Monarch 9820, 9830, 9805, 9835 User Manual

Monarch

Printers

9403

✦

9805

✦

9820

✦

9830

✦

9835

✦

9840

✦

9850

✦

















TC9800PM Rev. DB 2/01 ©1996 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only
warranty on which the customer can rely. Monarch reserves the right to make
changes in the product, the programs, and their availability at any time and
without notice. Although Monarch has made every effort to provide complete
and accurate information in this manual, Monarch shall not be liable for any
omissions or inaccuracies. Any update will be incorporated in a later edition of
this manual.

©1998 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language in any form by any means, without the prior
written permission of Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.

WARNING

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 instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

CANADIAN D.O.C. WARNING

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Réglement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicte par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Trademarks

Monarch, 9403, 9820, and 9830 are registered trademarks of Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
Monarch, 1464, 1465, 917, 918, 926, 928, 9800, 9805, 9835, 9840, and 9850 are trademarks of Monarch
Marking Systems, Inc.
Paxar is a trademark of Paxar Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.
CG Triumvirate and CG Triumvirate Bold are trademarks of AGFA Corporation.
Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain
jurisdictions.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.

Monarch Marking Systems
P.O. Box 608
Dayton, Ohio 45401

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Daily Startup Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Starting with a Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Determining Format Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Determining the Print Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Drawing Rough Sketches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Using Supply Layout Grids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Considering Field Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Considering Fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Interchanging Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Using the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER

Setting Communication Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

About DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Using Parallel Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Using Autobaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Using MPCLII Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Using Online Configuration Packets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Making Print Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Filling in the Format Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

MPCLII Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Standard Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Configuration Packet Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Configuration Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

i

Defining the System Setup Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Defining the Supply Setup Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Defining the Print Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Defining the Control Characters Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Resetting Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Defining the Communication Settings Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Defining the Backfeed Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Defining the Memory Configuration Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Checking Current Buffer Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

About Memory Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Buffer Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

Buffer Allocation Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . 2-29

Using Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

Enabling Immediate Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Sending Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Clearing Packets from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32

Using the Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33

Using the Flash Upload Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36

Flash Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38

Uploading Format Header Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38

DEFINING FIELDS

Defining the Format Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Defining Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Defining Bar Code Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

ii

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

203 DPI Barcode Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

203 DPI Barcode Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

300 DPI Barcode Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

300 DPI Barcode Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

Defining Non-Printable Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Defining Constant Text Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Defining Line Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Line Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Defining Box Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS

Applying Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Combining Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Option 1 (Fixed Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Option 3 (Data Entry Templates) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Option 4 (Copy Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Merging Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Option 30 (Padding Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Sample Use for Padding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Option 42 (Price Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Option 50 (Bar Code Density) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Option 61 (Reimage Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Using Check Digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Sum of Products Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

Sum of Digits Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

4-4
4-5

iii

CREATING GRAPHICS

Overview of Compliance Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Overview of Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Determining a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Designing Compliance Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Designing Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Using the Hex Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Using the Run Length Encoding Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Determining How to Store the Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Using Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Using Non-volatile RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Using Volatile RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Using Temporary Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Creating a Graphic Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Positioning the Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Defining the Graphic Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Creating Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Creating Next-Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Creating Duplicate Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Sample Compliance Graphic Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Sample Hex Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Sample Run Length Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Placing the Graphic in a Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Defining the Graphic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Sample Compliance Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Sample Bitmap Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Within the Graphic Packet Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Within the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Within a Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

iv

PRINTING

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Defining the Batch Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Defining the Batch Control Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Defining Batch Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Using Special Characters in Batch Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Merged or Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Incrementing Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Special Printing Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Downloading Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Sequential Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Batch Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Batch Quantity Zero Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Modifying Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Optional Entry Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Creating DOS Batch Files for Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

STATUS POLLING

Inquiry Request (ENQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Job Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Inquiry Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Job Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 1 Codes) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 2 Codes) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

v

DIAGNOSTICS AND ERRORS

Printing a Test Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Using the 9403 or 9850 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Using the 9805 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Using the 9820/9830/9835/9840 Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Reading a 9820/9830/9835/9840/9850 Test Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

If You Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

If the PC and Printer Aren’t Communicating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Resetting Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Calling Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Additional Diagnostics Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Reading an Error Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Data Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Communication Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Data Formatting Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Machine Faults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

PRINTER OPTIMIZATION

Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Reducing Imaging Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

General Format Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

vi

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Increasing Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

With Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

With Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

With Bar Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

With Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

SAMPLES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Sample UPCA Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Sample MaxiCode Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Mode 0 (Obsolete) Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Mode 2 Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Mode 3 Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Sample Data Matrix Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Square Data Matrix Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Rectangular Data Matrix Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Sample Compliance Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Sample Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Sample Data Entry Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

FONTS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

EFF Swiss Bold Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Paxar Font 70 and Font 71 Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

NAFTA Font 72 and Font 73 Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Bitmap Font Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Monospaced Font Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Using 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Using 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Proportional Font Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

CG Triumvirate Bold (9 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Height Magnification 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

CG Triumvirate Bold (9 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Height Magnification 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

CG Triumvirate (6 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Height Maginfication 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

CG Triumvirate (6 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

Height Maginfication 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12

CG Triumvirate (7 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

Height Magnification 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

vii

CG Triumvirate (7 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

CG Triumvirate (9 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14

CG Triumvirate (9 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15

CG Triumvirate (11 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15

CG Triumvirate (11 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

CG Triumvirate (15 pt.) 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

CG Triumvirate (15 pt.) 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Scalable/TrueType® Font Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19

Format Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19

About the Scalable Font 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20

Downloading TrueType Fonts (9840/9850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21

Using Asian (2-Byte) TrueType Fonts (9850). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22

Sample Asian (2-Byte) Font Format and Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23

Licensing Your Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23

Using Font Numbers in Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24

Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25

SYMBOL SETS/CODE PAGES

Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Selecting the Internal Symbol Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Selecting the ANSI Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Selecting the 437 or 850 Code Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Using Code 128 Function Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Entering Extended Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Using International Character Sets/Code Pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Internal Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

ANSI Symbol Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Bold Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

OCRA Character Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Code Page 100 (Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

Code Page 101 (Wingdings). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6

viii

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Code Page 850 (Latin 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Code Page 852 (Latin 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

Code Page 855 (Russian) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8

Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9

Code Page 1250 (Latin 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9

Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Code Page 1252 (Latin 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10

Code Page 1253 (Greek). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

Code Page 1254 (Turkish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

Code Page 1255 (Hebrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

Code Page 1256 (Arabic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

Code Page 1257 (Baltic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13

Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . C-15

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . C-16

Binary to Hex Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-18

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-19

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-20

Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21

ON (Black) Dots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21

OFF (White Dots). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21

FORMAT DESIGN TOOLS

Online Configuration Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Batch Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Check Digit Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

PRINTER DIFFERENCES

Printer Comparison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

1464/1465 Printer/Applicator Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

ix

Printer Configuration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

Status Polling Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

x

GETTING STARTED

Before you read this manual, review the printer information in the
Operator’s Handbook or Operating Instructions. This manual
provides the necessary information to design, write and print a
Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCLII) format. The
following printers support this type of format:

N

9403® (V. 1.0 or greater)

N

9805 (V. 1.0 or greater)

N

9820® (V. 1.0 or greater)

N

9830® (V. 2.0 or greater)

N

9835 (V. 3.0 or greater)

N

9840 (V. 6.1 or greater)

N

9850 (V. 1.0 or greater)

If you are designing formats for a Monarch® 1464 or 1465 printer
applicator, follow the 9840 printer information provided in this manual.
However, there are a few differences. See Appendix E, "Printer
Differences" for 1464/1465 specific information, along with a description of
each printer’s features and their differences.

1

About This Manual

You do not need to be a programmer to use this manual, but you
must be familiar with creating text files and using basic MS-DOS®
commands. This chapter describes how to

N

create and download a sample MPCLII packet.

N

use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet.

N

categorize data into field types and select fonts to use in
your format.

Getting Started

1-1

See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for a list of available fonts
for your printer. See Chapter 4, "Defining Field Options," for a list
of available Options for your printer.

Before You Begin

Connect the printer to the host. Refer to your Operator’s

1.

Handbook or Operating Instructions for more information.

Load supplies in the printer. Refer to your Operator’s

2.

Handbook or Operating Instructions for more information.

Turn on the printer.

3.

Set the communication parameters and configure the printer.

4.

The communication parameters at the printer must match
those at the host. See Chapter 2, "Configuring the Printer,"
for more information.

Design your format. See "Starting with a Design" for more

5.

information.

Download your format to the printer. See Chapter 6,

6.

"Printing," for more information.

1-2

Getting Started

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet

A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are
printed on the label. The printer requires this information in a
special form, using Monarch Printer Control Language II (MPCL).
This section describes how to create a sample MPCLII format
packet.

Make sure supplies are loaded, the printer is connected to the
host and is ready to receive data. Refer your Operator’s
Handbook or Operating Instructions for more information.

For detailed information about the format header, text, constant
text, and bar code fields, see Chapter 3, "Defining Fields." For
information about batch packets, see Chapter 6, "Printing."

Type the following format header, in any text editor:

1.

{F,25,A,R,M,508,508,"FMT-25" p

Type the following constant text field:

2.

C,250,80,0,1,1,1,W,C,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING:",0 p

Type the following bar code field:

3.

B,1,12,F,110,115,1,2,120,5,L,0 p

Type the following text field:

4.

T,2,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p }

You have created a format packet for your MPCLII printer. Now, a
batch packet must be created before you can print the format.

Type the following batch header, after the text field line:

5.

{B,25,N,1 p

Type the following bar code data:

6.

1,"12345678901" p

Type the following text field data:

7.

2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p }

Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.

8.

Type MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1 at the DOS prompt if you are

9.

using serial communications. This sets the communication
parameters at your host. These communication parameters
must match those at your printer. See "Setting
Communication Parameters," "Using Parallel
Communications" in Chapter 2, or your host’s documentation
for more information.

Getting Started

1-3

Type COPY SAMPLE.FMT COM1. The following 2 inch by 2

10.

inch label prints:

{F,25,A,R,M,508,508,"Fmt 25" p
C,250,80,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING" p
B,1,12,F,110,115,1,2,120,5,L,0 p

T,2,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0 p }

Sample Batch Packet

{B,25,N,1 p
1,"12345678901" p
2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p }

See "Starting with a Design" to design your
format and Chapter 3, "Defining Fields" to
create text, bar code, and line fields.

Daily Startup Procedures

You may want to design a checklist for operators to follow each
day. Here are a few suggested items: Turn on the printer and
host, make sure ribbon and supplies are loaded, make sure
communication parameters are set, and download packets from
the host to the printer.

1-4

Getting Started

You may want to keep records of supplies that have been printed.
A good way to do this is to design a print log for operators to
complete at the end of the day. Here are some suggestions for
types of information to include in a print log: date, operator’s
name, format name, supply size, quantity printed, evaluation of
print quality, and problems/comments.

Keep backup copies of your format, batch data, check digit, and
graphic packets.

Starting with a Design

Before you create a format packet, you must design your label.
There are several steps to designing a custom label:

Decide which fields should appear on your label. See

1.

"Determining Format Contents" for more information.

Determine your label size. Labels are available from Monarch

2.

in a wide variety of sizes. Your application and the amount of
data you need to print determines the supply size. Contact
your Account Manager or Technical Support for more
information.

Draw a rough sketch of your label. You may want to draw

3.

several variations to see what works best. See "Drawing
Rough Sketches" for more information.

Identify the field types that appear on your label. See

4.

"Considering Field Types" for more information.

Decide which fonts you want to use. See "Considering Fonts"

5.

for more information.

Fill out your Format Worksheet. See "Using the Format

6.

Worksheet" for more information.

At this point, you are ready to send your design to the printer. To
do this:

Create a format packet, based on how you filled out your

7.

worksheet. See Chapter 3, "Defining Fields," for more
information.

Download your format packet to the printer. See Chapter 6,

8.

"Printing," for more information.

Getting Started

1-5

Determining Format Contents

Before you lay out your format, you need to make a few
decisions. For example: How large is your supply, which fonts do
you want to use, do you want to include a bar code, and do you
want to include graphics?

Determining the Print Area

The "bottom" is the edge that exits the printer first. The 0,0 point
is at the bottom left corner of the label. For the 9403 printer, the
print area begins 0.10 inches from the left edge of the supply. For
the 9800 series printers, the print area is in the center of the
label. Check the table to determine the maximum print area.

Printer Unit of Measure Maximum Supply Size

(Width x Length)

9403 English (1/100 in) 200 x 600 200 x 600

Metric (1/10mm) 508 x 1524 508 x 1524

Dots (1/203 dots) 406 x 1218 406 x 1218

9805 English 425 x 650 400 x 600

Metric 1080 x 1650 1016 x 1524

Dots 863 x 1320 812 x 1218

9820 English 425 x 1200 400 x 1200

Metric 1080 x 3048 1016 x 3048

Dots 863 x 2436 812 x 2436

9830 English 425 x 1600 400 x 1600

Metric 1080 x 4064 1016 x 4064

Dots 863 x 3248 812 x 3248

9835/9840 English 425 x 1600 400 x 1600

Metric 1080 x 4064 1016 x 4064

Dots 863 x 3248 812 x 3248

9850 English 425 x 1750 400 x 1600

Metric 1080 x 4445 1524 x 4064

Dots 863 x 3553 1800 x 3248

Maximum Print Area

(Width x Length)

1-6

Getting Started

When designing formats, keep in mind the following non-print
zones for the 9403 printer:

Bottom .035 inches at the beginning of the label.
Left .10 inches from the left edge of the label.

The following non-print zones are recommended for the 9800
series printers:

All Supplies .050 inches on either edge of the label.
All Supplies .020 inches at the end of the label.

If using the optional verifier, allow a minimum no-scan zone at the
top of the label of 1.3" (33 mm) for speeds 6.0 ips or less; 1.8"
(46 mm) for 8.0 ips; and 2.2" (56 mm) for 10.0 ips.

Use the following formulas to convert inches to dots and metric:

Dots = inches x 203 (or 300 dots per inch)
Metric (1/10mm) = inches x 254
English (1/100 inch) = 100 x (dots/203) or (dots/300)
Dots = Metric (1/10 mm) x 799/1000 (or 1181/1000)
300 dpi depends on your printer.

Drawing Rough Sketches

After you decide what information you want to print, sketch how
you want the information to appear on the label. Note any areas
that are preprinted on the label, such as a logo.

As soon as you know what information to include
on the label, and you have a rough sketch, you
can use a supply layout grid to help you layout
and size your label. If you do not want to use a
grid, go to "Considering Field Types" to choose
what information you want on your label.

Getting Started

1-7

Using Supply Layout Grids

A supply layout grid contains measurement markers. These
markers help you accurately position information on your label.

Decide whether you want to design formats using English, Metric,
or Dot measurements. Choose from the following grids:

N

English

The English grid, shown to the

right, is measured in 1/100

inches.

N

Metric

The Metric grid is measured in

1/10 millimeters (mm).

N

Graphic

The printer uses dots to print

images on a label. The

printhead has 203 dots per inch

203 300

1624

1523

1421

1320

1218

1117

1015

914

812

711

609

508

406

305

203

102

0.0

102

203

0.0

203

300

150

0.0

300

305

406

450

600

Supply Layout (dpi)

508 609

711

812

750

900

1050

1200

853

1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100

(dpi) or an optional 300 dots per

inch printhead depending on

your printer.

Choose English or Metric units when designing formats to use
with different printers. English or Metric units allow more direct
use of formats on printers with different density printheads.

If you want to use supply layout grids, a copy of each is in
Appendix D, "Format Design Tools."

2400

2250

2100

1950

1800

1650

1500

1350

1200

1050

900

750

600

450

300

150

0.0

1-8

Getting Started

Considering Field Types

After you select a supply size, the next step in designing a format
is to decide what information you want to print on the label. For
example, you may want to print your company name, price of an
item, and a bar code that combines information from other places.
Everything you want to print falls into one of the following
categories.

Field Type Description Examples

Text Contains letters, numbers, or

Non-Printable
Te x t

Bar Code Used for printing bar codes that

Constant Text Prints fixed characters that print

Line or Box Highlights or separates items. line marking out the regular price,

Graphic Contains a bitmap image or a

symbols you want to print.

Holds data for use later, such as
for merging into another field.
The printer does not print
non-printable text fields.

can be scanned.

without changing.

compliance label overlay.

item number, item description,
department number, price, date

city, state, and zip code to be
included in a bar code

item or serial numbers, zip codes,
information you don’t want to
have visible to customers

company name, company address

border around the supply

logos

All of the above field types except graphics

are discussed in Chapter 3. See Chapter 5,

"Creating Graphics," for information on

including graphics in your format.

Getting Started

1-9

Considering Fonts

When working with fonts, you have three considerations:

N

font appearance

N

font size (scalable or bitmapped)

N

font spacing (monospaced or proportional)

The scalable font, CG Triumvirate Bold (font 50) is standard on
the 9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850 printers. It is not available for
the 9403, 9805 or 9820 printers. With the 9840 printer (V. 6.5+)
or the 9850 printer, font 50 is a TrueType® font (EFF Swiss Bold).
See Appendix B, "Fonts," for samples of each font.

Interchanging Packets

You can use an MPCLII format that was designed for another
MPCLII printer on a 9800 series printer. However, the format may
appear smaller (fields will be shorter), because most of the 9800
series printers use a 203 dpi printhead. The 9840 and 9850
printers have an optional 300 dpi printhead.

1-10

Using the Format Worksheet

The Format Worksheet is divided into sections that list the field
types. Each section has boxes to fill in with parameters that
define your format. A format worksheet is included in Appendix
D, "Format Design Tools."

Getting Started

Filling in the Format Worksheet

Decide what type of field to use on your label.

Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.

1.

Define the Format Header.

2.

Define all non-printable text fields before you define the ones

3.

you want to print. See "Defining Non-Printable Text Fields" in
Chapter 3 for more information.

Define options as you require them. See Chapter 4, "Defining

4.

Field Options" for more information.

Getting Started

1-11

1-12

Getting Started

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER

This chapter discusses how to

N

set communication parameters.

N

upload the printer’s configuration or font information.

N

configure the printer using online configuration packets.

N

use immediate commands to control the printer’s operation
at any time.

Some parameters may not be available on each printer.

See Appendix E, "Printer Differences," for a list of

differences between all the printers and a

Monarch® 9446 printer.

2

Configuring the Printer

2-1

Setting Communication Parameters

Use the following information if you are using serial
communications. See "Using Parallel Communications" for
information about parallel communications.

Not all printers have a parallel port.

The communication parameters at the printer must match those at
the host, or you will not be able to communicate.

You can use the communication settings packet or DIP switches
to set communication parameters for your printer.

Not all printers have DIP switches.

On MS-DOS computers, you can use the MODE command to set
communication values on your PC.

For example

MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1

This command sets your host to these communication values:
9600 baud, no parity, an 8 bit word length, 1 stop bit.

About DIP Switches

The DIP switches are read when the printer is turned on. The DIP
switch settings override the settings from the online configuration
packets. For example, if you have the DIP switches set for
thermal transfer printing and send the supply setup packet to
specify thermal direct printing, thermal direct printing is used until
the printer is turned off. When the printer is turned back on, it
uses the DIP switch setting for thermal transfer.

2-2

Configuring the Printer

Using Parallel Communications

If your printer supports parallel communications, the parallel port
is IEEE-1284 or Centronics® mode. You can set which mode to
use by changing a DIP switch or by using the control panel.
Refer to your Operator’s Handbook for DIP switch settings and
control panel information. The communication settings are
automatically configured for you. There are no operator settings
required. We recommend waiting at least two seconds (or longer)
when switching between the serial and parallel ports to send data,
because data may be lost. Be careful when using print spoolers,
because data transmission occurs in the background of the
operating system. This makes data transmission completion
difficult to determine when switching between ports.

Using Autobaud

You can use the autobaud feature to automatically set the
printer’s baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits to match the
host’s. Autobaud overrides the DIP switch settings and the
values in the communication settings packet.

Do not send any data to the printer before

using autobaud. The 9850 printer does not

support autobaud.

To use autobaud, you must:

Power up the host first and then turn on the printer. Autobaud

1.

only works during the initial power up. Wait 2 to 5 seconds.

After the 9800 series printer’s power LED comes on (or the

2.

9403 printer displays "Print Mode READY"), send a sequence
of 32 alternating @A characters (for a total of 64 characters)
to the printer.

Example

@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A
@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A@A

Configuring the Printer

2-3

Do not use character pacing (delay for each character) or any
other delay while sending the autobaud sequence. Wait one
second after sending the autobaud sequence before sending any
commands (including setting flow control) or data to the printer.
During this time, the hardware is being changed to the new
settings.

To select flow control and finalize communications, send the

3.

communication settings packet. Or, use the Optional Entry
method described in Chapter 6, "Printing."

Example

This packet sets the flow control parameter to XON/XOFF, without
changing the current communication settings established with
Autobaud.

{I,F,,,,,3 p }

Using MPCLII Conventions

Here are some guidelines to follow when using MPCLII.

MPCLII Punctuation

Use the following symbols when creating MPCLII packets:

{ start of header

} end of header

p field separator

, parameter separator

"ABC" Quotation marks enclose character strings.

Empty quotes ("") identify null strings or
unused fields.

2-4

Configuring the Printer

‘comment‘ Grave accents enclose comments. Any data

enclosed in grave accents is ignored. Do not
embed comments within a quoted string.
ENQ and immediate commands are always
processed, even if they are included within
grave accents Grave accents are also used
to reject mainframe data.

These MPCL characters are the default. See "Defining the
Control Characters Packet" to change these characters.

Standard Syntax Guidelines

When creating MPCLII packets:

N

Begin each packet with a start of header ({).

N

End each packet with an end of header (}).

N

Define no more than 1000 fields (100 fields for 9403/9805) in

a format. Each p indicates one field. However, options are
not counted as fields. The actual number of fields a format
can have may be less, because the number of fields is limited
by the available memory.

N

The field number 0 to 999 (99 for the 9403/9805) must be
unique. Monarch recommends starting at 1, instead of 0.

N

Do not use a field number more than once per format.

N

Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them.
The printer does not print in field number order.

N

Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).

N

End each field with a Field Separator ( p ).

N

Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or
phrases within quotation marks.

N

Include all parameters for a field unless documented as
optional.

N

Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they
apply.

Configuring the Printer

2-5

N

Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

N

Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be

used in any combination except as noted with each definition.

When using multiple options on the 9403 printer, remember

that options are processed in the order they are received.

N

Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider

fields than monospaced fonts. For variable field data, use a

letter "W" to determine the maximum field size.

N

Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing

character in a character string. However, a carriage return or

line break after each p makes your formats easier to read.

T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

N

Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.

N

Indenting options improves readability of your formats.

T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

R,42,1 p

N

Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted

string to send function codes or extended characters or send

the 8-bit ASCII code.

You can modify formats and fields with the optional entry method.
See "Optional Entry Method" in Chapter 6 for more information.

Using Online Configuration Packets

Use online configuration packets to change the printer settings.
You can send an individual packet or a packet that contains all
eight online configuration packets. You can supply all parameters
for each packet. Leave the parameters blank that you do not
need to change. For example,
{ I,A,,,,1 p } prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online
System Setup parameters.

2-6

Configuring the Printer

Make a copy of the online configuration worksheet in Appendix D,
"Format Design Tools," and save the original. Packets A-M are
listed on the worksheet.

When you turn off the printer, all the information in the online
configuration packets is saved and used when the printer is
turned back on. After you change printer configurations, you
must resend the format, batch, or graphic to the printer before the
changes take effect.

Configuration Packet Header

Always include an I, immediately after the left bracket { and
before the packet identifier (A, B, C, etc.). The I parameter
identifies the data stream as a configuration packet.

Include the I parameter with each packet if

you are sending them individually. Include it

only at the beginning of a data stream if you

are sending multiple packets.

This is the syntax to use when you create online configuration
packets:

Syntax

{

I

,

1 to 8 optional packets
A, parameter 1...parameter 5 p
B, parameter 1...parameter 5 p
C, parameter 1...parameter 5 p
D, parameter 1...parameter 3 p
E, parameter 1...parameter 9 p
F, parameter 1...parameter 5 p
G, parameter 1...parameter 4 p
M, parameter 1...parameter 4 p

}

Start of Header
Configuration Header

System Setup
Supply Setup
Print Control
Monetary Formatting
Control Characters
Communication Settings
Backfeed Control
Memory Configuration

End of Header

Configuring the Printer

2-7

Syntax for single packet

{

,

I

A, parameter 1...parameter 5
}

Start of Header
Configuration Packet Identifier

System Setup
End of Header

You can also add a configuration to non-volatile RAM or specify
units for supply, print, margin, and cut positions. If you use the
optional parameters with the

packet, any online configuration

I

packets following the split vertical bar ( p ) must specify distances
using the selected units. However, the test labels display the
units in dots, even if you entered them in English or Metrics units.

Syntax

1. header Constant I.

2. ID# ID. Use 0.

3. action A Add configuration.

4. device Storage Device. Options:

5. units Units. (Optional parameter.) Options:

{header,ID#,action,device p }

U Upload User Configuration.

M Memory
N Nonvolatile RAM
R Volatile RAM

E English
M Metric
G Dots

Example

Adds a configuration to non-volatile RAM and specifies English
units. It also uses the default contrast, moves print 0.25 inches
closer to the bottom of the supply and does not change the
margin adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the
default printhead width.

2-8

Configuring the Printer

{I,0,A,N,E p
C,0,25,0,0,0 p }

If you do not use the optional parameters, the syntax for the
online configuration packets does not change. For example,

{I,C,0,50,0,0,0 p }

uses the default contrast, moves print 50 dots (0.25) inches
closer to the bottom of the supply and does not change the
margin adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the
default printhead width.

Example

{I,0,U,N p }

Uploads the printer configuration from nonvolatile RAM and
returns the following to the host.

A,0,0,0,0,0 p
B,2,1,0,0,0 p
C,0,0,0,0,0,0 p
D,1,0,2 p
E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126","","~013~010" p
F,3,1,0,0,1 p
G,0,65,65 p
M,R,8725,1345,N,2535,615 p
M,R,R,300 p
M,T,R,20 p
M,I,R,3300 p
M,D,N,1280 p
M,F,N,640 p
M,V,R,3740 p

The parameters for each packet (A-M) are displayed. In the first
line that begins with M, 8725 is the total volatile memory
available, 1345 is the memory used in volatile RAM. 2535 is the
total non-volatile memory available, 615 is the memory used in
non-volatile RAM. The remaining lines beginning with M list the
buffer sizes in 1/10K for the Receive, Transmit, Image,
Downloadable Fonts, Formats, and Scalable Fonts Buffers. DIP
switch settings will not be displayed. Refer to your Operator’s
Handbook for information about DIP Switches.

Configuring the Printer

2-9

Configuration Syntax Guidelines

When creating a printer configuration packet:

N

Follow the "Standard Syntax Guidelines" listed at the

beginning of this chapter.

N

Begin a packet with the configuration header (I).

N

Download multiple configuration packets within one packet or

download a single configuration packet.

N

Include the first five ANSI codes, at a minimum, in the control

characters packet.

N

If you change any of the online configuration packets, resend

the format packet to the printer, so the configuration changes

take effect.

N

Make sure the communication settings at the host match those

at the printer.

Making Print Adjustments

You can adjust where the printer prints on your supply by
adjusting the supply, print, or margin positions. However, keep in
mind the following:

N

N

Defining the System Setup Packet

Use the system setup packet (A) to select the power up mode,
display language, print separators between batches, print a
"slashed zero," and select the symbol set.

2-10

Configuring the Printer

Supply adjustments across the width of your supply, such as

the margin position, are based in dots- either 203 dpi or 300

dpi, depending on your printhead density.

Supply adjustments for the length of your supply, such as

supply position or print adjustment, are always measured in

1/203 of an inch, regardless of your printhead density.

Syntax

{I,A,powup_mode,language,sep_on,slash_zero,
symbol_set p}

A1. A System Setup Packet

A2. powup_mode Online Mode. Options:

0 online mode (default for all printers)
1 offline mode (9403/9850 only)

A3. language Display Language. Options

0 English (default for all printers)
1 French (9403/9850 only)
2 German (9403/9850 only)
3 Spanish (9403/9850 only)

A4. sep_on Batch Separators. Options:

0 Does not print a separator (default for all printers)
1 Prints a separator (all printers)
2 Double-length separator- prints 2 tags (9835 V5.0+,

9840 V6.0+, or 9850 printers)

NOTE: Do not use batch separators with continuous

A5. slash_zero Slash Zero. Options:

A6. symbol_set Symbol Set. Options:

(non-indexed) supply. If using a stacker, the batch
separator is 3.66 inches long.

0 Print a standard zero (default for all printers)
1 Print a zero with a slash through it (all printers)

0 Internal/ Monarch (default)
1 ANSI
2 Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.)
3 Code Page 850 (Latin 1)
4 Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
5 Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
6 Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
7 Code Page 1253 (Greek)
8 Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
9 Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
10 Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
11 Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
12 Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese)
13 DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
14 DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
15 DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
16 DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)

Configuring the Printer

2-11

NOTE: The CG Triumvirate fonts and font 50 support only the

ANSI and DOS Code 437 and 850 Page Symbol Sets.
See Appendix C for more information.
Code pages 4 - 16 may only be used with
downloaded TrueType fonts or the resident TrueType
font, font 50. TrueType fonts are designed to be
regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not
be supported in a given font.

Example

{I,A,0,0,1,1,0 p }

Powers up the printer in the online mode, displays prompts in
English, prints a separator after each batch, prints zeros with
slashes through them, and uses the internal symbol set.

Defining the Supply Setup Packet

Use the supply setup packet (B) to select supply type, ribbon,
feed mode, supply position, and cut position.

Syntax

B1. B Supply Setup Packet

B2. supply_type Supply Type. Options:

{I,B,supply_type,ribbon_on,feed_mode,
supply_posn,cut_posn p}

0 Black mark supply (9403/9820/9830/9835/9840

9850)

1 Die Cut/edge aperture supply (default- all printers)
2 Non-indexed supply (9820/9830/9835/9840/9850)
3 Center Aperture supply (9835 V5.2+, 9840, or 9850 only)

Must use with printer applicator

NOTE: You must use non-indexed supply in continuous

mode. Do not use non-indexed (continuous) supply
with extended backfeed or 94x5 emulation. If your
aperture supply has holes on the edge, use 1. If your
aperture supply has holes in the center, use 3.

2-12

Configuring the Printer

B3. ribbon_on Ribbon. Options:

B4. feed_mode Feed Mode. Options:

B5. supply_posn -300 to 300 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default for all printers.

0 Ribbon not installed (default for 9403 and 9805 V1.0)
1 Ribbon installed (default for 9805 V2.0 or greater/

9820/9830/9835/9840/9850)

2 High Energy Ribbon installed (9830/9835/9840/9850)
You must use a print speed of 2.5 IPS with the high energy
ribbon. Serial bar codes cannot be printed using the high
energy ribbon. Settings for ribbon and supply type must
match the supplies loaded in the printer; otherwise, an error
occurs. To clear the error, turn off the printer and change the
configuration packet. Turn on the printer and resend the
packet.

0 Continuous operation (default- all printers)

1 On-demand mode (all printers)

Adjusts the machine to print at the vertical 0,0 point on the
supply. This adjustment accounts for mechanical tolerances
from machine to machine. The supply position adjustment
only needs to be made on the initial machine setup. Adjust
the supply position if formats do not start at the 0,0 point on
the supply. Increase the supply position to move print up,
decrease to move print down on the label. To verify the 0,0
point, print a test label. See "Printing a Test Label" in Chapter
8 for more information.

You can’t change the supply position while the printer is
active. Changing the supply position will affect the print
position, dispense position, and backfeed distance. Once the
supply position is set, use the print control packet and
backfeed control packet to adjust printing and the dispense
position.

B6. cut_posn -300 to 300 in 1/203 inch. Use 0 for 9403/9805/9820/9830.

Example

Adjusts where the tag is cut. The printer adjusts the cut
position according to the black marks on the supply. You may
need to adjust for aperture supplies. Increase to move the cut
up, decrease to move the cut down.

{I,B,0,0,1,10,50 p }

Indicates black mark and thermal direct stock has been loaded,
causes the printer to operate in on-demand mode, feeds the
supply approximately .05 inches up before printing the format on
each label (10/203 inches), and feeds the supply .25 inches
(50/203 inches) before cutting.

Configuring the Printer

2-13

Defining the Print Control Packet

Use the print control packet (C) to set the contrast, print, and
margin adjustment, print speed, and printhead width.

Syntax

{I,C,contrast,print_adj,margin_adjust,
speed_adj,ph_width p }

C1. C Print Control Packet

C2. contrast -390 to 156. 0 is the default for all printers.

C3. print_adj -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default for all printers.

Adjusts where data prints vertically on the supply. Increase
the print position to move print up, decrease to move print
down.

C4. margin_adj -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch (or 1/300 inch for 9840 or 9850

printer). 0 is the default for all printers. Adjusts where data
prints horizontally on the supply. Increase the margin position
to move print to the right, decrease to move print to the left.
Margin and print position are format adjustments. They will
not affect the supply position, dispense position, or backfeed
distance.

C5. speed_adj Print speed in inches per second (ips). Options:

0 Default (formats with serial bar codes automatically

20 2.0 ips (only speed for 9403)
25 2.5 ips (default- serial bar codes 9805/9820/9830

40 4.0 ips (9805/9820/9830/9835/9840/9850)
60 6.0 ips (default for 9820/9830/9835/9840/9850)
80 8.0 ips (9840 V6.5+ or 9850 only)

10.0 10.0 ips (9850 only- 203 dpi with thermal direct supplies)

print at 2.5 ips)

9835/9840/9850)

C6. ph_width Width of the printhead in dots. Use 0 for these printers.

2-14

Configuring the Printer

NOTE: Serial bar codes with an 8-dot narrow element do not

automatically print at 2.5 ips. Serial bar codes
printed at speeds greater than 2.5 ips may not scan
properly. However, the 9850 printer can print 203 dpi
serial bar codes with narrow elements of 3 dots (or
greater) at 4.0 ips. You must use a print speed of 2.5
ips with the high energy ribbon. See "Special
Printing Considerations," Chapter 6 for more
information.

Example

{I,C,0,-20,-10,0,0 p }

Uses the default contrast, moves print 0.1 inch closer to the
bottom of the supply (20/203 inches) and .05 inch to the left on
the supply (10/203 inches), prints at six inches per second, and
uses the default printhead width.

Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet

The monetary formatting packet (D) selects the monetary symbols
to print for a price field. Use the monetary formatting packet to
select primary and secondary monetary symbols, and designate
the number of digits to appear at the right of a decimal.

Syntax

D1. D Monetary Formatting Packet

D2. cur_sym Currency Symbol. Options:

D3. secondary Secondary Sign. Options:

{I,D,cur_sym,secondary,decimals p }

0 No symbol

1 USA ($, Dollar- default- all printers)

2 UK (£, Pound)

3 Japan (¥, Yen)

4 Germany (1, Deutsche Mark)

5 France (F, Franc)

6 Spain (P, Peseta)

7 Italy (L., Lira)

8 Sweden (Kr, Krona)

9 Finland (2, Markka)

10 Austria (6, Shilling)

11 India (Rs, Rupee)

12 Russian (3, Ruble)

13 Korean (4, Won)

14 Thai (5, Baht)

15 Chinese (¥, Yuan)

16 Euro-Dollar (c)

NOTE: To use these symbols, select the internal symbol set.

0 No secondary sign (default- all printers)

1 Print secondary sign (all printers)

NOTE: Secondary symbols only print if you designate at

least one decimal place.

Configuring the Printer

2-15

D4. decimals Number of digits to the right of the decimal. Options:

0 No digits (all printers)
1 One digit (all printers)
2 Two digits (default- all printers)
3 Three digits (all printers)

Example

{I,D,1,1,2 p }

Prints the dollar sign, uses a secondary symbol, and places two
digits to the right of the decimal.

Defining the Control Characters Packet

Use the control characters packet (E) to change the MPCLII
control characters, enable and disable the immediate commands,
and change the default terminator character for job requests and
ENQ’s.

Changes take effect with the first character following the end of
header character } of the configuration packet. Each control
character must be unique and cannot appear anywhere else in
your packet, except within quotation marks. You can customize
the trailer characters to work with your host.

Wait two seconds for the new characters to

take effect before sending packets using the

new characters.

Use the following syntax for the control characters packet. Notice
all but the first parameter are within quotation marks.

Syntax

E1. E Control Characters Packet

2-16

Configuring the Printer

{I,E,"ANSI_cd","string1","string2" p }

E2. "ANSI_cd" ~123 Start of header { (left bracket)

~044 Parameter , (comma)

~034 Quoted strings " (quotes)
~124 Field separator
~125 End of header } (right bracket)
~126 Data escape ~~ (double tilde)

def. ch. Immediate command character (optional).

separator

(pipe sign)

p

character (optional)

Up to any 3 characters in the 0 to 255 decimal
range. The character must be defined before this
command can be used. The caret (~094) is
normally used.

NOTE: "ANSI_cd" includes seven separate parameters. The

E3. "string 1" Terminator for status requests and ENQ requests. Up to any 3

characters in the 0 to 255 decimal range. The default is
"013". Sending "" disables this sequence.

E4. "string 2" Terminator for job requests and data uploads. Up to any 3

characters in the 0 to 255 decimal range. The default is none.
Sending "" disables this sequence.

first five parameters are required. The other
parameters are optional.

After you change these parameters, all packets, including any
future configuration packets, must use the new control characters.
Monarch recommends using the tilde and ASCII character code
sequence when sending this packet multiple times. Also, set the
packet delimiters to characters within the 21 hex to 7E hex range.

You must send the control characters packet to enable the
immediate commands. An immediate command will execute
immediately, even if it is embedded within quotation marks, and
all data following the command in the string will be ignored.

Example

{I,E,"~123~063~034~124~125~126~094" p }

Changes the parameter separator character from , to ?. The
other control characters remain unchanged. It also enables the
immediate commands by defining the ^ symbol as the command
identifier.

Configuring the Printer

2-17

Resetting Control Characters

You can change the characters in the previous example back to
their original settings by downloading this packet:

{I?E?"~123~044~034~124~125~126~094" p }

Notice that the parameter separator is ? in this packet. This is
the parameter separator that was set before this packet. Once
the packet is received by the printer, the new parameter separator
(a comma, in this case) is valid.

Be careful when using this feature. If you forget what the control
characters were changed to, print a test label. (The test label
lists the current control characters.) See "Printing a Test Label,"
in Chapter 8 for more information.

Defining the Communication Settings Packet

Use the communication settings packet (F) to set the baud rate,
word length, stop bits, parity, and flow control for serial
communications. To set parallel communications, see "Using
Parallel Communications." To use DIP switches, refer to your
Operator’s Handbook. Changing the communication settings
takes approximately two seconds. Communications sent during
this interval will be lost. Make sure the host communication
values match the values on the printer.

2-18

Configuring the Printer

Do not add any characters, such as a

carriage return/line feed, in your

communication settings packet or

communications errors may occur.

Syntax

{I,F,baud,word_length,stop_bits,parity,
flow_control p }

F1. F Communication Settings Packet

F2. baud Baud Rate. Options:

0 1200 1 2400

2 4800 3 9600 (default for all printers)

4 19200 5 38400

6 57600 (9850) 7 115200 (9850)

NOTE: The 9403 and 9805 printers do not support 38400

baud or greater. The 9820, 9830, 9835, and 9840
printers do not support 57600 baud or greater. Make
sure your host is capable of communicating at the
speed you select for the printer.

F3. word_length Word Length. Options:

F4. stop_bits Stop Bits. Options:

F5. parity Parity. Options:

F6. flow_control Flow Control. Options:

Example

0 7-bit word length

1 8-bit word length (default for all printers)

0 1-stop bit (default for all printers)

1 2-stop bits

0 None (default for all printers)

1 ODD parity

2 EVEN parity

0 None 2 (CTS)

1 DTR (default 3 XON/XOFF

for all printers)

NOTE: If you use the DOS COPY command to download

your formats, set "Flow Control" to DTR (not
XON/XOFF).

{I,F,3,1,0,0,1 p }

Uses 9600 baud, an 8-bit word length, one stop bit, no parity, and
the DTR mode.

Configuring the Printer

2-19

Defining the Backfeed Control Packet

Use the backfeed control packet (G) to enable or disable the
backfeed option, set the dispense position and the backfeed
distance. Backfeed works by advancing each printed label to the
desired dispense position. Once that label is removed, the next
label to be printed is backed up underneath the printhead. In
continuous mode, only the last label in the batch is advanced to
the dispense position. You may need to adjust the dispense
position to allow labels to be removed, die cut labels to be
removed easily, or to prevent them from falling off.

Extended backfeed is available on 9835, 9840, or 9850 printers
with a knife installed. Extended backfeed feeds a tag far enough
out to be cut and backfeeds the next tag to the printhead line.

Extended backfeed eliminates printed tags
being left between the printhead and knife.

Extended backfeed does not work with
non-indexed (continuous) supply/mode.

Do not use backfeed (normal or extended) with supplies less than

0.75 inches. We recommend using 0.5-inch gap supplies in peel
mode when backfeed is disabled.

The 9403 and 9805 printers do not support the backfeed
packet. (The 9805 automatically backfeeds in peel mode.) The

dispense position and backfeed distance are optional parameters
and do not have to be specified. However, they allow for greater
precision when positioning the supply. You can’t change the
backfeed distance while the printer is active.

2-20

Configuring the Printer

Syntax

G1. G Backfeed Control Packet

{I,G,action,dis_pos,bkfd_dis p }

G2. action Action. Options:

G3. dis_pos Dispense Position. Adjusts the stopping point of the label. 50

G4. bkfd_dis Backfeed Distance. Amount to move label backwards. 10 to

Example

0 disable backfeed (default)

1 enable backfeed (use on any printer without a knife)

2 enable extended backfeed (use with 9835, 9840,

or 9850 printer and knife installed)

to 200 dots (default 65 dots). Use 95 dots for the printer
applicator.

200 dots (default 65 dots). Use 95 dots for the printer
applicator. Cannot be greater than the dispense position.
The backfeed distance should equal the dispense position.
An exception is if you are tearing instead of peeling. Then,
the backfeed distance must be 30 dots (.150 inches) less than
the dispense position. However, you will have a 30 dot
non-print zone on your supply. The 30-dot difference
accounts for improper tearing of butt cut supplies, because
you do not want any exposed adhesive under the printhead.

{I,G,2 p }

Enables extended backfeed and cuts any tags remaining between
the knife and printhead and moves the supply backwards so the
next tag is underneath the printhead. Using cut mode 4, you do
not have to press FEED (FEED/CUT) to cut the last tag.

Example

{I,G,1,50,10 p }

Enables backfeed and sets the dispense position to 0.25 inches
(50/203) and the backfeed distance to 0.05 inches (10/203).

Configuring the Printer

2-21

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed

Make a note of the following items:

N

Be careful when tearing supplies, because the adhesive can
adhere to the printhead or platen roller.

N

Backfeed affects each label in the on-demand mode or the
first and last label of the batch in continuous mode.

N

When backfeed is enabled and multiple batches are sent, the
printer may not backfeed between each batch.

N

Backfeed should only be used when you need to advance
labels to the desired dispense point.

N

Backfeed does not interfere with the supply, print, or margin
positions you have set.

N

If the supply inter-label gap is not between .07 inch to .15 inch
(14 to 30 dots), you must adjust the dispense position and
backfeed distance accordingly.

See the following graphic for a representation of the following
adjustments: dispense position, backfeed distance, supply
position, print position, and margin position.

Contact Technical Support if you have problems adjusting where
the format prints on the supply.

2-22

Configuring the Printer

Defining the Memory Configuration Packet

Use the memory configuration packet (M) to customize the size of
your printer’s buffers, which gives you greater flexibility in your
formats.

Memory must be allocated in 1/2K increments. The memory
configuration packet does not accept decimals, so enter whole
numbers. Multiply the amount to reallocate (in K) by 10. For
example,

To reallocate (in K) Enter this amount

110

1.5 15

220

2.5 25

153 1530

229.5 2295

Each buffer’s allocated memory remains in effect until that buffer
is reallocated. For this reason, you may want to reallocate all the
buffers when reallocating any buffer. If you reallocate more
memory than you have available, you will receive an error.

Syntax

M1. M Memory Configuration Packet

M2. buffer Buffer type:

{I,M,buffer,device,buffer_size p }

D Downloadable Fonts

F Format

I Image

R Receive

T Tra n sm it

V Scalable (vector) Fonts (9830/9835/9840/9850 only)

Configuring the Printer

2-23

M3. device Storage type:

N Non-volatile RAM
R Volatile RAM

NOTE: You cannot reallocate flash memory.

M4. buffer size Buffer size in 1/10K ranges. See the following table for

ranges.

Example

{I,M,I,R,1530 p }

Stores the image buffer in volatile RAM and allocates 153K for it.

The following table lists the configured buffer sizes and min-max
values for your printer*.

Buffer Type 9403 9805 9820 9830/9835

Transmit Vol. 1K

Receive Vol. 8K

Image Vol. 67K

Downld.
Fonts

Scalable
Fonts

Formats NVol.

Internal NA cannot

(.5K- 4K)

(2K- 32K)

(41.5K- 124K)

NVol.

Vol .NA20K

(8K- 32K)

Vol. NA NA NA 384K 384K

Vol .NA32K

(16K- 64K)

reallocate

1K
(.5K- 4K)

6K
(2K- 32K)

134K
(41.5K- 256K)

0K

20K
(8K- 32K)

NA

32K
(16K- 64k)

cannot
reallocate

2K
(.5K- 4K)

8K
(2K- 64K)

247K
(41.5K- 256K)

8K
(8K- 256K)
NA

64K
(16K- 256K)
NA

cannot
reallocate

9840

2K
(.5K- 4K)

8K
(2K- 64K)

269K
(41.5K- 512K)

120K
(8K- 512K)
NA

128K
(16K- 512K)
NA

cannot
reallocate

9850

2K
(.5K- 4K)

8K
(2K- 64K)

330K
(38.5K
6144K)

120K
(8K- 1024K)
NA

(0K-1024K)

128K
(16K- 1024K)
NA

cannot
reallocate

* The printer’s configuration is stored in non-volatile RAM and retained when you turn off

2-24

Configuring the Printer

the printer. The 9805 printer only has volatile RAM. Formats, batches, graphics, and
check digits are lost when you turn off the pirnter.

Use the following table to see how much memory is available to
reallocate.

RAM* 9403 9805 9830/9835/9840 9850

Volatile RAM 256K 195K 770K 8 Meg

Non-volatile
RAM

* You cannot reallocate more memory than what is available, or you will receive an error.

The 9820 printer does not have a memory expansion board like the 9830 printer does.
Consequently, the 9820 printer has less ability to handle complex data streams. Data
streams that work on 9830/9835 printers may not work on the 9820 printer and can
cause 409 (memory full) errors.

NA NA 256K 512K

Checking Current Buffer Sizes

Send a configuration upload packet to check the sizes of your
current buffers. See "Configuration Packet Header" for more
information. After you check your current buffer sizes you can
begin reallocating memory.

If you want to increase your image buffer and you will not be
using scalable fonts, add that memory into your image buffer.

Example

{I,M,R,R,20 p
M,T,R,10 p
M,D,N,80 p
M,V,R,160 p
M,I,N,3200 p }

Receive buffer 2K
Transmit buffer 1K
Downloadable fonts 8K
Scalable fonts buffer 16K
Image buffer 320K

Make sure memory is available before adding memory to a buffer.
In the above example, if the image buffer (M,I,N,3200) was
defined before the downloadable fonts and scalable fonts buffers
(M,D,N,80 and M,V,R,160) were defined, an error would have
occurred.

Configuring the Printer

2-25

About Memory Buffers

Transmit Buffer Used to send ENQ, job, and upload

responses. This buffer must be allocated as
volatile (R) RAM.

Receive Buffer Used to save data received from the host

before it is processed by the printer.
Changing this buffer size affects the amount
of data the printer can receive without using
flow control. This buffer must be allocated as
volatile (R) RAM.

Image Buffer Used to image the current format. The 9805

printer’s maximum image length is 4.0" x 6.0"
without reallocating memory. The 9820
printer supports two 4-inch by 6-inch image
buffers. You can create an image up to 12
inches long without reallocating memory. The
9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850 printers support
two 4-inch by 8-inch buffers. You can create
an image up to 16 inches long without
reallocating memory. The Image Buffer is
cleared after a printer reset, even if it is
stored in non-volatile RAM.

Example

2-26

Configuring the Printer

Use the formula below to calculate the
required image buffer size.

19.13K x

Length is the length of your label in inches.

19.13K x 6 = 114.78K

(Multiply by 10 and round up.)

114.78K x 10 = 1147.8

1147.8 = 1150

Enter 1150 for your Image buffer.

Length

Format Buffer Used to store formats, batch data, and

graphics. Use the following formula to
calculate the required format buffer size:

Downloadable
Fonts Buffer

Scalable (Vector)
Fonts Buffer

Linecount

Linecount is the number of lines in your
format packet including the format header
and all the options.

The result of the above calculation is in
kilobytes.

On the 9820, 9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850
printers, formats remain in memory when you
turn off the printer. The 9805 printer only has
volatile RAM and formats, batches, graphics,
and check digits are lost when you turn off
the printer.

Used to store downloaded soft (bitmapped or
TrueType) fonts. To determine the size of
your downloadable fonts, send a font packet.
For TrueType fonts, the file size, in bytes, is
the minimum amount needed in this buffer.
See "Using the Font Packet" for more
information.

Used to image the scalable or downloaded
(TrueType or bitmapped) font characters.
Increasing this buffer size allows more
characters to be saved in cache memory, so
the characters do not have to be re-built the
next time they are printed. Use 0 if you are
not using scalable/TrueType fonts. This buffer
must be allocated as volatile (R) RAM.
The printer does not print the fonts if there is
not enough memory in this buffer to image
them.
Not all printers support the scalable font.

x 50/1024

Configuring the Printer

2-27

Buffer Worksheet

Make copies of this page to use as a buffer worksheet.

HEADER

DEVICE

BUFFER SIZE

maximum of 2295

maximum of 2295

maximum of 2295

R

R

R

maximum of 320

maximum of 40

maximum of 1280

DOWN LOADABLE

FONTS BUFFER

FORMAT

BUFFER

IMAGE

BUFFER

RECEIVE

BUFFER

TRANSMIT

BUFFER

SCALABLE

FONTS BUFFER

M

D

MF

MI

MR

MT

MV

BUFFER

Buffer Allocation Considerations

Keep these items in mind when allocating memory.

N

N

N

N

2-28

Configuring the Printer

Do not allocate more memory than what is available.

Free memory from one buffer before you add it to another
buffer.

Reallocate all the buffers if you need to reallocate any buffer.

Send all buffer (re)allocations in one packet. The printer
evaluates each individual buffer allocation separately. If one
buffer allocation is invalid, the entire packet is invalid. For
example, if you send

{I,M,R,N,20 p

M,T,N,60 p
...}

the printer ignores the entire packet, because the second line

allocates 6K for the transmit buffer, and 4K is the maximum for
that buffer. If you define a buffer size that exceeds the
maximum value, an error occurs. However, no information is
lost.

N

Whenever the printer accepts a memory configuration packet,
it takes effect immediately, causing a printer reset. Any
information contained in the buffers is lost. Resend your
formats, batches, graphics, or fonts to the printer.

N

If you remap your image buffer, make sure the length and
width specified in your format header are not too large for the
current image buffer. In other words, if you remap for a 4 x 4
inch label, you cannot print a 4 x 6 inch label without receiving
an error, until you change your format header or increase your
image buffer.

Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType
Fonts

N

Downloaded TrueType fonts are only available on the 9840 and
9850 printers.

N

The size of the TrueType font file, in bytes, is the minimum
amount of memory you must have available in the
downloadable fonts buffer.

N

The scalable (vector) fonts buffer is used to image the
downloaded fonts (TrueType or bitmapped). If you are using
several downloaded TrueType fonts, you may need 100K or
more in this buffer. The printer does not print the fonts if there
is not enough memory in the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

N

To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you must
reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable
(vector) fonts buffer.

Using Immediate Commands

Immediate commands affect printer operation as soon as the
printer receives them, even if they are included within a packet or
used inside quotation marks.

Configuring the Printer

2-29

You can use immediate commands to change immediate
command or status polling control characters, reset the printer, or
cancel and repeat batches.

Enabling Immediate Commands

When the printer is first turned on, these commands are not
available. To use these commands, you must first send the
control characters packet and define the immediate command
control character. The immediate command control character is
saved in non-volatile RAM and therefore not lost after you turn off
the printer. Once the immediate command control character is
defined, the immediate commands are enabled.

Sending Immediate Commands

Immediate commands consist of a three- or four-character
sequence you can send in a packet or embed in your application.
Each command must be sent separately.

Syntax

The printer can accept only one immediate command at a time.
Sending a command before the previous one is completed can
result in an error.

Example

Immediately cancels the batch currently printing. This example
assumes that the defined immediate command control character
is the caret (^).

2-30

Configuring the Printer

control character_immediate command

^CB

Command Parameter

^CA

^CB

^DD or

^DCd

^EA

^ER

^FD

^GD

^GE

^ID or ^ICd

^MC

^MD

^MI

^MM

^MP

^MR

^MV

^PR

Cancels all the batches in the queue.

Cancels only the current batch being printed.

Disables the MPCL data escape character (the tilde) and inhibits MPCL
from acting on ANY data escape sequence from the host. Sets the MPCL
data escape character to the ASCII value given by the d parameter. The
value can be any ASCII character.

Aborts an error condition. This command is the same as pressing CLEAR
(ESCAPE/CLEAR) to clear an error. May need to be sent multiple times.
Use ^RB to reprint batch.
CAUTION: Command causes the current batch to stop and the

condition that caused the error to remain uncorrected.

Resets the error. This command is the same as pressing FEED
(FEED/CUT) to acknowledge an error. Normal operation will resume.

Feeds a label when printer is idle. Simulates the operation of pressing
FEED (FEED/CUT) and dispenses the next label if printer is in the
on-demand mode. NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Disables conversion of formats designed in 203 dpi density dot units to 300
dpi density.

Enables the conversion of formats designed in 203 dpi dot units (not
English or Metric) to 300 dpi.

Disables the Immediate Command feature by turning off the Immediate
Command escape character. Sets the Immediate Command escape
character to the ASCII value given by the d parameter. The value can be
any ASCII character.

Returns the customer ID or RPQ version to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the printhead dot density to the host. 00 = 203 dpi 01 = 300 dpi

Returns the customer ID or RPQ revision level to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the model number to the host. 06 = M9820 07 = M9830
08 = M9835 09 = M9840 11 = M9403 15 = M9805 16 = M9850

Returns the prototype number to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the revision number to the host. (00 to 99)

Returns the version number to the host. (00 to 99)

Resets the printer. This command takes five seconds to complete and then
the printer is ready to receive data. It has the same effect as turning off
and then turning on the printer.
NOTE: Command should be used only when the printer is not printing.

Configuring the Printer

2-31

Command Parameter

^RB

^RS

^SD or

^SCd

^TP

Repeats the last printed batch, printing the same number of labels as
specified in the original batch. This command does not work if using batch
separators.
NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Resynchronizes supply when supply roll is changed.
NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

Disables the status polling feature by turning off the status polling control
character. Sets the status polling control character to the ASCII value
given by the d parameter. The value of d can be any ASCII character.

Prints a test label set. NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

The table represents the defined immediate command control
character as ^ and the defined status polling control character as
d. You may define these characters to suit your needs.

To use the immediate command control

character or the status polling character

within your data, use the tilde sequence.

Clearing Packets from Memory

You may want to remove packets from the printer to increase
memory storage capacity or if the formats/fonts are no longer
needed. In some cases, turning the printer off may clear the
packets from memory. If not, send a format clear packet.

Syntax

1. header Identifies the packet. Options:

2. packet# Identification number of the packet to clear (1-999) or font

3. action Enter C to clear the packet.

2-32

Configuring the Printer

{header,packet#,action,device p }

A Check Digit Scheme
F Format
G Graphic
W Font

number (0-9999). 0 is for all fonts.

4. device Storage device. Options:

N Nonvolatile RAM
R Volatile RAM

Example

{F,1,C,R p }

Clears Format #1 from volatile RAM.

Using the Font Packet

You can use a font packet to add or clear downloaded fonts from
memory, upload your font buffer, or upload the cell size
information for a particular font. The font packet is useful when
you are downloading fonts. If you are using downloaded fonts,
the font number and the number of bytes each downloaded font
uses is listed.

This packet does not list the number of bytes the standard printer
fonts use.

Syntax

W1. W Writable Font Header.

W2. font# Font number from 0-9999.

W3. action Action. Options:

{W,font#,action,device p }

0 is for all fonts. 1 - 5 digits is the font number.
Example: 11 is the standard printer font,
CG Triumvirate.

A Adds the specified font.
C Clears all or specified fonts, except ones in ROM.
H Uploads font size information.
M Uploads font memory usage information.

W4. device Device. Options:

R Volatile RAM
Z All devices (use for upload).

If you are creating fonts, you need to have font data included with
this packet. Software is available to create the font data and
packet. Call Technical Support for more information.

Configuring the Printer

2-33

Example

{W,0,M,R p }

Selects all fonts and checks the memory usage in RAM. The
printer returns the following to the host:

{W,0,M,R p
Number of bytes free, Number of bytes used p }

Example

Selects all fonts and uploads the font size information for any
downloaded fonts.

The printer returns the following to the host:

Font Style

Symbol Set

Ty p e

Cell Width

{W,0,H,Z p }

{W,0,H,Z p

Font Name

0,1,0,"Standard",0,0,0,21,33,21,33,5,1 p
0,1,1,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
0,1,437,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
0,1,850,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
0,2,0,"Reduced",0,0,0,10,21,10,21,2,1 p
0,2,1,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
0,2,437,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
0,2,850,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
0,3,0,"Bold",0,0,0,36,51,36,51,5,1 p
0,4,0,"OCRA",0,0,0,19,36,19,36,5,1 p
0,5,0,"HR1",0,0,0,18,30,18,30,3,1 p

Inter-Character Gap

0,6,0,"HR2",0,0,0,26,24,26,24,2,1 p
0,10,0,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p

Printhead Density

0,10,1,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,10,437,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,10,850,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,11,0,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,11,1,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,11,437,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,15,0,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,1,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,437,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,850,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,16,0,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,16,1,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p

Spacing

Baseline

Cell Height

Nominal Width

Nominal Height

2-34

Configuring the Printer

0,16,437,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,16,850,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,17,0,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,1,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,437,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,850,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,18,0,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,1,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,437,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,850,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,510,0,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,1,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,437,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,850,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,511,0,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,1,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,437,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,850,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,512,0,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,512,1,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,512,437,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,512,850,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,513,0,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,513,1,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,513,437,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,513,850,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,70,0,"Paxar15",0,0,10,48,66,34,66,5,1 p
0,71,0,"Paxar18",0,0,13,50,77,41,77,7,1 p
0,72,0,"Nafta15",1,0,6,32,66,32,66,0,1 p
0,73,0,"Nafta18",1,0,8,33,77,33,77,0,1 p
0,50,0,"CGTriBd",1,1,92248,0 p }

This example shows the fonts for the 9840

printer. Fonts 510, 511, 512, and 513 are the

same as fonts 15, 16, 17, and 18.

Spacing Monospaced (0) or proportional (1).

Ty p e Bitmapped (0) or scalable (1).

Configuring the Printer

2-35

Baseline Bottom of the font.

Cell Width Horizontal number of dots to contain the

widest character.

Cell Height Vertical number of dots to contain the tallest

character.

Nominal Width Average width for lower-case letters.

Nominal Height Average height for lower-case letters.

Inter-Character
Gap

Default spacing between characters in
monospaced fonts.

Printhead Density Displays whether a 203 (0) dpi or 300 (1) dpi

printhead is used.

The scalable font (font 50) is not available for
all printers and it does not display which
printhead (203 dpi or 300 dpi) is used.

Using the Flash Upload Packet

Use the flash upload packet to check the contents of flash
memory.

You can only use this packet on 9403 Version

2.0 (or greater) printers.

Syntax

1. header Identifies the packet. Options:

{header,packet#,action p }

A Check Digit Scheme
F Format
G Graphic

2. packet# Identification number of the packet. Use 0 to upload all

3. action Enter H to upload flash information.

2-36

Configuring the Printer

packets.

Example

{F,0,H p }

Selects all the formats in flash memory and uploads the
information.

The printer returns the following to the host:

{1,A,F,E,200,200,"FMT1" p
5,A,F,E,400,200,"FMT5" p }

Format 1 was added to flash memory and uses English units. The
supply length was two inches and the supply width was two
inches. The format name was "FMT1." Format 5 was added to
flash memory and uses English units. The supply length was four
inches and the supply width was two inches. The format name
was "FMT5."

Example

{G,0,H p }

Selects all the graphics in flash memory and uploads the
information.

The printer returns the following to the host:

{10,A,F,G,812,406,"Wire" p
99,A,F,G,350,406,"Logo" p }

Graphic 10 was added to flash memory and uses Graphic units.
The supply length was 812 dots and the supply width was 406
dots. The format name was "Wire." Graphic 99 was added to
flash memory and uses Graphic units. The supply length was 350
dots and the supply width was 406 dots. The format name was
"Logo."

If no packets are stored in flash memory, empty brackets {} are
returned to the host.

Configuring the Printer

2-37

Flash Considerations

Note the following items when storing formats, graphics, or check
digits in flash:

N

Packets with the same number should not be added to flash
memory. If two packets with the same number are stored in
flash, only the last packet sent can be used. For example, if
you send the following packets to flash memory, only the
"Textiles" format can be used.

{F,10,A,F,E,300,200,"UPC"p
p}
{F,10,A,F,E,300,200,"Textiles"p

Flash
Selector

p}

N

Clear flash memory if you encounter problems storing packets.
Flash must be cleared through the 9403 printer’s menu.

N

Individual packets cannot be cleared from flash memory.
Clearing flash erases all packets stored in flash memory (with
"F" selector); however, clearing flash does not erase any
packets loaded by Service.

N

Flash cannot be reallocated.

Uploading Format Header Information

You can upload format header information from the formats in
memory to check the supply length and width for each format.
You can use this packet on the 9820, 9830, 9835, 9840, or 9850
printers, because formats remain in memory when you turn off
these printers.

Syntax

F1. header Format Header

{header,format#,action,device p }

F2. format# Format number from 0-999. 0 is for all formats in memory.

2-38

Configuring the Printer

F3. action Action. Options:

A Adds the specified format
C Clears the specified format
H Uploads format header information

F4. device Device. Options:

Example

R Volatile RAM
Z All devices (use for upload)

{F,0,H,Z p }

Selects all formats in memory and returns the following:

{F,0,H,Z p
Fmt_1,406,406 p
Fmt_10,324,406 p
Fmt_15,812,812 p
Fmt_20,305,609 p
Fmt_25,1218,406 p }

Displays the format number, supply length and supply width (in
dots) for each format in memory.

Example

{F,1,H,Z p }

Selects format1 and returns the following to the host:

{F,1,H,Z p
Fmt_1,406,406 p }

Displays the supply length and supply width (in dots) for format1.

Configuring the Printer

2-39

2-40

Configuring the Printer

DEFINING FIELDS

This chapter provides a reference for defining

N

the format header

N

text, constant text, and non-printable text fields

N

bar code fields

N

line and box fields.

3

Defining Fields

3-1

Defining the Format Header

A Format Header begins a format file.

Syntax

{F,format#,action,device,measure,length,
width,"name" p

F1. F Format Header.

F2. format# Numberfrom

0-999 (0-99

F3. action Enter A to add a new format to the printer.

F4. device Format storage device. Options:

Flash (only available for 9403 V2.0 or greater,

F

saved when printer is turned off.)
Non-volatile RAM

N

Volatile RAM

R

F5. measure Unit of measure. See the following table. Options:

Printer Unit of Measure Supply Length Supply Width

9403

9805

9820
9830

9835

9840

9840

9850

9850

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

for 9403/9805) to identify the format.

75-600
191-1524
152-1218

100-600
254-1524
203-1218

50-1200
127-3048
102-2436

50-1600
127-4064
102-3248

32-1600

82-4064

65-3248

32-1200

82-3048

65-3600

32-1750

82-4445

65-3552

32-1200

82-3048

65-3600

75-200
191-508
152-406

120-400

305-1016

244-812
120-400

305-1016

244-812

75-400

191-1016

152-812

75-400

191-1016

152-812

75-400

191-1016
152-1200

75-400

191-1016

152-812

75-400

191-1016
152-1200

3-2

Defining Fields

NOTE:

F6. length Supply length in selected units. Measure supply from the top

of one black mark to the top of the next black mark. Use the
previous table for values.

F7. width Supply width, from left to right, in selected units. Use the

previous table for values.

If using a 9820/9830/9835 printer V5.3 or earlier, the
minimum supply length is 0.75 inches. If using a
9840 printer V6.2 or earlier, the minimum supply
length is 0.75 inches and the minimum supply width
is 1.2 inches.

F8. "name" Format name (optional),

Example

quotation marks.

{F,1,A,R,E,300,200,"TEXTILES" p

characters, enclose within

0-8

Adds Format 1 ("TEXTILES") to the printer. It uses a three inch
long by two inch wide label.

Defining Text Fields

Create a separate definition for each text field. If text falls on two
lines, each line of text requires a separate definition.

Syntax

T1. T Text Field.

T2. field# Unique number from

T3. # of char Maximum number of printed characters is

T4. fix/var Fixed or variable length field. Options:

T,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,
gap,font,hgt mag,wid mag,color,alignment,
char rot,field rot,sym set p

0-999 (0-99

this field.

9403/9805) in the field.

F
V

Fixed length
Variable length

for 9403/9805) to identify

0-2710 (0-100

for

Defining Fields

3-3

T5. row For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to

the pivot point. The pivot point varies depending on how text
is justified.

1 (LEFT)

2 (BOTTOM)

0 (TOP)

3 (RIGHT)

0 (TOP)

2 (BOTTOM)

3 (RIGHT)

3 (RIGHT)

0 (TOP)

2 (BOTTOM)

1 (LEFT)

End-Justified

Left/Center/Right-Justified

1 (LEFT)

Balanced

For proportionally spaced fonts, distance
from bottom of print area to baseline of
characters in field.

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

English (1/100 inch)

9403

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

9805

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

9820
9830

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

9835

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

9840

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

9840

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

9850

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

9850

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-1199
0-3047
0-2435

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

Column or

End Column

0-199
0-507
0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

0-399
0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

3-4

Defining Fields

T6. column Distance from the left edge of the print

T7. gap Number of dots between characters 203

area to the pivot point to find the column
location. Use the previous table for values.

dpi (or 300 dpi for 9840 and 9850 printer).
Range:

0-99

.

NOTE:

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your
field width. Default spacing:

Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate

T8. font Style of font. Options:

1
2
3
4
5
6

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only.
The 9403/9805 support fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.
The scalable font, CG Triumvirate Bold, (font 50) is only
available with the 9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850 printers. With
the 9840 V6.5+ and 9850 printer, font 50 is EFF Swiss Bold
(TrueType) font.
The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page (437 and 850) Symbol Sets. See Appendix C for
more information.

For monospaced fonts, the additional spacing is
added to the existing inter-character gap. This is
also true for proportionally spaced fonts, but
remember that the inter-character gap varies with
character combinations.

Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
HR1
HR2

3 dots
1 dot
3 dots
3 dots
varies with each letter
varies with each letter

CG Triumvirate Bold

10

CG Triumvirate

11

7 pt. CG Triumvirate

15

9 pt. CG Triumvirate

16

11 pt. CG Triumvirate

17

15 pt. CG Triumvirate

18

CG Triumvirate Bold (Scalable)

50

EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType-only
9840 V6.5+ or 9850 printer)

Defining Fields

3-5

T9. hgt mag Height magnifier,

proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose
smoothness at higher magnifications. For the scalable font
(Font 50), the height and width refer to the point size (
of the font. For the TrueType font (font 50), the point size can
be 4 to
information about the scalable font.

points. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more

250

(times). Use a magnifier of 1 with

1-7

4 to 90

)

T10. wid mag Width magnifier,

T11. color Options for standard printer fonts:

not have a set width. To estimate the size of your field, use
the letter "W" for the widest field or an "L" for an average
width field. Find your selected font and the desired width in
Appendix B, "Fonts."

NOTE:

Options for the Scalable Font:

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

Opaque The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")

To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you
must reconfigure memory and increase the size of
the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

B
D/R/W
O

A/N
B/O
E/S
F/T

Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Opaque, Normal, Black, Bold
Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Italics, Black, Bold
Opaque, Italics, Black, Normal

(times). Proportionally spaced fonts do

1-7

not block out (or "erase") existing fields.

existing fields.

3-6

Defining Fields

Line field
blocked out by
opaque field
using attribute B

Line field not
blocked out by
transparent field
using attribute O

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration
when using field color attributes, because fields are imaged in
the order they are received. If a line field is defined before
the overlay (text or constant text) field, the line field is
blocked out by the overlay field, depending on the overlay
field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined after the overlay
field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,
regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

T12. alignment Options:

L
C
R
B
E

Use L, B, or E for any font.

T13. char rot Character rotation. The field or supply does not rotate, only

the characters do. Options:

0

1
2
3

NOTE:

T14. field rot Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just

the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which
varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of
field is the pivot point. Options:

Align on left side of field.
Center text within field (monospaced fonts only)
Align on right side of field (monospaced fonts only)
Align at midpoint of field
Align at endpoint of the field

Top of character points to top of field
(Use for scalable font)
Top of character points to left of field
Top of character points to bottom of field
Top of character points to right of field

The Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not
support character rotation.

0
1
2
3

Top of field points to top of supply
Top of field points to left of supply
Top of field points to bottom of supply
Top of field points to right of supply

Defining Fields

3-7

T15. sym set Symbol set. Options:

0
1
100
101
437
850
852
855
857
860
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258

NOTE:

Internal Symbol Set
ANSI Symbol Set
Macintosh
Wingdings
DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
DOS Code Page 850 (International)
DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
Code Page 1253 (Greek)
Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
Code Page 1258 (Vietnam)

The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and
DOS Code Page Symbol Sets. Refer to Appendix C,
"Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information.
Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be
used with downloaded TrueType fonts or the resident
TrueType font, Font 50. TrueType fonts are designed
to be regionally specific; therefore, all code pages
may not be supported in a given font.

3-8

Defining Fields

Example

T,2,10,V,250,50,0,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

Defines a text field (field #2) with a variable length of up to 10
characters. The field begins at row 250, column 50. There is no
additional gap between characters, and the Standard font is used
without any additional magnification. The printing is black on
white and centered. No field or character rotation is used. The
internal symbol set is used.

Defining Bar Code Fields

Each bar code field requires a separate definition.

Syntax

B,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,
font,density,height,text,alignment,
field rot p

B1. B Bar Code Field.

B2. field# Unique number from

0-999 (0-99

this field.

B3. # of char Maximum number of characters. If the bar code uses a check

digit, allow an extra character for the check digit. The actual
maximum number of characters is limited by the size of the
label and bar code density. Range:
9403/9805). Data Matrix can use up to 2710 numeric
characters or 2335 alphanumeric characters.

B4. fix/var Fixed (F) or variable (V) length field.

Bar Code Number of Characters Fixed or

UPCA

UPCA+2

UPCA+5

UPCA+Price CD

UPCE

UPCE+2

UPCE+5

EAN8

EAN8+2

EAN8+5

EAN13

EAN13+2

EAN13+5

EAN13+Price CD

POSTNET

9 or 11 F

for 9403/9805) to identify

0-2710 (0-100

12 F

14 F

17 F

12 F

7F

9F

12 F

8F

10 F

13 F

13 F

15 F

18 F

13 F

for

Var iable

Defining Fields

3-9

Bar Code Number of Characters Fixed or

Interleaved 2 of 5
or
Interleaved I 2 of 5 with
Barrier Bar

Code 39 or MOD43

Codabar (NW7)

Code 128

Code 16K*

Code 93

MSI

PDF417*

MaxiCode*

Data Matrix

* MaxiCode, PDF417, Postnet, and Code 16K are available on the 9403, 9820 (V5.2 or

greater), 9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850 printers. For the 9403 printer, we recommend
these bar codes be used online. The 9805 printer supports MaxiCode and PDF417.
For more information about MaxiCode and Data Matrix bar codes, see Appendix A,
"Samples."

0 to 2335 (alphanumeric)

0 to 2710 V

0 to 2710 V

depends on application F or V

0 to 2710 V

0 to 2710 V

0 to 2710 V

0 to 14 F or V

0 to 2710 V

0 to 93 (alphanumeric)

0 to 128 (numeric)

0 to 2710 (numeric)

Varia ble

V

V

B5. row Distance from bottom of the print area to the pivot point of the

field. The pivot point varies, depending on how the field is
justified. Pivot points:

3-10

Defining Fields

Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields

Balanced Fields

End-Justified Fields

Remember to include text or numbers
that may appear with the bar code for
the row measurement.

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9805

9820
9830

9835

9840

9840

9850

9850

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-1199
0-3047
0-2435

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

Column or

End Column

0-199
0-507
0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

0-399
0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

B6. column Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot

point. Use the previous table for
values.

NOTE:

Allow a minimum of

1/10

inch
between the scan edge of bar
code and label edges or other
data.
If using the optional verifier,
allow a minimum of 1.3 inches
(33 mm) between the bar code and the top of the
label. See "Determining the Print Area" in Chapter 1
for more information.

Defining Fields

3-11

B7. font Bar code. Options:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
23
31
32
33
35
40
41
44
50

B8. density Bar code density. Use the following table for the bar code

density.

UPCA
UPCE
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 39 (no check digit)
Codabar
EAN8
EAN13
Code 128
MSI
UPCA +2
UPCA +5
UPCE +2
UPCE +5
EAN8 +2
EAN8 +5
EAN13 +2
EAN13 +5
POSTNET
Code 93
Code 16K
PDF417
MaxiCode
Data Matrix (ECC-200)
Code 39 (MOD 43 check digit)
UPCA & Price CD
EAN13 & Price CD
Interleaved 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

3-12

Defining Fields

203 DPI Barcode Densities

Bar code

Type

UPCA +2/+5
Price CD

UPCE
+2/+5

EAN8
+2/+5

EAN13+2/+5
Price CD

Interleaved
2 of 5
or I2of5
with Barrier
Bar

Density

Selector

2

4

2

4

2

4

2

4
1

2
3

4
5
6

Density

(% or cpi)

76

%

114

%

76

%

114

%

76

%

114

%

76

%

114

%

1.1

2.1

3.2

4.2

5.6

6.3

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

2/9.9
3/14.8

21/103.4
12/59.1
7/34.5

6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

1.0:1 11 or 12

1.0:1 6 or 7

1.0:1 7 or 8

1.0:1 12 or 13

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:3.0

1:2.5
1:3.0
1:2.5

Data

Length

14/17

9/12

10/13

15/18
0 to 2710 8 0 to 9

Appearance

Codes

Available

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

Char

Set

(Code 39 or
MOD43
(Extended
Code 39)

Codabar
(NW7)

Code 128 or
Code 16 K204

NOTE:

The start (*) and stop (+) characters are automatically added for Code 39. Code 39,
density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density is intended for special
U.S.P.S. ACT-tag applications only. Synthetic supplies are recommended to produce
scannable bar codes.

7
8
9

10
11

12

13
1

2
3
4
6

7

11
12
20

2
3
4
5
7

8

9

6

8

7.5

8.8

9.6

11.2

11.0

12.7

14.5

1.4

1.7

3.5

4.2

6.3

7.0

3.9

12.7

3.0

2.1

3.0

4.6

5.1

8.4

9.2

10.1

3.5/7.0

4.4/8.7

5.8/11.7

8.7/17.5

3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8

2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9

2/9.9
10/49.3

8/39.4
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9
2/9.9
4/19.7
1/4.9
5/24.6

8/39.4
6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7
2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9

5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0

1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5

1:2.0
1:2.5

1:2.5
1:2.5
1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.2

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to 7FH

0 to 2710 8 SPACE

$%*+-./
0 to 9
A to Z

0 to 26 8 $+-./

0 to 9
a to d

Defining Fields

3-13

Bar code

Type

CODE 93 3

MSI 4

Density

Selector

4
5

7

10

5

7

Density

(% or cpi)

3.7

4.5

5.6

7.5

11.2

4.2

5.6

7.2

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

6/29.6
5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.5

Data

Length

0 to 14 8 0 to 9

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

7FH

Bar code

Type

POSTNET 0 (fixed at

MaxiCode 7 N/A N/A N/A 99 8 00H to

Bar code

Type

PDF417 1

Selector

4.3 cpi)

Selector

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

NOTE:

Density

Density

Density

(% or cpi)

24/118.2 10/49.3 4/19.7 (5

Element

Width

(dot/mils)

2/9.8
2/9.8
2/9.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
4/19.7
4/19.7
4/19.7

NOTE:

Values in bold indicate the default.

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

Row Height

(dots/mils)

2/9.8
4/19.7
6/29.6
3/14.8
6/29.6
9/44.3
4/19.7
8/39.4
12/59.1

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

dot gap)

Aspect

Ratio

1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3

Data

Length

0,5,6,9 or118 0 to 9

Data

Length

0 to 2709 8 00H to

Appearance

Available

Appearance

Available

The 9850 printer can print 203 dpi serial bar codes with narrow

Codes

Char Set

FFH

Char Set

Codes

FFH

elements of 3 dots (or greater) at 4.0 ips.

3-14

Defining Fields

203 DPI Barcode Densities

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Square
symbols

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Rectangular
symbols

Row x Col.

10 x 10
12 x 12
14 x 14
16 x 16
18 x 18
20 x 20
22 x 22
24 x 24
26 x 26
32 x 32
36 x 36
40 x 40
44 x 44
48 x 48
52 x 52
64 x 64
72 x 72
80 x 80
88 x 88
96 x 96
104 x 104
120 x 120
132 x 132
144 x 144

Row x Col.

8 x 18
8 x 32
12 x 26
12 x 36
16 x 36
16 x 48

Density

Selector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Density

Selector

25
26
27
28
29
30

Data Length

Num.

Alphanum.

6 x 3
10 x 6
16 x 10
24 x 16
36 x 25
44 x 31
60 x 43
72 x 52
88 x 64
124 x 91
172 x 127
228 x 169
288 x 214
348 x 259
408 x 304
560 x 418
736 x 550
912 x 682
1152 x 862
1392 x 1042
1632 x 1222
2100 x 1573
2608 x 1954
2710 x 2335

Data Length

Num.

Alphanum.

10 x 6
20 x 13
32 x 22
44 x 31
64 x 46
98 x 72

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

Char

Set

Char

Set

NOTE:

For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9840 printer supports printing an
X-dimension of 13 mils or greater (3 dots @203 dpi). If you use a
denser bar code, make sure the bar code scans in your particular
application. Monarch "premium" supplies and increasing the print
contrast are recommended for denser bar codes. The bar code size
(rows and columns) is automatically determined based on your data if
you use a density of 0.

Defining Fields

3-15

Bar code

Type

UPCA +2/+5
Price CD

UPCE
+2/+5

EAN8
+2/+5

EAN13+2/+5
Price CD24

Interleaved
2 of 5
or I2of5
with Barrier
Bar

300 DPI Barcode Densities

Density

Selector

2

4

2

4

2

4

1
2
3

4
5
6

Density

(% or cpi)

77

%

103

%

77

%

103

%

77

%

103

%

77

%

103

%

1.1

2.1

3.3

4.2

5.6

6.2

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

3/10
4/13.3

3/10
4/13.3

3/10
4/13.3

3/10
4/13.3

31/103.4
18/60.1
10/33.4

9/30.0
6/20.0
6/20.0

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

1:2.0 11 or 12

1:2.0 6 or 7

1:2.0 7 or 8

1:2.0 12 or 13

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:3.0

1:2.4
1:3.0
1:2.5

Data

Length

14/17

9/12

10/13

15/18
0 to 2710 8 0 to 9

Appearance

Codes

Available

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8 0 to 9

Char

Set

(Code 39 or
MOD43
(Extended
Code 39)

Codabar
(NW7)

Code 128 or
Code 16 K46

NOTE:

The start (*) and stop (+) characters are automatically added for Code 39. Code 39,
density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density is intended for special U.S.P.S.
ACT-tag applications only. Synthetic supplies are recommended to produce scannable
bar codes.

7
8
9

10
11

12

13
1

2
3
4
6

7

11
12
20

2
3
4
5
7

8

9

8

20

8.3

9.4

9.9

11.1

11.1

13.0

14.3

1.4

1.7

3.4

4.7

6.2

7.1

3.8

11.5

3.1

2.3

3.4

5.0

5.6

9.1

10.4

11.1

4.5

6.8

9.1

3.9

4/13.3
4/13.3
4/13.3

3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0

3/10.0
15/50.0

12/40/0
6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0
3/10.0
6/20.0
2/6.7
7/23.4

12/40.0
9/30.0
6/20.0
6/20.0
3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0

6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0
7/23.4

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.3

1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.3

1:2.0
1:2.5

1:2.3
1:2.5
1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.3

1:3.0
1:2.4
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to 7FH

0 to 2710 8 SPACE

$%*+-./
0 to 9
A to Z

0 to 2710 8 $+-./

0 to 9
a to d

3-16

Defining Fields

Bar code

Type

CODE 93 3

MSI 4

Density

Selector

4
5

7

10

5

7

Density

(% or cpi)

3.7

4.8

5.6

8.3

11.1

4.2

6.2

7.5

Narrow
Element

(dots/mils)

9/30.0
7/23.4
6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0

6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.3

Data

Length

0 to 2710 8 0 to 9

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

7FH

Bar code

Type

POSTNET 0 (fixed at

MaxiCode 7 N/A N/A N/A 99 8 00H to

Bar code

Type

PDF417 1

Density

Selector

4.2 cpi)

Density

Selector

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Density

(% or cpi)

24/118.2 15/50.0 6/20.0 (5

Element

Width

(dot/mils)

3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0
4/13.3
4/13.3
4/13.3
6/20.0
6/20.0
6/20.0

NOTE:

Values in bold indicate the default.

Narrow
Element

(dots/mils)

Row Height

(dots/mils)

3/10.0
6/20.0
9/30.0
4/13.3
9/30.0
12/40.0
6/20.0
12/40.0
18/60.0

Narrow to

Wide Ratio

dot gap)

Aspect

Ratio

1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3

Data

Length

0,5,6,9 or118 0 to 9

Data

Length

0 to 2709 8 00H to

Appearance

Codes

Available

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

FFH

Char Set

FFH

Defining Fields

3-17

300 DPI Barcode Densities

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Square
symbols

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix
Rectangular
symbols

Row x Col.

10 x 10
12 x 12
14 x 14
16 x 16
18 x 18
20 x 20
22 x 22
24 x 24
26 x 26
32 x 32
36 x 36
40 x 40
44 x 44
48 x 48
52 x 52
64 x 64
72 x 72
80 x 80
88 x 88
96 x 96
104 x 104
120 x 120
132 x 132
144 x 144

Row x Col.

8 x 18
8 x 32
12 x 26
12 x 36
16 x 36
16 x 48

Density

Selector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Density

Selector

25
26
27
28
29
30

Data Length

Num.

Alphanum.

6 x 3
10 x 6
16 x 10
24 x 16
36 x 25
44 x 31
60 x 43
72 x 52
88 x 64
124 x 91
172 x 127
228 x 169
288 x 214
348 x 259
408 x 304
560 x 418
736 x 550
912 x 682
1152 x 862
1392 x 1042
1632 x 1222
2100 x 1573
2608 x 1954
2710 x 2335

Data Length

Num.

Alphanum.

10 x 6
20 x 13
32 x 22
44 x 31
64 x 46
98 x 72

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

Char

Set

Char

Set

3-18

NOTE:

Defining Fields

For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9840 printer supports printing an
X-dimension of 13 mils or greater (3 dots @203 dpi). If you use a
denser bar code, make sure the bar code scans in your particular
application. Monarch "premium" supplies and increasing the print
contrast are recommended for denser bar codes. The bar code size
(rows and columns) is automatically determined based on your data if
you use a density of 0.

B9. height Bar code height, in 1/100 inches, 1/10 mm, or dots. Minimum

values:

English
Metric
203 Dots
300 Dots

POSTNET, PDF417, and MaxiCode bar codes have a fixed
height. Always use 0 for these bar codes.
For Data Matrix bar codes, the printer determines the size of
the symbol, but the user’s scanner determines the functional
size (minimum height) of the symbol. Small Data Matrix
symbols may not be scannable. The Data Matrix symbol’s
height depends on the number entered for this parameter. For
example, if you select an 80 by 80 Data Matrix symbol, with a
height of 100 (one inch), the symbol could be as small as

0.80" or as large as 1.0". It will not be greater than the
amount specified in this parameter. The symbol arranges the
data according to rows and columns within the specified
height.

NOTE:

B10. text Appearance of text with bar code. For UPC and EAN only use

0-7

If using the optional verifier, allow the following
minimum bar code heights: 0.35" (English) for 4.0
ips; 0.50" (English) for 6.0 ips; 0.70" (English) for 8.0
ips; 0.95" (English) for 10.0 ips.

. For all others, use 8. Options:

0

1
2
3
5
6
7
8

Default
MaxiCode Mode 0 (obsolete)
No check digit or number system
MaxiCode Mode 2 (Numeric Postal Code)
MaxiCode Mode 3 (Alphanumeric Postal Code)
Number system at bottom, no check digit
Check digit at bottom, no number system
Check digit and number system at bottom
No text, bar code only
MaxiCode (autodetect modes 0, 2, or 3)

19
48
38
57

NOTE:

B11. alignment Choose L, R, C, B or E to align the bar code data correctly in

the field. B centers variable width bar codes, which may not
allow pad-character centering (Code 128, Code 39, etc.)
right justifies variable width bar codes. MaxiCode and Data
Matrix must use L.

Data Matrix must use 8.

E

Defining Fields

3-19

B12. field rot Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just

the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which
varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of
field is the pivot point. Options:

Top of field points to top of supply
(Use for Maxicode)
Top of field points to left of supply
Top of field points to bottom of supply
Top of field points to right of supply

Serial bar codes with an 8-dot narrow element do not
automatically print at 2.5 IPS. Serial bar codes
printed at speeds greater than 2.5 IPS may not scan
properly.

Example

0

1
2
3

NOTE:

B,3,12,V,150,40,1,2,80,7,L,0 p

Defines a bar code field (field #3) with 12 characters of variable
length starting at row 150, column 40. A UPCA bar code with a
density of 2 and a height of 80 is used. The check digit and
number system are shown at the bottom. The bar code is left
aligned without any field rotation.

Defining Non-Printable Text Fields

Non-printable text fields allow you to enter data without printing it
in its entered form. Typically, non-printable fields "hold" data that
later combines with other fields to form a merged field. Define
non-printable text fields before you define the field where the
information prints.

3-20

When you copy this field into another field, the maximum number
of characters for the final field is

2710 (

or

0-100

for 9403/9805).
Allow only as many characters as you need, because extra
characters use up space. Also, if you are copying into a bar code
field, the maximum number of characters in the destination bar
code is determined by the bar code specification (UPCA-12,
EAN-13, etc.). You need to apply field options to manipulate the
text entered in this field. For example, you may want to copy data
from this field into another field. See "Option 4 Copy Data" in
Chapter 4 for more information.

Defining Fields

In the following example, data is entered into four non-printable
fields and merged to form field 5, and is then printed as a bar
code. See "Merging Fields" in Chapter 4 for more information.

Field Data Field Type

1 20374 Non-printable
2 339 Non-printable
3 8 Non-printable
4 15 Non-printable
5 20374339815 Bar Code

Each non-printable text field requires a separate definition.

Syntax

D1. D Non-Printable Text Field.

D2. field# Unique number from

D3. # of char Maximum number of characters in this field:

Example

D,field#,# of char p

0-999 (0-99

this field.

for 9403/9805).

D,4,20 p

for 9403/9805) assigned to

0-2710

or (

0-100

Defines a non-printable text field (field #4) with a maximum of 20
characters.

Defining Constant Text Fields

A constant text field is a set of fixed characters that prints on all
labels. Define each constant text field separately. This field is
not assigned a field number, but is counted as a field (keep this in
mind, as the printer allows a maximum of
9403/9805 printers per format). The characters in this field
cannot be changed by batch data. Field options do not apply to
constant text fields. Mark the pivot point of your field. This will
vary, depending on how your field is justified.

1000

fields or

100

for

Syntax

C,row,column,gap,font,hgt mag,
wid mag,color,alignment,char rot,
field rot,"fixed char",sym set p

Defining Fields

3-21

C1. C Constant Text Field.

C2. row For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to

the pivot point. For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from
bottom of print area to baseline of characters in the field.
(Bottom exits the printer first.)

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9805

9820
9830

9835

9840

9840

9850

9850

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-1199
0-3047
0-2435

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

Column or

End Column

0-199
0-507
0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

0-399
0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

3-22

C3. column Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot

point. Use the previous table for values.

C4. gap Number of dots between characters. Range:

0-99

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your
field width. Default spacing:

Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate

3 dots
1 dot
3 dots
3 dots
varies with each letter
varies with each letter

Defining Fields

dots.

C5. font Style of font. Options:

Standard

1

Reduced

2

Bold

3

OCRA-like

4

HR1

5

HR2

6

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only.
The 9403/9805 support fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.
The scalable font, CG Triumvirate Bold, (font 50) is only
available with the 9830, 9835, 9840, and 9850 printers. With
the 9840 printer V6.5 or greater, font 50 is EFF Swiss Bold
(TrueType) font.
The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page (437 and 850) Symbol Sets. See Appendix C for
more information.

CG Triumvirate Bold

10

CG Triumvirate

11

7 pt. CG Triumvirate

15

9 pt. CG Triumvirate

16

11 pt. CG Triumvirate

17

15 pt. CG Triumvirate

18

CG Triumvirate Bold (Scalable)

50

EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType-only
9840 V6.5+ or 9850 printer)

C6. hgt mag Height magnifier,

C7. wid mag Width magnifier,

C8. color Options for standard printer fonts:

proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose
smoothness at higher magnifications. For the scalable font
(Font 50), the height and width refer to the point size (
of the font. For the TrueType font (font 50), the point size can
be 4 to
information about the scalable font.

not have a set width. To estimate the size of your field, use
the letter "W" for the widest field or an "L" for an average
width field.

NOTE:

B
D/R/W
O

Options for the Scalable Font:

A/N
B/O
E/S
F/T

points. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more

250

To use larger point sizes (greater than 60), you must
reconfigure memory and increase the size of the
scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Opaque, Normal, Black, Bold
Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Italics, Black, Bold
Opaque, Italics, Black, Normal

(times). Use a magnifier of 1 with

1-7

(times) Proportionally spaced fonts do

1-7

4 to 90

)

Defining Fields

3-23

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

Opaque The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration
when using field color attributes, because fields are imaged in
the order they are received. If a line field is defined before
the overlay (text or constant text) field, the line field is
blocked out by the overlay field, depending on the overlay
field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined after the overlay
field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,
regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

C9. alignment Alignment of constant text in the field. Options:

not block out (or "erase") existing fields.

existing fields.

L
B
E

Use L, B, or E for any font.

C10. char rot Character rotation. Options:

0

1
2
3

NOTE:

C11. field rot Field rotation. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point.

Options:

0
1
2
3

NOTE:

C12. "fixed char" Fixed characters to appear in the field. Maximum

for 9403) characters. Enclose in quotation marks.

Align on left side of field.
Align at midpoint of field
Align at end of field.

Top of character points to top of field
(Use for scalable font.)
Top of character points to left of field
Top of character points to bottom of field
Top of character points to right of field

The Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not
support character rotation.

Top of overlay points to top of supply
Top of overlay points to left of supply
Top of overlay points to bottom of supply
Top of overlay points to right of supply

Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies
depending on how text is justified.

2710 (100

3-24

Defining Fields

C13. sym set Symbol set. Options:

0
1
100
101
437
850
852
855
857
860
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258

NOTE:

Internal Symbol Set
ANSI Symbol Set
Macintosh
Wingdings
DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
DOS Code Page 850 (International)
DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
Code Page 1253 (Greek)
Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
Code Page 1258 (Vietnam)

The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and
DOS Code Page Symbol Sets. Refer to Appendix C,
"Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information.
Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be
used with downloaded TrueType fonts or the resident
TrueType font, Font 50. TrueType fonts are designed
to be regionally specific; therefore, all code pages
may not be supported in a given font.

Example

C,30,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MADE IN USA",0 p

Defines a constant text field starting at row 30, column 10. It
does not have any additional inter-character gap. The Standard
font is used without any additional magnification. The printing is
black on white and left justified. No field or character rotation is
used. "MADE IN USA" is printed in this field. The internal symbol
set is used.

Defining Fields

3-25

Defining Line Fields

Use lines to form borders and mark out original prices. Define
each line separately. This field is not assigned a field number, but
is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a
maximum of
You can define any line length and a thickness up to 99 dots, as
long as the solid black print does not exceed 30 percent of any
given square inch of the label.

Line Types

You can create horizontal and vertical lines. Define lines as

1000

fields or

for 9403/9805 printers per format).

100

Segments

Vectors

Choose starting point and ending point.

Choose starting point, angle, and length of
line.

Syntax

L1. L Line Field.

L2. type Type of line. Only vertical and horizontal lines are

L3. row Distance from bottom of print area to

L,type,row,column,angle/end row,length/
end col,thickness,"pattern" p

supported. Options:

S

V

the starting point.

Segment. Choose starting
point and ending point.
Vector. Choose starting
point, angle, and length.

3-26

Defining Fields

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9805

9820
9830

9835

9840

9840

9850

9850

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-1199
0-3047
0-2435

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

Column or

End Column

0-199
0-507
0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

0-399
0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

L4. column Distance from left edge of the print area to line origin. Use

the previous table for values.

L5. angle/

If Using

Segments

end row

Row location of ending point. Measure from bottom of print
area. Ranges same as row above. On horizontal lines, this
value must match item L3.

If Using

Vec tors

Angle of line. Options: 0, 90,

180

, or

270

.

Defining Fields

3-27

L6. length/
end col

If Using Segments

Column location of end point. Measure
from left edge of print area. Ranges same
as column above. On vertical lines, this
value must match parameter L4.

If Using

Length of the line in selected units. Use
the previous table for values.

L7. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line

thickness (1 to 99) in box L7. Measured in dots.

NOTE:

L8. "pattern" Line pattern. Enter "".

Vec tors

Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to
the right on vertical lines.

3-28

Example

L,S,110,30,110,150,10,"" p

Defines a horizontal line field as a segment starting at row 110,
column 30 and ending at row 110, column 150. The line
thickness is 10 dots.

Defining Fields

Defining Box Fields

Use boxes to form borders or highlight items of interest. Define
each box field separately. This field is not assigned a field
number, but is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer
allows a maximum of
per format). You can define any line length and a thickness up to
99 dots, as long as the solid black print does not exceed 30
percent of any given square inch of the label.

1000

fields or

for 9403/9805 printers

100

Syntax

Q,row,column,end row,end col,thickness,
"pattern" p

Q1. Q Box (Quadrilateral) Field.

Q2. row Distance from bottom of print area to

lower left corner of box.

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9805

9820
9830

9835

9840

9840

9850

9850

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots (optional)

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

203 dpi Dots

English (1/100 inch)

Metric (1/10 mm)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-599
0-1523
0-1217

0-1199
0-3047
0-2435

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-1599
0-4063
0-3247

0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

Column or

End Column

0-199
0-507
0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811
0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

0-399
0-1015

0-811

0-399
0-1015
0-1199

Defining Fields

3-29

Q3. column Distance from left edge of print area to

lower left corner of box.
Use the previous table for values.

Q4. end row Distance from bottom of print area to

Q5. end col Distance from left edge of print area

Q6. thickness Using the chart below for reference,

upper right corner of box.
Ranges same as row.

to upper right corner of box. Ranges
same as column.

write the desired line thickness (

) in box Q6. Measured in dots.

99

1 to

3-30

NOTE:

Q7. "pattern" Line pattern. Enter "".

Example

Boxes fill inward, so make sure your boxes do not
overwrite other fields.

Q,240,30,270,150,3,"" p

Defines a box field starting at row 240, column 30. It ends at row
270, column 150. It has a thickness of 3 dots.

Defining Fields

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS

This chapter provides a reference for defining

N

field options in formats

N

check digit packets.

When using multiple options on the 9403 printer,

remember that options are processed in the

order they are received.

4

Defining Field Options

4-1

Applying Field Options

Field options further define text, bar code, and non-printable text
fields. The text, constant text, or bar code field must be
previously defined before you can apply any field option to it.
Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

Combining Field Options

You can use more than one option with most fields. For example,
you can use Option 4 to copy data from another field, and then
use Option 30 to pad the field. When you use multiple options for
the same field, you must place the options in the order you want
to apply them to your format.

Restrictions

Some options cannot be used together. For example,
incrementing (Option 60) and price field (Option 42) options
cannot be applied to the same field. Refer to the following
sections addressing individual options for specific combinations to
avoid.

Option 4 (copy a field) is the only option that can be repeated for
a single field.

Example

Syntax

R1. R Indicates field option header.

R2. option# Option number:

4-2

Defining Field Options

R,1,3,1,3,1,1 p

R,option#,parameter...parameter p

1
2
3
4
5

Define fixed characters (all printers)
Data type restrictions (9403/9835/9840/9850 only)
Data entry template (9403/9835/9840/9850 only)
Copy data from previous field (all printers)
Define data entry sources (9403/9835/9840/9850 only)

20
30
31
42
50
51

52

60

61

R3. parameter(s) Varies per option. See the following option descriptions.

Define data entry prompts (9403/9835/9840/9850 only)
Pad data to left or right with specified character (all printers)
Generate check digit (all printers)
Format as a price field (all printers)
Define bar code densities (all printers)
Define security and truncation of PDF417 bar codes
(9820 V5.2 or greater and all other printers)
Define width or length of PDF417 bar codes
(9820 V5.2 or greater and all other printers)
Define incrementing or decrementing field
(all printers)
Reimage fields (all printers)

Option 1 (Fixed Data)

Fixed data is information (a company name or store number) you
want to print on all labels. You can define fixed characters for an
entire field or for part of a field.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 1 Option 1.

R3. fixed char Characters to insert. Enclose in quotation marks. If you are

Example

R,1,"fixed char" p

defining fixed characters for part of a field, place underscores
(_) in non-fixed positions. Any spaces in the phrase are fixed
characters. Range: 0 -

NOTE:

Underscore characters are stripped out and the data
is compressed if no data is supplied by the batch and
the field length is variable.

2710

(or 0 -

for 9403/9805)

100

R,1,"_ _ _%$_ _ _ _ _" p

Uses fixed characters (%$) in positions four and five. The other
positions are variable.

Example

R,1,"MONARCH" p

"MONARCH" appears as a fixed field in this example.

Defining Field Options

4-3

To fill in the non-fixed portion of the field, see "Defining Batch
Data Fields" in Chapter 6. As an alternative, you can apply
Option 4 to copy data into the non-fixed character positions.

Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions)

This option restricts the data type for a particular field. You can
use Options 2 or 3 only once per field. Do not use with Option 3
(Data Entry Templates).

Option 2 is only available on the 9403, 9835,

9840, and 9850 printers. You must use the

Monarch 917 keypad with the 9835, 9840,

or 9850 printer for offline data entry.

If you do batch entry only in the batch packet, you do not need to
apply Options 2 and 3. Use these options only for offline batch
entry.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 2 Option 2.

R3. char code Character type for the field. Options:

4-4

Defining Field Options

R,2,char_code p

1
2
3

4
5
6

Spaces are permitted in all categories. You can also use a
combination of any two (letter, numbers, or symbols)
character types.

Numeric only (0..9)
Letters only (A..Z,a..z)
Symbols only (printable characters other than letters
or numbers)
Letters and numbers only
Numbers and symbols only
Letters and symbols only

A use for this option is a quantity field, where

the operator could enter only numeric data.

Example

R,2,2 p

Restricts the field data to letters only (A-Z or a-z).

Option 3 (Data Entry Templates)

This option provides more specific restrictions than Option 2.
This option can be used to select certain letters (such as A
through F or the numbers 1 through 4) from a character set. You
can also use this option to create a template of allowable
characters for a field. Do not use with Option 2 (Data Type
Restrictions).

Use this option only for offline batch entry. You can define a
template up to 30 characters long, but the printer only displays 16
characters at a time. The character template must contain the
same number of characters as the field.

Option 3 is only available on the 9403, 9835,

9840, and 9850 printers. You must use the

917 keypad with the 9835, 9840, or 9850

printer for offline data entry.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 3 Option 3.

R3. code Data types. Options

R,3,code,chars p

S

T

NOTE:

Defines a specific set of characters for the entire
field. The string length does not have to match the
field length. Maximum is 30 characters.
Creates a template of allowable data types by placing
character indicators in each character position. The
number of characters in the string must match the
length of the field.

A sample use for this option is a field on a patient
record containing blood type. Acceptable characters
would be A, B, O, +, or -.

Defining Field Options

4-5

R4. chars Characters to include in a field or a specific template. Must

be enclosed within quotation marks. Indicators can be

*
#
@

-

any printable character
any digit 0-9
any letter a-z, A-Z
no user input for this position (for fixed data or
copied data)

Example

R,3,S,"ABC1234567890" p

Restricts the field data to letters A, B, and C, and all digits.

Example

R,3,T,"***#_ _ _ _" p

Creates a template that allows any printable character in
positions 1, 2, and 3; digits in position 4; and reserves positions 5
through 8 for fixed or copied data.

Example

R,3,T,"####_ _ _ _" p

Creates a template that allows digits only in positions 1-4, and
reserves positions 5 through 8 for fixed or copied data.

Option 4 (Copy Data)

You can create a field that uses data from another field. This is
useful for creating merged fields or sub-fields. You can copy the
information from multiple fields into one field by applying the copy
procedure more than once. Copy data is the only option you can
apply to a field more than once.

The maximum number of characters defined in box T3 or B3 must
allow for the number of characters you will place in the field,
including any price, check digit, or fixed characters inserted by
the printer. The maximum number of characters in the field into
which data is copied cannot exceed
9403/9805 printers) or the maximum number of characters
permitted by the

bar code

.

2710

(or

100

for the

4-6

Defining Field Options

When copying from more than one field, copy

into the destination field from left to right.