Kyocera PCL Barcode Flash 3.0 User Manual

PCL Barcode Flash 3.0

User Manual

This manual, revision 3.0 (3/2008) is based on PCL Barcode Flash version 3.00. The software version is published as
the ‘Application Version’ on the PCL Barcode Flash status page as well.

Copyright © KYOCERA Mita Europe B.V. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be duplicated or transferred
in any form or manner, either electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or archiving, without
the written permission of KYOCERA Mita Europe B.V.

We shall have no liability or responsibility to customers or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss
or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by equipment sold or furnished by us, including, but
not limited to, any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits, or consequential damages resulting
from the use or operation of the equipment or software.

Kyocera is a trademark of Kyocera Corporation.
Mita is a registered trademark of Kyocera Mita Corporation.
PCL Barcode Flash is a registered trademark of KYOCERA Mita Europe B.V.
QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Corporation
Maxicode is a registered trademark
PDF417 is a registered trademark
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

2

User Manual

PCL Barcode Flash

Please read this manual before
installing and using the
software. Keep the manual
somewhere close to the printer.

3

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................6

1.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL .................................................................................6

1.2 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL.........................................................................7

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE APPLICATION ..................................................................8

1.4 ITEMS PROVIDED AS STANDARD ..................................................................9

1.5 ABOUT PCL BARCODE FLASH..................................................................10

1.5.1 Overview........................................................................................10

1.5.2 Terminology...................................................................................10

1.6 THE MAIN FEATURES OF PCL BARCODE FLASH..........................................12

1.7 SUPPORTED BARCODES .......................................................................... 12

1.7.1 Linear codes (one-dimensional codes)..........................................12

1.7.2 Matrix codes (two-dimensional codes)...........................................13

1.8 SUPPORTED DEVICES..............................................................................14

1.9 EMULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS SUPPORTED ............................................16

1.10 BARCODE COMPATIBILITY.......................................................................16

2 INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING..................................................17

2.1 HARDWARE INSTALLATION........................................................................17

2.2 ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING THE SOFTWARE (TYPE A ONLY)..................21

2.3 STATUS PAGE AND TEST PRINTS (TYPE A AND TYPE B)...............................22

2.4 STARTUP PARTITION (TYPE A ONLY).........................................................23

3 PROGRAMMING........................................................................................24

3.1 GENERAL ...............................................................................................24

3.2 CONTROL WITH PCL ...............................................................................25

3.2.1 Stop characters..............................................................................25

3.2.2 Stopping Barcode mode ................................................................26

3.2.3 Rules for base data........................................................................27

3.2.4 Quiet zones....................................................................................27

3.2.5 Positioning of the cursor ................................................................27

3.2.6 Further parameters and options.....................................................28

3.2.7 Alternative Escape characters.......................................................32

3.3 BARCODES AND MATRIX CODES WITH DIFFERENT PARAMETERS ..................34

3.3.1 Datamatrix .....................................................................................34

3.3.2 Datamatrix mode for printing from SAP.........................................39

3.3.3 QR Code........................................................................................41

3.3.4 MaxiCode.......................................................................................47

3.3.5 PDF417..........................................................................................53

3.3.6 Australia 4-state barcodes.............................................................58

3.4 ERROR MESSAGES..................................................................................61

3.5 EXAMPLES AND INSTRUCTIONS ON USE .....................................................64

3.6 BARCODE TYPES ....................................................................................65

3.6.1 UPC-A............................................................................................65

3.6.2 UPC-A + a 2 digit extension ...........................................................66

3.6.3 UPC-E............................................................................................67

3.6.4 UPC-E + a 2 digit extension ...........................................................68

3.6.5 EAN/JAN-8 ....................................................................................69

3.6.6 EAN/JAN-8 + a 2 digit extension....................................................70

4

3.6.7 EAN/JAN-8 + a 5 digit extension....................................................71

3.6.8 EAN/JAN-13 ..................................................................................72

3.6.9 EAN/JAN-13 + a 2 digit extension..................................................73

3.6.10 EAN/JAN-13 + a 5 digit extension................................................74

3.6.11 Interleaved 2 of 5.........................................................................75

3.6.12 Interleaved 2 of 5 with check digit................................................76

3.6.13 Industrial 2 of 5 (25).....................................................................77

3.6.14 Industrial 2 of 5 (25) with check digit............................................78

3.6.15 Matrix 2 of 5.................................................................................79

3.6.16 Matrix 2 of 5 with check digit........................................................80

3.6.17 Code 39 (3 of 9) without space character....................................81

3.6.18 Code 39 (3 of 9) with space character.........................................82

3.6.19 Code 39 + Mod47 with check digit without space character ........83

3.6.20 Code 39 + Mod47 with check digit with space character .............84

3.6.21 Code 39 Extended.......................................................................85

3.6.22 Code 39 Extended + Mod47 check digit ...................................... 86

3.6.23 Code 93.......................................................................................87

3.6.24 Code 93 Extended.......................................................................88

3.6.25 Code 128 autoswitch ...................................................................89

3.6.26 Code 128 Subset A......................................................................90

3.6.27 Code 128 Subset B......................................................................91

3.6.28 Code 128 Subset C......................................................................92

3.6.29 UCC-128......................................................................................93

3.6.30 EAN-128......................................................................................94

3.6.31 Codabar.......................................................................................95

3.6.32 Codabar + Mod16 check digit......................................................96

3.6.33 MSI Plessey.................................................................................97

3.6.34 MSI Plessey + Mod10 check digit................................................98

3.6.35 MSI Plessey + Mod10 + Mod10 check digit.................................99

3.6.36 MSI Plessey + Mod10 + Mod10 check digit...............................100

3.6.37 ZIP + 4 Postnet 5.......................................................................101

3.6.38 ZIP + 4 Postnet 9.......................................................................102

3.6.39 ZIP + 4 Postnet 11.....................................................................103

3.6.40 Datamatrix .................................................................................104

3.6.41 QR code.....................................................................................105

3.7 EXPANDING TYPEFACES.........................................................................106

3.7.1 Checking Typefaces ....................................................................106

3.7.2 Activating fonts using a PRESCRIBE command..........................107

3.7.3 Activating fonts using a PCL command .......................................108

3.7.4 Examples.....................................................................................109

4 APPENDIX................................................................................................110

4.1 REFERENCES........................................................................................110

5

1 Introduction

1.1 About this manual

This manual provides information on how to install and use the PCL Barcode Flash
software for Kyocera Mita printers and multifunction devices.

Instructions on the installation and configuration of the devices can be found in the
relevant installation and user manuals. You will also find here additional information
on programming in PRESCRIBE and PCL, which is not included in this manual.

If you have any queries on or problems with your PCL Barcode Flash solution, which
are not resolved in this manual, please consult your service partner, the local
Kyocera Mita Hotline or your nearest Kyocera Mita office.

6

1.2 How to use this manual

This manual contains information on how to use PCL Barcode Flash, and in particular
information on installing and programming it. Below, we refer to the “barcode
solution” for short.

The performance features and programming instructions described are illustrated
with examples and – where necessary – printed barcode samples.

This manual does not claim to provide an introduction to the world of the barcode or
to programming in PRESCRIBE or PCL. The following chapters contain information
required specifically when using PCL Barcode Flash. The chapter on programming
assumes that the reader has a basic knowledge of PCL or PRESCRIBE and a
knowledge of how to work with the barcodes and/or matrix codes to be used.
Information on programming in PRESCRIBE and PCL can be found in the appendix
and in the additional Kyocera Mita manuals included in the delivery (as a PDF file on
CD).

In this text, the term “barcodes” is frequently used for the sake of simplicity as a
generic term for linear barcodes and matrix codes so as to avoid needlessly long
phrases.

If this document refers to a “printer”, this also refers to a multifunction device (KM
device), as only the “printing” part is important to the barcode solution. A precise list
of devices supported can be found in the chapter entitled S

UPPORTED DEVICES.

Various fonts are used in this manual in order to indicate information which is
identical or similar. The use of these fonts is consistent throughout the entire manual:

Bold – Inputs to be keyed directly on the front panel of the printer are specified in
bold type.

Italics – Programs or applications are cited in italics.
S

MALL CAPS – Small caps are used to refer to chapters in this manual. For example,

details on this can be found in the chapter entitled, H

OW TO USE THIS MANUAL.

Courier font – Courier is used to refer to programming elements. These may
include PRESCRIBE sequences or commands on the CF card.

In this manual, the pointing finger refers to tips that provide additional

information and as a rule are of a general nature.

The warning symbol is used in this manual to refer to potential sources

of errors in operation or hazards.

7

1.3 Purpose of the application

PCL Barcode Flash enhances Kyocera Mita FS and KM devices to include additional
linear barcodes and matrix codes, as well as providing the option of calling these not
only with the PRESCRIBE command “BARC”, but also with PCL sequences.
Furthermore, a number of resident and/or machine-readable fonts have been added.

As the PCL activation sequences follow industry-standard formats, there are usually
no problems with integrating devices equipped with the Barcode Flash solution into
existing environments (e.g. SAP), without having to make changes to the controlling
software.

8

1.4 Items provided as standard

Once you have removed the packaging, please ensure that you have the following
components:

- a CD containing manual files (in PDF format) and sample prints

- a Compact Flash card (pre-programmed with PCL Barcode Flash software)

Please complete the registration card and send this to Kyocera Mita. This will

allow us to keep you up-to-date with new versions and upgrades. Please
complete a separate registration card for each software package purchased,
or send all cards together in one envelope.

9

1.5 About PCL Barcode Flash

1.5.1 Overview

PCL Barcode Flash uses a special feature of Kyocera Mita FS and KM devices: the
central unit – consisting of the PowerPC processor, motherboard and memory –
normally used for calculation of the print job can also be used for programming
purposes via a separate interface, the Application Programming Interface (API). In
addition to simple tasks such as filtering and changing the incoming data stream,
complex solutions are possible, in this instance the generation of complete barcodes.

The API program is located on the Compact Flash card and is automatically loaded
into memory and activated when the printer is switched on. Practically all normal
functions of the device are retained alongside the barcode solution; for example, the
device can still be used as a completely normal workgroup printer.

The barcodes already available as standard with Kyocera Mita devices can still be
called using the BARC command. In addition, the activation option is now available
via the general industry-standard PCL command, thus allowing these devices to be
integrated with ease into existing systems. Thus costly work on the controlling
application (e.g. in inventory software) can be avoided.

PCL Barcode Flash enhances the standard barcodes with a range of additional linear
codes and matrix codes as well as machine-readable fonts and formatting options, so
all current standard applications are covered to a great extent.

All activation controls can be undertaken in PRESCRIBE or PCL as required, giving
the programmer the greatest possible flexibility. The PRESCRIBE BARC command
has been extended so as to allow Datamatrix, QR Code and Australia Post 4-State,
for example, to be controlled in the usual way.

The PCL sequences for controlling the barcodes have been borrowed from font
control and are described in detail in the chapter entitled, “P

ROGRAMMING”.

The PRESCRIBE sequences for barcodes already available as standard are
described in detail in the PRESCRIBE IIe Programming Manual (see appendix).

1.5.2 Terminology

In this manual, in most cases we simply refer to “barcodes”. In technical terminology,
we refer to linear codes, stack codes and matrix codes, which differ in terms of what
is known as “symbology” (= graphic structure).

The linear codes are the classic “barcodes” made up of parallel lines in which the
information is arranged in one direction. For this reason, these are often referred to
as one-dimensional (“1D”) codes. These codes are very simple and quick to read,
and because of this they are the most commonly used codes in the world.

Stack codes and matrix codes belong to the group of two-dimensional (“2D”) codes,
where the information is arranged not only horizontally, but also vertically.

10

Stack codes essentially consist of up to 90 rather flat linear codes “stacked one on
top of the other”, so that a data density several times higher can be generated
without allowing the dimensions of the codes to become excessively large. Normally,
data densities fifteen times higher are achieved than in the case of simple linear
codes.

Matrix codes also have the advantage of high data density and to some extent offer
enormous data security, but they use a completely independent symbology made up
of square elements, segments of circles, stripes or hexagons of different sizes, or
combinations of these. The development history and structure of these codes have
been influenced by various demands, such as high data density, fast readability,
great data security or the most well-featured codable character set possible. The
various symbologies have developed due to optimisations for specific purposes.

The read technology for 2D codes is clearly more expensive and requires special
readers, the structure of which is partly equivalent to that of a video camera. Matrix
codes in particular are becoming established more and more in trade and industry
due to the high information density and great resistance to interference.
Properties and advantages

11

1.6 The main features of PCL Barcode Flash

 Simple installation and operation
 Compatibility with industry-standard activation sequences
 Large number of supported 1D and 2D codes, including QR Code and Datamatrix
 Compatible with every model in the list of devices supported, no model-dependent

versions required

 PRESCRIBE and PCL commands supported
 No relevant influence on device speed
 Demo version without time limit available which can be used to test compatibility

with existing (print) solutions prior to purchase

1.7 Supported Barcodes

1.7.1 Linear codes (one-dimensional codes)

2/5 Interleaved with check digit
2/5 Interleaved without check digit
2/5 Industrial with check digit
2/5 Industrial without check digit
2/5 Matrix with check digit
2/5 Matrix without check digit
Code 93
Code 93 extended
Code 128 autoswitch
Code 128 Subset A
Code 128 Subset B
Code 128 Subset C
Code 39 (3 of 9)
Code 39 with Mod47 check digit
Code 39 extended
Code 39 extended with Mod47 check digit
Codabar without check digit
Codabar with check digit
EAN-128
EANJAN-8
EANJAN-8 + 2-character extension
EANJAN-8 + 5-character extension
EANJAN-13
EANJAN-13 + 2-character extension
EANJAN-13 + 5-character extension

12

UCC-128
UPC-A
UPC-A + 2-character extension
UPC-E
UPC-E + 2-character extension
MSI Plessey
MSI Plessey + Mod10 check digit
MSI Plessey + Mod10 + Mod10 check digit
MSI Plessey + Mod11 + Mod10 check digit
ZIP+4 Postnet 5
ZIP+4 Postnet 9
ZIP+4 Postnet 11
Australia 4-State 37-CUST
Australia 4-State 52-FF-MET
Australia 4-State 67-FF-MET
Australia 4-State FCC-45 REPLY
Singapore Post 4-State
USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode

1.7.2 Matrix codes (two-dimensional codes)

Datamatrix
QR Code
Maxicode
PDF417

13

1.8 Supported Devices

PCL Barcode Flash supports Kyocera Mita printers and multifunction devices. At the
time of publishing (version 3.00, March 2008), the following devices are supported:

FS-1010 FS-1050 FS-1020D FS-1030D FS-1100 FS-1300
FS-1800 FS-1800+ FS-1900 FS-1920 FS-2000D FS-3800
FS-3820N FS-3830N FS-3900DN FS-4000DN FS-6020 FS-6950DN
FS-9100 FS-9120DN FS-9130DN FS-9500DN FS-9520DN FS-9530DN
FS-C5015N FS-C5016N FS-C5025N FS-C5030N FS-8000C FS-C8008N
FS-C8026 FS-C8100
KM-1510 KM-1530 KM-1650 KM-1810 KM-2030 KM-2050
KM-2530 KM-2550 KM-2560 KM-3035 KM-3050 KM-3060
KM-3530 KM-4030 KM-4035 KM-4050 KM-4530 KM-5035
KM-5530 KM-5050 KM-6030 KM-6330 KM-7530 KM-8030
KM-C2520 KM-C3225 KM-C3232 KM-C2525E KM-C3232E KM-C4035E
KM-C2630 KM-C830 KM-C850D

An up-to-date compatibility list is available in the service area of www.kyoceramita.eu

Note

Please note that some KM series multifunction devices have to be fitted with a
printer board first

Note

For some of the older supported devices, it might in certain cases be
necessary to make a firmware update.

Note

PCL Barcode Flash assumes that you have a free CF card slot in your printer
or multifunction device. If this is not possible or desired, where necessary a
solution can be created on request (special solution, not free of charge) on an
EPROM module which is inserted into a slot inside the device. At the same
time, this prevents unauthorised access to the CF card.

14

Note

The following minimum requirements for the device used should be met so
that PCL Barcode Flash can run without complications:

 Firmware as of April 2001 or newer
 Min. 16 MB RAM recommended. Less RAM may lead to errors.

15

1.9 Emulations and restrictions supported

When PCL Barcode Flash software was developed, we attached a lot of importance
to not making substantial changes to the standard functionality of the devices
equipped with it.

In most cases, the appropriate printer or multifunction device can be used in future
with no changes, although of course it will have more functions on account of the
barcode solution.

In the following cases, it may be necessary to adapt the barcode solution or the
printer settings/printer environment:

- PCL Barcode Flash supports printer control languages PCL and PRESCRIBE
only. No barcodes can be controlled from within other emulations (e.g. KPDL,
Line Printer, etc.) if they are activated.

- For technical reasons, it is not possible to use a number of API programs –
the barcode solution is one of these – simultaneously. Therefore, solutions
produced by Kyocera Mita development partners, e.g. for data filtering or data
encryption, cannot be run at the same time as PCL Barcode Flash.

- No barcode activations can be made from PRESCRIBE macros because a
parameter passing into the macro from “outside” is not possible.

- Forms and macros based on PCL and PRESCRIBE, which are already stored
on a CF card can continue to be used and controlled as normal. This data has
to be copied into the “Startup” partition on the PCL Barcode Flash CF card so
that it is automatically loaded into the RAM when the printer is switched on.

1.10 Barcode compatibility

PCL Barcode Flash has been designed to comply with industry-standard barcode
activations as far as is possible. As there is no specific standardisation here more or
less equivalent to the ISO or DIN standards, the software should be tested in the
existing system environments prior to each use to see whether the desired barcode is
generated with any data streams already preset.

An unlimited demo version is available for testing purposes, which can be used to
establish the functionality of PCL Barcode Flash before buying it.

16

2 Installation and commissioning

2.1 Hardware installation

The software is supplied on a Compact Flash card (‘CF card’). To use this card, it has
to be kept permanently in the printer. All you have to do to install the card is to insert
it into the slot in the printer.

Note that, for technical reasons, starting with Version 3.00 the Barcode Flash solution
is available as Type A and Type B. The following multifunctional printers (MFP)
require Type B:

KM-3050, KM-4050, KM-5050, KM-3040, KM-3060
All other printers and MFP require Type A.
Where differences exist between the installation of Type A and Type B, these are

described below. Please ensure that the proper installation is available on the
compact flash card. You can use the directory to determine whether this is the case
and reprogram the card if necessary. You can do so by copying the right file to the
printer. Please observe the instructions in this regard at the beginning of the update
file.

Please nothe that only the PCL Barcode Flash cards can be re-programmed by the
end user. The KYOmulticode card (PCL Barcode Flash with Unicode font extension
and additional fonts) has to be re-programmed by Kyocera Mita customer service if a
change between Type A and B or vice versa is necessary.

N

Please note carefully the general tips on working with CF cards in your printer
manual. This manual will also contain a description of where the CF slot is on
your particular device.

ote

Data and programs for Kyocera Mita printers always have to be present in a
particular form on Compact Flash cards. In the case of the barcode solution, these
are a number of what are known as ‘partitions’ in which additional fonts and macros
for the status page and function calls are stored for the user in addition to the
software.

The following partitions are available once the CF card has been inserted:
Type A:

Barcode Status
Barcode Init
Barcode Remove
KM BC 3.00.1
BSTP
STP1
STP2
KM_Logo

17

Linedraw
Code39_4
Code39_8
EAN_10mil
EAN_13mil
LetterGothic_10
LetterGothic_12
LetterGothic_17
USPS_ZIP
OCR_A
OCR_B
OCR_B scal
Startup
ocr_a_9_land
ocr_a_10_land
ocr_a_9_port
ocr_a_10_port
ocr_b_12_ext_la
ocr_b_12_land
ocr_b_12_ext_po
ocr_b_12_port

Type B:

/PRE/kmbc3-00-1
/PRE/kmbc3-00-1.inf
/PRE/autostart
/PRE/bstp
/PRE/stp1
/PRE/stp2
/PRE/stp3
/PRE/KM_Logo.ttf
/PRE/code39_8
/PRE/ean10mil
/PRE/ean13mil
/PRE/linedraw
/PRE/ocra
/PRE/ocrb731
/PRE/ocrb732
/PRE/ocrb733
/PRE/ocrb734
/PRE/ocrb735
/PRE/ocrb736
/PRE/ocrb737
/PRE/ocrb738
/PRE/code39_4
/PRE/OCR-B_scal
/PRE/uspszip
/PRE/ocrb
/PRE/ltgot10a

18

/PRE/ltgot12a
/PRE/ltgot17a

If required, you can copy additional macro and font partitions to the CF card without
impairing the functionality of PCL Barcode Flash.

To see an overview of the partitions, print a partition list. Start printing this list using
the front panel on the printer.

Example of a partition list of Type A:

The Device Information contains information on the physical size of the CF card and
the memory used. The Partition Information lists print data, macro data and font data
which is stored on the card alongside PCL Barcode Flash.

19

This information is technical in nature and the actual figures may vary depending on
the software version.

20

2.2 Activating and deactivating the software (Type A only)

Before you can use the software on the CF card in your printer, you have to make
this available to the device by activating it.

To do this, you have two options:

• Call the partition Barcode Init via the front panel on your printer,

or

• Send the PRESCRIBE sequence

!R! FRPO I0, “KM BC 3.00.1”; EXIT;

to the printer. If you are using a later version, the name of the newer partition

must be used instead of “KM BC 1.00.1”. To see the exact name of the program
partition, print a partition list.

Automatic loading of the software on the CF card is now activated, and once the
device has been switched on the barcode solution will be immediately available.

Note

You have to set your printer to 600 dpi minimum to be able to use the
software You can optionally configure your printer via the front panel or the
PRESCRIBE sequence
!R! FRPO N8,1; EXIT;
.

Depending on how you are using it, it may sometimes be sensible (e.g. for testing
purposes) to deactivate the software occasionally. You have two options for doing
this:

• Remove the CF card from the device
or

• Deactivate the CF card by calling the Barcode Remove partition

The software will no longer be available the next time you start the printer.

21

2.3 Status page and test prints (Type A and Type B)

The status page contains information on fonts, software and the configuration.
When you have installed the software, you can call the Barcode Status partition

to print the CF card’s status page. (Type A only).
You can also print the status page by means of the PRESCRIBE sequence (Type A

and Type B)

!R! CALL BSTP;EXIT;

.

Note

If any problems or errors occur, we recommend that you always print a status
page. In this way, you can easily check whether the software and all the
requisite fonts have been loaded.
When you consult Support, you should always have a current status page to
hand. As a rule, the status page helps Support to help you resolve the
problem more easily.

The status page is divided into three sections: Font Information, Internal Barcode

Information and Application Information:
Font Information contains an overview of the group of barcodes and fonts which are

identified and can be used by means of simple font numbers. Some older
applications on the market send activations in this form. If there are no print
examples on the right-hand side of the list, the printer is not set to 600 dpi. This
standard resolution should be set on the front panel of the device to ensure perfect
results.

Internal Barcode Information refers to the codes hard-coded into the printer which
form the full barcode solution together with PCL Barcode Flash.

Technical hints on PCL Barcode Flash can be found in the section entitled,
Application Information: For service enquiries, the most important details are the
Application Version, the API Version and the Printer Serial Number. The configuration
codes are reserved for internal purposes.

Under Additional Barcodes, you will see the barcode groups which have been added
to the printer by means of the barcode solution. Please note that as a rule there are a
number of variants for each symbology, such as with check sums, which are also
considered to be individual codes.

22

Example of a status page of Type A:

2.4 Startup partition (Type A only)

As described in the chapter entitled, HARDWARE INSTALLATION, there is a Startup
partition on the CF card. All data on this partition is automatically loaded when the
printer is switched on and is immediately available.
Therefore, all additional data which you would like to make available to users must be
copied into this partition. As a rule, this data includes fonts, macros or print data.

23

3 Programming

3.1 General

Kyocera Mita printers and multifunction devices are equipped as standard with a
number of linear barcodes which can be controlled exclusively using the Kyocera
language PRESCRIBE.

The PCL Barcode Flash software extends the number of barcodes supported to
include important new types, which have been established in trade, industry and
postal operations. In addition, an important feature is that almost all existing and new
barcodes can also be controlled by means of PCL standard commands, which
considerably enhances the field of application of printers equipped appropriately.

The following section describes control via PCL commands in detail and includes a
number of examples of applications and prints.

Control by means of commands is already described precisely in the Kyocera Mita
manual “PRESCRIBE

IIE PROGRAMMING MANUAL“ (CHAPTER 4: BARCODES), and this

is available in both German and English versions (PDF format) on the CD supplied
with the product. Therefore, this manual deals only with special features of
PRESCRIBE programming where new barcodes have been added.

A description of PDF417 code control can also be found on the CD. In the version of
PCL Barcode Flash on which this manual is based, control of PDF417 is possible
only via the PRESCRIBE command XBAR.

24

3.2 Control with PCL

PCL Barcode Flash uses PCL font activation sequences to control barcodes. The
following instructions assume a basic knowledge of PCL programming. If you are not
yet confident with using this, we recommend that you read the manuals mentioned in
the previous chapter in which programming in PCL is looked at in more detail in
addition to PRESCRIBE programming.

In particular, two sequences are important, the first one for controlling fonts:
<Esc>(s#T and the second one for activating Transparent mode: <Esc>&p#X.

Below, when we mention <Esc> we mean ASCII character 27 decimal or 1B
hexadecimal. Number parameters are referred to by # below.

The sequence <Esc>(s#T normally changes the font. In other words, the text which
follows the sequence is printed from this point on in the font for which you have
stated the number. Each font available in the printer has a number which has to be
stated in the T parameter. The selected font remains active until the printer receives
another <Esc>(s#T sequence with another number, then it changes the active font
again.

The barcodes and matrix codes in PCL Barcode Flash are also controlled in this way,
and each barcode and matrix code is allocated a number, just like every font. These
numbers come from a reserved range of numbers in which there are no font
numbers, from 24580 to 24900. Please see the following list in this chapter for the
equivalent “font numbers” of the barcodes supported individually. If you would like to
use one of the barcodes or matrix codes made available by PCL Barcode Flash,
change the “font” with the sequence <Esc>(s#T so that further data that follows the
sequence is interpreted by the printer from this point on as barcode information and
no longer as text. This base data, as it is known, does not have to be clearly legible
text: any binary data can also be sent, depending on the barcode. Just like fonts,
barcodes remain active until the printer receives another <Esc>(s#T sequence. In
this respect, please see the following chapter as well.

Note

If you would like to use your own fonts (regardless of whether you are using
PCL or PRESCRIBE), please do not use any font numbers in the range of
24580 to 24900 as mentioned, as these numbers are reserved for the
barcodes in PCL as soon as PCL Barcode Flash is activated. Otherwise this
may lead to unwanted printer behaviour.

3.2.1 Stop characters

The base data has to be closed by means of a stop character.
In the case of numeric barcodes, this stop character may be:

<CR> (ASCII 13), <LF> (ASCII 10), <FF> (ASCII 12), <Esc> (ASCII 27) , <Space Character> (ASCII 32)

In the case of alphanumeric barcodes, this stop character may be:

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<CR> (ASCII 13),< LF> (ASCII 10), <FF> (ASCII 12), <Esc> (ASCII 27)

Any barcode which permits only numeric characters according to the standard is valid
as a numeric barcode. Barcodes which also permit alphanumeric characters must not
be closed with the space character (ASCII 32) as the stop character even if the base
data contains only numeric characters. Barcodes, which permit the space character
in the base data, are essentially considered to be alphanumeric in this sense.

Note

The stop character is interpreted. In other words: if you use <FF> as the stop
character, this is interpreted not only as a stop character, but also as a page
break. When, for example, the stop character <Esc> is used, this is
interpreted not only as a stop character, but also as the start of an escape
sequence.

The stop character informs PCL Barcode Flash that the base data collected since the
sequence <Esc>(s#T is to be printed as a barcode symbol.

Example:

<Esc>(s24670T12345<CR>

In this example, the number 24670 stands for Code 39. Here, <CR> (ASCII 13) is
used as the stop character. This sequence prints the character string “12345” as a
Code 39 symbol.

3.2.2 S topping Barcode mode

To stop (deactivate) Barcode mode to enable you to print text again, change the font
again. Send once again a <Esc>(s#T sequence to the printer which includes the
number of the font that the printer is to use for further text from now on.

Some barcodes allow all 256 characters of the ASCII code, including the characters
that are valid as stop characters as described above. Because of this, the
appropriate characters cannot, of course, be used as stop characters as they may
appear in the middle of the base data, after all. For this reason, in addition to the
procedure described above, a second option – “Transparent mode” – is available to
you for isolating the base data. If you would like to create a barcode of this type and
use the stop characters as base data, add a second Escape sequence to the
barcode call sequence. This will indicate how many characters are to be assigned to
the barcode symbol.

Example:

<Esc>(s24820T12345<Esc>&p5X12345

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This example prints the base data “12345” as Datamatrix code. <Esc>&p5X makes it
understood that the five characters following in the sequence belong to this. Any
characters from the complete ASCII character set could have appeared instead of
“12345”.

3.2.3 Rules for base data

Rules are established for each individual barcode by means of standards which have
to be observed when the base data is sent. These include which characters are
allowed as base data. Some barcodes also require a specific minimum or maximum
number of characters, or an odd or even number of characters, for example. If PCL
Barcode Flash encounters incorrect base data, an error message is printed out
instead of the barcode symbol.

3.2.4 Quiet zones

All barcodes require a specific quiet zone before and after the printed area (above
and below too in the case of two-dimensional codes), and you have to take this into
account by means of careful positioning when programming. The quiet zone is a
white, unprinted area which the reader needs to be able to recognise the barcode
reliably.

Normally, a quiet zone of at least 2.5 mm is required, but at least 6.5 mm is required
in the case of applications with very varied or fairly large read distances. As a rule of
thumb, the quiet zone should be about ten or fifteen times the width of the narrowest
line element in a barcode. To be safe, the quiet zone should always be a little more
generous if possible.

3.2.5 Positioning of the cursor

According to PCL rules, characters of a font are printed at the bottom left of the
cursor position. This rule is also used in the case of barcode symbols. When a
barcode is printed, the cursor moves to the lower right corner of the barcode symbol.
See the PCL manual for how to position the cursor.

Note

In most cases, it is recommended after producing a barcode symbol in PCL
that absolute positioning be carried out.

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3.2.6 Further parameters and options

Note

The following description of parameters and options applies to one­dimensional barcodes. Different or additional rules apply to some barcodes,
primarily two-dimensional ones. These are described in the chapter entitled,
“B

ARCODES AND MATRIX CODES WITH DIFFERENT PARAMETERS”. These barcodes

are Datamatrix, QR Code and Australia 4-state.

As described in the preceding section, the sequence <Esc>(s#T is used. However,
this is only the simplified basic form: you have the option of influencing the printout of
the barcode by entering further parameters. These are detailed below. All of these
parameters are optional, i.e. you can omit these if your application does not require
plain text, for example, or if the width and length in default form are already sufficient
for the requirements of your application.

Example:

<Esc>(s1p301h20v4b4s24670T instead of just <Esc>(s24670T

v parameter
Height of the barcode in dots (1/72 in.)

Values of 0.2 to 999 are permitted.

b parameter
Width of the bars

These values are separated by commas. In the case of a barcode with two bar
widths, e.g. Code 39, enter two values, e.g. <Esc>(s6,12b...; or in the case of a
code with four bar widths, e.g. Code 128, enter four values, e.g.

<Esc>(s6,12,18,24b...
Values from 2 are permitted. Maximum values: 100 for the narrowest bar, 200 for the

second-narrowest, 300 for the second-widest and 400 for the widest.

s parameter
Width of the spaces

These values are separated by commas. In the case of a barcode with two space
widths, e.g. Code 39, enter two values, e.g. <Esc>(s6,12s...; or in the case of a
code with four space widths, e.g. Code 128, enter four values, e.g.
<Esc>(s6,12,18,24s... Values from 2 are permitted. Maximum values: 100 for
the narrowest space, 200 for the second-narrowest, 300 for the second-widest and
400 for the widest.

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p parameter
Positioning of plain text

0 = Use default, cf. the defaults entered for the individual codes for this purpose
1 = no plain text

Example: <1p>

2 = embedded beneath
Example: <2p>

3 = half embedded beneath
Example: <3p>

4 = beneath the barcode
Example: <4p>

5 = above the barcode
Example: <5p>

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h parameter
Plain text font

When you use the h parameter, this always requires a three-digit number, as you can
see from the example above.

First digit: Font style
1 = regular
2 = italics
3 = bold
4 = bold italics

Second digit: Font size
0 = select automatically
1 = use previously selected size for the font selected

Third digit: Typeface
0 = Courier
1 = Letter Gothic
2 = Univers
3 = Univers compressed
4 = CG-Times
5 = OCR-B

Example of <204h>: 2 = italics, 0 = automatic font size, 4 = CG-Times

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