MODEL 428M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 880028-1000
Revised: December 7, 2007 JSR, CPC, TER
Copyright © 2007 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is
intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described
herein.
Product Enhancements
Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and
quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications
contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom
Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this
product. The exclusion or limitation involving consequential or incidental damage does not
apply to all states; therefore limitation mentioned above may or may not apply.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions contained in this
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
®
HyperTerminal
Centronics
®
HP
and LaserJet II® are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
and HyperAccess® are trademarks of Hilgraeve Inc.
®
a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.
is
Arial® is a registered trademark of The Monotype Corporation.
TrueType® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
®
Microsoft
, Windows®, Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................VI
CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS ............................................... 1-1
1.1 General Specifications......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Printing Specifications.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Media Specifications............................................................................................1-2
CHAPTER 2: FEATURES AND OPTIONS................................................. 2-1
2.1 Fonts.................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Graphics............................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Bar codes............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.4 Special Features..................................................................................................2-2
2.5 Options................................................................................................................. 2-2
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED ............................................................ 3-1
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection.................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Printer Power....................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3 USB Communication Interface............................................................................. 3-3
3.3.1 USB Driver Setup.......................................................................................... 3-3
3.4 Loading Media ..................................................................................................... 3-5
3.5 Print Button and Status Indicator Light................................................................. 3-6
3.5.1 Print Button...................................................................................................3-6
3.5.2 Status Indicator Light.................................................................................... 3-7
3.6 Printer Modes....................................................................................................... 3-7
3.6.1 Idle Mode: GREEN ...................................................................................... 3-7
3.6.2 Halted Mode: RED....................................................................................... 3-8
3.6.2.1 Steps to clear the >LOW STOCK< error....................................................... 3-8
3.6.2.2 Steps to clear the >LOW STOCK< error with “single button error clear”....... 3-8
3.6.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >LOW STOCK< ...................................................3-8
3.6.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER .................................................... 3-8
3.6.4 Diagnostic Mode...........................................................................................3-8
3.6.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode............................................................................. 3-9
3.6.4.2 Statistics Label.............................................................................................. 3-9
3.7 Sensor Inputs.....................................................................................................3-10
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ...................................... 4-1
4.1 Control Characters............................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 LDS Design Exercises ......................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Format Creation............................................................................................ 4-2
4.3 Label Design: An Overview..................................................................................4-3
4.4 Label Header ....................................................................................................... 4-4
4.4.1 HFM (Number of Fields in Layout)................................................................ 4-5
4.4.2 LSX (Print Head Size X) ............................................................................... 4-6
4.4.3 LSY (Label Size Y)........................................................................................ 4-6
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 i
4.4.4 WEB (Web Size)...........................................................................................4-6
4.4.5 GAP (GAP Size)............................................................................................4-6
4.4.6 DPS (Print Speed).........................................................................................4-6
4.4.7 LCB (Label Control Byte) ..............................................................................4-7
4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0)...................................................4-7
4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2) .....................................................................4-7
4.4.7.3 Black Line Media (Reflective) (setting = 3)....................................................4-8
4.4.8 AGD (Activate Gap Detector)........................................................................4-8
4.4.9 SPG (Steps Past Gap)..................................................................................4-8
4.4.10 OFX (Offset X Direction) .............................................................................4-10
4.4.11 OFY (Offset Y Direction) .............................................................................4-10
4.5 Sample Header ..................................................................................................4-10
4.6 Label Format Fields............................................................................................4-10
4.6.1 TSN (Text String Number)..........................................................................4-11
4.6.2 XB (X Beginning Coordinate)......................................................................4-12
4.6.3 YB (Y Beginning Coordinate)......................................................................4-12
4.6.4 CC (Character Count) .................................................................................4-12
4.6.5 TCI (Text Conversion Identifier)..................................................................4-12
4.6.6 CGN (Character Generator Number)..........................................................4-14
4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts.........................................................................................4-14
4.6.6.2 Downloadable Fonts and Graphics .............................................................4-14
4.6.6.3 Embedded Bar Codes.................................................................................4-16
4.6.7 FO (Field Orientation) .................................................................................4-17
4.6.8 FJ (Field Justification) ................................................................................4-17
4.6.9 CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction).......................................................4-18
4.6.10 CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction).......................................................4-18
4.6.11 CS (Character Spacing)..............................................................................4-18
4.6.12 TSP (Text Starting Position)........................................................................4-18
4.6.13 ,,, (Reserved Spaces) ................................................................................4-18
4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number).................................................................................4-18
4.7 Line Draw...........................................................................................................4-19
4.8 Reverse Video....................................................................................................4-21
4.8.1 Reverse Video.............................................................................................4-21
4.8.2 Auto Reverse Video ....................................................................................4-22
CHAPTER 5 PRINTER COMMANDS.........................................................5-1
5.1 Special Printer Control Codes..............................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Enquiry Responses.......................................................................................5-3
5.2 Printer Configuration Commands.........................................................................5-4
5.2.1 Software Switches.........................................................................................5-4
5.2.1.1 Software Switch #1 .......................................................................................5-5
5.2.1.2 Software Switch #2 .......................................................................................5-6
5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3 .......................................................................................5-7
5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4 .......................................................................................5-8
5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5 .......................................................................................5-9
5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6 .....................................................................................5-10
5.2.2 Contrast Adjustment Commands ................................................................5-12
5.2.2.1 Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile - ^D35) ...................................................5-12
5.2.2.2 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile - ^D36).................................................5-12
5.2.3 Slice Buffer Size and Set Starting Slice Number Commands......................5-13
ii 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
5.2.4 Printer Restart / Reboot Commands........................................................... 5-13
5.2.5 Registration Mark Threshold Commands.................................................... 5-13
5.2.6 Auto-size Commands.................................................................................. 5-14
5.2.7 Auto-Header Commands............................................................................ 5-15
5.3 AutoLoad Media................................................................................................. 5-16
5.3.1 AutoLoad + Form Feed............................................................................... 5-16
5.3.2 AutoLoad + Top-Of-Form............................................................................ 5-17
5.3.3 AutoLoad Commands................................................................................. 5-18
5.4 Printing Commands............................................................................................ 5-18
5.4.1 Basic Printing Commands........................................................................... 5-19
5.5 Label Header Parameter Override Commands.................................................. 5-20
5.5.1 Serial Number Commands.......................................................................... 5-20
5.6 Text String Commands ...................................................................................... 5-22
5.7 Cutter Configuration Commands........................................................................ 5-24
5.7.1 Cutter Type.................................................................................................5-24
5.7.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands............................................................................. 5-24
5.7.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode ...................................................................................... 5-24
5.7.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command................................................. 5-25
5.7.3 Volatile Cutter Operation............................................................................. 5-25
5.7.4 Cutter Hold-off............................................................................................. 5-26
5.8 Dispensing Commands...................................................................................... 5-26
5.8.1 Tag/Tear Operation..................................................................................... 5-26
5.8.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation..................................................................... 5-27
5.8.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Retract Delay...........................5-27
5.9 View Printer Configuration and Statistics........................................................... 5-27
5.10 Memory Commands........................................................................................... 5-28
5.11 Printer Code Update .......................................................................................... 5-33
5.12 Miscellaneous Commands................................................................................. 5-35
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS........................................... 6-1
6.1 FLASH Data Types..............................................................................................6-1
6.2 RAM Data Types.................................................................................................. 6-1
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility........................................6-1
6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure............................... 6-2
6.4 Graphic Download Methods................................................................................. 6-3
6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads.............................................................. 6-3
6.4.2 Compressed Binary GRAPHIC Downloads .................................................. 6-3
6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers................................. 6-3
6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107)................................................ 6-4
6.5.2 Save Compressed Graphics to FLASH (D133)............................................. 6-4
6.5.3 Binary Compression Algorithm ..................................................................... 6-5
6.5.4 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104) ........................................................ 6-6
6.6 Graphic Image Data Format................................................................................. 6-7
6.7 Downloadable Graphics Commands.................................................................... 6-8
CHAPTER 7: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS.................................................. 7-1
7.1 FLASH Data Types..............................................................................................7-1
7.2 RAM Data Types.................................................................................................. 7-1
7.3 Using the Font Conversion Utilities......................................................................7-1
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 iii
7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program.................................................................................7-2
7.3.2 TTF2MIC.exe Program .................................................................................7-2
7.4 Font Download Methods ......................................................................................7-2
7.4.1 Compressed Binary Commands ...................................................................7-2
7.4.1.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127).....................................................7-3
7.4.1.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135)..................................................7-3
7.4.2 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104).........................................................7-3
7.4.3 Save FONTS to FLASH (^D135)...................................................................7-4
7.5 Font Structure.......................................................................................................7-5
7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary.............................................................7-7
CHAPTER 8: BAR CODES..........................................................................8-1
8.1 Types of Bar Codes..............................................................................................8-1
8.1.1 Universal Product Code – Version A (UPC-A), TCI 12..................................8-1
8.1.2 Universal Product Code – Version E (UPC-E), TCI 13..................................8-1
8.1.3 Universal Product Code (UPC-E, send 6 digits), TCI 14...............................8-2
8.1.4 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2 of 5), TCI 15 ................................................................8-2
8.1.5 Code 3 of 9 (Code39), TCI 16.......................................................................8-2
8.1.6 European Article Numbering System 13 (EAN-13), TCI 20...........................8-3
8.1.7 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21...............................8-3
8.1.8 Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI 24..................................................................8-3
8.1.9 Modified Plessey (MSI 2), TCI 25..................................................................8-3
8.1.10 Modified Plessey (MSI 3), TCI 26..................................................................8-3
8.1.11 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36................................................................................8-3
8.1.12 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37................................................................................8-4
8.1.13 MaxiCode, TCI 38.........................................................................................8-4
8.1.14 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40.................................................8-6
8.1.15 Code 128 (Manual Compression), TCI 41.....................................................8-7
8.1.16 Codabar (Rationalized), TCI 42.....................................................................8-8
8.1.17 Code 93, TCI 43............................................................................................8-8
8.1.18 PDF-417, TCI 46...........................................................................................8-8
8.1.19 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50................................................................................8-11
8.1.20 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51 ............................................................8-15
8.1.21 RSS-14, TCI 35...........................................................................................8-15
8.1.21.1 RSS-14 Standard.................................................................................8-15
8.1.21.2 RSS-14 Truncated ...............................................................................8-16
8.1.21.3 RSS-14 Stacked ..................................................................................8-16
8.1.21.4 RSS-14 Stacked Omni-directional .......................................................8-16
8.1.21.5 RSS-14 Limited....................................................................................8-17
8.1.21.6 RSS-14 Expanded ...............................................................................8-17
8.1.21.7 How to Print an RSS-14 Barcode.........................................................8-17
8.2 Bar Code Rotation..............................................................................................8-18
8.3 Bar Code Human Readable Text .......................................................................8-20
CHAPTER 9 CODE PAGE SWITCHING....................................................9-1
9.1 What is Code Page Switching?............................................................................9-1
9.2 Character Sets .....................................................................................................9-1
9.3 Code Pages .........................................................................................................9-1
9.3.1 Code Pages ..................................................................................................9-2
iv 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
9.3.2 Danish Code Page........................................................................................9-3
9.3.3 860 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-4
9.3.4 Spanish Code Page...................................................................................... 9-5
9.3.5 850 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-6
9.3.6 German Code Page...................................................................................... 9-7
9.3.7 865 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-8
9.3.8 Swiss Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-9
9.3.9 852 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-10
9.3.10 French Code Page......................................................................................9-11
9.3.11 863 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-12
9.3.12 Swedish Code Page ...................................................................................9-13
9.3.13 437 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-14
9.3.14 Italian Code Page ....................................................................................... 9-15
9.3.15 British Code Page....................................................................................... 9-16
9.3.16 USA Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-17
CHAPTER 10 PRINTER MAINTENANCE ................................................ 10-1
10.1 Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Thermal Printer Cleaning Ca rd .......................................................................... 10-2
10.3 Internal Cleaning................................................................................................ 10-3
10.4 Print Head Maintenance.....................................................................................10-4
CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................... 11-1
11.1 Troubleshooting Tips..........................................................................................11-1
APPENDIX.................................................................................................. 12-1
Appendix A: Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 12-1
Appendix B: ^D Command Summary....................................................................... 12-3
Appendix C: Glossary ............................................................................................ 12-16
Appendix D: User Notes......................................................................................... 12-20
INDEX.........................................................................................................13-1
General Index..........................................................................................................13-1
List of Figures..........................................................................................................13-7
List of Tables ........................................................................................................... 13-9
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 v
Introduction
The Model 428M printer is purposely built to provide a powerful print engine in a small
chassis to accommodate a wide variety of kiosk applications. It is designed with a 4” high
resolution 300 DPI Print Head capable of printing up to 8” per second. It incorporates the
latest features of the proven LDS software found in earlier Microcom Corporation printers.
428M Rear Side View
428M Front Side View
vi 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width* 6.1” (155 mm)
Height* 4.4” (112 mm)
Depth* 5.1” (130 mm)
Weight* 4.2 lbs. (1.9 kg)
Electrical +24 VDC
Current 3 Amps maximum
Temperature 40° F – 158° F (5° C – 70° C), operating
Humidity 10% – 85%, non-condensing
SRAM Memory 512 K
Code Flash Memory 512 K
User Flash Memory 8 MB
Agency Approvals
Interface Communications USB, Version 1.1 supported
Flow Control XON, XOFF, and CTS
Baud Rate 115200
Parity Odd, Even, and None
Data Bits 7 or 8
Table 1-1 General Specifications
* NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
Designed to meet CUL, CE, and complies with FCC
Class A
based on final configuration.
1.2 Printing Specifications
Print Type Direct Thermal
Print Resolution 300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot)
Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.) at 300 DPI
Maximum Print Width 300 DPI = 4.252” (108 mm); 1,280 dots
Maximum Print Length 50” (1,270 mm)
Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)
Table 1-2 Printing Specifications
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 1-1
Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types
Maximum Media Thickness* .011” (.2794 mm)
Maximum Media Width
Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled
or fanfold
4.38” (111 mm)
*NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the
material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom
Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of
thicker or rigid media types.
Table 1-3 Media Specifications
1-2 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
2.1 Fonts
• 7 (203 DPI) smooth bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts from 6pt to 14pt.
• TrueType® font capability using Microcom Corporation utility program.
• 19 300 DPI downloadable standard font set.
• All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width.
• Reverse image printing.
• Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.2 Graphics
• Resident Lines feature.
• Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non-
volatile FLASH memory.
Chapter 2: Features and Options
• All BMP files may be converted using a Microcom utility program.
• Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.3 Bar codes
• One-dimensional
• Code 39
• Interleaved 2 of 5
• Code 128 (A, B, C and
Auto)
• Code 93
• Codabar
• Modified Plessey
• UPC-A
• UPC-E
• EAN 8
• EAN 13
• UCC/EAN 128
• Postnet.
• Two-dimensional
• RSS-14
Standard
Truncated
Stacked
Stacked Omni-
directional
Limited
Expanded
• PDF-417
• Maxicode.
• Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and
270 º.
• Expandable in height and
width.
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 2-1
Features and Options Chapter 2
2.4 Special Features
• 3 Serial Data inputs
• RS-232D, up to 115,200 baud
• USB 1.1
• Rotating head mechanism for easy print head cleaning
• Adjustable media guides for easy label centering
• Software controlled contrast adjustment
• Detects label gap, black line, and blow-hole using reflective and
transmissive sensors
• Field incrementing, decrementing, and serialization
• Downloadable fonts and graphics (with data compression)
• Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed
• Remote printer interrogation
• On-site programmable flash memory updates
• 300 dpi print head
• Automatic stock eject on paper-out
2.5 Options
• +24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply
• Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly
• Low Paper Sensor Assembly
• Rubber Feet
• Cleaning kit
2-2 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printer has been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage during
shipment.
Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the
shipping company immediately to file a damage claim.
After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list
are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 428M
printer, optional power supply, and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain
different items.
The foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped
at a later time. Additional shipping materials can be ordered by contacting the Microcom
Corporation Service Department.
Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 3-1
Getting Started Chapter 3
3.2 Printer Power
Microcom Corporation offers a “desktop” universal power supply as option. Any power
supply that conforms to the standard supply specifications listed in Table 3-1 below may be
used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC power supply that operates in the 100-240
VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4 Amps. The power supply should operate in an “output foldback
mode” during an overload situation rather than a shutdown and restart attempt; sometimes
referred to as a “Hiccup” mode. Power supply and printer chassis must share a common
ground. Contact your Microcom Corporation representative for any questions regarding
power adapter requirements and/or specifications.
A 150 watt “desktop” universal power supply with cooling fan is also offered as an option for
high temperature applications.
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~4.16A +/- 5%
Power Rating:
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load:
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-1 100 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 70°C
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~6.25A +/- 5%
Power Rating:
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load:
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-2 150 Watt Power Supply, with Fan 60°C
GND
GND
Figure 3-2 Optional Desktop Power Supply Output
100 Watts, no cooling, 70
12 cycles @ 2.1ms rep. rate;
35A, 650µs pulse
150 Watts, internal fan cooling, 60
12 cycles @ 2.1 ms rep. rate;
35A, 650 µs pulse
View of Optional Desktop Power
Supply
Output cable connector
°C
+
+24V
°C
3-2 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 3 Getting Started
(115-230VAC)
AC Input
On/Off Switch
DC Output
(+24 VDC)
Note: Verify that the printer’s On/Off switch is switched “off” before
plugging in the power cord into the electrical outlet and the power
supply’s output cable into the printer.
Figure 3-3 Connecting the Power
3.3 USB Communication Interface
The 428M printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order
to communicate with the printer a Prolific Technologies USB driver must be installed on the
host computer (Call Microcom for availability). The USB driver provides the host computer a
virtual serial communication port allowing the use of a terminal emulation program to
communicate with the printer using a standard USB cable with a Type-A (host computer)
and Type-B (428M printer) connectors.
3.3.1 USB Driver Setup
This section will guide you on how to install the PL-2303 USB to Serial adaptor under
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows 98 operating systems.
Note: Please take notice of the installation order. First, run the InstallShield wizard,
connect the USB cable to the printer, and turn the printer “ON.”
The following steps will show how to install the device under Windows XP. Basically, the
procedures are also somewhat the same for other Windows operating systems.
1. Power on your computer and boot to Windows.
2. Run or double-click the InstallShield driver setup program “PL-2303 Driver Installer.exe”.
The InstallShield Wizard will be displayed on your screen to inform you that the PL-2303
USB-to-Serial driver will be installed on your computer. Click Next to continue and start
the installation.
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 3-3
Getting Started Chapter 3
3. Wait until the InstallShield Wizard informs you that driver installation is successfully
installed. Click the Finish button to close the InstallShield program.
4. Connect the USB cable to the printer.
5. Power the printer “ON.”
6. Windows should detect the driver as Prolific USB-to-Serial Bridge (ComX). Note
which Com port is being used by the virtual Com driver.
Win XP:
[Start] → [Settings] → [Control Panel] → [System] → [Hardware] →[Device Manager] →[Ports]
Win 98SE
[Start] → [Settings] → [Control Panel] → [System] → [Device Manager] →[Ports(Com & LPT)]
7. Double-click the Prolific USB-to-Serial Bridge (ComX) to open the Properties box.
Check Port Settings as shown and change to match Figure 3-4 if necessary.
8. Open the terminal emulation program and set Com settings to match the virtual Com
port settings.
Figure 3-4 USB to Virtual Com Port Properties
3-4 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 3 Getting Started
3.4 Loading Media
The easy- to-release print head makes loading media into the Model 428M printer an easy
process. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media.
1. Feed the media into the paper path, located on the back of the printer, until you feel
resistance.
2. Push and hold the Print Button to feed the media through the printer.
3. Once the media exits the front of the printer, release the Print Button.
The printer is also equipped with an Autoload feature. This feature allows the printer to
automatically sense new media as it is inserted into the printer, and automatically feed the
media to provide proper registration of the first label/tag to either the leading edge or a
registration mark. For more details on this feature, please refer to Chapter 5, Autoload
Commands.
Step 2.
… then press and hold
Print Button to advance
label stock.
Step 3.
Print test labels until print
is properly registering
with label stock by
tapping Print Button.
Adjustable Paper Guides
Figure 3-5 Loading Media
Step 1.
Insert label stock
here until it stops…
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 3-5
Getting Started Chapter 3
3.5 Print Button and Status Indicator Light
The Print Button and the Status Indicator Light are used to identify and perform many
functions. This section provides a description to familiarize you with the basic function of
the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light.
Figure 3-6 Print Button and Status Indicator Light
Print Button
Status Indicator Light
3.5.1 Print Button
Operation Description
Press the Print Button while the printer is IDLE or PAUSED to
Printing a label
Pause printing
Feeding labels
(Line feed)
3-6 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
reprint the last label.
A power up label will print after a power ON cycle when the Print
Button is pressed.
Press & hold the Print Button while the printer is printing to enter
the PAUSED mode.
Press the Print Button again to continue printing.
Press & hold the Print Button while the printer is IDLE to advance
label media. The printer will continue advancing label media until
the Print Button is released.
Table 3-3 Print Button Description
Chapter 3 Getting Started
3.5.2 Status Indicator Light
Light Color Description
Solid Green
Solid Red
Solid Amber
Flashing Red
Indicates that the power is on and the printer is in a ready state.
Indicates an error has occurred. The printer will remain in this
state until the condition is removed. If an unexplained error
persists, contact your Service Representative.
The printer is in the Tag/Tear or Peel-and-Dispense mode and is
waiting for the label/tag to be taken.
OR
Indicates that the printer is in the Boot Loader mode (MCB) and is
not running the printer application program.
A cutter error has occurred.
OR
A memory download operation was not successful.
OR
Power Spike or low voltage on the AC line. (The printer will
remain in this mode until the condition is removed and the printer
power is cycled.)
Flashing Amber Printer is PAUSED,
Table 3-4 Status Indicator Light Description
3.6 Printer Modes
The printer has four primary modes of operation. The different types of modes have an
impact on how the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light operate. This section is
intended to provide the user with an explanation of these different modes.
3.6.1 Idle Mode: GREEN
The printer is in the IDLE Mode when it is not printing and/or has no pending activity. The
indicator light is GREEN, which indicates that the printer is ready to receive label formats
and/or commands.
In IDLE Mode the Print Button has several different functions:
a) Pressing the button quickly will reprint the last label (unless print
repetition has been disabled by the ^D22 command bit 4, then a form
feed will execute)
b) If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the
printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label,
c) Holding the button depressed: Line Feed until the button is released.
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3.6.2 Halted Mode: RED
The printer is in the HALTED Mode when it has stopped due to an error condition. The
Status Indicator Light will be solid red in color when the printer has entered the HALTED
Mode. The printer will remain in this mode until the error has been corrected and cleared.
Once the error has been cleared, the printer will attempt to execute the previous format
and/or commands.
3.6.2.1 Steps to clear the >LOW STOCK< error
a) Load new label media.
b) Press the Print Button quickly to start printing.
c) Press the Print Button until label is properly registering on media.
d) Press the Print Button again during printing to resume batch printing.
3.6.2.2 Steps to clear the >LOW STOCK< error with “single button error clear”
If Soft Switch #5, Bit #1 is set to “1”, then a single quick press of the Print
Button will clear the >LOW STOCK< error once the printer has more label
media loaded.
3.6.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >LOW STOCK<
The printer performs an Automatic Stock Eject operation whenever it runs out
of label media. As soon as the >LOW STOCK< condition is detected, the
printer feeds the label media forward to clear the drive roller.
The feed distance is just enough to eject the last of the label media past the
drive roller and then stop. This happens automatically…the user doesn’t have
to hit the Print Button.
3.6.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER
There are several ways that the operator can control the output of the printer. The printer
will display either solid or flashing AMBER depending upon the mode of operation. Also,
the printer will display a solid AMBER during a FLASH update operation.
Solid AMBER A printed tag/label is waiting to be taken by the operator when the
printer is in a Tag/Tear (^D97) or Peel-and-Dispense (^D98) mode.
The printer is in the Bootloader or updating the application stored in
flash memory.
Flashing AMBER Press and holding the Print Button during tag/label printing will cause
the printer to pause. It will resume printing by pressing the Print Button
again.
3.6.4 Diagnostic Mode
The Diagnostic Mode temporarily powers up the printer using factory default parameters.
Also, the printer’s current user configuration parameters and statistical information are
printed out on a Status Label. This provides useful information to help diagnose and
troubleshoot problems. The printer will use the factory default parameters until the printer
has been reset using a soft reset or by cycling power. The printer will then return to the
configuration shown on the Status Label.
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3.6.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode
To enter the Diagnostic Mode, press and hold the Print Button “IN” while turning the printer
“ON.” Release the Print Button after printer begins to feed media. The printer will enter the
DIAGNOSTICS Mode, and print the Statistics label and a print test pattern.
The printer’s normal Soft Switch settings are ignored, and factory default settings are loaded
into the printer. These default settings will remain in effect until the printer power is cycled,
the RESET command is issued (^A1^D143), or a Soft RESTART command is issued
(^D32). These are the only ways to get out of the DIAGNOSTICS mode.
3.6.4.2 Statistics Label
The Statistics Label may be printed either by entering the DIAGNOSTICS Mode or sending
the Printing Statistics Command.
PRINTER SERIAL #: 00516645051
PRINTED LABELS: 303
PRINTED INCHES: 1533
TOTAL INCHES: 1571
POWER ON HOURS: 32.8
CUTTER TYPE: Guillotine
CUTTER ENABLED?: YES
CUTTER COUNTS: 1789
KIOSK CUT MODE: Disabled
KIOSK DISTANCE: 0
SWITCH BANK 1: 10001010
SWITCH BANK 2: 01010001
SWITCH BANK 3: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 4: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 5: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 6: 00000001
CURRENT COMM PORT: Autoselect USB/RS232
RS232 PARAMETERS: 115200-N-8-1
PRINT HEAD SIZE: 1280
PRINT HEAD DPI: 300
% CONTRAST: 100
D91 GAP VALUE: 30
TOF DISTANCE: 179
STOCK OUT VALUE: 100
PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A
BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A
CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212
PRINTER SERIAL #: 00516645051
PRINTED LABELS: 303
PRINTED INCHES: 1533
TOTAL INCHES: 1571
POWER ON HOURS: 32.8
CUTTER TYPE: None
KIOSK CUT MODE: Disabled
KIOSK DISTANCE: 0
SWITCH BANK 1: 10001010
SWITCH BANK 2: 01010001
SWITCH BANK 3: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 4: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 5: 00000000
SWITCH BANK 6: 01110010
CURRENT COMM PORT: Autoselect USB/RS232
RS232 PARAMETERS: 115200-N-8-1
PRINT HEAD SIZE: 1280
PRINT HEAD DPI: 300
% CONTRAST: 100
D91 GAP VALUE: 30
TOF DISTANCE: 160
STOCK OUT VALUE: 100
PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A
BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A
CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212
Figure 3-7 Status Label (Examples)
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3.7 Sensor Inputs
Figure 3-8 LPD “Label Present Detector” Location
Sensor Ports
1) LPD (Label Present Detector). Used to detect when a printed label is present. A
potentiometer is provided to adjust the distance over which the LPD sensor will
detect reflections. The maximum range may be adjusted over a distance of 0.20”
Ö 0.85”. Distances are measured from the surface of the sensor to the reflecting
surface. This pot may be used to decrease sensor range to avoid false reflections
from stationary objects such as a cutter.
2) PAPER LOW configuration. This general purpose input is a reflective sensor
typically used with custom applications to sense when stock is running low at the
stock source. This enables the operator to replenish stock before a >LOW
STOCK< condition occurs and since it is typically more distant from the Print
Head than the PSO “Pre-Stock Out Sensor,” would be less critical . The active
state of the signal is programmable thru Soft switch #3, bit #4 (^D23 command).
An active state will return an >INPUT 2< response when queried. The maximum
pick-up range is not adjustable and is set to sense a reflection up to 0.80” from
the sensor’s surface.
LPD
“Label Present
Detector”
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3) PSO “Pre-Stock Out” configuration. The optional Pre-Stock Out Assembly
contains a switch that may be used to warn of an eminent stock out (>LOW
STOCK<) condition before printing occurs preventing unwanted partially printed
formats. The active state of the signal is programmable thru Soft switch #3, bit #2
(^D23 command). An active state will return an >INPUT 1< response when
queried.
PSO Switch
(>INPUT 1<)
configuration
PSO Assembly
Configuration
Paper Low Sensor
(>INPUT 2<)
Assembly Port
Figure 3-9 428M Shown with Optional Pre-Stock Out Assembly
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Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using LDS
Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the control language resident in the printer used to
create labels. All bitmapped fonts, character sets and bar codes are resident in the printer.
Additional fonts and graphic images may be sent from a host and stored in the printer’s
memory.
A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps:
1. Control commands to define printer operation.
2. A format header to define the label height, width, print speed, etc…
3. Field data that defines the placement of text, bar codes, graphics or lines.
4. Actual text data to place in the Field data strings.
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 <CR>. It is
important to note that all printer functions, unless otherwise noted, must be followed or
terminated with a carriage return (<CR> or HEX 0D). The printer ignores the <LF> (line
feed) or HEX 0A character so it is easier to read and troubleshoot files if the <LF> character
is sent after the <CR> character.
Note: Control codes are ignored when the printer is configured for binary compression
mode (^D23 bit 7).
4.2 LDS Design Exercises
There are many different machines capable of sending information to the printer including
main frames, mini-computers, special purpose computers and PC’s. For the purpose of
simplicity, the design exercises contained in this manual will use one of the easiest methods
by using an IBM compatible PC and a VT-100 terminal emulation software program. This
method of connection will allow two-way, communication with the printer.
Items required:
- A computer with a Prolific Technologies USB driver installed. (Contact your
Microcom Corporation representative for more details.)
- A USB cable with Type-A (host computer) and Type-B (428M printer) connectors.
- A VT-100 terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal™.
- A text editor that does not add formatting characters such as Microsoft® Notepad.
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Figure 4-1 HyperTerminal™ Window Example
4.2.1 Format Creation
Special Control code functions (see Chapter 5, Special Control Codes) and/or label formats
may be entered directly through the keyboard but this is not the most efficient method if
entering a large amount of data or numerous commands. Large formats and/or numerous
commands should be entered in an ASCII text editor and then uploaded to the printer.
Microsoft® Notepad has been used for the creation of label designs in this manual because
it is simple to use and does not add formatting characters.
The LDS programming language uses thermal dots as the unit of measure. All commands
and parameters, unless noted otherwise, should be entered using dots. The 428M printer is
fitted with a 300 dpi head.
The conversion values for the 300dpi print head:
Dots/mm Inch/Dot
12 0.0033
EXAMPLE: A label that is 2” in length would be (2 x 300) = 600 dots.
The printer can accept either the one-character control code (“Ctrl + E” (HEX05)) or the two-
character caret (^) plus alpha character (“^E”). In other words, for a PC keyboard, the same
command can be generated either by holding down the “Ctrl” key and pressing the alpha
character or by entering the two characters; the “^” (the character generated when you
press the “Shift” key and the “6”) plus the alpha character. See Chapter 5 for additional
information regarding control codes and printer commands.
There are some special features offered by the printer that assist in label design. For
example, the auto-size command (^A2^D39 <CR>) provides most of the header format
information needed to define the different properties of the media being used. The current
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state of the printer is accessed through the enquiry command (^D5 <CR>, Ctrl E, or 5 NULL
characters + 01 (HEX 00 00 00 00 00 01) if binary compression has been enabled). The
statistical information of the printer is made available through the use of the ^A0^D29 <CR>
or more simply ^D29 <CR> command.
The following sections of this chapter are intended to provide the user an overview of the
LDS language. The overview will include information regarding the label format, header
definition, and list the different types of field information available. The combination of these
sections and Chapter 5 should provide the user with the information required for easy format
creation and printing. Once some understanding of these basic concepts has been
achieved, use the Quick Reference Guide in Appendix C for expedient label design.
4.3 Label Design: 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, and
the type of character generation such as text, graphics, bar codes, etc. The number of
fields is limited only by the amount of free memory available.
Below is a sample label format created for the Model 428M. We will refer to this format as
we break down the steps and components to produce the format. Refer to
printed representation.
^D57 <CR> A label format is coming.
5,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> Header Information.
1,640,650,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 <CR> Field #1 format information.
2,640,550,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 <CR> Field #2 format information.
3,640,450,26,1,5,0,4 <CR> Field #3 format information.
4,640,300,6,1,5,0,4 <CR> Field #4 format information.
4,640,150,6,16,3,,4,3,75 <CR> Field #4 format information.
^D56 <CR> Signals the end of the label field definition.
^D2 <CR> Text data is coming.
Microcom <CR> Text data string #1.
Corporation <CR> Text data string #2.
Thermal Printing Solutions <CR> Text data string #3.
012345 <CR> Text data string #4.
^D3 <CR> Print format.
The command ^D57<CR> on the first line informs the printer that a format is coming and
causes the printer to enter the format entry mode.
The next line is the header information that sets the label size and other pertinent
information.
The next five lines are layout and configuration for each data field in the format.
The command ^D56<CR> selects the user’s layout or more simply the end of the formatting
information.
Figure 4-2 for a
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The command ^D2<CR> instructs the printer to start accepting data for each of the defined
field’s strings that are entered into the previous format received (between the ^D57 and
^D56 commands). Field #1 defines the placement and configuration for Text Data String
#1; Field #2 defines the placement and configuration for Text Data String #2, etc… The
label is printed from the bottom left corner to the top of the label.
The next three lines are the text data for the associated field format lines.
Text Data String #4 is being accessed twice. The format places the Text “012345” on the
label and then is accessed again placing a Code39 symbol representing “012345” on the
label.
The command ^D3<CR> instructs the printer to print.
Thermal Printing Solutions
Figure 4-2 3x3 Sample Label
Microcom
Corporation
012345
4.4 Label Header
The label header consists of eleven parameters that control the media layout as well as
printer configuration. A comma (,) delimiter is used to separate the parameters and a
carriage return is required to terminate the header.
The values for header elements requiring measurements are expressed as thermal dots or
pixels. Dot or pixel size varies depending upon the print resolution of the print head. The
dot size of a 300 dots per inch head (12 dots/mm) is 0.0032”. The dot size is the same in
both the horizontal and vertical direction. For example, a 4” X 6” label printed with a 300
DPI print head would be 1200 (4 X 300) dots in the horizontal or “X” direction, and 1800 (6 X
300) dots in the “Y” direction.
While the maximum number of dots in the horizontal or “X” direction is limited by print head
size, it is virtually unlimited in the vertical or “Y” direction. Vertical dot rows are “stepped” by
the drive roller motor.
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This is a list of the header element mnemonics for the sample label in Figure 4-2:
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
5 1280 900 19 38 7 0 1 385 0 0
Feed Direction
4” PRINT HEAD
Web Value
.0625” or
19 Dots
Thermal Printing Solutions
Microcom
Corporation
012345
LSY
3.0” or 900 Dots
X beginning
This is the
origin; 1,1
Y beginning
4.266” or 1280 Dots
(Total Print Head Dots)
LSX
Gap Value
.125” or 38 Dots
Figure 4-3 Header Elements
4.4.1 HFM (Number of Fields in Layout)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more format fields are
defined than specified in the HFM parameter, they will be ignored and will not print. The
HFM was set to a value of 5 in the format used to create the sample in Figure 4-2. This
means that a total of five format fields are to be generated. If the HFM were changed to 4,
only the first four format fields would be generated.
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4.4.2 LSX (Print Head Size X)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to specify the width of the print head using dots as the unit of
measure. The maximum width of the LSX parameter is determined by the width of the print
head. LDS has been specifically designed to accommodate a variety of print head widths.
The 428M LSX value should always be set to 1280.
4.4.3 LSY (Label Size Y)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to specify the height of the label using dots as the unit of measure.
The maximum height is virtually unlimited and is dependant only with available printer
memory. The label sample (Figure 4-2) LSY measures 3” or 900 dots.
4.4.4 WEB (Web Size)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
The WEB parameter is the width, measured in dots, of the webbing or backing material that
is found on the left side of a die-cut label. This parameter is used to introduce an offset to
accommodate the backing of die-cut media. The label sample (Figure 4-2) WEB measures
.0625” or 19 dots.
4.4.5 GAP (GAP Size)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is the height, measured in dots, of the registration mark used to identify the
beginning of a label. The label sample (Figure 4-2) GAP (distance of the backing material
between the labels) measures 0.125” or 38 dots.
4.4.6 DPS (Print Speed)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
The DPS parameter is used to set the printing speed for the printer. Refer to Table 4-1 for
the list of print speeds, DPS values, and corresponding inches per second values. To print
at greater speeds, change the DPS value to a lower setting as shown on Table 4-1.
Generally, better print quality is achieved by printing at lower speeds, however this is also
dependent on the media and contrast settings as well.
Labels per minute can be calculated by the equation below:
IPS x 60 seconds
Labels per Minute =
Label Height
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PRINT SPEED
DPS VALUE
00 203.2 8.0 480
01 190.5 7.5 450
02 177.8 7.0 420
03 165.1 6.5 390
04 152.4 6.0 360
05 139.7 5.5 330
06 127.0 5.0 300
07 114.3 4.5 270
08 101.6 4.0 240
09 88.9 3.5 210
10 76.2 3.0 180
11 63.5 2.5 150
12 50.8 2.0 120
13 38.1 1.5 90
MM PER INCHES PER INCHES PER
SECOND SECOND MINUTE
Table 4-1 DPS Values
4.4.7 LCB (Label Control Byte)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter selects the method the printer uses for detecting registration marks on the
different media types. The428M printer has both upper (transmissive) and lower (reflective)
gap detectors as standard equipment. The following sections discuss the LCB settings for
the different media types.
4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0)
A selection of “0” in the LCB parameter instructs the printer to detect the leading edge of a
die-cut label or a “blow-hole” to identify the start of the next label. In this method light from
the lower sensor passes through the stock to the detector in the upper sensor. This is
referred to as “transmissive” sensing. The label sample (
the LCB is set to “0”.
4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2)
If the LCB parameter is set to a value of “2”, the printer will not search for a registration
mark. The gap detectors are only used for stock out conditions when set for continuous
media types. The printer will print all fields that contain data and then advance the media by
the amount specified in the SPG parameter of the header when the default AGD of “1” is
entered in the header. This means that fields that are left blank or text data for the
associating format fields that are left empty will not print.
Figure 4-2) is die-cut, therefore,
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For example: Imagine a receipt format that contains 100 lines. If data is provided for the
first 50 lines, the printer will not advance for the remaining 50 lines that have been left blank.
The printer would stop immediately after printing the 50th line and then advance the media
by the amount specified in the SPG header parameter.
When the AGD header parameter is set to “0”, the printer will advance the same amount of
media even when text data fields are left blank. In this case, the advance distance is
determined by adding the SPG parameter and LSY parameter values.
For example: Imagine the same format as mentioned above that has an LSY value of 900
(3” x 300 = 900), an SPG value of 385, and an AGD value of “0” that contains 100 format
lines. If text data is provided for the first 50 lines and the remaining 50 lines are left empty,
then the printer will print the first 50 lines, advance the next 50 lines, advance the remaining
LSY value, and then finally advance the SPG or 385 dots. Regardless of the format fields, if
the LSY is set to 900 and the SPG is set to 385 the printer will advance a total of 1285 dots
(900+385=1285).
4.4.7.3 Black Line Media (Reflective) (setting = 3)
The Reflective Black Line method is used when media uses a black line for a registration
mark; a “3” should be entered in the LCB parameter. This setting will detect the leading
edge of the black line by using the reflective sensor only. The light from the emitter in the
lower sensor is reflected down to the detector in the lower sensor.
Note: The transmissive sensor is still used to detect “paper out” conditions.
4.4.8 AGD (Activate Gap Detector)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter selects the number of step (dot rows) that the printer will skip before
registration mark sensing is activated. This value is usually set to “1”. It is a good idea to
set it to a value to ignore areas of pre-printed or perforated stock that might cause incorrect
registration mark detection.
4.4.9 SPG (Steps Past Gap)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to specify the number of steps (thermal dots) to advance the media
after a registration mark has been detected. This parameter is required to properly register
print on each label. The table below lists proper SPG settings for particular printer
configurations when the LSY is greater than the parameter value.
Model/Print Head DPI D2G Value
428M Black Line 720
428M Transmissive 380
Table 4-2 Dot to Gap Parameters
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For media that has a LSY value less than the parameter value in table 4-3, the SPG will
need to be calculated. SPG can be calculated using this formula:
SPG = (D2G + LSY - DRM) mod (LSY + SBL)
NOTE: All values are in pixels or dots.
D2G = This is a physical distance from the registration sensors to the print head's dot row,
and is a specific value for each model.
LSY = This is the actual height of the media in pixels or dots.
DRM = The Distance to Registration Mark is the distance from the leading edge of the
printable area to the beginning of the registration mark.
SBL = The Space Between Labels is the non-printable distance between the media,
typically found on die-cut labels. If the media contains space between the actual
printable portions of the media being used, this would be the SBL parameter.
Please note that this does not reflect a blowhole or black line height, as these
registration marks are typically positioned within the printable area. When die-cut
media is used, this value is also used in the GAP header parameter.
Calculation Examples:
Die-cut Media:
A 428M printer being used with 3" x 1" media containing a .125" die-cut gap. The SPG
would be calculated as follows:
SPG = (D2G + LSY - DRM) mod (LSY + SBL)
SPG = (380 + 300 - 300) mod (300 + 38)
SPG = 380 mod 338
SPG = 42
D2G (380) = The Dot to Gap distance for a 428M printer (Table 4-3).
LSY (300) = The height of the printable area; 1" x 300 DPI = 300 dots.
SBL (38) = The Space Between Labels, or die-cut GAP in this case;
.125" x 300 DPI = 38 dots.
DRM (300) = The Distance to Registration Mark is from the leading edge of
the printable area to the next registration mark;
1" x 300 DPI = 300 dots.
The SPG can be fine adjusted by temporarily adding a line at dot row #1 using Line Draw
and adjusting the SPG number up and down to get desirable registration.
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4.4.10 OFX (Offset X Direction)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to move or offset all format fields in the X direction without altering
the format fields coordinates themselves.
4.4.11 OFY (Offset Y Direction)
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
This parameter is used to move or offset all format fields in the Y direction without altering
the format fields coordinates themselves.
4.5 Sample Header
This is the header for the format used to generate the printed sample in Figure 4-2 followed
by a summary of the header values.
5, 1280, 900,19 ,38 ,7 ,0 ,1 ,385, 0, 0 <CR>
5 = 5 format fields are following the header.
1280 = LSX (total print head dots) is 1280 dots.
900 = LSY (label height) measures 3” or 900 dots.
19 = WEB measures 0.0625” or 19 dots.
38 = GAP measures 0.125” or 38 dots.
7 = Print speed (DPS) of 7 = 4.5 inches per second.
0 = LCB of 0 for die-cut labels.
1 = AGD of 1 step.
385 = SPG of 385 for proper placement of the next label.
0 = No X offset.
0 = No Y offset.
<CR> = A carriage return must follow the header.
4.6 Label Format Fields
The Label Format Fields are used to define the characteristics, placement and
representation of the corresponding text data of the individual fields. A format field is
broken down into many different parameters. It is not necessary to enter values for all of the
parameters (default value will be used if a parameter is left blank) but each parameter must
be separated with the comma delimiter (“,”). A carriage return must follow each format field
for proper operation to occur. The values entered must be positive integers for all of the
parameters of the format field.
This is a list of the first label format field element mnemonics for the sample label in Figure
:
4-2
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, , , AN
1, 640, 650, 8, 1, 5, 0, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, , , 0
4-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
X beginning
This is the
origin; 1,1
YB
XB
Thermal Printing Solutions
Y beginning
Figure 4-4 Label Format Field Elements
Feed Direction
4” PRINT HEAD
Microcom
Corporation
012345
4.6.1 TSN (Text String Number)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The parameter determines which line of text data will be used for formatting. This allows for
more than one field to use the same text data. A TSN of “1” accesses the first line of data.
A TSN of “2” accesses the second line of data, and so forth. The text data is the text that
follows the “^D2<CR>” command in the label’s layout. A graphic image field must point to a
text string that contains at least one character. The maximum value for a TSN is 65536.
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 4-11
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
4.6.2 XB (X Beginning Coordinate)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The X coordinate of the field is measured in thermal dots. The far left edge of the print
head, as viewed from the front of the printer, is X coordinate “1”. There is no X coordinate
of “0”. The X coordinates increase in size from the left to right. An XB of 300 would place
the field one inch from the left side of the print head. Any offsets required for media that is
not as wide as the print head must be manually entered for the XB or the OFX header
element may be used.
Example: The print head is 1280 dots, if 3” or 900 dot wide media was used, the offset of
190 should be added to each XB coordinate.
Offset example: 1280 - 900 = 380; 380/2 = 190.
4.6.3 YB (Y Beginning Coordinate)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The Y coordinate of the field is measured in thermal dots. A YB coordinate of 1 would be
the bottom edge of the label as viewed front the front of the printer. The Y coordinates
increase in size from the bottom to the top of the label. A YB of 300 would place the
insertion point one inch from the bottom of the label.
4.6.4 CC (Character Count)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
This parameter determines the number of characters that will be used by the format field. If
the number of characters in the selected text string is greater than the quantity specified by
the CC, the remainder of the text string will be ignored. If the text string has less than the
number specified by the CC, then only those characters defined by the text string will be
printed. For example, the text string “character count” should have a CC of “15” including
the space character. This parameter should be set to a value of “1” if the field is a graphic
image.
4.6.5 TCI (Text Conversion Identifier)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The TCI parameter determines how the text string will be printed. The TCI is used to select
text, bar codes, lines, downloadable font, or graphics. All of the TCI values used by the
428M printer are listed in Table 4-3 below. For example, a TCI of “1” for the text string data
“012345” would print the text “012345” while a TCI of “15” would produce an “Interleaved 2
of 5” symbol.
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
TCI VALUE TCI DESCRIPTION
1 Regular Text (standard embedded fonts, no barcode)
2 Text Surrounded by Asterisks
3* Text with UPC-A / UPC-E Checksum Digit Added
6 Line Draw
7 FLASH Fonts and Graphics
8 RAM Fonts and Graphics
12 UPC-A Symbol
13 UPC-E Symbol (Send 11 Digits)
14 UPC-E Symbol (Send 7 Digits)
15 Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode
16 Code 39 Symbol
17* Text with UPC-E Checksum and Extended Bars Added
20 EAN-13 Symbol
21 EAN-8 Symbol
22* Text with EAN-13 Checksum and Extended Bars Added
23* Text with EAN-8 Checksum and Extended Bars Added
24 MSI 1 Symbol (Modified Plessey)
25 MSI 2 Symbol (Modified Plessey)
26 MSI 3 Symbol (Modified Plessey)
28* Text with MSI Checksum Added – Type 1
29* Text with MSI Checksum Added – Type 2
32* Text with UPC-A Checksum and Extended Bars Added
33* Text with UPC-A with Extended Bars Added
35 RSS14 Barcode
36 Postnet Symbol (Zip+4)
37 Postnet Symbol (Zip+6)
38 MaxiCode Symbol
40 Code 128 Symbol (Automatic Compression)
41 Code 128 Symbol (Manual Compression)
42 Codabar Symbol
43 Code 93 Symbol
46 PDF-417 Symbol
50 UCC/EAN 128 Symbol
51* Text with EAN 128 Information
* Human Readable - Refer to Chapter 8
Table 4-3 TCI Values
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
4.6.6 CGN (Character Generator Number)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The CGN parameter is a numeric entry that determines the representation and size of
embedded font and bar codes as well as the memory location of graphic images that have
been selected by the TCI parameter.
4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts
The 428M printer provides seven resident Helvetica style 203 DPI embedded fonts that are
selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value.
Embedded Bitmapped Fonts
CGN POINT
VALUE SIZE
1 6 Swiss™721 Bold
2 8 Swiss™721 Normal
3 10 Swiss™721 Normal
FONT TYPE FONT SAMPLE
6pt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ1234567890
8pt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ1234567890
10pt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
4 12 Swiss™721 Normal 12pt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU
5 14 Swiss™721 Normal
7 12 OCR-A
8 12 OCR-B
14pt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Table 4-4 CGN—Embedded Fonts
4.6.6.2 Downloadable Fonts and Graphics
When selecting downloadable fonts and graphics using TCI value of “7” or “8”, the CGN
denotes the memory slot (1-255) where the font or graphic has been stored. See Chapters
6 and 7 for additional information regarding downloadable fonts and graphics.
For example: If a graphic had been stored into RAM (volatile) memory slot 1 (see Chapter 5
for additional information), the proper TCI would be “8” and the CGN value would be “1”.
The Model 428M also provides a standard downloadable font set containing 19 Helvetica
style 300 dpi fonts. These fonts are stored in the printer’s non-volatile flash memory and are
accessed with a TCI of 7 and the appropriate CGN value. Custom font sets may be loaded
into printers at the factory, ask your Microcom Representative for additional information on
custom font sets.
Downloadable fonts must be stored in two separate directions; 0 and 90 degrees. This
means that the 0 degree fonts should be used with 0 and 180 degree rotations while the 90
degree fonts used with 90 and 270 degree rotations in order to achieve correct printing.
4-14 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
Standard Downloadable Font Set
CGN POINT
VALUE SIZE
10 6 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
11 6 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
12 8 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
13 8 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
14 10 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
15 10 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
16 12 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
17 12 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
18 14 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
19 14 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
20 16 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
21 16 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
22 20 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
23 20 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
FONT TYPE
24 24 Swiss™721 Normal 0 degree
25 24 Swiss™721 Normal 90 degree
30 6 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
31 6 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
32 8 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
33 8 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
34 10 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
35 10 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
36 12 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
37 12 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
38 14 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
39 14 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
40 16 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
41 16 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
42 20 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
43 20 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
44 24 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree
45 24 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree
50 12 OCR-A Normal 0 degree
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 4-15
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Standard Downloadable Font Set
CGN POINT
VALUE SIZE
FONT TYPE
51 12 OCR-A Normal 90 degree
52 12 OCR-B Normal 0 degree
53 12 OCR-B Normal 90 degree
54 8 OCR-B Normal 0 degree
55 8 OCR-B Normal 90 degree
Table 4-5 CGN - Standard Downloadable Font Set
4.6.6.3 Embedded Bar Codes
Certain bar codes can be printed using various ratios and character spacing options. The
following table illustrates these options. See Chapter 8 for more detailed information on
designing label formats using bar code symbols. Some bar codes do not require a CGN
value and should be omitted by entering the comma delimiter.
For Example: If a TCI of 40 is selected the CGN will be omitted by entering nothing for the
CGN and surrounding the parameter with the comma delimiter.
1,200,200,10,40,,0,0,100,1
Bar Code Symbologies
SYMBOL RATIO HEIGHT SPACING FO **
Code 39 5
I 2 of 5
UPC / EAN * - 40 % 1 - 0123
UPC Readable * - 40 % 1 - 0123
Code 128 & UCC / EAN 128 * - 40 % 1 - 0123
Codabar
Code 93 - 2:1 1 - 0123
AS-10 - 2:1 1 - 0123
MSI (Modified Plessey) - 1:1 1 - 0123
CGN
VALUE
2
3
8
2 2:1 1 - 0123
3 3:1 1 - 0123
5 5:2 1 - 0123
2 2:1 1 - 0123
3 3:1 1 - 0123
5 5:2 1 - 0123
2:1 1 2 0123
3:1 1 2 0123
5:2 1 2 0123
8:3 1 3 0123
Table 4-6 CGN—Bar Code Symbologies
* These Symbols must use the CMX or CMY multipliers by 2 to produce an 80% ratio.
** The “FO” field represents the available Field Orientation or print rotation.
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
4.6.7 FO (Field Orientation)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
This parameter defines the rotation of the format field on the label. The point of rotation is
determined from the Field Justification parameter.
0 0 degrees (normal rotation)
1 180 degrees (upside-down rotation)
2 270 degrees (right rotation)
3 90 degrees (left rotation)
4.6.8 FJ (Field Justification)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
This parameter defines the justification of the format field on the label.
0 Left Justified above the base-line
1 Right Justified above the base-line
2 Left Justified below the base-line
3 Right Justified below the base-line
4 Centered above the base-line
5 Centered below the base-line
The table below shows how to obtain the proper character placement or starting positions
relative to the format field’s orientations and justifications.
ROTATION FIELD ORIENTATION and JUSTIFICATION
0 – Left justified above the base-line
1 – Right justified above the base-line
0 & 180 Degrees
90 & 270 Degrees
2 – Left justified below the base-line
3 – Right justified below the base-line
4 – Centered above the base-line
5 – Centered below the base-line
0 – Left justified above the base-line
1 – Right justified above the base-line
2 – Left justified below the base-line
3 – Right justified below the base-line
4 – Centered on the Y axis, right of X coordinate
5 – Centered on the Y axis, left of the X coordinate
Table 4-7 FO & FJ Character Starting Positions
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 4-17
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
4.6.9 CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The CMX parameter multiplies each character in the X direction. The valid range is 1 to
65536. For bar codes with a FO of 0 & 180 degree rotation, the CMX would be the
multiplier while the CMY would be the actual height in thermal dots. For bar codes with a
FO of 90 & 270 degree rotation, the CMX would be the actual height in thermal dots while
the CMY parameter would be the multiplier.
4.6.10 CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The CMY parameter multiplies each character in the Y direction. The valid range is 1 to
65536. For bar codes with a FO of 90 & 270 degree rotation, the CMY would be the
multiplier while the CMX would be the actual height in thermal dots. For bar codes with a
FO of 0 & 180 degree rotation, the CMY would be the actual height in thermal dots while the
CMX parameter would be the multiplier.
4.6.11 CS (Character Spacing)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
This parameter adjusts the spacing between each character. If this parameter is omitted,
then the default for the selected character generator (CGN) is used. The values (0-127) add
dots while (128-255) subtract dots. For example, a value of 4 would insert 4 dots between
the characters while a value of 131 would subtract 4 dots between the characters. Bar
codes have default spacing according to the indicated multiplier. Multiplying a text string will
not multiply the spacing between characters. This element may be used to properly space
the characters to create the desired printed effect.
4.6.12 TSP (Text Starting Position)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
This parameter marks the starting position of the character in the text string to be used as
data. This is useful for allowing several fields to use sections of the same text string,
minimizing the amount of data transmitted. For example, for the text string 0123456789, a
TSP of 5 and a CC (Character Count) of 2 would print 45.
4.6.13 ,,, (Reserved Spaces)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
These are spaces reserved for future use and nothing should be entered between the
comma delimiters.
4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number)
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP,,, AN
The AN parameter has four different effects. If set to a value of “0” the character spacing is
proportional. Reverse Text (white on black) is created by setting the AN to a value of “1”
and printing a black box on top of the text using the Line Draw function. (Special Note: The
4-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
AN parameter of the line field should also be set to a “1” for proper reverse imaging.) If the
AN parameter is set to a value of “2”, the character spacing will be fixed / non-proportional.
A setting of “3” will print both fixed/non-proportional character spacing and reversed text.
0 Proportional Character Spacing
1 Reverse Video
2 Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing
3 Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing and Reverse Video
8 Auto Reverse Video: Character cell = BLACK, Character = WHITE
4.7 Line Draw
It is possible to design lines into a label utilizing some of the elements of label format fields.
Specifically, a TCI value of “6” enables the line draw function. XB and YB provide a starting
position for a line draw. CMX and CMY provide length and thickness to a line. Other
elements not necessary to draw a line such as CC, CGN, FO, FJ, CS, and AN are ignored
by simply adding delimiters (commas) without values.
An example of two lines drawn on a label is shown in Figure 4-5. This 3 x 3” label was
designed for a 428M printer with a 300 DPI print head.
^D57 <CR>
2,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR>
1,340,750,,6,,,,600,25,,,,,0 <CR>
1,627,150,,6,,,,25,600,,,,,0 <CR>
^D56 <CR>
^D2 <CR>
Line <CR>
^D3 <CR>
Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample
This is a list of the first label format field element mnemonics for the sample label in Figure
4-5:
TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, , , AN
1, 340, 750, , 6, , , , 600, 25, , , , , 0
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 4-19
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Feed Direction
4” PRINT HEAD
YB
CMX
CMY
XB
X beginning
This is the
origin; 1,1
Y beginning
Figure 4-6 Label Format Line Draw
TSN (Text String Number) The TSN parameter may point to any valid text string but it is a
good idea to always use “1” to make trouble-shooting formats easier. The text string that
the TSN is referencing must contain at least one character in order for a line to print
properly. “Line” was used in the example to clearly define the label format fields that contain
line values. However, it could have simply been one character such as a period “.”
XB (X Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line
draw.
YB (Y Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line
draw.
CC (Character Count) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary,
however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position.
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels with LDS
TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) The TCI is always set to a “6” for line draw.
CGN (Character Generator Number) This element is not used in line draw. No value is
necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position.
FO (Field Orientation) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary,
however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position.
CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction) This element sets the length of a horizontal line
or the thickness of a vertical line.
CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction) This element sets the length of a vertical line or
the thickness of a horizontal line.
CS (Character Spacing) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary,
however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position.
TSP (Text Starting Position) This element is not used in line draw. No value is
necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position.
,,, (Reserved Spaces) These are reserved for future use and no values should be
added between the commas.
AN (Attribute Number) This element should be set to “0” for line draw.
4.8 Reverse Video
The printer has the ability to produce Reverse Video by printing white text over a black
background. Two methods are used to produce this effect. The advantages and
disadvantages are covered in greater detail in the following two sections.
4.8.1 Reverse Video
The first method (Reverse Video) is to place text over a black box created with line draw.
When the label format defines print at the same coordinate twice the printer will not print
creating a reverse print effect when the Attribute Number (AN) is set to “1” for the Label
Format Fields defining the line draw and the text fields. The size of the box is not defined
by the text. Adjustment to the size of the box must be made by adjusting the line draw
coordinates.
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 4-21
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
^D57
6,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0
1,280,300,,6,,,,720,520,,,,,1
2,640,700,8,3,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,1
3,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,1
4,640,465,26,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,1
5,640,350,6,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,1
5,640,50,6,16,3,,4,5,150,,,,,0
^D56
^D2
Line
Microcom
Corporation
Thermal Printing Solutions
012345
^D3
Figure 4-7 Reverse Video Sample
Thermal Printing Solutions
Microcom
Corporation
012345
4.8.2 Auto Reverse Video
The second method (Auto Reverse Video) will create a white character in a black character
cell. The size of the black box surrounding the character will be determined by the
character cell. Adjusting the size of the box that is surrounding the text is not possible using
this method.
It is possible to create a reverse video effect with barcodes using this method.
^D57
5,1280,900,0,0,7,2,0,1,0,0
1,640,700,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8
2,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8
3,640,465,26,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8
4,640,350,6,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8
4,640,50,6,16,3,,4,5,150,,,,,1
^D56
^D2
Microcom
Corporation
Thermal Printing Solutions
012345
^D3
Figure 4-8 Auto Reverse Video Sample
4-22 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000
Chapter 5 Printer Commands
The model 428M printer has a large and versatile collection of control commands to meet
the special needs of most demanding applications. Most of the commands use the “^D”
control sequence, however the printer also recognizes a selected number of other control
sequences.
For all commands listed in this manual, the printer will recognize the one character control
code (“Ctrl+D”) or the two-character caret plus alpha character (“^+D+<CR>”) sequence. In
other words, the same command may be generated by either holding the control (Ctrl) key
down and pressing the alpha character or by entering the two characters – the ^ (caret,
generated when the “Shift” key is pressed and then the “6” key) and then the appropriate
alpha key (upper and/or lower case).
Unless specified otherwise, commands are entered by sending the ^Dxx command where
xx is the command number. The ^D commands are terminated by either issuing a carriage
return after the command or by issuing another command and/or control code. Some
commands load data or control numbers and are preceded by the ^Axx command. The xx
specifies the value and/or control number for the associating ^D command. The ^D
commands should precede or follow the actual format layout. They should be placed before
the ^D57 or just before the ^D3 print command.
To protect against errors, in situations where the two-character caret and alpha sequences
are used exclusively as printer commands, the control character recognition may be
disabled. This is accomplished by using the ^D93 command or by using the ^D21
command to setup Soft Switch #1 (^D21) Bit 3.
Some mainframe and mini-computers cannot use the ASCII “^” character. In these cases,
substitute the ASCII pipe symbol (“|”) or use the one-character control code representation.
5.1 Special Printer Control Codes
To perform special functions, the printer uses the following control characters. All other
control characters will be ignored. Some of these instructions are also accessible through a
“^D” command sequence and will be noted as such.
^A Accumulator Mode: Used to supply the parameters for the ^D commands.
These parameters must be positive integers and are generally decimal
numbers but may be entered as binary if the ASCII “B” precedes the value or
parameter. For example, “^AB00000001^D21 <CR>” may also be entered as
“^A1^D21 <CR>” as well.
^B Text Entry Mode: Instructs the printer to enter printable text entry mode.
This command (or the preferred “^D <CR>”) must be sent before the text
string information. This command is the equivalent of the “^D<CR>” sequence
but does not require the carriage return (^B text string data). Because the
“control B” is shorter, it is easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general it is
better to use the ^D2 command sequence inside a file or program to assist in
trouble-shooting the format.
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 5-1
Printer Commands Chapter 5
^C Print: Starts the print cycle or batch. This command is the equivalent of the
“^D3<CR>” command sequence but does not require the carriage return.
Because the “control C” is shorter than the ^D3 command sequence it is
easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general the ^D3 sequence is better to
use inside a format and/or program to assist in trouble-shooting the format.
^D Command Mode: Used to issue commands to the printer. This command is
normally preceded by the ^A sequence. The ^D commands must be
terminated with a carriage return or another command sequence
(^A9^D73^D3<CR> is the same as ^A9^D73<CR> and ^D3<CR>).
^E Printer Enquiry: This command is used to attain the current status or
operational state of the printer. The “^E” does not require a carriage return
and is the equivalent to the “^D5<CR>” command sequence. If Binary
Compression is enabled (default setting) the ^E command will not function.
Five NULL characters (0x00) followed by a SOH (0x01) (00 00 00 00 00 01)
are required to get the printer’s immediate status when configured for binary
compression use. The serialized ^D5 command will continue to function while
in binary compression mode if the printer is idle or not in an error. It is
recommended that the five NULLs method is used to request printer status as
it functions with a printer in binary compression, binary compression disabled,
or if the printer is in an error condition. See 5.1.1 for additional information
regarding the Printer Enquiries.
^M Terminate Text or Data String: This command is the equivalent of the
carriage return character and is used to terminate commands and format lines.
^H Delete: This control code is used to delete the last printable character when
communicating to the printer through a keyboard via a terminal. The ^H is the
equivalent of the “Backspace” key on the keyboard.
^K Print Test Pattern: Used to generate a test pattern, which consists of a
series of diagonal lines. The pattern is helpful in determining the condition of
the thermal dots on the print head. The ^K code is the equivalent of the “^D11
<CR>” command sequence.
^L Form Feed: Used to feed one blank form based on the previous format
configuration parameters. This command is the equivalent of the “^D12
<CR>” command sequence.
^Q XON: Instructs the printer to send data or resume sending data.
^S XOFF: Instructs the printer to stop sending data.
5 NULLS + 01: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the
printer even when the printer is configured in binary compression mode. The
command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 01 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command is used to request
the printer’s status and is very similar to the ^E command. The biggest
difference between this command and the ^E is that when printers are
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Chapter 5 Printer Commands
configured for binary compression (D23 -SW3 bit 7), which is required if saving
graphics, the ^E will not function. This means that if the printer is going to be
using binary compression, the 5 NULLs method should be used to request
status instead of the ^E command.
5 NULLS + 02: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the
printer even when the printer is configured in binary compression mode. The
command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 02 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command is used to cancel
pending jobs/commands and to remotely clear errors returning the printer to
an idle >READY< state. If the condition causing the original error condition
still exists, sending new jobs will cause the printer to go back into an error
condition. This command simply provides the ability to remotely clear error
conditions and return the printer to a state that allows normal communication.
5 NULLS + 0F: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the
printer even when the printer is configured in binary compression mode. The
command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 0F are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command instructs the
printer to exit the temporary binary mode switch. If a printer has been
configured to use binary compression mode using the soft switch command
(D23 - SW3 bit 7), the 5 NULLs +0F method will be ignored when issued.
0F + 5 NULLS: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the
printer even when the printer is configured in binary compression mode. The
command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 0F 00 00 00 00 00 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command provides a
temporary switch into binary compression mode without having to have the
printer configured for binary compression (D23 -SW3 bit 7) mode. This is
helpful when placed just before a graphic file. The printer will continue
processing the data as binary data until instructed to exit the temporary binary
mode (5 NULLs + 0F).
5.1.1 Enquiry Responses
It is important for the host computer to know the status of the printer as labels are being
produced. This facilitates security in the system and flags electrical, mechanical, and
functional error conditions. Enquiries also aid the system designer in adjusting the pace of
the printer with that of the operator.
The printer returns enquiry responses to the host in two different modes depending on how
Software Switch#1 is configured.
Text Mode: The response is sent to the host as text as shown in
are sent out the active communication port with a CR LF (0x0D 0x0A) separating each one.
The end of the response is terminated with an extra CR LF.
Byte Mode: The response is sent to the host as a hexadecimal number (byte) as shown in
Table 5-1. Each string is represented by a single byte with nothing separating them. The
end of the response is terminated with a 0xFF character.
Table 5-1. The strings
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Text Mode Response
>RESTARTED< 1A Printer has been reset
>READY< 06 Normal condition
>CUTTER ERROR< 07 Cutter cannot rotate
>TAKE LABEL< 16 Printer is waiting for label to be taken
>LOW STOCK< 19 Media supply is low or out
>INPUT 1< 0E Input sensor #1 active
>INPUT 2< 21 Input sensor #2 active
>TRAY FULL< 09 Printed label tray is full
>PRINTER PAUSED< 10 Printer is paused
>TOF ERROR< 1F Top of Form is not sensed properly
>OVER VDD< 1E VDD voltage is out of operational range
>UNDER VDD< 1C VDD voltage is out of operational range
>OVER TEMP< 1D Print Head is too hot
Byte Mode
Response
Definition
>DATA ERROR< 15 Communication error
>STOCK NOT LOADED< 22 Printer power on without media installed.
>BUTTON PRESSED< C0
>CODE 12< 23
Table 5-1 Enquiry Responses
Print button configured to report message
when pressed.
CRC value does not match stored value.
5.2 Printer Configuration Commands
The following commands are used to set up printer configuration. Most of these commands
are non-volatile and, therefore, do not need to be resent unless changes are desired.
Note: When the printer is in the DEFAULT MODE, factory settings control printer operation.
This provides a starting point for re-establishing communication with the printer so that user
settings may be sent to the printer. The statistics label printed when the printer is entered
into the DEFAULT MODE reflects current printer settings and not the factory default
settings.
5.2.1 Software Switches
The Software Switch settings are non-volatile. The Switch commands may use either ^A
(decimal) or ^AB (binary) values. Since each bit represents a setting for the printer, the soft
switches are always reported as binary. Changes made with these commands will not take
effect until the printer’s power is cycled “OFF” and “ON”, a “reboot” command (^A1^D143),
or a “soft restart” command (^D32 command) is sent to the printer.
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Example: ^AB10100001^D21<CR> configures serial port #1 for text equivalent
enquiry responses, accept control codes, disables echo, and enables XON/XOFF
flow control.
5.2.1.1 Software Switch #1
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 21 Change SW1: Software Switch #1.
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1,2 Enquiry Response: This determines what the printer will send back in
response to an enquiry command.
00 = Control Codes
10 = Text Equivalent
3 Control Codes: This position sets how the printer handles incoming
control codes.
1 = Ignore Incoming Control Codes
0 = Accept Incoming Control Codes
4 Port #1 Parity Selection: Sets the printer port #1 parity for serial
communication.
1 = Odd Parity
0 = Even Parity
5 Port #1 Parity Enable: Turns printer port #1 parity ON or OFF for serial
communication.
1 = Disable Parity (NONE)
0 = Enable Parity
6 Echo: If this feature is enabled, the printer will echo all received
characters to the serial port.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
7 Number of Data Bits: Sets the printer’s serial port to use either 7 or 8
data bits.
1 = 8 Data Bits
0 = 7 Data Bits
8 XON/XOFF Flow Control: Sets software flow control handshaking.
CTS/RTS hardware handshaking is always enabled.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
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5.2.1.2 Software Switch #2
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 22 Change SW2: Software Switch #2.
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1 Clear Text Function: If enabled, all variable text strings will be erased
when the ^D<CR> is processed.
1= Enable
0 = Disable
2 >RESTARTED< Response: If the printer has been reset and this
switch has been enabled, the printer will respond with the
>RESTARTED< message for the first enquiry ONLY, to denote the
reset condition and then >READY< with following enquiries.
1 = Enable (>RESTARTED< on first inquiry then >READY<)
0 = Disable (Always responds with >READY<)
3 Button Use: If set to a “1”, the printer will disable the Print Button.
1 = Disable
0 = Enable
4 Print Repetition: Defines the function of the Print Button. If set to a
“0”, the button can be used for feeding labels but the print function is
disabled and blank forms will be issued.
1 = Label FEED & PRINT
0 = Label FEED only
5 Power-ON Format Type: Determines whether to use a saved format
file or a standard ROM format. User downloaded Label FORMAT files
are saved in non-volatile FLASH memory
be used for the Power-ON label. When SW2:5=1, the format is
selected by SW2 switch positions 6, 7, and 8.
1 = Power-ON label is selected by SW2: 6, 7, and 8
0 = Power-ON label is standard format
6,7,8 Power-up Format:
location 5 above. They determine which stored format is loaded at
power-up. The printer can be instructed not to load a format at powerup by setting all three switches to 0.
000 = No Power-up Format
001 = ROM or Saved Format File 1
010 = ROM or Saved Format File 2
011 = ROM or Saved Format File 3
100 = ROM or Saved Format File 4
101 = ROM or Saved Format File 5
110 = Rom or Saved Format File 6
111 = ROM of Saved Format File 7
These switches work in conjunction with switch
. Any of these FORMATs may
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5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 23 Change SW3: Software Switch #3
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1 Extended ASCII: Controls whether characters over HEX 7F will be
processed.
1 = Don’t process input characters greater than 7F
0 = Process input characters greater than 7F
2 INPUT 1 Active State: This bit determines whether the INPUT 1 sensor
must see an object or not to send back the >INPUT 1< response. A
setting of 1 (active LOW) will report the >INPUT 1< message if no
reflection is detected. A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the
>INPUT 1< message if a reflection is detected.
1 = Send >INPUT 1< active LOW
0 = Send >INPUT 1< active HIGH
3 Response After Print: If enabled, an enquiry response will be sent
through the communications after every print automatically.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
4 INPUT 2 Active State: This bit determines whether the INPUT 2 sensor
must see an object or not to send back the >INPUT 2< response. A
setting of 1 (active LOW) will report the >INPUT 2< message if no
reflection is detected. A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the
>INPUT 2< message if a reflection is detected.
1 = Send >INPUT 2< active LOW
0 = Send >INPUT 2< active HIGH
5 Accept “|” for Ctrl: Sets whether the “pipe” character will be
interpreted the same as the “Ctrl” key. The “pipe” character is the
<SHIFT> + \ key.
1 = Disable
0 = Enable (<|> key functions as <Ctrl> key)
6 Accept “^” for Ctrl: Sets whether the “caret” character will be
interpreted the same as the “Ctrl” key. The “caret” character is the
<SHIFT> + 6 key.
1 = Disable
0 = Enable (^ key functions as <Ctrl> key)
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7 Binary Compression: If enabled, the printer will accept downloaded
binary compressed font and/or graphic files. The ^E command will not
function. (See 5.1)
1 = Enable Binary Mode
0 = Disable Binary Mode
8 Detect Black Line on Power-up: If enabled, the printer automatically
feeds labels on Power-up to determine the proper ^D90 value.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 24 Change SW4: Software Switch #4.
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1 Slashed Zeros: If enabled, the printer will print a slash through the
embedded zero (“0”) characters.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
2 External Print Request: (Call Microcom for more information.)
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
3 Stock Out function: Enable this function to get a >LOW STOCK<
message when the printer runs out of stock. When this is disabled, the
printer will not report stock out conditions.
1 = Disable
0 = Enable (stock out detection reports >LOW STOCK<)
4 Auto-size on Power-up: When enabled, the printer automatically sizes
the label to determine the appropriate format header values on powerup. The printer will then use these values on all subsequent label
formats. Refer to the ^D39 command for additional information.
1 = Enable
0 = Disable
5,6,7,8 Code Page Selection: Positions 5 through 8 are used to select from
the available code pages stored within the printer.
See Chapter 9 for more details
0000 = Not Decoded (Default)
0001 = Danish
0010 = 860
0011 = Spanish
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0100 = 850
0101 = German
0110 = 865
0111 = Swiss
1000 = 852
1001 = French
1010 = 863
1011 = Swedish
1100 = 437
1101 = Italian
1110 = English - UK
1111 = English – US
5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 25 Change SW5: Software Switch #5.
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1 Single Button Press Error Clear: If enabled, error conditions are cleared
with a single press of the print button after reloading the printer with more
media. If this function is disabled, pressing the print button clears the error
condition, prints the pending job, and reenters the previous halting error
state. The button must be pressed and held during printing in order to exit
the error routine. This is used to reprint the pending job until the print
realigns before continuing.
1 = Enable (Single Button Error Clear)
0 = Disable (Reprint and Align)
2 >BUTTON PRESSED< status enable. When enabled, pressing the
button will cause the printer to report the >BUTTON PRESSED< or 0xC0
depending on the printer’s ^D21 response mode configuration. This is
typically used on systems that preload a batch of jobs to the printer but wait
on the >BUTTON PRESSED< message before sending the print
command.
1 = Enable >BUTTON PRESSED<
2 = Disabled
3 Type of Top-Of-Form Sensor: The leading edge of the label stock can be
sensed using either a reflective sensor or a transmissive sensor. The
correct type of sensor is determined by the printer hardware configuration
being used.
1 = TOF is TRANSMISSIVE
0 = TOF is REFLECTIVE
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4 Enable Power ON TOF: This bit controls whether or not the printer will
do an automatic Top Of Form (TOF) when it is turned ON.
1 = Enable Power-ON TOF
0 = Disable
5 Enable Button TOF: This bit determines whether the GREEN button
functions as a Top-Of-Form or as defined by SW#2 bit 4. The button is
always configured to clear error conditions.
1 = Button is TOF
0 = Button is defined by SW#2 bit 4
6 Enable AutoLoad: This bit determines whether the AutoLoad function
is ON or OFF. When Autoload is enabled, and a no media to media
transition is detected by the printer’s internal transmissive sensor, the
printer will step the pulled the media into the printer and perform either
a TOF or a Form Feed depending on SW#5 bit 7 configuration.
1 = Enable AutoLoad
0 = Disable AutoLoad
7 Type of AutoLoad: This bit determines whether the AutoLoad function
uses the Top-Of-Form sensor (TOF), or if it uses the Form Feed
technique.
1 = AutoLoad + TOF
0 = AutoLoad + FF
8 General Purpose I/O Mode: If enabled, the printer will enter a special
mode of communications using the Ethernet port.
1 = Enable General Purpose I/O Mode
0 = Disable General Purpose I/O Mode
5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6
^AB ^D COMMAND
XX 26 Change SW6: Software Switch #6.
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number)
Position:
1 Enable Test Pattern or Halt on >TRAY FULL<: This bit is used to
define whether a test pattern will print, or if the printer will halt on a
>TRAY FULL< error when used with the optional catch tray. This bit
will determine the printer's response when pin 4 of P17 is active.
1 = >TRAY FULL< condition.
0 = A test pattern is printed.
2 Enable Auto-Header: This bit determines whether the Auto-Header
function is ON or OFF. This command provides similar functionality of
other printer manufacturers that specify exact placement and location of
blackline media used for registration. This command is a specialty
media handling command that works when the correct media is used.
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Please contact your Microcom Corporation representative if you have
any questions regarding the use of this command. When enabled the
printer will autoload and determine the correct header parameters for all
subsequent formats based on the loaded media except for HFM which
is the only parameter that must be included with the format header.
The above values may be changed via the appropriate ^D command
with the change being permanent until another Auto-Header or another
^D command changes them.
After executing the Auto-header command, the values that the printer
will use for the header may be observed using the ^D148 command.
When stock is initially loaded the printer will do an auto header to
determine the correct header parameters. After this, when stock is
loaded, the printer will just advance the stock to the correct printing
position wasting the first label unless stock is loaded after a stock out
condition. Then the printer will pull the stock in and print on the first
label and clear the error.
1 = Enable Auto-Header
0 = Disable Auto-Header
3 Enable Pre-Stock-Out feature: This command supports the PSO
option and is used to detect stock out errors before entering the printer.
Once enabled, when the PSO (>INPUT 1<) sensor goes active the
printer will finish printing the current label, not cut it (if using a cutter
command), then feed he stock until it clears the dot row plus 1/2". At
this point the normal stock out function will be active and the printer
status will respond with: >LOW STOCK<>INPUT 1< (if the polarity of
input one is set correctly).
If the length of the label happens to be larger than the distance from the
Pre-Stock-Out sensor to the dot row (^D146 command) the printer will
not be able to completely finish printing the last label. Other than this,
the operation of the printer will be the same as above.
1 = Enable Pre-Stock-Out feature
0 = Disable Pre-Stock-Out feature
4 Enable >STOCK NOT LOADED< Response: When enabled, the
printer will return >STOCK NOT LOADED< or 0x22 (depending on the
^D21 response mode configuration) to status requests if media is not
detected in the printer at powerup. The status message will continue to
be reported until media is installed in the printer. This message will
only be reported if media is not detected by the internal sensors
following a power on, reboot command (^D143), and/or restart (^D32)
commands.
1 = Enable >STOCK NOT LOADED< response
0 = Disable >STOCK NOT LOADED< response
5 Always 0
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6 Always 0
7 Select PIC Mode: This command is used to select from the various PIC
modes the printer supports. The PIC code is dedicated to the take-up
motor or the cutter.
0 = Select Cutter PIC mode of operation. When this mode is
selected the printer will power and energize a cutter when the cutter
enable command (^D99 or ^D111) is issued after a print job
1 = Select Take-up PIC mode of operation. When this mode is
selected the printer will energize a DC motor to be used in a rewind or
take up capacity. Unless the printer is properly configured with a takeup motor and correct take-up motor specific PIC, this mode should not
be enabled because it could potentially damage the cutter.
8 Always 0
5.2.2 Contrast Adjustment Commands
These commands are used to adjust the darkness of the label print. Print quality will vary
not only with different label stocks, sometimes even in different batches of the same label
stock. It is highly recommended that contrast adjustments be maintained at minimum
settings to achieve desired print quality. Higher contrast settings will reduce the life of the
print head.
5.2.2.1 Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile - ^D35)
This command is useful for adjusting contrast for specific label formats where different label
media is used on a single printer. The command can be entered into specific label formats
rather than affecting print contrast on all label formats.
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 35 Adjust Contrast Window: This is a volatile command used to adjust the
contrast window. The range is 1 to 9 of the base (^D36).
5.2.2.2 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile - ^D36)
This command is used to adjust overall contrast on all formats.
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 36 Adjust Contrast Base: This non-volatile command is used to skew the entire
contrast window (^D35). This command has a ^A range of 10 to 200%.
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5.2.3 Slice Buffer Size and Set Starting Slice Number Commands
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 92 Set Starting Slice Number: This non-volatile command adjusts the number of
slices (dot rows) generated before the printer starts moving the label stock.
The default is set to 67% of the slice buffer size. Anytime the size of the slice
buffer is changed (ref. ^D94 command), the Starting Slice # is also changed
automatically to a value that is 67% of the new slice buffer size. The
maximum number of slices (XX) is dependent on the size of the slice buffer
(^D94) command.
X 94 Set Slice Buffer Size: This non-volatile command is used to set the
size of the slice buffer that is used by the printer. If the slice buffer memory
size is set to low, the printer may start printing and then stop to process
additional slices before starting again. This typically happens on more dense
formats were more memory is required so that the printer can build the image
to be printed before actually printing the image. This command is used in
conjunction with the ^D92 command to fully optimize the slice buffer memory.
2 88Kbytes
3 192Kbytes
4 256Kbytes (default size)
5 320KBytes
6 384KBytes
5.2.4 Printer Restart / Reboot Commands
^A ^D Command
32 Restart Printer (Soft Restart): This command restarts the printer’s internal
software. The soft restart command is also used to start using certain nonvolatile system parameters (head parameter and soft switch commands).
1 143 Save and Reboot (Hard Reset): This command instructs the printer to save
statistics stored in RAM to non-volatile Flash memory and then actually resets
the printer hardware. Issuing this command is the equivalent of turning the
printer off and back on. This command may be used to start using certain
non-volatile system parameters (head parameter and soft switch commands).
5.2.5 Registration Mark Threshold Commands
While the printer is designed to work with a wide variety of label media, it is sometimes
necessary to adjust the printer’s thresholds in order to obtain proper registration and
operation. The numerical value in which the printer senses a registration mark is referred as
the threshold value.
The Threshold Value may be obtained by using the Auto-Size Label Command (^D39). A
more in-depth explanation of registration mark sensing and adjusting the threshold value is
found in the 428M Service Manual.
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^A ^D COMMAND
XX 90 Reflective Detection Threshold: This command is non-volatile and is used
to set the reflective or blackline threshold value (0-255) at which the printer
detects a blackline used for print registration. The default is set to a value of
100 and should work for most media types.
XX 91 Transmissive Detection Sensitivity: This non-volatile command is used to
set the transmissive or GAP threshold value (0-255) at which the printer
detects gap and/or blow-hole registration marks. The default is set to a value
of 30 and should work for most media types.
XX 124 Stock Out Threshold: This command is non-volatile and is used to set the
stock out threshold value (0-255) at which the printer detects an out of stock or
>LOW STOCK< error condition. The threshold is typically set to a value that is
80 percent of the transmissive sensor reading when no media is detected by
the transmissive sensor. This value is calibrated at the factory and should not
require adjustment unless the transmissive sensor has been replaced.
X 129 Auto Set Threshold: This command will cause the printer to scroll 1350 dots,
determine the proper threshold value, and set the nonvolatile threshold for
proper registration. The ^Ax selects either reflective or transmissive detection.
0 Automatically sets the transmissive threshold value.
1 Automatically sets the reflective threshold value.
5.2.6 Auto-size Commands
The auto-size command attempts to automatically calculate important format values for the
label header including LSY, GAP, AGD, SPG, ^D90, and the ^D91 values. The printer
feeds a sample of labels through the GAP sensors and takes an average of the values it
receives. The auto-size command uses the appropriate sensors to detect the registration
marks set by the ^D47 command. Before issuing the auto-size command, verify that the
^D47 is set to the proper setting for the media being used.
When using media that contains a blackline for the registration mark, first execute the
^A3^D47<CR> command sequence before issuing the auto-size command or the results
may be invalid.
^A ^D COMMAND
X 39 Auto-size:
0 Clears the use of auto-size values set by issuing the ^A1^D39<CR>.
1 Uses the values obtained for header variables instead of what is specified in
the format file’s header.
2 Automatically sizes the label and displays to the terminal screen the values for
the format header.
3 Same as ^A2^D39<CR>, but the values will be printed on the media.
5 Diagnostic Mode that steps the motor while displaying the readings from the
printers sensors to determine the media’s proper ^D90 and ^D91 settings.
This is also referred to as “tick-tick” mode.
6 Diagnostic Mode that does not step the motor while displaying the readings
from the printers sensors to determine the media’s proper ^D90 and ^D91
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settings. When using this mode, the media is manually moved through the
printer. This is also referred to as “silent tick-tick” mode.
5.2.7 Auto-Header Commands
The Auto-Header command provides similar functionality of other printer manufacturers that
specify exact placement and location of blackline media used for registration. This
command is a specialty media handling command that works when the correct media is
used. Please contact your Microcom Corporation representative if you have any questions
regarding the use of this command. When enabled the printer will autoload and determine
the correct header parameters for all subsequent formats based on the loaded media
except for HFM which is the only parameter that must be included with the format header.
The above values may be changed via the appropriate ^D command with the change being
permanent until another Auto-Header or another ^D command changes them.
After executing the Auto-header command, the values that the printer will use for the header
may be observed using the ^D148 command.
When stock is initially loaded the printer will do an auto header to determine the correct
header parameters. After this, when stock is loaded, the printer will just advance the stock to
the correct printing position wasting the first label unless stock is loaded after a stock out
condition. Then the printer will pull the stock in and print on the first label and clear the error.
^A ^D COMMAND
X 147 Auto-Header Command
0 Execute Auto-Header on power-up only.
1 Execute Auto-Header on the next media loading.
2 Execute Auto-Header immediately (after delay, assumes that media is loaded.
3 Execute Auto-Header every time media is loaded.
1 148 Show Auto-Header Values Command: After the auto header has been
executed, the values that the printer will use for the header may be seen using
the command ^D148 which will be in the form:
HFM = 24
LSX = 832
LSY = 382
WEB = 0
GAP = 25
DPS = 6
LCB = 3
AGD = 1
SPG = 52
OFX = 0
OFY = 0
D91 = 125
b = 594
The HFM parameter will show the value that is provided in the format that
was last loaded in the printer which will initially be the power up format.
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5.3 AutoLoad Media
The 428M printer provides an easy way for new media to be loaded into the printer thru the
use of the AutoLoad function. When this feature is turned ON, the printer will sense the
presence of new media as the operator is pushing it into the printer, automatically feeding
the media into the printer, and then registering the media using either a TOF sensor or a
Form Feed.
There are two types of AutoLoad:
AutoLoad + Form Feed
AutoLoad + Top-of-Form.
5.3.1 AutoLoad + Form Feed
This command is useful to load media without having to press the Print Button to start
printing again. The operator must insert the label stock into the printer until it stops against
the drive roller. The printer will automatically begin to turn the drive roller after the stock is
sensed by the transmissive sensor. A delay (^D120) may be set from when the stock is first
sensed and when the drive roller starts to turn. The printer will advance a blank label,
based on the current or last processed label, before starting to print properly registered
labels.
These are the steps for AutoLoad + FF:
1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the user
inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller.
2. The printer senses the new media and waits the programmable amount of
time set by the ^D120 command (default is 1.5 seconds).
3. After the ^D120 time delay, the printer advances the media until the first
registration mark is sensed based on the current or previously executed
form size.
4. Label printing will resume if a job is pending.
Set ^D25 bit #6 to “1” to enable the use of AutoLoad + Form Feed.
The Autoload + FF may be used in conjunction with a saved format that acts as a template
for the form size used by the autoload feature. This method assures that the correct form
size used is loaded at power up enabling the autoload feature to be used when the printer is
powered on before sending print jobs. The saved format or template is typically a format
with the header configured for the media size/type being used and is configured to not print
automatically. Below is an example of a format that is being saved into memory that is used
as an autoload template and sent to the printer as part of the printer’s configuration.
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Autoload+FF power up format example:
^A1^D131<CR> (Deletes data saved into memory slot 1)
^A1^D130<CR> (Save format into slot 1)
^D57 <CR> (A label format is coming.)
1,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> (Header Information.)
1,1,1,,6,,,,1,1,,,,,0 <CR> (Field #1 format information (line draw).)
^D56 <CR> (Signals the end of the label field definition.)
^D2 <CR> (Text data is coming.)
. <CR> (Text data string #1.)
^[ <CR> (Used to mark the end of save format)
This example saves the format into Flash memory slot 1. This format stored in slot 1 may
now be selected as a power-up format that will be processed every time the printer is power
on. This is accomplished by using the ^D22 command bits 5-8; ^ABxxxx1001^D22. It
should be noted that the format example does not contain a print command. This is done
this way so that the saved template does not automatically execute when the printer is
turned on. Basically, the printer powers up and processes the format and is awaiting a print
request before executing the stored label. When using this as an autoload template, the
format does not have to print; it simply needs to load the correct media size to be used as
the alignment format.
5.3.2 AutoLoad + Top-Of-Form
This command is used on printers that are configured with a “Top-Of-Form” (TOF) sensor
option used to detect the leading edge of the media. AutoLoad with a TOF sensor prevents
the loss of the first label as in AutoLoad + FF.
Soft switch #5, bit #3 selects the type of TOF sensor. The TOF may a REFLECTIVE style,
or it may use a TRANSMISSIVE sensor for more accurate sensing.
These are the steps for AutoLoad with TOF:
1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the operator
inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller.
2. The printer waits a programmable amount of time as set by the ^D120
command (default is 1.5 seconds) after it senses the new media to make it
easier for the operator to align the paper.
3. After the time delay, the printer feeds the paper forward until the leading
edge of the media is seen by the TOF sensor.
4. The feed forward stops and then the printer retracts the media a
programmable distance as set by the ^D123 command and stops.
Set ^D25, bits 6 and 7 to enable the AutoLoad+TOF feature.
Note: TOF Error—When the printer cannot complete a TOF, it will stop, the LED will turn
“RED,” and if the queried, the printer will report a “>TOF ERROR< or 0x1F depending on
the response mode of the printer. To clear the error, press the print button. Another TOF
may then be attempted.
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5.3.3 AutoLoad Commands
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 120 AutoLoad Delay Selection.
AutoLoad Delay = xx milliseconds (up to a maximum of 5000 milliseconds or 5
seconds.
The AutoLoad Delay is the amount of time that the printer waits after detecting
that media has been put into the printer before it starts feeding it in. A small
amount of delay makes it easier for the operator to get the paper fully inserted
into the printer and properly oriented before paper motion begins.
The default value for AutoLoad delay is 1500 milliseconds (1.5 seconds). The
operator may use this command to adjust the delay to suit individual
preferences. ^A0 turns the delay OFF so that the driver roller is activated as
soon as media is detected. Since this is a volatile command the default
setting will be restored every time the printer’s power is cycled “OFF” and
“ON.”
Example: Have the printer wait 1.25 seconds before feeding paper on AutoLoad.
^A1250^D120
^A ^D COMMAND
121 Top of Form Command.
This command initiates a TOF operation:
a) Media is advanced until the leading edge is detected by the reflective
“Top Of Form” sensor,
b) Media is retracted to place the leading edge of stock under the print
head.
This command is useful when using the AutoLoad + Top of Form command.
XX 123 Set TOF Retract Distance: When a TOF operation is in process, the
paper moves forward until its leading edge is seen by the TOF sensor. As
soon as the sensor sees the paper, the printer stops the forward motion of the
paper and begins to move the paper in reverse toward the print head. This
command sets how far the media is moved back into the printer after the
leading edge is seen by the TOF sensor. The valid range for the TOF retract
distance is from 1 to 900.
5.4 Printing Commands
The following commands initiate printing, define the number of labels to be printed or control
how the printer initiates printing.
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5.4.1 Basic Printing Commands
^A ^D COMMAND
3 Print Command: (Equivalent ^C) Informs the printer to print a single label or
start printing a batch of labels. Since commands are processed in the order
they are received, this is typically the last command in the format file. This
command is equivalent to the “^C” control code.
11 Print Test Pattern: (Equivalent ^K) Prints a label with diagonal lines that is
used in determining the condition of the thermal dots of the print head. This
command is equivalent to the “^K” control code.
12 Form Feed: (Equivalent ^L) Prints or scrolls a blank form based upon the
previous format definitions. This command is equivalent to the “^L” control
code.
70 Clear Commands 73-76: Resets the ^D73 through ^D76 commands to their
default values.
XX 73 Load Copies Count: Instructs the printer to print multiple copies without
incrementing serial numbers. This command can be used in conjunction with
the ^D75 (Load Label Count) to allow duplicate copies to be made within a
batch of labels. For example, the following command string will print a total of
150 labels; three copies of each serial number for the 50 different labels.
(^A3^D73^A50^D75^D3<CR>)
1 74 Infinity Print: Prints a batch of labels until the printer is turned off. This
command is most effective when used in conjunction with the Tag/Tear and
Peel-n-Dispense modes. The “^A1” enables the Infinity Print while a “^A0” will
disable this function.
XX 75 Load Label Count: Instructs the printer to print a batch of labels using the
serial number function if enabled. If the serial number function is disabled, the
^D75 command will print the number of copies (the same label) specified by
the “^Axx” sequence just like the ^D73 command. This command may also be
used in conjunction with the ^D73 command. The batch of labels is printed
once a ^D3 command is executed; therefore the ^D75 command must be
issued before the ^D3 command. The only difference between this command
and the ^D73 is the ability to increment and/or decrement sequential numbers
in a batch.
XXX 76 Load Delay Time Between Printed Labels: Delays the printing between
labels in a batch. The “^Axxx” specifies the delay time in tenths of a second
with a maximum value of 650. For example, “^A10^D76<CR>” would
introduce a one second delay between printed labels. This command is
typically used in conjunction with the Peel-n-Dispense mode and applicators.
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5.5 Label Header Parameter Override Commands
It is possible to override label header parameters by adding one or more of the following
commands after the label format.
^A ^D COMMAND
40 Clears Commands 41 through 51
XX 41 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 42 Load Label Width in dots (LXS): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 43 Load Label Height in dots (LSY): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 44 Load the Web Size in dots (WEB): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 45 Load the Gap Size in dots (GAP): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 46 Load Print Speed (DPS): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 47 Load the Label Control Byte (LCB): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 48 Load the Number of Steps to Activate Gap Detector (AGD): The ^Axx
specifies the value in Dot Rows.
XX 49 Load the Number of Steps Past Gap (SPG): The ^Axx specifies the value
in Dot Rows.
XX 50 Load X Direction Offset (OFX): The ^Axx specifies the value.
XX 51 Load Y Direction Offset (OFY): The ^Axx specifies the value.
5.5.1 Serial Number Commands
The following commands, ^D80 through ^D89, are used for the serial number function
commands of the printer. The printer can increment or decrement any single serial number
on the label by any amount. If the format contains more than one serial number, then all
serial number fields can only increment or decrement by a value of one. Single and Multiple
serial number commands cannot be used on the same format. Please note that the ^D57
command clears most of the serial number commands. Therefore, all serial number
commands should be placed after the ^D56 command or just prior to the ^D3 command.
The following two commands are valid for both single and multiple serial number functions:
^A ^D COMMAND
80 Clears Commands 86, 88, 89.
81 Disable Serial Number Function: This command disables both single and
multiple serial number functions.
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The next three commands deal with the single serial number functions:
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 84 Load Text String Number to Increment/Decrement: Instructs the printer
which text string number to increment or decrement. The ^Axx value
determines which of the text strings will be used for incrementing or
decrementing.
XX 85 Load Increment/Decrement Step Value: The single serial number functions
increment or decrement by this value. ^Axx is the amount of increment or
decrement. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set
to 0.
XX 86 Single Serial Number Status:
0 Disable increment and decrement
1 Enable increment: The serial number will be incremented by the step value
specified by the ^D85 command.
2 Enable decrement: The serial number will be decremented by the step value
specified by the ^D85 command.
The next three commands determine the status of multiple serial numbers:
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 87 Load Field Number to Clear Increment/Decrement: This command is used
to clear the status of one or more fields that are using the serial number
increment/decrement function. Example: A “^A1^D87<CR>” instructs the
printer to clear the increment/decrement function of text string number 1 or the
first text string.
XX 88 Load Field Number to Increment by 1: The ^Axx specifies which field to
increment by one.
XX 89 Load Field Number to Decrement by 1: The ^Axx specifies which text string
field that will be decremented by one. The printer will not decrement fields
beyond 0. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to
0.
A sample format using the single serial number function:
^D57 <CR>
1,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR>
1,280,300,2,1,5 <CR>
^D56 <CR>
^A2^D86 <CR>
^A1^D84 <CR>
^A5^D85 <CR>
^A3^D75 <CR>
^D2 <CR>
20 <CR>
^D3 <CR>
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This format would enable the decrement function (^A2^D86). Select text string #1 to
decrement (^A1^D84), load the step value of 5 (^A5^D85) and then print three serialized
labels (^A3^D75). The printed result would be “20” for the first label, “15” for the second
label, and “10” for the third or last label.
A sample format using the multiple serial number function:
^D57 <CR>
2,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR>
1,280,300,3,1,5 <CR>
2,280,100,3,1,5 <CR>
^D56 <CR>
^A1^D88 <CR>
^A2^D89 <CR>
^A3^D75 <CR>
^D2 <CR>
100 <CR>
200 <CR>
^D3 <CR>
This format would enable the multiple serial number function and select the first text string to
increment by one (^A1^D88), the second field to decrement by one (^A2^D89), and print
three serialized labels (^A3^D75). The first text string would be printed as “100”, “101”, and
“102” while the second text string is printed as “200”, “199”, and then finally “198”.
5.6 Text String Commands
These commands offer special functions pertaining to the text strings. Some of the special
functions would include Pre-padded text and auto-print.
^A ^D COMMAND
60 Clears Command ^D61
XX 61 Mark Text Starting Position: The ^Axx specifies which text field to start
entering new data. This is useful for creating variable text fields after a string
of fixed text fields. If set to a value of 2, the first line of new text entered
following the ^D2 will overwrite line two. If two new text strings are entered,
the existing text lines two and three will be overwritten. This command is used
when fixed data is used much like a template and only the variable data is to
change.
62 Pre-padded Text: This command is used to pre-pad text data. Any data
already loaded into a field will be retained if the ^D62 command is sent.
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The following is an example of Pre=padded text:
^D57<CR>
3,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR>
1,300,500,7,1,5<CR>
2,300,400,7,1,5<CR>
3,300,300,7,1,5<CR>
^D56 <CR>
^D2 <CR>
A<CR>
B<CR>
C<CR>
^D62<CR>
^D2<CR>
line 1<CR>
line 2<CR>
line 3<CR>
^D3<CR>
This format would produce a label with “Aline 1”, “Bline2”, and “Cline 3” printed
on the label.
^A ^D COMMAND
X 63 Text Control Mode: Allows the entry of new text without the ^D2 command
and/or clears all previous text when new text is added.
0 Disable modes 1 and 2.
1 Enable Auto-Print mode. If this mode is selected, the printer will accept new
text strings without requiring the ^D2 command. The printer can also autoprint a label when the number of received text strings (carriage returns) equal
the number specified by the ^D64 command. This mode is useful when
interfacing to a scale, bar code wand of other limited host that is capable of
generating and sending carriage return characters.
2 Clear Previous Text Upon Receiving New Data. When one of more characters
of new text is entered, the all-existing text data will be erased. The printer may
be programmed to enter the mode automatically upon power-up by position 1
of software switch #2 (^D22 command).
3 Enable modes 1 and 2.
XX 64 Auto-Print String Count: This command is used in conjunction with the
^A1^D63 auto-print command. The ^Axx specifies the number of text strings
(carriage returns) to accept before issuing the print command. When the
printer is in the auto-print mode, it is not necessary to send the ^D2 command
to enter text or the ^D3 command to initiate printing. The printer will accept
incoming text strings and print the label as soon as the number of strings
equal the amount specified by the ^D64 command.
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The following is an example of the ^D61, ^D63, and ^D64 commands:
^A0^D64<CR> (Clears any old settings)
^D57<CR>
6,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR>
1,300,300,20,1,4<CR>
2,300,250,20,1,4<CR>
3,300,200,20,1,4<CR>
4,300,150,20,1,4<CR>
5,300,100,20,1,4<CR>
6,300,50,20,1,4<CR>
^D56 <CR>
^D2 <CR>
Protected Field<CR>
Protected Field<CR>
Protected Field<CR>
Variable Field<CR>
Variable Field<CR>
Variable Field<CR>
^A3^D63<CR> (Enables Auto-Print and Clears text)
^A3^D64<CR> (Instructs printer to print after 3 <CR>)
^A4^D61<CR> (Instructs printer to start text entry at line 4 instead
of line 1)
5.7 Cutter Configuration Commands
5.7.1 Cutter Type
The ^D115 is a non-volatile command that sets the proper type of cutter installed on the
printer being used. This value is reported to the ^D29 statistics label. This command
should be used prior to enabling the cutter with the ^D99 or ^D111 commands.
^A ^D Command
X 115 Set Cutter Type
0 No Cutter
1 Guillotine
2 Rotary
5.7.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands
5.7.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode
This is a non-volatile command that enables cutter operation. When a printer is configured
to use the ^D111, the printer prints a job, dispenses the advance distance (See ^D112), and
then cuts the media. The media is not retract until the next format which helps to prevent
paper jams going into the cutter or media wrapping around the platen roller.
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^A ^D COMMAND
X 111 Kiosk Cutter Modes
0 Disable Kiosk Cutter Modes
1 Enable Kiosk Cutter Mode
2 Enable Partial Kiosk cut mode
5.7.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command
This command sets the advance/retract distance for the Kiosk Cutter (^D111) Mode. This is
the distance that the printer will advance after printing to control the cut placement. The
same distance will be used to retract the media to the print head for printing once the next
job is sent.
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 112 Kiosk Cutter Advance/Retract Distance Command: The valid range is from
0 to 1000 with the recommended distance of 150.
5.7.3 Volatile Cutter Operation
^A ^D COMMAND
8 Cycle Cutter: If a cutter is installed on the printer, this command will cause
the cutter to be cycled. The cutter’s operation will be determined by the D99
command. If the cutter is a rotary cutter, it will always cycle in the forward
direction to make a full cut. If the cutter is a guillotine cutter, the cycle
direction will be determined by the last setting given with a D99 command.
X 99 Cutter Control: This command enables full and/or partial cut operation.
This command works in conjunction with the ^D102 and ^D103 Cut Interval
commands. The ^D95 command is also used with the ^D99 command to
adjust the advance distance to the cutter blades and then retract to the home
position (dot row one).
Note: When doing partial cuts with an LPD, the printer will not proceed until
the LPD sees that the label has been taken. Then after a programmable
delay, the printer will retract and print the next label.
0 Disable Cutter operation.
1 Enable Full Cut.
2 Enable Partial Cut.
3 Enable Full and Partial Cut.
XX 102 Full Cut Interval: Instructs the printer when to issue a Full Cut. The default
value is 1. A value of “1” results in a full cut whenever the copies count is
reached, or after each format if a copies count has not been specified. If this
command is set higher than “1” (maximum of 65536), the printer will full cut
when that quantity is reached. This command will not operate if the Cutter
Control (^D99) command is set to partial cut.
XX 103 Partial Cut Interval: This command instructs the printer when to issue a
Partial Cut. A partial cut requires the use of a Cutter that is capable of Partial
cuts. A Partial Cut leaves a thin piece of media in the center after the cut
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cycle is finished. This small piece of uncut stock holds the media together and
the printer waits until the media is removed before printing the next label. The
default Partial Cut Interval is set to 1. The printer will issue a partial cut, if set
to a 1, whenever the copies count is reached. If set to a value greater than 1,
the printer will partial cut when that quantity is reached. This command only
functions when the Cutter Control (^D99) command is set to allow partial cuts.
Note: A full cut will override a partial cut. The following examples assume
that the ^D99 command has been set to 3.
Example #1: If the Full Cut Interval is set to a value of 5 and the Partial Cut
Interval is also set to a value of 5, the printer will issue a Full Cut.
Example #2: If the Full Cut Interval is set to a value of 5 and the Partial Cut
Interval is set to a value of 1, the printer will partial cut after labels 1 through 4
and full cut after label 5.
^A ^D COMMAND
118 Home Cutter: When this command is issued, the printer will cycle the cutter
gear to determine the location of the gear and position it in the home position.
5.7.4 Cutter Hold-off
This command is used to avoid cutting “air” or the leading edge of the first label when
printing and cutting without advancing the label stock. This command is used with the Full
or Partial Cut Mode (^D99), but not the Kiosk Cut Mode. This function will skip a preset
number of cuts following a Top of Form. Count resets and begins count at TOF or following
the point where the command is given.
Note: Advance distance must be set at “0” for this command to function.
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 117 Cutter Hold Off: X represents the number of cuts to skip on the first X labels
following a Top of Form.
5.8 Dispensing Commands
Dispensing commands are commands that advance the media for cutting, tear off, or
presenting and then retract the media to a home position so that media is not wasted.
These dispense commands include Peel-n-Dispense, Tag/Tear, Cutter commands, and
optional media handling commands as well. The following commands define these types of
operations. Most of these commands require that the printer is configured with the optional
Label Present Detector and are typically not used on the 428M configured with a cutter
assembly.
5.8.1 Tag/Tear Operation
This command controls a method of dispensing the media so that the perforation between
labels is positioned on the tear bar or peel edge. Once the label is taken, the label media
retracts and allows proper registration of the next label print.
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^A ^D COMMAND
X 97 Tag/Tear Operation:
0 Disable Tag/Tear operation.
1 Advance after every print.
2 Advance after copies count.
3 Advance when idle. (Does not use LPD - retracts stock at next sent label
format.)
5.8.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation
This command is used when the labels are to be peeled from the backing material. Once
the label is taken, the label media retracts and allows proper registration of the next label
print. This command typically requires that the printer provide label peeling capability that
the 428M does not provide but included for custom application that have label peel
capabilities.
^A ^D COMMAND
X 98 Peel-and-Dispense Operation:
0 Disable Peel-and-Dispense operation.
1 Enable Peel-and-Dispense operation.
5.8.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Retract Delay
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 95 Advance/Retract Distance: This command is used in conjunction with the
tag/tear (^D97), peel-n-dispense (^D98), and cutter (^D99) commands. It is
used to adjust the number of steps the printer will advance the media after
printing has stopped and then retract the same distance so that media is not
wasted. While the maximum value is 64,000 steps, it is not recommended that
the printer advance further than one label size. This may create a paper jam
when the label is retracted back into the printer.
XX 96 Load Retract Delay: The ^Axx specifies the amount time, in milliseconds,
that the printer will delay the repositioning or retraction of the media. For
Example, “^A1000^D96 <CR>” would delay for a period of one second.
5.9 View Printer Configuration and Statistics
These commands display or print configuration settings. The user may reset the Printed
Labels and Inches if they wish to track label usage, print head life, etc. Total Labels and
Inches cannot be reset by the user.
^D COMMAND
^A
XX 29 Printer Statistics:
0 Print Statistics to the serial port
1 Print Statistics on a label
2 Clear the Printed Labels variable in the statistics
3 Clear the Printed Inches variable in the statistics
33 Display Revision Number
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5.10 Memory Commands
These commands offer special functions related to clearing, storing, and processing data in
the RAM and FLASH memory.
The printer can store up to 128 FORMAT files into the printer’s volatile RAM memory and
another 128 files into non-volatile FLASH memory. Once stored, these files may be loaded
from memory rather than having to be sent down thru the serial port. Formats are retained
even after power has been cycled when stored in FLASH memory. Formats stored in RAM
will be lost when the printer is turned “OFF.”
The printer may be configured through software switch #2 (^D22 command) to automatically
process a specific format from the FLASH memory (power up format) when the printer is
turned “ON.” The printer treats the stored formats as if they were sent through the serial
port.
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 54 Send Format from RAM to Port: The ^Axx specifies the slot number
(1-128) where the format file is stored in RAM. This may be used to read what
is stored in each memory slot.
XX 58 Process Format Saved in RAM: The ^Axx selects which stored format to
process (1-128). This command is processed in the same was as if the
format was sent directly to the port.
XX 59 Save Formats to RAM. (volatile)
The ^Axx selects the memory slot (1- 128) into which the format is to be
saved. A format file must be terminated by an ESC (HEX 1B) or “[“(left
bracket) character to save the format.
Sample format saved to RAM slot #1: ^A1^D59
^D57
1,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0
1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0
^D56
^D2
Saved Format
^D3
^[
XX 66 Clear Single FORMAT Stored in RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory
slot to clear (1-128). This command only functions with FORMAT files and
not with downloadable fonts and/or graphics.
100 Clear User RAM: This command clears all the downloaded fonts and graphics
that have been stored in RAM. This command does not affect fonts and
graphics that have been downloaded and stored into the FONT flash memory.
Use the ^D17 to erase FONT flash memory.
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^A ^D COMMAND
101 Send User RAM Available: The printer will send the number of free or
available bytes to the serial port (i.e. >192480<).
Use the D119 command for more detailed reporting.
XX 104 Save ASCII Fonts to RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory file # (CGN #)
the FONT will use (1-255). This command should be used with an ASCII-HEX
file that contains only printable characters less than 80 HEX. These FONTS
are “extended non-compressed”, meaning that they can be greater than 64KB
in size. This command supports fonts greater than 64KB.
XX 105 Delete Graphics from RAM
^A0 deletes ALL graphics from RAM.
^Ax deletes the graphics in slot #x.
119 Display Memory Allocation.
This command shows how all of the RAM and FLASH memory is being used
Example display from the ^D119 command:
Ram Based Fonts/Graphics(TCI=8) - [file number(CGN), size, type]
[2,4625, Font set]
Ram Based Formats - [file number, size]
[2,176]
Total Ram Memory Available - 258335 ÅThere are 258,335 bytes of RAM available.
Flash Based Fonts/Graphics(TCI=7) - [file number(CGN), banks used, type]
[1,1, Graphic]
Font/Graphic Flash Memory Banks Available - 119ÅThere are 119 banks of 64KB open.
Flash Based Formats - [file number, size]
[1,176]
Format Flash Memory Available - 65359 ÅThere are 65,359bytes of FORMAT flash open.
Label Memory - [size, available]
[43231,41618] ÅThe difference is the amount of memory to process current format.
Å
Slot #2 in FORMAT RAM has a FORMAT that is 176 bytes.
Å
Å
Slot #1 of FORMAT flash has a FORMAT file that is 176 bytes.
Å
Slot #2 in RAM has a FONT that is 4,625 bytes.
Slot #1 of FONT flash has a GRAPHIC that takes up 1 bank (64Kbyte)
NOTES: RAM GRAPHICS can extend beyond the starting slot # into
sequential ones. RAM formats are numbered #1 to #128 (RAM FONTS are
limited to 64K in size.)
122 Display Available FONT/GRAPHICS FLASH memory.
This command is used to display the amount of FONT/GRAPHICS FLASH
memory available in bytes in the form >xxxxxxx< where xxxxxxx is the number
of available bytes.
XX 130 Save a FORMAT to FLASH. (non-volatile memory)
The ^Axx selects the memory slot (1- 128) into which the format is to be
saved. A format file must be terminated by an ESC (HEX 1B) or “[“(left
bracket) character to save the format.
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How to Save a Label FORMAT to FLASH:
1) Create the FORMAT file with ^Axx^D130 at the top to tell the printer
to store into FLASH Slot #xx.
2) Send the file to the printer using a standard communications
program.
Sample format saved to RAM slot #1:
^A1^D130
^D57
1,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0
1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0
^D56
^D2
Saved Format
^D3
^[
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 131 Delete a FORMAT from FLASH.
^A0 deletes all FORMAT files in FLASH ^Axx deletes the FORMAT file stored
in FLASH slot (1 – 128)
This command deletes the Label FORMAT stored in Slot #xx of the FORMAT
storage bank in FLASH memory. Use this command to clear a FORMAT Slot
in FLASH before storing a new FORMAT into the Slot.
xxyy 133 Save Compressed GRAPHICS to FLASH.
(See Chapter 6, Downloadable Graphics)
XX 134 Delete a GRAPHIC from FLASH.
^A0 deletes all GRAPHIC files in FLASH
^Axx deletes the GRAPHIC stored in FLASH Slot #xx
Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the CGN #xx that will be
cleared.
The ^D119 command may be used to verify what memory Slot #’s are
available in FLASH for storage.
xxyy 135 Save FONTS to FLASH. (See Chapter 7)
This command is not normally seen by the user. It is put into a FONT file by
the FONT converter program which generates a special ^Axxyy^D135 code
which is placed at the beginning of the FONT download file. The ^Axxyy tells
the printer the overall size of the file according to this format:
xx = the number of additional 64KB sectors in the FONT file set
yy = CGN # (1-255)
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If xx = 00, then the FONT fits into one 64Kbyte sector of memory and there
are no additional sectors required for the FONT.
If xx > 00, then the FONT is larger than one 64KB sector, and xx is the
number of ADDITIONAL 64KB sectors needed for the FONT. The xx field >
00 signals the printer to get ready for a multi-sector FONT download. Each
subsequent download contains a header with the xx field decremented by 1.
The last download file has a header field xx = 00.
EXAMPLE: ^A0124^D135 This command tells the printer that an extended
FONT download for FLASH memory is coming. The download will be 2
sectors long, and the printer will access the FONT in FLASH memory using
CGN #24 and TCI #7. The ^A0124^D135 command will be right at the
beginning of the file. So the ^D135 command is never sent by itself, it’s
always in a FONT download file, and the user never really sees it.
The FONT download file may be larger than 64Kbyte. The only limit on the file
size is the amount of memory available to hold the file. When the FONT file is
created, a specific reference number, called a CGN # is assigned to the file by
the user. After the FONT file has been downloaded and stored in FLASH, the
printer retrieves the FONT from FLASH by using its CGN # and TCI #7(for
FLASH). The FONT may be stored anywhere in the printer’s FLASH memory;
it is NOT restricted to a specific FLASH memory location. The printer
maintains a address table that tells where each FONT CGN # is stored in
FLASH.
The CGN # is established by the user when the FONT download file is created
using the font converter program. Since this is an arbitrary number picked by
the user, it is possible to create two separate FONT files with the same CGN
#. In fact, many FONT files could be created using the same CGN #. For the
printer to function properly, each FONT in FLASH must have a unique CGN #.
If a FONT is downloaded that has the same CGN # as a FONT that is already
stored in FLASH, then an error message is sent back indicating a Duplicate
CGN error.
The printer’s FLASH is nonvolatile, so FONTS that are downloaded using the
^D135 will be stored in FLASH memory until specifically erased by the user.
The following 3 parameters are included in the FONT file when it is created:
1. Memory destination: RAM or FLASH
2. Memory File #: 1Æ255 (this is the CGN #)
3. Rotation: 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°
How to save a FONT to FLASH:
1. Create the special FONT download file with FLASH set as the
memory destination,
2. Send the file to the printer using a standard communications
program set for 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
Hint
: After the FONT file has been sent, the ^D119 command may be used to verify
that the new FONT is now available in FLASH.
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Printer Commands Chapter 5
^A ^D COMMAND
XX 136 Delete a FONT from RAM.
^A0 deletes all FONTS from RAM
^Axx deletes the FONT stored in RAM Slot #xx
Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the RAM memory Slot #xx
that will be cleared.
Hint: After the FONT file has been deleted, the ^D119 command may be used to
verify that Slot #xx is now available in RAM. The FONT may extend over
several slots and the ^D119 will indicate how many slots are used.
XX 137 Delete a FONT from FLASH.
^A0 deletes all FONTS from FLASH
^Ax deletes the FONT stored in FLASH Slot #x
Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the FLASH memory Slot
#xx that will be cleared.
Hint: After the FONT file has been deleted, the ^D119 command may be used to
verify that Slot #xx is now available in FLASH. The FONT may extend over
several slots and the ^D119 will indicate how many slots are used.
XX 138 Process a FLASH FORMAT.
^Axx references the FORMAT file stored in Slot #xx
Valid values for Axx are 1 to 128.
Label FORMATS are saved into FLASH Slots 1 to 128. Each of these
FORMAT slots specifies how to build the dot rows that are used to print a label
on the printer.
This command tells the printer to take the Label FORMAT file in Slot #xx and
build up its image in the printer’s slice buffer. After this command is finished,
the label may be printed by sending the ^C print command.
NOTE: If the FORMAT file contains a print command, then the label will be
printed at the end of this command.
XX 139 Send a FLASH FORMAT to the communications port.
^Axx references the FORMAT file stored in Slot #xx
Valid values for Axx are 1 to 128.
Label FORMATS are saved into FLASH Slots 1 to 128. This command
causes the printer to send a previously loaded FORMAT file out the
communications port to the HOST.
Use this command to view label Format’s that have been saved in the printer’s
non-volatile FLASH memory.
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^A ^D COMMAND
140 Clear all User GRAPHIC and FONT FLASH.
This command erases the user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH memory.
This command is equivalent to sending:
1) ^A0^D134 (clears all GRAPHICS),
2) ^A0^D137 (clears all FONTS).
Label FORMATS stored in user FLASH memory are NOT erased by this
command. Use the ^D131 command to erase label FORMATS stored in
FLASH memory.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!! Embedded FONTS and label FORMATS are NOT
erased. However, any custom FONTS and GRAPHICS loaded into user
FLASH memory at the factory WILL
Hint
: After the user FLASH has been deleted, the ^D119 command may be
used to verify that Slots #1 thru #255 are now available in FLASH.
141 Clear User GRAPHIC and FONT FLASH & RAM memory.
This command clears all user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH memory, and
all the downloaded FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. This command is the
equivalent to sending:
1) ^D100 (clears all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS and GRAPHICS
in RAM.
2) ^A0^D140 (clears all user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH).
Label FORMATS stored in user FLASH memory are NOT erased by this
command. Use the ^D131 command to erase label FORMATS stored in
FLASH memory.
Please note that this command may take some time (depending on how much
is stored). During this time the printer will not respond to commands. The
printer may appear to be locked up until the command finishes.
: Use command ^D119 to confirm that FONTS and GRAPHICS were erased in
Hint
user FLASH memory, and that all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS, and
GRAPHICS were erased in RAM.
be erased.
5.11 Printer Code Update
^D COMMAND
^A
X 7 Update Printer Code:
This command is used to update the printer’s flash memory in the event new
or enhanced features exist in a different software version. Sending a
^A62519^D7 command will update the printer’s bootloader, application, and
embedded font set. This process requires some interactivity with the printer
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Printer Commands Chapter 5
and failure to follow the process outlined below will cause the printer to be
inoperable until the process is followed.
Flash Update Process:
1. Issue the’^A1^D143’ reboot command to the printer to make sure the
printer’s latest statistics have been saved. The printer will reboot. Once
the printer reboots, continue to step 2 below.
2. Issue the ‘^A62519^D7’ command.
3. Issue a ‘xa’ to the printer.
4. Wait for the 'Sector(s) Erased.' message dialog to be reported.
5. Send the MCB or bootloader file to the printer.
6. Wait for the 'Device programmed successfully' message dialog to be
reported.
7. Send ‘g f0000’ to the printer.
8. Send 'n 512074459' to the printer.
9. Send 'z' to the printer.
10. Wait for the 'Bootloader updated!' message dialog to be reported.
11. Send 'xa' to the printer.
12. Wait for the 'Sector(s) Erased.' message dialog to be reported.
13. Send the MCA or application file to the printer.
14. Wait for the 'Device programmed successfully' message dialog to be
reported.
15. Send 'g 90000' to the printer.
16. Send the '^A21481^D7' command to the printer.
17. Send the MCE or embedded fonts file to the printer.
18. Wait for the 'File download successful' message dialog to be reported.
19. Wait for the 'Factory default fonts ready.' message dialog to be reported.
20. Issue a ‘^D29’ command to the printer and verify that the code version
has been updated.
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Chapter 5 Printer Commands
5.12 Miscellaneous Commands
^A ^D Command
5 Send Printer Status: (Equivalent ^E)
93 Load Cont rol Code Recognition Status:
0 Enable control code recognition
1 Disable control code recognition
113 Verbose Mode:
0 Disable Verbose Mode
1 Enable Verbose Mode
X 145 List Commands.
This command is used to generate a list of commands containing a brief
description of the LDSI code base that the printer uses.
0 Show all commands.
1 Show current volatile settings.
2 Show current soft switch settings in plain English.
XXX 146 Pre Stock-Out Distance:
This command sets the distance in dots that the PSO option uses to feed the
media when the >INPUT 1< sensor detects an out of media condition. If the
length of the label happens to be larger than the distance from the Pre-StockOut sensor to the dot row (^D146 command) the printer will not be able to
completely finish printing the last label. Other than this, the operation of the
printer will be the same as above. The printer’s default distance is set to 1800
and issuing a “0” (^A0^D146) will cause the printer to reset to this value. The
maximum setting is 7200 and values above this setting will be ignored.
X 153 Dot Feed Forward.
Feeds the media forward at the given speed. The ^Ax is the number of dots to
move.
X 154 Dot Feed Reverse.
Feeds the media in reverse at the given speed. The ^Ax is the number of dots
to move.
X 155 Dot Feed Speed.
Controls the feed speed of the ^D153 and ^D154 commands. The ^Ax is the
DPS value 0 through 13.
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Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics
The 428M printer allows the user to download their own GRAPHICS and store the
GRAPHICS in either non-volatile FLASH memory, or in volatile RAM memory.
6.1 FLASH Data Types
The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data:
1) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS
and GRAPHICS.
2) 128 slots for label FORMATS.
3) 7 “embedded” FONTS. These FONTS are downloaded at the factory.
NOTE: The printer’s FLASH memory retains data after power is turned OFF. So data that
is downloaded to the printer’s FLASH memory will be available until erased by the user.
FONTS & GRAPHICS stored in FLASH memory are accessed using TCI #7 and the
appropriate slot # (CGN #).
6.2 RAM Data Types
The printer’s RAM memory provides volatile storage for several types of downloadable data:
1) RAM memory slots #1 thru #255 are used to store downloadable FONTS and
GRAPHICS using TCI #8.
2) 128 slots for label FORMATS.
NOTE: The printer’s RAM memory is NOT battery backed-up. So when the printer is
turned OFF any data stored in the RAM memory is lost. The downloaded data that is stored
in RAM is temporary.
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility
Bitmap graphic image files (*.bmp) may be converted to a LDS compatible format by using
the BMP2MIC.exe Graphic Conversion Utility. This and other conversion utilities may be
downloaded at
The conversion utility is a DOS-base program and will require access to a DOS prompt.
Before starting the conversion utility, it would be helpful to gather the following information:
1) In File This is the *.bmp file to be converted. (Limit the file name to 8
2)
3) Out Type
4)
5)
428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-1000 6-1
http://www.microcomcorp.com.
characters and locate file in the same directory as the conversion utility to simplify
data entry into the program.)
Out File Create a name for the converted GRAPHIC File. (Limit the file name
to 8 characters. An extension is not necessary.)
Slot Number Select an open slot number for storage. Use ^D119 to determine
which slots are open.
Limit The maximum print width (in dots). Use ^D29 to determine print head
size.
Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6
6) Destination Use “0” for FLASH and “1” for RAM.
6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure
1. Execute the conversion utility from a DOS prompt.
Microsoft(R) Windows 98
(C)Copyright Microsoft Corp 1981-1999.
C:\WINDOWS>cd\
C:\>BMP2MIC.exe
2. Type the conversion utility name and required information at the command prompt.
Press [ENTER].
BMP2MIC - Convert BMP Graphic File to Microcom Printer Graphic
Rev. 2.01
Copyright 1998-2005 Microcom Corp., Westerville, Ohio
Use:
BMP2MIC <infile> <outfile> <outtype> <slotnum> <limit> <destination>
Where
<infile> is a BMP file
<outfile> is the name of the desired output file
<outtype> is one of the output types listed below
<slotnum> is the printer font slot number
<limit> is the maximum image width (printhead width) of the printer
<destination> is 0 for flash and 1 for ram
Output types are:
Type Output
1 Model 412 Standard ASCII (image 64K or less)
2 Model 412 Binary (any size image)
3 Model 412 Extended ASCII (any size image)
4 Model 466 ASCII (any size image)
5 Model 466 Binary (any size image)
6 Model x24 Extended Binary (any size image)
C:\>BMP2MIC Jet.bmp Jet.mic 6 100 832 0C:\>BMP2MIC Jet.bmp Jet.mic 6 100 832 0
Note: Jet.bmp is used as an example for the <infile>. Enter your own GRAPHIC name in
its place. You may name the <outfile> anything you wish as long it is less than 8
characters. An extension is not necessary.
STEP 1
At the Command Prompt:
Type “BMP2MIC.exe”
Press [ENTER]
STEP 2
At the Command Prompt:
Type “BMP2MIC” and follow
with required information.
Press (ENTER)
Note: Add a space between
fields.
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Chapter 6 Downloadable Graphics
3. Conversion is complete. Converted GRAPHIC file is ready to download to printer.
BMP format data:
Windows 3.X format.
dimensions: 74 wide, 31 high.
8 bits per pixel
Input file: Jet.bmp
Output file: Jet.mic
Output type: Model x24 Extended Binary (any size image) using font slot 100
Destination is ^D133 - for saving to flash (0)
Image width = 74 dots. Image height = 31 rows.
Image occupies 332 bytes of space in printer memory.
Decompressed file contains 1 FFs and 295 00s.
6.4 Graphic Download Methods
The printer supports both compressed and uncompressed graphic downloads. The
compressed format shortens the download time by reducing the number of bytes sent to the
printer. Please note that the compressed format is only usable on 8-bit data connections
and will NOT function on 7-bit data connections.
6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads
The uncompressed converted GRAHIC file can be sent on either 7 or 8-bit connections, is
more flexible, and encodes using ASCII-HEX, but this method results in a much larger file
size than a compressed format.
The converted GRAPHIC file can be sent to the printer via any active printer port. A
terminal emulation program such as Hyper Terminal, ProComm, Tera Term, etc is
commonly used.
Note: It is highly recommended to use hardware flow control.
6.4.2 Compressed Binary GRAPHIC Downloads
The compressed format shortens the download time by reducing the number of bytes sent
to the printer. Data compression is accomplished by converting strings of 0 HEX or FF HEX
to shorter byte-plus-count sequences. These sequences are then expanded to the original
number of bytes inside the printer. A compressed binary converted GRAPHIC file must be
sent on a 8-bit data connection.
The printer must be setup to accept downloaded binary compressed files by setting
Software Switch #3, position 7 to “1”. Otherwise, the file may be sent to the printer through
any active printer port.
6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers
The following sections are provided to developers who wish to create usable GRAPHIC
images within their own applications. Commands in the following section are not typically
seen for users using Microcom GRAPHIC utilities.
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Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6
6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107)
The following is the format of the ^D107 command when used to store a compressed
GRAPHIC image file into RAM.
^A<RAM Memory Slot Number>^D107<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<RAM Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-255) where the GRAPHIC will
be saved in the printer’s RAM memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to select
downloadable fonts or graphics. Therefore a font and a graphic cannot have the same Slot
Number or CGN number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright GRAPHIC and 1 for a GRAPHIC rotated 90degrees counter-clockwise.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of uncompressed
bytes that the GRAPHIC image uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be
transmitted. Due to compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than
this number.
<Image Data> is the compressed binary image.
6.5.2 Save Compressed Graphics to FLASH (D133)
The following is the format of the ^D133 command when used to store a compressed
GRAPHIC image file into FLASH.
^A<FLASH Memory Slot Number>^D133<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<FLASH Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-120) where the GRAPHIC
will be saved in the printer’s FLASH memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “7” to select
downloadable fonts or graphics. Therefore a font and a graphic cannot have the same Slot
Number or CGN number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright GRAPHIC and 1 for a GRAPHIC rotated 90degrees counter-clockwise.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of uncompressed
bytes that the GRAPHIC uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be transmitted.
Due to compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than this number.
<Image Data> is the compressed binary image.
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Chapter 6 Downloadable Graphics
6.5.3 Binary Compression Algorithm
The binary data that make up the image file is a run-length compressed version of the
image data described in Section 7.2. Bytes with a value of “0” HEX or “FF” HEX are
followed by another byte indicating the number of times that value is repeated.
For example: Suppose the original (uncompressed) image file has a sequence of bytes like:
(All values are listed in Hexadecimal)
“00 01 02 03 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 FF FD FF FF FF FF FF 00 FF”
The encoded result would like this:
“00 00 01 02 03 04 00 05 FF 00 FD FF 04 00 00 FF 00”
Result interpretation:
00 - the first byte is 00
00 - count of 0 (the previous 00 byte is not repeated or repeated zero times)
01 - a 01 byte
02 - a 02 byte
03 - a 03 byte
04 - a 04 byte
00 - another “00” byte in the file
05 - the “00” byte is repeated 5 times for a total of 6 “00” bytes (00+05=6 “00” bytes)
FF - a “FF” byte
00 - count of 0 (the previous “FF” byte is not repeated or repeated zero times)
FD - a FD byte
FF - another FF byte
04 - the FF byte is repeated 4 times for a total of 5 “FF” bytes (FF+04 = 5 “FF” bytes)
00 - another 00 byte
00 - repeat count = 0
FF - another FF byte
00 - repeat count = 0
The compression scheme is slightly inefficient for single 00 HEX and FF HEX occurrences
by entering two for each of these occurrences but most image bitmaps include large areas
of either blank space (00 HEX) or black space (FF HEX).
If a string of more than 255 “00” HEX or “FF” HEX occurs, the byte-plus-count sequence
may be repeated as often as necessary to incorporate all occurrences of the byte. For
example, a string of 1132 “FF” HEX bytes in sequence may be encoded as:
“FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF 6B”
The first four pairs of “FF” HEX each encode 256 bytes of “FF” HEX (one for the first “FF”
byte and 255 copies) totaling 1024 bytes of “FF” HEX. The next “FF” HEX byte adds
another and the 6B HEX adds 107 additional copies for a total of 1132 FF HEX bytes.
(4 X 256)+1+107 = 1132
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Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6
6.5.4 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)
This command allows graphic and/or font images (fonts must be less than 64KB
uncompressed) to be transmitted in ASCII-HEX, thereby allowing all data to pass over 7 or
8-bit data connections. This command is usable on data connections that support either 7
or 8-bit data.
The following is the format of the ^D104 command when used for a graphic image file:
^A<Slot Number>^D104<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-255) where the graphic will be saved
in the printer’s memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to select downloadable fonts
or graphics. Therefore a font and a graphic cannot have the same Slot Number or CGN
number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright font, and 1 for a 90-degree rotated image.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of bytes that the
image uses.
<Image Data> is the graphic image data that has been converted to ASCII-HEX.
ASCII-HEX Conversion
The ASCII-HEX conversion is performed by “ORing” the most significant and least
significant nibbles of every byte with “30” HEX.
For Example: To convert the byte “6C” to ASCII-HEX, simply OR the first and second
nibbles with “30” HEX. This results in the two bytes “36” HEX and “3C” HEX. This
conversion results in a file size that is twice as big as the source, the data can now be
transmitted over a 7-bit data connection.
6C
6 C
36 3C
Figure 6-1 ASCII-HEX Conversions
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Chapter 6 Downloadable Graphics
6.6 Graphic Image Data Format
The image data consists of a set of data structures and location offsets to those structures.
All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored least-significant-byte first.
The method illustrated below allows graphic images to span 64KB memory segments.
When using graphics over 64KB, the printer will determine the number of 64KB slots
required to store the entire graphic and will split the large file into the correct number of
smaller files internally. The printer stores these smaller files sequentially in the slots
following the one specified in the appropriate load or save graphic command. Therefore,
before sending a graphic file that is 64KB or more (uncompressed size), make sure that the
specified font slot has enough following empty slots to store the file properly.
Graphics that are stored in multiple slots in this way may still be printed as if they are one
large graphic. In the label format, refer to the first slot (the one specified in the download
command) regardless of how many slots that may be required for large graphics. The
printer will automatically append the additional graphic files seamlessly without additional
user intervention.
(Word is a 16-bit value, Byte is an 8-bit value, and Label is a location within the file)
Label start: the beginning of the file
Word, Word, lookup_table_offset distance in bytes from start to beginning of
lookup_table (4 bytes)
Word tallest_char height of graphic image in dots
Word widest_char Width of graphic image in dots
Byte default_spacing Default spacing, usually 0
Byte byte_width Width of graphic image in bytes
Byte first_char 20 HEX
Byte last_char 20 HEX
Byte default_char 20 HEX
Label lookup_table beginning of lookup table
Word char_offset [last_char-first_char] an array of offsets, one for each character in
font. Each offset is the distance, in bytes, from
the start to the beginning of the corresponding
character’s data structure. The first word in this
array is the offset to the first character’s data;
the last word is the offset to the last character’s
data.
Label first_char_data the beginning of the graphic image data
Word char_height height of this character’s bitmap in dots
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Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6
Word char_width width of the graphic image in dots
Byte bitmap_data[char_height][byte_width] bitmap of character, 2d array. The most
significant bit of the first byte in each row, prints
as the right most dot of the character, and the
first row is the bottom row when printed.
6.7 Downloadable Graphics Commands
The following commands refer to the use of downloadable graphics:
^A ^D COMMAND
100 Clear User RAM: This command clears all downloadable fonts, graphics, and
stored label formats.
101 List RAM Memory Bytes Available: The printer will send the “>” character
followed by the amount of available bytes and then finally a “<” character. (i.e.
>192690<)
XX 104 Save GRAPHICs or FONTs into RAM Memory without Compression:
The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to place the image/font (1-255). This
command should be used with an ASCII-HEX file that contains only printable
characters less than 80 HEX. This command supports graphics over 64KB.
XX 105 Delete Graphics from RAM:
0 Deletes ALL graphics from RAM
XX Deletes the graphics in slot #XX
XX 106 Save GRAPHICs or FONTs into RAM Memory without Compression:
This command is intended for legacy support only and Microcom Corporation
recommends either the ^D104 or ^D107 commands. Fonts must be less than
64KB for this command to function.
XX 107 Save GRAPHICs or FONTs into RAM Memory using Binary Compression:
XX 133 Save Compressed GRAPHIC to FLASH.
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Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts
The 428M printer allows the user to download their own fonts and store the fonts in either
volatile RAM memory, or non-volatile FLASH memory.
7.1 FLASH Data Types
The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data:
1) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing
downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS, using TCI #7.
These FONTS are downloaded using the ^D135 command.
These GRAPHICS are downloaded using the ^D133 command.
(See Chapter 6, Downloadable GRAPHICS.)
2) 128 slots for label FORMATS.
These FORMATS are downloaded using the ^D130 command.
3) 7 “embedded” FONTS. These FONTS are downloaded at the factory.
NOTE: The printer’s FLASH memory retains data after power is turned OFF. So data that
is downloaded to the printer’s FLASH memory will be available until erased by the user.
FONTS & GRAPHICS stored in FLASH memory are accessed using TCI #7 and the
appropriate slot # (CGN #).
7.2 RAM Data Types
The printer’s RAM memory provides volatile storage for several types of downloadable data:
1) RAM memory slots #1 thru #255 are used to store downloadable
FONTS and GRAPHICS using TCI #8.
These FONTS are downloaded using the ^D127 command.
These GRAPHICS are downloaded using the ^D107 command.
2) 128 slots for label FORMATS.
These FORMATS are downloaded using the ^D59 command.
NOTE: The printer’s RAM memory is NOT battery backed-up. So when the printer is
turned OFF any data stored in the RAM memory is lost. The downloaded data that is stored
in RAM is temporary.
7.3 Using the Font Conversion Utilities
The printer treats downloadable fonts just like the standard bitmapped font mentioned in
Chapter 5. Both LaserJet™ and TrueType® fonts can be converted using the
“SFP2MIC.exe” or “TTF2MIC.exe” software utilities. Note: The “SFP2MIC.exe” program
uses the Portrait or 0 degree source rotation for both normal and rotated fonts.
Downloadable font fields use the same structure as the bit mapped fields with the only
difference being that the TCI must be set to an “8” for volatile downloadable fonts and the
CGN refers to the memory slot location of the downloaded font. Nonvolatile fonts are
accessed thru TCI “7”.
The following section details the process required to convert and download fonts to the
printer. The conversion utilities “SFP2MIC.exe” and “TTF2MIC.exe” may be downloaded at
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http://www.microcomcorp.com. These 16 bit DOS utilities convert LaserJet™ SFP or
TrueType® TTF fonts into a format that is suitable for downloading to the printer.
7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program
1. Run the SFP2MIC program from a DOS prompt.
2. Follow the on screen instructions and note the slot number where the image is saved.
The Model 428M printer uses the same font structure as the Model 412 printer.
Select the Model 412 printer when converting fonts for the 324/424M printer.
3. Make sure the destination memory slot is clear. The ^D100 command can be used
to clear the printer’s memory.
4. Download the resulting file (filename N12 (normal rotation) or R12 (rotated)) file to
the printer.
7.3.2 TTF2MIC.exe Program
1. Run the TTF2MIC program from a DOS prompt.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and note the slot number the image is saved. The
428M printer uses the same font structure as the Model 412 printer. Select the
Model 412 printer when converting fonts for the 428M printer.
3. Make sure the destination memory slot is clear. The ^D100 command can be used
to clear the printer’s memory.
4. Download the resulting file (filename N12 (normal rotation) or R12 (rotated)) file to
the printer.
7.4 Font Download Methods
The printer supports both compressed and uncompressed graphic and font downloads. The
compressed format shortens the download time by reducing the number of bytes sent to the
printer. Please note that the compressed format is only usable on 8-bit data connections
and will not function on 7-bit data connections. The uncompressed (^D104) is usable on
either 7 or 8-bit connections and is more flexible but encodes using ASCII-HEX. This
results in a much larger file size. Microcom Corporation recommends the use of the
compressed format when possible.
7.4.1 Compressed Binary Commands
These commands allow graphic images or fonts to be transmitted in binary, thereby
reducing the number of bytes sent to the printer. Furthermore, the commands allow for data
compression by converting strings of 0 HEX or FF HEX to shorter byte-plus-count
sequences. These sequences are then expanded to the original number of bytes inside the
printer. These commands are only usable on data connections that support 8-bit data. So
the serial port MUST be configured for 8 Data Bits and no parity. These commands will
NOT function correctly with a serial port configured to 7-bit data bits.
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7.4.1.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127)
The following is the format of the ^D127 command when used to store a compressed FONT
file into RAM.
^A<RAM Memory Slot Number>^D127<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<RAM Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-255) where the FONT will be
saved in the printer’s RAM memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to select
downloadable fonts or graphics for storage into RAM. Therefore a font and a graphic
cannot have the same Slot Number or CGN number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright FONT and 1 for a FONT rotated 90-degrees
counter-clockwise.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of uncompressed
bytes that the FONT uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be transmitted. Due to
compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than this number.
<Image Data> is the compressed binary image.
7.4.1.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135)
The following is the format of the ^D135 command when used to store a compressed FONT
file into FLASH.
^A<FLASH Memory Slot Number>^D135<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<FLASH Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-120) where the FONT will be
saved in the printer’s FLASH memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “7” to select
downloadable fonts or graphics for storage into FLASH memory. Therefore a font and a
graphic cannot have the same Slot Number or CGN number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright FONT and 1 for a FONT rotated 90-degrees
counter-clockwise.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of uncompressed
bytes that the FONT uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be transmitted. Due to
compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than this number.
<Image Data> is the compressed binary image.
7.4.2 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)
This command allows graphic and/or font images (fonts must be less than 64KB
uncompressed) to be transmitted in ASCII-HEX, thereby allowing all data to pass over 7 or
8-bit data connections. This command is usable on data connections that support either 7
or 8-bit data.
The following is the format of the ^D104 command when used for a GRAPHIC image file:
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^A<Slot Number>^D104<CR>
<Rotation> <Count> <Image Data>
Where:
<RAM Memory Slot Number> is the memory slot location (1-255) where the GRAPHIC will
be saved in the printer’s volatile RAM memory. The printer uses the same TCI of “8” to
select downloadable fonts or graphics. Therefore a font and a graphic cannot have the
same Slot Number or CGN number.
<Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright font and 1 for a 90-degree rotated image.
<Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of bytes that the
image uses.
<Image Data> is the graphic image data that has been converted to ASCII-HEX.
ASCII-HEX Conversion
The ASCII-HEX conversion is performed by OR’ing the most significant and least significant
nibbles of every byte with “30” HEX.
For Example: To convert the byte “6C” to ASCII-HEX, simply OR the first and second
nibbles with “30” HEX. This results in the two bytes “36” HEX and “3C” HEX. This
conversion results in a file size that is twice as big as the source but the data can now be
transmitted over a 7-bit data connection. Refer to Figure 6-1.
7.4.3 Save FONTS to FLASH (^D135)
^A ^D COMMAND
xxyy 135 Save FONTS to FLASH.
This command is not normally seen by the user. It is put into a FONT file by
the FONT converter program which generates a special ^Axxyy^D135 code
which is placed at the beginning of the FONT download file. The ^Axxyy tells
the printer the overall size of the file according to this format:
xx = the number of additional 64KB sectors in the FONT file set
yy = CGN # (1-255)
If xx = 00, then the FONT fits into one 64Kbyte sector of memory and there
are no additional sectors required for the FONT.
If xx > 00, then the FONT is larger than one 64KB sector, and xx is the
number of ADDITIONAL 64KB sectors needed for the FONT. The xx field >
00 signals the printer to get ready for a multi-sector FONT download. Each
subsequent download contains a header with the xx field decremented by 1.
The last download file has a header field xx = 00.
EXAMPLE: ^A0124^D135 This command tells the printer that an extended
FONT download for FLASH memory is coming. The download will be 2
sectors long, and the printer will access the FONT in FLASH memory using
CGN #24 and TCI #7. The ^A0124^D135 command will be right at the
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beginning of the file. So the ^D135 command is never sent by itself, it’s
always in a FONT download file, and the user never really sees it.
The FONT download file may be larger than 64Kbyte. The only limit on the file
size is the amount of memory available to hold the file. When the FONT file is
created, a specific reference number, called a CGN # is assigned to the file by
the user. After the FONT file has been downloaded and stored in FLASH, the
printer retrieves the FONT from FLASH by using its CGN # and TCI #7(for
FLASH). The FONT may be stored anywhere in the printer’s FLASH memory;
it is NOT restricted to a specific FLASH memory location. The printer
maintains a address table that tells where each FONT CGN # is stored in
FLASH.
The CGN # is established by the user when the FONT download file is created
using the font converter program. Since this is an arbitrary number picked by
the user, it is possible to create two separate FONT files with the same CGN
#. In fact, many FONT files could be created using the same CGN #. For the
printer to function properly, each FONT in FLASH must have a unique CGN #.
If a FONT is downloaded that has the same CGN # as a FONT that is already
stored in FLASH, then an error message is sent back indicating a Duplicate
CGN error.
The printer’s FLASH is nonvolatile, so FONTS that are downloaded using the
^D135 will be stored in FLASH memory until specifically erased by the user.
The following 4 parameters are included in the FONT file when it is created:
1. Memory destination: RAM or FLASH
2. Memory File #: (this is the CGN #)
3. Rotation: 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°
4. Compressed or Non-compressed.
How to save a FONT to FLASH:
1. Create the special FONT download file with FLASH set as the
memory destination,
2. Send the file to the printer using a standard communications
program set for 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
Hint: After the FONT file has been sent, the ^D119 command may be used to verify
that the new FONT is now available in FLASH.
7.5 Font Structure
The following font structure is offered to programmers who wish to use their own programs
to convert fonts. The font structure consists of a set of data structures and location offsets
to those structures. All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored “least
significant byte” first. The printer can store a font of approximately 64KB or less in any one
memory slot location.
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(Word is a 16-bit value, Byte is an 8-bit value, and Label is a location within the file)
Label start: the beginning of the file
Word, Word, lookup_table_offset distance in bytes from start to beginning of
lookup_table (4 bytes)
Word tallest_char height of graphic image in dots
Word widest_char Width of graphic image in dots
Byte default_spacing Default spacing, usually 0
Byte byte_width Width of graphic image in bytes
Byte first_char 20 HEX
Byte last_char 20 HEX
Byte default_char 20 HEX
Label lookup_table beginning of lookup table
Word char_offset [last_char-first_char] an array of offsets, one for each character in
font. Each offset is the distance, in bytes,
from the start to the beginning of the
corresponding character’s data structure.
The first word in this array is the offset to the
first character’s data; the last word is the
offset to the last character’s data.
Label first_char_data the beginning of the graphic image data
Word char_height height of this character’s bitmap in dots
Word char_width width of the graphic image in dots
Byte bitmap_data[char_height][byte_width] bitmap of character, 2d array. The most
significant bit of the first byte in each row,
prints as the right most dot of the character,
and the first row is the bottom row when
printed.
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7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary
The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphics:
^A ^D COMMAND
100 Clear User RAM:
This command clears all downloadable fonts, graphics, and stored label
formats.
101 List Memory Bytes Available:
The printer will send the “>” character followed by the amount of available
bytes and then finally a “<” character. (i.e. >192690<)
XX 104 Load GRAPHIC or FONT into RAM Memory without Compression:
The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to place the image/font (1-255). This
command should be used with an ASCII-HEX file that contains only printable
characters less than 80 HEX. This command supports GRAPHICS over
64KB.
XX 106 Load GRAPHIC or FONT into RAM Memory without Compression:
This command is intended for legacy support only and Microcom Corporation
recommends either the ^D104 or ^D107 commands. Fonts must be less than
64KB for this command to function.
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