Microcom 400 User Manual
MICROCOM CORPORATION
MODEL 400
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Part Number 880014-0220
March 1999 Software Version 2.2
Operator's Manual
400 Direct Thermal Printer
- Revised March 23, 1999 MSG -
HP and LaserJet II are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
FastFont is a trademark of Page Technology Marketing, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
Other products, names, and brands are trademarks of their respective holders.
FastFont Typefaces are Copyright © 1993, Page Technology Marketing, Inc.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1994-1999 Microcom Corporation, Westerville, Ohio - All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
List of Tables .............................................................vii
List of Figures .............................................................vii
Introduction ................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS .................................3
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES ............................................3
1.2 BAR CODES ...................................................3
1.3 FONTS .......................................................4
1.4 PRINTING .....................................................4
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS ...................................4
1.6 PHYSICAL .....................................................4
1.7 ENVIRONMENT ................................................4
1.8 ELECTRICAL ...................................................5
1.9 OPTIONS ......................................................5
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS ...........................................5
1.11 APPROVALS ...................................................5
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION ..............................................7
2.1 UNPACKING THE 400 PRINTER ...................................7
2.2 INSTALLING LABEL SUPPLY RACKS ...............................7
2.3 INSTALLING OPTIONAL SUPPLY COVER ...........................7
2.4 INITIAL POWER UP .............................................8
2.5 FRONT PANEL SWITCH AND STATUS LIGHTS .......................8
2.5.1 NORMAL MODE ..........................................8
2.5.2 BATCH MODE ............................................8
2.5.3 STATUS LABEL MODE .....................................9
2.5.4 PAPER-OUT MODE ......................................10
2.6 THE STATUS LIGHT ............................................10
2.7 LOADING PAPER ..............................................11
2.7.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES ..........................11
2.7.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE ..............................11
2.8 CLEARING LABEL MISFEEDS: DIAPHRAGM REMOVAL ...............12
2.9 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................12
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS .............................................15
3.1 CABLE PINOUT ...............................................15
3.2 PRINTER CABLES .............................................16
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ..................................17
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS .......................................17
4.2 GETTING STARTED ............................................17
4.2.1 PC CONNECTION (SERIAL) ................................17
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL) .............................18
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS .........................................18
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW ............................19
4.4 LABEL HEADER ...............................................21
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Table of Contents
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) ............................25
4.5 LABEL FIELDS ................................................26
4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT AND BAR CODE FIELDS ..................26
4.5.2 DOWNLOADABLE FONT/GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS .............31
4.5.3 LINES .................................................33
4.5.4 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) .............................35
CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS ..........................................37
5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES .............................37
5.2 PRINTER ENQUIRIES ...........................................38
5.3 SENDING ^D PRINTER COMMANDS ...............................39
5.3.1 SOFTWARE DIP SWITCHES AND EEPROM COMMANDS ........40
5.3.2 PRINTING COMMANDS ...................................45
5.3.3 AUTO-SIZING and VALID GAP COMMANDS ...................46
5.3.4 REAL-TIME CLOCK ......................................48
5.3.5 SERIAL NUMBER COMMANDS .............................50
5.3.6 SAVING FORMAT COMMANDS .............................52
5.3.7 LABEL PRESENCE SENSOR CONTROL .....................55
5.3.8 TEXT STRINGS COMMANDS ...............................57
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHIC IMAGES ..............................59
6.1 PROCEDURE FOR USING PCX2400 SOFTWARE ....................59
6.2 FORMAT OF GRAPHICS FILES ...................................59
6.2.1 FONT/GRAPHIC STRUCTURE ..............................59
6.3 DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS COMMAND SUMMARY ................61
CHAPTER 7: BAR CODES ...................................................63
7.1 TYPES OF BAR CODES .........................................63
7.2 DESIGNING WITH BAR CODES ...................................70
7.2.1 BAR CODE HUMAN READABLES ...........................71
CHAPTER 8: SPECIAL EFFECTS .............................................73
8.1 REVERSED PRINT (WHITE TEXT OVER BLACK) .....................73
CHAPTER 9: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS/GRAPHICS ..............................75
CHAPTER 10: OPTIONS ....................................................77
10.1 MICROCOM GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES ....................77
10.2 MICROCOM DOWNLOADABLE FONT UTILITY .......................77
10.3 WYSIWYG SOFTWARE PACKAGES ...............................77
10.4 WINDOWS DRIVER ............................................77
10.5 CLEANING KIT ................................................77
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ..........................78
APPENDIX B: LABEL SAMPLES ..............................................79
APPENDIX C: SAMPLE BASIC PROGRAM ......................................80
APPENDIX D: QUICK REFERENCE COMMAND SUMMARY ........................81
400 Operators Manual
Table of Contents
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Index ....................................................................90
400 Operators Manual
400 Operators Manual
List of Tables
Status Light ...............................................................10
Serial Port Configuration .....................................................15
Parallel Port Configuration ...................................................16
Print Speed ...............................................................23
Bitmapped Font Descriptions .................................................28
Bar Code Symbologies ......................................................28
Character Starting Positions ..................................................29
Enquiry Responses .........................................................39
Clock Field Parameters ......................................................48
UPC Zero Reduction Format .................................................64
Code 128 Special Function Access ............................................65
UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ...............................................68
List of Figures
Front View .................................................................6
Rear View .................................................................6
Printer Parts ...............................................................7
Supply Cover ..............................................................7
Status Label ...............................................................9
Printer Feed Mechanism .....................................................11
Microcom Label ............................................................20
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label .....................................21
Lines ....................................................................34
Bar code Rotations .........................................................70
UPC-A BAR CODE .........................................................71
Bar code Human Readables ..................................................71
Reverse Imaging ...........................................................73
400 Operators Manual
400 Operators Manual
Introduction
The Microcom 400 is a Direct Thermal label printer with a high resolution (832 dots or 8
dots/mm), 4.09 inch wide print head. The economic size and price have no effect on the
printer's ability to handle a wide variety of labeling tasks - even the most demanding
applications.
The resident Label Design Software (LDS) is a powerful and easy-to-use package that allows
you to create personalized label formats. It can be driven from a PC, mini-computer,
mainframe, and other special purpose devices.
Among many other features, LDS supports downloadable graphics and fonts, multiple serial
numbering, and flexible character spacing. It offers virtually unlimited text font sizes and all
popular bar code symbologies. Graphic images can be printed or optionally stored in the
printer's memory for future use. Bitmapped Fonts, bar codes, and graphic images can be
multiplied in size and printed in 0,90,180,270 degree rotations. Once the labels are designed,
they can be stored in the 400's memory for high speed printer access.
The 400 is capable of printing on most types of label stock or fax paper. It offers operation in a
tag/tear, peel-and-dispense, batch, and user-defined advance mode. It can handle blow-hole,
black-line, label gap, and continuous stock.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This
is not a problem for the Microcom 400 printer. Data may be changed without down-loading the
same fixed format, or fixed data fields, time after time. This, along with a greatly increased
through-put, increases data access time and productivity.
Microcom Corporation also offers Windows™ drivers and WYSIWYG (What You See Is What
You Get) software packages which allow quick and easy on-screen label designing, along with
database capabilities.
400 Operators Manual
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400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Microcom 400 Direct Thermal printer is designed with many standard features that are
unique when compared to other printers. The 400 is built to meet the demands of complicated
applications and rigorous use. A guarantee of excellence in engineering is provided by fulfilling
the requirements for approval by UL, CSA and the FCC.
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES
! Direct Thermal tag/ticket feed operation
! Resolution of 8 dots/mm (.0049" per dot) and a print width of 832 dots (4.09")
! WYSIWYG software compatible
! Print speed up to 3.0 inches per second
! Media supply racks for roll sizes up to 5 inches OD (8 inches optional)
! Prints on die-cut, continuous, fax, or preprinted labels up to 6.0 mil thick
! Software-controlled contrast adjustment
! Standard memory of 256Kbytes ROM and 128Kbytes SRAM
! Optional Internal date and time keeping
! Easy to load label path to prevent label jams or misfeeds
! Detects label gap, black line, or blow-hole stock
! Internal statistical counter for inches and labels printed
! Downloadable Fonts and Graphics capability
! Incrementing and decrementing fields
! Machine state enquiries for security and maintenance
1.2 BAR CODES
! Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Code 93, Plessey,
Modified Plessey, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Postnet and selectable ratios for
producing HIBC, AIAG, and Logmars
! Bar codes may be printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
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Features and Specifications Chapter 1
1.3 FONTS
! Converted HP LaserJet II™ font compatibility and 8 resident bit mapped fonts, including
OCR-A and OCR-B.
! All Bit Mapped fonts expandable in height and width
! Bit Mapped fonts and bar codes in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
1.4 PRINTING
! Optional peel function with label taken sensor and release lever
! Tag/tear mode advances label to the tear bar
! Batch mode printing
! User defined label advancement for special stock or application
! Label back-up in tag/tear and peel modes
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS
! Serial: RS-232C, 9-pin female D-Sub connector (DCE) and 2Kbytes buffer
-Flow control: XON/XOFF, CTS/RTS
-Baud rate: 110 to 19200, user-selectable
-Parity: odd, even or none
-Data bits: 7 or 8
! Parallel (optional): 25-pin female
1.6 PHYSICAL
! Rigid painted steel construction
! Height: 5" (127mm)
! Width: 8.5" (216mm)
! Depth: 10.5" (267mm)
! Weight: 12 LBS (5.44 Kg)
1.7 ENVIRONMENT
! Temperature: 0" C to 40" C operating
! Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
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400 Operators Manual
Chapter 1 Features and Specifications
1.8 ELECTRICAL
! Voltage: 117 VAC nom.,60Hz
! Current: 3 AMPS maximum
1.9 OPTIONS
! Label supply covers
! Assorted printer cables
! 8 inch OD media supply racks
! Real-time clock with battery back-up
! On-screen label design PC software packages
! PCX to printer graphics conversion PC software
! On-demand label support rack
! Windows® 95/98 driver
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS
! 230V European power supply
! Peel and dispense pinch roller with label taken sensor and release lever
! Parallel interface
1.11 APPROVALS
! UL, CSA, CE, Complies with FCC, Class A
400 Operators Manual
5
Features and Specifications Chapter 1
LABEL SUPPORT RACKS
LABEL SUPPLY SHAFT
PUSH TO LIFT HEAD LEVER
PEEL EDGE
TOP COVER
DRIVE ROLLER
PINCH ROLLER
POWER CORD
PINCH ROLLER RELEASE LEVER (OPTIONAL)
FRONT PANEL LED
FRONT PANEL
SERIAL PORT
LINE GUIDE IDLER
LINE GUIDE SHAFT
LABEL FEED AND LINE FEED BUTTON
Microcom 400 Printer
Front View
Figure 1
LINE GUIDE ADJUSTMENT KNOB
THUMB NUTS
LABEL DIAPHRAGMS
POWER SWITCH
POWER CORD
PAPER LINE GUIDES
REAR PANEL
Microcom 400 Printer
Rear View
Figure 2
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400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION
2.1 UNPACKING THE 400 PRINTER
While unpacking the printer, please check all packing materials closely to avoid misplacing any
necessary parts. After the printer is removed from the box, verify that all parts are present and
in good condition (see Figure 3). All packaging material should be kept and used if the printer
is to be shipped.
Printer Parts
Figure 3
2.2 INSTALLING LABEL SUPPLY RACKS
To install the supply racks, simply place the printer on its face so that the rear panel is facing
up. Locate and remove the lower two screws and mount the lower side of the left and right
racks. Once the lower sides are secured, mount the upper sides in the same manner.
2.3 INSTALLING OPTIONAL SUPPLY COVER
400 Operators Manual
Supply Cover
Figure 4
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Basic Operation Chapter 2
2.4 INITIAL POWER UP
Before connecting the printer to a power source, verify that the voltage printed on the rear
panel correctly matches the supply.
Plug the printer in and turn the power switch on. The front panel LED should turn green. If this
does not occur, check the power source and if necessary call your service organization.
2.5 FRONT PANEL SWITCH AND STATUS LIGHTS
The front panel switch performs several different functions depending on the printer mode:
2.5.1 NORMAL MODE
The front panel switch (see figure 1) acts as both a paper feed button and a label request
button. If the button is pressed and then released within a half second, the unit will print a label
using the current label format. If the button is held for more than the half second, the unit will
start to feed paper until the button is released.
2.5.2 BATCH MODE
If the printer is in the process of printing a predetermined quantity of labels (see ^D73, section
5.3), pressing the button after the printer has started to print these labels will cause the unit to
pause. Pressing the button again will allow the printer to continue the batch.
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Chapter 2 Basic Operation
2.5.3 STATUS LABEL MODE
When status label mode is accessed, the printer creates a status label and temporarily
defaults all serial communication settings.
To print a status label, hold the button while turning on the printer until the status light turns
orange. Release the button and a test pattern with statistical information will be printed (see
figure 5). When a status label is created, the communication settings will be temporarily set to
9600 baud rate, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. The printer will return to the old settings,
if different, after power down or a soft reset.
The printed labels and total labels represent the number of labels printed to date. The printed
labels and printed inches fields are user resetable while the total labels and total inches are
not. Printed inches and printed labels are reset using the ^D29 command (see section 5.3).
Other useful information on the power-up label is the unit serial number, the non-resetable
power-on hours, the previous serial parameters (not the default parameters caused by
executing creating a status label), and the revision number of the Label Design Software
(LDS).
The switch bank settings reflect the contents of the four software dip switches that configure
the operation of the printer. See section 5.3, specifically ^D21, ^D22, ^D23 and ^D24, for more
information on software dip switch settings.
PRINTER SERIAL #: 0-123456
PRINTED LABELS: 8432
TOTAL LABELS: 8498
PRINTED INCHES: 25296
TOTAL INCHES: 25494
POWER ON HOURS: 897
SWITCH BANK 1: 10001011
SWITCH BANK 2: 01010001
SWITCH BANK 3: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 4: 00000000
SERIAL PARAMETERS: 9600-N-8-1
EXTRA RAM: YES
400 REV 2.2 070163-0220
Status Label
Figure 5
400 Operators Manual
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Basic Operation Chapter 2
2.5.4 PAPER-OUT MODE
After a paper-out condition, the front panel switch serves to load and realign the new label
stock. When a paper out condition occurs, the indicator light will turn red. Pressing the button
and holding it will cause the status light to go from red to yellow and feed paper. The status
light will then flash yellow until the button is pressed for a label request. It will then turn yellow
and the printer will print a duplicate of the last label printed and return to the blinking mode.
This feature was designed to facilitate batches with serial numbers or other variable data. This
process can be repeated as often as necessary to allow the paper to align itself. To return to
the pre-paper out condition, tap the button while the duplicate label is being printed. The status
light will turn green and normal printing may resume.
2.6 THE STATUS LIGHT
The status light has different functions depending upon the mode of the printer. Table 1 shows
the relationship between the status light and the different modes.
Status Light
Color Mode Meaning
Green All On-Line and ready to print
Red All Printer error:
Caused by a paper-out condition or a hardware failure. If
paper is out, follow instructions in section 2.3, otherwise
turn printer off and back on. If condition persists, contact
your service representative.
Flashing
Red
Yellow Tag/tear, Peel Label present. Label is ready to be removed from the
Flashing
Yellow
Flashing
Yellow and
Red
All Spike or low voltage on the AC line. The unit will remain in
this mode until the condition is removed and the printer is
powered off.
printer mouth
All Printer is paused or in standby mode and is waiting for the
front panel button to be pressed. If the paper was just
changed and the reprinted label look good, press the
button during the next print cycle to clear the repeat
function and flashing yellow light.
All A serial port buffer over flow has occurred. Check the host
flow control for problems. (Note: the serial buffer will only
accept 9 characters after the printer drops the clear to
send signal or optionally sends the XOFF character.)
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Table 1
400 Operators Manual
Chapter 2 Basic Operation
2.7 LOADING PAPER
Part of the 400's versatility is in the different ways it processes labels. The following two
sections explain the dispensing modes. Refer to figures 1, 2 and 6 for the printer components.
Printer Feed Mechanism
Figure 6
2.7.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES
Unwind about two feet of stock from the paper supply roll of paper. Set the roll behind the
printer on the table. Remove the label supply shaft. Insert the paper with the thermally
sensitive side up, under the rear threaded paper guide shaft, and into the printer until the
paper stops. Turn the paper guide adjust knob at the rear of the printer until the paper guides
are slightly wider than the label stock. Continue to apply pressure on the paper with your left
hand. Press and hold the front panel button with your pointing finger until the paper has
advanced to a point past the printhead. To align the paper, press down on the head lift lever
and move the paper until the desired alignment is reached. Replace the label supply roll shaft
and stock onto the wire rack. You are ready to print.
2.7.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE (optional)
1. Follow the paper loading in the normal and tag mode directions.
2. Remove enough labels to expose about two feet of backing paper.
3. Insert the stock into the printer and allow about three inches to protrude out of
the front.
4. Make sure the leading edge of the backing paper is square and straight. (Tear
at perforation or cut if necessary)
400 Operators Manual
11
Basic Operation Chapter 2
5. Pull and hold the pinch roller release lever and insert the leading edge of the
backing paper between the black drive roller and the white pinch roller, making
sure it is positioned evenly between the rollers.
6. Firmly push the head lift lever and press the feed button until most of the slack
is taken out, then release the lift lever.
7. Continue feeding paper until labels are reached. To avoid a paper jam, remove
the labels as they start to peel.
8. Enable the peel-and-dispense mode using the ^A1^D985 command described
in this manual.
*If the label height is over 2", the Microcom Label support rack should be used.
(P/N 040010). This rack will support the peeled label until it is removed.
2.8 CLEARING LABEL MISFEEDS: DIAPHRAGM REMOVAL
The purpose of the label diaphragm is to provide a smooth path for labels through the printer
and provide an easy means of removing label misfeeds. If a label misfeed occurs, remove the
supply roll shaft at rear of printer. Remove the four black thumb nuts which hold the diaphragm
sheets in place. Gently slip the sheets off the threaded studs. Once the sheets are removed
clean all foreign matter and any adhesive gum using the Microcom cleaning solution. To
replace the sheets repeat this process in reverse.
2.9 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
The Microcom 400 printer and printhead should be cleaned approximately every 5,000 labels
or every two weeks whichever occurs first. The printer should also be cleaned whenever you
run out of label stock. A Microcom cleaning kit (part #040005) should be used for cleaning and
maintaining a Microcom printer product. It is important to note that the optimum printhead life is
achieved by maintaining a clean printer and printhead.
To clean your Microcom 400 printer:
1) Turn the printer off.
2) Lift the printhead using the "PUSH TO LIFT HEAD" lever and remove any label stock
that remains inside the head mechanism.
3) Using the cleaning brush, sweep away all small label and adhesive particles that may
be in the area of the printhead.
4) Moisten a cleaning swab with the cleaning solution and wipe away any adhesive from
the rollers or the aluminum peel bar.
5) Dampen a swab with cleaning solution and lift the print head by pushing the lever in the
direction of the arrows. Take the moistened swab and gently wipe the underside of the
printhead. Repeat if necessary (if swab is extremely dirty).
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400 Operators Manual
Chapter 2 Basic Operation
6) Moisten the felt side of a cleaning card with the cleaning solution. Insert card with felt
side facing up into the rear of the printer as you would insert label stock. Hold down on
the print button to feed the card through the printer (see section 2.3). Do not lift the
print head for this operation. Allow the printhead to ride on the cleaning card. Repeat
the process if needed. The cleaning card may be used once at each end.
7) Remove the label diaphragm (see section 2.4).
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRINTHEAD WITH ANY METAL OR SHARP OBJECTS
400 Operators Manual
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Basic Operation Chapter 2
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400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS
The model 400 can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and other special
purpose machines. It is capable of serial RS-232 or optional parallel communication. The
following sections explain the communication interfaces.
Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the Microcom 400 communicates using serial RS232 at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software
handshaking. This configuration may be changed as shown in Appendix E.
3.1 CABLE PINOUT
Table 2 shows the signals of the 400's 9-pin RS-232 serial port. Out of the box, unless
otherwise requested, the Microcom 400 communicates serially at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1
stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking. This configuration may
be changed through software commands as explained in the programming section of this
manual. Table 3 shows the optional parallel port configuration.
If XON/XOFF hand shaking is used, the only signals the 400 requires are RXD, TXD, and
GND. If hardware CTS/RTS hand shaking is used, a RTS signal is provided. XON/XOFF may
be disabled through the software dip switch #1 (see chapter 5). The other signals are offered
in the event the host computer requires them.
Serial Port Configuration
25 TO 9 PIN 9 TO 9 PIN
State 400 Direction PC
HI 1 DCD --->---- DCD 8
X 2 TXD --->---- RXD 3
X 3 RXD ---<---- TXD 2
HI 4 DSR ---<---- DTR 20
LO 5 GND --<->--- GND 7
HI 6 DTR --->---- DSR 6
DC 7 CTS ---<---- RTS 4
X 8 RTS --->---- CTS 5
DC 9 ----NOT USED----
DE-9 DB-25
DC = Do Not Care
X = Indeterminate
Table 2
State 400 Direction PC
HI 1 DCD --->---- DCD 1
X 2 TXD --->---- RXD 2
X 3 RXD ---<---- TXD 3
HI 4 DSR ---<---- DTR 4
LO 5 GND --<->--- GND 5
HI 6 DTR --->---- DSR 6
DC 7 CTS ---<---- RTS 7
X 8 RTS --->---- CTS 8
9 ----NOT USED---- 9
DE-9 DE-9
DC = Do Not Care
X = Indeterminate
400 Operators Manual
15
Communications Chapter 3
Parallel Port Configuration
1 = /STROBE
2 = D0
3 = D1
4 = D2
5 = D3
6 = D4
7 = D5
8 = D6
9 = D7
(25 PIN FEMALE)
10 = /ACK
11 = BUSY
12 = PAPER OUT
13 = SLCT
14 = NC
15 = /ERROR
16 = /INIT
17 = NC
18-25 = GROUND
Table 3
3.2 PRINTER CABLES
Warning: Connection of a serial 400 to a parallel port may result in damage to the printer
and/or computer. Connection of a 400 with a parallel board to a serial port may result in
damage to the printer and/or computer.
The printer cables needed for the 400 printer are standard and available through Microcom
Corporation. You will not need a NULL-modem cable because the printer is DCE equipment.
For parallel connection, use a straight 25 pin male to 25 pin male cable, connected from the
desired parallel port of the host computer to the 25 pin connector on the optional 400 parallel
board.
For serial connection, (standard on the 400) if your host computer has a...
25 pin serial com port - Use a standard 25 pin male to 9 pin male serial cable.
9 pin serial com port - Use a 9 pin female to 9 pin male extension cable.
Note: NULL modem cable adapters are not necessary since the printer is DCE equipment.
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400 Operators Manual
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS
Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the software resident in the printer used to decipher
label formats sent by the host computer. All fonts, character sets and bar code symbologies
are resident in the printer.
A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps:
1: Control commands to define printer operation
2: A header to define label height, width, print speed, etc..
3: Field data to define placement of text, bar code, graphic or line
4: Actual text data to place in the above text or bar code fields
5: Control commands to initiate printing
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS
Throughout this manual there are references to control characters. In order to print them in this
manual, they have been written using standard characters and icons. Escape characters are
represented by <ESC> and a carriage return is represented by the 5 symbol. It is important to
note that all printer functions, unless otherwise noted, must be followed with a carriage
return5.
4.2 GETTING STARTED
There are many different machines that can send information to the 400 printer. However, if
you are using the printer for the first time, the easiest way to start is with a PC and a terminal
emulation software program. This will allow two-way, serial communication with the printer. You
will be able to quickly upload files and access label-sizing and other features that will help
considerably in formatting your first labels.
4.2.1 PC CONNECTION (SERIAL)
Items required:
- A computer with at least one unused serial communications port. (COM1,COM2...)
- A serial interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information)
- A terminal emulation program.
Note: This communications test assumes that you have a standard serial 400 printer.
Set the communication parameters in the PC terminal software program to 9600 baud, no
parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit. Unless modified by the user, this is the printers'
communication configuration out of the box. Depress ^C (ASCII or control code) on the PC
keyboard. If the printer prints a label, proper PC to printer communications have been
confirmed. Depress ^E to verify printer to PC communication. You will receive a text response
from the printer.
If a terminal program is not available, it is possible to send files to the printer using the DOS
COPY command. To do this you must first create a text file containing the information to be
sent (i.e. ^C ). You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters.
Use the following DOS command to set up the appropriate PC port.
400 Operators Manual
17
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Note: COM1 may be any available communications port on your PC.
C:>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
You must then send the file to the printer using the following DOS command.
C:>COPY FILENAME COM1
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL)
Items required:
- A computer with at least one unused parallel communications port. (LPT1,LPT2...)
- A parallel interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information)
Create a text file containing the information to be sent. (^C is the print command.)
^C
You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters. Send the file to
the printer using the following DOS command. Note: LPT1 may be any available printer port on
your PC.
C:>COPY FILENAME LPT1
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS
You can test some of the control code functions (see section 5.1) directly through the
keyboard. Large label files, such as some of those illustrated in Appendix B, may be entered in
a straight ASCII text word editor and then up-loaded to the printer using a terminal emulation
program or the DOS copy command. (To use the DOS copy command, first use the DOS
mode instruction to configure the PC. For example, MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P).
There are some special features offered by the 400 printer that will aid in label design. For
example, the auto-size command (^A2^D395) will provide most of the header format
information needed to define the different properties of label stock. The state of the machine is
accessed through the enquiry command (^D55 or ^E). The statistical printer information is
made available through the ^A0^D295 command.
The following sections of this chapter are designed to give an overview of a label format,
define the label header, and list the different types of field information available. Chapter 5
explains the special functions of the control codes. Once some understanding of these basic
concepts are achieved, use the quick reference guide in Appendix D for expedient command
descriptions.
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW
A label format consists of a header record and field records, followed by the text data to be
printed. The records describe how the label is to be printed. The header contains information
about the label itself such as label height, width, print speed, etc. The field records refer to the
data section and contain information about positioning coordinates, the type of character
generators or bar codes to use, etc.. There can be up to 200 fields in each label format.
Below is a sample label format. We will refer to this format as we break down the components
of its structure.
(See Figure 7)
^D575
5,812,1218,,20,35
1,190,1068,8,1,6,,,2,25
2,139,900,11,1,6,,,2,25
3,117,760,26,1,65
4,265,560,11,1,65
4,123,50,11,16,3,,,3,4065
^D565
^D25
Microcom5
Corporation5
Thermal Printing Solutions5
012345678905
^D35
The sequence ^D575 puts the printer in format entry mode.
The next line is the header information: sizing the label (812 dots wide 1218 dots high).
The next five lines are layout information for each data field in the format.
A label format is coming
Header information
Field #1 information
Field #2 information
Field #3 information
Field #4 information
Field #5
Select RAM Format
Text Data is Coming
Text String #1
Text String #2
Text String #3
Print Label 1
The sequence ^D565 selects the user layout.
The sequence ^D25 tells the printer to start accepting data for each defined field. (Field #1 defines
where Data #1 should be positioned.) (Note: The label prints from bottom to top.)
The next three lines are data for each field.
Text string #4 is accessed twice. The format will print '01234567890' and then the bar code
equivalent.
The sequence ^D35 starts the print cycle. (Default is one copy. See section 5.3.2)
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
20
Microcom Label
Figure 7
400 Operators Manual
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
4.4 LABEL HEADER
The header consist of eleven parameters. These parameters contain information about the label.
It is not necessary to enter information for all of the parameters: If a parameter is left blank, then
the default value will be used. A carriage return must follow the label header parameters.
The value of measurement for many of the header elements is the dot. There are 203 dots per
inch on a 400 print head (8 dots/mm). There is a maximum 832 dots in the X direction (width). The
Y direction (length) is virtually unlimited.
Most header parameters can be supplied using the auto-size command. (See section 5.3.3.)
Below is a list of the header element mnemonics and default values:
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
0, 832, 614, 13, 24, 35, 0, 1, 479, 0, 0
FEED DIRECTION
.0625" OR 12 DOTS
THIS IS THE WEB VALUE
X BEGINNING
Y BEGINNING
THIS IS 0,0
4" OR 800 DOTS LSX
MICROCOM
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label
Figure 8
3" OR 600 DOTS LSY
.125" OR 25 DOTS
THIS IS THE GAP VALUE
400 Operators Manual
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Refer to Figure 8 for a visual representation of most header parameters.
The following is a description of each header element:
HFM NUMBER OF FIELDS IN LAYOUT
This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more fields are
defined than what is specified for HFM, the extras will be ignored. To prevent errors, do
not set the HFM parameter to a number higher than the number of fields defined.
LSX LABEL SIZE X DIRECTION
Specifies the width of the label in dots. For example: A 3" wide label would have an LSX
of 3 x 203 = 609 dots. (203 dots = 1 inch)
LSY LABEL SIZE Y DIRECTION
Specifies the height of the label in dots.
WEB WEB SIZE
The width, measured in dots, of the webbing that is found on the left side of the label.
GAP GAP SIZE
The height, measured in dots, of the gap between labels. Auto-sizing (See section 5.3.3)
will define this value.
DPS PRINT SPEED
The speed the printer prints a label. Generally, better print quality is obtained at lower print
speeds. The printer's default print speed is 2.0 inches per second (DPS value = 48). To
speed it up or slow it down, the following DPS parameters can be inserted into the label
header. Note that a higher value slows the printer down and a smaller value speeds it up.
See Table 3 for a list of print speeds, DPS values, and inches per second.
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