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Copyright (c) 2011 Brother Industries, Ltd.
Brother QL Series
Command Reference
(QL-500/550/560/570/580N/
650TD/700/1050/1060N)
October 3, 2011 Version 6.0
Brother Industries, Ltd.,
Software Application Development Dept.
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1.INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................................................
3
3.PRINT DATA...................................................................................................................................................
3.1.PRINT DATA OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................
3.2.PAGE DATA DETAILS ....................................................................................................................................
4.STATUS ........................................................................................................................................................
4.1. OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................................
4.2. DEFINITIONS OF EACH PART ......................................................................................................................
5.COMMAND DETAILS...................................................................................................................................
6.FLOW CHARTS............................................................................................................................................
6.1. SEQUENTIAL NORMAL FLOW FOR USB CONNECTION..................................................................................
4
4
5
12
12
14
18
24
25
6.2. SEQUENTIAL ERROR FLOW FOR USB CONNECTION (ERROR WHEN FEEDING AT THE END OF THE PAGE, FOR
EXAMPLE
, BECAUSE OF A TAPE CUTTER JAM).....................................................................................................
26
6.3. SEQUENTIAL ERROR FLOW FOR USB CONNECTION (ERROR DURING CONTINUOUS PRINTING, FOR EXAMPLE,
BECAUSE THERE IS NO MORE TAPE
)..................................................................................................................
6.4. SEQUENTIAL COOLING FLOW FOR USB CONNECTION.................................................................................
27
28
6.5. FLOW FOR SETTING SERIAL CONNECTION BAUD RATE ...............................................................................
6.6. BUFFERING NORMAL FLOW FOR SERIAL/USB CONNECTION .......................................................................
6.7. BUFFERING ERROR FLOW FOR SERIAL/USB CONNECTION .........................................................................
6.8. BUFFERING COOLING FLOW FOR SERIAL/USB CONNECTION ......................................................................
6.9. BUFFERING NORMAL FLOW FOR NETWORK (STANDARD TCP/IP / LPR PORT) CONNECTION ........................
7.USB SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................
29
30
31
32
33
3
4
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
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1.Introduction
This material provides the necessary information for directly controlling the Brother QL-500/550/560/
570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N. This information is provided assuming that the user has full
understanding of the operating system being used and basic mastery of USB in a developer’s
environment.
Details concerning the USB interface are not described in this material. If a USB interface is being
us
ed, refer to “7. USB Specifications
” to prepare the interface.
We accept no responsibility for any problems caused
information provided in this material, affecting software, data or hardware, including the Brother QL-500/
550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N, and any problems resulting directly or indirectly from them.
These materials are provided in their current condition, and we assume no responsibility for their content.
Use this material only if you accept these terms.
This material shall not be reproduced, in part or in full, without prior approval. In addition, this material shall not be used as evidence in a lawsuit or dispute in a way that is unfavorable towards our company.
by programs that you develop using the
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
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2.Overview
The printing procedure is described below. For details on each command, refer to “5.Command Details”.
By using the machine’s button (E/EL), QL-700 can be
the mass storage class.
These materials assume that the machine is operating in the printer class.
①
Open USB/Serial/Network port
Open the USB/Serial/Network port in the operating
USB/Serial/Network port is not described in this material.
The serial port can only be used with the QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N.
The network port can only be used with the QL-580N/1060N.
②
Check machine status
The “Status information request” command is sent to the printer, the status information received from
the printer is analyzed, and then the status of the printer is determined.
information request” command and on the definition of “status”, refer to “Status information request” in “5.
Command Details
Send print data
③
If the status analysis concludes that a tape cassette
”.
switched between operating in the printer class and
environment. The procedure for opening the
For details on the “Status
corresponding to the print data is loaded into the
printer and that no error has occurred, the print data is sent. The structure of the print data is explained in
the next section, “3. Print Data
Note:
No com
of printing is confirmed.
Even the “Status information request” command cannot be sent during printing.
④
Confirmation of printing completion
is completed, one page is printed. If the print job has multiple pages, ② through ④ are
⑤
Close USB/Serial/Network port
Note:
In
order to print at high speed when the USB port is used, the Brother QL starts printing when it
starts to receive print data, instead of waiting for a print command. For the processing flow, for
mand can be sent to the printer after the print data is transmitted and until the completion
When printing is completed, the status is sent from the printer. This status is analyzed and, if printing
After all printing is finished, close the USB/Serial/Network port.
”.
repeated.
example when managing errors, refer to “6. Flow Charts
(If the printing data is compressed in Command “4D H + 02 H” for QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N, the printer starts printing after a print command.)
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
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3.Print Data
3.1.Print data overview The print data is constructed of the following: ① Initialize, ② Job command. If the print job consists of multiple pages, ② through ④ are repeated
① Initialize
- Initialize Clears the mode settings. 1B H, 40 H
② Job
data
Added at the beginning of each page and feeds each page.
Sequence Command Name Description/Example 1 Command mode switch Only used with QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N.
Switches to raster mode
1B H, 69 H, 61 H, 01 H
2 Print information
command
Sets the print information for the printer.
For the starting page of die-cut labels (29 mm × 90 mm)
with priority given to print speed:
1BH, 69H, 7AH, 0EH, 0BH, 1DH, 5AH, DFH, 03H,
data, ③ Page data, and ④ Print
00H, 00H, 00H, 00H
3 Set each mode To select “Auto Cut”(except QL-500):
1B H, 69 H, 4D H, 40 H
4
5
6
7
Specify the page
number in ”cut every
labels”
Set expanded mode Only used with QL-570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N.
Set margin amount For 3 mm margins:
Compression mode
select
ion
Only used with QL-570/580N/700/1050/1060N.
When an auto cut setting is effective, specify the number
*
of sheets for auto cut.
For each sheets,
1B H, 69 H, 41 H, 01 H
To set “Cut at end flag” 1B H, 69 H, 4B H, 08 H
1B H, 69 H, 64 H, 23 H, 00 H Only used with QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N For QL-650TD, data can only be compressed when the serial port is used.
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
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③ Page
data
Repeat for each page in the print job.
Sequence Command Name Description/Example －
Raster graphics transfer Sends a raster line that contains data with a pixel set to
“ON”.
For a single perpendicular line on 62-mm-wide
continuous length tape:
67H, 00H, 5AH, 00H, 0FH, FFH (repeat for 86 bytes),
F0H, 00H (QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD)
67H, 00H, 5AH, 00H, 0FH, FFH (repeat for 168 bytes),
F0H, 00H (QL-1050/1060N)
④ Print
command
Specified at the end of the page.
Sequence Command Name Description/Example
－
－
3.2.Page data details
3.2.1. Resolution
300 dpi high, 300 dpi wide 1:1 600 dpi high, 300 dpi wide 2:1
Print command Specified at the end of a page that is not the last page.
0C H
Print command with
Specified at the end of the last page.
1A H
feeding
Resolution Height-to-Width
Proportion
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3.2.2. Page size Ａ．Continuous length tape
1
3
5
5
1
3
Number
Feeding direction
6
2
4
Print area
Feeding direction
Landscape
Page size
Portrait
1 Width 2 Length
3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset
6
2
4
ID
257 12mm 12mm
258 29mm 29mm
264 38mm 38mm
262 50mm 50mm
261 54mm 54mm
259 62mm 62mm
260 102mm 102mm
Label
Siz
e
Designation １ ２ ３ ４ ５ ６
1/2” (0.47”)
1-1/7”(1.1”)
1-1/7”(1.4”)
2” (1.9”)
2-1/8” (2.1”)
2-3/7”(2.4”)
4” (4”)
12.02 mm 142 dots
28.96ｍｍ 342 dots
38.0ｍｍ 449 dots
50.0 mm 590 dots
53.8mm
636 dots
61.98ｍｍ 732 dots
101.6mm
1200 dots
→3.2.4 8.97 mm
→3.2.4 25.91 mm
→3.2.4 35.0 mm
→3.2.4 46.9 mm
→3.2.4. 50.0mm
→3.2.4 58.93mm
→3.2.4 98.59 mm
102mm continuous tape is only for QL-1050/1060N
Inch measurements are indicated as decimals with QL-700 and as fractions with all models
other than QL-700.
106 dots
306 dots
413 dots
554 dots
590 dots
696 dots
1164 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.4. 1.9mm
23 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.4 1.5 mm
18 dots
→3.2.3
→3.2.3
→3.2.3
→3.2.3
→3.2.3.
→3.2.3
→3.2.3
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
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Ｂ． Die-cut labels
1
6
5
3
Print area
5
6
4
2
4
2
Print
area
1
3
8
10
7
9
Number
1 Width 2 Length
3 Print area width (maximum printing width) 4 Print area length 5 Width offset 6 Length offset 7 Width offset of masked area 8 Length offset of masked area
9 Width of masked area 10 Length of masked area ID Designation １ ２ 269 17mm x 54mm
2/3” x 2-1/8”
17.02mm
201 dots
53.85mm
636 dots
(0.66” x 2.1”)
270 17mm x 87mm
2/3” x 3-7/16”
17.02mm
201 dots
86.87mm
1026 dots
(0.66” x 3.4”)
370 23mm x 23mm
10/11” x 10/11”
23.03mm
272 dots
23.03mm
272 dots
(0.9” x 0.9”)
271 29mm x 90mm
1-1/7” x 3-1/2”
28.96mm
342 dots
89.83mm
1061 dots
(1.1” x 3.5”)
272 38mm x 90mm
1-1/2” x 3-1/2”
38.01mm
449 dots
89.83mm
1061 dots
(1.4” x 3.5”)
367 39mm x 48mm
1-1/2” x 1-8/9”
39.01mm
461 dots
47.8mm
565 dots
(1.5” x 1.8”)
374 52mm x 29mm
2” x 1-1/7”
52.0mm
614 dots
28.9mm
341 dots
(2” x 1.1”)
274 62mm x 29mm
2-3/7” x 1-1/7”
61.98mm
732 dots
28.87mm
341 dots
(2.4” x 1.1”)
*1 ３ ４*1 ５ ６*1
13.97mm
165 dots
13.97mm
165 dots
19.99mm
236 dots
25.91mm
306 dots
34.97mm
413 dots
36.0mm
425 dots
48.9.mm
578 dots
58.93mm
696 dots
47.92mm
566 dots
80.94mm
956 dots
17.10mm
202 dots
83.90mm
991 dots
83.90mm
991 dots
41.9mm
495 dots
22.9mm
271 dots
22.94mm
271 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
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ID Designation １ ２*1 ３ ４*1 ５ ６*1 275 62mm x 100mm
2-3/7” x 4”
61.98mm
732 dots
99.82mm
1179 dots
58.93mm
696 dots
93.90mm
1109 dots
1.5 mm 18 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
(2.4” x 3.9”)
365 102mm x 51mm
4” x 2”
101.6mm
1200 dots
50.5mm
596 dots
98.59mm
1164 dots
44.53mm
526 dots
1.5mm
18 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
(4” x 1.9”)
366 102mm x 152mm
4” x 6”
101.6mm
1200 dots
152.75mm
1804 dots
98.59mm
1164 dots
140.60mm
1660 dots
1.5mm
18 dots
6.1mm
72 dots
(4” x 6”)
362 12mm Dia
1/2” Dia
12.02mm
142 dots
12.02mm
142 dots
7.96mm
94 dots
7.96mm
94 dots
2.0 mm 24 dots
2.0 mm 24 dots
(0.47” Dia)
363 24mm Dia
1” Dia
24.04mm
284 dots
24.04mm
284 dots
19.98mm
236 dots
19.98mm
236 dots
2.0 mm 24 dots
2.0 mm 24 dots
(0.94” Dia)
273 58mm Dia
2-1/3” Dia
58.25mm
688 dots
58. 25mm 688 dots
52.24mm
618 dots
52.24mm
618 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
3.0 mm 35 dots
(2.2” Dia)
Inch measurements are indicated as decimals with QL-700 and as fractions with all models other than QL-700.
ID ７ ８ 273 21.17mm
232 dots
*1 The number of dots in the table is for 300 dpi; it is difference in the high-resolution mode.
*2 Margins of 3 mm (1.5 mm × 2) horizontally and 3 mm (1.5 mm × 2) vertically
*1 ９*1*2 １０*1*2
21.08mm
232 dots
19.0mm
224 dots
19.0mm
224 dots
are added to a diameter of 16 mm.
“102mm x 51mm” and “102mm x 152mm” is only for QL-1050/1060N
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3.2.3. Feed amount
The feed amount (left and right margins) is defined below. Tape Type Minimum Margin Setting Maximum Margin Setting Continuous
length tape
mm setting: 3 mm
Inch setting: 0.1”
35 dots
Die-cut labels Set the command for specifying the margin to “0”.
In case of using 12 mm Dia for QL-500/550/560/570/580N/700, specify 35 dots.
3.2.4. Maximum and minimum lengths
The maximum and minimum lengths are defined below. Tape Type Minimum Length Maximum Length Continuous length tape (QL-500/550/560/650TD/1050
/1060N)
25 mm
mm setting: 127 mm
Inch setting: 5”
1500 dots
(QL-500/550/560/570/580N/65 0TD/700)
1000 mm 295 dots (QL-570/580N/700)
12.7 mm 150 dots
11811 dots
(QL-1050/1060N)
3000 mm
35433 dots
Die-cut labels Fixed Fixed
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3.2.5. Raster line arrangement
Number of pins for right margin
Number of print area pins
Total
number of
pins
Raster line
First byte
Print area
Left and right
margins
of pins for
Number
left margin
Last byte
0 pin
Pins on print head
QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700: Total number of pins
Feeding dir ection
720 pins
Continuous length tape:
Label Size Number of
Pins
for Left
Margin
Number of Print Area
Pins
Number of
Pins for Right
Margin
Number of Raster
Graphics Transfer
12mm 585 106 29 90 29mm 408 306 6 90 38mm 295 413 12 90 50mm 154 554 12 90 54mm 130 590 0 90 62mm 12 696 12 90
Die-cut labels:
Label Size Number of
Pins
for Left
Margin
Number of Print Area
Pins
Number of
Pins for Right
Margin
Number of Raster
Graphics Transfer
17 mm x 54 mm 555 165 0 90 17 mm x 87 mm 555 165 0 90 23 mm x 23 mm 442 236 42 90 29 mm x 90 mm 408 306 6 90 38 mm x 90 mm 295 413 12 90 39 mm x 48 mm 289 425 6 90 52 mm x 29 mm 142 578 0 90 62 mm x 29 mm 12 696 12 90 62 mm x 100 mm 12 696 12 90 12 mm Dia 513 94 113 90 24 mm Dia 442 236 42 90 58 mm Dia 51 618 51 90
Bytes
Bytes
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QL-1050/1060N: Total number of pins 1296 pins
Continuous length tape:
Label Size Number of
Pins
for Left
Margin
12mm 1116 106 74 162 29mm 940 306 50 162 38mm 827 413 56 162 50mm 686 554 56 162 54mm 662 590 44 162 62mm 544 696 56 162 102mm 76 1164 56 162
Die-cut labels:
Label Size Number of
Pins
for Left
Margin
17mm x 54mm 1087 165 44 162 17mm x 87mm 1087 165 44 162 23mm x 23mm 976 236 84 162 29mm x 90mm 940 306 50 162 38mm x 90mm 827 413 56 162 39mm x 48mm 821 425 50 162 52mm x 29mm 674 578 44 162 62mm x 29mm 544 696 56 162 62mm x 100mm 544 696 56 162 102mm x 51mm 76 1164 56 162 102mm x 152mm 76 1164 56 162 12mm Dia 1046 94 156 162 24mm Dia 975 236 85 162 58mm Dia 584 618 94 162
Number of Print Area
Pins
Number of Print Area
Pins
Number of
Pins for Right
Margin
Number of
Pins for Right
Margin
Number of Raster
Graphics Transfer
Bytes
Number of Raster
Graphics Transfer
Bytes
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4.Status
4.1. Overview The status is sent from the printer to the computer as a reply to the “status information request”
command or as an error message. The size is fixed to 32 bytes.
Number Offset Size Name Value/Reference
1 0 1 Print head mark Fixed to “80 Hex” 2 1 1 Size Fixed to “20 Hex” 3 2 1 Reserved Fixed to ’B’ (42 Hex) 4 3 1 Reserved QL-500/550/650TD/1050:
Fixed to ’0’ (30 Hex)
QL-560/570/580N/700/1060N:
Fixed to ’4’ (34 Hex)
5 4 1 Reserved QL-500/550: Fixed to ‘O’ (4F Hex)
QL-560: Fixed to ‘1’ (31 Hex)
QL-570: Fixed to ‘2’ (32 Hex)
QL-580N: Fixed to ‘3’ (33 Hex)
QL-650TD: Fixed to ‘Q’ (51 Hex)
QL-700: Fixed to ‘5’ (35 Hex)
QL-1050: Fixed to ‘P’ (50 Hex)
QL-1060N: Fixed to ‘4’ (34 Hex)
6 5 1 Reserved Fixed to ’0’ (30 Hex)
7 6 1 Reserved Fixed to “00 Hex”
8 7 1 Reserved Fixed to “00 Hex”
9 8 1 Error information 1 Refer to section 4.2.1.
10 9 1 Error information 2 Refer to section 4.2.1.
11 10 1 Media width Refer to section 4.2.2.
12 11 1 Media type Refer to section 4.2.3.
13 12 1 Reserved Fixed to “00 Hex”
14 13 1 Reserved Fixed to “00 Hex”
15 14 1 Reserved Not set
16 15 1 Reserved Not set
17 16 1 Reserved Fixed to “00 Hex”
18 17 1
19 18 1 Status type Refer to section 4.2.4.
20 19 1 Phase type Refer to section 4.2.5.
21 20 1 Higher order bytes of
22 21 1 Lower order bytes of Refer to section 4.2.5.
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
Media length Refer to section 4.2.2.
Refer to section 4.2.5.
phase number
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phase number 23 22 1 Notification number Refer to section 4.2.6. 24 23 1 Reserved Not set 25 24 8 Reserved Not set
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4.2. Definitions of each part
4.2.1. Error information 1 and error information 2 Error information 1
Flag Mask Definition
Bit 0 0x01 No media when printing Bit 1 0x02 End of media (die-cut size only) Bit 2 0x04 Tape cutter jam Bit 3 0x08 Not used
Bit 4 0x10 Main unit in use (QL-560/650TD/1050) Bit 5 0x20 Not used Bit 6 0x40 Not used Bit 7 0x80 Fan doesn’t work (QL-1050/1060N)
Error information 2
Flag Mask Definition
Bit 0 0x01 Not used Bit 1 0x02 Not used Bit 2 0x04 Transmission error Bit 3 0x08 Not used Bit 4 0x10 Cover opened while printing
(Except QL-500)
Bit 5 0x20 Not used Bit 6 0x40 Cannot feed (used even when the media is empty) Bit 7 0x80 System error
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4.2.2. Media width and length
The media width and length is described in millimeters. 0 to 255 (FF Hex)
The width of continuous length tape is
indicated in millimeters of the tape width, and the width of
die-cut labels is indicated by the width of the die-cut section.
The length of continuous length tape is fixed to “00 Hex”, and the length of die-cut labels is
indicated by the length of the die-cut section.
Continuous length tape
Media Media Width
Media Length
12mm 12 0 29mm 29 0 38mm 38 0 50mm 50 0 54mm 54 0 62mm 62 0 102mm 102 0
Die-cut labels
Media Media Width Media Length 17 mm x 54 mm 17 54 17 mm x 87 mm 17 87 23 mm x 23mm 23 23 29 mm x 90 mm 29 90 38 mm x 90 mm 38 90 39 mm x 48 mm 39 48 52 mm x 29 mm 52 29 62 mm x 29 mm 62 29 62 mm x 100 mm 62 100 102mm x 51mm 102 51 102mm x 152mm 102 153 12 mm Dia 12 12 24 mm Dia 24 24 58 mm Dia 58 58
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4.2.3. Media type
4.2.4. Status type
Media Type Value Description
No media 00 Hex Used as print information when the
media type is not indicated. Continuous length tape 0A Hex Used for both paper and MKP. Die-cut labels 0B Hex Used for both paper and MKP.
Status Type Value Reply to status request 00 Hex Printing completed 01 Hex Error occurred 02 Hex Notification 05 Hex Phase change 06 Hex
If an error occurred during printing, the unit returns the error status.
4.2.5. Phase type and phase number If the phase type and phase number are not used, both are fixed to “00 Hex”.
Phase State Phase Type Phase Number
Waiting to receive 00 Hex 00 Hex 00 Hex Printing state 01 Hex 00 Hex 00 Hex
When the machine is turned on, it is in the “Waiting to receive” phase state. When printing
begins, it changes to the “Printing state” phase state and the machine sends the phase status to
the computer. When printing has finished, the machine sends the “Waiting to receive” phase status
to the computer. Unless an error occurs during
Phase Number
Higher Order Bytes
Lower Order Bytes
printing, the machine sends the “Printing
completed” status.
In sequential printing, In order to print at high speed, printing starts even if a print command
not been sent from the computer. At this time, care should be taken since the “Printing state” phase
and “Waiting to receive” phase statuses will be sent. (Refer to “6. Flow Charts
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
has
”.)
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4.2.6. Notification number
Not available 00 Hex Cooling (start) 03 Hex Cooling (finish) 04 Hex
Notification Value
If a high-temperature error occurred during printing, the unit stops printing and enters the
cooling state.
At this time, the notification number is used for delivering the status of the cooling state. For
details on controlling the actual printing process, refer to “6. Flow Charts
”.
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5.Command Details
Name Invalid command Syntax NULL
00 H
Description Skip
Name Initialize Syntax ESC + @
1B H + 40 H
Description Initialize mode settings.
Also used to cancel printing.
Name Status information request Syntax ESC + I + S
1B H + 69 H + 53 H
Description Send request to printer to receive status information.
Name Syntax ESC + i + a + {n}
Description Specifies the command mode.
Command mode switch (QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N)
1B H + 69 H + 61 H + {n}
Definition of {n}
:ESC/P mode (normal)
:Raster mode (default)
:ESC/P mode (text) for QL-650TD
: P-touch Template mode for QL-580N/1050/1060N
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Name Print information command Syntax ESC + i + z + {n1} + {n2} + {n3} + {n4} + {n5} + {n6} + {n7} + {n8} + {n9}+ {n10}
1B H + 69 H + 7AH + {n1} + {n2} + {n3} + {n4} + {n5} + {n6} + {n7} + {n8} + {n9}+ {n10}
Description Specifies the print information.
Definition of {n1} through {n10}
{n1}: Valid flag; specifies which values are valid
#define PI_KIND 0x02 // Paper type
#define PI_WIDTH 0x04 // Paper width
#define PI_LENGTH 0x08 // Paper length
#define PI_QUALITY 0x40 // Give priority to print quality
#define PI_RECOVER 0x80 // Always ON
{n2}: Paper type
Continuous length tape 0A Hex
Die-cut labels 0B Hex
{n3}: Paper width; units: mm
{n4}: Paper length; units: mm
{n5-n8}: Raster number = n8*256*256*256 + n7*256*256 + n6*256 + n5
If the media is not correctly loaded into the printer when the valid flag for PI_KIND,
PI_WIDTH
information 2” is set to “ON”.)
{n9}: Starting page: 0; Other pages: 1
{n10}: Fixed to “0”
Name Set each mode Syntax ESC + i + M + {n}
1B H + 69 H + 4D H + {n}
Description Definition of {n}
The meaning of each bit in a 1-byte parameter is described below.
and PI_LENGTH are set to “ON”, an error status is returned (Bit 0 of “error
７ ６ ５ ４ ３ ２ １ ０
Not used
Not defined
Auto cut (QL550/560/570/580N/
Not used
Bit 6 Auto cut 1: Auto cut 0:No auto cut
When “auto cut” is specified for QL-560/570/580N/700/1050/1060N, following
command (ESC + I + A + {n1}) is valid.
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650TD/700/1050/1060N)
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Name Specify the page number in ”cut every * labels” (QL-560/570/580N/700/1050/1060N) Syntax ESC + i + A + {n1}
1B H + 69 H + 41 H + {n1}
Description When “auto cut” is specified, you can specify page number (1-255) in “cut each *
labels”.
Page number = n1 (1- 255)
Default is 1 (cut each label)
Name Set expanded mode (QL-560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N) Syntax ESC + i + K + {n}
1B H + 69 H + 4B H + {n}
Description Definition of {n}
The meaning of each bit in a 1-byte parameter is described below.
７ ６ ５ ４ ３ ２ １ ０
Not used
Not used
Not used
Cut at end (Earlier version of
QL-650TD firmware is not
supported.)
Not used
High resolution printing
(QL-570/580N/700)
Not used
Bit 3 Cut at end
Specify that whether cut at end or not when plural pages printing
ON: Cut at end (default)
OFF: Not cut at end
Bit 6 High resolution printing (QL-570/580N/700)
ON: It prints at 600 dpi in the paper length direction.
OFF: It prints at 300 dpi in the paper length direction.（default）
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Name Set margin amount (feed amount) Syntax ESC + i + d + {n1} + {n2}
1B H + 69 H + 64 H + {n1} + {n2}
Description Specifies the amount of the margins.
Margin amount (dots) = n1 + 256*n2
With this model, the amount of feed cannot be set for each mode.
With die-cut labels, the margin amount at the ends of the printed area is “0”.
In case of using QL-550/560/570/580N/700, specify 35dots.
Continuous length tape
Print area
Die-cut labels
Margin amount
Print area
Printed area
Label
Margin amount (only “0” is available)
Name
Compression mode selection (QL-570/580N/650TD/1050/1060N)
Syntax M + {n}
4D H+ {n}
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Description This selects the compression mode. Data compression is only enabled with raster
graphic transfer data.
Definition of {n}
0 No-compression mode (Enabled) 1 Reserved (Disabled) 2 TIFF (QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N)
In case QL-650TD, only enabled with serial
interface
In case QL-580N/1060N, serial and LAN
interface should set TIFF option.
【TIFF(Pack Bits)】
1. 1-byte unit When the same data is repeated, the number of repetitions and the one-byte data are specified.
When the data is different, the number of data items and all data are specified.
.When the same data is repeated, the number of data units is specified as the
actual number minus 1, expressed as a negative number.
When the number of different data units is specified, that number of bytes
1 is expressed as a positive number.
.If the above process results in more than 90 bytes of compressed data, the data
is treated as being all different. As a result,
byte specifying the data length.
Example: Compression example
Without compression
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
there are 91 bytes, including the 1
00 00 00 00 00 22 22 23 BA BF A2 22 2B ……
With compression
a. 00H continues for 20 bytes, so 20 Dec -> 19 Dec -> 13 Hex, made into a
negative number ED Hex.
Therefore, ED 00
ED 00 FF 22 05 23 BA BF A2 22 2B …
a b c
minus
b. 22H continues for 2 bytes, so 2 Dec ->
number FF Hex.
Therefore, FF 22
c.
The following 6 bytes remain unchanged. 6 Dec-> 5 Dec ->5 Hex.
Therefore, 05 23 BA BF A2 22 2B
This continues for up to 90 bytes. Even if the remainder of the 90
only of 00 Hex, it cannot be omitted. (In case QL-1050, 162 bytes)
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
1 Dec -> 1 Hex, made into a negative
bytes consists
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Name Raster graphics transfer Syntax g + {s} + {n} + {d1} + ... + {dn}
67 H + {s} + {n} + {d1} + ... + {dn}
Description {s} The definition of raster information s is as follows.
s 0x0: Data transmission
0x1～0xFE: Not
used
0xFF: Indicates that data transmission should be stopped. {n} Transfers the specified number of bytes (n) of data. (However, this changes if the data is compressed using the serial interface.)
n=90 (QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700)
n=162 (QL-1050/1060N)
{d1-dn} Print data.
Name Zero raster graphics Syntax Z
5A H
Description Raster line is filled in zero data. (Compression mode)
Name Print command Syntax FF
0C H
Description Used as a print command, except for the last label when multiple labels are printed.
Name Print command with feeding Syntax Control-Z
1A H
Description Used as a print command for the last label when multiple labels are printed.
Name
Syntax
Baud rate setting (QL-580N/650TD/1050/1060N)
ESC + i + B + {n1} + {n2}
1B H + 69 H + 42H + {n1} + {n2}
Description This changes the communications baud rate for the main unit. The factory setting is
115200 bps
Definition of {n1} and {n2}
Setting = n1 + n2 * 256
Setting: 96=9600 bps, 576=57600 bps, 1152=115200 bps
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6.Flow Charts
There are following 4 ways of print methods. ・ USB Sequential*
Sequential print by USB interface.
・ USB Buffering*
Buffering print by USB interface.
・ Serial Buffering
Buffering print by serial interface.
・ Network Buffering
Buffering print by LAN interface.
Note:
*Sequential: Start printing immediately after starting to receive print data.
*Buffering: Start printing after one page of print data is received.
Print methods which each printers support are as below.
Printer USB Sequential USB Buffering Serial Buffering Network Buffering
QL-500
QL-550
QL-560
QL-570
QL-580N
QL-650TD
QL-700
QL-1050
QL-1060N
For the each print method, refer to following flow.
・ USB Sequential: 6.1
・ USB Buffering: 6.6
and 6.7.
○ × × ×
○ × × ×
○ × × ×
○ × × ×
○ ○ ○ ○
○ × ○ ×
○ × × ×
○ ○ ○ ×
○ ○ ○ ○
, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4.
・ Serial Buffering: 6.5
・ Network Buffering: 6.9
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, 6.6, and 6.7.
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F
inishi
p
6.1. Sequential Normal Flow for USB connection
Computer (host)
Send 200 bytes of Invalid command
Initialize
Printer
In order to clear any
with errors remaining in the
printer. In case QL-1050,
please send 350bytes. But
this is not necessary in
normal case.
rinter is initialized.
The
jobs
Perform READ.
If there are no problems
with the printer status
(media, etc.), the data is
transmitted. If there is a
problem, an error appears.
Sending display
Printing display
Perform READ.
Receive “Phase change:Printing state”.
Receive“Printing completed”.
ng process for printing
page 1
Receive “Phase change:
Waiting to receive”.
Send data for page 2
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
Send control code.
Send print data.
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Status (“Printing completed”)
Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”)
Send control code/print data.
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
The status of the
printer (media, etc.)
is checked and a
response is sent.
Receive data.
Begin printing
without waiting for a
rint command.
Printing
Printing of the 1st
page is actually not
finished, but the
“Printing completed”
status and “Waiting to
receive” phase are
sent.
Print 1st page.
Print 2nd page.
Send print data.
Send print data.
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p
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6.2. Sequential Error Flow for USB Connection (Error when feeding at the end of the page, for example, because of a tape cutter jam)
Computer (host)
Perform READ.
If there are no problems with
the printer status (media,
the data is transmitted. If there
is a problem, an error appears.
etc.),
Sending display
Printing display
Perform READ.
Receive “Phase change:Printing state”.
Send 200 bytes of Invalid command
Initialize
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
Send control code.
Send print data.
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Printer
In order to clear any jobs
with errors remaining in
rinte
the
The printer is initialized.
The status of the
printer (media, etc.) is
checked and a
response is sent.
Receive data.
Begin printing w
waiting for a print
command.
Printing
ithout
Receive “Printing completed”.
Receive “Phase change:
“Waiting to receive”.
Finishing process for
rinting page 1
Send data for
Printing display
Perform READ.
Receive “Error Occured”.
An error appears.
When restarted, data is resent
starting with the 1st page so that
“Printing completed” for the 2nd
page is not received.
Resend
1st page
process for data of
Status (“Printing completed”)
Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”)
Send control code/print data.
Status
(Error Oc
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Initialize
cured)
Printing of the 1st page is
actually not finished, but the
“Printing completed” status
and “Waiting to receive”
phase are sent.
×Error occurred
If an error
data read from the
computer is cleared.
Reprint 1st page.
occurs, all
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6.3. Sequential Error Flow for USB Connection (Error during continuous printing, for example, because there is no more tape)
Computer
Send 200 bytes of Invalid command
Initialize
Printer
In order to clear any jobs
with errors remaining in
the printer
The printer is initialized.
Perform READ.
If there are no problems with
the printer status (media, etc.),
the data is transmitted. If there
is a problem, an error appears.
Sending display
Printing display
Perform READ.
Receive “Phase change:Printing state”.
Rec
eive “Printin
Receive “Phase change:
Finishing process for printing page
“Waiting to receive”.
completed”.
Send data for
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
Send control code.
Send print data.
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Status (“Printing completed”)
Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”)
Send control code/print data.
The status of the
(media, etc.) is
Printer
checked and a
response is sent.
Receive data.
Begin printing
without waiting for a
rint command.
Printing
Printing of the 1st page is
actually not finished, but the
“Printing completed” status
and “Waiting to receive”
phase are sent.
Printing display
Perform READ.
Receive “Phase change:Printing state”.
An error appears.
When restarted, data is resent
starting with the 2nd page so
that “Printing completed” for the
2nd page is received.
Resend process for data
2nd page
Receive “Error Occured”
of
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Send print data.
Status
(Error Occured)
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Initialize
Print 1st page.
Print 2nd page.
×Error occurred
If an error occurs, all
data read from the
computer is cleared.
Reprint 2nd page.
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6.4. Sequential Cooling Flow for USB Connection
Computer (host)
Perform a READ.
If there are no problems with
the Printer status
the data is transmitted. If there
is a problem, an error appears.
(media, etc.),
Sending display
Send 200 bytes of Invalid command
Initialize
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
Send control code.
Send print data.
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Send print data.
Printer
In order to clear any jobs
with errors remaining in
the printer
The printer is initialized.
The status of the Printer
(media, etc.) is checked
and a response is sent.
Receive data.
Begin printing w
waiting for a print
command.
Printing
ithout
Perform a READ.
Repeat reading of
and transmission timeout
times. If the transmission
timeout is exceeded, perform
a read, and display the
cooling status if a
high-temperature error is
returned.
Continue reading.
0 packets are returned
hile cooling.
w
maximum
When cooling is finished,
“Notification: Cooling(finish)”
is returned.
Send print data.
Send print data.
“Cooling(start)”)
Send print data.
0 packet
0 packet
0 packet
0 packet
Status (Notification:”Cooling(finish)”)
Send print data.
Send print data.
Status
(Notification:
failed
×
△ Cooling
Return “NAK”
cooling.
from
Restart
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6.5. Flow for Setting Serial Connection Baud Rate
Computer (host)
Printe
3000 ms sleep Printer
recovery wait
Old baud rate
New baud rate
Baud rate setting
“Baud rate setting completed” status (normal s tatus)
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
* The request/response at the new baud rate
are simply to verify that communications are
possible and may be omitted.
Checks status
(media, etc.) and
sends a response.
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6.6. Buffering Normal Flow for Serial/USB Connection
Computer (host)
If there are no problems
w
the data is transmitted. If
there is a problem, an
error is displayed.
ith the Printer status,
Sending display
Printing display
Initialize
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
Send control code.
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Printe
Initializes.
Checks status
(media, etc.) and
sends a response.
Receives data.
Printing
Receives “Phase change: Printing state”
Receives “Printing completed”
Receives “Phase change: Waiting to
rec
eive”
End process for printing
Sending data for 2nd page
1st
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Status (Printing completed)
Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”)
Printing 1st page
Printing 2nd page
Send control code.
Send print data.
Send print data.
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6.7. Buffering Error Flow for Serial/USB Connection
Computer (host)
If there are no problems
ith the Printer status, the
w
data is transmitted. If
there is a problem, an
error is displayed.
Sending
displa
Printing display
Receives “Phase change: printing”
Initialize
Status information request
Status (response status to status information request)
or
an error is displayed
Send control code.
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last page or print command (0C) for other pages).
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Initializes
Checks status
(media, etc.) and
sends a response.
Receives data.
Printing
Status (Error Occurred)
Perform error
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pag
)
)
)
)
6.8. Buffering Cooling Flow for Serial/USB Connection
Computer (host
Initialize
If there are no
problems w
Printer status, the data
is transmitted. If there
is a problem, an error
is displayed.
ith the
Status (response status to status information request
Status information request
Sending display
Send control code.
Printer
Initializes.
Status
(response status
to status request)
Receives data.
Printing display
Receives “Phase change:
Printing state”
* Cooling start/cancel can
be performed multiple
times during printing.
Receives “Printing completed”
Send print data.
Send a print command (print command with feeding (1A) for
the last
e or print command (0C) for other pages).
Status
(Phase change :
“Printing state”)
Status(Notification: “Cooling(start)”)
Status(Notification: “Cooling(finish)”)
Status (Printing completed
Printing
Cooling
Printing
Receives “Phase change:
Waiting to receive”
End process for printing 1st
Sending data for 2nd page
Brother QL-500/550/560/570/580N/650TD/700/1050/1060N Command Reference
Status (Phase change: “Waiting to receive”
Send control code.
Printing 1st page
Printing 2nd page
Send print data.
Send print data.
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6.9. Buffering Normal Flow for Network (Standard TCP/IP / LPR port) Connection
r
※ When it prints 2 pages data.
Computer (host) Printe
Divide print data into
particular size, and
send it.
End process for printing
Sending data for 2nd
BUSY
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Receives data
As one page data receives
the printer buffer, start
printing.
Printing 1st page
Printer buffer is full
in
At host side, as sending print
data has completed, the print
job data is erased.
The print job is treated to be
completion at printer side
BUSY
BUSY
BUSY
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
Send print data
As 2nd page data receives
the printer buffer, start
printing.
Printing 2nd page
in
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7.USB Specifications
USB specifications 1.1
Vendor ID 0x04F9 Product ID QL-500 0x2015
Item Description
QL-550 0x2016
QL-560 0x2027
QL-570 0x2028
QL-580N 0x2029
QL-650TD 0x201B
QL-700 0x2042 (for printer class)
0x2049 (for mass storage class)
QL-1050 0x2020
QL-1060N 0x202a
Class Printer
Mass storage (QL-700 only) Character string for manufacturer Character string for product Character string descriptor: 0x02
Character string for serial number
Character string descriptor: 0x01
0x0409:“Brother"
0x0409: “QL-50”
0x0409: ”QL-55”
0x0409: “QL-560”
0x0409: “QL-570”
0x0409: “QL-580N”
0x0409: ”QL-650T”
0x0409: “QL-700”
0x0409: ”QL-105”
0x0409: “QL-1060N”
Character string descriptor: 0x03
0x0409:“00000000"
Last nine digits of the unit’s serial number
(The serial number is written on the bottom of the product.) Device speed Full speed Number of interfaces 1 (No alternate interfaces) With the printer class Power supply Self-powered (As a printer class, Bus power is also set to
“ON”.)
Maximum packet size: 16 bytes
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End point 1 In bulk (Sends the status from the unit to the computer.)
Maximum packet size: 16 bytes
End point 2 Out bulk (Sends print commands and data from the
computer to the unit.)
Maximum packet size: 64 bytes
With the mass storage class
(QL-700 only)
Power supply Self-powered
End point 1 Out bulk (Sends print commands and data from the
computer to the unit.)
Maximum packet size: 64 bytes End point 2 In bulk (Sends the status from the unit to the computer.)
Maximum packet size: 64 bytes
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History of Changes Change Number 000 2004.07.20 Created version 1.0 001 2005.03.25 Created version 2.0 edition adding QL-650TD 002 2006.11.07 Created version 3.0 edition adding QL-1050 003 2008.09.01 Created version 4.0 edition adding QL-560 004 2008.12.25 Created version 5.0 edition adding QL-570/580N/1060N 005 2011.10.03 Created version 6.0 edition adding QL-700
Created/Modified Changed
Page
Details of Change
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