Ithaca Epic 950 Integration Manual

TM

Epic 950

OEM Integration Manua l

P/N 95-05245
Rev G
Feb. 2007

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Change History

Rev A Initial release July 2004
Rev B Add index, table of page numbers, new commands March 2005
Rev C Add additional communications interface descriptions March 2006
Rev D Added internal/external bezel s to bezel mounting section May 2006
Rev E Pg 22 – 95-06003L was 95-06003 May 2006
Rev F Revised ticket specification information Sept 2006
Rev G Pg 13 updated max operating temp values Feb 2007

95-05245 Rev G Page i

Important:

Before installing any equipment be sure to consult the specifications in this manual.
Failure to do so may cause integration problems. Portions of this integration manual may
be changed without prior notice.

Note:

Losses that can be attributed to improper installation and working procedures are not the
responsibility of TransAct Technologies Inc. No part of this manual may be used to
recreate any part of the Epic 950TM Printer. This manual is to be used for integration
purposes only. If this manual contains any questionable information or mistakes please
contact TransAct for assistance.

Disclaimer

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT:
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of
TransAct Technologies, Inc. ("TransAct"). This document is the property of and contains
information that is both confidential and proprietary to TransAct. Recipient shall not
disclose any portion of this document to any third party.

TRANSACT DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES INCURRED,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR
DISCREPANCIES IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

TransAct cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment made by other
manufacturers, and referred to in this publication, do not affect the applicability of
information in this publication.

Copyright

© 2007 TransAct Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision Level G
February 2007
Printed in USA

Trademarks

Some of the product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

BANKjet, 50Plus, Insta-Load, Ithaca, "Made to Order. Built to Last", Magnetec, PcOS,
POSjet, PowerPocket and TransAct are registered trademarks and Epic 950, Flex-Zone,
imPort, ithaColor, iTherm, KITCHENjet, Momentum, QDT and TicketBurst are
trademarks of TransAct Technologies, Inc.

Page ii Rev G 95-05245

Table of Contents

Change History..........................................................................................i

Disclaimer................................................................................................ii

Copyright................................................................................................. ii

Trademarks..............................................................................................ii

Table of Contents ......................................................................................iii

Figures ................................................................................................... vi

Tables .................................................................................................... vi

Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer.........................1

About Your Epic 950 Printer.........................................................................3

Who Should Read This Guide?.....................................................................4

What Is Included in This Guide?....................................................................4

Warranty Options ......................................................................................4

Technical and Sales Support........................................................................5

On-line Technical Support........................................................................5

Telephone Technical Support....................................................................5

Return Materials Auth orization and Return Policies........................................6

Service Programs ...................................................................................6

Sales Support........................................................................................6

Contact Information................................................................................7

Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements .............9

Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements .....................................................11

Standard Features.................................................................................11

Optional Features..................................................................................12

Dimensions..........................................................................................13

Interface..............................................................................................13

Printer................................................................................................13

Printer Environmental Conditions..............................................................13

Power Requirements..............................................................................13

Test Standards.....................................................................................14

Mechanism Characteristics ......................................................................14

Printing Specifications ............................................................................15

Ticket Specifications..............................................................................15

Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance ...........................................................16

Black Dot Position and Presentation Scheme...............................................17

Ticket Stack Orientation..........................................................................18

Mounting Requirements.................................... 19

Mounting Requirements .............................................................................21

Outer Chassis to Final Product.................................................................21

Custom Bezel Specifications and Recommendations.....................................22

Epic 950 Printer Sensors................................... 25

Printer Sensors........................................................................................27

Cover Open Switch................................................................................27

Ticket Low Sensor.................................................................................27

Ticket Burst Sensor...............................................................................27

Top-of-Form/Ticket Out Sensor................................................................28

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Ticket Taken Sensor ..............................................................................28

Chassis Open Sensor/Audible Alarm .........................................................28

Printer Status LED.................................................................................28

Electrical Connections ...................................... 31

Interface Connections................................................................................33

RS232 Serial Communications Interface PCB..............................................34

Default Communication Settings...............................................................34

USB Communications Interface PCB .........................................................35

NETPLEX Communications Interface PCB..................................................36

Universal USB/NETPLEX Communications Interface PCB..............................37

Dual Port NETPLEX Communications Interface PCB.....................................38

Dual Port RS232 Comm unications Interface PCB .........................................39

Bezel Lamp Connector..............................................................................40

Firmware Download Port............................................................................41

Printer Block Diagram................................................................................42

Operational Procedures .................................... 43

Racking/Unracking the Inner Chassis............................................................45

Loading Tickets into Feeding Mechanism.......................................................47

Removing Loaded Tickets..........................................................................49

Cleaning the Print Head.............................................................................51

Purchasing Cleaning Cards.....................................................................52

Printing a Self-test Ticket ............................................................................53

Programming for the Epic 950 ........................... 55

Programming for the Epic 950.....................................................................57

Resetting the Printer..............................................................................57

Command Parameters...........................................................................57

Character Evaluation ..............................................................................57

16-bit Character Parameters....................................................................58

Conversions.........................................................................................58

Font Statistics.......................................................................................59

Objects..................................................................................................59

Print Modes.............................................................................................59

Bitmap Graphics Mode...........................................................................59

Portrait Printing Mode.............................................................................60

Landscape Printing Mode........................................................................60

General Notes......................................................................................61

Text Objects.........................................................................................62

Bar Code Objects..................................................................................63

Graphic Objects....................................................................................64

Line Objects .........................................................................................64

The POR.INI File......................................................................................65

POR.INI File Parameter Definitions ...........................................................66

DIP Switch Settings ..................................................................................68

Flash Memory and Firmware Download Port...................................................70

Firmware Memory Features.....................................................................70

Non-Firmware Memory Features...............................................................71

Smart Suite Features ................................................................................72

Command Reference........................................ 73

BEL – Audio Alert..................................................................................76

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HT – Horizontal Tab ...............................................................................77

LF – Line Feed.....................................................................................78

FF – Form Feed....................................................................................79

CR – Carriage Return .............................................................................80

SO – Set Font to Double-wide..................................................................81

DC4 – Ca ncel Double-wide Mode.............................................................82

ENQ – Request Combined Printer Status....................................................83

20h – FFh – Printable Characters..............................................................84

ESC ENQ 1 – Return Version Information ...................................................85

ESC BEL – Configure Audio Alert .............................................................86

ESC SP – Set Right-Side Character Spacing...............................................87

ESC ! – Select Print Mode(s)...................................................................88

ESC $ – Set Absolute Horizontal Position in page mode.................................89

ESC * – Reset to Defaults .......................................................................90

ESC @ – Reset to Power-up Condition......................................................91

ESC B – Print Bitmap (BMP) Image...........................................................92

ESC E – Form Feed...............................................................................93

ESC F – Select Fonts.............................................................................94

ESC G – Turn Double-strike Mode On/Off...................................................95

ESC J – Feed n Sublines ........................................................................96

ESC M – Set Font to 12 cpi .....................................................................97

ESC P – Set Font to 16 cpi......................................................................98

ESC S – Set Font to 20 cpi......................................................................99

ESC T – Set Font to 7 cpi......................................................................100

ESC U – Set Font to 10 cpi....................................................................101

ESC V – Return Firmware Revision.........................................................102

ESC W – Wrap Data............................................................................103

ESC X – Set Horizontal Starting Position..................................................104

ESC Y – Set Vertical Starting Position...................................................... 105

ESC c – Select Color...........................................................................106

ESC t – Set Print Direction in Page Mode .................................................107

GS DC2 – Set Font to Double-high..........................................................108

GS DC3 – Cancel Double-high Font ........................................................109

GS RS – Set Inverse Print Mode............................................................. 110

GS US – Cancel Inverse Print Mode........................................................111

GS ! – Select Character Size.................................................................112

GS $ – Set Absolute Vertical Position in Page Mode.................................... 113

GS * – Landscape Mode Graphics..........................................................114

GS ? – CRC Verification.......................................................................115

GS 0 – Print User Defined Image............................................................116

GS 1 – Enter Download Image Mode.......................................................117

GS 3 – Image Status Handler.................................................................118

GS A – Starting Position of Bar Code.......................................................119

GS E – Set Validation Number Field........................................................120

GS F – Set Field in Page Mode..............................................................121

GS G – Print Custom Graphic ................................................................123

GS L – Set Feed Length.......................................................................124

GS S – Return Printer Status ................................................................. 125

GS T – Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes .................................................126

GS V – Set Print Orientation..................................................................127

GS W – Set Bar Code Element Width......................................................128

95-05245 Rev G Page v

GS d – Feed n Text Lines ......................................................................129

GS h – Set Bar Code Height ..................................................................130

GS k – Print Bar Code..........................................................................131

GS l – Draw Line in Landscape Mode ......................................................132

GS t – Set Characters per Line in Landscape.............................................133

GS u – Set Characters per Line in Portrait................................................. 134

GS w – Set Bar Code Module Width........................................................135

GS y – Request Combined Printer Status .................................................136

GS z – Request Printer Status................................................................ 137

Available Commands ..............................................................................139

Appendix A: Character Codes.......................... 141

Supported Non-Printable Control Characters................................................142

Supported Printable Characters.................................................................143

Index.......................................................... 145

Figures

Figure 1. Epic 950 Printer Component Overview.................................................11

Figure 2. Epic 950 Printer: Dimensions .............................................................13

Figure 3. Maximum Mechanism Operating Angle................................................14

Figure 4. Sample Ticket Size..........................................................................15

Figure 5. Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance .....................................................16

Figure 6. Location of Black Dot/Top of Form Indicator on Back of Ticket...................17

Figure 7. Ticket Stack Orientation ....................................................................18

Figure 8. Outer Chassis to Final Product...........................................................21

Figure 9. Custom Bezel Mounting and Hardware Requirements..............................22

Figure 10. Epic 950 Shown with Optional Internal Bezel Assembly..........................23

Figure 11. Epic 950 Shown with Optional External Bezel Assembly.........................23

Figure 12. Sensor Breakdown and Locations .....................................................27

Figure 13. Open/Close Position/Audible Alarm....................................................28

Figure 14. Interface PCB Location (Dual Port RS232 Shown).................................33

Figure 15. Firmware Download Port.................................................................41

Figure 16. Epic 950 Electrical Operations Diagram ..............................................42

Figure 17. Racking/Unracking the Inner Chassis .................................................45

Figure 18. Ticket Loading and Ticket Feed Mechanism.........................................47

Figure 19. Ticket Cover Shown Open for Ticket Removal......................................49

Figure 20. Cleaning the Print Head..................................................................51

Figure 21. Sample self-test ticket. ....................................................................54

Figure 22. Portrait and Landscape Print Modes...................................................60

Tables

Table 1. Serial Communication PCB Pin-Outs....................................................34

Table 2. USB Communication PCB Pin-Outs......................................................35

Table 3. NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs ..............................................36

Table 4. Universal USB/NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs ..........................37

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Table 5. Dual Port NELTPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs...............................38

Table 6. Dual Port RS232 Communication PCB Pin-Outs......................................39

Table 7. Bezel Power Connector Pin-Outs.........................................................40

Table 8. Conversion from Dots to Inches ...........................................................58

Table 9. Font Statistics..................................................................................59

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chapter 1

Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer

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Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

About Your Epic 950 Printer

The Ithaca Epic 950TM printer represents the very latest technology for use in gaming
ticket printing applications. It features full backward compatibility for previous users of
Ithaca Series 800 printers, together with a host of new features designed to improve the
performance of your gaming operations, including:

• TicketBurstTM, a unique buffered transport system that prints and bursts the entire
ticket internally before presenting it to the operator, solving the problem of
premature ticket removal.

• Internal separation of tickets, providing consistently perfect single tickets
accurately separated along perforation lines.

• QDTTM (Quick Disconnect Technology) lets you remove the printer without the
need to disconnect power from the unit, incorporating a one-touch hot swappable
design that lets you remove and replace your printer at the touch of a front­mounted latch.

• Expanded status LEDs, giving you immediate visibility on printer, paper and fault
status.

• The ability to upgrade your firmware completely via download, with no hardware
modification required.

• 2-color ticket printing with user-programmable images and layout, to turn your
tickets into a key part of your brand identity and marketing program.

Above all, the Epic 950 is designed for ease of programming and ease of use in your
gaming operations. While supporting the full command language and macro features of
the Series 800 printer, the Epic 950 introduces a new higher-level command interface
which lets you quickly and easily integrate more layout and printing options than ever –
while giving you the reliability, durability and uptime you have come to expect from
Ithaca printers.

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Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer Epic 950 O EM Integration Manual

Who Should Read This Guide?

This document provides information useful to original equipment manufacturers (OEM)
who will integrate the Epic 950 printer into their products.

Wh at Is Included in This Guide?

This Integration Manual includes information on the mechanical, electrical and command
language requirements of the Epic 950 printer. It provides the following information to
support your integration efforts:

• Warranty and technical support information.

• Specifications and functionality description.

• Mounting requirements and mounting locations.

• Power and interface connections.

• Operational procedures.

• Programming information, including documentation of low-level and high-level

command interfaces, as well as sample scripts to guide your own implementation
efforts.

We want you to have a trouble-free implementation with your Ithaca printer. For any
issues not covered in this guide, quality technical support is available on-line at
www.transact-tech.com, or by telephone at [phone] or (877) 7ithaca – consult
the following pages for more details about our support services.

Warranty Options

All Epic 950 Printers come with a standard 24-month standard warranty covering both
parts and labor that starts upon shipment from the factory. An optional extended
warranty, covering both parts and labor for an additional 12 months, may be purchased
separately. For more information concerning the warranty options, please contact the
Sales Department at TransAct’s Ithaca facility. You are responsible for insuring any
product returned for service, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Ithaca
C.O.D. packages are not accepted and warranty repairs are subject to the terms and
conditions as stated on the Ithaca warranty policy.

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Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Technical and Sales Support

Your Ithaca printer is backed by the resources of TransAct Technologies, a global
technology firm with dedicated technical support and sales assistance. Here is how we
can help you:

On-line Technical Support

Our web site at www.transact-tech.com is your on-line portal to obtaining technical
assistance with your Ithaca printer. Click on the Technical Support link to find
documentation for your Epic 950 printer, including a current copy of this OEM Integration
Manual featuring:

o Command codes and descriptions.
o Character fonts.
o Printer features.
o Communication specifics.
o Ticket specifications.

Our on-line support site also includes a convenient e-mail assistance request form,
where you can submit support requests 24 hours a day, and receive a return contact
from a TransAct support technician during regular business hours.

Telephone Technical Support

Live telephone support is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern
US time, excluding holidays. We can provide general information about integrating Epic
950 printers with your system, technical support, documentation, or assistance in
sending a printer for service. To obtain telephone support, call TransAct's Ithaca Facility
at [phone] and ask for Technical Support. To help us serve you faster, please
have the following information ready when you call:

• The Model Number and Serial Number of the printer.

• A list of any other peripheral devices attached to the same port as the printer.

• What application software, operating system, and network (if any) you are using.

• What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.

• How you tried to solve the problem.

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Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer Epic 950 O EM Integration Manual

Return Materials Au thorization and Return Policies

If the technical support person determines that the printer should be serviced at our
facility, and you want to return the printer for repair, we will issue you the Returned
Materials Authorization (RMA) number that is required before returning the printer.
Repairs are warranted for 90 days from the date of repair or for the balance of the
original warranty period, whichever is greater. Please prepare the printer being returned
for repair as follows:

• Pack the printer to be returned in the original packing material.

• Packing material may be purchased from TransAct's Ithaca Facility.

• Do not return any accessories unless asked to do so by a support technician.

• Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box.

Service Programs

TransAct Technologies Incorporated has a full service organization to meet your printer
service and repair requirements. If your printer needs service, please contact your
service provider first. If any problems still persist, you can directly contact the Ithaca
facility’s Technical Support Department at [phone] or (877) 7ithaca for a return
authorization. International customers should contact your distributor for services.
TransAct offers the following service programs to meet your needs.

• Extended Warranty.

• Depot Repair.

• Maintenance Contract.

• Internet Support.

Sales Support

To order supplies, receive information about other Ithaca products, or obtain information
about your warranty, contact our Sales Department at the contact telephone or fax
numbers listed below. To receive information on International distribution, visit our web
site at www.transact-tech.com.

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Introducing Your Epic 950 Printer Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Contact Information

TransAct Technologies Incorporated
Ithaca Facility
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850 USA

Telephone (877) 7ithaca or [phone]
Main fax [phone]
Sales fax [phone]
Technical Support fax [phone]
Web site www.transact-tech.com

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chapter 2

Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements

Figure 1. Epic 950 Printer Component Overview

1. Printer Mechanism

2. Inner Chassis Assembly

3. Printer Ticket Bucket Assembly

4. Outer Chassis Assembly

Standard Features

The following features are common to the Epic 950 Printers:

Key features:

• Perforated fan folded tickets in a stack of 200, 300 or 400 tickets.

• Barcode and total ticket cash-out capabilities.

• TicketBurstTM – incorporating print, burst and transport zones, where the ticket is

completely printed and burst before transport to operator.

• HotSwap QDTTM (Quick Disconnect Technology), a hot swappable printer
mechanism design for easy service.

• Modular interface PCB.

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Other standard features:

• Selections of 7.5, 10, 12, 16.5 and 20 characters per inch printing.

• Selectable printing of Normal, Double-high, Double-wide and Double-

high/Double-wide.

• Sensors for Burst Ticket, Ticket Low, Top-of-Form/Ticket Out, Chassis Open,
and Ticket Taken.

• Cover Open switch.

• Modular printer mechanism, ticket tray and sliding unit for easy maintenance.

• Open ticket path for ticket jam clearing.

• Operator interface: FEED button, status LED’s (Ready/Paper/Open/Fault).

• Bezel lamp connection.

• imPortTM firmware and graphics download port.

• Print face down.

• Page mode printing.

• Audible Buzzer.

Optional Features

• 600 count ticket capacity using optional extender walls.

• Dual port interface capable.

• RS-232 interface capable.

• USB interface capable.

• Bezels (Internal and external).

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

(Dimensions reflect use of 200 unit ticket bucket unless otherwise noted)

Dimensions

Figure 2. Epic 950 Printer: Dimensions

Stationery Module Size: H: 2.66" (66.6mm) W: 4.66" (112.5 mm) D: 11.25" (284.2 mm)
The Epic 950 is a stationery module, and is designed to work with any of the three

interchangeable ticket capacities using extender walls. Please be sure to specify the desired box
size when making your selections.

200 ticket setup: H: 2.66" (66.6mm) W: 4.66" (112.5 mm) D: 11.25" (284.2 mm)
400 ticket setup: H: 4.04" (102.6 mm) W: 4.66" (112.5 mm) D: 11.25" (284.2 mm)
600 ticket setup: H: 5.54" (140.7 mm) W: 4.66" (112.5 mm) D: 11.25" (284.2 mm)

Weight: 3.8 lbs.

Interface

Type Bi-Directional, serial RS-232 using transmit, receive, and ground.
Protocol Ready/Busy or XON/XOFF, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity,

1 start bit, 1 stop bit.

Printer

Printer Type: Fixed linear thermal head.

Printer Environmental Conditions

Operating Temperature Range: 5º ~ 60ºC (41º ~ 140ºF)
Shipping/Storage Temperature Range: –10º ~ 50ºC (14º ~ 122ºF)
Operating Humidity Ra nge: 10% ~ 90% Noncondensing only
Shipping/Storage Humidity Range: 5% ~ 90% Noncondensing only

Power Requirements

24 Vdc ± 10%.

2.2 Amps max. @ 24 Vdc @ 25% print ratio.

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Test Standards

EN50081-1-1992
EN55022-1998, Class A
FCC CFR-47, Part 15, Class A
EM55082-1-1998
EN55024-1998
EN61000-4-2, Level 3
EN6100-4-3, Level 2
EN61000-4-4, Level 2
EN61000-4-5, Level 2
EN61000-4-6, Level 2

ESD IEC 1000-4-2, 6kv direct discharge and 8kv air discharge.
Radiated RF IEC 1000-4-3, 3 v/m from 27 MHz to 1 GHz.
Fast transit (burst) IEC 1000-4-4, 2kv powerline, 1kv I/O lines (level 3, Industrial environment).

Acoustic Noise: Less than 65 decibels max . while printing a 30/30 format.
(measured in 10 positions @ operator level with distance of 1 meter, per ISO 779).

Mechanism Characteristics

Drawer Slide Force: TBD lbs. max.
Opening Distance: 190mm (7.5") (approximate ).
Drawer Holding Force: 4.5 lbs. (out of detents).
Mechanism Operating Angle: Horizontal to 45º inclination (ticket exit slot up).

45

Figure 3. Maximum Mechanism Operating Angle

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Printing Specifications

Print Method: Thermal Sensitive Line Dot System.
Ticket Handling: TicketBurstTM ticket buffering with burst.
Print Speed: 125 mm/sec. (5" per sec.) max. (monochrome) (in text mode).
Presentation Speed: 125 mm/sec. (10" per sec.) min.

Resolution: 203dpi x 203dpi.
Dot Pitch-Horizontal: 0.125 mm (8 dots/mm).
Dot Pitch-Vertical: 0.125 mm (8 dots/mm).
Line Feed Pitch: 3.2 mm (.125").
No. of Elements: 496 dots in -line.
Print Width: 62.0 mm (2.44" ).

Ticket Specifications

Dimension: (same size as US dollars)

Figure 4. Sample Ticket Size

Ticket Width: 65 ± 1mm (2.56" ± .03").
Ticket Length: 156 ± 1mm (6.14" ± .04") between perforations.
Ticket Thickness: 4.5-5.0 mils (.114-.127 mm).
Ticket Weight: 27# (102 g/m) Ave.

Brightness: 89% Ave. (84%Min.), Test method TAPPI T-525
Printing Colors: Black (visible light absorption: 600 ~ 700 nm), Red, Green, Blue

Quantities Available: Fan-folded stacks of 200, 300, 400 and 600 tickets.

Contract Transact for complete ticket specifications and approved suppliers

Bar Code Specifications

Standard Bar Code: Interleaved. 2 of 5
Minimum Bar Width: 0.5 mm min./0.6 max.
W : N Ratio: 3 : 1 (recommended, with 12:4 wide bar width (dots):narrow bar

width (dots)).

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

# of Characters: 6 min./18 max.
Symbol Contrast Value: 70% min.
Applicable Standards: ANSI X3.182

gsa-p0038.001.01

Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance

A minimum paper clearance distance of .75" is required above the printer’s ticket
buckets. The minimum clearance for all ticket buckets will vary, but should fall within the
.75" minimum clearance measurement.

.75

Figure 5. Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Black Dot Position and Presentation Scheme

All graphics preprinted on the ticket must be in thermal paper compatible ink.
Black Dot Position

The back of the ticket is used for the Black Dot/Top of Form indicator. For the printer to
sense when a ticket has been indexed to the printing position, a Black Dot/Top of Form
sensor is needed. It must be printed in black, thermal paper compatible, infrared
readable ink. The 10.16mm area in line with the Black Dot/Top of Form indicator and
the ticket edge (keep-out zone) must remain clear, as the Ticket Out Sensor will read
that area while the ticket is printed and presented. The remaining area on the back of the
ticket may be used for rules and disclaimer.

Figure 6. Location of Black Dot/Top of Form Indicator on Back of Ticket

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Epic 950 Specifications and Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Ticket Stack Orientation

To ensure the ticket is loaded correctly into the printer, the ticket stack must be properly
loaded in the ticket box. The stack must be oriented so that the Black Dot/Top of Form
mark of the tickets is on the leading edge of the ticket, not near the perforation of the
next ticket. If the top ticket on the stack has the back facing upward, the perforation
attaching the next ticket will be toward the front of the Ticket Tray with the Black Dot/Top
of Form indicator in the rear right corner. If the print area is facing upward, the
perforation attaching the next ticket will be toward the rear of the Ticket Tray. For
instructions on inserting the first ticket into the printer, see the section “Loading Tickets
into Feeding Mechanism”.

Figure 7. Ticket Stack Orientation

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chapter 3

Mounting Requirements

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Mounting Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Mounting Requirements

Outer Chassis to Final Product

Bottom: 4x M4x 0.7 press nuts.

4x ? .180" thru holes .

2.024

1.904

M4x0.7

PEM NUTS

4PLS

.180
4PLS

4.430

Figure 8. Outer Chassis to Final Product

4.500

7.875

3.500

1.250

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Mounting Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Bezel Specifications and Recommendations

Bezel to Printer Mechanism mounting points

Epic 950 printers are designed to accommodate a TransAct or customer-supplied bezel
assembly that is mounted following the hardware and mounting dimensions as listed.
The following drawing shows the positioning and dimensions of the Epic 950 printer’s
mounting points.

Bezel assemblies available from TransAct include internal bezels (part nos. 95-06003L
(yellow) and 95-06005 (blue), with other colors available) and an external bezel (part no.
85-04645L). Part specifications are described in the Epic 950 Maintenance Manual,
document no. 95-05140. For further details, contact your TransAct sales representative.

Front: 6x M3x 0.5 press nuts and interface with bezel .

TOP OF SLIDING MODULE

SIDE OF SLIDING MODULE

4.430

3.662

.940

1.831

C OF TICKET

L

Figure 9. Bezel Mounting and Hardware Requirements

2.409

.337

.258

.499

.500

M3x0.5
PRESS NUTS
6PLS

.497

2.176

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Mounting Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Figure 10. Epic 950 Shown with Optional Internal Bezel Assembly.

Figure 11. Epic 950 Shown with Optional External Bezel Assembly.

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Mounting Requirements Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

chapter 4

Epic 950 Printer Sensors

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Epic 950 Printer Sensors Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Printer Sensors

The Epic 950 printers use several sensors to provide feedback to the host system. The
Communications PCB handles all power and interface communications.

(Covers not shown for clarity)

Figure 12. Sensor Breakdown and Locations

Cover Open Switch

The Cover Open switch detects the case where the Ticket Cover is open, and halts the
printing and ticket feeding process until the Ticket Cover is closed.

Ticket Low Sensor

A Ticket Low Sensor optically senses the number of tickets remaining in the printer’s
ticket bucket. The sensor will detect when the number of tickets reaches below 5-10
tickets. The ticket low status will be reported on the status byte, when the host issues a
status request.

Ticket Burst Sensor

A Ticket Burst sensor is used to detect that the ticket has been separated before it is
presented. Note that the Epic 950 printer incorporates a TicketBurstTM feature which
automatically burst tickets prior to presentation to the operator.

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Top-of-Form/Ticket Out Sensor

A Top of Form/Ticket Out Sensor is used to control ticket loading and printing.

Ticket Taken Sensor

A Ticket Taken Sensor is used to determine when customers have actually taken the
printed ticket.

Chassis Open Sensor/Audible Alarm

The printer has a Chassis Open sensor to determine if the Inner Chassis is in the full­racked position. If the Inner Chassis is not in the fully racked position, then the printer
status LED will blink, indicating the printer is not ready.

1. Chassis Open Sensor (Sliding Module).

2. Audible Alarm Buzzer (PIEZO - game controlled).

Figure 13. Open/Close Position/Audible Alarm

Printer Status LED

The printer has been outfitted with a LED panel system that provides the condition of the
printer by using solid or blinking status LEDs to communicate status information. The
following table lists the different LED states for specific conditions within the printer.

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Epic 950 Printer Sensors Epic 950 OEM Integration Manual

Condition Ready LED Paper LED Open LED Fault LED

Unit Ready On Off Off Off
Cover Open On Off On Off
Chassis Open On Off Blink Off
Ticket Out On On Off Off
Ticket Low On Blink Off Off
Temperature Error Blink Off Off Blink
Paper Jam On Off Off Blink
Ram Error 2-Blink Off Off On
Checksum Error 4-Blink Off Off On

Table 2 Printer Status LED Indication Descriptions

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Electrical Connections

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Interface Connections

The Epic 950 printer is equipped with one of several communication interface options. In
all cases power and communication connections are made to a connector or
connectors located at the rear of the printer.

1. RS232 Serial

2. USB

3. NETPLEX

4. Universal USB / NETPLEX

5. Dual Port – NETPLEX

6. Dual Port – RS232

Communications interface options 3-6 utili ze communications protocols that are
proprietary to specific manufacturers and are subject to licensing requirements. In these
cases only the interface pin connections are described in this manual.

Figure 14. Interface PCB Location (Dual Port RS232 Shown)

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RS232 Serial Communications Interface PCB

T he RS232 Serial interface connector is a 14 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39­30-1140, which mates with Molex part number 39-01-2140 or equivalent.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Serial Communication PCB Pin-Outs

PIN # FUNCTION I/O
1 MRESET (Active low) I
2 Not Connected N/C
3 +12 VDC I
4 Not Connected N/C
5 GND ­6 +24VDC ­7 GND ­8 +24VDC ­9 Bezel Lamp – Switched +24VDC O
10 FGND ­11 RS232 RXD I
12 RS232 TXD O
13 DTR O
14 RTS O

Table 1. Serial Communication PCB Pin-Outs

Default Communication Settings

The RS -232C interface default configuration settings are:
Baud Rate: 9600 BPS

Data Bits: 8 Bits
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Handshaking: XON/XOF
Receive Error: Prints
Input Buffer 8,192 bytes

These communications settings may be altered only through the use of the CONFIG
program, special printer configuration software available from TransAct. Contact
TransAct Technical Support for further information on this utility.

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USB Communications Interface PCB

The USB Communications PCB contains two connectors.

§ Power - 4 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39-30-1040, which mates with
Molex part number 39-01-2040 or equivalent .

§ USB Communications - Type B USB connector

1 2

3 4

12

3 4

USB Comm unications PCB Pin-Outs

USB Connector

Pin # FUNCTION I/O
1 VBUS ­2 D - I/O
3 D+ I/O
4 GND ­Power Connector
Pin # FUNCTION
1 +24VDC ­2 GND ­3 GND ­4 FGND -

Table 2. USB Communication PCB Pin-Outs

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NETPLEX Communications Interface PCB

The NETPLEX Communications interface connector is a 10 position Molex Minifit Jr®.,
part number 39-30-1100, which mate s with Molex part number 39-01-2100 or equivalent.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

PIN # FUNCTION I/O
1 MRESET (Active low) I
2 RXD I
3 +12 VDC I
4 TXD O
5 SGND ­6 +24VDC ­7 GND ­8 +24VDC ­9 Bezel Lamp – Switched +24VDC O
10 GND -

Table 3. NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

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Universal USB/NETPLEX Communications Interface
PCB

The Universal USB/NETPLEX interface supports both USB and NETPLEX
communications. This interface contains three connectors:

§ Power - 4 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39-30-1040, which mates with
Molex part number 39-01-2040 or equivalent.

§ NETPLEX communications- 6 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39-30­1060, which mates with Molex part number 39-01-2060 or equivalent.

§ USB Communications - Type B USB connector.

1 2

3 4

1 2 3

4 5 6

12

3 4

Universal USB/NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

USB Connector

Pin # FUNCTION I/O
1 VBUS ­2 D - I/O
3 D+ I/O
4 GND ­Power Connector
Pin # FUNCTION
1 +24VDC ­2 GND ­3 GND ­4 FGND ­NETPLEX Connector
Pin # FUNCTION
1 MRESET (Active low) I
2 RXD I
3 +12 VDC I
4 TXD O
5 SGND ­6 Bezel Lamp – Switched +24VDC O

Table 4. Universal USB/NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

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Dual Port NETP LEX Communications Interface PCB

The Dual Port NETPLEX Communications interface contains three connectors

§ NETPLEX Communications. - 10 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39-30­1100 for NETPLEX connections which mates with Molex part number 39-01­2100 or equivalent.

§ I2C Communications - 2 modular RJH connections The connectors are
electrically connected to allow daisy chaining of multiple devices.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 41 2 3 4

NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

NETPLEX Connector

Pin # FUNCTION I/O
1 MRESET (Active low) I
2 Not Connected N/C
3 +12 VDC I
4 Not Connected N/C
5 GND ­6 +24VDC ­7 GND ­8 +24VDC ­9 Bezel Lamp – Switched +24VDC O
10 GND -

I2C Port
Pin # FUNCTION
1 RESET I
2 SCL I
3 SDA I/O
4 GND

Table 5. Dual Port NELTPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

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Dual Port RS232 Communications Interface PCB

The Dual Port RS232 Communications interface contains three connectors

§ RS232 Communications14 position Molex Minifit Jr®., part number 39-30-1140
which mates with Molex part number 39-01-2040 or equivalent.

§ I2C Communications -2 two modular RJH connections for a secondary I2C port.
The two modular connectors are electrically connected to allow daisy chaining of
multiple devices.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1 2 3 4

NETPLEX Communication PCB Pin-Outs

RS 232 Connector

Pin # FUNCTION I/O
1 MRESET (Active low) I
2 Not Connected N/C
3 +12 VDC I
4 Not Connected N/C
5 GND ­6 +24VDC ­7 GND ­8 +24VDC ­9 Bezel Lamp – Switched +24VDC O
10 FGND ­11 RS232 RXD I
12 RS232 TXD O
13 DTR O
14 RTS O

I2C Port
Pin # FUNCTION
1 RESET I
2 SCL I
3 SDA I/O
4 GND

Table 6. Dual Port RS232 Communication PCB Pin-Outs

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Bezel Lamp Connector

The bezel connector is a Molex Minifit Jr®, part number 39-01-4032 and will mate with a
Molex part number 39-01-4030 or equivalent.

123

Figure 11. Bezel Lamp Connector Location and Connector Information

Bezel Lamp Connector Pin-Outs

PIN # FUNCTION
1 Modulated +24VDC
2 Not Connected
3 GND

Table 7. Bezel Power Connector Pin-Outs

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Firmware Download Port

The Epic 950 printer features an imPortTM firmware and graphics download port, as
shown in the figure below. This port uses a 4-pin Molex connector with an RS -232
interface. For further details on this use of this proprietary download port, please contact
TransAct Technical Support.

Figure 15. Firmware Download Port.

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Printer Block Diagram

Figure 16. Epic 950 Electrical Operations Diagram

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Operational Procedures

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Racking/Unracking the Inner Chassis

All Epic 950 printers use a slider/detent/latch system with latch arms to retain the Inner
Chassis from accidentally being separated from the Outer Chassis. The Epic 950 is
opened for service by simply pulling on the ticket cover, pulling the Inner Chassis
forward from the Outer Chassis as you would a filing cabinet. If accessible, a front­mounted release lever can also be pulled on to disengage and slide the Inner Chassis.

Figure 17. Racking/Un racking the Inner Chassis

To remove the Inner Chassis, perform the following steps:

• Pull on the Ticket Cover to release the rear detents, pulling the Inner Chassis
towards you until its latches catch the forward detent slots in the Outer Chassis
Slides.

• Pull on the Release Lever and pull forward on the Inner Chassis to disconnect
from the Outer Chassis. (This assembly incorporates a HotSwap QDT (Quick
Disconnect Technology) design, which may be removed while power is still on to
the unit.)

To return the Inner Chassis to its base, perform the following steps:

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• Align the base of the Inner Chassis with the outer walls of the Outer Chassis,
seating it within side walls A and B as shown in Figure 17.

• While pulling outwards on the Release Lever, slide the Inner Chassis towards the
rear of the Outer Chassis until it latches at the rear of the Outer Chassis.

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Loading Tickets into Feeding Mechanism

When loading new ticket stacks, be sure that there is power to the printer. The first ticket
of the stack must be inserted into the printer by hand. The Epic 950 printers’ ticket tray is
integrated with a guide to direct the ticket into the printer mechanism. Once the leading
ticket enters the Top of Form sensor, the ticket will be automatically fed into the Printer
Mechanism.

Figure 18. Ticket Loading and Ticket Feed Mechanism

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Loading tickets into the ticket supply box: (Refer to the label on printer)

• Load tickets into the ticket supply tray, making sure that the Black Dot is
positioned as shown in Figure 18.

• Orient the tickets so that the Black Dot is towards the leading edge of the ticket.

Feeding tickets into the Printer Mechanism: (Refer to the label on printer)

• Check to ensure that the tickets have been placed in the ticket tray with the
proper black dot orientation.

• Insert the leading ticket into the Printer Mechanism’s insertion guide area. The
ticket should be fed about a ½" into the mechanism; at this time, the machine
automatically completes the feeding process.

• If printer has been slid out from rack, make sure that the printer is closed.

• The printer is ready to receive information.

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Removing Loaded Tickets

The Epic 950 printers have two ways to remove unused tickets from the printer
mechanism:

• The first way is to release the Ticket Cover by lifting and rotating backward, this
will relieve pressure to the platen and tickets can be removed. This also will allow
an opening that provides space to check the printer for ticket jams, or prepare the
paper path for ticket replenishing.

• The second way is to use the feed button, which will feed out tickets from within
the printer mechanism.

Figure 19. Ticket Cover Shown Open for Ticket Removal

Unloading Tickets from the Printer by opening the Ticket Cover

1. Pull Inner Chassis away from the Outer Chassis until it stops in the open
position.

2. Lift and rotate the Ticket Cover backwards, towards the rear of the printer.

3. Remove all tickets from the ticket path and check for any debris.

4. Remove any remaining tickets from the ticket tray.

5. Rotate the Ticket Cover into its original closed and latched (Magnetic) position.

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6. Proceed with ticket loading procedure.

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Cleaning the Print Head

Two kinds of periodic cleaning operations will ensure continued high print quality from
your Epic 950 printer:

1. Paper dust removal. Use a soft brush to clean the paper dust from inside the printer
and chassis area. The paper dust should also be removed from the sensor optics.

2. Cleaning thermal print head. If streaking on the printed ticket is evident, the thermal
print head may need to be cleaned. This can be done by inserting a thermal printer
cleaning card, as shown in the instructions below:

Figure 20. Cleaning the Print Head

Detailed instructions

1. Open the cover and remove all tickets from ticket feed path.

2. Close the cover.

3. Open cleaning card pouch and remove cleaning card.

4. Insert cleaning card into feed path.

5. The cleaning card will automatically be drawn into the feed path.

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6. Open the cover and then remove the cleaning card by gently pulling it back.

7. Repeat process if necessary.

8. Properly dispose of used cleaning card.

Purchasing C leaning Cards

Cleaning cards are available through TransAct – consult Chapter 1 for contact
information by telephone or the Internet. Cards can also be purchased direct from
Enefco International Ltd. at [phone].

Description: Part Number:

2.5" x 6" Thermal Cleaning Card (box of 25) 100-03322 (TransAct)

2.5" x 6" Thermal Cleaning Card (box of 25) GTP250PB (Enefco)

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Printing a Self-test Ticket

The Epic 950 printer has the ability to print a pre-defined self -test ticket, to test the
normal printing functionality of the unit, and create a printout of the current printer
configuration. To print a self-test ticket, perform the following steps:

1. Unrack the Inner Chassis.

2. Open the Ticket Cover. Do not remove a currently loaded ticket.

3. Press and hold the feed button until the Open LED goes out, then release this button.

4. Now close the Ticket Cover, and the self-test ticket will then print.

5. Close the Inner Chassis to resume normal operation.
Figure 21 shows an example of the information printed. Your printer may print more or

less information, depending on the version and revision of the printer.

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Figure 21. Sample self-test ticket.

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Programming for the Epic 950

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Programming for the Epic 950

NOTE: This programming guide applies only to printers equipped with RS232 interface
and running standard RS232 firmware.

The first step in programming the Epic 950 is to understand how the printer works. This
section covers all the points that need to be understood to program the Epic 950 Printer
correctly, including both basic and advanced topics.

As an ASCII-based printer, the Epic 950 accepts 8-bit ASCII characters as both data and
commands. The ASCII table in the Character Codes section shows the relationship
between the 8-bit values and the characters they represent. Most environments either
use the ASCII character table as the default for character values or support an ASCII
mode where characters are interpreted by the ASCII values.

The following subsections discuss general information that is needed for programming
the Epic 950 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.

T he command characters used to reset the Epic 950 are ESC (decimal value 27) and *
(decimal value 42).

Command Parameters

When sending a command, all of the command characters and parameters that make up
a command must be sent. Thi s is especially important when using the bar code and
graphics commands. Sending too few characters to fill the required parameters for a
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 Epic 950 Printer are evaluated based on their
decimal value.

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.

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16-bit Character Parameters

The maximum value a single 8-bit character can represent is 255. Some com mands,
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 1/8 of a millimeter, a value of 255
would place the object only a little over 31 mm from the left margin. 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 done within the
Epic 950 Printer, it is important to understand how the characters are handled.

For two specified 8-bit parameter values n1 and n2, the resulting 16-bit value is
computed as follows:

Value = (n1 * 256) + n2

In other words, the decimal value of the first character that is sent (n1) is multiplied by
256, and then the decimal value of the second character sent (n2) is then added to this.

To send a value under 256 to a command that takes the n1 and n2 parameters, simply
send the first character with a 0 value. For values greater than 255 but less than 512, the
first parameter should be sent with a value of 1. For values greater than 511 but less
than 768, the first parameter should be set to 2, and so on.

Conversions

The table below lists some common values and their relationship for converting from
dots to inches using the n1 n2 parameters.

Inches Dots n1 n2

0.5 101 0 101

1.0 203 0 203

1.5 304 1 48

2.0 406 1 150

2.5 507 1 251

3.0 609 2 97

3.5 710 2 198

4.0 812 3 44

Table 8. Conversion from Dots to Inches

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Font Statistics

The information below lists the statistics for the five internal fonts the Epic 950 Printer
supports. Height and width are expressed in terms of dots.

Font Height Width Horizontal cpi Vertical cpi

ESC S 24 10 20.0 8.4
ESC P 24 12 16.9 8.4
ESC M 32 16 12.7 6.4
ESC U 32 20 10.2 6.4
ESC T 56 28 7.3 3.6

Table 9. Font Statistics

Objects

Objects are t he basic units that the Epic 950 prints. An object can be either a line of text
characters, a bar code, a landscape graphic, a landscape line, or a bitmap dot line. Each
of these objects has different rules relating to them, as discussed below.

Objects ca n also be either active or complete. 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, like a line feed, is sent, more text
characters can be added to the text object. Bar code 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

The Epic 950 provides three modes of printing: bitmap graphics mode, portrait printing
mode, and landscape printing mode. Each mode operates under very different rules.
These rules are detailed below.

Bitmap Graphics Mode

At its most basic level, a Epic 950 Printer is a direct thermal printer that creates images
on a ticket by heating the individual elements of its print head. The print head has 496
elements (or dots). When it prints, some of these dots will be turned on (heated), and the
printer’s motor will advance the ticket by a step. The ticket stock that is under a heated
element will then turn black. For each motor step, a dot line is printed in 203 x 203 dpi
resolution. Each dot line is a complete object and is printed by the Epic 950 as soon as it
is processed. Because of this, a bitmap dot line should not be sent while a portrait object
or a landscape page is being constructed.

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INSERT THIS SIDE UP

INSERT THIS SIDE UP

Figure 22. Portrait and Landscape Print Modes

Portrait Printing Mode

On power-up, the Epic 950 Printer is set for portrait printing. In portrait printing mode,
text characters exit 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).

Portrait printing mode is also referred to as immediate mode printing, because each
object that is sent to the printer while the printer is in portrait printing 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 ticket is advanced as each object is completed and printed.

Certain comm ands are disabled or work differently while the Epic 950 is in portrait
printing mode. Exact details can be found under each command’s description.

Landscape Printing Mode

By using the set print orientation command (GS V), th e Epic 950 Printer can be
configured for landscape printing. In landscape printing, text characters exit the printer
from the left side of the character to the right. Before the Epic 950 Printer can be
switched to landscape printing mode, the set characters per line command (GS t) must
be set. This command defines the width of the landscape page. A landscape page is
defined as the area allocated by the Epic 950 in which landscape text, graphics, bar
codes, and line objects may be printed. The height of this landscape page always equals
the width of the Epic 950’ 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 printing mode, completed objects are placed within a memory buffer in the
Epic 950 and are only printed when the landsc ape page is terminated. A form feed (FF)
character is usually used to terminate a landscape page. This causes the Epic 950 to
print the objects that have been placed on the landscape page and advance to the next
ticket. After a landscape page is printed, t he Epic 950 will remain in landscape printing
mode. If more objects are sent to the Epic 950, a new landscape page will be allocated
with a width equal to the previous page. To change the width of a landscape page, you

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must send the set characters per line command (GS t) followed by the set print
orientation command (GS V). Because the Epic 950 does not print objects immediately
in landscape mode, 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
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 ticket 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.

General Notes

The Epic 950 Printer may be in only one print mode at a time. Multiple areas may be
printed in different print modes on a single ticket, but these areas may only be adjacent
to one another, they may not overlap.

In any mode, the set feed length command (GS L) is used to determine how far the Epic
950 will feed in search of a Black Dot/Top of Form indicator. If the Epic 950 finds a Black
Dot/Top of Form indicator before the maximum feed distance is reached, it will stop at
that point, rather than continuing. This command is only needed when dealing with
continuous-feed tickets.

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Text Objects

A text object is simply a line of printable characters. A text object is created whenever
the Epic 950 receives a printable character that is not otherwise part of a command.
Once it is created, a text object will remain active until it is terminated.

While a text object is active, any printable characters sent to the Epic 950 will be added
to that text object. The only exceptions are printable characters that are sent as part of a
command. While a text object is active, commands that alter text line attributes (such as
font and double-high character commands) are ignored. Commands that alter text
character attributes (such as double-wide and inverse) may be sent at any time, though.

Line attributes include the five basic fonts (P, M, U, and T), plus the double-high 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-high line attribute persists
either until the cancel double-high 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.

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Bar Code Objects

A bar code obj ect is created by the print bar code command (GS k). Specified within the
command is the symbology to be used, amount of data to be encoded, and data itself.
Other attributes of the bar code, such as height and width, can be set using other
commands.

The set bar code height command (GS h) specifies the height of the bar code in dots, or
1/8 mm. The maximum height for a bar code is 256 dots or 32 mm. In cases where a
taller bar code is needed, a second bar code can be printed below the first at the same
left offset. The set bar code module width (GS w) and set bar code element width (GS
W) commands can be used to alter the width of the bar code. See the command
descriptions later in the next section for a full explanation of the differences between
these two commands.

The limitations of each symbology must be adhered to when sending data for a bar
code. 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 bar codes:

(If any of these items are ignored, the printed bar code may be unreadable.)

• Sufficient blank space on either side of the bar code must be left to create a quiet
zone.

• A good ratio/element size must be selected if the default values are not being
used.

• Adequate room must be available for the bar code to be printed on the ticket.

• Bar codes may only be printed in black, for accurate infrared scanning, using

thermal media with a visible light absorption of 600-700 nm for black printing.

A bar code object is self-terminating and will be processed as soon as the proper
amount of data has been sent to it. The print bar code command’s (GS k) second
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 bar code data to specify the beginning and end of the data. If an incorrect
number of characters or delimiters are sent, the Epic 950 will not print correctly.

Bar codes that are too long to fit within the printable area of a ticket are truncated. This
usually results in an unreadable bar code being printed. To correct this condition, a
narrower ratio must be set, fewer digits encoded, or a more compact symbology used.

Bar codes

Codabar
Code 3 of 9
Code 128-A
Code 128-B
Code 128-C

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Code 128-Auto
EAN-8
EAN-13
Interleaved 2 of 5
UPC-A
UPC-E
Code93

Graphic Objects

Graphic objects are created by the landscape printing mode graphics command (GS *).
Graphic objects may only be printed as part of a landscape page. To print a graphic
without entering landscape printing mode, you must use bitmap graphics mode.

No landscape graphic may be wider than 256 dots, though they may be as tall as the
width of the Epic 950’ print head. If a graphic needs to be printed wider than 256 dots,
either subdivide it into narrower sections or print it using bitmap graphics commands.

Line Objects

Line objects are created using the draw line in landscape printing 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 ticket, the line will be truncated at the end
of the printable area.

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The POR.INI File

The POR.INI file contains system/printer initializ ation parameters. This file follows the
standard INI file format of sections defined in brackets (ie. [POR]) followed by single-line
parameter settings.

The main section of this file is the [POR] section, which contains default initialization
information that the printer will use when it powers on or does a reset. In addition to the
[POR] section, the file may contain other sections that are specific to individual dip
switches, of the form [Dipswitchn] where n is the number of the dip switch.

Example

; Lines in this file must be cr+lf terminated.
; Use no tabs.

[POR]
; There may be additional information here that initializes various internal
; functions. These parameters should not be altered.
PeriodicStatusOn = n
ColorMode = Off
DemoMode = Off
ErrorLog = Off
ZstatusBit3AlwaysHigh = Off ; Set to off for older versions of the Series 800
CommSave = Off

[Dipswitch3]
DemoMode = On

[Dipswitch4]
ErrorLog = On

[Dipswitch5]
CommSave = On

[Dipswitch7]
PeriodicStatusOn = y

[Dipswitch8]
ColorMode = On

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POR.INI File Parameter Definitions

[Dipswitchn]

The parameter after the [Dipswitchn ] will be set if the corresponding dip switch is active.
The list on the previous page is the default settings for dip switches. The dip switch
definitions may be changed as required.

NOTE: Dip switches 1 and 2 cannot be altered in the POR.INI file.

DefaultFont

This parameter defines the font to be used to print text in this field. The first number is
the point size of the font and the second number is the font width ratio (a parameter
which is currently reserved for future use, but must have a value specified). The third
number is the attribute where 0=No attribute, 1=Bold, 2=Italics, and 3=Bold and Italics.

Example:

DefaultFont = 10:45:1

BezelLength

This parameter specifies the length of the paper feed needed to accommodate various
bezels. This parameter is in millimeters.

Example:

BezelLength = 30

Substitute

This parameter defines the Substitute text printed in place of the text sent by the host.
This is a global setting.

Example:

Substitute = ticket|voucher (replaces occurrences of ticket with voucher)

Zstatusbit3alwaysHigh

This parameter defines the status response on the [GS]z command. If this is set On bit
3 on the status response will always be set high. This is to maintain backward
compatibility to older Series 800 firmware versions.

Example:

ZstatusBit3AlwaysHigh = Off

ColorMode

This parameter set the printer in mode to print color tickets. It should be set On when
using color ticket stock.

Example:

ColorMode = Off

DemoMode

This parameter will force the printer in print a pre-defined ticket for demo purposes only.
The printer will print the pre-defined ticket when it receives a Form Feed Command.

Example:

DemoMode = Off

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ErrorLog

This parameter sets the printer in a mode to collect information on any errors that occur.
This is used to help diagnose problems in the field. This should remain off for normal
operation.

Example:

ErrorLog = Off

CommLog

This parameter allows the printer to collect information on all data received and
transmitted by the printer. This is used to diagnose problems in the field. This should
remain off for normal operation.

Example:

CommLog = Off

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DIP Switch Settings

The majority of these dip switch operations are defined in the POR.INI file, as
documented in the previous pages.

Switch 1

Outside Edge of printer

Active Switch 8 Disabled

Switch 1 is the furthest to the back. The Active position is toward the outside edge of the
printer.

Switch 1

Switch 1 is reserved and must be in the Disabled position. If activated, the printer will be
held in reset.

Switch 2

Switch 2 configures Ticket Low. The Disabled position prevents ticket low from being
detected.

Switch 3

Switch 3 activates Demo mode. It must be in the Disabled position for normal operation.

Switch 4

Switch 4 activates the Error log. This is useful for debugging but should not be on by
default.

Switch 5

Switch 5 activates Com Save. This is also a debugging feature, and will be used with
future TransAct tools to help debug printer operations.

Switch 6

Switch 6 is reserved

Switch 7

Switch 7 activates the Smart Suite features. This activates a mode of operation that is
an enhancement of Series 800 emulation. It should not be activated when replacing a
Series 800 printer. To see what features are available in the Smart Suite
enhancements, refer to the Epic 950 Smart Suite Supplement. To activate the progress
status features in the Demo program, you must turn this feature on.

Switch 8

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Switch 8 activates 2-color operation.

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Flash Memory and Firmware Download Port

The Epic 950 is equipped with a download port with enhanced features , referred to as
imPortTM. The printer firmware may be updated through this port. Graphics and
coupons may also be added to the printer and updated as needed.

The flash memory contains firmware and non-firmware information. The intent is that
the firmware can be verifiable and fixed, and that the non-firmware information can be
adjusted as required. The non-firmware information contains variable coupon layout and
graphic information. This allows coupon images to change without affecting the
controlled ticket formats.

Flash memory can be altered only through the imPortTM. This flash memory cannot be
updated or altered in any way through the game communication interface.

Firmware Memory Features

The firmware memory has the following features:

1. It is in a verifiable format

2. It is verified when the printer is initially powered on or reset for any reason.

3. The firmware is verified in the background and scanned about every 60 seconds.
NOTE: The scan period depends on printer activity. If the firmware appears to
have been altered, the printer will fault and stop.

4. Can only be accessed via an authenticated download link.

5. Verification tool supplied to run on a PC that provides CRC checking.

The non-firmware memory features will be addressed below.

Proprietary format

The format of the firmware is TransAct proprietary. This format can only be understood
by the Epic 950 printer. It is compressed and encoded in such a way that any
modification to it will be detected and cause a printer fault.

Verified when run

The firmware is verified at initial power up or after any reset. Any tampering or
corruption of the firmware will be detected and the firmware application will not run. The
printer will show an error condition via the Fault LED indicator. The printer will be
disabled and will not be able to print or receive communications from the host system.

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imPortTM authenticated download link

The firmware can only be accessed through the imPortTM and is an authenticated link.
The authentication is proprietary to TransAct and controlled by Tr ansAct. This
authentication is included with the TransAct firmware verification tool.

Verification Tool

TransAct will provide, to any regulatory body, a firmware verification tool. This tool has
the ability to compare a firmware file (provided by TransAct) with the actual firmware in
the Epic 950 printer. This tool verifies that the cyclical redundancy check (CRC)
performed on the firmware memory is identical to the firmware file provided by TransAct.

Non-Firmware Memory Features

The non-firmware memory contains such items as graphics and coupon layouts.
The non-firmware memory has the following features:

1. It is verified when transferred to the printer via cyclical redundancy check (CRC).

2. It can only be accessed via an authenticated down load link.

3. A verification tool can be supplied, to run on a PC that provides CRC checking.

Verified when transferred

When non-firmware information is transferred to the printer (i.e. graphics, coupon
layout), the information is verified via a cyclical redundancy check (CRC). The utility that
transfers this information/data to the printer calculates a CRC when the information is
sent to the printer. When the transfer is done, the printer calculates a CRC on the data it
has received. The two CRCs are compared and an error is generated if they are
different. This CRC checking ensures that corrupted graphics or ticket layout
information will not be loaded into the printer.

Authenticated download link

The non-firmware information can only be accessed via an authenti cated down load link.
The authentication is proprietary to TransAct and controlled by TransAct. This
authentication is included with the TransAct Download Utility.

Verification tool

TransAct’s Download Utility provides CRC verification of the informat ion stored in the
printer’s memory. There is a CRC sum of all the non-firmware information stored in the
printer. This CRC can be used to verify the entire non-firmware information stored in the
Epic 950 printer.

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Smart Suite Features

The Epic 950 includes a suite of smart features and tools to facilitate and enhance the
printer’s integration and performance. This list includes:

• Programmable automatic periodic status reporting (128 bytes of information, or
more)

• Support for industry standard .ini files

• Support for unlimited customizable (text based) ticket layout files

• Support for industry standard graphics files (.bmp)

• Support for downloading custom fonts (created on the PC in an industry standard

format)

• Flat file system with link authentication and CRC data verification

• Proprietary tamper-proof firmware file format.

• Communications packet protocol (with CRC) for ensuring data integrity

• Print progress reporting (0-100% done)

• Field complete reporting

For further details on Smart Suite features, consult the Epic 950 Smart Suite
Supplement, available from TransAct technical support.

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Command Reference

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This section describes the commands for programming the Epic 950 Printer. Each
section contains a description of each command, listed by name in alphabetical order.
The ASCII, hexadecimal, and decimal values for each command are also provided. See
Appendix A for a list of ASCII, hexadecimal, and binary codes.

Some of the tasks that can be accomplished with these commands include the following:

• Define bar code size and position.

• Return firmware revision and printer status information.

• Define ticket orientation.

• Print graphics in inverse text mode and print enlarged characters.

• Send line feeds and carriage returns.

Appendix A also contains a list of all commands, and their functions.

Nomenclature

When describing control codes, confusion often occurs as to whether the command
description is decimal, hexadecimal, or ASCII. To minimize the problem, this
programmer’s guide uses the following nomenclature when describing control code
sequences.

[ ] Encloses a control character. [ ] represents a single, 8-bit value as

defined in the st andard ASCII tables. The ASCII Code Table in Appendix
B lists the control codes. An example would be [ESC], which would
represent a 1BH or 27 decimal.

< > Encloses an 8-bit value in decimal format. The value is from zero to 255.

An example is <2>, which represents 02H or 2 decimal.

<xNN> Encloses an 8-bit value in hexadecimal format. The value is from x00 to

xFF. An example is <x12>, which represents 12H or 18 decimal.

<n> Indicates a variable parameter. The variable parameter, <n>, can have a

value from zero 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 zero to 255.

x All other characters in control strings represent ASCII characters. For

example, [ESC] 1 represents 1BH followed by 31H.

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 A lists ASCII, hexadecimal, and decimal equivalents.

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BEL – Audio Alert

Description

Generates an audio alert. The default is a single sound, lasting the period of time
defined by the audio alert setting defined by the ESC BEL command. If the audio alert
is turned off by setting the number of alert cycles in ESC BEL to zero, this command
does not function.

See also:

ESC BEL <n1> <n2> <n3> – Configure Audio Alert
Expression

ASCII [BEL]
Hexadecimal 07H
Decimal <7>
Parameters None

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HT – Horizontal Tab

Description

Moves the cursor position to the next multiple of eight single-width characters. If the HT
command causes the cursor to move beyond the printable area, the text will wrap to the
next line.

Note that double-width characters count as two single-width characters.

Expression

ASCII [HT]
Hexadecimal 09H
Decimal <9>
Parameters None

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LF – Line Feed

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.

The double-wide text attribute will be cleared after the line is printed.

Expression

ASCII [LF]
Hexadecimal 0AH
Decimal <10>
Parameters None

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FF – Form Feed

Description

This command prints the contents of the text buffer, and then advances the print media.
The form is advanced until either of the following two conditions occurs:

• The feed distance specified by the GS L command has been reached.

-or-

• A Black Dot/Top of Form indicator has been detected on the print media.

When the printer is initially powered on, the default feed distance stored
in NVRAM is used. This value has a factory default of 7.5 inches, and
can be overridden by specifying a new value using the GS L macro
command.

Feed distances specified via GS L are cleared whenever the printer is powered down, or
by issuing the ESC @ or ESC * reset commands.

This command shares identical functionality with the escape command ESC E.
See also:

ESC E – Form Feed
Expression

ASCII [FF]
Hexadecimal 0CH
Decimal <12>
Parameters None

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CR – Carriage Return

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. The double-wide
text attribute will be cleared after the line is printed.

Expression
ASCII [CR]

Hexadecimal 0DH
Decimal <13>
Parameters None

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SO – Set Font to Double-wide

Description

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 which is available on a character-by-character basis.
Double-wide text can be canceled at any point on the line, and 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 reissued at the beginning of each line.

See also:

DC4 – Cancel Double-wide Mode
Expression
ASCII [SO]

Hexadecimal 0EH
Decimal <14>
Parameters None

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DC4 – Cancel Double-wide Mode

Description

Cancels double-wide text printing and returns the text to normal.
See also:

SO – Set Font to Double -wide
ESC W – Wrap Data

Expression
ASCII [DC4]

Hexadecimal 14H
Decimal <20>
Parameters None

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ENQ – Request Combined Printer Status

Description

Returns four status bytes: GS y (so that the status string can be recognized/parsed by
the host), followed by the response byte for the GS S Return Printer Status command
and then by the response byte for the GS z Request Printer Status command.

The ENQ and GS y commands are the same and produce the same result.

See also:

GS y – Request Combined Printer Status
GS S – Return Printer Status
GS z – Request Printer Status

Expression
ASCII ENQ

Hexadecimal 05
Decimal < 5>
Parameters None

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20h – FFh – Printable Characters

Description

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

255.

Expression
ASCII See Appendix A for a summary of character codes.

Hexadecimal 20H-FFH
Decimal <32>-<255>
Parameters None

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ESC ENQ 1 – Return Version Information

Description

Returns version information for your Epic 950 printer, in the format:
[ENQ]1<length byte><Name/version string>
Example output:

[ENQ]1<20 >TransAct M950 S00114

Expression
ASCII [ESC] ENQ 1

Hexadecimal 1BH 05H 1
Decimal <27> <5 > 1
Parameters None

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ESC BEL – Configure Audio Alert

Description

The ESC BEL command alters the way the audio alert sounds when the BEL command
is issued. The default is a single sound lasting the period of time defined by the audio
alert setting parameters below.

See also:

BEL – Audio Alert
Expression

ASCII [ESC] [BEL] <n1 > <n2> <n3>
Hexadecimal 1BH 07H <n1> <n2> <n3>
Decimal <27> <7> <n1 > <n2> <n3>
Parameters <n1> is the number of alert cycles

< n2> is the on time of the alert cycle in ten Ms intervals
< n3> is the off time of the alert cycle in ten Ms intervals

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ESC SP – Set R ight-Side Character Spacing

Description

This command sets the character spacing for the right side of the character. The spacing
value <n > is specified in dots, where 1 dot = 1/203 inch.

Expression
ASCII [ESC] [SP] <n >

Hexadecimal 1BH 20H <n>
Decimal <27> <32> <n >
Parameters <n> = spacing value in dots, where 1 dot = 1/203 inch

Range: 0-255

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ESC ! – Select Print Mode(s)

Description

Selects the font and right-side character spacing, using the convention shown below.

Expression
ASCII [ESC] ! <n >

Hexadecimal 1BH 21H <n>
Decimal <27> <33> <n >
Parameters <n> = value from 0-4 which selects one of the following options:

n = 0 selects the 10x24 font and sets the intercharacter
spacing for 20 CPI.
n = 1 selects the 12x24 font and sets the intercharacter
spacing for 16 CPI.
n = 2 selects the 16x32 font and sets the intercharacter
spacing for 14 CPI.
n = 3 selects the 20x32 font and sets the intercharacter
spacing for 12 CPI.
n = 4 selects the 28x56 font and sets the intercharacter
spacing for 7 CPI.

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