by any means or translated into another language without the prior written consent of
Sanford, L.P.
Trademarks
LabelWriter and DYMO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sanford, L.P. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Description: Direct Thermal Printer
Model: LabelWriter SE450
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC (Federal Communications Committee) rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try correcting
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
n Reorient the receiving antenna.
n Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
n Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
n Use shielded cables to connect this device to computers.
n Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
n Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment and void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Certification
This device has been tested and complies with the requirements of:
UL 1950
EN60950: Low Voltage Directive Product Safety
FCC Part 15 Class B
EN55022: Radiated and Conducted Emissions B
EN50082-1: Generic Immunity ESD, RF, and Transient Susceptibility
i
Contents
Introduction1
Configuring the Host Computer for RS-232 Serial Interface 3
RS-232 Settings3
RS-232 Cabling4
RS-232 Signal Levels4
Programming Overview5
Programming the LabelWriter Printer5
Resetting the Printer6
Command Parameters6
Character Evaluation6
16-Bit Character Parameters6
Conversions7
Font Specifications8
Objects8
Print Modes8
Raster Mode9
Orientation9
Portrait Mode9
Landscape Mode10
Text Objects10
Barcode Objects11
Graphic Objects12
Line Objects12
Command Reference13
Alphabetical Command List13
Commands by Function15
Position Control15
Font Control16
Barcodes17
Miscellaneous17
Printable Characters17
Raster Compatibility18
Commands18
20h - FFh Printable Characters18
iii
CR Carriage Return19
DC4 Cancel Double Wide Mode19
ESC A Return Printer Status20
ESC a Return Hardware Status20
ESC B Set Dot Tab20
ESC c Set Print Temperature to Low21
ESC D Set Bytes per Line21
ESC d Set Print Temperature to Medium21
ESC E Form Feed22
ESC e Set Print Temperature to Default22
ESC F 1 n Feed n Lines23
ESC g Set Print Temperature to High23
ESC h Set Print Speed to Fast23
ESC i Set Printing Speed to Barcode23
ESC J Feed n Lines23
ESC L Set Feed Length24
ESC M Set Font to 12 cpi24
ESC P Set Font to 16 cpi25
ESC Q Set Top Margin26
ESC S Set Font to 20 cpi26
ESC T Set Font to 7 cpi26
ESC U Set Font to 10 cpi27
ESC V Return Firmware Revision28
ESC W Wrap Data28
ESC X Set Horizontal Starting Position29
ESC Y Set Vertical Starting Position29
ESC y Set 203 x 203 dpi30
ESC z Set 136 x 203 dpi30
ESC * Reset to Defaults30
ESC @ Reset to Power-up Condition30
ETB Raster Mode Compressed Graphics31
FF Form Feed32
GS A Starting Position of Bar Code33
GS DC2 Set Font to Double Height33
GS DC3 Cancel Double Height34
GS d Feed n Text Lines34
GS h Set Barcode Height35
GS k Print Barcode35
Data Matrix Barcode36
iv
PDF417 2D Barcode39
GS l Draw Line in Landscape Mode41
GS L Set Feed Length43
GS q Print UPC/EAN Checksum44
GS RS Set Inverse Print Mode44
GS S Return Printer Status45
GS T Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes46
GS t Set Characters per Line in Landscape46
GS US Cancel Inverse Print Mode47
GS u Set Characters per Line in Portrait47
GS V Set Print Orientation48
GS W Set Bar Code Element Width48
GS w Set Barcode Module Width49
GS ~ Enter Debug Mode49
GS * Landscape Mode Graphics50
HT Horizontal Tab51
LF Line Feed51
SO Set Font to Double Wide Mode51
SYN Raster Mode Graphics52
The Caret Feature53
Activating the Caret Feature53
Using the Caret Feature53
Character Codes55
Configuration Menu65
Printer Specifications67
Hardware Specifications67
Interface Specifications67
Print Head Specifications67
USB Settings69
Serial Interface Specifications69
v
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vi
Chapter 1
Introduction
The LabelWriter SE450 printer is a compact, thermal-transfer label printer. Featuring both
RS-232 serial and USB connections and including both an ASCII command set as well as
raster printing modes, this printer can fit a wide variety of uses.
The LabelWriter SE450 printer can be readily connected to most common computer systems
using the included Windows, Mac or Linux drivers. Or, for driver-less applications, the
printer can be connected and driven entirely by ASCII Escape commands. This makes the
LabelWriter SE450 an ideal printer to use in embedded applications, including medical
devices, paint matching systems, and so on.
The LabelWriter SE450 printer can accept label material up to 62 mm (2.44") wide, and has
a 57 mm (2.24") wide, 203 dot-per-inch (dpi) print head.
This Technical Reference provides all the information you need to be able to print labels
with the LabelWriter SE450 printer.
In addition, Windows and Mac sample code is available on the CD that came with the
LabelWriter SE450 printer.
In this Technical Reference, you will find:
n Information about how to configure the host computer to communicate with the
LabelWriter SE450 over an RS-232 serial interface.
n Information about programming the LabelWriter SE450 printer
n A list of commands by function
n A complete alphabetical command reference
n A complete list of the standard and extended ASCIIcharacter codes supported by the
printer
n Instructions for configuring the printer
n Printer specifications
As an additional resource, visit the Developer's Forum on the DYMOWeb site.
1
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2
This chapter describes how to configure the host computer to communicate with the
LabelWriter SE450 printer over an RS-232 serial interface.
n RS-232 Settings
n RS-232 Cabling
n RS-232 Signal Levels
For information about communicating with the host computer using the USB port, see the
sample code located on the LabelWriter SE450 CD that came with the printer.
RS-232 Settings
Chapter 2
Configuring the Host
Computer for RS-232
Serial Interface
In order for the host computer to communicate with the LabelWriter SE450 printer, the
communication parameters must be set as follows:
Baud Rate9600
Data Bits8
Stop Bits1
ParityNone
These settings can often be set using a BIOS setup program or an Operating System Control
Panel application. For embedded applications, you may need to build these settings into the
embedded system's initialization code.
Most languages provide a command or function to initialize a serial port.
If programming under Windows using Microsoft C/C++, use the function:
bios_serialcom()
Other C compilers offer a similar function. Consult your compiler user guide for the
appropriate function to use to configure a serial port.
If you are using the Unix OS, you’ll need to configure the RS-232 port as a dumb printer
port, with no special handling, control characters or form feeds. The LabelWriter printer will
handle these functions internally.
3
Configuring the Host Computer for RS-232 Serial Interface
RS-232 Cabling
RS-232 cable pinouts are shown in the table below. For details on RS-232 signal names,
consult the RS-232 Standard documentation.
Origination
(Mod. 8 x 8)
18RTSOutPrinter is ready to receive data
23RXInData to the printer
32TXOutData from the printer
45GND--Signal, earth, and power ground
57CTSInDepends on software selection
66DTROutIndicate printer is online
Modular Plug
Termination
(DB9S)
NameDirDescription
RS-232 Signal Levels
The serial interface uses standard RS-232 signal levels as shown in the table below:
RS-232 signal levels.
Signal LevelInputOutput
MARK (1)-27 V to -5 V-5 V
SPACE (0)+5 V to +27 V+12 V
4
Programming Overview
This chapter includes the information needed to control the LabelWriter SE450 printer
correctly using ASCII Escape commands (referred to as ESC commands throughout this
reference guide). Both basic and advanced topics are explained so that you understand how
the LabelWriter SE450 printer works.
Programming the LabelWriter Printer
The first step in controlling the LabelWriter SE450 printer is to understand how the printer
works.
As an ASCII-based printer, the LabelWriter SE450 printer accepts 8-bit ASCII characters as
both data and commands. The ASCII character table shows the relationship between the 8bit values and the characters they represent.
The ASCII Table contains both "Printable" characters (with values 32 - 127 decimal) which
are normally just printed, and non-printable, control commands that the printer interprets as
action commands (form-feed for example).
Chapter 3
As the printer reads character input from the controlling device, it interprets the data as
characters to be printed, or commands, and acts accordingly. This means that sending data
and commands to the printer is usually as simple as transmitting the characters from your
program to the port to which the printer is connected.
A simple program to print ‘Hello World’ on the LabelWriter printer might look as follows if
written in BASIC.
OPEN “COM1:9600,n,8,1” FOR OUTPUT AS #1
PRINT #1, “HELLO WORLD”
The "OPEN..." line above opens the selected COMport for printing and initializes the
communication settings while the "PRINT..." line sends the data to the printer.
Commands can be sent to the printer in exactly the same way. For example, if you wanted
to change the font which “Hello World” was printed into a 7-characters-per-inch font, you
could look in this manual and find that the required command characters to do this are ESC
and T. ESC refers to the Escape character. By checking the ASCII character table, you
would find that the ESC character has a decimal value of 27. With this information, you can
construct the following program to print ‘Hello World’ in a 7-characters-per-inch font.
OPEN “COM1:9600,n,8,1” FOR OUTPUT AS #1
PRINT #1, CHR$(27); “T”;
5
Programming Overview
PRINT #1, “HELLO WORLD”
In a nutshell, that’s all there is to controlling the LabelWriter printer. Any formatting or
special effect that you may need for your output can be specified simply and easily by
sending the appropriate command characters and the data to be printed.
The next few sections cover the ins, outs, and general information that you should know
before programming the LabelWriter printer.
Resetting the Printer
Each print job should begin with a printer reset command. This ensures that the printer
always begins in a known state. The command characters used to reset the LabelWriter
printer are ESC (decimal value 27) followed by * (decimal value 42).
Command Parameters
When sending a command, all of the command characters and parameters that make up a
command must be sent, without intervening characters. This is especially important when
using the barcode and graphics commands. Sending fewer characters than specified for the
command will either cause the command to fail or result in subsequent data being lost.
Character Evaluation
Most of the parameters that are sent to the LabelWriter printer are evaluated based on their
decimal value. It is very important to have a good understanding of what this means.
The ASCII character that is represented by a ‘3’ does not have a decimal value of 3 (the
character '3' has a decimal value of 51, as listed in the character code table).
Some people find it easy to think of the ASCII table as a table of 8-bit BYTE values, and
these byte values represent the characters shown in the table. Since a SPACE character has a
value of 32 decimal, a byte value of 32 decimal needs to be sent to represent a space in
character output.
Some commands accept parameters by either their decimal value or the representative
character. For example, the set print orientation command (GS V) interprets both a NULL
(ASCII decimal value of 0) and the ‘0’ character as meaning the same thing. This ensures
backwards compatibility with the original LabelWriter SE printer and should not be
assumed to be true for all commands in general.
16-Bit Character Parameters
The maximum value a single 8-bit character can represent is 255. Some commands, though,
can take values that are greater than 255.
The set horizontal starting position command (ESC X), for example, specifies a distance (in
dots) that the next text object will print from the left margin. Because a dot is only 1/8th of
a millimeter, a value of 255 would place the object only a little over 31 mm from the left
margin.
6
Programming the LabelWriter Printer
To allow for longer distances to be specified, two 8-bit characters are used to specify the
value, by combining them into one 16-bit character. Though the calculations are all
performed within the printer itself, it is important to understand how the characters are
handled.
The decimal value of the first character that is sent (usually noted as n1) is multiplied by
256. The decimal value of the second character sent (usually noted as n2) is then added to
this.
The following illustration is a graphical representation of how this works.
To send a value under 256 to a command that takes the n1 n2 parameters, simply send the
first character with a 0 value. For values greater than 256 but less than 512, the first
parameter should be sent with a value of 1. For values greater than 512 but less than 768,
the first parameter should be set to 2, and so on.
Conversions
Converting from dots to inches using the n1 n2 parameters can seem a bit challenging at
first, but is really no more complex than multiplication and division. The table below lists
some common values and their relationship.
InchesDotsn1n2
0.51010101
1.02030203
1.5304148
2.04061150
2.55071251
3.0609297
3.57102198
4.0812344
To convert from a value shown in the Dots column, convert the Dots value to binary, and
then convert the top eight bits to base 10 for n1 and the bottom eight bits to decimal for n2.
For example:
7
Programming Overview
Font Specifications
The table below lists the specifications for the five internal fonts the LabelWriter printer
supports. Height and width are expressed in dots.
710 base 10 = 0000001011000110
n1 binary = 00000010 or "2" decimal
n2 binary = 11000110 or "198" decimal
Objects
Font Setting
Command
ESC S161020.312.7
ESC P241216.98.4
ESC M321612.76.4
ESC U322010.26.4
ESC T56287.33.6
HeightWidthHorizontal cpiVert ical cpi
Objects are the basic units printed by the LabelWriter printer. An object can be either a line
of text, a barcode, a landscape graphic, a landscape line, or a raster dot line. Each of these
objects has different rules relating to them. These rules are discussed later in this section.
Objects can also be either active or completed. An active object is one that is still receiving
the data that composes it. A completed object is one that has been terminated. A line of text
that has not yet received a line feed or carriage return is a good example of an active object.
Until a terminator character, such as a line feed, is sent, more text characters can be added to
the text object. Barcode and graphic objects do not require special terminator characters
(such as line feeds). Instead they are considered complete as soon as they receive the correct
amount of data.
Print Modes
8
Before we move on to discuss the specific objects that the LabelWriter printer supports, it is
important to cover the different print modes in which the LabelWriter may print the objects.
The LabelWriter printer includes three modes of printing: raster (bitmap graphics) mode,
portrait printing mode, and landscape printing mode. Each mode operates under very
different rules. These rules are detailed in the sections that follow.
The LabelWriter printer may be in only one print mode at a time. Multiple areas may be
printed in different print modes on a single label, but these areas may not overlap.
In any mode, the set feed length command (GS L) is used to determine how far the
LabelWriter printer will feed in search of a top-of-form hole. If the LabelWriter printer finds
Raster Mode
Print Modes
a top-of-form hole before this maximum feed distance is reached, it will stop at that point,
rather than continuing. This command is only needed when dealing with continuous-feed
paper.
The LabelWriter SE450 command set includes most of the commands included in the
command set for the LabelWriter 450 series printers, as well as the ASCII commands that are
included in this Technical Reference. The two commands not available nor applicable to the
LabelWriter SE450 printer are ESC G and ESC q (used to change rolls for the LabelWriter
450 Twin Turbo).
Raster mode refers to printing using the LabelWriter 450 printing commands, and is most
often used when using printer drivers to print from Windows, Mac, or Linux computers.
Because the LabelWriter 450 commands are an inherent part of the LabelWriter SE450,
there are no special commands to switch to raster mode. Data may be sent exactly as though
it were being sent to a LabelWriter 450 series printer and the LabelWriter SE450 will
process and print the data correctly.
If you need to create your own printer driver for an embedded device or an unsupported
operating system, refer to the LabelWriter 450 Series Technical Reference for full details.
Orientation
Portrait Mode
In raster mode, each dot line is a complete object and is printed as soon as it is processed.
Because of this, a raster dot line should not be sent while a label is being constructed using
ASCII commands.
By default, the LabelWriter SE450 is set for portrait printing. The page orientation can be
changed to landscape printing using the GS V command.
n Portrait Mode
n Landscape Mode
In portrait mode, text characters travel out of the printer from the top of the character to the
bottom. It is also possible to switch to this mode using the set print orientation command
(GS V). The printer is set to portrait mode by default.
Portrait mode is also referred to as immediate mode printing, because each object that is sent
to the printer while the printer is in portrait mode is printed as soon as the object is
completed. No two objects may be printed on the same line in this mode because the paper
is advanced as each object is completed and printed.
9
Programming Overview
Certain commands are disabled or work differently while the printer is in portrait mode.
Exact details can be found with each command’s description.
Landscape Mode
By using the set print orientation command (GS V), you can configure the LabelWriter
printer for landscape printing. In landscape printing, text characters travel out of the printer
from the left side of the character to the right. Before the printer can be switched to
landscape printing though, you must send the set characters per line command (GS t). The
set characters per line command defines the width of the landscape page.
A landscape page is defined as the area allocated by the LabelWriter printer in which
landscape text, graphics, barcode, and line objects may be printed. The height of this
landscape page always equals the width of the print head. The width of the landscape page
is calculated when the set characters per line command (GS t) is sent. The width of the page
is equal to the number of characters per line multiplied by the width of the current font. The
default font is 16 dots wide (2 mm) and the default number of characters per line is 80.
In landscape mode, completed objects are placed within a memory buffer in the printer and
are only printed when the landscape page is terminated. A form feed (FF) character is
normally used to terminate a landscape page. This causes the printer to print the objects that
have been placed on the landscape page and advance to the next label.
Text Objects
After a landscape page is printed, the LabelWriter printer will remain in landscape mode. If
more objects are sent to the printer, a new landscape page will be allocated, with a width
equal to the previous page. To change the width of a landscape page, you must send the set
characters per line command (GS t) followed by the set print orientation command (GS V).
Because the LabelWriter printer does not print objects immediately, multiple objects can be
placed on the same line. The set horizontal starting position (ESC X) and set vertical
starting position (ESC Y) commands allow objects to be placed at any location within a
landscape page. In the case of objects that are positioned to overlap each other, the first
object that is sent to the printer will be printed in the overlapping area.
Objects that would normally print below the bottom of the landscape page can be either
wrapped to the next label or truncated by using the select line wrap/truncate modes
command (GS T).
Unless the set vertical starting position command (ESC Y) is used, the first object sent will
be printed at the top of the landscape page. When printing to a label that is narrower than
the print head, the top of the landscape page will be above the top of the label. In this case,
you should use the set vertical starting position command (ESC Y) to position the object on
an area of the landscape page that corresponds to the label.
A text object is simply a line of printable characters. A text object is created whenever the
LabelWriter printer receives a printable character that is not otherwise part of a command.
Once it’s created, a text object will remain active until it is terminated.
10
While a text object is active, any printable characters sent to the printer will be added to
that text object. The only exceptions are printable characters that are sent as part of a
Barcode Objects
command. While a text object is active, commands that alter text line attributes (such as
font and double-height character commands) are ignored. Commands that alter text character
attributes (such as double wide and inverse) may be sent at any time.
Line attributes include the five basic fonts (ESC S, P, M, U, and T), plus the double-height
font command (GS DC2). These commands may not be issued while a text object is active;
instead they should be issued before a text object is begun. The font line attribute persists
until another font command is received. The double-height line attribute persists either until
the cancel double-height command (GS DC3) is sent or the current font is changed.
The character attribute commands include the set font to double wide (SO) and set inverse
print mode (GS RS) commands. These commands may be issued or canceled at any time.
Character attributes persist only until the end of a text object.
A text object can be terminated with a carriage return, a line feed, or both, in either
combination. If the length of the text object exceeds the space allowed for printing, it will
either wrap to the next line or truncate at the end of the printable area. The decision to wrap
or truncate is determined by the select line wrap/truncate mode command (GS T). By
default, text objects will wrap to the next line.
Barcode Objects
A barcode object is created by the print barcode (GS k) command. Specified within
the command is the symbology to be used, the amount of data to be encoded, and the data
itself. Other attributes of the barcode, such as height and width, can be set using other
commands.
The set barcode height (GS h) command specifies the height of the barcode in
dots, or 1/8th mm. The maximum height for a barcode is 256 dots, or 32 mm. In cases where
a taller barcode is needed, a second barcode can be printed below the first at the same left
offset.
The set barcode module width (GS w) and set barcode element width(GS W) commands can be used to alter the width of the barcode. See the command
descriptions for a full explanation of the differences between these two commands.
The POSTNET barcode symbology is an exception and does not respond to any of these
commands. Instead, it always prints within the U.S. Postal Service’s specifications.
The limitations of each symbology must be adhered to when sending data for a barcode. For
example, you should not send alphabetic characters to symbologies that only accept
numeric data (like the UPC/EAN symbology).
Other items must also be considered when printing barcodes. You must leave sufficient
blank space on either side of the barcode to create a quiet zone. You must also select a
good ratio/element size if the default values are not being used, and you must allow
adequate room for the barcode to be printed on the label. If you ignore any of these items,
the barcode that is printed may be unreadable.
In general, you should be very familiar with using barcodes if you want to ensure success.
A barcode object is self-terminating and will be processed as soon as it has received the last
byte of data required to define to it. The print barcode (GS k) command’s second
11
Programming Overview
parameter specifies whether a fixed amount of data will be sent or whether delimiters will
be used. In either case, the data sent must match the parameter setting. If a fixed number of
characters are specified, then the exact number of characters specified must be sent. If
delimiters are indicated, then matching characters must be sent before and after the barcode
data to specify the beginning and end of the data. If an incorrect number of characters or
delimiters are sent, the printer will not print correctly.
Barcodes that are too long to fit within the printable area of a label are truncated or do not
print at all. This usually results in an unreadable barcode being printed. To correct this
condition, you must set a narrower ratio, encode fewer digits, or use a more compact
symbology.
Graphic Objects
Graphic objects are created by the landscape mode graphics command (GS *).
Graphic objects may only be printed as part of a landscape page. To print a graphic without
entering landscape mode, you must use raster mode graphic commands.
No landscape graphic may be wider than 256 dots; however, a graphic may be as tall as the
width of the LabelWriter printer's print head. If you need to print a graphic wider than 256
dots, you must either subdivide it into narrower sections or print it using raster mode
graphics commands.
Line Objects
For more information about landscape graphic objects, see the descriptions of the graphics
commands in this manual.
See Also
GS *
Line objects are created using the draw line in landscape mode command (GS l).
Line objects may only be printed as part of a landscape page. If the length of a line object is
set to exceed the printable area of a label, the line will be truncated at the end of the
printable area.
See Also
GS l
12
Command Reference
This chapter describes the commands you can use to program your LabelWriter SE450
printer. Below are some of the things you can do with the commands:
n Send line feeds and carriage returns
n Define barcode size and position
n Read firmware revision and printer status information
n Define label size, and paper orientation
n Print graphics in inverse text mode and print enlarged characters
See the pages that follow for listings of commands arranged alphabetically and by function.
Alphabetical Command List
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Chapter 4
CR
DC4
ESC *
ESC @
ESC A
ESC a
ESC B
ESC c
ESC D
ESC d
ESC E
ESC e
ESC F 1 n
Carriage Return
Cancel Double Wide Mode
Reset to Defaults
Reset to Power-up Condition
Return Printer Status
Return Hardware Status
Set Dot Tab
Set Print Temperature to Low
Set Bytes per Line
Set Print Temperature to Medium
Form Feed
Set Print Temperature to Default
Feed n Lines
13
Command Reference
NAMEDESCRIP TION
ESC g
ESC J n
ESC L
ESC M
ESC P
ESC Q
ESC S
ESC T
ESC U
ESC V
ESC W n1 n2
ESC X n1 n2
ESC Y n1
Set Print Temperature to High
Feed n Lines
Set Feed Length
Set Font to 12 cpi
Set Font to 16 cpi
Set Top Margin
Set Font to 20 cpi
Set Font to 7 cpi
Set Font to 10 cpi
Return Firmware Revision
Wrap Data
Set Horizontal Starting Position
Set Vertical Starting Position
ESC y
ESC z
ETB
FF
GS * n1 n2 t h w d1…dm
GS A n1 n2
GS d n
GS DC2
GS DC3
GS h n
GS k n m d1…dk
Set 203 x 203 dpi
Set 136 x 203 dpi
Raster Mode Compressed Graphics
Form Feed
Landscape Mode Graphics
Bar Code Start Position
Feed n Text Lines
Set Font to Double Height
Cancel Double Height
Set Bar Code Height
Print Barcode
14
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Commands by Function
GS L n1 n2
GS l n1 n2 l1 l2 m
GS q n m d1…dk
GS RS
GS S
GS T n
GS t n
GS u n
GS US
GS V n
GS W Thin Thick
GS w n
GS ~
Set Feed Length
Draw Line in Landscape Mode
Print UPC/EAN Checksum
Set Inverse Print Mode
Return Printer Status
Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes
Set Characters per Line (Landscape)
Set Characters per Line (Portrait)
Cancel Inverse Print Mode
Set Print Orientation
Set Bar Code Element Width
Set Bar Code Module Width
Enter Debug Mode
HT
LF
SO
SYN
Commands by Function
Position Control
NAMEDESCRIP TION
HT
LF
FF
Horizontal Tab
Line Feed
Set Font to Double Wide Mode
Raster Mode Graphics
Horizontal Tab
Line Feed
Form Feed
15
Command Reference
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Font Control
CR
ESC J n
ESC X n1 n2
ESC Y n1
GS T n
GS V n
GS d n
GS t n
GS u n
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Carriage Return
Feed n Sublines
Set Horizontal Starting Position
Set Vertical Starting Position
Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes
Set Text and Bar Code Orientation
Feed n Text Lines
Set Characters per Line (Landscape)
Set Characters per Line (Portrait)
20h - FFh
DC4
ESC T
ESC M
ESC P
ESC S
ESC U
ESC X n1 n2
GS DC2
GS DC3
GS RS
GS US
Printable Characters (See Character Codes for a table of printable characters.)
Cancel Double Wide Mode
Set Font to 7 cpi
Set Font to 12 cpi
Set Font to 16 cpi
Set Font to 20 cpi
Set Font to 10 cpi
Set Horizontal Starting Position
Set Font to Double Height
Cancel Double Height
Set Inverse Print Mode
Cancel Inverse Print Mode
16
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Commands by Function
Barcodes
Miscellaneous
SO
NAMEDESCRIP TION
GS A n1 n2
GS W Thin Thick
GS h n
GS k n m d1…dk
GS w n
NAMEDESCRIP TION
Set Font to Double Wide Mode
Barcode Start Position
Set Barcode Element Width
Set Barcode Height
Print Barcode
Set Barcode Module Width
ESC @
ESC V
ESC W n1 n2
GS ~
GS * n1 n2 t h w d1…dm
GS L n1 n2
GS S
GS l n1 n2 l1 l2 m
Printable Characters
NAMEDESCRIP TION
20h - FFh
Reset to Power-up Condition
Return Firmware Revision
Wrap Data
Enter Debug Mode
Landscape Mode Graphics
Set Feed Length
Return Printer Status
Draw Line in Landscape Mode
Printable Characters
17
Command Reference
Raster Compatibility
NAMEDESCRIP TION
SYN
ETB
ESC *
ESC @
ESC A
ESC B
ESC D
ESC E
ESC L
ESC Q
ESC a
ESC c
ESC d
Raster Mode Graphics
Raster Mode Compressed Graphics
Reset to Defaults
Reset Printer to Power-up Condition
Return Printer Status
Set Dot Tab
Set Bytes per Line
Form Feed
Set Feed Length
Set Top Margin
Return Hardware Status
Set Print Temperature to Low
Set Print Temperature to Medium
ESC e
ESC F 1 n
ESC y
ESC z
Commands
The commands are listed by name in alphabetical order. Each section contains a description
of the command. The ASCII, hexadecimal, and decimal values for each command are also
provided.
See Character Codes for a list of ASCII, hexadecimal, and binary codes.
20h - FFh Printable Characters
Description
18
Set Print Temperature to High
Feed "n" Sublines
Set 203 x 203 dpi
Set 138 x 203 dpi
Parameters
CR Carriage Return
Description
Commands
These characters, while not part of an escape (command) sequence, will be printed using
the currently selected font. The standard, printable ASCII characters are associated with
their normal values, which range from decimal value 32 to decimal value 127. The
extended ASCII character set is also included and ranges from decimal value 128 to
decimal value 255.
See Character Codes for a summary of all the characters available.
None
Prints the current line of text and advances the text position to the beginning of the
next line. Note that the line feed, line feed/carriage return, carriage return, and carriage
return/line feed instructions all behave as a single line feed. If the current line extends
beyond the printable area, the text will wrap to the next printable area.
All character attributes (including inverse and double-wide text) will be cleared after
the line is printed.
Expression
ASCIICR
Decimal 13
Hex0D
Parameters
None
DC4 Cancel Double Wide Mode
Description
Cancels double-wide text printing and returns the text to normal.
See Also
SO
ESC W
Expression
ASCIIDC4
Decimal 20
Hex14
Parameters
None
19
Command Reference
ESC A Return Printer Status
Description
Provided for LabelWriter printer raster compatibility. ESC A is identical to the GS S
command described in this guide. See the description of the GS S command for
information on how to return the printer status.
See Also
GS S
ESC a Return Hardware Status
Description
Provided for LabelWriter printer raster compatibility.
See Also
GS S
ESC B Set Dot Tab
Description
See Also
Expression
Provided for LabelWriter printer raster compatibility. ESC B defines the left-hand
starting position for the placement of raster mode bitmap data. ESC B is used in
conjunction with the SYN (Raster Mode Graphics) and ETB (Raster Mode Compressed
Graphics) commands.
The LabelWriter SE450 printer prints up to 56 bytes (448 dots) of bitmap data. ESC B
allows the starting point (the left margin) to be relocated from the default position (byte
0), which is the extreme left side of the label, to any point, up to the right-hand margin
(byte 56). The increments for relocating the starting point are in millimeters. Use of this
command, along with the ESC D command, can drastically reduce the number of data
bytes required to skip blank areas.
ESC D
SYN
ETB
ASCIIESC B n1
Decimal 27 66 n1
20
Hex1B 42 n1
Parameters
n1starting position from the left in millimeters: 0 to 55 (default = 0)
ESC c Set Print Temperature to Low
Used to adjust the printing strobe.
This command is also supported by the LabelWriter SE300 and the LabelWriter 400 and
450 series printers.
Expression
ASCIIESC c
Decimal 27 99
Hex1B 63
Paramenters
None
ESC D Set Bytes per Line
Description
Commands
Provided for LabelWriter printer raster compatibility.
This command defines the number of bytes in a single line of raster bitmap data. The
LabelWriter SE450 printer prints up to 56 bytes (448 dots) of bitmap data. Use of this
command, along with the ESC B command, can drastically reduce the number of data
bytes required to skip blank areas.
See Also
ESC B
SYN
ETB
Expression
ASCIIESC D n1
Decimal 27 68 n1
Hex1B 44 n1
Parameters
n1 number of bytes per line (default = the allowed maximum, 56 bytes)
ESC d Set Print Temperature to Medium
Used to adjust the printing strobe.
This command is also supported by the LabelWriter SE300 and the LabelWriter 400 and
450 series printers.
Expression
21
Command Reference
ESC E Form Feed
ASCIIESC d
Decimal27 100
Hex1B 64
Parameters
None
Description
Prints the contents of the text buffer and advances the print media. The distance the
media will advance depends on two factors: the feed distance specified by the GS L
command and the presence of a punch hole. The LabelWriter printer will advance until
a punch hole is detected or until the feed distance (specified by the GS L command)
has been reached.
When the printer is powered on, the feed distance stored in flash memory is used as the
default distance; the factory default is 7.5 inches. A new feed distance specified by the
GS L command will override the flash memory setting until the printer is either
powered down or a reset command is issued (by the ESC @ or ESC * command).
The FF and ESC E commands are the same and produce the same result.
See Also
FF
Expression
ASCIIESC E
Decimal 27 69
Hex1B 45
Parameters
None
ESC e Set Print Temperature to Default
Used to adjust the printing strobe.
This command is also supported by the LabelWriter SE300 and the LabelWriter 400 and
450 series printers.
Expression
ASCIIESC e
Decimal 27 101
Hex1B 65
22
Parameters
None
ESC F 1 n FeednLines
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
The command is used to feed the next "n" lines on the label. This command requires
two bytes: the first byte is always 1, the second byte is the feed line value.
Note that this command functions identically to the ESC J command.
See Also
ESC J
ESC g Set Print Temperature to High
Used to adjust the printing strobe.
This command is also supported by the LabelWriter SE300 and the LabelWriter 400 and
450 series printers.
Commands
Expression
ASCIIESC g
Decimal 27 103
Hex1B 67
Parameters
None
ESC h Set Print Speed to Fast
Used to set the printing speed to fast, which is the default speed.
This command is also supported by the LabelWriter 400 and 450 series of printers.
ESC i Set Printing Speed to Barcode
Used to adjust the printing speed to slow for better print quality for barcodes and graphics.
This command is supported by the LabelWriter 400 and 450 series printers.
ESC J FeednLines
Description
Feeds n number of sublines (n/203 inch). This command causes the printer to print data
stored in the buffer and then feed n number of dot lines. This command is similar to the
GS d command.
See Also
GS d
Expression
23
Command Reference
ASCIIESC J n
Decimal 27 74 n
Hex1B 4A n
Parameters
n = the desired number of sublines to feed
ESC L Set Feed Length
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
See the GS L command for information.
See Also
GS L
ESC M Set Font to 12 cpi
Description
Changes to the 12 cpi normal font. The cell dimension is 32 H x 16 W. This is the
default font.
Fonts may only be changed at the beginning of a line, prior to any printable characters.
This font will remain in effect until the printer is reset (by the ESC@ or ESC*
command) or another font is selected.
See Also
ESC P
ESC S
ESC T
ESC U
Expression
ASCIIESC M
Decimal27 77
Hex1B 4D
Parameters
None
24
Font
ESC S161020.312.7
HeightWidth
Horizontal
cpi
Vert ical cpi
Commands
Font
ESC P241216.98.4
ESC M321612.76.4
ESC U322010.26.4
ESC T56287.33.6
ESC P Set Font to 16 cpi
Description
Changes to the 16 cpi mini font. The cell dimension is 24 H x 12 W.
Fonts may only be changed at the beginning of a line, prior to any printable characters.
This font will remain in effect until the printer is reset (by the ESC@ or ESC*
command) or another font is selected.
See Also
ESC M
ESC S
ESC T
ESC U
HeightWidth
Horizontal
cpi
Vert ical cpi
Expression
ASCIIESC P
Decimal 27 80
Hex1B 50
Parameters
None
Font
ESC S
ESC P
ESC M
ESC U
ESC T
HeightWidthHorizontal cpiVertical cpi
161020.312.7
241216.98.4
321612.76.4
322010.26.4
56287.33.6
25
Command Reference
ESC Q Set Top Margin
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
ESC S Set Font to 20 cpi
Description
Changes to the 20 cpi micro font. The cell dimension is 16 H x 10 W.
Fonts may only be changed at the beginning of a line, prior to any printable characters.
This font will remain in effect until the printer is reset (by the ESC@ or ESC*
command) or another font is selected.
See Also
ESC M
ESC P
ESC T
ESC U
Expression
ASCIIESC S
Decimal 27 83
Hex1B 53
Parameters
None
FontHeightWidth
ESC S161020.312.7
ESC P241216.98.4
ESC M321612.76.4
ESC U322010.26.4
ESC T56287.33.6
Horizontal
cpi
Vert ical cpi
ESC T Set Font to 7 cpi
Description
Changes to the 7 cpi headline font. The cell dimension is 56 H x 28 W.
26
Commands
Fonts may only be changed at the beginning of a line, prior to any printable characters.
This font will remain in effect until the printer is reset (by the ESC@ or ESC*
command) or another font is selected.
See Also
ESC M
ESC P
ESC S
ESC U
Expression
ASCIIESC T
Decimal 27 84
Hex1B 54
Parameters
None
Example
FontHeightWidth
ESC S161020.312.7
ESC P
ESC M321612.76.4
ESC U322010.26.4
ESC T
ESC U Set Font to 10 cpi
Description
Changes to the 10 cpi headline font. The cell dimension is 32 H x 20 W.
Fonts may only be changed at the beginning of a line, prior to any printable characters.
This font will remain in effect until the printer is reset (by the ESC@ or ESC*
command) or another font is selected.
Horizontal
cpi
241216.98.4
56287.33.6
Vert ical cpi
See Also
ESC M
ESC P
ESC S
ESC T
27
Command Reference
Expression
ASCIIESCU
Decimal 27 85
Hex1B 55
Parameters
None
FontHeightWidth
ESC S161020.312.7
ESC P241216.98.4
ESC M321612.76.4
ESC U322010.26.4
ESC T56287.33.6
ESC V Return Firmware Revision
Description
Returns ten ASCII characters (1765303v0G) that represents the firmware revision of the
of the LabelWriter 450 series printers, with which the SE450 is 100% compatible.
Expression
ASCIIESC V
Horizontal
cpi
Vert ical cpi
ESC W Wrap Data
28
Decimal 27 86
Hex1B 56
Parameters
None
Description
Causes the characters n1 and n2 to be echoed back to the host. As soon as n1 is
received by the printer, the printer, in turn, will transmit n1 back to the host. Your
program should wait to receive n1 before outputting n2. If you don’t wait, you may
n1
n2 are received successfully by the host, you can be reasonably assured that there is a
LabelWriter printer attached connected and your program can communicate with the
printer.
Expression
ASCIIESC W n1 n2
Decimal 27 87 n1 n2
Hex1B 57 n1 n2
Parameters
n1 first character to echo
n2 second character to echo
ESC X Set Horizontal Starting Position
Description
This command is used in landscape printing to set a new offset from the left margin
from which to begin printing text and barcode objects. Distance is specified in dots (1
dot = 1/203 of an inch). The n1 and n2 parameters are evaluated to form a 16-bit word
as follows: first, the n1 parameter’s decimal value is multiplied by 256, then the result
is added to the decimal value of the n2 parameter.
Commands
Expression
ASCIIESC X n1 n2
Decimal 27 88 n1 n2
Hex1B 58 n1 n2
Parameters
n1 high-order byte of 16-bit word that specifies distance
n2 low-order byte of 16-bit word that specifies distance
ESC Y Set Vertical Starting Position
Description
29
Command Reference
This command is used in landscape printing to set a new offset from the top margin
from which to begin printing text and barcode objects. Distance is specified in
millimeters. The LabelWriter SE450 print head is 56 millimeters wide.
Expression
ASCIIESC Y n
Decimal 27 89 n
Hex1B 59 n
Parameters
n the offset distance in millimeters
ESC y Set 203 x 203 dpi
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
ESC z Set 136 x 203 dpi
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
ESC * Reset to Defaults
Description
Returns the printer to its power-up condition, clears all buffers, and resets all character
attributes. The ESC * command is the same as the ESC @ command.
See Also
ESC @
Expression
ASCIIESC *
Decimal ESC 42
HexESC 2A
Parameters
None
ESC @ Reset to Power-up Condition
Description
Returns the printer to its power-up condition, clears all buffers, and resets all character
attributes. The ESC @ command is the same as the ESC * command.
30
See Also
ESC *
Expression
ASCIIESC @
Decimal 27 64
Hex1B 40
Parameters
None
ETB Raster Mode Compressed Graphics
Description
Provided for LabelWriter printer raster compatibility.
The ETB command is a synchronization character used to encode compressed raster
bitmap print data. Print data is encoded in strings of 8-bit bytes preceded by a singe
ETB (Hex 17) character. The control electronics in the printer do not check the validity
of the bitmap data.
Data compression is done through a form of run-length encoding. Bit seven (the sign
bit) of a compressed character represents the value to be printed:
0 = white space, 1 = a printed pixel. Bits 6 through 0 represent the number of
consecutive bits of the selected value plus 1.
The data sent to the LabelWriter printer is handled on a line-by-line basis, so
compressed lines may be intermixed with normal lines. In addition, the compressed
mode also uses the set bytes per line command (ESC D) to determine how much data
from the host to expect for each line. However, the sum of the pixels must be equal to
the bytes per line variable (ESC D, default on the LabelWriter SE450 printer is 56)
multiplied by 8. No error checking is done on the incoming data and unexpected results
will occur if this caution is not observed.
Below is a sample compressed line for a ESC D 24 setting:
17 OF 8F 20 A0 20 A0 0F 8F
which would translate to:
16 white pixels
16 printed pixels
32 white pixels
32 printed pixels
32 white pixels
Commands
31
Command Reference
16 white pixels
16 printed pixels
Total 192 pixels = 24 bytes x 8
Using the ETB command, along with the ESC D and ESC B commands, can drastically
reduce the number of data bytes required to form a print image. Refer to the description
of the SYN command for more information on printing bitmap data.
See Also
SYN
ESC B
ESC D
Expression
ASCIIETB d1…dn
Decimal 23 d1…dn
Hex17 d1…dn
FF Form Feed
Parameters
d1…dn n bytes of bitmap print data as per ESC D setting.
Description
Prints the contents of the text buffer and advances the print media. The distance the
media will advance depends on two factors: the feed distance specified by the GS L
command and the presence of a punch hole. The LabelWriter printer will advance until
a punch hole is detected or until the feed distance (specified by the GS L command)
has been reached.
When the printer is powered on, the feed distance stored in flash memory is used as the
default distance; the factory default is 7.5 inches. A new feed distance specified by the
GS L command will override the flash memory setting until the printer is either
powered down or a reset command is issued (by the ESC @ or ESC * command).
The FF and ESC E commands are the same and produce the same result.
See Also
ESCE
Expression
32
ASCIIFF
Decimal 12
Hex0C
Parameters
None
GS A Starting Position of Bar Code
Description
Defines the distance from the left where the first barcode will print. The distance is
represented in n/203 inch (dot) increments. This command is used to center a barcode
on a text line.
Expression
ASCIIGS A n1 n2
Decimal 29 65 n1 n2
Hex1D 41 n1 n2
Parameters
n1the most significant byte
n2the least significant byte
Commands
Inches/203 = (n1 * 256) + n2
Length# of Dotsn1n2
0.51020102
1.02030203
2.04061150
3.0609297
GS DC2 Set Font to Double Height
Description
Causes the current font to be printed at twice its normal height. The double-height
setting will remain in effect until the current line attributes are cleared
See Also
33
Command Reference
GS DC3
Expression
ASCIIGS DC2
Decimal 29 18
Hex1D 12
Parameters
None
GS DC3 Cancel Double Height
Description
Cancels the double-height characters and returns the font to normal size. This command
must be sent at the beginning of a line, before any printable characters.
See Also
GS DC2
Expression
ASCIIGS DC3
Decimal 29 19
Hex1D 13
Parameters
None
GS d Feed n Text Lines
Description
Prints the contents of the buffer and feeds n number of text lines. This command has the
same effect as line feeds.
See Also
ESC J
Expression
ASCIIGS d n
Decimal 29 100 n
34
Hex1D 64 n
Parameters
nthe desired distance (in text lines) to advance the print head
GS h Set Barcode Height
Description
Defines the height of the bars (in dots) for barcodes. The height is defined in n/203 inch
increments. For example, specify 203 as the value for n to print a 1-inch high barcode.
The barcode height is always rounded up to the next multiple of 8.
Expression
ASCIIGS h n
Decimal 29 104 n
Hex1D 68 n
Parameters
n the desired height (in dot lines) of the barcode
GS k Print Barcode
Commands
Description
Prints a barcode at the current position in the current orientation. The n parameter
selects the symbology to be printed. (See the table below.) The m parameter specifies
how many characters are to be encoded as part of the barcode. If the number of
characters to be encoded is variable, the m parameters can be set to zero. This will cause
the printer to read the next character sent as a delimiter character. Further characters will
then be encoded into the barcode until a character is found that matches the start
character.
Expression
ASCIIGS k n m d1…dm
Decimal 29 107 n m d1…dm
Hex1D 6B n m d1…dm
Parameters
nSelects the barcode symbology to be used
m
d1…dmThe data characters to be encoded.
Specifies the number of characters to be encoded. Also specifies which
EAN/UPC symbology will be used
Character ValueBarcode Symbology
n = 0POSTNET
n = 1reserved
35
Command Reference
Character ValueBarcode Symbology
n = 2EAN/UPC Auto
m = 6UPC - E
m = 7EAN-8
m = 8invalid
m = 9UPC-E + 2
m = 10UPC Auto (UPC-E/UPC-A)
m = 11UPC-A
m = 12UPC-E + 5, EAN-13
m = 13UPC-Auto + 2
m = 14UPC-A + 2
m = 15EAN-13 + 2
m = 16UPC-Auto + 5
m = 17UPC-A + 5
Data Matrix Barcode
GS k command has different parameters for Data Matrix 2D barcodes, as follows:
m = 18EAN-13 + 5
n = 3reserved
n = 4Code 3 of 9
n = 5MSI Plessey
n = 6Codabar
n = 7Interleaved 2 of 5
n = 8Code 128-A
n = 9Code 128-B
n = 10Code 128-C
n = 11Code 128-Auto
n = 12Bookland EAN
n = 13SISAC
n = 14PDF417
n = 15Data Matrix
36
ASCIIGS k n t r c m1 m2 dl….dm
Decimal 29 107 n t r c m1 m2 dl….dm
Hex1D 6B n t r c m1 m2 dl….dm
Commands
For Data Matrix encoding, the LabelWriter SE450 printer supports only basic ASCII
characters 0x00-0x7F.
Data Matrix barcodes are only supported for 203 x 203 dpi modes. They are not supported
for 203 x 136 dpi modes.
Parameters
n15 (0x0F)
option byte
Bit 7: “Numbers-only” compression.
Uses the ASCII number pairs compression in the Data Matrix
specification. When this is enabled, only ASCII numbers may be
sent to the printer. Any other data will be turned into the digit 0.
0: Compression disabled
1: Compression enabled
Bit 6: Exclude rectangles.
Excludes rectangular symbols for when the symbol size is being
auto-selected. Only effective when r and c are both 0.
t
0: When symbol size is being auto-selected (r=c=0), a rectangular
or square symbol may be chosen.
1: When symbol size is being auto-selected (r=c=0), only square
symbols will be chosen.
Bit 5-0: Element size
The remaining 6 bits form a binary value for the size of the
individual square elements in each Data Matrix symbol. This value
is in units of the printers 203 dpi pixels. So, a value of 5 will result
in each square element in the symbol being 5/203” wide and tall. If
this value is set to 0, the printer will use its default value of 4.
the number of rows in the symbol.
If both r and c are 0, the printer will use the smallest supported Data Matrix symbol to
r
store the data. Otherwise, this should be the desired number of rows, chosen from a
supported symbol in the tables below.
the number of columns in the symbol.
If both r and c are 0, the printer will use the smallest supported Data Matrix symbol to
c
store the data. Otherwise, this should be the desired number of columns, chosen from a
supported symbol in the tables below.
m1the most significant byte of data length.
m2the least significant byte of data length.
Supported Square Data Matrix Symbol Sizes
37
Command Reference
Number of
RowsColumns
101036
1414816
18181836
22223060
26264488
363686172
4444144288
5252204408
7272368736
88885761152
Encodable ASCII
bytes
Encodable numeric bytes with
"Numbers-only" compression
1041048161632
Supported Rectangular Data Matrix Symbol Sizes
Number of
RowsColumns
818510
8321020
12261632
12362244
16363264
16484998
Encodable ASCII
bytes
Encodable numeric bytes with
"Numbers-only" compression
Examples
Encoding the numbers 12345, using numbers-only compression, and excluding rectangles.
This should result in a 10x10 symbol.
38
GS ‘k’ 15 t r c m1 m2 dl…dm
Prints the following image:
Here, 5 characters are also sent: ABCDE. However, since they are not all numbers,
compression is not used. Rectangles are not excluded, so an 8x18 symbol should be autoselected. The element size has been set to 5.
Prints the following image:
PDF417 2D Barcode
PDF417 is a barcode symbology with the following basic characteristics:
GS ‘k’ 15 t r c m1 m2 dl…dm
GS 0x6B 0x0F 0x05 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x05 0x4142434445
n Encodable Character Set:
l Text compaction mode permits all printable ASCII characters to be encoded, i.e.
values 32-126 inclusive in accordance with ISO/IEC 646 (IRV), as well as selected
control characters.
l Byte compaction mode permits all 256 possible 8-bit byte values to be encoded.
This includes all ASCII characters value 0 to 127 inclusive and provides for
international character set support.
l Numeric Compaction mode permits efficient encoding of numeric data strings.
l Various function codewords for control purposes.
n Symbol character structure:
Each PDF417 symbol consist of a stack of vertically aligned rows with a minimum of 3
rows (maximum 90 rows). Each row shall include a minimum of a 1 symbol character
(maximum 30 symbol characters), excluding start, stop and row indicator columns. The
symbol shall include a quiet zone on all four sides. Each character is 17 modules wide:
4 bar and 4 space elements with the largest element 6 module wide. SE450 specifies
each module is 2 dots line wide.
n Maximum possible number of data characters per symbol (at error correction level 0):
925 data codewords which can encode:
l Text Compaction mode: 1850 characters (at 2 data characters per codeword).
l Byte Compaction mode: 1108 characters (at 1.2 data characters per codeword).
l Numeric Compaction mode: 2528 characters (at 2.93 data characters per codeword).
At the minimum recommended error correction level, there is a maximum of 863 data
codewords which can encode:
l Text Compaction mode: 1726 characters (at 2 data characters per codeword).
l Byte Compaction mode: 1033 characters (at 1.2 data characters per codeword).
39
Command Reference
l Numeric Compaction mode: 2528 characters (at 2.93 data characters per codeword).
n Symbol size:
l Number of rows: 3 to 90.
l Number of Columns: 1 to 30
l Maximum codewords capacity: 928 codewords.
l Maximum data codewords capacity: 925 codewords.
l Selectable error correction: 2 to 512 codewords per symbol.
But due to the limitation of SE450’s 2” Print head, the maximum data user can send in
portrait and landscape mode as following:
Portrait mode: Any giving Dymo label can hold the maximum PDF417 barcode symbol
column and row specified as following:
Column: 10
Row: 90
That gives user: the maximum characters with error correction level 0 sent to SE450 are:
n Numeric Compaction mode: 1318
n Byte Compaction mode: 540
n Text Compaction mode: 900
n At error correction level 4:
n Numeric Compaction mode: 1224
n Byte Compaction mode: 836 Text Compaction mode: 501
If the pdf417 barcode is too large to print in portrait mode, it will be printed in
landscape mode, after printing the barcode, it will resume to portrait mode again.
Landscape mode
40
Maximum column is 30 and maximum raw is 74. In landscape mode, user can send the
maximum data according to PDF417 specification which is described previously.
With current firmware setup, SE450 switches to landscape mode if user sends the data is too
large for portrait mode to hold a complete PDF417 symbol image.
GS k command has different parameters in PDF417 2D barcode, it is defined as following:
ASCII GS k n c r e m1 m2 dl….dm
Decimal 29 107 n c r e m1 m2 dl….dm
Hex 1D 6B n c r e m1 m2 dl….dm
Parameters:
n = 14: specify it is PDF417 2D barcode.
c = user defined symbol column number (1 to 30 in landscape, 1 to 10 in portrait), if it is 0,
which means the column will be calculated according to PDF417 specification by SE450
Firmware.
r = user defined symbol row number (3 to 74 in landscape, 3 to 90 in portrait); if it is 0
which means the raw will be calculated according to PDF417 specification by SE450
Firmware.
Commands
e = user defined error correction level (0 to 8), if it is 0 which means the error correction
level will be set according to PDF417 specification. It will be assigned as per the following
Table:
Error Correction Level
02--
141-40
281-40
31641-160
432161
564320
6128> 321
7256--
8512--
Error Correction
Codewords
Number of Data
Codewords
m1 = the most significant byte of data length.
m2= the least significant byte of data length.
Total data length = m1 * 256 + m2
Example
GS ‘k’ 0x0E 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x23 “This is a PDF417 Test, test 1234567”
prints the following PDF417 image:
GS l Draw Line in Landscape Mode
Description
Draws a line in landscape mode. The thickness of the line is determined by the bit set
by the bitmask, m.
Expression
ASCIIGS l n1 n2 L1 L2 m
Decimal 29 108 n1 n2 L1 L2 m
Hex1D 6C n1 n2 L1 L2 m
41
Command Reference
42
Parameters
n1 most significant byte of the offset from the left (in dots)
n2 least significant byte of the offset from the left (in dots)
L1 most significant byte of the line length (in dots)
least significant byte of the line length (in dots)
Sets the distance the print media will advance upon receipt of a form feed (FF or ESC
E) command. The distance is defined as n/203 inches. The number of dots = n1 * 256 +
n2.
Expression
ASCIIGS L n1 n2
Decimal 29 76 n1 n2
Hex1D 4C n1 n2
Commands
Parameters
n1 the most significant byte
n2 the least significant byte
Inches/203 = (n1 * 256) + n2
Length
(in inches)
0.51020102
1.02030203
2.04061150
3.0609297
4.0812344
5.010153247
6.012184194
# of Dotsn1n2
7.014215141
8.01624688
Example
43
Command Reference
GS q Print UPC/EAN Checksum
Description
Prints the checksum digit for the specified barcode. The checksum digit is printed in the
current font, at the current text position. Currently the only supported symbologies are
the UPC/EAN barcodes.
Expression
ASCII
Decimal
Hex
n m d1…dm
n m d1…dm
n m d1…dm
Parameters
n1selects the barcode symbology to be used
mspecifies the number of characters to be encoded
d1…dmthe data characters to be encoded
GS RS Set Inverse Print Mode
Description
Causes all the data that follows the command and appears on the current line to be
printed as inverse characters (white on black). Inverse characters are canceled when
character attributes are canceled.
See Also
GS US
Expression
44
ASCIIGS RS
Decimal 29 30
Hex1D 1E
Parameters
None
GS S Return Printer Status
Description
Returns a single status byte. The printer status is determined by testing the individual
bits within the returned status byte. Only bits that have defined values should be tested.
Do not test bits designated as reserved.
When polling for the status byte, your program must wait for the status byte to arrive.
The printer will take several milliseconds to process the request and then transmit the
status byte. If your program does not wait for a received character, you may receive
erroneous results.
ESC A and GS S are functionally identical. ESC A is provided for compatibility with
the LabelWriter raster bitmap label printer. If possible, you should use GS S in order to
ensure future compatibility.
See Also
ESC A
Expression
Commands
ASCIIGSS
Decimal 29 83
Hex1D 53
Parameters
None
Returns
BitBit =0Bit =1
0 LSBPrinter readyPrinter not ready
1Not top of formTop of form
2RESERVEDRESERVED
3RESERVEDRESERVED
4RESERVEDRESERVED
5Paper loadedOut of paper
6RESERVEDRESERVED
7 MSBPrinter has no errorPrinter has error
45
Command Reference
GS T Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes
Description
Determines how to handle a text wrap condition. A text wrap condition occurs when
text extends beyond the end of a line or a page. The default is to wrap at the end of a
line and a page.
Expression
ASCIIGST n
Decimal 29 84 n
Hex1D 54 n
Parameters
n = 0truncate in both directions
n = 1wrap at end of line, but not end of page
n = 2wrap at end of page, but not end of line
n = 3wrap at end of line and end of page
GS t Set Characters per Line in Landscape
Description
Creates an internal memory buffer to store landscape text and barcodes until a form feed
is received. The size of the buffer is determined by n, the number of characters per line.
The n parameter is converted internally to millimeters so new line lengths can be
automatically calculated in the event a font change takes place. The conversion to
millimeters is done by multiplying the value of n by the width of whatever font is
currently set when the GS t command is sent.
This command may be used in conjunction with the GS T command to determine
where, if at all, text wraps to the next line.
This command is similar to the GS u command.
See Also
GS u
GS T
Expression
ASCIIGS t n
46
Decimal 29 116 n
Hex1D 74 n
Parameters
nthe desired number of characters per line in landscape mode
GS US Cancel Inverse Print Mode
Description
Cancels the inverse print mode (white on black) and returns text back to its normal
attributes for the remainder of the current line.
See Also
GS RS
Expression
ASCIIGS US
Decimal 29 31
Hex1D 1F
Parameters
None
Commands
GS u Set Characters per Line in Portrait
Description
Creates an internal memory buffer to store portrait text and barcodes. The size of the
buffer is determined by n, the number of characters per line. The n parameter is
converted internally to millimeters so new line lengths can be automatically calculated
in the event a font change takes place. The conversion to millimeters is done by
multiplying the value of n by the width of whatever font is currently set when the GSu command is sent.
This command may be used in conjunction with the GS T command to determine
where, if at all, text wraps to the next line.
This command is similar to the GS t command.
See Also
GS t
GS T
Expression
ASCIIGS u n
Decimal 29 117 n
Hex1D 75 n
Parameters
n the desired number of characters per line in portrait mode
47
Command Reference
GS V Set Print Orientation
Description
Causes the LabelWriter printer to print the data stored in the print buffer and then
change to the selected orientation.
See Also
GS t
Expression
ASCIIGS V n
Decimal 29 86 n
Hex1D 56 n
Parameters
n Specifies the orientation and speed/resolution
n = 0Portrait203 x 203High Speed
n = 1Landscape203 x 203High Speed
n = 2Landscape203 x 138High Speed
n = 4Landscape203 x 203High Resolution
n = 6Landscape203 x 138High Resolution
GS W Set Bar Code Element Width
Description
Selects the horizontal size of a barcode element. The Thin parameter represents the
thickness of the thin bars (in dots). The Thick parameter represents the thickness of the
thick bars (in dots). Each dot measures .0049 inches in 203 dpi and .0073 inches in 138
dpi.
In Code 3 of 9, Interleaved 2 of 5, and Codabar barcodes, the thick bar width is set
according to the Thick parameter; however, all other symbologies ignore the Thick
parameter. The Thin parameter is used by all symbologies.
48
Expression
ASCIIGSW Thin Thick
Decimal 29 87 Thin Thick
Hex1D 57 Thin Thick
Parameters
Thinthickness of thin bars
Thickthickness of thick bars
GS w Set Barcode Module Width
Description
Selects the horizontal size of a barcode module. The parameter n represents the
thickness of the thin bars (in dots). Each dot measures .0049 inches in 203 dpi and
.0073 inches in 138 dpi. With Code 3 of 9, Interleaved 2 of 5, and Codabar barcodes,
the thick bars will be automatically adjusted to 2 * n.
Expression
Commands
ASCIIGS w n
Decimal 29 119 n
Hex1D 77 n
Parameters
n
GS ~ Enter Debug Mode
Description
Prints the received printer codes either as a Hex or ASCII dump. This allows you to
debug print problems. The debug mode remains in effect until the printer is powered
off.
Expression
ASCIIGS ~ n
Decimal 29 126 n
Hex1D 7E n
the desired horizontal size (in dots) of thin barcodes; with Code 3 of 9, Interleaved 2 of 5, and
Codabar, thick barcodes = 2 * n
Parameters
n = “a”ASCII dump of received characters
n = “h”Hex dump of received characters
49
Command Reference
GS * Landscape Mode Graphics
Description
Prints a graphic image (in landscape mode only).
Expression
ASCIIGS * n1 n2 t h w d1…dm
Decimal 29 42 n1 n2 t h w d1…dm
Hex1D 2A n1 n2 t h w d1…dm
Parameters
n1most significant byte of left offset
n2least significant byte of left offset
toffset from top (in millimeters)
hheight of graphic (in millimeters)
wwidth of graphic (in dots)
d1first data byte
dm last data byte (h * w)
50
HT Horizontal Tab
Description
Expression
Commands
Moves cursor position to next multiple of eight single-width characters. Note that
double-width characters count as two single-width characters. If the HT command
causes the cursor to move beyond the printable area, the text will wrap to the next line.
ASCIIHT
LF Line Feed
Decimal 9
Hex9
Parameters
None
Description
Prints the current line of text and advances the text position to the beginning of the
next line. Note that the line feed, line feed/carriage return, carriage return, and carriage
return/line feed instructions all behave as a single line feed. If the current line extends
beyond the printable area, the text will wrap to the next printable area.
All character attributes (including inverse and double-wide text) will be cleared after
the line is printed.
Expression
ASCIILF
Decimal 10
Hex0A
Parameters
None
SO Set Font to Double Wide Mode
Description
51
Command Reference
Causes all the text that follows the command on the same line to be printed as doublewide characters. Double-wide characters are canceled by a line feed (CR or LF) or the
DC4 command.
Double wide is a character attribute and is available on a character-by-character basis.
Double-wide text can be canceled at any point on the line. Double-wide text is
automatically canceled at the end of the line. Therefore, subsequent lines will not be
printed as double-wide text unless the SO command is re-issued at the beginning of
each line.
See Also
DC4
Expression
ASCIISO
Decimal 14
Hex0E
Parameters
None
SYN Raster Mode Graphics
Description
Provided for LabelWriter raster compatibility.
SYN is a synchronization character used to encode bitmap print data. The number of
bytes in each string is controlled by the ESC D command. The starting position (left
margin) is controlled by the ESC B command. The control electronics in the printer do
not check the validity of the bitmap data. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the host
software to send the correct number of data bytes for the width of the print head in use
by the printer.
The print head forms the image by heating a row of resistive elements that blacken the
thermally sensitive label material. The resistive elements are 0.125 millimeters square
(0.00492 inches) and are spaced at eight dots per millimeter (203.2 dots per inch) apart.
The print head on the LabelWriter SE450 printer contains 448 elements. When a line is
to be printed, the control electronics in the printer load the desired data into a serial
shift register (the print head). The serial shift register has one location for each print
element. A “1” in any given location causes the corresponding dot to be printed; a “0”
leaves the dot un-printed. The most significant bit (bit 7) prints at the left margin.
There is no command for clearing the shift register, therefore, the entire register must be
loaded for each print line in order to flush out the old data. To reset the LabelWriter
printer after a synchronization error or to recover from an unknown state, the host
computer should send at least fifty-seven (57) ESC characters, followed by an A, to
request the printer to return the status byte. A minimum of 57 ESC characters are
52
The Caret Feature
required because this amount exceeds the longest possible string of bitmap data bytes
that the LabelWriter printer expects.
See Also
ESC B
ESC D
ETB
Expression
ASCIISYN d1…dn
Decimal 22 d1…dn
Hex16 d1…dn
Parameters
d1
…
bytes of bitmap print data (max 56 bytes for LabelWriter
dn =
SE450 print heads).
n
The Caret Feature
Some computing environments do not allow the user to send the full range of ASCII
characters, limiting output to printable characters only (20h - FFh). The Caret feature is used
to resolve difficulties that may arise because of this.
Activating the Caret Feature
The Caret feature defaults to off on the LabelWriter printer. To enable the Caret feature, set
the printer to terminal mode and send a carriage return/line feed followed by the characters
‘C’ and ‘1’. The program below demonstrates this.
OPEN "COM1:9600,N,8,1" FOR OUTPUT AS #1
PRINT #1, CHR$(13); CHR$(10);
PRINT #1, "C1";
Refer to Configuration Menu for more information about Terminal mode.
Using the Caret Feature
When the caret feature is enabled, the LabelWriter printer will translate any three-digit
characters following a caret character (^) as the decimal value the digits expressed. For
example, if the characters ^027 are sent to the printer, they are interpreted as a single
character with a value of 27 (the Escape character).
53
Command Reference
When using the caret feature, three-digit characters must always follow the caret (^). Also,
while the caret feature is enabled, the printer will not work correctly with the LabelWriter
Windows or Mac raster print drivers.
54
The Caret Feature
Character Codes
Below is a list showing the ASCII codes from 1 to 255. The list shows the ASCII characters
and names, and the corresponding decimal, hexadecimal, and binary values.
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64
Chapter 5
Configuration Menu
The LabelWriter SE450 printer has a Printer Configuration Menu built into the firmware.
Through this menu, flash memory settings such as baud rate and feed distance can be
changed. Flash memory settings remain in effect even after power has been removed from
the printer.
The Printer Configuration Menu is accessible by using any terminal communications
(modem) program (such as, Hyperterminal in Windows) and communicating with the printer
through an RS-232 serial port. The communications software MUST be configured to
operate as follows:
9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit
To access the Printer Configuration menu
1. Load labels in the printer and connect the serial cable.
2. Disconnect power to the printer.
3. Press and hold down the form feed button.
4. While the form feed button is pressed, connect the power cord.
5. Continue to hold the form feed button down for five more seconds. The green light will
blink.
6. Release the feed button.
7. Start your communications software.
8. Press <Enter> until the menu appears.
Dymo LabelWriter SE450
Firmware Version 1765303v0G
Printer Configuration Menu
Type ? for help
9. Press ? for help.
You should see the following on your screen:
-?
B? Display Baud Rate
B0 Set 1200 Baud
B1 Set 2400 Baud
B2 Set 4800 Baud
B3 Set 9600 Baud
65
Configuration Menu
B4 Set 14,400 Baud
B5 Set 19,200 Baud
B6 Set 28,800 Baud
B7 Set 38,400 Baud
B8 Set 57,600 Baud
B9 Set 115,200 Baud
F? Display Default Feed Length
Fnnnn Set default feed length
X? Display XON/XOFF inhibit status
X0 Send XON/XOFF
X1 Inhibit XON/XOFF
C? Display Caret (^) Status
C0 Disable Caret Command
C1 Enable Caret Command
-
10. When you are finished, unplug the printer.
The next time you connect power to the printer the changes you made will be in effect.
66
This section covers hardware specifications for the LabelWriter SE450 printer.
n Hardware specifications
n Interface specifications
n Print head specifications
Hardware Specifications
This section lists printer, interface, print head, and printing specifications. For additional
serial interface specifications, refer to the next section in this chapter.
ModelLabelWriterSE450
DimensionsWidth: 4-7/8”
Height5-3/4”
Depth7-1/4”
Chapter 6
Printer Specifications
Weight1.5 pounds
Paper HandlingStraight. Entire path is accessible.
Maximum Duty CycleContinuous print at 10% print coverage.
Interface Specifications
USB
TypeFull-speed USB 2.0; USB 1.1 compatible
Serial
TypeBi-directional, serial RS-232 using transmit, receive, and ground
ProtocolRTS/CTS or XON/XOFF, 9600 baud, 8data bits, no parity, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit
Speed1200 to 115,200 Baud
Print Head Specifications
ModelFixed 2.25" linear thermal head
67
Printer Specifications
Average Life2 million lineal inches (over 31 miles) Print head is replaceable
Printing MethodDirect thermal
40 labels per minute (115,200 Baud, Serial)
Speed
Label WidthMaximum width of 62 mm (2.44 inches)
Resolution203 x 203 and 136 x 20 dots per inch
Fonts
Barcode Types
48 labels per minute (through DYMOLabel V.8, USB driver)
48 labels per minute for ASCII over both serial and USB (4-line address label)
Five fonts (7.5 cpi, 10 cpi, 12 cpi, 16.5 cpi, and 20 cpi) and four variations
(Normal, Double Height, Double Width, and Double Height/Double Width) for a
total of 20 possible font variations
Bookland EAN
Codabar
Code 3 of 9
Code 128-A
Code 128-B
Code 128-C
Code 128-Auto
Data Matrix
EAN-8
EAN-13
EAN-13 + 2
EAN-13 + 5
Interleaved 2 of 5
MSI Plessey
PDF417
POSTNET
SISAC
UPC-A
UPC-A + 2
UPC-A + 5
UPC AUTO (UPC-E/UPC-A)
UPC AUTO + 2
UPC AUTO + 5
UPC-E
UPC-E + 2
UPC-E + 5
68
USB Settings
USB Settings
The LabelWriter SE450 printer communicates with the host computer using a full-speed
USB 2.0 interface. This interface also operates with USB Version 1.1 or later. The printer
implements the standard USB Printer Class Device interface for communications (see
www.usb.org/developers/devclass/).
While it is not the purpose of this section to define how to write a USB driver for a printer
device, this section provides some product specific information that is required for any USB
device.
Each USB device provides plug-and-play information when it is connected to a host
computer. This information includes a manufacturer specific, or Vendor, ID (VID) and a
product specific ID (PID). These identifiers, when combined with the class type provided
during USB enumeration, are sufficient to identify the driver to load.
USB Vendor ID
The USB Vendor ID (VID) assigned to DYMO by the USB Implementers Forum is 0x0922h
(2338 Decimal).
USB Product IDs
The LabelWriter SE450 printer has the following unique Product ID:
Printer ModelProduct ID (Hex)
DYMO LabelWriter SE4500x0400
Serial Interface Specifications
This section describes the specifications for the serial interface. See Configuring the Host for
details about connecting the printer to your computer through the serial interface.
The RS-232 serial interface communicates using hardware and XON/XOFF flow control.
Flow control helps to ensure that your computer doesn’t send information to the printer
faster than it can print.
The XON/XOFF protocol is a popular data communications protocol. When the printer’s
buffer is approximately 90 percent full, it sends the ASCII code XOFF (13 hex) to the
computer to tell it to stop sending data. When there is again room (that is, space for
approximately 10 percent more characters in the buffer), the printer sends the ASCII code
XON (11 hex) to the computer to tell it to resume sending data. (XON is also known as
DC1; XOFF is synonymous with DC3.) If the computer doesn’t stop sending data after it
receives an XOFF, the data that overflows the buffer will be lost, and the printed results will
be different from what was expected and may include dropped characters.
The printer will send an XON code when it goes on-line to get things started. It will send
an XOFF code to stop the computer from sending information if the input buffer is
approximately 80 percent full.
69
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70
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