Datamax-O'Neil DPL User Manual

Programmer’s Manual

Covers the following models:

E-Class Mark III Basic and Advanced (Serial# 4xxxxxxx or greater)

E-Class Mark III Pro/Pro+

I-Class Mark II

RL3 & RL4

CG Times (based upon Times New Roman), CG Triumvirate, MicroType, and TrueType are trademarks of the AGFA Monotype Corporation. PCL, Intellifont, and HP Laser JetII are trademarks of the Hewlett Packard Corporation. Macintosh is a trademark of the Apple Corporation. Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks of their respective companies.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Datamax-O’Neil Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax-O’Neil Corporation.

Part Number 88-2360-01

Revision B

Contents

1 Overview ...................................................................................... 1

Who Should Use this Manual ...................................................................... 1

The Scope of this Manual ........................................................................... 1

General Conventions ................................................................................. 2

Computer Entry and Display Conventions .................................................... 2

Important Safety Instructions .................................................................... 2

Special Instructions .................................................................................. 2

Typical Data Flow Sequence ....................................................................... 3

2 Control Code Command Functions ................................................ 7

Introduction ............................................................................................ 7

Attention-Getters ..................................................................................... 7

Easy Control Codes .................................................................................. 7

Alternate Control Code Modes .................................................................... 8

3 Immediate Command Functions ................................................... 9

Introduction ............................................................................................ 9

SOH # Reset ...................................................................................... 9

SOH * Reset ...................................................................................... 9

SOH A Send ASCII Status String ......................................................... 10

SOH a Send ASCII Extended Status String ........................................... 10

SOH B Toggle Pause ......................................................................... 11

SOH C Stop/Cancel ........................................................................... 12

SOH D SOH Shutdown ....................................................................... 12

SOH E Send Batch Remaining Quantity ................................................ 12

SOH e Send Batch Printed Quantity .................................................... 13

SOH F Send Status Byte .................................................................... 13

4 System-Level Command Functions ............................................. 15

Introduction .......................................................................................... 15

STX A Set Time and Date .................................................................. 15

STX a Enable Feedback Characters ..................................................... 16

STX B Get Printer Time and Date Information ...................................... 16

STX c Set Continuous Paper Length ................................................... 17

STX E Set Quantity for Stored Label ................................................... 17

STX e Select Edge Sensor ................................................................. 18

STX F Form Feed ............................................................................. 18

STX f Set Form Stop Position (Backfeed Command) ............................. 18

STX G Print Last Label Format ........................................................... 19

STX I Input Image Data ................................................................... 19

STX i Scalable Font Downloading ...................................................... 20

STX J Set Pause for Each Label ......................................................... 20

STX K Extended System-Level Commands ........................................... 20

STX k Test Communication Port ......................................................... 21

STX L Enter Label Formatting Command Mode ..................................... 21

STX M Set Maximum Label Length ...................................................... 21

STX m Set Printer to Metric Mode ....................................................... 21

STX n Set Printer to Imperial Mode .................................................... 22

STX O Set Start of Print (SOP) Position ............................................... 22

STX o Cycle Cutter ........................................................................... 22

STX P Set Hex Dump Mode ............................................................... 23

STX p Controlled Pause .................................................................... 23

STX Q Clear All Modules .................................................................... 23

STX q Clear Module .......................................................................... 24

STX R Ribbon Saver Control .............................................................. 24

STX r Select Reflective Sensor .......................................................... 24

STX S Set Feed Speed ...................................................................... 25

STX T Print Quality Label .................................................................. 25

STX t Test DRAM Memory Module ...................................................... 25

STX U Label Format String Replacement Field ...................................... 26

STX V Software Switch Settings ......................................................... 27

STX v Request Firmware Version ....................................................... 28

STX W Request Memory Module Information ........................................ 28

STX w Test Flash Memory Module ....................................................... 29

STX X Set Default Module ................................................................. 29

STX x Delete File from Module ........................................................... 30

STX Y Output Sensor Values.............................................................. 31

STX y Select Font Symbol Set ........................................................... 31

STX Z Print Configuration Label ......................................................... 32

STX z Pack Module .......................................................................... 32

5 Extended System-Level Command Functions .............................. 33

Introduction .......................................................................................... 33

STX K}E Empty Sensor Calibration ........................................................ 33

STX K}M Manual Media Calibration ......................................................... 34

STX K}Q Quick Media Calibration ........................................................... 34

STX KaR Read Data from RFID Tag ........................................................ 35

STX KaW Write Data to RFID Tag ........................................................... 36

STX Kb Backfeed Time Delay ............................................................... 36

STX KC Get Configuration ................................................................... 37

STX Kc Configuration Set ................................................................... 40

STX KD Database Configuration ........................................................... 92

STX Kd Set File as Factory Default ....................................................... 93

STX KE Character Encoding ................................................................. 93

STX KF Select Factory Defaults ............................................................ 95

STX Kf Set Present Distance ............................................................... 95

STX KH Dot Check ............................................................................. 96

STX KI GPIO Input ............................................................................ 98

STX Kn NIC Reset .............................................................................. 98

STX KO GPIO Output .......................................................................... 99

STX Kp Module Protection .................................................................. 100

STX Kr Resettable Counter Reset ....................................................... 101

STX KtA Write Application Family Identifier (AFI) to Tag .......................... 101

STX KtD Write Data Storage Format Identifier (DSFID) to Tag .................. 101

STX KtE Write Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Bit ............................ 102

STX KtH Read and Feedback Tag Information to Host .............................. 102

STX KtR Read Data from RFID Tag ....................................................... 103

STX KtU Read Unique Serial Number from RFID Tag ............................... 104

STX KtW Write Data to RFID Tag .......................................................... 104

STX KuB Read Data from Gen2 Tag Section ........................................... 106

STX KuF Send RFID Device Firmware Version ......................................... 106

STX KuJ Write Data to Gen 2 Tag Section .............................................. 106

STX KuR Read Data from RFID Tag ....................................................... 107

STX KuW Write Data to RFID Tag .......................................................... 108

STX KV Verifier Enable/Disable ........................................................... 108

STX Ky Download Plug-in File ............................................................. 109

STX KZ Immediately Set Parameter .................................................... 109

iii

6 Label Formatting Command Functions ...................................... 111

Introduction ......................................................................................... 111

: Set Cut by Amount ................................................................ 111

A Set Format Attribute .............................................................. 112

B Bar Code Magnification ........................................................... 113

C Set Column Offset Amount ...................................................... 113

c Set Cut by Amount ................................................................ 114

D Set Dot Size Width and Height ................................................. 114

E Terminate Label Formatting Mode and Print Label ...................... 115

e Recall Printer Configuration ..................................................... 115

F Advanced Format Attributes .................................................... 115

G Place Data in Global Register ................................................... 116

H Enter Heat Setting ................................................................. 116

J Justification .......................................................................... 117

M Select Mirror Mode ................................................................. 117

m Set Metric Mode .................................................................... 118

n Set Inch (Imperial) Mode ........................................................ 118

P Set Print Speed ..................................................................... 118

p Set Backfeed Speed ............................................................... 119

Q Set Quantity of Labels to Print ................................................. 119

R Set Row Offset Amount .......................................................... 120

r Recall Stored Label Format ..................................................... 120

S Set Feed Speed ..................................................................... 122

s Store Label Format in Module .................................................. 122

T Set Field Data Line Terminator ................................................ 123

Add or subtract date time from the printer date ......................... 123

Mark Previous Field as a String Replacement Field ...................... 124

X Terminate Label Formatting Mode ............................................ 125

y Select Font Symbol Set .......................................................... 125

z Zero (Ø) Conversion to “0” ..................................................... 126

+ (>)(() Make Last Field Entered Increment .......................................... 126

– (<)()) Make Last Field Entered Decrement .......................................... 127

^ Set Count by Amount ............................................................. 128

Special Label Formatting Command Functions ........................................... 129

STX D Print adjusted date ................................................................ 129

STX S Recall Global Data and Place in Field ........................................ 130

STX T Print Time and Date ............................................................... 130

7 Font Loading Command Functions ............................................ 133

Introduction ......................................................................................... 133

*c###D Assign Font ID Number .......................................................... 133

)s###W Font Descriptor ..................................................................... 134

*c###E Character Code ..................................................................... 134

(s#W Character Download Data ....................................................... 134

8 Generating Label Formats ........................................................ 135

Introduction ......................................................................................... 135

Format Record Commands ...................................................................... 135

Generating Records ............................................................................... 136

The Structure of a Record ....................................................................... 136

Advanced Format Attributes .................................................................... 149

Appendix A .................................................................................... 153

ASCII Control Chart ............................................................................... 153

Appendix B .................................................................................... 155

Sample Programs .................................................................................. 155

VB Application to Send Raw Data via Printer Driver .................................... 159

Appendix C .................................................................................... 165

Available Fonts – Sizes, References, and Samples ...................................... 165

Appendix D .................................................................................... 171

Reset Codes ......................................................................................... 171

Appendix E .................................................................................... 173

Single Byte Symbol Sets ........................................................................ 173

Appendix F .................................................................................... 185

Bar Code Summary Data ........................................................................ 185

Bar Code Default Widths and Heights ....................................................... 188

Appendix G .................................................................................... 191

Bar Code Details ................................................................................... 191

Appendix H .................................................................................... 237

Single and Double Byte Character Font Mapping ........................................ 237

Appendix I ..................................................................................... 239

Symbol Sets and Character Maps ............................................................ 239

Double-Byte Symbols, Chinese, Kanji, and Korean ..................................... 242

Appendix J ..................................................................................... 243

General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) Port Applications .............................. 243

Appendix K .................................................................................... 245

Maximum Field & Character Values .......................................................... 245

Print Resolutions and Maximum Width & Record Column Values ................... 245

Column, Present, & Row Adjust Fine Tune Range ....................................... 246

Memory Module Identifiers and Allocations ................................................ 246

Appendix L..................................................................................... 247

Speed Ranges ....................................................................................... 247

Appendix M .................................................................................... 249

Commands by Function .......................................................................... 249

Appendix N .................................................................................... 251

Image Loading ...................................................................................... 251

Appendix O .................................................................................... 253

UPC-A and EAN-13: Variable Price/Weight Bar Codes ................................. 253

Appendix P .................................................................................... 255

International Language Print Capability (ILPC) Programming Examples ......... 255

Appendix Q .................................................................................... 265

Plug and Play IDs .................................................................................. 265

Appendix R .................................................................................... 267

Line Mode 267

Appendix S .................................................................................... 271

RFID Overview ...................................................................................... 271

Appendix T .................................................................................... 277

WiFi Region Country Codes ..................................................................... 277

Appendix U .................................................................................... 283

Bar Code Symbology Information Resources ............................................. 283

Glossary ........................................................................................ 285

Overview

1 Overview

This manual is intended for programmers who wish to create their own label production software.

This manual, arranged alphabetically by command, explains Datamax-O’Neil Programming Language (DPL) and its related uses in the writing, loading and storing of programs for the control and production of label formats (designs) for the following printers at, or above, the listed firmware version below:

Model distinctions, including configurations and equipment types be indicated in this text to differentiate command compatibility. The appendices of this manual also contain details that cannot be ignored; the use of any command will require checking for possible exclusionary conditions.

Who Should Use this Manual

The Scope of this Manual

Printer Firmware Version

E-Class Mark III Basic and Advanced Models

E-Class MARK III Pro/Pro+ All

I-Class Mark II All

RL3 & RL4 All

Serial# 4xxxxxxx or greater or Firmware

Version 9.04_0001 or greater



See the <STX>KC command for information regarding attainment of the printer’s firmware

•

version; and then, if necessary, upgrade that firmware. Upgrades are available at

http://www.datamax-oneil.com.

• Programming information for older Class Series printers Class Series II Programmer’s

Manual (part number 88-2341-01). All manuals can be downloaded from our web site at

http://www.datamax-oneil.com.

• References to “Menu Settings” refer either to the set-up menu or to the system menu of

the printer; consult to the appropriate Operator’s Manual for details.

• Where applicable, printer responses to a host device will depend upon the communication

port, port settings, and cabling.

Overview

General Conventions

These are some of the conventions followed in this manual:

 On the header of each page, the name of the section.  On the footer of each page, the page number and the title of the manual.  Names of other manuals referenced are in Italics.  Notes are added to bring your attention to important considerations, tips or helpful

suggestions.

 Boldface is also used to bring your attention to important information.  This manual refers to IBM-PC based keyboard command characters for access to the

ASCII character set. Systems based on different formats (e.g., Apple’s Macintosh ) should use the appropriate keyboard command to access the desired ASCII character. See Appendix A for the ASCII character set.

Computer Entry and Display Conventions

Command syntax and samples are formatted as follows:

 The Courier font in boldface indicates the DPL command syntax, and Italics are

used to indicate the command syntax parameters.

 Regular Courier font indicates sample commands, files and printer responses.  Square brackets ([ ]) indicate that the item is optional.  <CR> is used to identify the line termination character. Other strings placed

between < > in this manual represent the character of the same ASCII name, and are single-byte hexadecimal values (e.g., <STX>, <CR>, and <0x0D> equal 02, 0D, and 0D, respectively).

 Hexadecimal values are often displayed in “C” programming language conventions

(e.g., 0x02 = 02 hex, 0x41 = 41 hex, etc.)

Important Safety Instructions



The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions.

Special Instructions

The green check box is intended to alert the user to conventions used within this text or to notable operating details of the printer.

Overview

Typical Data Flow Sequence

The typical data flow sequence is summarized in the following bullets and detailed in the table below. Printer Commands data is transmitted to the printer as shown in the table from left to right, top to bottom.

 Status commands  Configuration commands  Download commands  Label format  Status commands  Label reprint commands  Memory cleanup

Typical commands used in the various stages shown above are listed in the tables that follow.

Status Commands

Commands are available for retrieving stored label formats, updating data, and adding new data. These techniques are used for increasing throughput; see <STX>G, Label Recall Command “r”, and Label Save Command “s”.

Printer Commands Description Notes

<SOH>A

<STX>WG

<STX>O220 <STX>n <STX>V0

<SOH>D <STX>IApImagename<CR>image data...data <CR>

<STX>L D11

131100000500050Typical text field 01

Q0001 E

<SOH>A

<STX>U01new data for field 01 <STX>E0005 <STX>G <STX>xImagename<CR> <STX>zA

“Status” commands: Get Status, Request Memory Module Storage Information…

“Configuration” commands, download image…

“Download” commands, image, fonts…

Begin label Label Header record Label Formatting Data record – Object type, orientation, position, data Label Quantity Label Terminate record

Status command

Reprint with New Data Records

Memory cleanup

Optional, bidirectional communication required for these commands. See <STX>Kc to reduce configuration commands transferred RAM (temporary) or Flash (semipermanent) memory.

Existing label formats may be recalled. Label header records are not required.

Optional, bidirectional communication required for these commands.

Used for fast reprints.

Typically used for temporary storage.

Overview

Configuration Commands

The following table lists some commands useful in controlling printer configuration. These commands are generally effective only for the current power-up session; toggling power restores the default configuration. See <STX>Kc for changes to the default powerup configuration. Changing the default power-up configuration and saving objects in printer Flash memory can reduce the data transmitted for each label and therefore improve throughput.

Configuration

Command

<STX>A <STX>c

<STX>e

<STX>Kf

<STX>Kc

<STX>F

<STX>M

<STX>m

<STX>n

<STX>S <STX>V

Download Commands

Download Command

<STX>I

<STX>i

<ESC>

Set Date and Time Sets Date and Time. Set Continuous Paper Length

Set Edge Sensor

Set Present Distance

Configuration Set

Send Form Feed

Set Maximum Label Length

Set to Metric Mode

Set to Inch Mode

Set Feed Rate Sets blank label movement speed. Software Switch

Download Image

Download Scalable Font

Download Bitmapped Font

Name Function

Must be 0000 for gap media; not used for reflective media. Sets sensing for gap or registration hole type stock. Determines label stop position, head relative. <STX>f edge sensor relative equivalent command, older models. Determines default power-up configuration. Sets the stop position of the printed label. Length to search for next gap or reflective mark; not used with continuous media. Subsequent measurements interpreted in metric (most units, mm/10). Label equivalent command can be used. Subsequent measurements interpreted in inches (most units in/100) label equivalent command can be used.

Enables optional hardware, cutter, and present sensor.

Name Function

Downloads Image to selected memory module. Downloads Scalable Font to selected memory module. Downloads Bitmapped Font to selected memory module.

Overview

Label Header Commands

These commands determine how the label formatting occurs, the print quality and quantity. They are typically issued immediately following the <STX>L start of the label format. The Format Attribute (A) and the Offset (C, R) commands can be changed at any point between format records to achieve desired effects.

Label Header Command Name

A C D H M P P Q R S

Set Format Attribute

Column Offset

Set Width and Dot Size

Set Heat Setting

Set Mirror Mode Set Print Speed

Set Backup Speed

Set Quantity

Set Row Offset

Set Feed Speed

Overview

Control Code Command Functions

2 Control Code Command Functions

Introduction

The printer requires a special “attention-getter” character in order to receive a command sequence, informing the printer that it is about to receive a command and the type of command it will be. Control Commands, System-Level Commands, and Font Loading Commands have their own unique attention-getter, followed by a command character that directs printer action.

Attention-Getters

The attention-getters (e.g., “SOH”) are standard ASCII control labels that represent a one character control code (i.e., ^A or Ctrl A). Appendix A contains the entire ASCII Control Code Chart.

Attention-Getter ASCII Character Decimal Value HEX Value

Immediate Commands

System-Level Commands

Font Loading Commands

SOH 1 01 STX 2 02 ESC 27 1B

Easy Control Codes

DPL has been enhanced to accept a 3-character SOH and STX sequence. Easy Control Codes are always enabled, whether in Standard, Alternate, Alternate 2, or Custom Control Code Mode. Two types of sequences have been created to meet any application’s requirements. Use these sequences where you normally would use a single SOH or STX character. These sequences will not function when the printer input mode is selected to “auto”.

Control Character

SOH %01 ^01 STX %02 ^02

3 “%” Character

Sequence

3 “^”Character

Sequence

Command Type

Control System

Control Code Command Functions

Alternate Control Code Modes

For systems unable to transmit certain control codes, Alternate Control Code Modes are available. Configuring the printer to operate in an Alternate Control Code Mode (selected via the Setup Menu, the <STX>Kc command or, where applicable, the <STX>KD command) requires the substitution of Standard Control Characters with Alternate Control Characters in what is otherwise a normal data stream.

Control

Character

Standard Alternate Alternate 2 Custom

SOH 0x01 0x5E 0x5E STX 0x02 0x7E 0x7E

CR 0x0D 0x0D 0x7C

ESC 0x1B 0x1B 0x1B

“Count By”

[1]

See Label Formatting Commands, ^ set count by amount.

[1]

0x5E 0x40 0x40

Throughout this manual <SOH>, <STX>, <CR>, <ESC>, and ^ will be used to indicate control



codes. The actual values will depend on whether standard or alternate control codes are enabled for the particular application.

User Defined

Command

Type

Control System

Line Termination

Font Loading

Label Formatting

Alternate Line Terminator Example: Alternate Control Codes provide for substitution of the line terminator, as well as the control characters listed above. For example using Alternate 2, the line terminator <CR> (0x0D) is replaced by | (0x7C). The following is a sample label format data stream for a printer configured for Alternate-2 Control Codes:

~L|1911A10001000101234560|X|~UT01ABCDE|~G|

Immediate Command Functions

3 Immediate Command Functions

Introduction

When the printer receives an Immediate Command, its current operation will be momentarily interrupted to respond to the command. Immediate Commands may be issued before or after System-Level commands; however, they may not be issued among Label Formatting Commands or during font or image downloading. Immediate Commands consist of:

1. Attention-Getter, 0x01 or 0x5E; see Control Code Command Functions.

2. Command Character

SOH # Reset

This command resets the printer. Resetting the printer returns all settings to default and clears both the communications and printing buffers. The command also clears DRAM memory.

Syntax:

Printer Response: The printer will reset.

SOH * Reset

This command forces a soft reset of the microprocessor. The printer is initialized to the same state as a power cycle.

Syntax:

Printer Response: The printer will reset.

SOH>#

<XON> T

SOH>*

<XON> R

(The T may come before the <XON>)

(The R may come before the <XON>)

Immediate Command Functions

SOH A Send ASCII Status String

This command allows the host computer to check the current printer status. The printer returns a string of eight characters, followed by a carriage return. Each character (see below) indicates an associated condition, either true (Y) or false (N). Byte 1 is transmitted first. See <SOH>F.

Syntax:

Sample:

Printer Response:

Where:

SOH a Send ASCII Extended Status String

This command allows the host computer to check an extended current printer status. The printer returns a string of seventeen characters, followed by a carriage return. Most characters (see below) indicate an associated condition, either true (Y) or false (N). Byte 1 is transmitted first. See <SOH>F.

Syntax:

Sample:

Printer Response: The printer response size may grow as new requirements are defined. The response will always be backward compatible and terminated with a <CR>. The user should not assume a fixed length response.

SOH>A

<SOH>A

abcdefgh<CR>

Possible

Values

a b c d e

f g h

Y/N Y = Interpreter busy (imaging) 1

Y/N Y = Paper out or fault 2

Y/N Y = Ribbon out or fault 3

Y/N Y = Printing batch 4

Y/N Y = Busy printing 5

Y/N Y = Printer paused 6

Y/N Y = Label presented 7

Y/N Y = (Internal) Rewinder out or fault 8

Interpretation

SOH>a

<SOH>a

abcdefgh:ijklmnop:qrstuvwx<CR>

Transmit

Sequence

Immediate Command Functions

Where:

SOH B Toggle Pause

This command toggles the printer’s paused state between “On” and “Off.” (This is the same function achieved by pressing the PAUSE Key.)

Syntax:

Sample:

Printer Response: This command will illuminate the Paused/Stop Indicator and/or

Possible

Values

a b c d e

f g h

j k

n o

r s

u v

Interpretation

Y/N Y = Interpreter busy (imaging) 1

Y/N Y = Paper out or fault 2

Y/N Y = Ribbon out or fault 3

Y/N Y = Printing batch 4

Y/N Y = Busy printing 5

Y/N Y = Printer paused 6

Y/N Y = Label presented 7

Y/N Y = Rewinder out or fault 8

: : = Always : 9

Y/N Y = Cutter Fault 10

Y/N Y = Paper Out 11

Y/N Y = Ribbon Saver Fault 12

Y/N Y = Print Head Up 13

Y/N Y = Top of Form Fault 14

Y/N Y = Ribbon Low 15

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 16

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 17

: : = Always : 18

Y/N Y = Ready (no data or signal) 19

Y/N Y = Waitng for Signal 20

Y/N Y = Waitng for Data 21

Y/N Y = Com1 has data not parsed 22

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 23

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 24

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 25

Y/N Y = N (reserved for future) 26

<CR> 27

SOH>B

<SOH>B

indicate PAUSED on the LCD or graphics display panel, suspend printing, and wait until one of the following occurs:

• The <SOH>B command is sent to the printer.

• The PAUSE Key is pressed.

Upon which the printer will turn the Paused/Stop Indicator “Off” and/or remove PAUSED from the LCD or graphics display, then resume operation from the point of interruption. (If the Receive Buffer is not full, an <XON> character will be transmitted from the printer.)

Transmit

Sequence

Immediate Command Functions

SOH C Stop/Cancel

This command performs the same function as pressing the STOP/CANCEL Key (i.e., it clears the current format from the print buffer, pauses the printer, and illuminates the Paused/Stop Indicator). (The pause condition is terminated as described under <SOH>B.)

Syntax:

Sample:

Printer Response: The print buffer is cleared and the Paused/Stop Indicator is

SOH D SOH Shutdown

This command is ignored by the printer.

SOH E Send Batch Remaining Quantity

This command causes the printer to return a four-digit number indicating the quantity of labels that remain to be printed in the current batch, followed by a carriage return. Communications latency may cause this value to be higher than actual on some printers.

Syntax:

Printer response:

Where:

SOH>C

<SOH>C

illuminated (and/or PAUSED is displayed on the LCD or graphics display) as operations are suspended, until one of the following occurs:

• The <SOH>B command is sent to the printer; or

• The PAUSE Key is pressed.

Upon which the printer will turn the Paused/Stop Indicator “Off” and/or remove PAUSED from the LCD or graphics display. (If the Receive Buffer is not full, an <XON> character will be transmitted from the printer.)

SOH>E

nnnn<CR>

nnnn -

Are four decimal digits, 0-9999.

Immediate Command Functions

“

SOH e Send Batch Printed Quantity

This command causes the printer to return a four-digit number indicating the quantity of labels that have been printed in the current batch, followed by a carriage return. Communications latency may cause this value to be lower than actual on some printers.

Syntax:

Printer response:

Where:

SOH F Send Status Byte

This command instructs the printer to send a single status byte where each bit (1 or 0) represents one of the printer’s status flags, followed by a carriage return (see below). If an option is unavailable for the printer, the single bit will always be zero. See <SOH>A.

Syntax:

Response format:

Where:

SOH>e

nnnn<CR>

nnnn -

Are four decimal digits, 0-9999.

SOH>F

X<CR>

X” is 0 through 0xef with bits as indicated in the “Condition”

column below:

Bit* Value Condition

8 1 or 0 (Internal) Rewinder out or fault 7 1 or 0 Label presented 6 1 or 0 Printer paused 5 1 or 0 Busy printing 4 1 or 0 Printing batch 3 1 or 0 Ribbon out or Fault 2 1 or 0 Paper out or Fault 1 1 or 0 Command interpreter busy (imaging)

One is the least significant bit.

Immediate Command Functions

System-Level Command Functions

4 System-Level Command Functions

Introduction

The most commonly used commands are the System-Level Commands. These are used to load and store graphics information, in addition to printer control. System-Level Commands are used to override default parameter values (fixed and selectable) and may be used before or after Immediate Commands but cannot be issued among Label Formatting Commands. System-Level Commands consist of:

1. Attention-Getter, 0x02 or 0x7E; see Control Code Command Functions.

2. Command Character

3. Parameters (if any).

STX A Set Time and Date

This command sets the time and date. The initial setting of the date will be stored in the printer’s internal inch counter. This date can be verified by printing a Configuration Label.

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

Printed response:

•



• Printers without the Real Time Clock option lose the set time/date when power is

• Response format is variable; see the Special Label Formatting Command <STX>T.

When set to 000, the Julian date is automatically calculated; otherwise, the Julian date will print as entered, without daily increments. If factory defaults are restored the actual Julian date will also be restored.

removed.

STX>AwmmddyyyyhhMMjj

w mm dd

yyyy

hh MM

jjj

1 digit for day of week; 1 = Monday; 7 = Sunday 2 digits for month 2 digits for day 4 digits for year 2 digits for hour in 24 hour format 2 digits for minutes 3 digits for Julian date / constant; see notes below.

<STX>A1020319960855034

Mon. Feb 3, 1996, 8:55AM, 034

System-Level Command Functions

STX a Enable Feedback Characters

This command enables the feedback ASCII hex characters to be returned from the printer following specific events after each completed batch of labels when using serial communications. The default value is ”OFF”.

Syntax:

Printer response: Event dependent. (Also see Appendix D for error codes.)

Where:

STX B Get Printer Time and Date Information

This command instructs the printer to retrieve its internal time and date information.

Syntax:

Sample:

Response format:

Where:

Response sample:

STX>a

Event Return Characters

Invalid character

Label printed

End of batch

STX>B

<STX>B

wmmddyyyyhhMMjjj<CR>

w mm dd

yyyy

hh MM

jjj

* See <STX>A for details and restrictions.

1 digit for day of week; 1 = Monday 2 digits for month 2 digits for day 4 digits for year 2 digits for hour in 24 hour format 2 digits for minutes 3 digits for Julian date / constant*

1020319960855034<CR>

0x07 ( BEL )

0x1E ( RS ) 0x1F ( US )

System-Level Command Functions



STX c Set Continuous Paper Length

This command sets the label size for applications using continuous media. It disables the top-of-form function performed by the Media Sensor. The sensor, however, continues to monitor paper-out conditions. See <STX>M.

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

This command must be reset to zero for edge or reflective sensing operation.

STX E Set Quantity for Stored Label

This command sets the number of labels for printing using the format currently in the print buffer. (The printer automatically stores the most recent format received in the buffer until the printer is reset or power is removed.) When used in conjunction with the <STX>G command, this will print the format.

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

Printer response: 25 labels of the current format in memory will be printed.

If no <CR> terminates the command, a four-digit quantity (nnnn) can be entered; and, specifying 9999 will cause continuous printing.

STX>cnnnn

nnnn -

<STX>c0100

Specifies the length of the media feed for each label format, in inches/100 or millimeters/10 (see <STX>m).

The sample above sets a label length of 100, which equals 1.00 inch (assuming Imperial Mode is selected).

STX>Ennnnn<CR

nnnnn -

<CR> -

<STX>E00025<CR> <STX>G

A five-digit quantity, including leading zeros.

0x0d terminates the name.

System-Level Command Functions



STX e Select Edge Sensor

This command enables transmissive (see-through) sensing for top-of-form detection of die-cut and holed (notched) media. This sensor will detect a minimum gap of 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) between labels (see the Operator’s Manual for media requirements). This is the default setting.

Syntax:

This command is ignored when <STX>cnnnn is issued with a non-zero value for nnnn.

STX F Form Feed

This commands the printer to form feed to the next start of print.

Syntax:

Printer response: The printer will form feed.

STX f Set Form Stop Position (Backfeed Command)

This sets the stop position of the printed label, allowing the label to stop at a point past the start-of-print position. When the next label format is sent, the printer motor reverses direction to retract the media to the start-of-print position. If quantities of more than one label are requested, the printer will operate without backfeeding. Backfeed will then only occur when printing has stopped for a few seconds.

D-O recommend not using the <stx>Kf command instead of this command. This is a legacy command.

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

STX>e

STX>F

STX>fnnn

nnn -

Is a three-digit distance from the Media Sensor, in inches/100 or mm/10. This distance is independent of the start-of-print position (<STX>O), yet it must be greater than the start-of-print position to take effect.

<STX>f230

The sample above sets a stop position distance of 230 (2.3 inches from the Media Sensor’s eye).

System-Level Command Functions

STX G Print Last Label Format

This command prints a previously formatted label and restarts a canceled batch job following the last processed label. This is used when there is a label format in the buffer. The <STX>E command is used to enter the quantity. (Without the <STX>E command, one label will print.)

Syntax:

STX>G

STX I Input Image Data

This command must precede image downloading from the host to the printer. The data that immediately follows the command string will be image data.

The native format for storing downloaded PCX and BMP images is RLE-2, which results in a better compression ratio for less module space usage when downloading gray-scale



Syntax: Where:

Sample:

images and images with large black or white areas.

STX>Iabfnn…n<CR

ata

a -

b -

f -

nn…n -

<CR> -

data -

<SOH>D <STX>IDpTest <CR> data...data <CR>

The sample above instructs the printer to (1) receive an 8-bit PCX image sent by the host in an 8-bit data format, (2) name the image “Test”, and (3) store it in Module D (with a .dim file extension).

Memory Module Bank Select (see Appendix K).

Data Type (optional), A or omit:

b Value: Image Data Value Range:

A ASCII Characters 0-9, A-F, (7 bit)

omit 00-FF, (8 bit)

Format Designator:

f Designator: Format Type:

F B

b I i P p

Up to 16 characters used as an image name. 0x0d terminates the name.

Image data

7-bit D-O image load file

.BMP 8-bit format, flipped, black

and white (B&W)

.BMP 8-bit format, B&W

.IMG 8-bit format, flipped, B&W

.IMG 8-bit format, B&W

.PCX 8-bit format, flipped, B&W

.PCX 8-bit format, B&W

System-Level Command Functions

<CR>

…

STX i Scalable Font Downloading

The command structure for downloading TrueType (.TTF) scalable fonts (files may be single-byte or double-byte character systems) is as follows:

Syntax:

STX>imtnnNam

Where:

Sample:

m -

The designator of the module where the font is to be saved; see Appendix K.

t -

Type of scalable font being downloaded: T = TrueType

nn -

Two-digit font reference ID. Valid range is 03-99, 9A-9Z, 9a-9z (base 62 numbers).

Name -

The title, up to 15 characters, for this font.

<CR> -

0x0d terminates the Name.

xx…x -

Eight-digit size of the font data, number of bytes, hexadecimal, padded with leading zeros.

data -

The scalable font data.

<STX>iDT52Tree Frog<CR>000087C2data...

The sample above downloads a TrueType font to Module D, and assigns it the Font ID of 52 with the name “Tree Frog” and file extension .dtt. The size of the font data is 0x87C2 bytes long.

STX J Set Pause for Each Label

This command causes the printer to pause after printing each label. It is intended for use with the peel mechanism or tear bar when the Present Sensor option is not installed. After removing the printed label, the PAUSE Key must be pushed in order to print the next label. (The printer must be reset to clear the <STX>J command.)

Syntax:

STX>J

STX K Extended System-Level Commands

This is an expansion of the System-Level Command structure; see Extended SystemLevel Commands for more information.

x…xdata

System-Level Command Functions

STX k Test Communication Port

This command instructs the printer to transmit the Y character from the printer’s port that received this command. (Failure to receive Y could indicate an interfacing problem.)

Syntax:

Printer response:

STX L Enter Label Formatting Command Mode

This command switches the printer to the Label Formatting Command Mode, where the printer expects to receive only Record Structures and Label Formatting Commands. Immediate, System-Level, and Font Loading commands will be ignored until the label formatting mode is terminated with E, s, or X, (see Label Formatting Commands for additional information).

Syntax:

STX M Set Maximum Label Length

This command instructs the printer move media this distance in search of the top-ofform (label edge, notch, black mark, etc.) before declaring a paper fault. A paper fault condition can occur if this setting is too close (within 0.1 inch [2.54 mm]) to the physical length of the label. Therefore, it is a good practice to set this command to 2.5 to 3 times the actual label length used. The minimum value should be at least 5” (127 mm).

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

STX m Set Printer to Metric Mode

This command sets the printer to interpret measurements as metric values (e.g., <STX>c0100 will equal 10.0 mm). The default is Imperial (see <STX>n).

Syntax:

STX>k

STX>L

STX>Mnnnn

nnnn -

Is a four-digit length, 0000-9999, in/100 or mm/10. Maximum setting is 9999 (99.99 inches or 2540 mm). The default setting is 16 inches/ 406.4 mm.

<STX>M0500

The sample above sets a maximum travel distance of 5 inches (unless the printer is in metric mode; see <STX>m).

STX>m

System-Level Command Functions

STX n Set Printer to Imperial Mode

This command sets the printer to interpret measurements as inch values (e.g., <STX>c0100 will equal 1.00 inch), and is the default mode.

Syntax:

STX O Set Start of Print (SOP) Position

This command sets the point to begin printing relative to the top-of-form (the label’s edge as detected by the Media Sensor). The printer will feed from the top-of-form to the value specified in this command to begin printing.

This value operates independently of the <STX>f command.

D-O recommend not using the row adjust feature instead of this command. This is a legacy command.

Syntax:

Where:

Sample:

STX o Cycle Cutter

This command will cause the optional cutter mechanism to immediately perform a cut after all previously received commands are executed. The cutter must be installed, enabled and the interlock(s) closed for operation.

Syntax:

STX>n

STX>Onnnn

nnnn -

Is a four-digit offset value in inches/100 or mm/10. The “zero” setting is the default value, and settings below 50 are adjusted back to the default value.

The default setting is “Off” and the printer assumes the natural SOP position.

<STX>O0210

The sample above will begin printing 0.1 inch closer to the leading edge of the label if the 220 (Allegro) SOP Emulation was selected, or 1.0 inch farther away from the leading edge if 110 (ProdPlus) SOP Emulation was selected.

STX>o

+ 266 hidden pages

Datamax-O'Neil DPL User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual