order (e.g. V00 first, V01 second...) · They must be the next entries after the FS"FORMNAME" command · They must be located before any counter variables. To print the contents of the variable, the variable number is referenced in the “DATA” field of the A (ASCII text) or B (Bar Code) commands.
COMMAND REFERENCE V Command - Define Variable KDU Support: The following table outlines the V command’s variable data field option and printer support for the storage of data in nonvolatile memory.
COMMAND REFERENCE X Command - Box Draw Description Use this command to draw a box shape. Syntax Xp1,p2,p3,p4,p5 Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots. p3 = Line thickness in dots. p4 = Horizontal end position (X) in dots. p5 = Vertical end position (Y) in dots. Example: N↵ X50,200,5,400,20↵ X200,50,10,20,400↵ P1↵ Will Produce: 980009-001 Rev.
COMMAND REFERENCE Y Command - Serial Port Setup Description Use this command to establish the serial port communication parameters. Syntax Yp1,p2,p3,p4 Parameters p1 = Baud rate p1 Description 11 115,000 baud (115K) 57 57,600 baud (57K) 38 38,400 baud (38K) 19 19,200 baud 96 9,600 baud 48 4,800 baud 24 2,400 baud 12 1,200 baud p2 = Parity. Values: O = Odd parity E = Even parity N = No parity. p3 = # Data bits. Values: 7 = Seven data bits 8 = Eight data bits p4 = # Stop bits.
COMMAND REFERENCE Y Command - Serial Port Setup Printer Serial Port Data Transfer Ranges Model Transfer Rate Maximum Minimum 19,200 baud 1,200 baud 38,400 baud 4,800 baud 115,000 baud 4,800 baud 19,200 baud 1,200 baud 2622 2642 (2242) 3642 2046 2443 (Orion) / 2824 2722 2742 / 3742 2684 (Strata) 2344 (Eclipse) P2222 P2242 2122 2142 To send commands and data to the printer, the host’s serial port parameters must match the printer’s serial port parameters.
COMMAND REFERENCE Z Command - Print Direction Description Use this command to select the print orientation. Syntax Zp1 Parameters p1 = Print orientation. T = Printing from top of image buffer. B = Printing from bottom of image buffer. Default Orientation = T The top of the image buffer prints first and is viewed by the operator as printing up side down.
COMMAND REFERENCE ? Command - Download Variables Description This command signals the printer to “fill-in” variable or counter “prompt” data field. The host system can send data representing variables and/or counters to the printer after a stored form containing variables and/or counters has been retrieved. Syntax ? DATA The amount of data following the question mark line must match exactly the order and total number of variables and/or counters for that specific form.
COMMAND REFERENCE 2-64 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Appendix A - Standard Character Sets This section contains a listing of all standard EPL2 fonts, code pages & character sets supported by the EPL2 printers. Resident Fonts The EPL2 programming language supports 5 different font sizes, numbered 1-5. Each font can be expanded both horizontally and vertically. EPL2 also supports 160 different characters for font sizes 1-4 and 80 characters for font size 5. All fonts are non-proportional, mono-spaced.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Fonts 1-5 Hexidecimal - Most Significant Digit ASCII to Hexadecimal Reference Table 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F 00 0 16 J 32 ! 1 17 2 18 34 3 19 35 4 20 5 21 37 6 22 38 o © !! ¨ § ª ¶ § o 7 23 8 24 9 10 h i 25 g 26 G f 11 33 " # $ 36 % & ' 39 ( 40 ) 41 * 42 + 0 48 1 49 2 50 3 51 4 52 5 53 6 54 7 55 8 56 9 57 : 58 ; @ 64 A 65 B 66 C 67 D 68 E 69 F 70 G 71 H 72 I 73 J
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 437 Sizes 1-4 Code Page 850 Sizes 1-4 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 852 Sizes 1-4 Code Page 860 Sizes 1-4 A-4 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 863 Sizes 1-4 Code Page 865 Sizes 1-4 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 437 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 850 Size 5 A-6 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 852 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 860 Size 5 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 863 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (8 bit) Code Page 865 Size 5 A-8 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) British Sizes 1-4 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) Danish Sizes 1-4 Size 5 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) French Sizes 1-4 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) German Sizes 1-4 Size 5 A-10 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) Italian Sizes 1-4 Size 5 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) Spanish Sizes 1-4 Size 5 Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) Swedish Sizes 1-4 Size 5 A-12 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) Swiss Sizes 1-4 Size 5 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix A - Standard Character Sets Code Pages and Character Sets (7 bit) USA Sizes 1-4 Size 5 A-14 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix B - Optional & Extended Character Sets Appendix B - Optional & Extended Character Sets This section contains information on printer optional language character sets for EPL2 printers. Fixed verses Flashed The EPL2 printers have two different basic Program Firmware printer firmware configurations, the “Fixed” program PROM or the “Flash” programmed NOVRAM (non-volatile RAM) memory. See the table on the following page.
Appendix B - Optional & Extended Character Sets Fixed Firmware The EPL2 optional language character set Optional Character replace the EPL2 standard character set for Set Differences code page 850 (Latin / Multilingual). This group includes the P2242 printer.
Appendix B - Optional & Extended Character Sets Character Maps The extended character maps can be found on the our Internet site or from CD ROM. Click on the code page reference (in the electronic manual version) to display the code page. The files to print character maps for 2”, 4” and 8.5” printers are also on the Internet site or are provided on CD ROM. Asian Language The Eltron flash based printers support three Character Maps Asian language sets.
Appendix B - Optional & Extended Character Sets B-4 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming This section contains information unique to the Asian character printers. Asian Character Sets The EPL2 programming language supports up Fonts 8 & 9 to two (2) font sets of a single Asian language as well as the standard Latin (Multilingual) fonts. 1-5 and downloadable soft fonts (A-Z and a-z). ❏ All Asian character fonts (8 & 9) can be expanded both horizontally and vertically.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming Only One (1) Asian language is supported by a printer. Each Asian language (character set) is a separate printer firmware version. Asian printers with flash firmware can be reprogrammed for a different Asian language, but we do not recommend this for normal use. Printers that support Asian languages and use a memory cartridge can be reconfigured by changing to a different Asian language memory cartridge.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text Description Prints a character string. Syntax Ap1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,"DATA" Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots. p2 = Vertical start position (Y) in dots.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text p6 = Vertical multiplier, expands printed text vertically. Range: 1 - 9. p7 = N for normal or R for reverse image “DATA” = Represents a fixed data field. The backslash (\) character designates the following character is a literal and will encode into the data field.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text The data field can be replaced by or combined with the following commands: Vnn =Prints the contents of variable “nn” at this position where nn is a 2 digit number from 00 to 99. Cn = Prints the contents of counter “n” at this position where n is a one digit number from 0 to 9. TT = Prints the current time at this position in the predefined format.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text The following table outlines the (A) command data field option of printer stored or supplied data. Model 2642 2344 (Eclipse) TLP2046 Strata Orion Flash Printers Data Parameter Option Support RTC Counter TT TD Cn O O S N/A N/A Note 1 O O S N/A N/A Note 1 N/A N/A Note 1 N/A N/A Note 1 O = Option; S = Standard; N/A = Not Available Note 1 – See the (C) command in the EPL2 programmer’s manual for details. C-6 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text Total Character Width The English font (1-5) characters are dot mapped differently than the Asian font (8 & 9) characters. The Asian character does not have a built-in inter-character gap. The English characters include a single dot boarder around each character.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming A Command - ASCII Text The Asian fonts can print character strings oriented from top to bottom (p3 values 4-7), as well as the standard English word orientation from left to right (p3 values 0-3). The characters will print in the sequence that they are entered into the (A) command’s data field.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming i Command - Asian Character Spacing Description Places an adjustable inter-character space between Asian font characters, fonts 8 and 9, only. Inter character spacing is multiplied with the font. An inter character spacing of 4 dots would become 12 dots when a font multiplier of 3 is applied to the text string. Syntax ip1 Parameters p1 = Space in dots between Asian characters.
Appendix C - Asian Character Printer Programming C-10 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Appendix D - Bar Code Information This section has answers to frequently asked questions about bar coding in general. Frequently Asked Q.What do I need to know about bar Questions About codes? Bar Codes A. Listed below are characteristics that most bar codes have in common: ❏ Bars and Spaces - Each symbol has a defined pattern of bars and spaces which can be read or scanned by a bar code reader.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information ❏ Human Readable Information - The information encoded in a bar code may be represented in human-readable form below the printed bar code symbol. This humanreadable representation is optional with some bar codes while mandatory with others. ❏ Fixed vs. Variable Length - Some bar code symbologies vary in length, contingent upon the amount of information that needs to be represented.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Q. What are the most common bar codes in use today? A. Listed below are seven bar codes that are in very common use: The Universal Product Code (UPC) The Universal Product Code, or UPC symbol is a standardized numbering system which provides unique identification of an item and is used widely in the retail community. The Uniform Code Council (UCC) is the administrator of the UPC and publishes the specifications for this symbology.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Digit are implied), but the UCC promotes printing all eight digits. ❏ Check Digit - Required (modulus 10 calculation) ❏ Encoded Information · Number System Character (one digit) · Manufacturer Identification Number (five digits) · Product Identification Number (five digits) · Check Digit (one digit) ❏ Allowable Sizes - Sizes for the UPC-E are determined by a “magnification” factor which is based on the “X” dimension size.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information and the Uniform Symbology Specifications for this symbology were developed by AIM USA. The UCC recognizes this symbology for shipping container marking in the Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes. ❏ Character Set - 0 -9 ❏ Encodation - I 2 of 5 pairs characters and encodes the first digit of the pair on five bars and the second digit of the pair on the five interleaving spaces. Two of the five spaces or bars used to encode a character are always wide.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information ❏ Allowable Sizes · Minimum “X” Dimension: .0075 inches ❏ Wide to Narrow Ratio: · 2:1 to 3:1 for “X” Dimension greater than .020 inches · 2.2:1 to 3:1 for “X” Dimension less than .020 inches · The SSC-14 specifications outline “magnifications” that are allowable. ❏ Allowable Symbol Height · The greater of .25 inches or 15% of the symbol length. I 2 of 5 symbol encoding the data “1991”. D-6 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Code 3 of 9 (Code 39) Code 3 of 9, or Code 39, is a symbology used widely in industrial applications. This symbol was invented by Dr. David Allais and the Uniform Symbology Specification was developed by AIM USA. The Department of Defense, the health industry, and the automotive industry have also adopted Code 39 as their industry standard. Character Set - 0 - 9, A - Z, -, ., %, /, $, space, +, * Encodation - Five bars and four spaces are required to encode a character.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Code 128 is frequently used in industrial, retail, and shipping applications. This symbology was invented by Ted Williams and the Uniform Symbology Specification for this symbology was developed by AIM USA. ❏ Character Set - The full ASCII set (128 characters). One of the advantages of this symbology is the ability to encode all 128 characters of the standard ASCII code chart. ❏ Encodation - Three bars and three spaces are required to encode a character.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information UPC Shipping Container Symbol (SCC-14) The UPC Shipping Container Symbol, or the SCC-14, utilizes the I 2 of 5 symbology and is designed specifically for shipping carton marking in the retail industry. The UCC administers this standard. ❏ Character Set - O - 9 ❏ Encodation - SCC-14 pairs characters and encodes the first of the pair on five bars and the second of the pair on the five interleaving spaces.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information .040 inches and height equals 1.25 inches). These magnifications range from 62.5% to 120%, although a size of 100% or greater should be used when printing directly on corrugated substrates. Results of a 1989 corrugated industry study by the Fibre Box Association on bar width variability showed that it is not currently feasible to print the 62.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information UCC/EAN-128 Serial Shipping Container Symbol The SSCC-18 is a popular format of the UCC/EAN-128 specification and is meaningful only when used in association with EDI and the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN). The UCC administers the specifications for this symbology. ❏ Character Set - The full ASCII set (128 characters). ❏ Encodation - Three bars and three spaces are used to encode a character. ❏ Code Type - Modular, fixed length (21 digits). ❏ Human-Readable - Required.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Codabar Codabar is a bar code symbology used often in libraries, blood banks, and preprinted airway bills. The Codabar specification was invented by Monarch Marking Systems, a Pitney Bowes Company, and standardized in AIM USA. ❏ Character Set - 0 - 9, $, -, :, /, ., + ❏ There are also four unique start/stop characters designated A, B, C, and D. ❏ Encodation - Four bars and three spaces are required to encode a character. ❏ Allowable Sizes Minimum “X” Dimension: .
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Q. What are Two Dimensional (2D) Bar Codes? A. Two Dimensional bar code symbologies have high data densities and typically include error correction. Typically, a standard (one dimensional) bar code only encodes a single data field (e.g. a part number, a name, or P.O. no.). A two dimensional bar code can typically encode (store) all the fields in a data record up to the symbology's maximum character count (many times greater than standard bar code symbologies). Q.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Q. What is MaxiCode? MaxiCode is a two-dimensional symbology that can encode approximately 100 characters of data in a single one square inch symbol and up to eight symbols per data record. The MaxiCode bar code was developed by a major freight shipper in conjunction with AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers) organization to provide a portable database record. The format allows for multiple data field entries into a single ship record (name, date, address, etc.).
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - Overview Description This command will direct a printer equipped with the 2D feature to print a bar code using a 2 dimensional code type. Most Eltron printers support two (2) two dimensional (2D) bar code formats, see the table below for details.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific Options Description Use this commmand to generate MaxiCode bar code symbols with a single command. The printer will automatically interpret and encode data into MaxiCode symbols for data modes 2, 3, 4, and 6. Up to eight symbols can be linked.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific Options p5= x,y Associated MaxiCode symbol numbering where: x = Symbol Number of y = Total Number of Associated Symbols Default: Not used Range: 1-8 for both x or y ”DATA”= Mode Dependent Data Format Mode dependent data is bounded by quotation marks. Maximum of 2 Kbytes of data.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific Options Example: N¿ b20,20,M,"300,840,93065,1692,This is MaxiCode, but not MaxiCode formatted data"¿ P1¿ Will Produce: D-18 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information Using AIM Specified The EPL2 printer can use and automatically deMaxiCode Data code the AIM ITS (International Technical StanFormatting dards) MaxiCode data format. The printer detects the message/start header ([)>RS), field separator (GS), and the end of message marker (RS EOT) data control strings. The hexidecimal (ASCII) data control strings are in the following table. See the EPL2 dump mode character map in Appendix A.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options Description Use this command to print PDF 417 and Macro PDF bar code symbols. The printer will auto select to Macro PDF bar code mode and print print one or more symbols when used in conjunction with the oH command to place addition symbols for continuation data.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options The following parameters may be omitted and default values will automatically be inserted. Each parameter value (data string) must be proceeded by its associated command prefix character.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options p9 (f) = Bar code origin point Values: 0 or 1, Default is 1 f1- Center of bar code as defined by the automatically adjusted symbol size, i.e. width and height. Parmaters p4 and p5 values are maximum values only. f0- Upper left corner of barcode. p10 (x) - module width (in dots) Values: 2 - 9 (i.e. x2-x9) Default: Auto selects 6 (dots).
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options "DATA" = ASCII data or Binary data bytes Represents a fixed data field. The backslash (\) character designates the following character is a literal and will encode into the data field.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options PDF417 Symbol Geometry D-24 Columns Maximum Rows Codewords 5 90 90 6 90 180 7 90 270 8 90 360 9 90 450 10 90 540 11 90 630 12 90 720 13 90 810 14 90 900 15 84 924 16 77 924 17 71 923 18 66 924 19 61 915 20 58 928 21 54 918 22 51 918 23 48 912 24 46 920 25 44 924 26 42 924 27 40 920 28 38 912 29 37 925 30 35 910 31 34 918 32 33 924 33 3
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options Automatic PDF 417 The printer automatically tests and changes the Bar Code Generation PDF 417 bar code geometry to maximize the readability of the bar code for a given maximum height and width, specified by p4 and p5. The printer tests the PDF 417 parameters in this order for a given data string (error correction and compression included): 1. Module width p10 (for codeword width) 2. Symbol width p4 3.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options Example: N¿ b80,100,P,700,600,x2,y7,l100,r100,f0,s5," \ ¿ Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information oH Command - Macro PDF Offset Description Use this command to place addition secondary, associated Macro PDF symbols for the continuation of data greater than a single PDF 417 bar code can store. This command must preceed any PDF 417 bar code commands inorder to print Macro PDF (multiple bar code) symbols from a single b command's data field. Syntax oHp1, p2 Parameters p1 = Horizontal offset position (X) in dots of the next Macro PDF bar code symbol.
Appendix D - Bar Code Information oH Command - Macro PDF Offset Example: N¿ q784¿ Q1215,24¿ R0,0¿ oH0,500¿ ¿ N¿ b80,100,P,700,600,x2,y7,l100,r100,f0,s5,"\ Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers... <<< the rest of Lincoln’s Gettyberg Address HERE >>> ... and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. "¿ P¿ Will Produce: D-28 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming This section applies to printers with the RTC (Real Time Clock) option installed. RTC Option Support for the RTC option varies from printer Configurations model to model. Model variations are, as follows: ❏ Memory Cartridge with RTC Most EPL2 printers support the RTC with the SRAM memory cartridge. The printer can easily be field upgraded to a memory cartridge with a RTC.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming RTC Commands The following commands can use and control the RTC option features: · TS - Set Time & Date · TT - Define Time Layout as a command or Insert Time Function as a variable · TD - Define Date Layout as a command or Insert Time Function as a variable · A - ASCII Text (Time & Date variable within “DATA”) · B - Bar Code (Time & Date variable within “DATA”) Checking for Use the EPL2 printer’s AutoSense procedure Time & Date to generate a Dump Mode prin
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming A Command - ASCII Text with RTC The “Data” field can be replaced by or combined with the following variables: TT = Prints the current time at this position in the predefined format. See the TT command for format selection. This variable is available only if the printer Time & Date option is installed. TD = Prints the current date at this position in the predefined format. See the TD command for format selection.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming B Command - Bar Code with RTC The data field can be replaced by or combined with the following commands: Vnn = Prints the contents of variable “nn” at this position where nn is a 2 digit number from 00 to 99. Cn =Prints the contents of counter “n” at this position where n is a one digit number from 0 to 9. TT = Prints the current time at this position in the predefined format. See the TT command for format selection.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming TD Command - Define Date Layout Description Use this command to define the date format when printing. Use the variable TD in a Text or Bar Code (A & B commands) DATA parameter to print the date. Syntax TDp1[|p2|p3] Parameters p1, p2, p3 = The parameters describe the format of the date display. At lease one parameter must be supplied. Each parameter can be any of the acceptable values listed below.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming TS Command - Set Real Time Clock Description Use this command to set the time and date in printers equipped with the Real Time Clock option. Syntax TSp1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6 Parameters p1 = Month Range: 01 to 12 p2 = Day Range: 01 to 31 p3 = Year Last two digits of Year (e.g.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming TT Command - Define Time Layout Description Use this command to define the time format when printing. Syntax TTp1[|p2|p3][+] Parameters P1, P2, P3 = h, m, or s These parameters describe the format of the time display. · At lease one parameter must be supplied. · Each parameter can be any of the values h, m, or s and are described below. Value Description h Hours displayed as 2 digits (e.g. 01) m Minutes displayed as 2 digits (e.g.
Appendix E - Real Time Clock Option Programming E-8 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming This section applies to printers with the Cutter option installed. 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming Cutter Option Support for the Cutter option varies from Configurations printer model to model. Model variations are, as follows: ❏ Desktop printers Most desktop printer models can be ordered with the cutter installed. The cutter circuit is integrated into the main circuit board and can not be field upgraded. ❏ Industrial Printers Most industrial printers can be ordered with a cutter installed (preferred) or field upgraded by a qualified service technician.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming C Command - Cut Immediate Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to initiate an immediate media cut without a form print operation. The printer must have the cutter option installed. ❏ The C command – Cut Immediate can not be used inside of a form.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming f Command - Cut Position Description Use this command on an individual printer to provide precision cut placement. · Compensate sensor to cutter position differences on a printer by printer basis. · Fine-tune cut position to compensate for differences in media. Syntax fp1 Parameters p1 = cut position index measured in dots. Acceptable values: 070 to 130. The default value is 100.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming OC Command - Cutter Option Select Description This sub-command is used to enable the cutter o p t i o n f e at u r e w h e n i n s t al l e d . T h i s sub-command set of the O command works with other O Option commands. See the Command Reference, Section 2, and the Advanced Programming, Appendix G, for additional O (Option) command parameters. Syntax OC[p1] Enables the label liner cutter. The cutter will cut at the end of each form as specified by the Q command.
Appendix F - Cutter Option Programming OC Command - Cutter Option Select Examples: O F-6 :disables all options. OC :enables cutter only, labels are cut after each :label is printed, disables all other options OC125 :labels are cut after the 125th label has printed, :disables all other options OCb ... P5 :labels are cut after a batch of five has printed, :disables all other options : 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming Appendix G - Advanced Programming This section applies to commands and procedures that use atypical media, various printer options and unique operating conditions by the advanced user and programmer. Introduction The commands (and sub-commands) in this section require the programmer to pay extra attention to the printer’s operational state and conditions prior to, during and after issuing one or more of these commands. 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming AUTOFR - Automatic Form Printing Feature Description: This special form process allows you to detach the printer from the computer and print in a standalone mode. The EPL2 printer reserves the form name AUTOFR to allow the printer to automatically start a form when the printer is initialized power-up. This feature can be used in many ways:. · Feed a single in peel mode and printing multiple labels set to the number of labels on the roll.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming AUTOFR - Automatic Form Printing Feature AUTOFR treats any incoming data as a variable intended for printing. This means if you send the printer a memory partition command, the label will print, if you send a delete command - the label will print! So, while you are testing AUTOFR it is best to use another name for the form. Once you are satisfied with the form, rename it AUTOFR before you download it. There is no need to specify a file extension.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming A Command – Simple Expresssions in Data Fields Description: The advanced function of the A command allows addition and subtraction to be performed on constant and variable values in flash printers. Syntax: Ap1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,"DATA"[p8p9p10…] Parameters: For the p1 - p7 and “DATA” parameters See A command, page 2-4. p8 = Required. Must be a variable data field number, eg. V00, V01 etc. p9 = Required. Operator, + or – p10 = Required.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming A Command – Simple Expresssions in Data Fields Example: ¿ FK"1"¿ FK"1"¿ FS"1"¿ V00,10,N,"Enter current mileage"¿ A100,100,0,4,1,1,N,"Current mileage is “V00" miles.”¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Change oil at “V00+3000" miles.”¿ FE¿ ¿ FK"2"¿ FK"2"¿ FS"2"¿ V00,10,N,"Enter current mileage."¿ V01,10,N,"Enter interval mileage."¿ A100,100,0,4,1,1,N,"Current mileage is “V00" miles.”¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Mileage interval is “V01" miles.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming dump Command - Enable Dump Mode Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to force a user diagnostic “data dump” mode. Sending the dump command to the printer allows the programmer to compare actual data sent to printer with the host program. Send data to the printer after the dump command has been issued to evaluate program and printer control data. The printer will process all data bytes into ASCII character data , range 0-255 decimal (00-FF hexadecimal).
Appendix G - Advanced Programming eR Command - User Defined Error/Status Character Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to specify the printer's error/status report character for error reporting via the RS-232 serial interface. Syntax: eRp1,p2 Parameters: p1 = Any single ASCII character Range: 0-255 decimal (00-FF hexidecimal) p2 = Error/Status Response Mode p2 Mode Descriptions 0 Standard (default): XON (17 dec. / 11 hex.) on Recovery XOFF (19 dec. / 13 hex.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming O Command - Options Select Description Use this command to select various printer options. Options available vary by printer model. Syntax O[C[p1], D, d, P, L, S] Parameters d= Replaced by xa command Disable Diagnostic Dump Mode. P2242 only - Disables the printer’s AutoSense Dump Mode Printout. The setting is stored in nonvolatile memory. Sending a 0 command without the d will reset the Dump Mode operation. S = Reverse the Transmissive (Gap) Sensor Operation.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming o Command - Cancel Customized Settings Description: This command allows the user to cancel all printer customization parameters set by o series commands. Values set by the following commands are canceled.: · oB · oH · oM · oR · oW Syntax: o Parameters: None The o command is a global printer command. ❏ It can not be issued inside of a form. ❏ It must be issued prior to issuing a text or bar code command (and printing). 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming oB Command - Cancel Auto Bar Code Optimization Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to disable bar code optimization for rotated (90° & 270°) bar codes. Using the oB command may cause some bar codes to become unreadable by some bar code scanners. Syntax: oB Parameters: None The oB command is a global printer command. ❏ It can not be issued inside of a form. ❏ It must be issued prior to issuing a bar code command (and printing).
Appendix G - Advanced Programming oR Command - Character Substitution (Euro) Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to substitute the Euro currency character for any ASCII character in printer resident fonts 1-5. The original character can be restored by sending the oR command without a parameter. Syntax: oR[p1, p2] Parameters: p1 = E If the p2 parameter is not provided, then the Euro character will map to code page position 213 decimal (D5 hexadecimal) for all code pages.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming oR Command - Character Substitution (Euro) The oR command is a global printer command. ❏ It can not be issued inside of a form. ❏ It must be issued prior to issuing a text command (and printing). ❏ Effects a single character on a single code page. Changing the character position will restore the original character. ❏ The character substitution is saved like printer configuration parameters (Density, Serial Port Data Rate, Options, etc.).
Appendix G - Advanced Programming oW Command - Customize Bar Code Parameters Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to modify specific bar code parameters to exceed the specified bar code’s design tolerances, i.e. reduce the bar code size. Using the oW command may cause bar codes to become unreadable by some or all bar code scanners. Syntax: oWp1,p2,p3,p4,p5 Parameters: p1 = Initial width narrow white bar. Default value is 2 p2 = Initial width narrow black bar.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming oW Command - Customize Bar Code Parameters Reset the printer with a ^@ or o commands with flash firmware printers or cycle printer power to clear the oW command and return the printer to normal operation. See page G-9 for important details on the effects of using the o command. The B command parameters p5 & p6 must be set to 0 to use bar codes customized with this command. The oW command has been tested for parameter functionality for Bar Code 39 only.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming p Command - Reset Top of Form Sensing Description: This command allows the advanced programmer to reset the default parameters for top of form sensing. The command resets the tear, peel, gap, black line, and cut positions that are stored in the printer. Syntax: pp1,p2,p3,p4,p5 Parameters: p1 = 0 (Default Value) p2 = 0 (Default Value) p3 = 0 (Default Value) p4 = 0 (Default Value) p5 = 0 (Default Value) The p command is a global printer command.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming r Command - Buffer Mode Description: Use this command to disable or reenable the double buffer image (label) printing. The double buffer feature is a automatically tested and set by the q command. Syntax: rp1 Parameters: p1 = N - Disable Double Buffer Mode Y - Re-enable the Double Buffer Mode if the printer memory supports the image buffer size set by Q and q parameters The rN command must follow the q command in a form (label) program.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming U Commands - Advanced Status Commands Description These commands allow the advanced programmer to request and control specific printer status conditions, print process controls and printer configuration. Syntax Up1 p1 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UA Command - Enable Clear Label Counter Mode Description Use this command to clear the label counter if a paper empty occurs. The EPL2 printer, by default, will resume printing if the empty roll is replaced with new roll (or ribbon) and finish a batch print job Syntax UA A power cycle, reset, or UB command will clear this setting. Example: UA¿ G-18 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UB Command - Reset Label Counter Mode Description Use this command to clear the UA command and restore the default setting to allow the printer to resume printing a batch job if a paper empty occurs. The EPL2 printer, by default, will resume printing if the empty roll is replaced with new roll (or ribbon) and finish a batch print job Syntax UB Example: UB¿ 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UE Command - External Font Information Inquiry Description This command will cause the printer to send information about external fonts currently stored in the printer back to the host. Syntax UE The printer will send the number of external fonts stored and each font’s name, height and direction, to the host through the RS-232 port. Example: UE¿ Will Produce: ### A,xxx,y ... ... ...
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UF Command - Form Information Inquiry Description This command will cause the printer to send information about forms currently stored in the printer back to the host. Syntax UF The printer will send the number of forms stored and each form’s name to the host through the RS-232 port. Example: UF¿ Will Produce: ### FORMNAME1 FORMNAME2 ... FORMNAMEn 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UG Command - Graphics Information Inquiry Description This command will cause the printer to send information about graphics currently stored in the printer back to the host. Syntax UG The printer will send the number of graphics stored and each graphic’s name to the host through the RS-232 port. Example: UG¿ Will Produce: ### GRAPHICNAME1 GRAPHICNAME2 ...
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UI Command - Host Prompts/Codepage Inquiry Description This command will cause the printer to enable prompts to be sent to the host and it will send the currently selected codepage to the host through the RS-232 port. Syntax UI The printer will send information about the currently selected code page back to the host in the following format:. UIp1,p2,p3 p1 = Number of data bits. p2 = Code page. p3 = Country code.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UM Command - Codepage & Memory Inquiry Description This command will cause the printer to send to the host of the currently selected codepage and memory status through the RS-232 port. Syntax UM The printer will send information about the currently selected code page and memory status back to the host in the following format:. UMp1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,p8 p1 = Image buffer size in KBytes. p2 = Form memory allocation size in KBytes. p3 = From memory free in KBytes.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UN Command - Disable Error Reporting Description Cancels US command Syntax UN 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UP Command - Codepage & Memory Inquiry/Print Description This command will cause the printer to print and send the currently selected codepage and memory status to the host through the RS-232 port. Syntax UP The printer will send information about the currently selected code page and memory status back to the host followed by printing the current printer configuration. For an example of the configuration printout, see the U command.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming UQ Command - Configuration Inquiry Description Use this command to send the printer configuration information back to the host via the serial port. Syntax UQ The printer will send the printer configuration, line by line, in ASCII to the host through the RS-232 port. The information matches the configuration information printed in final phase of the printer’s AutoSense routine, the Dump Mode Printout or the U command printout.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming US Command - Enable Error Reporting Description Use this command to enable the printer’s status reporting feature. · Serial Port - If an error occurs, the printer will send a NACK(0x15), followed by the error number, to the computer. If no errors occur, the printer will echo ACK(0x6) after each P command. If paper or ribbon empty occurs, the printer will send, through the serial port, a”-07” and “Pnnn” where nnn is the number of labels remaining to print.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming US Command - Enable Error Reporting Code 980009-001 Rev.F Error/Status Description 00 No Error 01 Syntax Error 02 Object Exceeded Label Border 03 Bar Code Data Length Error (eg.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming W Command - Windows Mode Description This command is used to disable/re-enable the Windows command mode. Syntax Wp1 Parameters p1 = Windows Mode Enabled. Values = Y for enabled (default) N for disabled When enabled, the printer will accept Windows mode escape sequences to print data. When disabled, escape sequences will be ignored. The Windows mode escape sequences are only used by the optional Windows printer driver.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming xa Command - AutoSense Description This command is used to have the printer detect the label and gap length and set the sensor levels. This command will not enter into the Dump mode or print the printer configuration label. Syntax xa¿ Example: xa¿ 980009-001 Rev.F :The printer will feed labels and : measure the labels to set the Q values : (label & gap length) and the sensor : levels. : The printer is at Top of Form (TOF) : and ready to print .
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ^ee Command - Error Report - Immediate Description: Use this command to get printer error and status report immediately. The ^ee command must be sent via the RS-232 serial interface. The printer will report 4 bytes back to host in the following format: XX dec.) XX = Error/Status code = Carriage Return (ASCII 13 = Lin Feed (ASCII 10 dec.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ^@ Command - Reset Printer Description This command is used to reset the printer. :where ^is 94 decimal Syntax ^@¿ This command emulates Power Off and then Power On; thus reinitializing the printer. · The reset command is unavailable during the operation of storing PCX graphics, soft fonts or while the printer is in dump mode. · The reset command cannot be used in a stored form. · The reset command can be sent to the printer during all other printing operations.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming Soft Fonts Overview Soft fonts allow the programmer and user to have a wide variety of font and small graphic recall. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are listed below. Advantages ❏ Programmer can design and generate unique font sets that are licence free fonts. ❏ Generate small graphics that can be recalled as font. Graphics less than 256 dots high and 2048 dots wide (255 bytes x 8).
Appendix G - Advanced Programming EK Command - Delete Soft Font Description This command is used to delete soft fonts from memory. Soft fonts can be downloaded to and deleted from the printer from the Soft Font Downloader Utility, CAL Tools or CAL3.. Syntax EK {“FONTNAME”|"*"} Parameters “FONTNAME” = By entering the name of a font, that font will be deleted from memory. “*” = By including an “*” (wild card), ALL fonts will be deleted from memory. Example: EK"A"↵ EK"*"↵ 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ES Command - Store Soft Font Description This command is used to download and store soft fonts in memory. Soft fonts can be downloaded to and deleted from the printer from the Soft Font Downloader Utility, CAL Tools or CAL3.. Syntax ES"FONTNAME"p1p2p3a1b1c1“DATA1”a 2b2c2“DATA2” ...
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ES Command - Store Soft Font a1 : (1st) Download Character (map position) Range: 00 to FF hex. b 1: (1st) Spacing To Next Print Character Downloaded character’s next printed character position in dots, i.e. Character tracking - the space between characters.Must be greater than or equal to the character width, see parameter c1. Dots in a decimal number converted to a hexadecimal number. Range: 00 to FF hex.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ES Command - Store Soft Font For fonts with the rotation parameter set for “both” (p2 = 02 hex.): Repeat the individual font character download for each 90° rotated character from the start of the character set until the last rotated character in the set is downloaded.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ES Command - Store Soft Font Soft Fonts The typical soft font download command Programming Code strings to the printer. The following example Example was generated with the CAL3WIN software.
Appendix G - Advanced Programming ES Command - Store Soft Font Font Bitmap Data The black and white bitmap that represents the Format font must be converted into ASCII hexadecimal code. The 0° font format has dot converted to data bytes reading from left to right and the last byte in a line is padded with zeros to complete the line and data byte. The 0° and 90° font data is then sent to the printer in line order. G-40 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Appendix H - Programming Examples This section has examples that outline the basic steps needed to program various form/label elements. The examples cover three areas: printing immediately, storing forms (labels) and recalling forms (labels). ❏ Printing Immediately is primarily used to create and test label/form formats prior to storage in the printer’s (nonvolatile) memory or into the host’s application program.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 1 - Text and This label has basic text and line graphics. Line Graphics Example 1: ¿ OD¿ N¿ D7¿ S2¿ ZT¿ Q609,24¿ q784¿ X30,30,20,750,400¿ A60,100,0,2,3,3,N,"Normal Type"¿ A60,200,0,2,3,3,R,"Reverse Type"¿ P1¿ Will Produce: H-2 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming ¿ OD¿ N¿ Description Initialize printer Set option for direct thermal printing Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Density - Recommended, interacts with speed D7¿ Speed - Recommended, interacts with density S2¿ ZT¿ Image Buffer Direction - Optional Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ 1) Sets Label (Image Buffer) and Gap Lengths 2) Sets media detection to Transmissive (Gap) sensor Sets Image Buffer Widt
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 2 - Text and This label demonstrates text and line graphic inLine Graphic teraction. The print mode has been reset to the Interactions default “thermal transfer” mode with the O command to guarantee thermal transfer operation.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming ¿ O¿ N¿ Description Initialize Printer Resets print method to thermal transfer Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Density - Changed from default to 8 for optimum D8¿ print quality with the selected transfer ribbon and media Speed - Recommended, interacts with density S2¿ ZT¿ Image Buffer Direction - Optional Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ 1) Sets Label (Image Buffer) and Gap Lengths 2) Sets media
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 3 - Bar This label demonstrates bar code implementaCode Variables tions using Code 39 (with automatic extended character set). Example 3: ¿ OD¿ N¿ D7¿ S2¿ Q609,24¿ q784¿ B10,150,0,3,2,6,80,N,"CODE 39"¿ B10,300,0,3C,2,6,80,B,"CODE 39 - HUMANREADABLE"¿ B10,450,0,3,2,6,80,B,"Code 39"¿ P1¿ Will Produce: H-6 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Description: Programming ¿ OD¿ N¿ Description Initialize printer Set direct thermal mode Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Density D8¿ Speed S2¿ Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ Label and Gap Lengths and selects Transmissive (Gap) sensor Buffer Width (center aligned) Label Elements (Text, Lines, Bar Codes and Graphics) Bar Code - No human readable B10,150,0,3,2,6,80,N,"CODE 39"¿ text B10,300,0,3C,2,6,80,B,"CODE 39 - HUMA
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 4 - Bar This label demonstrates bar code and line Code and Line graphic interaction. Graphics Interaction Example 4: ¿ O¿ N¿ D5¿ S1¿ Q609,24¿ q784¿ LO50,20,50,550¿ LE150,20,50,550¿ LW250,20,50,550¿ LO20,280,750,30¿ B750,200,2,3,2,6,80,B,"CODE 39 - H/R"¿ B20,400,0,3C,2,6,80,B,"CODE 39 - H/R"¿ LO400,20,50,550¿ LE500,20,50,550¿ LW600,20,50,550¿ P1¿ Will Produce: H-8 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming ¿ O¿ N¿ Description Initialize printer Reset printer defaults - set thermal transfer mode Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Density - Adjust to match printing method D5¿ Speed - Adjust to match printing method S1¿ Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ Label and Gap Lengths and selects Transmissive (Gap) sensor Buffer Width (center aligned) Label Elements (Text, Lines, Bar Codes and Graphics) Simple Line
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 5 - The order that graphic elements get placed in Sequencing Graphic the image (buffer) effect the print results. Elements · Standard black graphics (text, lines, boxes, PCX graphics, etc.) should be placed first. · LW command ,White lines (rectangles), elements should be placed next. · LE command, Exclusive-ORed (reverse image) color should be placed last.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Using the LE line element for creating Reversed Text is the most versatile and recommend) method of generating this type of text.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 6 - Steps Use the following steps for downloading a PCX for Downloading a graphic file to a printer with a flash (nonvolatile) PCX Graphic memory card installed with DOS operating system commands. This procedure may also be done from within a MSDOS™ window from a Windows® operating system. See the M, EI, FI, GI & U commands to manage the printer’s memory. Step 1 Generate the PCX graphic file with the following considerations: · Black and White (Bitmap) only.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Step 3 Generate an program (ASCII text) file for each PCX graphic file to be downloaded. Example: GK"WORLD"¿ GM"WORLD"4398¿ Save the file as a 1-8 character file name and include a 1-3 character extension that the text editor can recognize. Always save files in ASCII text format. Example: STOREIT1.TXT Step 4 Verify that printer has memory available to download the graphics. See the M, FI, GI & U commands to verify and manage the printer’s memory.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 7 - Printing This example demonstrates printing a label with A PCX Graphic a graphic, immediately, by importing a preloaded PCX graphic from memory. This is the easiest method to layout and test a label prior to downloading it as a form. The PCX graphic should be pre-sized for the printer resolution, orientation and print dimensions. Example 7: ¿ OD¿ N¿ D8¿ S2¿ Q609,24¿ q784¿ GG50,50,”WORLD”¿ P1¿ Will Produce: H-14 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming ¿ OD¿ N¿ Description Initialize the printer Set direct thermal mode Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Set Density D8¿ Set Speed S2¿ Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ Label Length and Gap Buffer Width (center aligned) Label Elements (Text, Lines, Bar Codes and Graphics) Loads PCX graphic stored as WORLD, directly into GG50,50,”WORLD”¿ image buffer from the printer memory.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 8 - Printing This example demonstrates printing a complete Immediately: Putting label with text, bar code, and graphic elements. It All Together The label uses preloaded PCX graphics from printer memory for fast label download.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming ¿ OD¿ N¿ Description Initialize printer Set direct thermal mode Clear the image buffer Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Set Density D8¿ Set Speed S2¿ Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ Label Length and Gap Buffer Width (center aligned) Label Elements (Text, Lines, Bar Codes and Graphics) Loads stored PCX graphic WORLD. GG100,70,”WORLD”¿ Normal text. A170,5,0,1,5,5,N,"WORLDWIDE"¿ Simple line 10 dots thick.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 9 - This example demonstrates form creation and Creating A Form downloading to printer’s nonvolatile memory. The form has simple text, bar code, and graphic elements. The label uses a preloaded PCX graphic from printer memory. See Example 6 for graphic downloading.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming FK”EXAM-09”¿ FS”EXAM-09”¿ Description Queue form to save to memory. Start form store sequence. Set Printer Control Parameters and Options Set Density D8¿ Set Speed S2¿ Set Label Parameters Q609,24¿ q784¿ Label Length and Gap Buffer Width (center aligned) Label Elements (Text, Lines, Bar Codes and Graphics) Loads stored PCX graphic WORLD. GG90,80,”WORLD”¿ Normal text.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 10 - Steps Use the following steps for downloading a Form for Downloading a file to printer memory with DOS operating sysForm tem commands. This procedure may also be done from within a MSDOS™ window from a Windows® operating system. See the M, FI, GI & U commands to manage the printer memory. Step 1 Generate the Form (ASCII text) file. See Example 9. Step 2 Use the DOS COPY command to download the Form file to the printer memory. Example: COPY EXAM-09.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 11 - This example demonstrates variable data fields. Creating a Form The variable data fields must be loaded immewith Basic Variables diately following the FS command and prior to any counter variables. Variable data fields are entered when printing the label. The variables are entered by operator via a terminal device or EPL2 program with the Download Variables (?) command. The terminal/printer operator enters the data in after each prompt.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming FK”EXAM-11”¿ FS”EXAM-11”¿ Description Queue form to save to printer memory. Start form store sequence. Set Variables (00-99) V00,15,C,”Enter company name”¿ Set variable “00”, max. 15 characters, centered. V01,17,C,”Enter product name”¿ Set variable “01”, max. 17 characters, centered. Set variable “02”, max. 8 characters, no justification.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 12 - This example demonstrates access and control Printing Forms with of individual forms by programming. The ? Variables (Download Variables) command is used to directly fill-in data fields. Example 12: ¿ OD¿ FR"EXAM11"¿ ?¿ WORLDWIDE¿ Bar Code Printer¿ BCP-1234¿ P1¿ ¿ ?¿ World-Wide¿ Direct Thermal Media¿ AAA-4321¿ P1¿ Will Produce: 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming Description ¿ Initialize printer OD¿ Set direct thermal print mode Do not place an O command inside forms. FR”EXAM-11”¿ Recall form from the printer memory. Variables (00-99) and Counters (0-9) - Label #1 Initiates Variable and Counter Download, in sequence ?¿ Set variable “00”, max. 15 characters, centered. WORLDWIDE¿ Set variable “01”, max. 20 characters, centered. Bar Code Printer¿ Set variable “02”, max.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 13 - This example demonstrates the variable data Variable Justification justification setting (p2=L,R,C and N) for printing of the data field (p3 = variable data field size parameter). The example uses the A (Text) command’s reversed text data field to show how the printer treats the different justification options.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Will Produce: H-26 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 14 - This example demonstrates counter data fields. Creating a Form with The counter data fields must be loaded immediBasic Counters ately following the FS command and all variables, if any are used. Counter data fields are entered at the time of printing the label. The counter starting values are entered by operator via a terminal device or EPL2 program with the Download Variables (?) command. The terminal/printer operator enters the data in after each prompt.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Will Produce: H-28 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Programming Breakdown: Programming FK”EXAM-14”¿ FS”EXAM-14”¿ Description Queue form to save to printer memory. Start form store sequence. Set Counters (0-9) C0,4,L,+1,"Starting Registration Number:"¿ Set counter “0”, max.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 15 - This example demonstrates variation of countNumeric Counting ing with the printer counter variables. The exand Printing amples show number roll-over, the effect of non-numeric characters in the counter field and printing multiples of a label.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Will Produce: Start Label Group#2 Start Label Group#1 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 16 - This example demonstrates the counter justifiCounter Justification cation setting (p2=L,R,C and N) for printing of the counter data field (p3 = variable data field size parameter). The example uses the A (Text) command’s reversed text data field to show how the printer treats the different justification options.
Appendix H - Programming Examples 02¿ 03¿ 04¿ 05¿ 06¿ 07¿ 08¿ P1,1¿ Will Produce: 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 17 Printing with Forms: Putting It All Together This example demonstrates creating and recalling for use, a form and printing a complete label set with variables, counter, text, bar code, and graphic elements. The form uses preloaded PCX graphics from printer memory. This provides the fastest label download process for EPL2 printers. The form can be accessed via a KDU or other remote terminal device.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Will Produce: Text & Bar Code Data Fields made of “Fixed” Data and Variable Data Text & Bar Code Data Fields made of “Fixed”, Variable and Counter Data PCX graphic rotated by external graphics editing software and downloaded as WORLDR First Label - Starting Counter Number 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Example 18 - Using a The Keyboard Display Unit (KDU) is a terminal KDU Terminal unit that interfaces with a printer in a stand-alone capacity. The KDU has sixty-two (62) keys and a 2-line, 20 character LCD display. The KDU is powered by and communicates with the printer through an RS232 serial port with a DB-9 (standard printers) or RJ-11 (portable printers). The power is enabled by jumper on the printers main PCBA.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Enter the form name using the keys on the keyboard. Upper and lower case letters must match exactly as the form name was saved. If a scanner is connected to the KDU, you may enter the form name by scanning. When the form name is entered, press ENTER to continue. The form is now retrieved and active in the printer.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Multiple Labels - If multiple labels are desired, enter the new quantity and press ENTER to print labels. Exit a Form - Press EXIT at any time to return to the Main Menu, or press FORM to select another form. Printing Forms with If the form contains a consecutive number field, Consecutive Number the system will automatically keep track of the Fields next number sequence. If you do not need to interfere with this predetermined sequence, press ENTER at this prompt.
Appendix H - Programming Examples Protecting Data If the label form has been designed to “hide” a variable prompt, i.e., Store No., that data will be protected and this prompt will appear only when the form is initially retrieved. Another label design command will prevent a prompt from ever showing and may be desirable for applications where data should not be changed, i.e., Serial Numbers. This method is not supported by the portable printer.
Appendix H - Programming Examples H-40 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix J - Interface Connection Appendix J - Interface Connection This section has the interface connection diagrams for Serial and Parallel ports for EPL2 printers. 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix J - Interface Connection Serial Interface Cable Connections Host N/C RxD TxD DTR GND DSR RTS CTS RI DB-9 Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DB-9 Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Printer +5 Volts* TxD RxD N/C GND RDY N/C RDY N/C Female DB-9 to Male DB-9 Cable P/N 300017-006 (6') or 300017-010 (10') Host N/C RxD TxD DTR GND DSR RTS CTS RI DB-25 Pin # 8 3 2 20 7 6 4 5 22 Printer DB-9 Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +5 Volts* TxD RxD N/C GND RDY N/C RDY N/C Female DB-25 to Male DB-9 Cable P/N 300018-006 (6') *+5 volts
Appendix J - Interface Connection P2242 Serial Interface Cable Connections Host N/C RxD TxD DTR GND DSR RTS CTS RI DB-9 Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Printer RJ-11 Pin # 1 5 6 2 3 4 RDY (blue) TxD (black) RxD (white) +5V* (yellow) GND (green) BUSY (red) Female DB-9 to RJ-11 Cable P/N 300065-001 (6') *+5 volts @ 200 mA max. Pin 3 (green) Pin 2 (yellow) Pin 1 (blue) Pin 4 (red) Pin 5 (black) Pin 6 (white) Front View of RJ-11 Modular Connector 980009-001 Rev.
Appendix J - Interface Connection Parallel Interface Cable Connections HOST DB-25 Pin No. STROBE DATA 0 DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA 7 ACK/ BUSY PAPER ERR. READY INIT ERROR/ N/A N/A N/A SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Centronics Pin No.
