Microcom 465 User Manual
MICROCOM CORPORATION
MODEL 465
DIRECT THERMAL / THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Part Number 880011-0131
August 1995 Software Version 1.31
Operator's Manual
465 Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer
- Revised 08/16/95 MSG -
Centronics is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.
HP and LaserJet II are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Comstar and I.D. Images are trademarks of Comstar Incorporated.
FastFont is a trademark of Page Technology Marketing, Inc.
Other products, names, and brands are trademarks of their respective holders.
FastFont Typefaces are Copyright © 1993, Page Technology Marketing, Inc.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1993-1994, Microcom Corporation, Westerville, Ohio - All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
.................................................................. vi
List of Figures ............................................................. vi
Introduction ................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS .................................3
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES ............................................3
1.2 BAR CODES ...................................................4
1.3 FONTS .......................................................4
1.4 PRINTING .....................................................4
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS ...................................4
1.6 PHYSICAL .....................................................5
1.7 ENVIRONMENT ................................................5
1.8 ELECTRICAL ...................................................5
1.9 OPTIONS .....................................................5
1.10 APPROVALS ...................................................5
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION ..............................................7
2.1 UNPACKING THE 465 PRINTER ...................................7
2.2 MOUNTING THE LABEL SUPPLY RACKS ............................7
2.3 INITIAL POWER UP .............................................7
2.4 FRONT PANEL KEYPAD AND STATUS DISPLAY ......................8
2.4.1 LABEL PRINT KEY ........................................8
2.4.2 LINE FEED KEY ..........................................8
2.4.3 ON/OFF LINE KEY ........................................9
2.5 THE STATUS LIGHTS/TONE ......................................9
2.6 LOADING PAPER ...............................................9
2.6.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES ..........................10
2.6.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE ..............................10
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................11
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS .............................................13
3.1 CABLE PINOUT ................................................13
3.2 PRINTER CABLES .............................................14
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ..................................15
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS .......................................15
4.2 GETTING STARTED ............................................15
4.2.1 PC CONNECTION (SERIAL) ................................15
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL) .............................16
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS ..........................................17
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW ............................17
4.4 LABEL HEADER ...............................................19
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) ............................24
4.5 LABEL FIELDS ................................................25
4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT AND BARCODE FIELDS ...................25
4.5.2 GRAPHIC IMAGE FIELDS ..................................31
4.5.3 LINES/RECTANGLES .....................................33
4.5.4 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) ..............................35
CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS ..........................................37
5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES .............................38
5.2 PRINTER ENQUIRIES ...........................................39
5.3 SENDING ^D PRINTER COMMANDS ...............................40
5.3.1 SOFTWARE SWITCHES/BATTERY BACKED COMMANDS .......40
5.3.2 PRINTING COMMANDS ...................................47
5.3.3 AUTOSIZING AND VALID GAP COMMANDS ...................48
5.3.4 REAL-TIME CLOCK ......................................50
5.3.5 SERIAL NUMBER COMMANDS .............................51
5.3.6 LABEL HEADER COMMANDS ..............................54
5.3.7 SAVED FORMAT FILE COMMANDS .........................55
5.3.8 LABEL PRESENCE SENSOR CONTROL ......................57
5.3.9 TEXT STRINGS COMMANDS ...............................58
5.3.10 MISCELLANEOUS PRINTER COMMANDS ....................61
CHAPTER 6: GRAPHIC IMAGES ..............................................63
6.1 PROCEDURE FOR USING MICROCOM PCX2465 SOFTWARE ..........63
6.2 FORMAT OF GRAPHICS FILES ...................................64
6.3 GRAPHIC IMAGE COMMAND SUMMARY ...........................66
CHAPTER 7: SPECIAL DESIGNS .............................................67
7.1 DESIGNING WITH BARCODES ...................................67
7.1.1 HUMAN READABLES .....................................68
7.2 REVERSE VIDEO ..............................................69
CHAPTER 8: SOFT FONTS ..................................................71
CHAPTER 9: OPTIONS .....................................................73
9.1 MICROCOM GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES ....................73
9.2 MICROCOM SOFT FONT UTILITY .................................73
9.3 ADDITIONAL SOFT FONTS ......................................73
9.4 WYSIWYG SOFTWARE PACKAGES ...............................73
9.5 CLEANING KIT ................................................74
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ..........................75
APPENDIX B: MORE LABEL SAMPLES ........................................76
POSTNET ..........................................................76
BARCODES ........................................................76
FONTS 465 .........................................................79
APPENDIX C: SAMPLE BASIC PROGRAM ......................................82
APPENDIX D: QUICK REFERENCE COMMAND SUMMARY ........................83
APPENDIX E: HARDWARE DIP SWITCHES .....................................95
Index ....................................................................96
List of Tables
Status Light ................................................................9
Serial Port Configuration .....................................................13
Parallel Port Configuration ...................................................14
Print Speed ...............................................................22
Bitmapped Font Descriptions .................................................27
Barcode Symbologies .......................................................28
Character Starting Positions ..................................................29
Enquiry Responses .........................................................39
Clock Field Parameters ......................................................50
List of Figures
Front View .................................................................6
Rear View .................................................................6
Printer Parts ...............................................................7
Keypad Layout .............................................................8
Printer Feed Mechanism .....................................................10
Microcom Label ............................................................18
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label ......................................20
Lines ....................................................................34
Status Label ..............................................................61
Four Graphic Images .......................................................63
Barcode Rotations .........................................................67
Barcode Human Readables ..................................................68
Reverse Video ............................................................69
Introduction
The Microcom 465 is a Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer label printer with a high resolution (832
dots or 8 dots/mm), 4.09 inch wide print head. The printer has the ability to handle a wide variety of
labeling tasks - even the most demanding applications.
The resident Label Design Software (LDS) is a powerful and easy-to-use package that allows you
to create personalized label formats. It can be driven from a PC, mini-computer, mainframe, and
most special purpose computers.
Among many other features, LDS supports graphics functions and multiple serial numbering. It
offers virtually unlimited text font sizes and all popular barcode symbologies. Graphic images can
be printed or stored in the printer's memory for future use. Bitmapped Fonts, barcodes, and graphic
images can be multiplied in size and printed in 0,90,180,270 degree rotations. Once the labels are
designed, they can be stored in the 465's memory for high speed printer access.
The 465 is capable of printing on most types of label stock or fax paper. It offers operation in a
tag/tear, peel-and-dispense, batch mode, and user-defined advance mode. It can handle blowhole, black-line, label gap, and continuous stock.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This is not
a problem for the Microcom 465 printer. Data may be changed without down-loading the same
fixed format, or fixed data fields, time after time. This, along with a greatly increased
communication speed, increases data access time and productivity.
Microcom also offers a complete line of software packages which allow quick and easy on-screen
label designing, along with complete database capabilities.
2
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Microcom 465 Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer printer is designed with many standard
features that are unique when compared to other printers. The 465 is built to meet the demands of
complicated applications and rigorous use. A guarantee of excellence in engineering is provided by
fulfilling the requirements for approval by UL, CSA and the FCC.
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES
! Both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer modes
! Operates as tag or ticket feed
! Resolution of 8 dots/mm (.0049" per dot) and a print width of 832 dots (4.09")
! WYSIWYG software compatible
! Print speed up to 6.0 inches per second
! Large media supply rack allows roll size up to 10 inches OD
! Prints on die-cut, continuous, fax, or preprinted labels
! Prints on tag stock up to 9.0 mil thickness
! Software-controlled contrast adjustment
! Standard memory of 512Kbytes ROM and 512Kbytes SRAM
! Internal date and time keeping
! Easy to load label path to prevent label jams or misfeeds
! Detects label gap, black line, or blow-hole stock
! Internal statistical counter for inches and labels printed
! Graphics and Soft Font capability
! Incrementing and decrementing fields
! Machine state enquiries for security and maintenance
3
1.2 BAR CODES
! Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, Code 93, Plessey, Modified Plessey,
UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Postnet, MAXICODE, and selectable ratios for producing
HIBC, AIAG, and Logmars
! Barcodes may be printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
1.3 FONTS
! Downloadable HP LaserJet II™ soft font compatibility and 16 resident bit mapped font
styles, including OCR-A.
! All Bit Mapped fonts expandable in height and width up to 8 times
! Fonts and Barcodes can be printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
1.4 PRINTING
! Peel function strips label off of backing
! Tag/tear mode advances label to the tear bar
! Batch mode printing
! User defined label advancement for special stock or application
! Label-presence sensor allows printer to dispense at the operator's pace
! Label back-up prevents wasted media in tag/tear and peel modes
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS
! Serial: RS-232C, 25-pin female D-Sub connector (DCE) and 2Kbytes buffer
-Flow control: XON/XOFF, CTS
-Baud rate: 300 to 38400, user-selectable
-Parity: odd, even or none
-Data bits: 7 or 8
! Parallel (Optional): 36-pin female Centronics® connector and 2Kbytes buffer
4
1.6 PHYSICAL
! Construction: Rigid painted steel with high impact molded front panel
! Height: 11.00" (279.4mm)
! Width: 10.125" (257.2mm)
! Depth: 10.10" (256.5mm)
! Weight: 35 LBS (15.89 K/g)
1.7 ENVIRONMENT
! Temperature: 0" C to 40" C operating
! Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
1.8 ELECTRICAL
! Voltage: Switchable 100,110,120,220,240VAC nom., 50-60 Hz.
! Current: 3 Amps maximum (100VAC)
1.9 OPTIONS
! Cleaning Kit
! Assorted Printer Cables
! On-screen label design PC software packages
! PCX to printer graphics conversion PC software
! PCX to downloadable bitmap PC software
! Downloadable soft fonts
1.10 APPROVALS
! UL, CSA, Complies with FCC, Class A
5
LEFT SIDE FRONT PANEL
LEFT SIDE COVER
PAPER SUPPLY
DISPLAY
KEYPAD
RACK THUMB SCREW
PAPER SLOT
PAPER SUPPLY HOLDER
PAPER SUPPLY RACK
RIGHT SIDE COVER
RIBBON VIEW WINDOW
RIGHT SIDE FRONT PANEL
BACKING PAPER SLOT
Microcom 465 Printer
Front View
Figure 1
RIGHT SIDE COVER
LEFT SIDE COVER
LEFT PAPER SUPPLY RACK
PAPER SUPPLY HOLDER
RIGHT PAPER SUPPLY RACK
SERIAL PORT
POWER SWITCH
POWER ENTRY MODULE
POWER CORD
PAPER LINE GUIDE
Microcom 465 Printer
Rear View
Figure 2
6
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION
2.1 UNPACKING THE 465 PRINTER
While unpacking the printer, please check all packing materials closely to avoid misplacing any
necessary parts. After the printer is removed from the box, verify that all parts are present and in
good condition (see Figure 3). All packaging material should be kept and used if the printer is to be
shipped. The printer must be returned in the original container to insure proper warranty coverage.
Printer Parts
Figure 3
2.2 MOUNTING THE LABEL SUPPLY RACKS
Position the printer so that the rear is assessable. Refer to Figure 2 and note the mounting
positions of each rack. Notice that the bent flanges point inward. Using the thumbscrews provided,
attach the racks to the printer.
2.3 INITIAL POWER UP
Before connecting the printer to a power source, verify that the voltage selector, located on the rear
of the printer, is set correctly. If not, open the selection door and rotate the cylinder until the correct
voltage is shown.
Plug the printer in and turn the power switch on. The green power indicator should light. The
motors will then adjust tension and a tone will be heard. If this does not occur, check the power
source and if necessary call your service organization.
7
2.4 FRONT PANEL KEYPAD AND STATUS DISPLAY
The front panel contains a three button keypad and a three LED status display.
Keypad Layout
Figure 4
2.4.1 LABEL PRINT KEY
The front panel keypad (see figure 4) contains a 'LABEL PRINT' key. If this key is pressed the unit
will print the currently loaded label format or the default label if no format has been loaded. If the
printer is in the process of printing a predetermined quantity of labels (see ^D73, section 5.3),
pressing the 'LABEL PRINT' key will pause the printer. Pressing the key again will allow the printer
to continue the batch.
If the 'LABEL PRINT' key is depressed when the power is turned on, the printer is put into test
mode and a statistics and test label will be printed (see ^D29 chapter 5.3.10). This test mode is
also useful to temporarily set all software dip switches to default.
2.4.2 LINE FEED KEY
Pressing and holding the 'LINE FEED' key will cause the printer to advance until released. This key
can be use to load and align paper stock.
8
2.4.3 ON/OFF LINE KEY
Pressing the 'ON/OFF LINE' key causes the printer to suspend the processing of characters
through the communication ports. If a character is sent to the printer when communicating serially,
the printer will accept the character and send another XOFF (assuming X-OFF has been enabled).
The printer will allow up to 9 characters to violate the flow control, at which time any further
characters will cause the printer to issue the buffer overflow error (show on the table below). The
Clear to Send signal is always low when OFF-LINE.
2.5 THE STATUS LIGHTS/TONE
The meaning of the status lights is shown on Table 1.
Status Light
Light
Color/Tone
Steady GREEN All Power is ON
Steady ORANGE All Printer is ON-LINE
Steady RED All Printer error: Caused by a paper-out condition or a hardware
Flashing RED and
ORANGE
Fast pulsing tone Peel
Fast pulsing tone Batch Printer has been paused and is waiting for the print button to be
Flashing
YELLOW
Mode Meaning
failure. If paper is out, follow instructions in section 2.3,
otherwise turn printer off and back on. If condition persists,
contact your service representative.
All Spike or low voltage on the AC line. The unit will remain in this
mode until the condition is removed and the printer is powered
off.
Label present. Label is ready to be removed from the printer
Mode
After
PaperOut
mouth
pressed.
Printer is waiting to continue processing. The label button must
be pushed twice to clear yellow after loading.
Steady RED with
rapid wobble tone
All A serial port buffer over flow has occurred. Check the host flow
2.6 LOADING PAPER
control for problems. (Note: the serial buffer will only accept 9
characters after the printer drops the clear to send signal or
optionally sends the XOFF character.)
Table 1
9
Part of the 465's versatility is in the different ways it processes labels. The following two sections
explain the dispensing modes and printing methods. Refer to figures 2 and 5 for the printer
components.
2.6.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES
Place the label supply shaft and stock onto the wire rack. Raise the print head with the lift lever and
insert the paper with the thermally sensitive side up. Follow the loading diagram and thread the
paper through the printer and under the print head. Lower the head lift lever and you are ready to
print.
2.6.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE
Follow the paper loading in the normal and tag mode directions. Pull out several inches of paper
and remove the labels. Be sure the leading edge of the stock is flat and square. Rotate the pinch
roller release knob and insert the paper between the black drive roller and the white pinch roller.
Remove the slack and release the pressure on the pinch roller by turning the release knob.
Printer Feed Mechanism
Figure 5
10
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
The Microcom 465 printer and printhead should be cleaned approximately every 5,000 labels or
every two weeks whichever occurs first. The printer should also be cleaned whenever you run out
of label stock. Proper cleaning assures that any adhesive that may come off the end of the
previous roll, is removed. A Microcom cleaning kit (part #040005) should be used for cleaning and
maintaining a Microcom printer product. It is important to note that optimum printhead life is
achieved by cleaning the printer and printhead.
To clean your Microcom 465 printer:
1) Turn the printer off.
2) Lift the printhead using the lift lever at the rear of the printer and remove any label stock
that remains inside the head mechanism.
3) Using the cleaning brush, sweep away all small label and adhesive particles that may be in
the area of the printhead.
4) Moisten a cleaning swab with the cleaning solution and wipe away any adhesive from the
rollers or the aluminum peel bar.
5) Dampen a swab with cleaning solution and lift the print head. Take the moistened swab and
gently wipe the underside of the printhead. Repeat if necessary (if swab is extremely dirty).
6) Moisten the felt side of a cleaning card with the cleaning solution. Raise the print head and
insert the cleaning card under print head with the felt side facing up. Lower the print head
and press the feed key to feed the card through the printer. Allow the printhead to ride on
the cleaning card. Repeat the process if needed. The cleaning card may be used once at
each end.
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRINTHEAD WITH ANY METAL OR SHARP OBJECTS
11
12
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS
The 465 is very versatile. It can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and special
purpose machines. It is capable of serial RS-232-C and optionally Centronics® parallel
communication. The following sections explain the communication interfaces.
Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the Microcom 465 communicates using serial RS-232C at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking.
This configuration may be changed as shown in Appendix E.
3.1 CABLE PINOUT
Table 1 shows the signals of the 465's 25-pin RS-232 serial port and table 2 shows the optional
parallel port configuration.
If serial RS-232-C communication is selected and XON/XOFF hand shaking is used, the only
signals the 465 requires are the RXD, TXD, and GND signals. If hardware (CTS) hand shaking is
used, a CTS signal is provided and an RTS signal is required. XON/XOFF may be disabled through
software dip switch #1 (see chapter 5). The other signals are offered in the event the host
computer requires these signals.
Serial Port Configuration
25 TO 9 PIN 25 TO 25 PIN
State 465 Direction PC
HI 8 DCD---->---- DCD 1
XX 3 TXD---->---- RXD 2
XX 2 RXD----<---- TXD 3
HI 20 DTR---->---- DSR 4
LO 7 GND---<->--- GND 5
HI 6 DSR---->---- DTR 6
DC 4 RTS----<---- CTS 7
XX 5 CTS---->---- RTS 8
HI 18 5V
DB-25 DE-9
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
State 465 Direction PC
XX 3 TXD---->---- RXD 3
XX 2 RXD----<---- TXD 2
HI 20 DTR---->---- DSR 6-8
LO 7 GND---<->--- GND 7
HI 6-8 DSR---->---- DTR 20
DC 4 RTS----<---- CTS 4
XX 5 CTS---->---- RTS 5
HI 18 +5V---->---- +5V 18
DB-25 DB-25
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
Table 1
13
Parallel Port Configuration
1 = /STROBE
2 = D0
3 = D1
4 = D2
5 = D3
6 = D4
7 = D5
8 = D6
9 = D7
10 = /ACK
11 = BUSY
12 = PAPER OUT
13 = SCLT
14 = NC
15 = NC
16 = LOGIC GND
17-18 = NC
19-30 = LOGIC GND
31 = /INIT
32 = /ERROR
33 = LOGIC GND
34-36 = NC
(36 PIN CENTRONICS®)
Table 2
3.2 PRINTER CABLES
For parallel connection: Use a 36 pin male centronics® to 25 pin male cable, connected from
the desired parallel port of the host computer to the 36 pin connector
on the 465.
For serial connection: If your host computer has a...
25 pin male serial port- Use a 25 pin female to 25 pin male extension (straight) cable. (pin
#1 to pin #1...)
9 pin male serial port-Use a standard 25 pin male to 9 pin female serial cable.
Note: NULL modem cable adapters are not necessary since the printer is DCE equipment.
14
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS
Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the software resident in the printer used to decipher label
formats sent by the host computer. All fonts, character sets and barcodes symbologies are resident
in the printer.
A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps:
1: Control commands to define printer operation
2: A header to define label height, width, print speed, etc..
3: Field data to define placement of text, barcode, graphic or line
4: Actual text data to place in the above text or barcode fields
5: Control commands to initiate printing
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS
Throughout this manual there are references to control characters. In order to print them in this
manual, they have been written using standard characters and icons. Escape characters are
represented by <ESC> and a carriage return is represented by the 5 symbol. It is important to note
that all printer functions, unless otherwise noted, must be followed with a carriage return5.
4.2 GETTING STARTED
There are many different machines that can send information to the 465 printer: For example main frames, mini-computers, special purpose computers and PC's. However, if you are using the
printer for the first time, the easiest way to start is with a PC and a terminal emulation software
program. This will allow two-way, serial communication with the printer. You will be able to quickly
upload files and access label-sizing and other features that will help considerably in formatting your
first labels.
4.2.1 PC CONNECTION (SERIAL)
Items required:
- A computer with at least one unused serial communications port. (COM1,COM2...)
- A serial interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information)
- A terminal emulation program. (Procomm, Telix, Windows terminal...)
Note: This communications test assumes that you have a standard serial 465 printer.
Set the communication parameters in the PC terminal software program to 9600 baud, no parity, 8
data bits and 1 stop bit. Unless modified by the user, this is the printers' communication
configuration out of the box. Depress ^C (ASCII or control code) on the PC keyboard. If the printer
prints a label, proper PC to printer communications have been confirmed. Depress ^E to verify
printer to PC communication. You will receive a text response from the printer.
15
If a terminal program is not available, it is possible to send files to the printer using the DOS COPY
command. To do this you must first create a text file containing the information to be sent (i.e. ^C ).
You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters (QEDIT, Wordstar
non-document mode, DOS 5.0 EDIT, EDLIN...).
Use the following DOS MODE command to set up the appropriate PC port.
Note: COM1 may be any available communications port on your PC.
C:>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
You must then send the file to the printer using the following DOS command.
C:>COPY FILENAME COM1
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL)
Items required:
- A computer with at least one unused parallel communications port. (LPT1,LPT2...)
- A parallel interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information)
Create a text file containing the information to be sent. (^C is the print command.)
^C
You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters (QEDIT, Wordstar
non-document mode, DOS 5.0 EDIT, EDLIN...). Send the file to the printer using the following DOS
command. Note: LPT1 may be any available printer port on your PC.
C:>COPY FILENAME LPT1
16
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS
You can test some of the control code functions (see section 5.1) directly through the keyboard.
Large label files, such as some of those illustrated in Appendix B, may be entered in a straight
ASCII text word editor and then up-loaded to the printer using a terminal emulation program or the
DOS copy command. (To use the DOS copy command, first use the DOS mode instruction to
configure the PC. For example, MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P).
There are some special features offered by the 465 printer that will aid in label design. For
example, the autosize command (^A2^D395) will provide most of the header format information
needed to define the different properties of label stock. The state of the machine is accessed
through the enquiry command (^D55 or ^E). The statistical printer information is made available
through the ^A0^D295 command.
The following sections of this chapter are designed to give an overview of a label format, define the
label header, and list the different types of field information available. Chapter 5 explains the
special functions of the control codes. Once some understanding of these basic concepts are
achieved, use the quick reference guide in Appendix D for expedient label design.
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW
A label format consists of a header record and field records, followed by the text data to be printed.
The records describe how the label is to be printed. The header contains information about the
label itself such as label height, width, print speed, etc. The field records refer to the data section
and contain information about positioning coordinates, the type of character generators or
barcodes to use, etc.. Below is a sample label format. We will refer to this format as we break
down the components of its structure.
(See Figure 6)
^D575
4,812,609,,205
1,100, 40, 4, 1,45
2,100, 60,17, 1,45
3,100,100, 5, 1,65
3,100,150, 5,16,2,,,,305
^D565
^D25
EASY5
MICROCOM MAKES IT5
HELLO5
^D35
A label format is coming
Header information
Field #1 information
Field #2 information
Field #3 information
Field #4 information
Select RAM Format
Text Data is Coming
Text String #1
Text String #2
Text String #3
Print Label 1
17
Microcom Label
Figure 6
The sequence ^D575 puts the printer in format entry mode.
The next line is the header information: sizing the label (812 dots wide 609 dots high).
The next four lines are layout information for each data field in the format.
The sequence ^D565 selects the user layout.
The sequence ^D25 tells the printer to start accepting data for each defined field. (Field #1 defines
where Data #1 should be positioned.)
(Note: The label prints from bottom to top.)
The next three lines are data for each field.
Text string #3 is accessed twice. The format will print the word 'EASY' and then the barcode
equivalent.
The sequence ^D35 starts the print cycle. (Default is one copy. See section 5.3.2)
18
4.4 LABEL HEADER
The header consist of eleven parameters. These parameters contain information about the label. It
is not necessary to enter information for all of the parameters: If a parameter is left blank, then the
default value will be used. A carriage return must follow the label header parameters.
The value of measurement for many of the header elements is the dot. There are 203 dots per inch
on a 465 print head (8 dots/mm). There is a maximum 832 dots in the X direction (width). The Y
direction (length) is 8120 dots or 40 inches long.
Most header parameters can be supplied using the autosize command. (section 5.3.3.)
Below is a list of the header element mnemonics and their default values:
HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY
0, 832, 443, 10, 10, 48, 0, 1, 535, 0, 0
19
FEED DIRECTION
OR 12 DOTS
THIS IS THE WEB VALUE
Y BEGINNING
MICROCOM
THIS IS 0,0
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label
Figure 7
OR 25 DOTS
.125
THIS IS THE GAP VALUE
20
Refer to Figure 7 for a visual representation of the physically locatable header parameters.
The following is a description of each header element:
HFM NUMBER OF FIELDS IN LAYOUT
This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more fields are
defined than what is specified for HFM, the extras will be ignored. To prevent software
confusion, do not set the HFM parameter to a number higher than the number of fields
defined.
LSX LABEL SIZE X DIRECTION
Specifies the width of the label in dots. For example: A 3" wide label would have an LSX of
3 x 203 = 609 dots. (203 dots = 1 inch)
LSY LABEL SIZE Y DIRECTION
Specifies the height of the label in dots. (maximum of 8120 dots)
WEB WEB SIZE
The width, measured in dots, of the webbing that is found on the left side of the label.
GAP GAP SIZE
The height, measured in dots, of the gap between labels. Autosizing (See section 5.3.3) will
define this value.
DPS PRINT SPEED
The speed the printer prints a label. Generally, better print quality is obtained at lower print
speeds.
The labels per minute a particular format will print can be calculated by the equation below:
IPS x 60 seconds
Labels per Minute = ---------------------------
Label Height
The printer's default print speed is 3.2 inches per second (DPS value = 48). To speed it up
or slow it down, the following DPS parameters can be inserted into the label header. Note
that a higher value slows the printer down and a smaller value speeds it up.
See Table 3 for a list of print speeds, DPS values, and inches per second.
21
Print Speed
DPS VALUE MM PER SECOND INCHES PER SECOND INCHES PER MINUTE
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
152.4
149.9
147.3
144.8
142.2
139.7
137.2
134.6
132.1
129.5
127.0
124.5
121.9
119.4
116.8
114.3
111.8
109.2
106.7
104.1
101.6
99.1
96.5
94.0
91.4
88.9
86.4
83.8
81.3
78.7
76.2
73.7
71.7
68.6
66.0
63.5
61.0
58.4
55.9
53.3
50.8
6.0
5.9
5.8
5.7
5.6
5.5
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.1
5.0
4.9
4.8
4.7
4.6
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0
360
354
348
342
336
330
324
318
312
306
300
294
288
282
276
270
264
258
252
246
240
234
228
222
216
204
204
198
192
186
180
174
168
162
156
150
144
138
132
126
120
Table 3
22
Loading...