Microcom 466 User Manual
MODEL 466
THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Part Number 880015-0213
- Revised: March 21, 2001 MSG -
Centronics is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.
HP and LaserJet are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Arial is a registered trademark of Agfa Monotype Corporation.
Swiss is a trademark of Bitstream Inc.
TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
HyperTerminal is a registered trademark of Hilgrave Inc.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1995-2001 Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio - All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .............................................................. v
List of Figures .............................................................. v
Introduction ................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 3
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES ............................................ 3
1.2 BAR CODES ................................................... 3
1.3 FONTS ....................................................... 4
1.4 PRINTING ..................................................... 4
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS ................................... 4
1.6 PHYSICAL ..................................................... 4
1.7 ENVIRONMENT ................................................ 4
1.8 ELECTRICAL ................................................... 5
1.9 OPTIONS ...................................................... 5
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS ........................................... 5
1.11 APPROVALS ................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION .............................................. 7
2.1 UNPACKING THE 466 PRINTER ................................... 7
2.2 INITIAL POWER UP ............................................. 7
2.3 FRONT PANEL SWITCHES AND STATUS LIGHTS ..................... 7
2.3.1 NORMAL MODE .......................................... 7
2.3.2 STATUS LABEL MODE ..................................... 7
2.3.3 PAPER-OUT MODE ....................................... 8
2.4 THE STATUS LIGHTS AND SOUNDS ............................... 9
2.5 LOADING PAPER ............................................... 9
2.5.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES .......................... 10
2.5.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE .............................. 10
2.6 PRINT HEAD SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT ............................ 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 ......................................... 16
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW ............................ 17
4.4 LABEL HEADER ............................................... 19
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) ............................ 23
4.5 LABEL FIELDS ................................................ 24
4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT, BAR CODE, AND GRAPHIC FIELDS ......... 24
4.5.2 LINES ................................................. 29
466 Operators Manual
4.5.3 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) ............................. 31
CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS .......................................... 33
5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES ............................. 33
5.2 PRINTER STATUS MESSAGES ................................... 34
5.3 SENDING ^D PRINTER COMMANDS ............................... 34
5.3.1 SOFTWARE SWITCHES AND NON-VOLATILE COMMANDS ...... 35
5.3.2 PRINTING COMMANDS ................................... 42
5.3.3 AUTO-SIZING AND VALID GAP COMMANDS .................. 43
5.3.4 REAL-TIME CLOCK ...................................... 45
5.3.5 SERIAL NUMBER COMMANDS ............................. 47
5.3.6 SAVING FORMAT COMMANDS ............................. 49
5.3.7 LABEL PRESENT SENSOR CONTROL ....................... 51
5.3.8 TEXT STRINGS COMMANDS ............................... 52
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHIC IMAGES .............................. 55
6.1 USING THE GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES .................... 55
6.1.1 PCX2MIC.EXE PROGRAM ................................. 55
6.1.2 BMP2MIC.EXE PROGRAM ................................. 55
6.2 GRAPHIC IMAGE DOWNLOAD METHODS .......................... 55
6.2.1 COMPRESSED BINARY IMAGE COMMAND (^D107) .............. 55
6.2.2 UNCOMPRESSED IMAGE COMMAND (^D106) .................. 57
6.3 DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS COMMAND SUMMARY ................ 60
CHAPTER 7: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS ....................................... 61
7.1 PROCEDURE FOR USING JET2466.EXE UTILITY .................... 61
CHAPTER 8: BAR CODES ................................................... 63
8.1 TYPES OF BAR CODES ......................................... 63
8.2 DESIGNING WITH BAR CODES ................................... 71
8.2.1 BAR CODE HUMAN READABLES ........................... 73
CHAPTER 9: SPECIAL EFFECTS ............................................. 75
9.1 REVERSED PRINT (WHITE TEXT OVER BLACK) ..................... 75
CHAPTER 10: OPTIONS .................................................... 77
10.1 GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES .............................. 77
10.2 DOWNLOADABLE FONT UTILITIES ............................... 77
10.3 WYSIWYG SOFTWARE PACKAGES ............................... 77
10.4 CLEANING KIT ................................................ 77
10.5 WINDOWS™ DRIVER .......................................... 77
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES .......................... 78
APPENDIX B: QUICK REFERENCE COMMAND SUMMARY ........................ 80
APPENDIX C: HARDWARE DIP SWITCHES ..................................... 90
Index .................................................................... 91
466 Operators Manual
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Status Light ................................................................ 9
Serial Port Configuration ..................................................... 13
Print Speed ............................................................... 21
Bitmapped Font Descriptions ................................................. 26
Bar Code Symbologies ...................................................... 27
Character Starting Positions .................................................. 28
Status Messages .......................................................... 34
Clock Field Parameters ...................................................... 45
UPC Zero Reduction Format ................................................. 63
Control Code Equivalents for use in Data Strings .................................. 65
Code 128 Special Function Access ............................................ 67
UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ............................................... 70
List of Figures
Front View ................................................................. 6
Rear View ................................................................. 6
Printer Parts ............................................................... 7
Status Label ............................................................... 8
Printer Feed Mechanism ..................................................... 10
Narrow Label Adjustment .................................................... 10
Print Head Adjustment Screw ................................................. 10
Microcom Label ............................................................ 18
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label ..................................... 19
Lines .................................................................... 30
European Date Format ...................................................... 46
US Date Format ........................................................... 46
Unmodified Date Format ..................................................... 46
Sample Graphic ........................................................... 58
Bar Code Rotations ........................................................ 72
UPC-A Bar Code .......................................................... 73
Bar Code Human Readables ................................................. 73
Reverse Video Sample ...................................................... 75
466 Operators Manual
466 Operators Manual
Introduction
The Model 466 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. Through the use of dual processors, the printer
has the ability to handle a wide variety of labeling tasks.
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 downloadable graphics and fonts, multiple serial
numbering, and flexible character kerning. It offers many font sizes and all popular bar code
symbologies. Graphic images can be printed or stored in the printer's memory for future use.
Bitmapped Fonts, bar codes, and graphic images can be multiplied in size and printed in
0,90,180,270 degree rotations. Once the labels are designed, they can be stored in the printer
for high speed access.
The 466 is capable of printing on most types of label or fax stock. It offers operation in a
tag/tear, peel-and-dispense, or cut-off mode. It can handle blow-hole, black-line, label gap, and
continuous stock.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This
is not a problem for the 466 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 line of software packages which allow quick and easy on-screen label
designing, along with database capabilities.
466 Operators Manual
466 Operators Manual2
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Model 466 Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer printer is designed with many standard
features that are unique when compared to other printers. The 466 is built to meet the
demands of complicated applications and rigorous use.
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES
! Direct thermal or thermal transfer tag/ticket feed operation
! Dot history temperature control
! Resolution of 8 dots/mm (.0049" per dot) and a print width of 832 dots (4.09")
! WYSIWYG software compatible
! Print speed up to 8.0 inches per second
! Slew speed up to 12.0 inches per second
! Internal media supply holds roll sizes up to 8 inches OD
! Prints on die-cut, continuous, fax, or preprinted labels up to 9.0 mil thick
! Software-controlled contrast adjustment
! Standard memory of 512KB ROM and 512KB RAM
! Internal date and time keeping
! Easy to load label path
! Detects label gap, black line, or blow-hole stock
! Internal statistical counter for inches and labels printed
! Downloadable bitmap fonts and graphics
! Field incrementing and decrementing
! Remote printer interrogation.
1.2 BAR CODES
! Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Code 93, Plessey,
Modified Plessey, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Postnet, MaxiCode, and PDF-417
466 Operators Manual 3
Features and Specifications Chapter 1
1.3 FONTS
! Bitmapped fonts (normal/bold and OCR-A and OCR-B)
! Converted HP LaserJet™ or TrueType® font compatibility
! Fonts can be printed with proportional or non-proportional spacing
! All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width
! Printable in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
1.4 PRINTING
! Optional peel function with take up motor and label present sensor
! Optional internal rewind
! Optional rotary cutter
! Batch and tag/tear mode advances label to the tear bar
! 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/RTS
-Baud rate: 110 to 38400, user-selectable
-Parity: odd, even or none
-Data bits: 7 or 8
! Parallel (optional): 25-pin female (also includes additional serial port)
1.6 PHYSICAL
! Rigid painted steel construction
! Height: 12" (304.8mm)
! Width: 11" (279.4mm)
! Depth: 18" (457.2mm)
! Weight: 40 LBS (18.14Kg)
1.7 ENVIRONMENT
! Temperature: 0" C to 40" C operating
! Humidity: 10-85% non-condensing
466 Operators Manual4
Chapter 1 Features and Specifications
1.8 ELECTRICAL
! Voltage: 117 VAC nom.,60Hz
! Current: 3 AMPS maximum
1.9 OPTIONS
! Cutter
! Internal rewinder
! Parallel and second serial port
! Assorted printer cables
! On-screen label design PC software packages
! Windows™ 95/98/NT/2000 driver
! PCX/BMP to printer graphics conversion PC software
! TTF/SFP to printer font conversion PC software
! Battery backed RAM
! Additional RAM up to 2MB
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS
! 230V European power supply
1.11 APPROVALS
! CUL (UL and CSA), CE, Complies with FCC class A
466 Operators Manual 5
Features and Specifications Chapter 1
466 Printer
Front View
Figure 1
466 Printer
Rear View
Figure 2
466 Operators Manual6
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION
2.1 UNPACKING THE 466 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. (Some parts shown are optional. Please refer to the packing list or order.)
Printer Parts
Figure 3
A.) Printer
B.) Operators Manual
C.) Power Cord
D.) Optional Cutter
E.) Optional Communications Cable
2.2 INITIAL POWER UP
Before connecting the printer to a power source, verify that the voltage printed on the rear
panel correctly matches the supply.
Plug the printer in and turn the power switch on. The front panel power LED should turn green.
If this does not occur, check the power source and if necessary call your service organization.
2.3 FRONT PANEL SWITCHES AND STATUS LIGHTS
The front panel switches perform several different functions depending on the printer mode:
2.3.1 NORMAL MODE
The "Label Print" button is used to issue a label request. If the button is pressed while the
printer is idle, the unit will print a label using the current label format. If the button is pressed
while a label is printing, the printer will enter pause mode.
2.3.2 STATUS LABEL MODE
To print a status label, hold the print button while turning on the printer. Release the button and
a test pattern with statistical information will be printed (see Figure 4). When a status label is
466 Operators Manual 7
Basic Operation Chapter 2
created, the software dip switches are temporarily set to defaults. The printer will return to the
old settings, if different, after power down or a soft reset.
The printed labels and total labels represent the number of labels printed to date. The printed
labels and printed inches fields can be reset by the user while the total labels and total inches
cannot. Printed inches and printed labels are reset using the ^D29 command (see section 5.3).
Other useful information on the power-up label is the unit serial number, power-on hours,
previous serial parameters (not the default parameters caused by executing creating a status
label), and the revision number of the Label Design Software (LDS).
The switch bank settings reflect the contents of the four software dip switches that configure
the operation of the printer. See section 5.3, specifically ^D21, ^D22, ^D23, ^D24, ^D25, and
^D26, for more information on software dip switch settings.
Printer Serial #: 1234567890
Printed Labels: 8432
Total Labels: 8498
Printed Inches: 25296
Total Inches: 25494
Power On Hours: 897
Contrast Base: 100
Hard Switch Bank 1: 10100000
Soft Switch Bank 1: 10000001
Soft Switch Bank 2: 01010001
Soft Switch Bank 3: 00000000
Gap Threshold Value: 92
Takeup Motor: Disabled
Comm1 Parameters: 9600-N-8-1
Comm2 Parameters: 9600-N-8-1
Parallel: ACTIVE
RAM: 524288
Optional ROM: NONE
Cutter Installed: NONE
Second Proc. Rev: 2.13
RAM Checksum: Enabled
466 REV 2.13 070171-0213 07/11/00
Soft Switch Bank 4: 00000000
Soft Switch Bank 5: 10001011
Soft Switch Bank 6: 00000000
Status Label
Figure 4
2.3.3 PAPER-OUT MODE
When a paper out condition occurs, the printer will continuously beep and the red error
indicator will light. The front panel switch "Line Feed" serves to load and realign the new label
stock. Pressing the "Label Print" button will print a duplicate of the last label printed. The
previous label can be repeated until proper registration occurs. To return to the pre-paper out
condition, tap the button while the duplicate label is being printed. The red error light should go
out and normal printing may resume.
466 Operators Manual8
Chapter 2 Basic Operation
2.4 THE STATUS LIGHTS AND SOUNDS
The status lights have different functions depending upon the mode of the printer. The
following table explains the meanings.
Status Light
Color Sound Mode Meaning
Solid Green None All Power is on.
Solid Green Long Error All Memory operation unsuccessful.
Solid Green
Solid Red
Flashing Red
Solid Yellow N/A All Printer is On-Line.
3 Short
Beeps
Continuous
Pulsed
Beep
Continuous
Pulsed
Beep
All Memory operation successful.
Printer error:
Caused by a paper-out, ribbon-out, take-up
All
All
full, or hardware failure. If an unexplained
condition persists, contact your service
representative.
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.
Table 1
2.5 LOADING PAPER
The 466 can dispense labels in a many different ways. The following two sections explain the
dispensing modes. If narrow stock is used (3.5 inches wide or less), it may be necessary to
adjust the print head support screw (see section 2.6).
Thermal Transfer Note:
The 466 will, on power-up, automatically sense a loaded ribbon and select thermal transfer
mode. Please note that the printer will not select thermal transfer mode if the ribbon is loaded
after the printer is turned on. To correct the situation simply cycle the power once the ribbon
has been loaded.
466 Operators Manual 9
Basic Operation Chapter 2
Printer Feed Mechanism
Figure 5
2.5.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES
Place the label roll on the internal supply shaft and adjust the paper width stop. Raise the print
head and feed the paper through the printer until it comes out of the front. Lower the print
head.
2.5.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE (optional)
1. Follow the paper loading in the normal and tag mode directions.
2. Mount the peel plate adapter to the front of the printer.
3. Feed and remove enough labels to expose about two feet of backing paper.
4. Wrap the backing paper around the peel plate adapter and fasten it to the take up
spool.
5. If necessary, press the line feed button to properly align the labels.
(Avoid a paper jam, removing the labels as they start to peel.
6. Enable the peel-and-dispense mode using the ^A1^D98?.
*If the label height is over 2", a label support rack should be used. This rack will
support the peeled label until it is removed.
2.6 PRINT HEAD SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT
When using narrow media, less than 3.5" wide, it is possible to increase print quality and
prevent premature drive roller wear by correctly adjusting the print head support screw. To
make the adjustment, simply turn the head adjustment screw (see Figure 6) clockwise until the
print head is slightly lifted from the drive roller. Once the head has been lifted from the
roller(see Figure 7), verify that the print head has not been lifted too far by printing a test label.
If the print quality on the right side of the label appears weak, then lower the print head by
turning the screw counter clockwise until the print quality is corrected. If the quality problem
appears on the left side, turn the screw clockwise until the print quality is corrected.
466 Operators Manual10
Chapter 2 Basic Operation
Print Head Adjustment Screw
Figure 6
Narrow Label Adjustment
Figure 7
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
The printer and print head should be cleaned every 5,000 labels, every two weeks, or between
label roll changes, whichever occurs first. A Microcom cleaning kit (part #040005-0000) should
be used for cleaning and maintaining a Microcom printer product. It is important to note that
the optimum print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head.
To clean the 466 printer:
1) Turn the printer off.
2) Lift the print head and remove any label stock.
3) Use the cleaning brush to sweep away all small label and adhesive particles that may
be in the area of the print head.
4) Moisten a cleaning swab with the cleaning solution and wipe away any adhesive from
the rollers or the peel bracket.
5) Dampen a swab with cleaning solution and gently wipe the underside of the print head.
Repeat if necessary (if swab is extremely dirty).
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRINT HEAD WITH ANY METAL OR SHARP OBJECTS
466 Operators Manual 11
Basic Operation Chapter 2
466 Operators Manual12
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS
The 466 can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose
machines. It is capable of serial RS-232 or optional Centronics® parallel communication. The
following sections explain the communication interfaces.
Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the 466 communicates using serial RS-232 at
9600 bits per second, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software
handshaking. This configuration may be changed as shown in Appendix C.
3.1 CABLE PINOUT
Table 2 shows the signals of the 25-pin RS-232 serial port configuration.
If serial RS-232 communication is selected and XON/XOFF hand shaking is used, the only
signals the 466 requires are the RXD, TXD, and GND signals. If hardware (CTS/RTS) hand
shaking is used, a RTS signal is provided. XON/XOFF may be disabled through software dip
switch #1 (see Section 5.3.1). 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 466 Direction PC
HI 8 DCD ---->---- DCD 1
XX 3 TXD ---->---- RXD 2
XX 2 RXD ----<---- TXD 3
HI 6 DSR ----<---- DTR 4
LO 7 GND ---<->--- GND 5
HI 20 DTR ---->---- DSR 6
DC 4 CTS ----<---- RTS 7
XX 5 RTS ---->---- CTS 8
HI 18 +5V
DB-25 DE-9
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
State 466 Direction PC
HI 8 DCD ---->---- DCD 8
XX 3 TXD ---->---- RXD 3
XX 2 RXD ----<---- TXD 2
HI 6 DSR ----<---- DTR 20
LO 7 GND ---<->--- GND 7
HI 20 DTR ---->---- DSR 6
DC 4 CTS ----<---- RTS 4
XX 5 RTS ---->---- CTS 5
HI 18 +5V
DB-25 DB-25
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
Table 2
466 Operators Manual 13
Communications Chapter 3
3.2 PRINTER CABLES
Warning: Connection of a serial 466 to a parallel port may result in damage to the printer
and/or computer. Connection of a 466 with a parallel board to a serial port may result in
damage to the printer and/or computer.
The printer cables needed for the 466 printer are standard and available through Microcom
Corporation. You will not need a NULL-modem cable because the printer is DCE equipment.
For parallel connection, use a standard 25 pin to 36 pin Centronics printer cable, connected
from the desired parallel port of the host computer to the 36 pin connector on the optional 466
parallel board.
For serial connection, (standard on the 466)
25 pin serial com port - Use a standard 25 pin female to 25 pin male serial cable.
9 pin serial com port - Use a 9 pin female to 25 pin male cable.
Note: NULL modem cable adapters are not necessary since the printer is DCE equipment.
466 Operators Manual14
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS
Label Design Software (LDS) refers to the software resident in the printer used to decipher
label formats sent by the host computer. All fonts, character sets and bar codes symbologies
are resident in the printer.
A label format is produced by a series of 5 steps:
1: Control commands to define printer operation
2: A header to define label height, width, print speed, etc..
3: Field data to define placement of text, bar code, graphic or line
4: Actual text data to place in the above text or bar code fields
5: Control commands to initiate printing
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS
Throughout this manual there are references to control characters. In order to print them in this
manual, they have been written using standard characters and icons. Escape characters are
represented by <ESC> and a carriage return is represented by the ? symbol. It is important to
note that all printer functions, unless otherwise noted, must be followed with a carriage
return?.
4.2 GETTING STARTED
There are many different machines that can send information to the 466 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 for testing. (Such as HyperTerminal™)
Set the communication parameters in the PC terminal software program to 9600 bits per
second, no parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit. Unless modified by the user, this is the printers'
communication configuration out of the box. Send the characters ^D3 and a carriage return
character to the printer. If the printer prints a label, proper PC to printer communications have
been confirmed. Send the characters ^D5 followed by a carriage return character to verify
printer to PC communication. A text response should be returned from the printer.
If a terminal program is not available, it is possible to send files to the printer using the DOS
COPY command. To do this, create a text file containing the information to be sent (i.e. ^D3?).
Note: Use an editor that does not add its own formatting characters.
Use the following DOS MODE command to set up the appropriate PC port.
466 Operators Manual 15
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Note: COM1 may be any available communications port on your PC.
C:>MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P
You must then send the file to the printer using the following DOS command.
C:>COPY FILENAME COM1
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL)
Items required:
- A computer with at least one unused parallel communications port. (LPT1, LPT2...)
- A parallel interface cable. (See section 3.2 for cable information)
Create a text file containing the information to be sent. (^C is the print command.)
^C
You may use any text editor that does not add its own formatting characters (QEDIT, DOS
EDIT...). Send the file to the printer using the following DOS command. Note: LPT1 may be
any available printer port on your PC.
C:>COPY FILENAME LPT1
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS
You can test some of the control code functions (see section 5.1) directly through the
keyboard. Large label files may be entered in a straight ASCII text word editor and then uploaded 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 466 printer that will aid in label design. For
example, the auto-size command (^A2^D39?) 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 (^D5? or ^E). The statistical printer information is
made available through the ^A0^D29? 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 B for expedient label
design.
466 Operators Manual16
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW
A label format consists of a header record and field records, followed by the text data to be
printed. The records describe how the label is to be printed. The header contains information
about the label itself such as label height, width, print speed, etc. The field records refer to the
data section and contain information about positioning coordinates, the type of character
generators or bar codes to use, etc.. The number of fields is limited only by the amount of free
memory.
Below is a sample label format. We will refer to this format as we break down the components
of its structure.
(See Figure 8)
^D57?
5,812,1218,,20,35
1,190,1068,8,1,8,,,2,2?
2,139,900,11,1,8,,,2,2?
3,117,760,26,1,8?
4,265,560,11,1,8?
4,123,50,11,16,3,,,3,406?
^D56?
^D2?
Microcom?
Corporation?
Thermal Printing Solutions?
01234567890?
^D3?
The sequence ^D57? puts the printer in format entry mode.
The next line is the header information: sizing the label (812 dots wide 1218 dots high).
The next five lines are layout information for each data field in the format.
A label format is coming
Header information
Field #1 information
Field #2 information
Field #3 information
Field #4 information
Field #5
Select RAM Format
Text Data is Coming
Text String #1
Text String #2
Text String #3
Text String #4
Print Label 1
The sequence ^D56? selects the user layout.
The sequence ^D2? tells the printer to start accepting data for each defined field. (Field #1 defines
where Data #1 should be positioned.) (Note: The label prints from bottom to top.)
The next three lines are data for each field.
Text string #4 is accessed twice. The format will print '01234567890' and then the bar code
equivalent.
The sequence ^D3? starts the print cycle. (Default is one copy. See section 5.3.2)
466 Operators Manual 17
Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Microcom Label
Figure 8
466 Operators Manual18
Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
THIS IS THE GAP VALUE
4.4 LABEL HEADER
The header consist of twelve 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 466 print head (8 dots/mm). There is a maximum 832 dots in the X direction (width). The
Y direction (length) is virtually unlimited.
Most header parameters can be supplied using the auto-size command. (See section 5.3.3.)
Below is a list of the header element mnemonics and their default values:
HFM,LSX,LSY,WEB,GAP,DPS,LCB,AGD,SPG,OFX,OFY,,,FMT
0,832,614, 13, 24, 35, 0, 1,490, 0, 0,,, 0
FEED DIRECTION
.0625
OR 12 DOTS
THIS IS THE WEB VALUE
X BEGINNING
Y BEGINNING
THIS IS 0,0
4.0 OR 800 DOTS LSX
MICROCOM
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label
Figure 9
3.0 OR 600 DOTS LSY
.125
OR 25 DOTS
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
Refer to Figure 9 for a visual representation of most header parameters.
The following is a description of each header element:
HFM NUMBER OF FIELDS IN LAYOUT
This parameter is used to specify the number of fields in the layout. If more fields are
defined than what is specified for HFM, the extras will be ignored. To prevent 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.
WEB WEB SIZE
The width, measured in dots, of the webbing that is found on the left side of the label.
GAP GAP SIZE
The height, measured in dots, of the gap between labels. Auto-sizing (See section 5.3.3)
will define this value.
DPS PRINT SPEED
The speed the printer prints a label. Generally, better print quality is obtained at lower print
speeds.
The 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.
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
Print Speed
DPS VALUE MM PER SECOND INCHES PER SECOND INCHES PER MINUTE
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
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
203.2
200.7
198.1
195.6
193.0
190.5
188.0
185.4
182.9
180.3
177.8
175.3
172.7
170.2
167.6
165.1
162.6
160.0
157.5
154.9
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
Table 3
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.4
6.3
6.2
6.1
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
480
474
468
462
456
450
444
438
432
426
420
414
408
402
396
390
384
378
372
366
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
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
LCB LABEL CONTROL BYTE
This parameter selects between the various gap detection methods.
Normal Stock (leading edge): If set to a value of 0, the printer will detect the leading
edge of the label (the start of the next label).
Continuous Stock: If set to a value of 2, the printer will not search for a gap or other
sense mark. The printer will print all fields that contain data and advance the paper the
amount specified in the SPG parameter. Blank or empty fields will not be printed. For
example, Imagine a receipt format that contains 100 lines. If data is provided for the
first 50 lines, the printer will not advance the “extra” blank 50 lines. The printer will stop
immediately after printing the last pixel and then advance the amount specified in the
SPG parameter.
If the AGD is set to 0, the printer will always feed the same amount of media regardless
of the data. In this case, the amount of label feed is determined by adding the SPG
value to the LSY.
Blow Hole Stock (Slot-Cut): If set to a value of 0, the printer will detect the leading edge
of a blow hole (see software dip switch #4 (^D24) for blow hole stock).
Black Line Stock (transmissive sensor): If set to a value of 1, the printer will detect the
leading edge of a black line.
Black Line Stock (optional reflective sensor): If set to a value of 3, the printer will detect
the leading edge of a black line.
AGD NUMBER OF STEPS TO ACTIVATE GAP DETECTOR
This parameter selects the number of steps (dots) that the printer should skip before
gap sensing is activated. This value is usually defaulted.
SPG NUMBER OF STEPS PAST GAP
The number of steps to advance the label after detection of a label gap. Use autosizing (See section 5.3.3) to quickly evaluate this parameter for small stock. It may also
be necessary to adjust this value if using material with a sense position not located at
the end of the stock.
The 466 uses the following formula to determine the SPG setting:
If label height is greater than or equal to 490 then SPG=490
If label height is less than 490, subtract (LSY+GAP) from 490 until the answer is
negative, then add (LSY+GAP) back to become positive again. Subtract the AGD value
(usually 1) and the result will be the correct SPG.
If continuous stock is selected in the LCB, an SPG value of 0 will cause the printer to
advance paper until the LSY header value plus the SPG header value are reached.
OFX X DIRECTION OFFSET
This parameter moves all the fields in the X direction without changing the fields
themselves. (Positive integers only)
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Chapter 4 Designing Labels Using LDS
OFY Y DIRECTION OFFSET
This parameter moves all the fields in the Y direction without changing the fields
themselves. (Positive integers only)
,,, CONSTANTS
FMT FORCE MEDIA TYPE
This parameter can be configured to produce an error when the media type loaded in
the printer does not match the type specified by this parameter. For example: If an
application always requires the use of thermal transfer ribbons, this parameter could be
set to a value of 2. The printers front panel LED will turn red if a user tries to print a
label without first loading a ribbon. The reverse situation could also be configured.
Do Not Force: If set to a value of 0, the printer will print using the mode detected at
power-up or the last method selected.
Force Direct Thermal Mode: If set to a value of 1, the printer will print only if ribbon is
not present in the printer. If an attempt is made to print, and ribbon is detected, the
printer will sound an error tone, turn on the red error light, and halt.
Force Thermal Transfer Mode: If set to a value of 2, the printer will print only if ribbon is
present in the printer. If an attempt is made to print, and ribbon is not detected, the
printer will sound an error tone, turn on the red error light, and halt.
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER)
This is the label header from the sample label in section 4.3.
5,812,1218,,20,35?
5 - 5 fields following the header
812 - Label width (LSX) of 812 (812/203 = 4 inches).
1218 - Label length (LSY) of 1218 (1218/203 = 6 inches).
- The WEB parameter can be defaulted.
20 - GAP between labels of 20 (20/203 = 0.10 inch).
35 - Print speed (DPS) of 35 = 4.5 in/sec (from Table 3)
- No entry for the LCB parameter means default value of
0, normal stock on backing paper.
- The AGD could be defaulted. This value was confirmed
using the auto-size command.
- SPG could be defaulted. This value was confirmed
using the auto-size function.
? - A carriage return must follow the label header. The
parameters OFX, OFY, and FMT were not entered into
the header and therefore the printer assumes the
default values, 0 in their cases. Likewise, since the
AGD and SPG were defaulted, the carriage return could
have followed the DPS.
Note: Defaulted fields must be separated by commas and ending commas may be
omitted.
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Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4
4.5 LABEL FIELDS
A field is broken down into many different parameters. These parameters contain the
information necessary to position data (text, bar codes, graphics, etc.) on the label. It is
not necessary to enter values for all of the field parameters; the default values will be
used if left blank. The fields to be defaulted must be separated by commas. A carriage
return must follow each label field.
4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT, BAR CODE, AND GRAPHIC FIELDS
The following is a list of bit mapped (ROM stored and Downloaded) field element
mnemonics and their default values:
TSN,XB,YB,CC,TCI,CGN,FO,FJ,CMX,CMY,CS,TSP,,,,,AN
1, 0, 0, *, 1, **, 0, 0, 1, 1, *, 1,,,,, 0
* The default depends on the character generator (CGN) used.
** The default depends on the TCI used.
Note: All values must be positive integers.
TSN TEXT STRING NUMBER
Determines from which text string the field obtains the data. This allows for more than
one field to use the same text string. A TSN of 0 accesses the clock chip text string
(see section 5.3.4). A TSN of 1 accesses the first line of data. A TSN of 2 accesses the
second line of data, and so forth. Data is the text that follows a ^D2? command in a
label layout. A graphic image field must point to a valid text string that contains at least
1 character. Maximum value is 65536.
XB X BEGINNING COORDINATE
The X coordinate of the field is measured in dots. The far left edge of the label as
viewed from the front of the printer is X coordinate 1. There is no X coordinate 0. The X
coordinate increases in size from left to right (See Figure 9). An XB of 203 would place
the text one inch from the left side of the label.
YB Y BEGINNING COORDINATE
The Y coordinate of the field is measured in dots. A YB of 1 would be specified as the
first edge of the label coming out of the front of the printer during a label print. The Y
coordinate increases in size from the bottom to the top of the label (See Figure 9). A
YB of 203 would place text one inch from the bottom of the label.
CC CHARACTER COUNT
This parameter determines the number of characters that will be used in a field. If the
number of characters in the selected text string is more than the quantity specified by
CC, then the remainder of the text string is ignored. If the text string has less than the
number of characters specified by this parameter, then only those characters defined
by the text string are printed. For example, the text string - MICROCOM - would be 8
characters long. This parameter should be set to a value of 1 if the field is a graphic
image.
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