Ithaca 150, PcOS 150 Series, 151, 152, 153 Programmer's Manual
...
P OS
c
SERIES 150
Receipt/Validation/Journal Printers
PROGRAMMER'S
GUIDE
Rev G
PN: 100-7959
12/14/99
Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 150 Change History
Change History
Rev. G
Added Telpar emulation
Added USB description
Added Redefine Character Set and Euro Character Commands
Updated Command Summary Tables
Rev. F
Removed redundant codes on page 82
Added Option 1: Epson emulation on page 90
Added Line Feed Before Cut to page 92
Added SSD Signal to page 96
Added Epson/Axiohm and STAR cash drawer connectors on page 118
Changed Code 3 of 9 to Code 39
Rev. E
Reformatted entire document
Corrected miscellaneous spelling and grammar mistakes
Changed RS1284 to IEEE 1284
Rev. D Update for Firmware Rev 1.20
Added NCR2567 emulation commands
Rev. C Update
Added section on parallel-port PnP
Added information about the web site
Added section on Star emulation
Removed all references to the cover (The Series 150 Printer does not have a switch on the cover.)
Added trademarks for OKIDATA and Star
Added Code 93 to bar code section
Added bar code justification commands
Rev. B Update
Corrected physical specifications
Corrected warranty information
Rev. A Initial Release
12/14/99 Rev G Page i
Disclaimer PcOS Series 150 Programmer’s Guide
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. However, as product improvements
become available, Ithaca Peripherals will make every effort to provide updated information for the
products described in this publication.
Copyright
Copyright 1997-1999 Ithaca Peripherals. All rights reserved.
December 1999
Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or
by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Ithaca Peripherals.
Trademarks
PcOS is a registered trademark of Ithaca Peripherals. Ithaca Peripherals is a Transact Technologies
Incorporated Company. IBM is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines
Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. OKIDATA and Microline are
registered trademarks of OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Star is a registered trademark of Star Micronics
Co., Ltd. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows, Windows NT, and Plug
and Play are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Federal Communications Commission
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
The Series 150 Printe complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the
specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules which are designed to minimize radio frequency interference during
installation; however, there is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur during a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on while the radio or television is on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient the radio or television receiving antenna.
• Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver.
• Plug the printer and receiver into different outlets.
The user may need to consult their dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems.
The booklet is available from the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Ask
for stock number 004-000-00345-4.
Page ii Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 150 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Overview of the Series 150 Printer............................................................................................................1
Warranty Information..................................................................................................................1
Warranty Options ..........................................................................................................1
Service Information .......................................................................................................1
What is in this book?...................................................................................................................1
Who should read this book?...........................................................................................1
What does it cover?........................................................................................................1
Where can you find more information?..........................................................................2
Contacting Ithaca Peripherals ........................................................................................2
General Description ..................................................................................................................................3
Series 150 Models .......................................................................................................................3
Standard Features........................................................................................................................3
Model 151: Receipt Printer..........................................................................................................4
Model 152: Receipt/Journal Printer .............................................................................................4
Model 153: Receipt/Journal/Validation Printer............................................................................4
Model 154: Receipt/Validation Printer.........................................................................................4
General Specifications...............................................................................................................................5
Printing Specifications.................................................................................................................5
Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................8
Dimensions....................................................................................................................8
Weight...........................................................................................................................8
Electrical Characteristics.............................................................................................................8
Self-powered AC............................................................................................................8
Interface Specifications..................................................................................................9
Media Specifications ...................................................................................................................9
Ribbon...........................................................................................................................9
Receipt Paper .................................................................................................................9
Receipt/Journal Paper .................................................................................................. 10
Printable Area ...........................................................................................................................10
Receipt Printing...........................................................................................................10
Validation Forms Printing ........................................................................................... 10
Validation - Top Insertion............................................................................................11
Validation - Left-side Insertion....................................................................................11
Control Codes Overview .........................................................................................................................12
Nomenclature............................................................................................................................12
Standard Emulation..................................................................................................... 13
IPCL Codes .................................................................................................................13
EPOS Emulation..........................................................................................................13
Microline Emulation ....................................................................................................13
Star Emulation.............................................................................................................13
NCR2567 Emulation....................................................................................................14
Telpar Emulation .........................................................................................................14
Application Development..........................................................................................................14
Tables and Charts...................................................................................................................... 14
Printer Control Codes..............................................................................................................................15
Print/Paper Motion....................................................................................................................15
Low-level Paper Motion Control.................................................................................. 15
Horizontal Motion Control........................................................................................... 16
Vertical Motion Control ............................................................................................................ 18
Character Font...........................................................................................................................22
12/14/99 Rev G Page iii
Table of Contents PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
International Character Sets and Code Pages.............................................................................24
Character Print Control.............................................................................................................30
Character Pitch..........................................................................................................................31
Character Attribute Commands .................................................................................................33
Print Rotation Commands .........................................................................................................40
Graphic Mode ...........................................................................................................................45
Standard APA Graphics............................................................................................... 45
Bar codes...................................................................................................................................48
Validation Operation ................................................................................................... 52
Validation Operation Control.......................................................................................53
Miscellaneous Control...............................................................................................................55
Printer Status Set/Inquire...........................................................................................................59
Parallel, Non-IEEE 1284 Mode Inquire .......................................................................59
Serial Mode Inquire..................................................................................................... 60
Parallel, IEEE 1284 Mode Inquire ...............................................................................60
Dynamic Response Mode.............................................................................................60
Inquire Commands ...................................................................................................... 62
Extended Diagnostic Commands...............................................................................................68
EPOS Codes..............................................................................................................................69
Real-time Status...........................................................................................................69
EPOS Command Summary..........................................................................................69
EPOS Deviations .........................................................................................................71
MICROLINE Codes ..................................................................................................................75
MICROLINE Command Summary..............................................................................75
Star Codes.................................................................................................................................77
Star Command Summary.............................................................................................77
NCR2567 Codes........................................................................................................................79
NCR Command Summary ...........................................................................................79
Telpar Codes.............................................................................................................................80
Telpar Command Summary......................................................................................... 80
Control Codes Summary by Code ..............................................................................................81
Control Codes Summary by Function.........................................................................................85
Operator Panel Controls..........................................................................................................................89
Push Buttons - Momentary Switches.......................................................................................... 89
Indicators ..................................................................................................................................89
Fault Indicators ......................................................................................................................... 90
Product Self-tests ....................................................................................................................................91
Level 0 Diagnostics ...................................................................................................................91
Extended Diagnostics................................................................................................................91
Self test........................................................................................................................ 91
Hex-dump Mode ..................................................................................................................................... 92
Configuration Mode................................................................................................................................93
Initial Power ON .......................................................................................................................93
Manual Configuration ...............................................................................................................93
Enable Remote Configuration ....................................................................................................93
Feature Configuration................................................................................................................94
General Control.........................................................................................................103
Vertical Control.........................................................................................................105
Character...................................................................................................................105
Interface ....................................................................................................................105
Options......................................................................................................................106
Save Changes ............................................................................................................106
Communications Protocol and Print Buffers..........................................................................................107
Overview.................................................................................................................................107
Page iv Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Table of Contents
Parallel Port ............................................................................................................................110
Parallel Port Protocol.................................................................................................110
Printer Buffer Size.....................................................................................................111
Parallel Port Inquire IEEE 1284................................................................................. 111
Parallel Port Inquire (Non-IEEE 1284) ...................................................................... 114
Parallel Port Plug and Play.........................................................................................115
Parallel Port Connector..............................................................................................116
Signal Levels.............................................................................................................116
Serial Port ............................................................................................................................... 117
Serial Port Features....................................................................................................117
Serial Port Pin-out .....................................................................................................117
Serial Port Protocol....................................................................................................118
Print Buffer Flow....................................................................................................... 120
Printer Buffer Size.....................................................................................................123
Serial Port Inquire .....................................................................................................124
Remote Printer Reset...............................................................................................................125
Reset in Serial Mode..................................................................................................125
Reset in Parallel Mode...............................................................................................125
Power-cycle Recovery.............................................................................................................. 125
Programmer’s Notes................................................................................................................126
Cash Drawer Interface...........................................................................................................................127
Interface Description ............................................................................................................... 127
Interface Connectors................................................................................................................127
Printing Graphics..................................................................................................................................128
Character Graphics.................................................................................................................. 128
APA Graphics.........................................................................................................................130
Appendix A Language Tables ............................................................................................................... 133
Appendix B ASCII Code Chart.............................................................................................................135
Appendix C Ordering Cables ................................................................................................................136
General Information................................................................................................................136
Index.....................................................................................................................................................137
12/14/99 Rev G Page v
Figures and Tables PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Single-wide character cell ...........................................................................................................7
Figure 2 Character forming.......................................................................................................................7
Figure 3 Physical dimensions....................................................................................................................8
Figure 4 Receipt printable area................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 5 Validation print – top insertion ................................................................................................. 11
Figure 6 Validation print – left-side insertion ..........................................................................................11
Figure 7 Example of fine line feed...........................................................................................................18
Figure 8 Data sent to printer for fine line feed......................................................................................... 18
Figure 9 Examples of character print.......................................................................................................31
Figure 10 Example of one-line double-wide print.................................................................................... 33
Figure 11 Data sent to printer for one-line double-wide print...................................................................33
Figure 12 Example of underline, enhanced, emphasized, superscript, and subscript print........................39
Figure 13 Paper-error to inquire-request timing.......................................................................................60
Figure 14 Parallel link options ..............................................................................................................105
Figure 15 Typical POS system............................................................................................................... 107
Figure 16 Host to printer link................................................................................................................ 107
Figure 17 Printer communications buffer flow.......................................................................................108
Figure 18 Parallel port data timing ........................................................................................................110
Figure 19 PE to ENQ request timing.....................................................................................................114
Figure 20 Serial port flow control using DTR ........................................................................................118
Figure 21 Serial port flow control XON/XOFF ......................................................................................119
Figure 22 Serial buffer operation...........................................................................................................120
Figure 23 Print controller using data.....................................................................................................122
Figure 24 Inquire flow...........................................................................................................................124
Figure 25 Receipt with extended graphic characters..............................................................................129
Figure 26 Receipt with APA graphics....................................................................................................130
Table of Tables
Table 1 Normal print zone character specifications ...................................................................................5
Table 2 Wide print zone character specifications.......................................................................................6
Table 3 Power input requirements.............................................................................................................8
Table 4 Validation lines..........................................................................................................................10
Table 5 Language table IDs .....................................................................................................................25
Table 6 EPOS language table IDs............................................................................................................ 25
Table 7 Code page definition table .......................................................................................................... 26
Table 8 EPOS code page definition table.................................................................................................27
Table 9 Euro Character Substitution Matrix............................................................................................29
Table 10 Print modes .............................................................................................................................. 30
Table 11 Intercharacter spacing table......................................................................................................32
Table 12 Rotated print spacing................................................................................................................40
Table 13 Parallel port pin-outs .............................................................................................................. 116
Table 14 Serial bit rates.........................................................................................................................117
Table 15 Serial port pin-outs.................................................................................................................117
Table 16 Ithaca cash drawer connector..................................................................................................127
Table 17 Epson/Axiohm cash drawer connector....................................................................................127
Table 18 Star cash drawer connector.....................................................................................................127
Table 19 Code page definitions .............................................................................................................134
Page vi Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Table of Figures
Table 20 ASCII chart............................................................................................................................135
12/14/99 Rev G Page vii
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Overview
Chapter 1:
Overview of the Series 150 Printer
Warranty Information
Warranty Options
All PcOS Series 150 Printers come with a standard 24-month warranty covering both parts and
labor. An optional warranty, covering both parts and labor for an additional 12 months, may be
purchased separately. For more information concerning the warranty options, please contact your
dealer or the Sales Department at Ithaca Peripherals. See “Contacting Ithaca Peripherals” on
page 2.
Service Information
Ithaca Peripherals has a full service organization to meet your printer service and repair
requirements.
If your printer needs service, please directly contact Ithaca Peripherals’ Technical Support
Department at (607) 257-8901 for a return authorization.
Ithaca Peripherals offers the following service programs to meet your needs:
• Extended Warranty
• Depot Repair
• Maintenance Contract
What is in this book?
Who should read this book?
This book is intended for system engineers or system integrators. It contains the information
needed to integrate the Series 150 Printer with a point-of-sale terminal and to program the
terminal to communicate with the printer.
What does it cover?
This guide provides the following information:
• Start-up information including diagnostics and fault conditions,
• Command descriptions,
• Character fonts,
• Printer features,
• Parallel and RS-232 interface information,
• Communications and buffers, and
• Command code reference tables.
12/14/99 Rev G Page 1
Overview PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Where can you find more information?
An Operator's Guide is available that describes set up and use of the Series 150 Printer. It
describes basic procedures such as changing the paper; printing on a form; and replacing the
ribbon cassette. A Maintenance Manual is also available. It shows how to repair the Series 150
Printer and lists the replacement parts. The Maintenance Manual is intended for trained, service
technicians. For information about ordering these books or programs, refer to the next section.
In addition, there are a number of drivers available that will support various environments.
CFG 90/150 User’s Guide PN 100-01085
Windows 95 print driver with documentation PN 100-9167
Windows NT 4.0 print driver with documentation PN 100-9170
OPOS drivers with documentation PN 100-9732
Master character set definitions PN 100-9785
Contacting Ithaca Peripherals
The Sales and Technical Support Departments will be able to help you with most of your
questions. Contact the Sales Department to order documentation, receive additional information
about the Series 150 Printer, order supplies, or obtain information about other products by Ithaca
Peripherals. Contact the Technical Support Department for information about your warranty, to
send a printer in for service, or for technical support.
You may reach both the Sales and Technical Support Departments at the following address and
phone or fax numbers.
Ithaca Peripherals
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Main phone (607) 257-8901
Main fax (607) 257-8922
Sales fax (607) 257-3868
Technical Support fax (607) 257-3911
Technical Support E-mail techsupport@ithper.com
Internet Support
Ithaca Peripherals maintains an Internet web site. The address is http://www.ithper.com. On
the technical support page, you will find support information on all of our printers. The
Series 150 Printer support pages offer the latest information. They include the current
version of this manual, program examples, test procedures, programming instructions, and
supported print drivers.
Page 2 Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 General Description
Chapter 2:
General Description
Series 150 Models
There are four basic models of the Series 150 Printer. They are:
Model 151 Receipt Printer;
Model 152 Receipt/Journal Printer;
Model 153 Receipt/Journal/Validation Printer; and
Model 154 Receipt/Validation Printer.
Standard Features
The following features are common to the entire family of printers:
• 340 cps logic-seeking print speed;
• 4.0 inches per second paper feed speed;
• 2.40-inch (normal) or 2.83-inch (wide) print zone;
• Snap on ribbon cassette;
• Dual cash drawer drivers with status;
• Centronics parallel, IEEE 1284, serial RS-232C, or USB interfaces;
• Configurable receive buffer;
• Standard, Epson, Microline, Star, NCR2567, and Telpar emulations;
• Standard all-points-addressable (APA) or EPOS bit-image graphics;
• Standard and EPOS International Character Sets;
• 8, 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20, and 24 characters per inch selections;
• Emphasized, enhanced, double-wide, double-high, double-wide double-high, half-high,
underline, subscript, superscript, and rotated print;
• Operator-visible print zone;
• Self-diagnostics; and
• Setup and configuration utility program.
1
1
Other emulation’s can be made available. Contact Ithaca Peripherals’ Sales Department for more
information. See “Contacting Ithaca Peripherals” on page 2.
12/14/99 Rev G Page 3
General Description PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Model 151: Receipt Printer
The Model 151 receipt printer only provides receipt functions. The last line printed on the receipt is
within one inch of the tear-off or cut-off edge. The receipt printing appears right-side up with the
total at the bottom as the receipt appears from the top of the printer and is presented to the operator.
The receipt printer handles one-, two-, or three-ply paper. The optional cutter is able to cut one- and
two-ply paper.
The Model 151 printer does not have the ability to validate. Commands that operate validation modes
on other Series 150 Printers will not function.
Model 152: Receipt/Journal Printer
The Model 152 receipt/journal printer adds the journal feature to the Model 151 receipt printer. The
journal take-up is able to rewind the second copy of the 3.5-inch diameter 2-ply paper roll (125 feet).
The Model 152 printer does not have the ability to validate. Commands that operate validation modes
on other Series 150 Printers will not function.
Model 153: Receipt/Journal/Validation Printer
The Model 153 receipt/journal/validation printer adds a validation capability to the Model 152. The
validation will accommodate up to 16 lines at 8.0 lines per inch (lpi) or 12 lines at 6.0 lpi.
The form is inserted from the front and extends out the left side and/or top of the printer. It rests on a
fixed form stop. The validation movement is controlled from the movement of the receipt and journal.
Model 154: Receipt/Validation Printer
The Model 154 receipt/validation printer adds validation, as described above, to the Model 151. This
is a Model 153 without journal take-up.
Page 4 Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 General Specifications
Chapter 3:
General Specifications
Printing Specifications
Printing method impact dot matrix
Head wire arrangement 9 pins in line
Print wire diameter 0.34 mm (0.012 inch)
Print wire pitch 0.35 mm (0.013 inch)
Printing directions bidirectional, logic-seeking
Print zone 60.96 mm (2.40 inch) or 71.97 mm (2.83 inch)
Characters per inch Refer to Table 1.
Characters per line Refer to Table 1.
Characters per second Refer to Table 1.
Print Pitch Capability
(in characters per inch)
8 18 220
10 24 275
12 28 330
15 36 340
17.1 (condensed) 41 340
20 (super-condensed) 48 340
24 (super-condensed) 57 340
5 (double-wide) 12 175
6 (double-wide) 14 175
7.5 (condensed, double-wide) 18 175
8.5 (condensed, double-wide) 20 175
10 (super-condensed, double-wide) 24 175
12 (super-condensed, double-wide) 28 175
Table 1 Normal print zone character specifications
Note: The Series 150 Compatibility Mode can be set in menu RAM and will limit printing to 40
characters in 17.1 characters per inch (cpi).
Normal 2.40” Maximum
Characters per Line
Characters per
Second
12/14/99 Rev G Page 5
General Specifications PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Print Pitch Capability
(in characters per inch)
8 22 (180)
10 28 (250)
12 34 (275)
15 42 (275)
17.1 (condensed) 48 (275)
20 (super-condensed) 56 (275)
24 (super-condensed) 68 (275)
5 (double-wide) 14 (140)
6 (double-wide) 17 (140)
7.5 (condensed, double-wide) 21 (140)
8.5 (condensed, double-wide) 24 (140)
10 (super-condensed, double-wide) 28 (140)
12 (super-condensed, double-wide) 34 (140)
Wide 2.83” Maximum
Characters per Line
Characters per
Second
Table 2 Wide print zone character specifications
Character Generation
All the character sets and modes are based on one of two character cells, 10 wide by 9 high
or 12 wide by 9 high. Double-wide mode is twice the width of normal mode, 20 wide by 9
high or 24 wide by 9 high.
In utility print mode, the character cell consists of five full dots and five half dots
horizontally by nine full dots vertically. The character cell is 9 by 9. In high speed draft
(HSD) mode, the character cell is shortened by one half and one full dot column yielding a 7
by 9 character.
Each character is justified to the left of the cell. The first four columns of the full dots and
the first three columns of the half dots are used to generate the character in high speed draft.
In utility mode, the first five columns of the full dots and the first four columns of the half
dots are used. The last full dot and the last two half dots are used for character spacing in
both modes.
Page 6 Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 General Specifications
The following illustration shows a single-wide character cell.
1 3 5 7 9
2 4 6 8 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Character
Spacing
High Speed Draft
1 3 5 7 9 11
2 4 6 8 10 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Character
Spacing
Utility Mode
Full Dots
Half Dots
Descender (Row 8 & 9)
& Underline (Row 9)
Figure 1 Single-wide character cell
The example above, which only holds true for the 12 cpi mode, shows the full dots as
adjacent to each other in the character cell. The 10 cpi mode allows a gap between adjacent
full rows; 17 and 24 cpi allow an overlap of full rows. The printer cannot print adjacent full
and half dots in any single row. Some graphics (double-density, half-speed) allow adjacent
rows to be printed by slowing the print speed by half. Slowing the print speed allows the time
between half and full columns to be the same as the time between full columns in full-speed
operation.
The following illustration shows the use of full and half dots as well as descenders to form
characters.
1 3 5 7 9
2 4 6 8 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 3 5 7 9
2 4 6 8 10
1 3 5 7 9
2 4 6 8 10
Figure 2 Character forming
12/14/99 Rev G Page 7
General Specifications PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Physical Specifications
Dimensions
11.25 inches (286 mm)
6.63 inches
(168 mm)
5.75 inches (146 mm)
Figure 3 Physical dimensions
Weight
Approximate weight 7.0 pounds (3.2 kg)
Shipping weight 10.0 pounds (4.5 kg)
Electrical Characteristics
Self-powered AC
The Series 150 Printer is designed to be AC self-powered in domestic and international markets.
The printer is equipped with a universal input power supply that is designed to operate
worldwide without modification.
Supply
Voltage
Rating (VAC)
100 - 240 90 - 264 47 - 63 45 0.08 @ 120VAC
Table 3 Power input requirements
Supply
Voltage
Range (VAC)
Frequency
(Hz)
Rated
Power
(watts)
Idle Current
(amps)
0.04 @ 240VAC
Current (amps)
0.9 @ 120VAC
0.4 @ 240VAC
Printing
Page 8 Rev G 12/14/99
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 General Specifications
Interface Specifications
Serial
The serial interface is a standard RS-232 interface on a 9-pin D-shell connector. It is defined
as a standard DTE device. A null modem cable is required to interface the printer to another
DTE device (i.e. a personal computer). See the serial port description later in this manual for
more information.
Parallel
The parallel port is a standard 25-pin D-shell as defined in the IEEE 1284-A standard. See
the parallel port description later in this manual for more information.
USB
The USB interface is a standard Series “B” receptacle as defined in the USB standard. The
printer is a self-powered device and does not draw power over the cable.
Cash Drawer
The Series 150 Printer supports dual cash drawers with status. The interface will provide
status and 24 VDC at up to 1.5 amps to the cash drawer. See the cash drawer interface
description later in this manual.
Media Specifications
Ribbon
Inking method Cartridge type, 1.8 m seamless ribbon with reinker
Ink color Black or purple
Ribbon life at 25 °C 3 million (black) or 4.5 million (purple) characters to ink depletion
Manufacturer Only Ithaca Peripherals approved ribbons should be used.
Receipt Paper
Paper feed method Friction feed
Paper feed pitch Default - 0.13 inch (1/8 inch or 3.18 mm); can be set in units of
0.0046 inch (1/216 inch or 0.12 mm) by software command
Paper width 2.75, 3.00, or 3.25 inches (69.85, 76.20, 82.55 mm)
Roll diameter 3.50 inches (88.90 mm)
Paper thickness 0.003 - 0.0035 inch (0.76 - 0.089 mm) at 25 °C
Roll paper core Inside diameter 0.44 inch (7/16 inch or 11.11 mm)
Roll footage (typical) 240 feet (7315 cm)
Receipt-paper out Paper exhaust is sensed by software, and printing is prevented at the
end of the roll.
2
2
The ribbon must be from an approved manufacturer and tested with a rolling ASCII test pattern using 15
characters per inch (cpi) in high speed draft (HSD) mode.
12/14/99 Rev G Page 9
General Specifications PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Receipt/Journal Paper
Paper-feed method Friction feed
Paper-feed pitch Default - 0.13 inch (1/8 inch or 3.18 mm); can be set in units of
0.0046 inch (1/216 inch or 0.12 mm) by software command
Paper width 2.75, 3.00, or 3.25 inches (69.85, 76.20, 82.55 mm)
Roll diameter 3.50 inches (88.90 mm)
Paper thickness at 25 °C
Two-ply 0.006 - 0.007 inch (0.15 - 0.18 mm)
Three-ply 0.009 - 0.0105 inch (0.23 - 0.27 mm)
Roll paper core Inside diameter 0.44 inch (7/16 inch or 11.11 mm)
Roll footage (typical)
Two-ply 110 feet (3353 cm)
Three-ply 70 feet (2134 cm)
Receipt-paper out Paper exhaust is sensed by software, and printing is prevented at the
end of the roll.
Printable Area
Receipt Printing
Paper tear-off
1.00 inch (25.4 mm)
2.34 inches
(59.44 mm)
3.25 inches
(82.55 mm)
Figure 4 Receipt printable area
0.46 inch (11.68 mm)
Receipt Printing with the Autocutter
The paper is cut one inch from the last line of print, which minimizes the wasted paper
required when the paper must be moved to the cut-off position.
Validation Forms Printing
Lines per inch (lpi) Lines
Table 4 Validation lines
Page 10 Rev G 12/14/99
8 16
6 12
Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 General Specifications
(59.44 mm)
Validation - Top Insertion
First line of print
4.25 inches (min)
(107.95 mm)
2.34 inches
(59.44 mm)
2.50 inches (min) (63.50 mm)
0.50 in
(12.70 mm)
Figure 5 Validation print – top insertion
Validation - Left-side Insertion
First line of print
Last line of print
2.85 inches (72.39 mm)
Last line of print
0.68 inch (17.15 mm)
0.50 inch
(12.7 mm)
2.50 inches (min) (63.50 mm)
2.85 inches
2.34 inches
6.00 inches (min) (152.40 mm)
0.68 inch (17.15 mm)
Figure 6 Validation print – left-side insertion
Validation Forms Insertion
Form insertion is from the top or the left side of the printer. Automatic form location is
under software or firmware control. Character rotation under software control will allow
check validation to appear right-side up when the check is removed.
12/14/99 Rev G Page 11
Control Codes Overview PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Chapter 4:
Control Codes Overview
This programmer’s guide is designed to help users of the PcOS Series 150 Printer develop applications.
The Series 150 Printer is a point-of-sale (POS) printer that has several features not normally found on
general purpose printers. Because of these special features, the Series 150 Printer has distinct control
codes. This manual documents the control codes with an emphasis on those codes that are unique to the
Series 150 Printer.
All PcOS Series 150 Printers have either a serial or parallel interface. Both interfaces provide the same
printer control3 and use the same codes.
Nomenclature
When describing control codes, there is often confusion as to whether the description is decimal,
hexadecimal, or ASCII. To minimize the confusion, this manual will use the following nomenclature
when describing control code sequences.
[ ] encloses a control character. This is a single, 8-bit value as defined in the standard
ASCII tables. An example would be [ESC], which would represent a 1BH or 27
decimal.
< > encloses an 8-bit value in decimal format. This value will be from 0 to 255. An
example would be <2>, which would represent 02H or 2 decimal.
<n> indicates a variable parameter. <n> can have a value of from 0 to 255. The meaning
of <n> is described and defined in the description of the command.
<n1> <n2> indicates that there are two parameters, <n1> and <n2>, where both can have values
from 0 to 255.
<m1> <m2> is an IPCL parameter consisting of two digits where <m1> and <m2> are ASCII
characters from 0 to 9. The values will be combined to form a value from 0 to 99. If
<m3> is included, the parameter will be combined to form a value from 0 to 999.
If two values are specified, there must be two bytes added to the IPCL code. In other
words, if the command specifies <m1> <m2> and the desired value is 5, the value
must be specified as 05.
x (all other characters in control strings) represent ASCII characters. For example,
[ESC] 1 would represent 1BH followed by 31H.
The CFG150 configuration and demonstration program4 uses the same nomenclature. Print examples
shown in this manual are available for CFG150.
3
The serial and IEEE 1284 interfaces provide a few additional interface capabilities over the standard
parallel interface. Both serial and IEEE 1284 interfaces provide a bidirectional data path.
4
CFG150 is available from Ithaca Peripherals. The program runs on IBM personal computers and
compatibles.
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Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Control Codes Overview
In many cases, applications require that control sequences be specified in hexadecimal or decimal
codes. In most cases, commands are specified in ASCII, hexadecimal, and decimal. The table in
Appendix B lists ASCII, decimal, and hexadecimal equivalents.
Standard Emulation
The standard control codes for the Series 150 Printer are extensions and subsets of the IBM
emulation provided on other PcOS products. In all cases, an application designed for a Series 50
Printer with IBM code sets will function with a Series 150 printer. There are, however, more
features in the Series 150 Printer that can be used for new applications.
IPCL Codes
IPCL (Ithaca Printer Control Language) codes are designed to control a printer without using
control characters, i.e., characters less than 20H. Only the standard emulation supports IPCL.
Not all commands are supported by IPCL codes. For those commands that are, the IPCL code is
listed.
In rare cases, an IPCL code will interfere with the text that is to be printed. The IPCL translator
can be disabled with an [ESC] y <4> command.
EPOS Emulation
ESC/POS5 is referred to here as EPOS. The Series 150 Printer supports an EPOS emulation with
extensions. The emulation is designed to allow the Series 150 Printer to be used with applications
that are designed for Seiko Epson printers. It is intended that the standard emulation be used for
new applications. Not all of the features of Series 150 Printers are supported by EPOS.
This manual will include the EPOS code equivalent for features of the Series 150 Printer that are
supported by EPOS. When EPOS commands are significantly different from the standard
emulation, an independent EPOS description is provided.
Microline Emulation
The standard control codes for the Series 150 Printer are extensions and subsets of the Microline
emulation provided on other PcOS products. In all cases, an application designed for a Series 50
Printer with Microline 150 Printer that can be used for new applications.
Star Emulation
The standard control codes for the Series 150 Printer are extensions and subsets of the Star
emulation provided on other PcOS products. In all cases, an application designed for a Series 50
Printer with Star code sets will function with a Series 150 Printer. There are, however, more
features in the Series 150 Printer that can be used for new applications.
5
ESC/POS is a registered trademark of the Seiko Epson Corporation.
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Control Codes Overview PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
NCR2567 Emulation
The standard control codes for the Series 150 Printer are extensions and subsets of the NCR2567
emulation provided on other PcOS products. In all cases, an application designed for a Series 50
Printer with NCR2567 code sets will function with a Series 150 Printer. There are, however,
more features in the Series 150 Printer that can be used for new applications.
Telpar Emulation
The standard control codes for the Series 150 Printer are extensions and subsets of the Telpar
emulation provided on other PcOS products. In all cases, an application designed for a Series 50
Printer with Telpar code sets will function with a Series 150 Printer. There are, however, more
features in the Series 150 Printer that can be used for new applications.
Application Development
To aid in application development and help the programmer understand the Series 150 Printer, this
manual is broken down into two major sections. The first section is a detailed description of each of
the commands. The second section is an explanation of how the printer works. It explains the internal
print buffer, the communications link, and how the host computer and printer interact.
Tables and Charts
Throughout this guide, there are charts and tables that list commands and features. In most cases, the
charts cross reference the page that describes the command. Commands are grouped by function and
can at times be hard to find. To minimize the time it takes to find commands, there are two code
summary charts in the following section, one ordered by code and one by function.
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Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Control Codes
Print/Paper Motion
Chaper 5:
Printer Control Codes
Print/Paper Motion
Low-level Paper Motion Control
Function Carriage return
ASCII [CR]
Hexadecimal 0DH
Decimal <13>
IPCL &%CR
EPOS 0DH
Description This command prints the contents of the print buffer (if any) and resets the
next character print position to the left margin. A line feed is not
performed unless autofeed was active. The left margin is defined by the
current print station, the print rotation direction, and the left margin
command.
Note: In single-line mode, the [CR] is used to terminate all lines. The
printer will go busy6 after the [CR] is received. The printer will not be
ready to accept data again until the previous data has printed.
Function Line feed
ASCII [LF]
Hexadecimal 0AH
Decimal <10>
IPCL &%LF
EPOS 0AH
Description This command prints the contents of the buffer (if any) and advances the
paper one line at the current default line spacing. The next character print
position is not reset to the left margin unless auto-CR is active.
6
In one-line mode, the parallel port busy signal will occur as a result of receiving the [CR].
In serial mode, the busy indication will be delayed until the [CR] is processed by the input software.
Data sent to the printer after the [CR] will not be lost unless the printer is power cycled.
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Control Codes PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Horizontal Motion
Horizontal Motion Control
There are several commands that can control the horizontal position of characters. Many
applications use space control to position fields. However, there is the ability to control character
position with horizontal tab stops. This is done by using the horizontal tab [HT] to move to those
tab stops.
Function Horizontal tab
ASCII [HT]
Hexadecimal 09H
Decimal <9>
IPCL &%HT
EPOS [HT]
Description This command inserts spaces in the print buffer up to the next tab stop.
The default tab locations are every 8 spaces.
Function Back space
ASCII [BS]
Hexadecimal 08H
Decimal <8>
IPCL &%BS
EPOS [BS]
Description This command prints the data in the print buffer and shifts the current
horizontal position by one character width to the left. If the current
position is at the left margin, the [BS] is ignored.
Function Set horizontal tab stops
ASCII [ESC] D <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 0
Hexadecimal 1BH 44H <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 00H
Decimal <27> <68> <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> <0>
IPCL none
EPOS [ESC] D <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 0
Description This command sets tab stops at the character columns specified by <n>.
The end of the setting is specified by a <0>. All previously set tabs will be
cleared by this command. There is no restore-defaults procedure other than
to respecify the tabs. The power up default is every 8 spaces, i.e., 9, 17, 25,
etc. Column sizes are in accordance with the current character pitch.
Setting tabs that are beyond the station width is possible. A [CR] will be
inserted if the tab is used. Printing will begin at the home position.
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Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Control Codes
Horizontal Motion
Function Reset horizontal and vertical tab stops
ASCII [ESC] R
Hexadecimal 1BH 52H
Decimal <27> <82>
IPCL &%HV
EPOS none
Description This command resets horizontal and vertical tab stops to power up
configuration. The power up horizontal default is every 8 spaces, i.e., 9,
17, 25, etc. The vertical default is every line.
Function Set justification
ASCII [ESC] a <n>
Hexadecimal 1BH 61H <n>
Decimal <27> <97> <n>
IPCL &%JL, &%JC, &%JR
EPOS [ESC] a <n>
Description This command sets the horizontal justification.
Where <n> 0 = left justified &%JL
1 = center justified &%JC
2 = right justified &%JR
The print format can be right, center, or left justified. The value of <n>
specifies the justification.
The power on default is left justified.
Note: Lines that have mixed size characters cannot be centered. For
example, a line with mixed single- and double-high cannot be centered. If
a line of print is to be double-high and centered, the change to single-high
must be done after the line terminator for the double-high line.
Example: [ESC] W <3> Centered [ESC] W <0> [CR] will not print
correctly because the printer assumes that more data will follow the [ESC]
W <0>. This should be [ESC] W <3> Centered [CR] [ESC] W <0>.
Note: Several line graphic characters stress the printer. If the printer is to
print a very dark area, it will do it in steps. The stepping operation only
works in left justified mode. In general, this will not cause a problem
because the printer will print several black blocks in a row before the
stepping program is activated. Autocenter and line graphics should be
avoided because of character alignment.
Note: Justify commands do not affect graphics.
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Control Codes PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Vertical Motion
Vertical Motion Control
Function Fine line feed
ASCII [ESC] J <n>
Hexadecimal 1BH 4AH <n>
Decimal <27> <74> <n>
IPCL &%FM <m1> <m2> <m3>
EPOS [ESC] J <n>
Description This command prints the contents of the buffer (if any) and performs a line feed
of n/216 inch. This command does not change the default line spacing value.
The next character print position is reset to the left margin.
EPOS Note: In EPOS mode, this command performs line feeds in n/144-inch
increments.
Example of Fine Line Feed[CR]
[ESC]J<54>
This line is 1/4" below the first.[CR][LF]
This line is spaced at the default of
1/8".[CR][LF]
Figure 7 Example of fine line feed
Figure 8 Data sent to printer for fine line feed
Function Set variable line space in n/216 inch
ASCII [ESC] 3 <n>
Hexadecimal 1BH 33H <n>
Decimal <27> <51> <n>
IPCL &%SV <m1> <m2> <m3>
EPOS [ESC] 3 <n>
Description This command sets the default line spacing in n/216 inch. Set n = 1 to 255.
This command takes effect immediately and sets the line feed spacing used by
[LF] to values other than 1/8 or 7/72 inch.
EPOS Note: Line spacing of n/144 is used.
Function Set line space to 27/216 inch
ASCII [ESC] 0
Hexadecimal 1BH 30H
Decimal <27> <48>
IPCL &%ST
EPOS [ESC] 2
Description This command sets the text default line spacing to 1/8 or 27/216 inch which is
the standard eight lines per inch line spacing at initial power up.
EPOS Note: In EPOS mode, this command sets 1/6-inch spacing or 6 lines per
inch.
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Programmer's Guide PcOS Series 150 Control Codes
Vertical Motion
Function Set line space 21/216 or 7/72 inch
ASCII [ESC] 1
Hexadecimal 1BH 31H
Decimal <27> <49>
IPCL &%SG
EPOS none
Description This command sets the default line spacing to 21/216 inch. This line spacing is
for all-points-addressable (APA) graphics printing.
Function Set variable line space n/72 inch
ASCII [ESC] A <n>
Hexadecimal 1BH 41H <n>
Decimal <27> <65> <n>
IPCL none
EPOS none
Description This command sets default line spacing to n/72. Set n = 1 to 85. This line
spacing does not take effect until enabled by the [ESC] 2 command. This
command is provided to maintain backward compatibility with the Series 50,
OKIDATA, IBM, and other printers. It can also be used to print on preprinted
forms.
Function Enable [ESC] A <n> line spacing
ASCII [ESC] 2
Hexadecimal 1BH 32H
Decimal <27> <50>
IPCL none
EPOS none
Description [ESC] 2 enables [ESC] A <n> line spacing. This is a companion to the [ESC]
A <n> command and puts the specified line spacing into effect. It will remain
in effect until another line spacing command is issued.
Function Feed <n> lines at current spacing
ASCII [ESC] d <n>
Hexadecimal 1BH 64H <n>
Decimal <27> <100> <n>
IPCL &%FL <m1> <m2>
EPOS [ESC] d
Description This command prints the contents of the buffer (if any) and performs <n> line
feeds at the current line spacing. This command does not change the default
line spacing value. The next character print position is reset to the left margin.
Note: The IPCL command will print from 00 to 99 lines. For example, if you
wish to feed 12 lines, the IPCL command would be &%FL12.
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Control Codes PcOS Series 150 Programmer's Guide
Vertical Motion
Function Vertical tab
ASCII [VT]
Hexadecimal 0BH
Decimal <11>
IPCL &%VT
EPOS (VT)
Description The printer sets a line counter to the top of the form whenever a station is
selected. By setting vertical tab stops, various form positions can be reached
with a [VT] operation.
Function Set vertical tab stops
ASCII [ESC] B <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 0
Hexadecimal 1BH 42H <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 00H
Decimal <27> <66> <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> <0>
IPCL none
EPOS [ESC] B <n1> <n2> <n3> ... <ni> 0
Description This command sets tab stops at line positions specified by <n>. The end of the
setting is specified by a <0>. All previously set tabs will be cleared by this
command. There can be a total of 64 tab stops specified by this command. The
power on default is a tab stop at 1-inch intervals.
Function Form feed
ASCII [FF]
Hexadecimal 0CH
Decimal <12>
IPCL &%FF
EPOS none
Description This command performs a form feed to the top of the form.
Function Set top of form
ASCII [ESC] 4
Hexadecimal 1BH 34H
Decimal <27> <52>
IPCL &%TF
EPOS [ESC] L
Description This command sets the top of form to the current position.
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