Avery Sport2 9460 Programmer Manual

Monarch®

Sierra Sport 2ä

9460ä Printer

TC9460PM Rev. AH 3/09 ©2000 Avery Dennison Corp. All rights reserved.

Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only
warranty on which the customer can rely. Avery Dennison Corp. reserves the
right to make changes in the product, the programs, and their availability at any
time and without notice. Although Avery Dennison Corp. has made every effort
to provide complete and accurate information in this manual, Avery Dennison
Corp. shall not be liable for any omissions or inaccuracies. Any update will be
incorporated in a later edition of this manual.

©2000 Avery Dennison Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into
any language in any form by any means, without the prior written permission of
Avery Dennison Corp.

WARNING

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.

CANADIAN D.O.C. WARNING

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicte par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.

Trademarks

Monarch®, Sierra Sport2, and 9460 are trademarks of Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC.
Avery Dennison® is a trademark of Avery Dennison Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
UFST, Monotype, the Monotype logo, and CG Triumvirate are trademarks of Monotype Imaging, Inc.

Avery Dennison Printer Systems Division
170 Monarch Lane
Miamisburg, OH 45342

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED ...................................................1-1

About This Manual ..............................................1-1

Standard Features ..............................................1-1

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet .................................1-2

Printer Memory .................................................1-3

Using RAM .............................................1-3

Using Flash Memory......................................1-4

Starting with a Design ............................................1-4

Determining Format Contents ......................................1-5

Determining the Print Area ........................................1-5

Drawing Rough Sketches .........................................1-6

Using Supply Layout Grids ........................................1-6

Considering Field Types ..........................................1-7

Considering Fonts...............................................1-7

Using the Format Worksheet ......................................1-8

Filling in the Format Worksheet .............................1-8

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER ...................................2-1

Setting Communication Parameters ................................2-2

Using MPCLII Conventions ........................................2-3

MPCLII Punctuation ......................................2-3

Standard Syntax Guidelines ................................2-3

Using Online Configuration Packets...........................2-5

Configuration Syntax Guidelines .......................2-8

Making Print Adjustments .........................................2-8

Defining the System Setup Packet ...........................2-9

Defining the Supply Setup Packet ...........................2-10

Defining the Print Control Packet ...........................2-12

Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet ......................2-13

i

Defining the Control Characters Packet .......................2-14

Resetting Control Characters ..............................2-15

Using Immediate Commands ..............................2-16

Enabling Immediate Commands ......................2-16

Sending Immediate Commands ......................2-16

Defining the Communication Settings Packet ....................2-18

Defining the Backfeed Control Packet ..............................2-19

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed.................2-20

Defining the Memory Configuration Packet .....................2-21

Checking Current Buffer Sizes .......................2-23

About Memory Buffers ..................................2-23

Buffer Worksheet................................2-25

Buffer Allocation Considerations ......................2-25

Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts .....2-26

Clearing Packets from Memory.............................2-26

Using the Font Packet ..................................2-27

Uploading Format Header Information ........................2-29

DEFINING FIELDS .....................................................3-1

Defining the Format Header .......................................3-2

Defining Text Fields..............................................3-3

Defining Bar Code Fields .........................................3-8

Defining Constant Text Fields .....................................3-16

Defining Line Fields ............................................3-20

Line Types ............................................3-20

Defining Box Fields .............................................3-23

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS .............................................4-1

Applying Field Options ...........................................4-2

Combining Field Options ..................................4-2

Option 1 (Fixed Data) ............................................4-3

Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions)...................................4-4

Option 4 (Copy Data) ............................................4-5

Merging Fields ..........................................4-6

Sub-Fields .............................................4-6

ii

Option 30 (Pad Data) ............................................4-7

Sample Use for Padding...................................4-7

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) ..................................4-8

Option 42 (Price Field) ...........................................4-8

Option 50 (Bar Code Density) ......................................4-9

Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation) ............................4-10

Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length) .................................4-11

Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields)........................4-12

Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence ..........4-12

Option 61 (Re-image Field).......................................4-13

Using Check Digits .............................................4-14

Sum of Products Calculation ..............................4-15

Sum of Digits Calculation .................................4-16

CREATING GRAPHICS .................................................5-1

Overview of Bitmapped Images ....................................5-2

Determining a Method ....................................5-2

Designing Bitmapped Images ......................................5-3

Special Considerations ....................................5-3

Using the Hex Method ....................................5-4

Using the Run Length Encoding Method ......................5-6

Determining How to Store the Image ................................5-7

Using Volatile RAM.......................................5-7

Using Temporary Storage ..................................5-8

Using Flash.............................................5-8

Creating a Graphic Packet ........................................5-8

Positioning the Graphic Image ..............................5-9

Defining the Graphic Header......................................5-10

Creating Bitmap Fields ..........................................5-12

Creating Next-Bitmap Fields ......................................5-13

Creating Duplicate Fields ........................................5-14

Sample Hex Graphic Packet ......................................5-15

Sample Run Length Graphic Packet................................5-17

iii

Placing the Graphic in a Format ...................................5-19

Defining the Graphic Field........................................5-19

Sample Bitmap Graphic Image ....................................5-20

PRINTING............................................................6-1

Defining the Batch Header ........................................6-2

Defining the Batch Control Field ....................................6-3

Defining Batch Data Fields ........................................6-3

Using Special Characters in Batch Data ..............................6-4

Merged or Sub-Fields .....................................6-4

Incrementing Fields ......................................6-4

Entering Batch Data for QR Code...................................6-5

Structured Append Mode ..................................6-7

Structured Append QR Code Packet .........................6-8

Downloading Methods ...........................................6-8

Sequential Method .......................................6-8

Batch Method ...........................................6-8

Batch Quantity Zero Method................................6-9

Modifying Formats .............................................6-10

Optional Entry Method ...................................6-10

STATUS POLLING .....................................................7-1

Inquiry Request (ENQ) ...........................................7-2

Inquiry Response ........................................7-2

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 ....................................7-4

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 ....................................7-6

Job Request ...................................................7-8

Job Response...........................................7-9

Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 1 Codes) ............7-12

Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 2 Codes) ............7-13

iv

DIAGNOSTICS AND ERRORS ...........................................8-1

Printing a Test Label .............................................8-2

Reading a Test Label ............................................8-3

Resetting Printers ...............................................8-3

If You Receive an Error Message ...................................8-3

If the PC and Printer Are Not Communicating..........................8-4

Calling Technical Support .........................................8-4

Additional Diagnostics Information ..................................8-5

Data Errors ....................................................8-5

Format Errors ...........................................8-5

Batch Errors ............................................8-8

Option Errors ...........................................8-8

Online Configuration Errors ...............................8-10

Check Digit Errors.......................................8-12

Graphic Errors .........................................8-12

Communication Errors ...................................8-13

Data Formatting Failures ........................................8-15

Machine Faults ................................................8-17

Flash Memory Errors ...........................................8-20

Hard Printer Failure Errors .......................................8-21

PRINTER OPTIMIZATION ...............................................9-1

Adjusting the Print Quality.........................................9-2

Reducing Imaging Time ..........................................9-3

General Format Tips and Hints .................................... 9-4

SAMPLES ...........................................................A-1

Sample UPCA Format Packet .....................................A-2

Sample MaxiCode Packets........................................A-3

Mode 0 (Obsolete) Sample ................................A-4

Mode 2 Sample .........................................A-5

Mode 3 Sample .........................................A-6

v

Sample Data Matrix Packets ......................................A-7

Square Data Matrix Packet ................................A-7

Rectangular Data Matrix Packet.............................A-7

Sample Data Matrix with Function 1..........................A-8

HangTag Example ..............................................A-8

Tag Example...................................................A-8

Label Example .................................................A-9

Receipt Format Example .........................................A-9

Label Sample 2................................................A-10

Label Sample 3................................................A-10

FONTS ..............................................................B-1

Bitmap Font Information ..........................................B-4

Monospaced Font Magnification....................................B-4

Proportional Font Magnification ....................................B-6

Scalable Font Information.........................................B-8

TrueType Font Information ........................................B-9

Downloading TrueType Fonts......................................B-9

Using International Fonts ........................................B-10

Selecting a Symbol Set ..................................B-11

International Font Sample ................................B-12

Licensing Your Fonts ...........................................B-12

Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet ..........................B-13

SYMBOL SETS/CODE PAGES ...........................................C-1

Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages ............................C-1

Selecting a Symbol Set or Code Page ........................C-1

Using Code 128 Function Codes ...................................C-2

Entering Extended Characters .....................................C-2

vi

Using International Character Sets/Code Pages .......................C-2

Internal Symbol Set ......................................C-3

ANSI Symbol Set ........................................C-4

Bold Character Set.......................................C-4

OCRA Character Set .....................................C-5

Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.) ................................C-5

Code Page 850 (Latin 1) ..................................C-6

Code Page 852 (Latin 2) ..................................C-6

Code Page 855 (Russian) .................................C-7

Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish) ..............................C-7

Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese) .......................C-8

Code Page 1250 (Latin 2) .................................C-8

Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic) .................................C-9

Code Page 1252 (Latin 1) .................................C-9

Code Page 1253 (Greek) .................................C-10

Code Page 1254 (Turkish) ................................C-10

Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)................................C-11

Code Page 1256 (Arabic).................................C-11

Code Page 1257 (Baltic) .................................C-12

Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese) ............................C-12

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart ............................C-13

Binary to Hex Conversion Chart ...................................C-16

Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart.................................C-20

ON (Black) Dots ........................................C-20

OFF (White Dots).......................................C-20

FORMAT DESIGN TOOLS ..............................................D-1

Online Configuration Worksheet....................................D-2

Batch Worksheet ...............................................D-3

Check Digit Worksheet...........................................D-4

GLOSSARY ..........................................................G-1

vii

viii

GETTING STARTED 1

Before you read this manual, review the printer information in the
Operator’s Handbook. This manual provides the necessary
information to design, write and print a Monarch® Printer Control
Language II (MPCLII) format.

About This Manual

This manual is for the developer who is creating the formats for the
printer.

Use this manual to design and print your own custom formats on
the Monarch® Sierra Sport2ä printer. This chapter creates a
sample Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCLII) packet.

Standard Features

The following features are standard on the printer: 203 dots per
inch (DPI) printhead, 1.89 inch by 12 inch maximum print image,
print speed (2 or 3 inches per second), graphical LCD, 5 buttons
(on/off, feed, and 3 context-sensitive), 512K RAM with an
additional 2MB flash memory.

Printer Differences 1-1

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet

A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are printed on the
label. The printer requires this information in a special form, using
Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCL). This section describes how
to create a sample MPCLII format packet.

Make sure supplies are loaded, you have a fully charged battery, the printer
is connected to a host and ready to receive data, and you have software in
the printer. Refer to your Operator’s Handbook for more information.

1. Type the following format header in any text editor:

{F,25,A,R,E,200,200,"FMT-25" p

2. Type the following constant text field:

C,140,40,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"SAMPLE FORMAT",1 p

3. Type the following bar code field:

B,1,12,F,85,40,1,2,40,5,L,0 p

4. Type the following text field:

T,2,18,V,50,50,1,3,1,1,B,L,0,0,1 p }

For detailed information about the format header, text, constant text, and
bar code fields, see Chapter 3, “Defining Fields.” For information about
batch packets, see Chapter 6, “Printing.”

1-2 Getting Started

You have created a format packet for your MPCLII printer. Now, a batch
packet must be created before you can print the format.

5. Type the following batch header, after the
text field line:

{B,25,N,1 p

6. Type the following bar code data:

1,"02802811111" p

7. Type the following text field data:

2,"TEXT FIELD" p }

8. Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.

9. Import the packets into your communications software or send it to the

printer’s communication port through the Monarch® MPCL Toolbox
Download Utility (available on our Web site).

Printer Memory

The printer has both RAM and flash memory. You can use one or both types
of memory, depending on how you use your printer.

Using RAM

Use RAM for temporary storage. It is volatile; the contents are lost when
you turn the printer off. The printer has 512K of RAM.

RAM can contain formats, graphics, batches, and fonts. In the header of
each packet, you specify to send it to RAM. Then, to download them to the
printer from a host device. See Chapter 3, “Defining Fields,” for more
information.

Printer Differences 1-3

Using Flash Memory

Use flash memory for permanent storage. It is non-volatile; the contents
stay in place until erased. The printer has 2MB of flash memory, depending
on your configuration.

To load flash memory, use either the Monarch® MPCL Toolbox Soft Font
Utility (fonts) or the Label Designer software (formats). This software is
available on our Web site.

Every time you download these packets into flash memory, another copy is
made, even if it is already in memory. After doing this several times, you
will eventually use up flash memory.

Starting with a Design

Before you create a format packet, you must design your label. There are
several steps to designing a custom label:

1. Decide which fields should appear on your label. See “Determining
Format Contents” for more information.

2. Determine your label size. Labels are available from us in a wide
variety of sizes. Your application and the amount of data you need to
print determines the supply size. Contact your Sales Representative for
more information.

3. Draw a rough sketch of your label. You may want to draw several
variations to see what works best. See “Drawing Rough Sketches” for
more information.

4. Identify the field types that appear on your label. See “Considering
Field Types” for more information.

5. Decide which fonts you want to use. See “Considering Fonts” for more
information.

6. Fill out your Format Worksheet. See “Using the Format Worksheet” for
more information.

At this point, you are ready to use your format.

7. Create a format packet, based on how you filled out your worksheet.
See Chapter 3, “Defining Fields,” for more information.

1-4 Getting Started

Determining Format Contents

Before you lay out your format, answer these questions. How large is your
supply, which fonts do you want to use, do you want to include a bar code,
and do you want to include graphics?

Determining the Print Area

The print area varies depending on the size of your supply. Below are the
maximum and minimum print areas. Notice that the top edge (leading edge)
of the supply exits the printer first. There is a non-print zone (0.055 inches)
on either edge of the supply.

Unit of

Measure

English

(1/100")

Metric

(1/10mm)

Dots

(1/203 dots)

Max. Supply

(Wid x Len)

205 x 1200 189 x 1200 50 x 37.5 37.5 x 37.5

521 x 3048 480 x 3048 127 x 95 95 x 95

416 x 2436 384 x 2436 102 x 76 76 x 76

Max. Print Area

(WidxLen)

Min. Supply

(Wid x Len)

Min. Print Area

(Wid x Len)

The length you can print is dependent on the amount of memory you
allocate for the image buffer. See “Defining the Memory Configuration
Packet” in Chapter 2.

Note: For exact print area measurements of your supply, see the supply

layout grids in Appendix D, "Format Design Tools."

Use the following formulas to convert inches to dots and metric:

Dots = inches x 203
Metric (1/10mm) = inches x 254
English (1/100 inch) = 100 x (dots/203)
Dots = Metric (1/10 mm) x .797

Printer Differences 1-5

Drawing Rough Sketches

After you decide what information you want to print,
sketch how you want the information to appear on the
label. Note any areas that are preprinted on the label,
such as a logo.

As soon as you know what information to include on
the label, and you have a rough sketch, you can use a
supply layout grid to help you layout and size your
label. If you do not want to use a grid, go to
“Considering Field Types” to choose what information
you want on your label.

Using Supply Layout Grids

A supply layout grid contains measurement markers. These markers help
you accurately position information on your label.

Decide whether you want to design
formats using English, Metric, or Dot
measurements. Choose from the
following grids:

¨ English

The English grid is measured in
1/100 inches.

¨ Metric

The Metric grid is measured in 1/10
millimeters (mm).

¨ Graphic

The printer uses dots to print images
on a label. The printhead has 203
dots per inch (dpi).

If you want to use the supply layout
grids, a copy of each is in Appendix
D, “Format Design Tools.”

1-6 Getting Started

Considering Field Types

After you select a supply size, the next step in designing a format is to
decide what information you want to print on the label. For example, you
may want to print your company name, price of an item, and a bar code that
combines information from other places. Everything you want to print falls
into one of the following categories.

Field Type Description Examples

Text Contains letters, numbers, or

symbols you want to print.

Bar Code Used for printing bar codes that can

be scanned.

Constant Text Prints fixed characters that print

without changing.

Line or Box Highlights or separates items. line marking out the regular price,

Graphic Contains a bitmap image or a

compliance label overlay.

item number, item description,
department number, price, date

item or serial numbers, zip codes,
information you don’t want to have
visible to customers

company name, company address

border around the supply

logos

All of the above field types except graphics are discussed in Chapter 3.
See Chapter 5, “Creating Graphics” for information on including graphics in
your format.

Considering Fonts

When working with fonts, you have three considerations: font appearance,
font size (scalable or bitmapped), and font spacing (monospaced or
proportional). See Appendix B, “Fonts,” for samples of each font.

Printer Differences 1-7

Using the Format Worksheet

The Format Worksheet is divided into sections that list the field types. Each
section has boxes to fill in with parameters that define your format. A format
worksheet is included in Appendix D, “Format Design Tools.”

Filling in the Format Worksheet

Decide what type of field to use on your label.

1. Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.

2. Define the Format Header.

3. Define options as you require them. See Chapter 4, “Defining Field

Options” for more information.

1-8 Getting Started

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER 2

This chapter discusses how to

¨

set communication parameters.

¨

upload the printer’s configuration or font information.

¨

configure the printer using online configuration packets.

¨

use immediate commands to control the printer’s operation
at any time.

Configuring the Printer 2-1

Setting Communication Parameters

Use the following information if you are connecting to the printer’s 9-pin
serial port.

The communication parameters at the printer must match those at the host,
or you will not be able to communicate.

You can use the communication settings packet to set communication
parameters for your printer.

On MS-DOS computers, you can use the MODE command to set
communication values on your PC.

For example

MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1

This command sets your host to these communication values:

¨ a baud rate of 9600

¨ no parity

¨ 8 bit word length

¨ 1 stop bit

2-2 Configuring the Printer

Using MPCLII Conventions

Here are some guidelines to follow when using MPCLII.

MPCLII Punctuation

Use the following symbols when creating MPCLII packets:

Character Decimal

{ (left bracket) 123 start of header

} (right bracket) 125 end of header

p (vertical bar) 124 field separator*

, (comma) 044 parameter separator

“ABC”
(quotation marks)

'comment'
(single quotation
marks)

* The field separator is the split vertical bar, which we are representing as p in this manual. The

decimal value is 124. To enter this character, use the Shift key plus the Split Vertical Bar key on your
computer’s keyboard. Depending on your text editor, it may appear as a solid vertical bar or as a split
vertical bar.

Value

034 Quotation marks enclose character strings. Empty quotes (“”)

039 Grave accents enclose comments. Any data enclosed in grave

Description

identify null strings or unused fields.

accents is ignored. Do not embed comments within a quoted
string. Grave accents are also used to reject mainframe data.

Note: These MPCL characters are the default.

Standard Syntax Guidelines

When creating MPCLII packets:

¨ Begin each packet with a start of header ({).

¨ End each packet with an end of header (}).
¨ Define no more than 200 fields in a format. Each p indicates one field.

However, options are not counted as fields. The actual number of fields
a format can have may be less, because the number of fields is limited
by the available memory.

¨ The field number (0 to 999) must be unique. We recommend starting at

1, instead of 0.

Configuring the Printer 2-3

¨ Do not use a field number more than once per format.

¨ Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them. The printer

does not print in field number order.

¨ Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).
¨ End each field with a Field Separator ( p ).

¨ Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or phrases within

quotation marks.

¨ Include all parameters for a field unless documented as optional.

¨ Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

¨ Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be used in

any combination except as noted with each definition. Options are
processed in the order they are received.

¨ Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider fields than

monospaced fonts. For variable field data, use a letter “W” to determine
the maximum field size.

¨ Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing character

within a field definition. However, a carriage return or line break after
each p makes your formats easier to read.

T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

¨ Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.

¨ Indenting options improves readability of your formats.

T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
R,42,1 p

¨ Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted string to

send function codes or extended characters or send the 8-bit ASCII
code.

You can modify formats and fields with the optional entry method. See
“Optional Entry Method” in Chapter 6 for more information.

2-4 Configuring the Printer

Using Online Configuration Packets

Use online configuration packets to change the printer’s settings. You can
send an individual configuration packet or a single packet containing all the
configuration packets. Supply all parameters for each packet. Leave the
parameters blank that you do not need to change. For example,

{ I,A,,,,1 p }

prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online System Setup
parameters.

Make a copy of the online configuration worksheet in Appendix D, “Format
Design Tools,” and save the original. Packets A-M are listed on the
worksheet.

When you turn off the printer, all the information in the online configuration
packets is saved and used when the printer is turned back on. After you
change printer configurations, you must resend the format, batch, or graphic
to the printer before the changes take effect.

Always include an I, im me di ately af ter the left bracket { and be fore the
packet iden ti fier (A, B, C, etc.). The I pa ram e ter iden ti fies the data stream
as a con fig u ra tion packet.

Note: Include the I pa ram e ter with each packet if you are send ing them

in di vid u ally. In clude it only at the be gin ning of a data stream if you
are send ing mul ti ple pack ets.

Configuring the Printer 2-5

This is the syntax to use when you create online configuration packets:

Syntax

{ Start of Header

I, Con fig u ra tion Header

1 - 8 op tional re cords
A, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 5 p Sys tem Setup
B, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 5 p Sup ply Setup
C, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 5 p Print Con trol
D, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 3 p Mon e tary For mat ting
E, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 9 p Con trol Char ac ters
F, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 5 p Com mu ni ca tion Set tings
G, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 4 p Backfeed Con trol
M, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 4 p Mem ory Con fig u ra tion
} End of Header

Syntax for single packet

{ Start of Header

I, Con fig u ra tion Header

A, pa ram e ter 1...pa ram e ter 5 Sys tem Setup
} End of Header

You can also add a configuration to RAM or specify units for supply, print,
margin, and cut positions. If you use the optional parameters with the I
packet, any online configuration packets following the split vertical bar ( p )
must specify distances using the selected units. However, the test labels
display the units in dots, even if you entered them in English or Metrics
units.

Syntax {header,ID#,action,device p }

1. header Constant I.

2. ID# ID. Use 0.

3. action Action. Options:

A Add configuration.
U Upload User Configuration.

4. device Storage Device. Use R (Volatile RAM).

2-6 Configuring the Printer

5. units Units. (Optional parameter.) Options:

E English (1/100 inches)
M Metric (1/10 mm)
G Dots

Example {I,0,A,R,E p

C,0,25,0,0,0 p }

Adds a configuration to volatile RAM and specifies English units. It also
uses the default contrast, moves print 0.25 inches closer to the bottom of
the supply and does not change the margin adjustment, prints at the default
print speed, and uses the default printhead width.

If you do not use the optional parameters, the syntax for the online
configuration packets does not change. For example,

{I,C,0,50,0,0,0 p }

uses the default contrast, moves print 50 dots (0.25) inches closer to the
bottom of the supply and does not change the margin adjustment, prints at
the default print speed, and uses the default printhead width.

Example {I,0,U,R p }

Uploads the printer configuration from volatile RAM and returns the
following to the host.

A,0,0,0,0,1 p
B,2,0,0,0,0 p
C,0,0,0,0,0,0 p
D,1,0,2 p
E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126","","~013~010" p
F,3,1,0,0,1 p
G,0,65,65 p
M,R,R,160 p
M,T,R,20 p
M,I,R,320 p
M,D,N,1280 p
M,F,N,640 p
M,V,R,1280 p

Configuring the Printer 2-7

The parameters for each packet (A-M) are displayed. The remaining lines
beginning with M list the buffer sizes in 1/10K for the Receive, Transmit,
Image, Downloadable Fonts, Formats, and Scalable Fonts Buffers.

Configuration Syntax Guidelines

When creating a printer configuration packet:

¨ Follow the “Standard Syntax Guidelines” listed at the beginning of this

chapter.

¨ The first character after the start of header ({) is the configuration

header (I).

¨ Download multiple configuration packets within one packet or download

a single configuration packet.

¨ If you change any of the online configuration packets, resend the format

packet to the printer, so the configuration changes take effect.

¨ Include the first five ANSI codes, at a minimum, in the control characters

packet.

¨ Send configuration packets once per session (each time the printer is

turned off and then back on), not with every format or batch packet.

¨ Make sure the communication settings at the host match those at the

printer.

Making Print Adjustments

You can adjust where the printer prints on your supply by adjusting the
supply, print, or margin positions. However, keep in mind the following:

¨ Supply adjustments across the width of your supply, such as the margin

position, are based in dots. The printhead has 203 dots per inch.

¨ Supply adjustments for the length of your supply, such as supply position

or print adjustment, are measured in 1/203 of an inch.

2-8 Configuring the Printer

Defining the System Setup Packet

Use the system setup packet (A) to select the power up mode, display
language, print separators between batches, print a “slashed zero,” and
select the symbol set.

Syntax {I,A,powup_mode,lan guage,sep_on,slash_zero,

sym bol_set p}

A1. A System Setup Packet

A2. powup_mode Online Mode. Enter 0.

A3. language Display Language. Options:

0 English (default)
1 French
2 German
3 Spanish - ES

A4. sep_on Batch Separators. The printer does not print batch separators. Enter 0.

A5. slash_zero Slash Zero. Options:

0 Print a standard zero (default)
1 Print a zero with a slash through it

A6. symbol_set Symbol Set. Options:

0 Internal (default)
1 ANSI
2 Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.)
3 Code Page 850 (Latin 1)
4 Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
5 Code Page 1251 (Cy ril lic)
6 Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
7 Code Page 1253 (Greek)
8 Code Page 1254 (Turk ish)
9 Code Page 1255 (He brew)
10 Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
11 Code Page 1257 (Bal tic)
12 Code Page 1258 (Viet nam ese)
13 DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
14 DOS Code Page 855 (Rus sian)
15 DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turk ish)
16 DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Por tu guese)
17 Wingdings
18 Macintosh
19 Unicode

Configuring the Printer 2-9

Note: The Standard, Reduced, Bold, OCRA and HR fonts only support

the Internal Symbol Set (0). The CG Triumvirate™ typefaces
support only the ANSI and DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol
Sets. The scalable font (font 50) does not support Code Page
1256 (Arabic). Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 are for
downloaded TrueType® fonts or the scalable font. Symbol set 19
requires a downloaded International TrueType font. TrueType
fonts are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all code
pages may not be supported in a given font. See Appendix C for
more information.

Example {I,A,0,0,0,1,0 p }

Powers up the printer in the online mode, displays prompts in English, does
not print a separator after each batch, prints zeros with slashes through
them, and uses the internal symbol set.

Defining the Supply Setup Packet

Use the supply setup packet (B) to select supply type, printhead energy,
feed mode, and supply position.

Syntax {I,B,sup ply_type,ph_en ergy,feed_mode,sup ply_posn p}

B1. B Supply Setup Packet

B2. supply_type Supply Type. Options:

0 Black mark supply
1 Die Cut/edge aperture supply (default)
2 Continuous (non-indexed) supply

Note: You must use continuous (non-indexed) supply in continuous mode

You may need to adjust the print contrast (in the Print Control
packet) based on the type of supply you are using.

B3. ph_energy Printhead energy. Options:

0 Standard Supplies (default)
1 Special (fax paper)
2 High Energy (linerless and synthetic)

Note: We do not recommend printing serial bar codes with linerless

supplies.

B4. feed_mode Feed Mode. Options:

0 Continuous operation (default)
1 On-demand mode (purchase optional)

2-10 Configuring the Printer

B5. supply_posn Supply Position. Range: -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default. Adjusts

the machine to print at the vertical 0,0 point on the supply. This adjustment
accounts for mechanical tolerances from machine to machine. The supply
position adjustment only needs to be made on the initial machine setup.
Adjust the supply position if formats do not start at the 0,0 point on the
supply. Increase the supply position to move print up, decrease to move
print down on the label. To verify the 0,0 point, print a test label. See
“Printing a Test Label” in Chapter 8 for more information.

You can not change the supply position while the printer is active.
Changing the supply position will affect the print position, dispense
position, and backfeed distance. Once the supply position is set, use the
print control packet and backfeed control packet to adjust printing and the
dispense position.

Example {I,B,0,0,1,10 p }

Indicates black mark and thermal direct stock has been loaded, causes the
printer to operate in on-demand mode (purchase optional), and feeds the
supply approximately .05 inches up before printing the format on each label
(10/203 inches).

Configuring the Printer 2-11

Defining the Print Control Packet

Use the print control packet (C) to set the contrast, print, and margin
adjustment, print speed, and printhead width.

Syntax {I,C,con trast,print_adj,mar gin_ad just,speed_adj,

ph_width p }

C1. C Print Control Packet

C2. contrast Print Contrast. Range: -28 to 40. 0 is the default. You may need to

adjust this value depending on the type of supplies you are using. For
example, linerless supplies require a higher print contrast, but receipt
paper requires less contrast.

C3. print_adj Print adjustment (position). Range: -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the

default. Adjusts where data prints vertically on the supply. Increase the
print position to move print up, decrease to move print down.

C4. margin_adj Margin adjustment (position). Range: -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the

default. Adjusts where data prints horizontally on the supply. Increase the
margin position to move print to the right, decrease to move print to the
left. Margin and print position are format adjustments. They will not effect
the supply position, dispense position, or backfeed distance.

C5. speed_adj Print Speed in inches per second (ips). Options:

0 The printer determines the print speed automatically. This is

the default.

20 Uses a print speed of 2.0 ips. This is the only valid speed for

serial bar codes. If the speed is set differently, the printer
changes to this speed to print serial bar codes.

30 Uses a print speed of 3.0 ips

C6. ph_width Width of the printhead in dots. Use 0.

Example {I,C,0,-20,-10,0,0 p }

Uses the default contrast, moves print 0.1 inch closer to the bottom of the
supply (20/203 inches) and .05 inch to the left on the supply (10/203
inches), the printer determines the print speed, and uses the default
printhead width.

2-12 Configuring the Printer

Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet

The monetary formatting packet (D) selects the monetary symbols to print
for a price field. Use the monetary formatting packet to select primary and
secondary monetary symbols, and designate the number of digits to appear
at the right of a decimal.

Syntax {I,D,cur_sym,sec ond ary,dec i mals p }

D1. D Monetary Formatting Packet

D2. cur_sym Currency Symbol. Options:

0 No symbol
1 USA ($, Dollar- default)
2 UK (£, Pound)
3 Japan (¥, Yen)
4 Germany (1, Deutsche Mark)
5 France (F, Franc)
6 Spain (P, Peseta)
7 Italy (L., Lira)
8 Sweden (Kr, Krona)
9 Finland (2, Markka)
10 Austria (6, Shilling)
11 India (Rs, Rupee)
12 Russian (3, Ruble)
13 Korean (4, Won)
14 Thai (5, Baht)
15 Chinese (¥, Yuan)
16 Euro-Dollar (c)

Note: To use these symbols, select the internal symbol set.

D3. secondary Secondary Sign. Secondary symbols only print if you designate at least

one decimal place. Options:

0 No secondary sign (default)
1 Print secondary sign

D4. decimals Number of digits to the right of the decimal. Options:

0 No digits
1 One digit
2 Two digits (default)
3 Three digits

Example {I,D,1,1,2 p }

Prints the dollar sign, uses a secondary symbol, and places two digits to the
right of the decimal.

Configuring the Printer 2-13

Defining the Control Characters Packet

Use the control characters packet (E) to change the MPCLII control
characters, enable and disable the immediate commands, and change the
default terminator character for job requests and ENQ’s.

Changes take effect with the first character following the end of header
character } of the configuration packet. Each control character must be
unique and cannot appear anywhere else in your packet, except within
quotation marks. You can customize the trailer characters to work with your
host.

Note: Wait two seconds for the new characters to take effect before

sending packets using the new characters.

Use the following syntax for the control characters packet. Notice all but the
first parameter are within quotation marks.

Syntax {I,E,"ANSI_cd","string1","string2" p }

E1. E Control Characters Packet

E2. “ANSI_cd” ~123 Start of header { (left bracket)

~044 Parameter , (comma)

separator

~034 Quoted strings “ (quotes)
~124 Field separator p (pipe sign)
~125 End of header } (right bracket)
~126 Data escape ~~ (double tilde)

character (optional)

def. ch. Immediate command character (optional).

Up to any 3 characters in the 0 to 255 decimal
range. The character must be defined before this
command can be used. The caret (~094) is
normally used.

Note: “ANSI_cd” includes seven separate parameters. The first five

parameters are required. The other parameters are optional.

E3. “string 1" Terminator for status requests and ENQ requests. Up to any 3 characters

in the 0-255 decimal range. The default is “013". Sending ”" disables this
sequence.

E4. “string 2" Terminator for job requests and data uploads. Up to any 3 characters in

the 0-255 decimal range. The default is none. Sending “” disables this
sequence.

2-14 Configuring the Printer

After you change these parameters, all packets, including any future
configuration packets, must use the new control characters. We
recommend using the tilde and ASCII character code sequence when
sending this packet multiple times. Also, set the packet delimiters to
characters within the 21 hex to 7E hex range.

You must send the control characters packet to enable the immediate
commands. An immediate command executes immediately, even if it is
embedded within quotation marks, and all data following the command in
the string is ignored.

Example {I,E,"~123~063~034~124~125~126~094" p }

Changes the parameter separator character from , to ?. The other control
characters remain unchanged. It also enables the immediate commands by
defining the ^ symbol as the command identifier.

Resetting Control Characters

You can change the characters in the previous example back to their
original settings by downloading this packet:

{I?E?"~123~044~034~124~125~126~094" p }

Notice that the parameter separator is ? in this packet. This is the
parameter separator that was set before this packet. Once the packet is
received by the printer, the new parameter separator (a comma, in this
case) is valid.

Be careful when using this feature. If you forget what the control characters
were changed to, print a test label. (The test label lists the current control
characters.) See “Printing a Test Label,” in Chapter 8 for more information.

Configuring the Printer 2-15

Using Immediate Commands

Immediate commands effect printer operation as soon as the printer
receives them, even if they are included within a packet or used inside
quotation marks.

You can use immediate commands to change immediate command or status
polling control characters, reset the printer, or cancel and repeat batches.

Enabling Immediate Commands

When the printer is first turned on, these commands are not available. To
use these commands, you must first send the control characters packet and
define the immediate command control character. The immediate command
control character is saved when you turn off the printer. Once the
immediate command control character is defined, the immediate commands
are enabled.

Sending Immediate Commands

Immediate commands consist of a three- or four-character sequence you
can send in a packet or embed in your application. Each command must be
sent separately.

Syntax control character_immediate command

The printer can accept only one immediate command at a time. Sending a
command before the previous one is completed can result in an error.

Example ^CB

Immediately cancels the batch currently printing unless an error exists in the
printer. This example assumes that the defined immediate command control
character is the caret (^).

The table represents the defined immediate command control character as ^
and the defined status polling control character as d. You may define these
characters to suit your needs.

To use the immediate command control character or the status polling
character within your data, use the tilde sequence

2-16 Configuring the Printer

Command Parameter

^CA

^CB

^DD or ^DCd

^EA

^ED

^EA

^ER

^FD

^ID or ^ICd

^MC

^MD

^MF

^MI

^MM

^MP

^MR

^MS

^MV

^PR

^RB

Cancels all the batches in the queue unless an error exists on the printer.

Cancels only the current batch being printed unless an error exists.

Disables the MPCL data escape character (the tilde) and inhibits MPCL from acting on
ANY data escape sequence from the host. Sets the MPCL data escape character to the
ASCII value given by the d parameter. The value can be any ASCII character.

Aborts an error condition. This command is the same as pressing the left A button to
clear an error. May need to be sent multiple times. Use ^RB to reprint batch.
CAUTION: This command causes the current batch to stop and the condition that
caused the error to remain uncorrected.

Disable error reporting.

Enable error reporting. Sends an “E” plus the error number to the serial port, so a print
server can track errors. For example, error 704 is sent to the serial port as E704.

Resets the error. This command is the same as pressing F to acknowledge an error.
Normal operation resumes.

Feeds a label when printer is idle. Simulates the operation of pressing F and
dispenses the next label if printer is in the on-demand mode.
Note: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Disables the Immediate Command feature by turning off the Immediate Command
escape character. Sets the Immediate Command escape character to the ASCII value
given by the d parameter. The value can be any ASCII character. Use ^IE to enable
immediate commands.

Returns the customer ID or RPQ version to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the printhead dot density to the host. 00 = 203 dpi

Uploads the MIF file to the host.

Returns the customer ID or RPQ revision level to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the model number to the host. 22 = 9460

Returns the prototype number to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the revision number to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the flash file system information.

Returns the version number to the host. (00 to 99)

Resets the printer. This command takes five seconds to complete and then the printer
is ready to receive data. It has the same effect as turning off and then turning on the
printer. Note: Command should be used only when the printer is not printing.

Repeats the last printed batch, printing the same number of labels as specified in the
original batch. This command does not work if using batch separators.
Note: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Configuring the Printer 2-17

Command Parameter

^RS

^SD or ^SCd

^TP

Resynchronizes supply when supply roll is changed.
Note: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Disables the status polling feature by turning off the status polling control character.
Sets the status polling control character to the ASCII value given by the d parameter.
The value of d can be any ASCII character.

Prints a test label.

Note: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Note: To use the immediate command control character or the status

polling character within your data, use the tilde sequence.

Defining the Communication Settings Packet

Use the communication settings packet (F) to set the baud rate, word
length, stop bits, parity, and flow control for serial communications.
Changing the communication settings takes approximately two seconds.
Communications sent during this interval will be lost. Make sure the host
communication values match the values on the printer and the host is
capable of communicating at the speed you select for the printer.

Do not add any characters, such as a carriage return/line feed, in your
communication settings packet or communications errors may occur.

Syntax {I,F,baud,word_length,stop_bits,par ity,

flow_con trol p }

F1. F Communication Settings Packet

F2. baud Baud Rate. Options:

0 1200 1 2400
2 4800 3 9600 (default)
4 19200 5 38400

F3. word_length Word Length. Options:

0 7-bit word length (odd or even parity only)
1 8-bit word length (default)

F4. stop_bits Stop Bits. Options:

0 1-stop bit (default)
1 2-stop bits

2-18 Configuring the Printer

F5. parity Parity. Options:

0 None (default)
1 ODD parity
2 EVEN parity

F6. flow_control Flow Control. Options:

0 None 2 (CTS)
1 DTR (default) 3 XON/XOFF

Note: If you use the DOS COPY command to download your formats, set

“Flow Control” to DTR (not XON/XOFF).

Example {I,F,3,1,0,0,1 p }

Uses 9600 baud, an 8-bit word length, one stop bit, no parity, and the DTR
mode.

Defining the Backfeed Control Packet

Use the backfeed control packet (G) to enable or disable the backfeed
option, set the dispense position and the backfeed distance. Backfeed
works by advancing each printed label to the desired dispense position.
Once that label is removed, the next label to be printed is backed up
underneath the printhead. In continuous mode, only the last label in the
batch is advanced to the dispense position. You may need to adjust the
dispense position to allow labels to be removed, die cut labels to be
removed easily, or to prevent them from falling off.

Do not use backfeed (normal or extended) with supplies less than 0.75
inches. We recommend using 0.5-inch gap supplies in peel mode when
backfeed is disabled.

The dispense position and backfeed distance are optional parameters and
do not have to be specified. However, they allow for greater precision when
positioning the supply. You cannot change the backfeed distance while the
printer is active.

Configuring the Printer 2-19

Syntax {I,G,action,dis_pos,bkfd_dis p }

G1. G Backfeed Control Packet

G2. action Action. Options:

0 disable backfeed (default)
1 enable backfeed

G3. dis_pos Dispense Position. Adjusts the stopping point of the label. 10 to 200 dots

(default 65 dots).

G4. bkfd_dis Backfeed Distance. Amount to move label backwards. 10 to 200 dots

(default 65 dots). This distance can not be greater than the dispense
position.
The backfeed distance should equal the dispense position. An exception is
if you are tearing instead of peeling. Then, the backfeed distance must be
30 dots (.150 inches) less than the dispense position. However, you will
have a 30 dot non-print zone on your supply. The 30-dot difference
accounts for improper tearing of butt cut supplies, because you do not want
any exposed adhesive under the printhead.

Example {I,G,1,50,10 p }

Enables backfeed and sets the dispense position to 0.25 inches (50/203)
and the backfeed distance to 0.05 inches (10/203).

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed

Make a note of the following items:

¨ Be careful when tearing supplies, because the adhesive can adhere to

the printhead or platen roller.

¨ Backfeed effects each label in the on-demand mode or the first and last

label of the batch in continuous mode.

¨ When backfeed is enabled and multiple batches are sent, the printer may

not backfeed between each batch.

¨ Backfeed should only be used when you need to advance labels to the

desired dispense point.

¨ Backfeed does not interfere with the supply, print, or margin positions

you have set.

¨ If the supply inter-label gap is not between .07 inch to .15 inch (14 to 30

dots), you must adjust the dispense position and backfeed distance
accordingly.

2-20 Configuring the Printer

See the following graphic for a representation of the following adjustments:
dispense position, backfeed distance, supply position, print position, and
margin position.

Contact Technical Support if you have problems adjusting where the format
prints on the supply.

Defining the Memory Configuration Packet

Use the memory configuration packet (M) to customize the size of your
printer’s buffers, which gives you greater flexibility in your formats.

Memory must be allocated in 1/2K increments. The memory configuration
packet does not accept decimals, so enter whole numbers. Multiply the
amount to reallocate (in K) by 10. For example,

To reallocate (in K) Enter this amount

1 10

1.5 15

2 20

2.5 25

153 1530

229.5 2295

Configuring the Printer 2-21

Each buffer’s allocated memory remains in effect until that buffer is
reallocated. For this reason, you may want to reallocate all the buffers
when reallocating any buffer. If you reallocate more memory than you have
available, you will receive an error.

Syntax {I,M,buffer,de vice,buffer_size p }

M1. M Memory Configuration Packet

M2. buffer Buffer type. Options:

D Downloadable Fonts
F Format
I Image
R Receive
T Transmit
V Scalable (vector) fonts

M3. device Storage type. Use R (volatile RAM).

M4. buffer size Buffer size. Options:

Buffer Range Default

Transmit .5K- 4K

Receive 2K- 16K

Image 16K-114K

Downld. Fonts 64K-128K

Scalable Fonts 10K-128K

Formats 16K- 128K

Internal cannot reallocate cannot reallocate

10K

40K

38.9K

64K

64K

16K

Note: For the scalable font buffer, specify 10 if you do not use the buffer.

When using the buffer, specify a minimum of 40. The larger the
number you specify for the image buffer, the longer your formats
can be. As a rule of thumb, divide the value you select by 100,
and round up to the next whole number. That number will be the
length in inches.

Example {I,M,I,R,1530 p }

Stores the image buffer in volatile RAM and allocates 153K for it.

2-22 Configuring the Printer

Checking Current Buffer Sizes

Send a configuration upload packet to check the sizes of your current
buffers. See “Configuration Packet Header” for more information. After you
check your current buffer sizes you can begin reallocating memory.

If you want to increase your image buffer and you will not be using scalable
fonts, add that memory into your image buffer.

Example

{I,M,R,R,20 p Receive buffer 2K
M,T,R,10 p Transmit buffer 1K
M,D,N,80 p Downloadable fonts 8K
M,V,R,160 p Scalable fonts buffer 16K
M,I,N,3200 p } Image buffer 320K

Make sure memory is available before adding memory to a buffer. In the
above example, if the image buffer (M,I,N,3200) was defined before the
downloadable fonts and scalable fonts buffers (M,D,N,80 and M,V,R,160)
were defined, an error would have occurred.

About Memory Buffers

Transmit Buffer Used to send ENQ, job, and upload responses. This

buffer must be allocated as volatile (R) RAM.

Receive Buffer Used to save data received from the host before it is

processed by the printer. Changing this buffer size
affects the amount of data the printer can receive
without using flow control. This buffer must be allocated
as volatile (R) RAM.

Image Buffer Used to image the current format. Use the formula

below to calculate the approximate image buffer size.

10K x Length

Length is the length of your label in inches.

Configuring the Printer 2-23

Example 10K x 10 = 100

(Multiply by 10 and round up)

100K x 10 = 1000

Enter 1000 for your Image buffer.

Format Buffer Used to store formats, batch data, and graphics. Use

the following formula to calculate the required format
buffer size:

Linecount x 50/1024

Linecount is the number of lines in your format packet
including the format header and all the options.

The result of the above calculation is in kilobytes.
Formats remain in memory when you turn off the printer.

Downloadable
Fonts Buffer

Scalable (Vector)
Fonts Buffer

Used to store downloaded soft (bitmapped or TrueType)
fonts. To determine the size of your downloadable
fonts, send a font packet. For TrueType fonts, the file
size, in bytes, is the minimum amount needed in this
buffer. See “Using the Font Packet” for more
information.

Used to image the scalable or downloaded (TrueType or
bitmapped) font characters. Increasing this buffer size
allows more characters to be saved in cache memory,
so the characters do not have to be re-built the next
time they are printed. Use 10 if you are not using
scalable/TrueType fonts. This buffer must be allocated
as volatile (R) RAM.
The printer does not print the fonts if there is not
enough memory in this buffer to image them.

2-24 Configuring the Printer

Buffer Worksheet

Make copies of this page to use as a buffer worksheet.

Buffer Allocation Considerations

Keep these items in mind when allocating memory.

¨ Do not allocate more memory than what is available.

¨ Free memory from one buffer before you add it to another buffer.

¨ Reallocate all the buffers if you need to reallocate any buffer.

¨ Send all buffer (re)allocations in one packet. The printer evaluates each

individual buffer allocation separately. If one buffer allocation is invalid,
the entire packet is invalid. If you define a buffer size that exceeds the
maximum value, an error occurs. However, no information is lost.

¨ Whenever the printer accepts a memory configuration packet, it takes

effect immediately, causing a printer reset. Any information contained in
the buffers is lost. Resend your formats, batches, graphics, or fonts to
the printer.

Configuring the Printer 2-25

¨ If you remap your image buffer, make sure the length and width specified

in your format header are not too large for the current image buffer. In
other words, if you remap for a 2 x 6 inch label, you cannot print a 2 x 10
inch label without receiving an error, until you change your format
header or increase your image buffer.

Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts

¨ The size of the TrueType font file, in bytes, is the minimum amount of

memory you must have available in the downloadable fonts buffer.

¨ The scalable (vector) fonts buffer is used to image the downloaded fonts

(TrueType). If you are using several downloaded TrueType fonts, you
may need 100K or more in this buffer. The printer does not print the
fonts if there is not enough memory in the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

¨ To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you must reconfigure

memory and increase the size of the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

Clearing Packets from Memory

You may want to remove packets from the printer to increase memory
storage capacity or if the formats/fonts are no longer needed. In some
cases, turning the printer off may clear the packets from memory. If not,
send a format clear packet.

Syntax {header,packet#,action,device p }

1. header Identifies the packet. Options:

A Check Digit Scheme
F Format
G Graphic
W Font

2. packet# Identification number of the packet to clear (1 to 999) or font number

(0 to 9999). 0 is for all fonts.

3. action Action. Enter C to clear the packet.

4. device Storage device. Options:

F Flash
R Volatile RAM

Example {F,1,C,R p }

Clears Format #1 from volatile RAM.

2-26 Configuring the Printer

Using the Font Packet

You can use a font packet to add or clear downloaded fonts from memory,
upload your font buffer, or upload the cell size information for a particular
font. The font packet is useful when you are downloading fonts. If you are
using downloaded fonts, the font number and the number of bytes each
downloaded font uses is listed.

This packet does not list the number of bytes the standard printer fonts use.

Use the MONARCH® MPCL Toolbox Font Utility (available on our Web site)
to create the font header and data. Refer to the online help for more
information.

Syntax {W,font#,action,device,data_length,data_record p }

W1. W Writable Font Header.

W2. font# The font identifier from 0 to 32000.

0 is for all fonts. 1 to 5 digits is the font number.
Example: 3 is the standard printer font, Bold.

W3. action Action. Options:

A Adds the specified font.
C Clears all or specified fonts, except ones in flash.
H Uploads font size information.
M Uploads font memory usage information.

W4. device Device. Options:

R Volatile RAM
Z All devices (use for upload).

W5. data_length
(optional)

The length of the font data. The range is 68 to 16384.

If you are creating fonts, you need to have font data included with this
packet.

W6. data_
record
(optional)

Multiple data records define the font. The first character is either an
H (hex) or an R (run-length), referring to the algorithm. The rest of the
record is up to 2710 characters of font data in double quotes. Separate the
algorthm and the data with a comma, and end the record with p .

Configuring the Printer 2-27

Example {W,0,M,R p }

Selects all fonts and checks the memory usage in RAM. The printer returns
the following to the host:

{W,0,M,R p
Number of bytes free, Number of bytes used p }

Example {W,0,H,Z p }

Selects all fonts and uploads the font size information for any downloaded
fonts.

The 9855 printer returns the following to the host:

{W,0,H,Z p

Font Style

Font Name

0,1,0,"Standard",0,0,0,21,33,21,33,5,1 p
0,1,437,"Standard",0,0,0,21,33,21,33,5,1 p
0,2,0,"Reduced",0,0,0,10,21,10,21,2,1 p
0,2,437,"Reduced",0,0,0,10,21,10,21,2,1 p
0,3,0,"Bold",0,0,0,36,51,36,51,5,1 p
0,3,437,"Bold",0,0,0,36,51,36,51,5,1 p
0,4,0,"OCRA",0,0,0,19,36,19,36,5,1 p
0,4,437,"OCRA",0,0,0,19,36,19,36,5,1 p
0,5,0,"HR1",0,0,0,18,30,18,30,3,1 p
0,5,437,"HR1",0,0,0,18,30,18,30,3,1 p
0,6,0,"HR2",0,0,0,26,24,26,24,2,1 p
0,6,437,"HR2",0,0,0,26,24,26,24,2,1 p
0,10,0,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0 p
0,10,1,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0 p
0,10,437,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0 p
0,10,850,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0 p
0,11,0,"CGTriumv6",1,0,5,17,21,5,10,0 p
0,11,1,"CGTriumv6",1,0,5,17,21,5,10,0 p
0,11,437,"CGTriumv6",1,0,5,17,21,5,10,0 p
0,11,850,"CGTriumv6",1,0,5,17,21,5,10,0 p
0,50,0,"Swiss Bold",1,1,92248 p
0,50,437,"Swiss Bold",1,1,92248 p}

Spacing
Baseline

Cell Width

Cell Height

Nominal Width

Nominal Height

Inter-Character Gap

Typ e

Printhead Density

Symbol Set

* The CG Triumvirateä typefaces are trademarks of Monotype Imaging, Inc.

2-28 Configuring the Printer

Spacing Monospaced (0) or proportional (1).

Type Bitmapped (0) or scalable (1).

Baseline Bottom of the font.

Cell Width Horizontal number of dots to contain the widest

character.

Cell Height Vertical number of dots to contain the tallest character.

Nominal Width Average width for lower-case letters.

Nominal Height Average height for lower-case letters.

Inter-Character
Gap

Default spacing between characters in monospaced
fonts.

Printhead Density Shows that a 203 (0) dpi printhead is used. The

scalable font (font 50) does not report a value for
printhead density.

Uploading Format Header Information

You can upload format header information from the formats in memory to
check the supply length and width for each format.

Syntax {header,format#,action,device p }

F1. header Format Header

F2. format# Format number from 0 to 999. 0 is for all formats in memory.

F3. action Action. Options:

A Adds the specified format
C Clears the specified format
H Uploads format header information

F4. device Device. Options:

R Volatile RAM
Z All devices (use for upload)

Configuring the Printer 2-29

Example {F,0,H,Z p }

Selects all formats in memory and returns the following:

Example {F,0,H,Z p

Fmt_1,406,406 p
Fmt_10,324,406 p
Fmt_15,812,812 p
Fmt_20,305,609 p
Fmt_25,1218,406 p }

Displays the format number, supply length and supply width (in dots) for
each format in memory.

Example {F,1,H,Z p }

Selects format1 and returns the following to the host:

{F,1,H,Z p
Fmt_1,406,406 p }

Displays the supply length and supply width (in dots) for format1.

2-30 Configuring the Printer

DEFINING FIELDS 3

This chapter provides a reference for defining

¨

the format header

¨

text and constant text

¨

bar code fields

¨

line and box fields.

Defining Fields 3-1

Defining the Format Header

A Format Header begins a format file.

Syntax {F,format#,action,device,measure,length,

width,"name" p

F1. F Format Header.

F2. format# Unique number from 1 to 999 to identify the format.

F3. action Action. Enter A to add the format to the printer.

F4. device Format storage device. Options:

F Flash
R Volatile RAM

F5. measure Unit of measure. Options:

E English, measured in 1/100 inches
M Metric, measured in 1/10 mm
G Graphic, measured in dots

F6. length Supply length in selected units. Measure supply from the leading edge of

one label to the leading edge of the next label.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

F7. width Supply width, from left to right, in selected units.

English 50 - 205
Metric 127 - 521
Dots 102 - 416

F8. “name” Format name (optional), 0 to 8 characters, enclose within quotation marks.

Example {F,1,A,R,E,300,200,"TEXTILES" p

Adds Format 1 (“TEXTILES”) to the printer. It uses a three inch long by two
inch wide label.

3-2 Defining Fields

Defining Text Fields

Create a separate definition for each text field. If text falls on two lines,
each line of text requires a separate definition.

Syntax T,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,

gap,font,hgt mag,wid mag,color,alignment,
char rot,field rot,sym set p

T1. T Text Field.

T2. field# Unique number from 1 to 999 to identify this field.

T3. # of char Maximum number of printed characters (0 to 2710) in the field.

T4. fix/var Fixed or variable length field. Options:

F Fixed length
V Variable length

T5. row For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to the pivot

point. The pivot point varies depending on how text is justified.

For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to
baseline of characters in field.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

Defining Fields 3-3

T6. column Distance from the left edge of the print area to the

pivot point to find the column location.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

T7. gap Number of dots between characters 203 dpi (or 300

dpi for 9855/9860 printers). Range: 0 to 99.

Note: For monospaced fonts, the additional spacing is added to the

existing inter-character gap. This is also true for proportionally
spaced fonts, but remember that the inter-character gap varies
with character combinations.

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your field width.
Default spacing:

Standard 3 dots
Reduced 1 dot
Bold 3 dots
OCRA-like 3 dots
CG Triumvirateä
Typeface Bold varies with each letter
CG Triumvirateä Typeface varies with each letter

T8. font Style of font. Options:

1 Standard 6 HR2
2 Reduced 10 CG Triumvirateä Typeface Bold
3 Bold 11 CG Triumvirateä Typeface
4 OCRA-like 50 EFF Swiss Bold (scalable)
5 HR1

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are only for numeric data.
The CG Triumvirateä typefaces support only the ANSI and DOS Code
Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code
Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C for more information.

T9. hgt mag Height magnifier, 1 to 7 times (4 to 255 points for the scalable font - font 50

or downloaded TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally
spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher
magnifications. See Appendix B, “Fonts,” for more information about fonts.

3-4 Defining Fields

T10. wid mag Width magnifier, 1 to 7 times (4 to 255 points for the scalable font - font 50

or downloaded TrueType fonts). Proportionally spaced fonts do not have a
set width. To estimate the size of your field, use the letter “W” for the
widest field or an “L” for an average width field. Find your selected font
and the desired width in Appendix B, “Fonts.”

Note: To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you must

reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable (vector)
fonts buffer.

T11. color There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does not block out

(or “erase”) existing fields.

Opaque The overlay field blocks out (or “erases”) existing fields.

Options for standard printer fonts:

B Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
D/R/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Options for scalable fonts:

A/N Opaque, Normal, Black, Bold
B/O Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
E/S Opaque, Italics, Black, Bold
F/T Opaque, Italics, Black, Normal

Line field
blocked out by
opaque field
using attribute B

Note: Solid black print should not exceed 30% on a given square inch of

the label, or the printhead life may be decreased.

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration when using
field color attributes. If a line field is defined before the overlay (text or
constant text) field, the line field is blocked out by the overlay field,
depending on the overlay field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined
after the overlay field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,
regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

Line field not
blocked out by
transparent field
using attribute O

Defining Fields 3-5

T12. alignment Options:

L Align on left side of field.
C Center text within field (monospaced fonts only)
R Align on right side of field (monospaced fonts only)
B Align at midpoint of field
E Align at endpoint of the field
Use L, B, or E for any font.

T13. char rot Character rotation. The field or supply does not rotate, only the characters

do. Options:

0 Top of character points to top of field
1 Top of character points to left of field
2 Top of character points to bottom of field
3 Top of character points to right of field

Note: Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not support character

rotation.

T14. field rot Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just the characters.

Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies depending on how text
is justified. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point. Options:

0 Top of field points to top of supply
1 Top of field points to left of supply
2 Top of field points to bottom of supply
3 Top of field points to right of supply

3-6 Defining Fields

T15. sym set Symbol set. Use 0 for the Internal Symbol Set.

For scalable fonts, use:

1 ANSI Symbol Set
102 Unicode (user input) for particular mapping
437 DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
850 DOS Code Page 850 (International)
852 DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
855 DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
857 DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
860 DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
1250 Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
1251 Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
1252 Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
1253 Code Page 1253 (Greek)
1254 Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
1255 Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
1256 Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
1257 Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
1258 Code Page 1258 (Vietnam)

Note: The Standard, Reduced, Bold, OCRA and HR fonts only support

the Internal Symbol Set (0). The CG Triumvirate™ typefaces
support only the ANSI and DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol
Sets. The scalable font (font 50) does not support Code Page
1256 (Arabic). Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 are for
downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable font. Code page 102
requires a downloaded International TrueType font. TrueType
fonts are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all code
pages may not be supported in a given font. See Appendix C,
“Symbol Sets/ Code Pages” for more information.

Example T,2,10,V,50,80,0,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

Defines a text field (field #2) with a variable length of up to 10 characters.
The field begins at row 50, column 80. There is no additional gap between
characters, and the Standard font is used without any additional
magnification. The printing is black on white and centered. No field or
character rotation is used. The internal symbol set is used.

Defining Fields 3-7

Defining Bar Code Fields

Each bar code field requires a separate definition.

Syntax B,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,

font,density,height,text,alignment,field rot p

B1. B Bar Code Field.

B2. field# Unique number from 1 to 999 to identify this field.

B3. # of char Maximum number of characters. If the bar code uses a check digit, allow

an extra character for the check digit. The actual maximum number of
characters is limited by the size of the label and bar code density. Range:
0 to 2710.

For Quick Response bar codes, this number includes header information.
The maximum depends on the type of characters entered for the batch data
and differs for the two models of the bar code.

Data Type Model 1 Model 2

Numeric Data 1167 2710
Alphanumeric data 707 2710
8-byte data 486 2710
Kanji data 299 1817

Note: The maximum number of characters depends on the selected level

of error correction. As you increase the error correction level, the
maximum number of characters decreases.

3-8 Defining Fields

B4. fix/var Fixed (F) or variable (V) length field.

Bar Code Number of Characters Fixed or Variable

UPCA

UPCA+2

UPCA+5

UPCA+Price CD

UPCE

UPCE+2

UPCE+5

EAN8

EAN8+2

EAN8+5

EAN13

EAN13+2

EAN13+5

EAN13+Price CD

POSTNET

Interleaved 2 of 5 or Interleaved
I 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

Code 39 (w/ or w/o CD) or MOD43

Codabar (NW7)

Code 128

Code 16K

Code 93

MSI

PDF 417

Maxicode*

Data Matrix*

Quick Response*

0 to 93 (alphanumeric)

0 to 128 (numeric)

0 to 2335 alphanumeric

0 to 2710 (numeric)

1167 - 2710 (numeric)

707 - 2710 (alphanumeric)

12 F

14 F

17 F

12 F

7 F

9 F

12 F

8 F

10 F

13 F

13 F

15 F

18 F

13 F

9 or 11 F

0 - 2710 F or V

0 - 2710 F or V

0 - 2710 F or V

0 - 2710 F or V

0 - 2710 V

0 - 2710 V

0 - 14 F or V

0 - 2710 F or V

F or V

V

V

* For more information about MaxiCode,Data Matrix, and Quick Response, see Appendix A, “Samples.”

Defining Fields 3-9

B5. row Distance from the bottom of the print area to the pivot point of the field.

The pivot point varies, depending on how the field is justified. Pivot points:

Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields

Balanced Fields

End-Justified Fields

Remember to include text or numbers that may appear with the bar code
for the row measurement.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

B6. column Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to

the pivot point.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

Allow a minimum of 1/10 inch between the scan edge
of bar code and label edges or other data.

3-10 Defining Fields

B7. font Bar code. Options:

1 UPCA
2 UPCE
3 Interleaved 2 of 5
4 Code 39 (no check digit)
5 Codabar
6 EAN8
7 EAN13
8 Code 128
9 MSI
10 UPCA +2
11 UPCA +5
12 UPCE +2
13 UPCE +5
14 EAN8 +2
15 EAN8 +5
16 EAN13 +2
17 EAN13 +5
21 LAC
22 POSTNET
23 Code 93
31 Code 16K
32 PDF417
33 MaxiCode
35 Data Matrix (ECC-200)
36 Quick Response
40 Code 39 (MOD 43 check digit)
41 UPCA & Price CD
44 EAN13 & Price CD
50 Interleaved 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

B8. density Bar code density. Use 0 for Quick Response bar codes. Use the following

table for the other bar codes.

Note: If the field contains an 11-digit UPC bar code, the printer

automatically zero-suppresses it into a 6-digit UPCE bar code.

Defining Fields 3-11

Bar code Densities

Bar Code

Type

UPCA +2/+5
Price CD

UPCE
+2/+5

EAN8
+2/+5

EAN13+2/+5
Price CD

Interleaved
2 of 5
or I2of5
with Barrier
Bar

(Code 39 or
MOD43
(Extended
Code 39)

Codabar
(NW7)

Code 128
or
Code 16K

Density

Selector

2

4

2
4

2

4

2

4

1
2
3

4
5
6

7
8
9

10
11

12

13

1
2
3
4
6
7
11
12
20

2
3
4
5
7

8

9

4
6

8

20

Density

(% or cpi)

76%
114%

76%
114%

76%
114%

76%
114%

1.1

2.1

3.2

4.2

5.6

6.3

7.5

8.8

9.6

11.2

11.0

12.7

14.5

1.4

1.7

3.5

4.2

6.3

7.0

3.9

12.7

3.0

2.1

3.0

4.6

5.1

8.4

9.2

10.1

3.5/7.0

4.4/8.7

5.8/11.7

8.7/11.5

Narrow
Element

(dots/mils)

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

21/103.4
12/59.1
7/34.5

6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7

3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8

2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9

2/9.9

10/49.3
8/39.4
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9
2/9.9
4/19.7
1/4.9
5/24.6

8/39.4
6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7
2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9

5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

N/A 11 or 12

N/A 6 or 7

N/A 7 or 8

N/A 12 or 13

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:3.0

1:2.5
1:3.0
1:2.5

1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0

1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5

1:2.0

1:2.5
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.2

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to 7FH

Data

Length

14/17

9/12

10/13

15/18

0 to 2710 8 0 to 9

0 to 2710 8 SPACE

0 to 26 8 $+-./

Appearance

Codes

Available

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

Char

$%*+-./
0 to 9
A to Z

0 to 9
a to d

Set

Note: The start (*) and stop (+) characters are automatically added for

3-12 Defining Fields

Code 39. Code 39, density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This
density is intended for special U.S.P.S. ACT-tag applications only.

Bar Code

Type

CODE 93 3

MSI 4

Density

Selector

4
5

7

10

5

7

Density

(% or cpi)

3.7

4.5

5.6

7.5

11.2

4.2

5.6

7.2

Narrow
Element

(dots/mils)

6/29.6
5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.5

Data

Length

0 to 14 8 0 to 9

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

7FH

POSTNET 0 (fixed at

MaxiCode 7 N/A N/A N/A 99 8 00H to

Bar Code

Type

PDF417 1

Quick Response
(QR Code) Models 1 and 2

4.3 cpi)

Density

Selector

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Bar Code Type Density

24/118.2 10/49.3 4/19.7 (5

Element

Width

(dot/mils)

2/9.8
2/9.8
2/9.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
4/19.7
4/19.7
4/19.7

Selector

0

Row Height

(dots/mils)

2/9.8
4/19.7
6/29.6
3/14.8
6/29.6
9/44.3
4/19.7
8/39.4
12/59.1

Model 1: 0 - 1167 Numeric;0 - 707 Alphanumeric;
0 - 486 (8-bit); 0 - 299 (Kanji)
Model 2: 0 - 2710 Numeric, Alphanumeric and 8-bit;
0 - 1817 Kanji

dot gap)

Aspect

Ratio

1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3

0,5,6,9 or118 0 to 9

Data

Length

0 to 2709 8 00H to

Data Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

FFH

Char Set

FFH

Note: Values in bold indicate the default.

Defining Fields 3-13

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Square
symbols

Row x Col.

10 x 10
12 x 12
14 x 14
16 x 16
18 x 18
20 x 20
22 x 22
24 x 24
26 x 26
32 x 32
36 x 36
40 x 40
44 x 44
48 x 48
52 x 52
64 x 64
72 x 72
80 x 80
88 x 88
96 x 96
104 x 104
120 x 120
132 x 132
144 x 144

Density

Selector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Max. Data Length

Num. X Alphanum.

6 x 3
10 x 6
16 x 10
24 x 16
36 x 25
44 x 31
60 x 43
72 x 52
88 x 64
124 x 91
172 x 127
228 x 169
288 x 214
348 x 259
408 x 304
560 x 418
736 x 550
912 x 682
1152 x 862
1392 x 1042
1632 x 1222
2100 x 1573
2608 x 1954
2710 x 2335

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

Char

Set

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Rectangular
symbols

Row x Col.

8 x 18
8 x 32
12 x 26
12 x 36
16 x 36
16 x 48

Note: The printers support printing a Data Matrix symbol with an

3-14 Defining Fields

Density

Selector

25
26
27
28
29
30

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Max. Data Length

Num. X Alphanum.

10 x 6
20 x 13
32 x 22
44 x 31
64 x 46
98 x 72

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

Char

Set

X-dimension of 13 mils or greater (3 dots @203 dpi). If you use a
denser bar code, make sure the bar code scans in your particular
application. Our “premium” supplies and increasing the print
contrast are recommended for denser bar codes. Depending on
your application, additional densities are available.

B9. height Bar code height, in 1/100 inches, 1/10 mm, or dots. Minimum values:

English 20
Metric 51
Dots 41

POSTNET, PDF417, and MaxiCode bar codes have a fixed height.
Always use 0 for these bar codes.
Small Data Matrix and QR Codes may not be scannable. The Data Matrix
and QR Code’s height depends on the number entered for this parameter.
For example, if you select 80, the symbol could be smaller than 0.80," but it
will not be greater than the amount specified in this parameter. The symbol
arranges the data according to rows and columns within the specified
height.
For Quick Response bar codes, the value you enter is the symbol's
maximum height. Small bar codes may not be scannable.

B10. text Appearance of text with bar code. For UPC and EAN only use 0 to 7. For

all others, use 8, except where noted. Options:

0 Default

MaxiCode Mode 0 (obsolete)
QR Code Model 2

1 No check digit or number system

QR Code Model 1

2 MaxiCode Mode 2 (Numeric Postal Code)

QR Code Model 2

3 MaxiCode Mode 3 (Alphanumeric Postal Code)
5 Number system at bottom, no check digit
6 Check digit at bottom, no number system
7 Check digit and number system at bottom
8 No text, bar code only

MaxiCode (autodetect modes 0, 2, or 3)
Data Matrix

B11. alignment Choose L, R, C, B or E to align the bar code data correctly in the field. B

centers variable width bar codes, which may not allow pad-character
centering (Code 128, Code 39, etc.) E right justifies variable width bar
codes. MaxiCode, Data Matrix, and QR Code
must use L.

B12. field rot Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just the characters.

Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies depending on how text
is justified. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point. Options:

0 Top of field points to top of supply

(Use for Maxicode)

1 Top of field points to left of supply
2 Top of field points to bottom of supply
3 Top of field points to right of supply

Note: Serial bar codes printed at speeds greater than 2.0 IPS may not

scan properly.

Defining Fields 3-15

Example B,3,12,V,50,40,1,2,80,7,L,0 p

Defines a bar code field (field #3) with 12 characters of variable length
starting at row 150, column 40. A UPCA bar code with a density of 2 and a
height of 80 is used. The check digit and number system are shown at the
bottom. The bar code is left aligned without any field rotation.

Defining Constant Text Fields

A constant text field is a set of fixed characters that prints on all labels.
Define each constant text field separately. This field is not assigned a field
number, but is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a
maximum of 200 fields per format). The characters in this field cannot be
changed by batch data. Field options do not apply to constant text fields.
Mark the pivot point of your field. This will vary, depending on how your
field is justified.

Syntax C,row,column,gap,font,hgt mag,

wid mag,color,alignment,char rot,
field rot,"fixed char",sym set p

C1. C Constant Text Field.

C2. row For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print

area to the pivot point. For proportionally spaced
fonts, distance from bottom of print area to baseline of
characters in the field.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

C3. column Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to

the pivot point.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

3-16 Defining Fields

C4. gap Number of dots between characters (203 dots per inch). Range: 0 to 99.

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your field width.
Default spacing:

Standard 3 dots
Reduced 1 dot
Bold 3 dots
OCRA-like 3 dots
CG Triumvirateä
Typeface Bold varies with each letter
CG Triumvirateä Typeface varies with each letter
EFF Swiss Bold varies with each letter

C5. font Style of font. Options:

1 Standard 6 HR2
2 Reduced 10 CG Triumvirateä Typeface Bold
3 Bold 11 CG Triumvirateä Typeface
4 OCRA-like 50 EFF Swiss Bold (scalable)
5 HR1

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only.
The CG Triumvirateä typefaces support only the ANSI and DOS Code
Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code
Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/Code Pages" for more
information.

C6. hgt mag Height magnifier, 1 to 7 times (4 to 255 points for the scalable font - font 50

or downloaded TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally
spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher
magnifications. See Appendix B, “Fonts,” for more information about fonts.

C7. wid mag Width magnifier, 1 to 7 times (4 to 255 points for the scalable font - font 50

or downloaded TrueType fonts). Proportionally spaced fonts do not have a
set width. To estimate the size of your field, use the letter “W” for the
widest field or an “L” for an average width field. Find your selected font
and the desired width in Appendix B, “Fonts.”

C8. color There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does not block out

(or “erase”) existing fields.

Opaque The overlay field blocks out (or “erases”) existing fields.

Options for standard printer fonts:

B Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
D/R/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Defining Fields 3-17

Options for scalable fonts:

A/N Opaque, Normal, Black, Bold
B/O Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
E/S Opaque, Italics, Black, Bold
F/T Opaque, Italics, Black, Normal

Note: Solid black print should not exceed 30% on a given square inch of

the label, or the printhead life may be decreased.

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration when using
field color attributes. If a line field is defined before the overlay (text or
constant text) field, the line field is blocked out by the overlay field,
depending on the overlay field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined
after the overlay field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,
regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

C9. alignment Alignment of constant text in the field. Options:

L Align on left side of field.
C Center text within field (for monospaced fonts only)
R Align on right side of field (for monospaced fonts only)
B Align at midpoint of field
E Align at end of field.

Use L, B, or E for any font.

C10. char rot Character rotation. The field or supply does not rotate, only the characters

do. Options:

0 Top of character points to top of field
1 Top of character points to left of field
2 Top of character points to bottom of field
3 Top of character points to right of field

Note: Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not support character

rotation.

C11. field rot Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just the characters.

Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies depending on how text
is justified. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point. Options:

0 Top of overlay points to top of supply
1 Top of overlay points to left of supply
2 Top of overlay points to bottom of supply
3 Top of overlay points to right of supply

C12. “fixed char” Fixed characters to appear in the field. Maximum 2710 characters.

Enclose in quotation marks.

3-18 Defining Fields

C13. sym set Symbol set. Use 0 for the Internal Symbol Set.

For scalable fonts, use:

1 ANSI Symbol Set
102 Unicode (user input) for particular mapping
437 DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
850 DOS Code Page 850 (International)
852 DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
855 DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
857 DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
860 DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
1250 Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
1251 Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
1252 Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
1253 Code Page 1253 (Greek)
1254 Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
1255 Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
1256 Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
1257 Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
1258 Code Page 1258 (Vietnam)

Note: The CG Triumvirate™ typefaces support only the ANSI and DOS

Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font (font 50)
does not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). Code pages 852-860
and 1250-1258 are for downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable
font. Code page 102 requires a downloaded International
TrueType font. TrueType fonts are designed to be regionally
specific; therefore, all code pages may not be supported in a given
font. See Appendix C, “Symbol Sets/ Code Pages” for more
information.

Example C,30,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MADE IN USA",0 p

Defines a constant text field starting at row 30, column 10. It does not have
any additional inter-character gap. The Standard font is used without any
additional magnification. The printing is black on white and left justified.
No field or character rotation is used. “MADE IN USA” is printed in this
field. The internal symbol set is used.

Defining Fields 3-19

Defining Line Fields

Use lines to form borders and mark out original prices. Define each line
separately. This field is not assigned a field number, but is counted as a
field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a maximum of 200 fields per
format). You can define any line length and a thickness up to 99 dots, as
long as the solid black print does not exceed 30 percent of any given square
inch of the label.

Line Types

You can create horizontal and vertical lines. There are two ways to define
lines.

Segments You choose the starting point and ending point.

Vectors You choose the starting point, the angle, and the length

of the line.

Syntax L,type,row,column,angle/end row,length/

end col,thickness,"pattern" p

L1. L Line Field.

L2. type Type of line. Only vertical and horizontal lines are supported. Options:

S Segment. You choose the starting point and

ending point.

V Vector. You choose the starting point, angle, and

length.

L3. row Distance from bottom of print area to the starting

point.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

L4. column Distance from left edge of the print area to line origin.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 383

3-20 Defining Fields

L5. angle
/end row

If Using Segments:

Row location of ending point. Measure from bottom of
print area. Ranges same as row above. On
horizontal lines, this value must match item L3.

If Using Vectors:
Angle of line. Options: 0, 90, 180, or 270.

L6. length/
end col

If Using Segments:

Column location of end point. Measure from left edge
of print area. Ranges same as column above. On
vertical lines, this value must match parameter L4.

If Using Vectors:
Length of the line in selected units.

Ranges for horizontal lines:
English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

Ranges for vertical lines:
English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dots 0 - 2436

Defining Fields 3-21

L7. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the line thickness

(1 to 99) in box L7. Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to the
right on vertical lines. Measured in dots.

L8. “pattern” Line pattern. Enter "".

Example L,S,110,30,110,150,10,"" p

Defines a horizontal line field as a segment starting at row 110, column 30
and ending at row 110, column 150. The line thickness is 10 dots.

3-22 Defining Fields

Defining Box Fields

Use boxes to form borders or highlight items of interest. Define each box
field separately. This field is not assigned a field number, but is counted as
a field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a maximum of 200 fields per
format). You can define any line length and a thickness up to 99 dots, as
long as the solid black print does not exceed 30 percent of any given square
inch of the label.

Syntax Q,row,column,end row,end

col,thickness,"pattern" p

Q1. Q Box (Quadrilateral) Field.

Q2. row Distance from bottom of print area to

lower left corner of box.

English 0 - 1200
Metric: 0 - 3045
Dots: 0 - 2436

Q3. column Distance from left edge of print area to lower left

corner of box.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

Q4. end row Distance from bottom of print area to upper right

corner of box. Ranges same as row.

Q5. end col Distance from left edge of print area to upper right

corner of box. Ranges same as column.

Defining Fields 3-23

Q6. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line thickness

(1 to 99) in box Q6. Boxes fill inward, so make sure your boxes do not
overwrite other fields. Measured in dots.

Q7. “pattern” Line pattern. Enter "".

Example Q,40,30,70,150,3,"" p

Defines a box field starting at row 40, column 30. It ends at row 70, column

150. It has a thickness of 3 dots.

3-24 Defining Fields

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS 4

This chapter provides a reference for defining

¨

field options in formats

¨

check digit packets.

Note: When using multiple options on the printer, options are processed in

the order they are received.

Defining Field Options 4-1

Applying Field Options

Field options further define text and bar code fields. The text, constant text,
or bar code field must be previously defined before you can apply any field
option to it. Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

Combining Field Options

You can use more than one option with most fields. For example, you can
use Option 4 to copy data from another field, and then use Option 30 to pad
the field. When you use multiple options for the same field, you must place
the options in the order you want to apply them to your format.

Restrictions

Some options cannot be used together. For example, incrementing (Option

60) and price field (Option 42) options cannot be applied to the same field.

Refer to the following sections addressing individual options for specific
combinations to avoid.

Option 4 (copy a field) is the only option that can be repeated for a single
field.

Example R,1,3,1,3,1,1 p

Syntax R,option#,parameter...parameter p

R1. R Indicates field option header.

R2. option# Option number:

1 Define fixed characters
2 Data type restrictions
4 Copy data from previous field
30 Pad data to left or right with specified character
31 Generate check digit
42 Format as a price field
50 Define bar code densities
51 Define security and truncation of PDF417 bar codes
52 Define width or length of PDF417 bar codes
60 Define incrementing or decrementing field
61 Reimage fields

R3. parameter(s)

Varies per option. See the following option descriptions.

4-2 Defining Field Options

Option 1 (Fixed Data)

Fixed data is information (a company name or store number) you want to
print on all labels. You can define fixed characters for an entire field or for
part of a field.

Syntax R,1,"fixed char" p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 1 Option 1.

R3. fixed char Characters to insert. Enclose in quotation marks. If you are defining fixed

characters for part of a field, place underscores(_) in non-fixed positions.
Any spaces in the phrase are fixed characters. Range: 0 to 2710.

Note: Underscore characters are stripped out and the data is

compressed if no data is supplied by the batch and the field length
is variable.

Example R,1,"_ _ _%$_ _ _ _ _" p

Uses fixed characters (%$) in positions 4 and 5. The other positions are
variable.

Example R,1,"MONARCH" p

“MONARCH” appears as a fixed field in this example.

To fill in the non-fixed portion of the field, see “Defining Batch Data Fields”
in Chapter 6. As an alternative, you can apply Option 4 to copy data into
the non-fixed character positions.

Defining Field Options 4-3

Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions)

This option restricts the data type for a particular field. You can use Option
2 only once per field.

If you do batch entry only in the batch packet, you do not need to apply
Options 2 and 3. Use these options only for offline batch entry.

Syntax R,2,char_code p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 2 Option 2.

R3. char code Character type for the field. Options:

1 Numeric only (0..9)
2 Letters only (A..Z,a..z)
3 Symbols only (printable characters other than letters

or numbers)

4 Letters and numbers only
5 Numbers and symbols only
6 Letters and symbols only

Spaces are permitted in all categories. You can also use a combination of
any two (letter, numbers, or symbols) character types.

Note: A use for this option is a quantity field, where the operator could

enter only numeric data.

Example R,2,2 p

Restricts the field data to letters only (A-Z or a-z).

4-4 Defining Field Options

Option 4 (Copy Data)

You can create a field that uses data from another field. This is useful for
creating merged fields or sub-fields. You can copy the information from
multiple fields into one field by applying the copy procedure more than once.
Copy data is the only option you can apply to a field more than once.

The maximum number of characters defined in box T3 or B3 must allow for
the number of characters you will place in the field, including any price,
check digit, or fixed characters inserted by the printer. The maximum
number of characters in the field into which data is copied cannot exceed

2710 or the maximum number of characters permitted by the bar code.

Note: When copying from more than one field, copy into the destination

field from left to right.

Syntax R,4,src fld,src start,# to copy,dest start,

copy code p

R1. R Field Option Header.

R2. 4 Option 4.

R3. src fld Field number from which data is copied. Range: 0 to 999.

R4. src start Position number in the source field of the first character to be copied.

Character positions are numbered 1 to 2710, starting from the left.

R5. # to copy Number of characters to copy. Range: 1 to 2710.

R6. dest start Position number where copied characters are to begin printing in the

destination field. Range: 1 to 2710.

R7. copy code Copy Method.

1 Copy field as is (including price symbols,

pad characters, check digits, etc.).

2 Copy unformatted data (without price characters,

pad characters, etc.).

Example R,4,3,1,3,1,1 p

Copies data from field #3, starting at the first position and copying three
characters. In the destination field, the information is placed in position 1
and copied as formatted data.

Defining Field Options 4-5

Merging Fields

You can copy data to merge the contents of fields. Use the copy data option
as many times as necessary to copy all the appropriate fields into the
merged field.

In the following example, two text and two non-printable fields are shown.
Data from these fields is merged to form field 5, and is then printed as a bar
code.

Field Data Field Type

1 203 Non-printable
2 339 Non-printable
3 8 Tex t
4 BLUE Tex t
5 2033398BLUE Bar Code

To create this sequence:

1. Define fields 1, 2, 3, and 4.

2. Define field 5 as a bar code. Allow enough characters in the bar code

field to hold all the copied characters.

3. Apply Option 4 to field 5 once for every source field.

Sub-Fields

You can copy a segment of data from one field into a new location, called a
sub-field. For example, extract part of the data in a bar code and display it
in text form in a sub-field. Then, use the copy data option.

4-6 Defining Field Options

Option 30 (Pad Data)

You can add characters to one side of a field to “pad” the field. Padding
allows you to fill in the remaining spaces when the entered data does not fill
an entire field. If a variable length field is not completely filled with batch
data, this option fills the remaining positions in the field with the character
designated by Option 30.

Syntax R,30,L/R,"character" p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 30 Option 30.

R3. L/R Indicates type of padding:

L Pad field on left side
R Pad field on right side

R4. “character” Pad character must be within the 0 to 255 decimal range and enclosed

inside quotation marks.

Note: Do not use on fixed length fields.

Example R,30,L,"X" p

Pads data with an “X” on the left side of the field.

Sample Use for Padding

If you have a variable length bar code that you want to occupy a fixed
amount of space on the supply, use pad characters. If the maximum number
of characters in the bar code is 15, but the batch record only has 10
characters, the padding option fills the remainder of the field with pad
characters.

Defining Field Options 4-7

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit)

The printer generates a check digit if you apply Option 31 to the field. You
cannot use this option if the field contains a UPC, EAN, or Code 39 (with the
MOD43 check digit) bar code.

Syntax R,31,gen/ver,check digit # p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 31 Option 31.

R3. gen/ver Enter G to generate a check digit.

R4. check digit # Specifies a check digit scheme. Enter a number that identifies a check

digit scheme that has been defined. For more information, see “Using
Check Digits.” Range: 1 to 10.

Example R,31,G,5 p

Generates a check digit using the previously defined check digit scheme 5.

Option 42 (Price Field)

You can apply options that will insert monetary symbols automatically. Do
not use this option with Option 31 (define a check digit) or Option 60
(increment or decrement a field). This option is not recommended for bar
codes. When determining the maximum number of characters, add the
maximum number of digits and the monetary symbols.

Syntax R,42,appearance code p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 42 Option 42.

R3. appearance
code

Enter 1 to print price field in standard notation, as defined by country
setting.

Use the monetary formatting packet to select monetary notations and
symbols by country setting. See “Defining the Monetary Formatting
Packet” for more information.
See Appendix C, “Symbol Sets/Code Pages,” to make sure the monetary
symbol you want to use is printable in the font selected for this field. For
monetary symbols other than the dollar sign, use the internal symbol set.

4-8 Defining Field Options

Example R,42,1 p

Uses a price field that prints the monetary symbol and notations as defined
in the monetary formatting packet.

Option 50 (Bar Code Density)

You can apply this option to bar code fields when you want to create custom
densities. When you apply this option, it overrides the density value in the
bar code field. When using this option, set the density parameter in your
bar code field to the default value. You can only use this option once for
each bar code field.

Bar codes produced using Option 50 may not be scannable. Code 39,
density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density is intended for
special U.S.P.S. ACT-tag applications only. Synthetic supplies are
recommended to produce scannable bar codes.

The additional character gap, narrow space, and wide space parameters are
valid only with Code 39 and Codabar. If these parameters are specified for
any other bar codes, they will be ignored by the printer. Do not use Option
50 with fixed density bar codes.

Option 50 can be used with PDF417 bar codes for specific customer ratios.
With PDF417 bar codes, use only the narrow and wide parameters. The
narrow parameter defines the individual bar width in dots and the wide
parameter is used to define the height of each individual stacked bar code.
Option 50 can also be used with Option 52 to further customize the
dimensions of a PDF417 bar code. Option 52 allows customization of the
number of columns or number of rows for the bar code.

Syntax R,50,narrow,wide,gap,nar_space,wide_space p

R1. R Field Option Header.

R2. 50 Option 50.

R3. narrow Dot width of the narrow element. Range: 1 to 99.

R4. wide Dot width of the wide element. Range: 1 to 99.

R5. gap Additional dot space between characters. Enter a value of 1 to 99.

(Code 39 and Codabar only.)

Defining Field Options 4-9

R6. nar_space Additional dot width of the narrow bar code space.

(Code 39 and Codabar only). Range: 1 to 99.

R7. wide_space Additional dot width of the wide bar code space.

(Code 39 and Codabar only). Range: 1 to 99.

Example R,50,4,8,4,4,8 p

Creates a custom bar code density with a narrow element of 4 dots, a wide
element of 8 dots, a gap of 4 dots, 4 additional dot widths for the narrow bar
code space, and 8 additonal dot widths for the wide bar code space (if this
is a Code 39 or Codabar bar code).

Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation)

You can define a security level and choose whether or not to truncate a
PDF417 bar code. Higher security levels add data to a bar code, improving
scan reliability. Some damaged bar codes may still be scannable if the
security level is high enough. You can use this option to create standard
PDF417 bar codes or use the truncated option to create a narrower bar
code. This option can appear only once per PDF417 field, in any order,
following the bar code field.

As the security level is increased, so is the size of your PDF417 bar code.
For each level increased, the bar code will double in size.

Syntax R,51,security,stand/default p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 51 Indicates Option 51.

R3. security Security level ranges from 0 to 8 (0 is the default).

Higher security levels add data to a bar code, improving scan reliability.
Some damaged bar codes may still be scannable if the security level is
high enough.

R4. stand/def Truncation selector. Valid values:

S (default) a standard PDF417 bar code
T truncated

Example R,51,2,S p

Defines a security level of 2 for a standard PDF417 bar code.

4-10 Defining Field Options

Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length)

This option defines the image width or length of a PDF417 bar code. If you
define a fixed number of columns (width), the bar code expands in length. If
you define a fixed number of rows (length), the bar code expands in width.

Column value does not include start/stop or left/right indicator columns.

If this option does not immediately follow the PDF417 bar code field, the
default settings are used. You can only use this option once per PDF417
bar code field.

Syntax R,52,row/column,dimension p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 52 Indicates Option 52.

R3. row/column Indicates if you are defining the number of rows or columns.

R Row
C Column

If you specify rows, the bar code expands in columns,
or vice versa.

R4. dimension The number of rows or columns defined for the bar code.

The default is 4. Valid values:

3-90 for rows
1-30 for columns

Example R,52,C,10 p

Defines the column width of 10, which expands the PDF417 bar code length
by 10.

Defining Field Options 4-11

Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields)

You may have an application, such as serial numbers, in which you need a
numeric field to increment (increase in value) or decrement (decrease in
value) on successive tickets within a single batch. Incrementing or
decrementing can be applied to numeric data only. If you have a field that
includes letters and digits, apply incrementing or decrementing to only the
portion of the field that contains digits. Do not use with Option 42 (price
field).

Syntax R,60,I/D,amount,l pos,r pos p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 60 Option 60.

R3. I/D Increment or decrement:

I incrementing field
D decrementing field

R4. amount Amount to increase or decrease. Range: 0 to 999.

R5. l pos Leftmost position in inc/dec portion of field. If this value is not entered, the

default value 1 is used. Range: 0 to 2710.

R6. r pos Rightmost position in inc/dec portion of field. If this value is not used, the

entire field length is used as the default. Range: 0 to 2710.

Example R,60,I,5,1,6 p

Increments a field by 5 each time the field is printed. The field increments
beginning with the first left position and ending with the sixth position.

Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence

There are two ways to enter the first number in the incrementing sequence.
You can use batch data or use Option 1 to define the first number as a fixed
character. The first number in the sequence must contain the same amount
of digits as the highest number to be counted. For example, to count the
numbers 1 to 999, the first number in the sequence must be entered as 001.

4-12 Defining Field Options

Option 61 (Re-image Field)

This option redraws (reimages) a constant field when you have a constant
field next to a variable field on your label. It can be used on text, constant
text, bar code, line, or box fields.

These printers do not redraw an area if the field data does not change.
When a field changes, that area is cleared and the new field data is imaged.
However, the new field data may require a larger area than the previous
field did. In some cases, neighboring fields that do not change (constant
fields) may be covered with white space from the changing field’s (variable
fields) area. Use this option to reimage the constant field, or it may appear
broken.

Note: The most common use for this option is with incrementing fields on

your label, because they may cover a constant field..

Syntax R,61 p

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 61 Option 61.

Example R,61 p

Reimages the constant field that appears next to a variable field.

Re-Image
ON

Re-Image ON

Re-Image
OFF

Re-Image OFF

In the above example, Option 61 was applied to the bar code field to keep
the incrementing field (Box #) from blocking out the bar code field.

Defining Field Options 4-13

Using Check Digits

Check digits are typically used to ensure that a text or bar code field scans
correctly. If you apply Option 31, the printer calculates a check digit. A
check digit scheme determines how the printer calculates a check digit.
When you define a check digit scheme, you assign a number to identify it.
This number is later entered in box R4 when you apply Option 31 to a field.
You can use check digits with text or bar code fields. Check digit
calculations are performed on numeric data only.

Do not use check digits with price fields. Do not define a check digit
scheme for UPC, EAN, Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit), and Code 93
bar codes, because they have predefined check digits.

Syntax {A,selector,action,device,modulus,

fld_length,D/P,"weights" p }

A1. A Check Digit Header.

A2. selector Assign a number from 1 to 10 to this check digit formula.

A3. action The action to perform. Enter A to add the check digit scheme.

A4. device Format storage device. Use R (Volatile RAM).

A5. modulus Number from 2 to 11. The modulus is used to divide the sum of products

or the sum of digits.

A6. fld_length The maximum number of characters the field will contain.

Range: 0 to 2710.

A7. D/P Algorithm. The algorithm determines how the check digit is calculated.

Options:

D sum of digits
P sum of products

A8. “weights” String of digits used for calculation. A weight string is a group of two or

more numbers that is applied to a field. The number of digits in this string
should equal the number in fld_length. Enclose in quotation marks.
Range: 0 to 2710.

Example {A,1,A,R,10,5,P,"65432" p }

Adds check digit scheme number 1 to the printer’s memory. The modulus is
10, the maximum number of characters in the field is 5. The check digit is
calculated by using the Sum of Products and the string of digits used in the
calculation is “65432.”

4-14 Defining Field Options

Sum of Products Calculation

This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Products to calculate a
check digit for this data:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

1. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in the
weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at the right-most
position of the field. Remember, a weight string must contain at least
two different numbers. This example has a weight string of 1,2,3,4:

field: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9
weight string: 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:

field: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9
weight string: 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
products: 20 2 6 6 16 5 4 3 36

3. Next, the product of each digit is added together. This is the sum of the
products.

20 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 16 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 36 = 98

4. Divide the sum of the products by the modulus (10 in this case), only to
the whole number. The balance is called the remainder.

9

10 98

90

8

5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus.

The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check digit is 2.

10 - 8 = 2

Defining Field Options 4-15

Sum of Digits Calculation

This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Digits to calculate a
check digit for this data:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

1. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in the
weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at the right-most
position of the field. Remember, a weight string must contain at least
two different numbers. This example has a weight string of 1,2,3,4:

field: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9
weight string: 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:

field: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9
weight string: 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
products: 20 2 6 6 16 5 4 3 36

3. Next, the digits of the products are added together. Two-digit products
are treated as two separate digits.
This is the sum of the digits.

2 + 0 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 44

4. Divide the sum of the digits by the modulus (10 in this case), only to the
whole number. The balance is called the remainder.

4

10 44

40

4

5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus.

The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check digit is 6.

10 - 4 = 6

4- 16 Defining Field Options

CREATING GRAPHICS 5

This chapter provides information on how to

¨

map out the graphic image using the hexadecimal (hex) or
run length method.

¨

create a graphic packet using a graphic header, bitmap,
duplicate, next-bitmap, text, constant text, line, and box
fields.

¨

place a graphic image into a format.

You can use graphic packets to create bitmapped images. To
include a graphic packet within your format, your format must
contain a graphic field. See “Placing the Graphic in a Format” for
more information.

Creating Graphics 5-1

Overview of Bitmapped Images

A printed image is formed through a series of dots. Each square on the grid
below represents a dot on the printhead. The graphic image is created by
blackening dots in a specific pattern. You can print varying shades of gray
according to the concentration of dots on the image. When the dots are
printed together, the end result is a graphic image.

Determining a Method

You can use one of two methods to map out your graphic image:

Hex Method The dot sequences are segmented into binary numbers

and then converted to hex numbers.

Run Length
Encoding Method

5-2 Creating Graphics

A graphic using gray-scaling, several slanted lines, or
several vertical lines typically translates more efficiently
with hex representation.

The dot sequences are segmented into black and white
strings within a row. The total count of each white string
is converted to a lower-case letter, corresponding to
numeric value. The total count of each black string is
converted to an uppercase letter, corresponding to
numeric value. This method can reduce imaging time
for graphics that contain repetitive rows of dots. A
graphic with horizontal lines or very few white-to-black
borders typically translates more efficiently with run
length encoding.

The most efficient encoding method depends on how complicated your
graphic image is and whether or not imaging time is a concern. You may
want to experiment with both encoding methods to get optimal performance.

Designing Bitmapped Images

Once you determine the encoding method to use, you
can begin mapping out your graphic image.

Note: The image that you map must be an upside

down mirror image of the final result.

Special Considerations

Solid black print cannot exceed 30% of any given square inch of the supply.
If the black print exceeds this limit, you may lose data or damage the
printhead.

In the first label, the large “M” logo and thick black line exceed the allowed
black to white print ratio. In the second label, the large “M” logo does not
exceed the black to white print ratio.

2 inches

0.5"

Exceeds
Limit

2 inches

0.5"

Does not
exceed
limit

Exceeds
Limit

Does not
exceed
limit

Creating Graphics 5-3

Using the Hex Method

The following steps explain how to derive a hex character string from a
bitmapped graphic.

Each square on the grid represents a dot. A black square indicates the dot
is ON, and a white square indicates the dot is OFF. A sequence of binary
numbers, called a bit pattern or bitmap, determines what dots are on and
off. The numbers “0" and ”1" are used for this purpose. The number “1"
turns a dot on and ”0" turns a dot off.

All hex numbers must be two digits. For example, write hex 0 as 00, or hex
E as 0E.

1. Assign 1 to every black square and 0 to every white square.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000000000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111000000000000000000000000001111111110000000000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001111110000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000011110000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000001111000000000
00000000000000000000000001111100001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111110000
00000000000000000000000110000011111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111000001100
00000000000000000000000110001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111000000000000000000011111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111111111100
00000000000000000000000001111111100000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000011111111110000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000010000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000011000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000001111000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000111000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000111111000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000001111000000
00000000111111100000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110001111000000

5-4 Creating Graphics

2. Section off the grid in columns of eight. If any rows are not divisible by
8, add enough 0’s to complete a column.

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11000000 00000000 00000000 00001111 11111000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111110 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000111 11100000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00011110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 01111100 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11110000
00000000 00000000 00000001 10000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00001100
00000000 00000000 00000001 10001111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111000 00000000 00000000 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111111 11111100
00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 10000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00111111 11110000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000010 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000011 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000001 11100000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 11100000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 11111100 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000011 11000000
00000000 11111110 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100011 11000000

3. One row at a time, convert each group of eight binary digits to hex.

starting at position 49 ...

00111111 = 3F
11111111 = FF
11111111 = FF
11110000 = F0

4. Write the hex values for each row as a continuous string.

row 1, position 49 = 03FFFFFF00000

5. Repeat steps 3 through 4 for each row on the grid.

6. Insert the hex values in syntax format.

Creating Graphics 5-5

Using the Run Length Encoding Method

The following steps explain how to derive a run length character string from
a bitmapped graphic.

Each square on the grid represents a dot. A black square indicates the dot
is ON, and a white square indicates the dot is OFF.

Note: The following example shows “1" to indicate when a square is ON,

and ”0" to indicate when a square is OFF. You do not have to
convert your dots when using the run length method.

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11000000 00000000 00000000 00001111 11111000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111110 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00001111 11000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00011110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 01111100 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11110000
00000000 00000000 00000001 10000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00001100
00000000 00000000 00000001 10001111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111000 00000000 00000000 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110
00000000 00000000 00000001 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111111 11111100
00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 10000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00111111 11110000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000010 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000 00000000 00000111 11111111 11111111 00000000 00000000 00011111 11000000
00000011 00000000 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000001 11000000
00000001 11100000 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100001 11000000
00000000 11100000 00000000 00000011 11111111 11110000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 01111111 11111110 00000000
00000000 11111100 00000000 00011100 00000011 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111110 00000011 11000000
00000000 11111110 00000000 00000000 00111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 11100011 11000000

1. Count the number of consecutive OFF or ON dots in a row. Write the
number of consecutive dots in sequence for the first row on the grid.
Write “ON” or “OFF” after each number to indicate ON or OFF dots.

(row 1, position 50) 26 on
(row 2, position 39) 11 on, 26 off, 9 on
(row 3, position 34) 5 on, 45 off, 6 on

2. Replace each number you have written with its corresponding code from
the Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart provided in Appendix C, “Symbol
Sets/Code Pages.” Be sure to use CAPITAL letters for black dots and
lower-case letters for white dots.

26 on (Z)
11 on (K), 26 off (z), 9 on (I)
.
.

5- 6 Creating Graphics

If the number is greater than 26, write z, followed by the letter
corresponding to the amount over 26. For example, to represent 45 off
dots, write zs.

5 on (E), 45 off (zs), 6 on (F)
.
.

3. Write the letter codes in sequence, uninterrupted, for each row.

(row 1,position 50) Z
(row 2,position 39) KzI
(row 3,position 34) EzsF
(row 4,position 30) DpZoD
.
.

Note: If the end of the line specifies OFF dots (lower-case letters), the

ending lower-case letters can be omitted. For example, uZFu can
be written as uZF.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each row on the grid.

5. Insert the code values in syntax format.

Determining How to Store the Image

Once you have mapped out your graphic image, determine how you want to
store it. You have several options:

¨ Volatile RAM

¨ Temporary Storage

¨ Flash

Using Volatile RAM

You should use RAM when the graphic image is used by several formats,
because you only have to send the graphic image once. This eliminates the
need to send the graphic image repeatedly. See “Placing the Graphic in a
Format,” for more information about using the graphic packet in a format.
Graphics smaller than approximately 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch can be stored in
printer RAM and referenced by the graphic ID number.

Creating Graphics 5-7

Graphics are stored in the format buffer and remain there until another
graphic packet is sent or the printer is turned off.

Using Temporary Storage

You should use temporary storage when the graphic image is used only in
one format or your graphic image is very large. Graphic data in temporary
storage is held in the image buffer until the graphic is printed and then it is
cleared from memory. Temporary graphics are also cleared from memory
when you send a new batch or update batch. You can use the same graphic
image multiple times on a format. Send the graphic image to the printer
after the format to which it applies.

If a graphic is stored in temporary storage, do not place a graphic field in
the format. This causes an error. Instead, position the graphic image by
using the row and column locations in the graphic packet header.

Image memory (temporary storage) accepts a graphic packet 1218 rows
long with 811 dots per row.

Using Flash

You can use flash memory when the graphic image is used by several
formats, because you only have to send the graphic image once. This
eliminates the need to send the graphic image repeatedly. See "Placing the
Graphic in a Format," for more information about using the graphic packet in
a format. Graphics stored in flash memory are saved when the printer is
turned off.

Creating a Graphic Packet

Your graphic packet can contain

¨ bitmapped fields (for bitmapped images)

¨ constant text fields

¨ lines

¨ boxes.

Images using hex representation or run length encoding are bitmapped
images. See “Designing Bitmapped Images” to design your bitmapped
image.

5-8 Creating Graphics

Once you design your graphic image, you are ready to define a graphic
packet. This packet generates the graphic image you use in a format.

Positioning the Graphic Image

This section explains how to position the graphic image within a graphic
packet header, a field of a graphic packet, or within a format.

Within the Graphic Packet Header

When you are using RAM, the row and column parameters in the graphic
header are usually 0,0, because placement is controlled by the graphic field
in your format. This is especially true when designing a compliance label
overlay.

When you are using temporary storage, these
parameters control the placement of the graphic
image on the supply.

The area enclosed within the dotted lines
represents the graphic image starting at 0,0 (as
defined in the graphic header).

If you want a fixed amount of white space
around your graphic image, use something other
than 0 for row and/or column.
The area enclosed within the dotted lines
represents the graphic image starting at 0,0 with a
fixed amount of white space (10,10) around the
graphic image.

Within the Field

In a bitmap, constant text, line, or box field, the row
and column parameters control where an individual
field or bitmapped row begins in relation to the
coordinates defined in the graphic header.

The bottom of the triangle in this example
represents the first field of the graphic packet
starting at 10,0.

Creating Graphics 5-9

Within a Format

When you define the graphic field within your format, the row and column
parameters represent where on the format to
place the graphic image.

If you are doing a compliance label, these
numbers are usually 0,0, because your
compliance label covers the entire supply. See
"Placing the Graphic in a Format," for a sample
compliance label.

If you are placing a graphic (a logo, for
example) within a certain area on your supply,
enter the starting position (bottom left corner)
of the graphic image.

This label shows the triangle “logo” beginning
(the bottom left corner) at 155, 33 as defined in
the graphic field.

Defining the Graphic Header

Every graphic packet must contain a graphic header. This is the first thing
you enter. It identifies and provides important measurement and formatting
information for the graphic. Bitmap, duplicate, next-bitmap, constant text,
line, and box fields follow the graphic header, if they are used.

Syntax {G,graphID,action,device,units,row,col,

mode,"name" p

G1. G Graphic Header.

G2. graphID Unique number from 1 to 999 to identify the graphic image.

G3. action Enter A to add the graphic to the printer.

G4. device Graphic storage device:

R Volatile RAM
T Temporary storage

G5. units Unit of measure. For bitmapped graphics, G (dots) is the only valid option.

5-10 Creating Graphics

G6. row Distance between the bottom of the graphic image area and the first bitmap

line. This is usually 0, unless you want a fixed amount of white space
around the graphic image. See “Positioning the Graphic Image,” for more
information.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dot 0 - 2436

G7. column Distance between the left edge of the graphic image area and the left edge

of first bitmap line. This is usually 0, unless you want a fixed amount of
white space around the graphic image. See “Positioning the Graphic
Image,” for more information. Use the previous table for values.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

G8. mode Imaging mode. Enter 0.

G9. “name” Graphic name (optional), 0 to 8 characters, enclose within quotation marks.

Example {G,99,A,R,G,0,0,0,"99Wire" p

Adds a graphic image identified by number 99 to volatile RAM. The graphic
uses dot measurement. The image will be placed according to the row and
column parameters in the graphic field. The imaging mode is 0 and the
image is called 99Wire.

Creating Graphics 5-11

Creating Bitmap Fields

This defines one row of dots, starting at a specific row and column within
the graphic image. Each unique row of dots requires a bitmap field. A
bitmap field can later be repeated by using a duplicate field.

Syntax B,row,column,algorithm,"data" p

B1. B Bitmap Field.

B2. row Distance (in dots) from the graphic image’s bottom margin to the bitmap

line.

English 0 - 1200
Metric 0 - 3045
Dot 0 - 2436

B3. column Distance (in dots) from the graphic image’s left edge to the bitmap line.

English 0 - 189
Metric 0 - 479
Dots 0 - 383

B4. algorithm Coding method for bitmap data:

H Hex Representation
R Run Length Encoding

B5. data Character string made up of hex or run length encoding. Do not put spaces

or any other character between the numbers. Range: 0 to 2710.

Example {B,39,56,H,"3FFFFFF0" p

Defines a bitmapped graphic field. The image begins 39 dots from the
bottom and 56 dots from the left edge of the graphic area. Hex
representation is used.

5-12 Creating Graphics