Monarch 9850, 9825, 9403 User Manual

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Monarch

Printers

9403

✦

9825

✦

9850

✦





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 Paxar Corporation. 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 Paxar Corporation.

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.

Paxar Corporation 170 Monarch Lane Miamisburg, OH 45342

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

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

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

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER

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

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

Using MPCLII Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Using Online Configuration Packets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Making Print Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Defining the System Setup Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Defining the Supply Setup Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

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

Filling in the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

MPCLII Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Standard Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Configuration Packet Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Configuration Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

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

Defining the Print Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

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

Resetting Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Defining the Communication Settings Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Defining the Backfeed Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Defining the Memory Configuration Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Checking Current Buffer Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

About Memory Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Buffer Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Buffer Allocation Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . 2-27

Using Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

Enabling Immediate Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

Sending Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

Clearing Packets from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Using the Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31

Using the Flash Upload Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35

Flash Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36

Uploading Format Header Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37

DEFINING FIELDS

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

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

Defining Bar Code Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Defining Non-Printable Text Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

Defining Constant Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20

Defining Line Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25

Defining Box Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

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

Line Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS

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

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

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

Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Option 3 (Data Entry Templates) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

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

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

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

Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Option 30 (Padding Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sample Use for Padding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Option 42 (Price Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Option 50 (Bar Code Density) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

Option 61 (Reimage Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Using Check Digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Sum of Products Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Sum of Digits Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

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

CREATING GRAPHICS

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

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

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

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

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

iii

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Creating Duplicate Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Sample Compliance Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Sample Hex Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Sample Run Length Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Placing the Graphic in a Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Defining the Graphic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Sample Compliance Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Sample Bitmap Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

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

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

9850 Special Printing Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

9850 Serial Bar Code Printing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Status Polling Considerations for Script Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

DIAGNOSTICS AND ERRORS

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

Reading a Test Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

If You Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

If the PC and Printer Aren’t Communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

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

Additional Diagnostics Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Reading an Error Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Communication Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

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

Machine Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20

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

PRINTER OPTIMIZATION

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

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

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

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

SAMPLES

FONTS

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Quick Response Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Entering Batch Data for QR Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9

QR Code Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Structured Append Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Structured Append QR Code Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Sample Compliance Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Sample Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

Sample Data Entry Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

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

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

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

Downloading TrueType Fonts (9825/9850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21

Using Asian (Double-Byte) TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22

Double-Byte Bitmap Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22

Double-Byte TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23

Character Mapping Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23

Sample Asian (Double-Byte) Font Format and Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24

Licensing Your Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24

Using Font Numbers in Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25

Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-26

SYMBOL SETS/CODE PAGES

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

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

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

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

vii

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

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

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

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

viii

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

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

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:

9403® (V. 1.0 or greater)

9825 (V. 1.0 or greater)

9850 (V. 1.0 or greater)

If you are designing formats for a Monarch® 1464 or 1465 printer applicator, follow the 9850 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.

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

create and download a sample MPCLII packet.

use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet.

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

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.

Getting Started

1-1

Before You Begin

Connect the printer to the host. Refer to the Quick Reference

or Operator’s Handbook for more information.

Load supplies in the printer. Refer to the Quick Reference or

Operator’s Handbook for more information.

Turn on the printer.

Set the communication parameters and configure the printer.

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

information.

Download your format to the printer. See Chapter 6,

"Printing," for more information.

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.

1-2

Getting Started

Make sure supplies are loaded, the printer is connected to the host and is ready to receive data. Refer to the Quick Reference or Operator’s Handbook 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:

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

Type the following constant text field:

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

Type the following bar code field:

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

Type the following text field:

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:

{B,25,N,1 p

Type the following bar code data:

1,"12345678901" p

Type the following text field data:

2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p }

Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.

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

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

Getting Started

1-3

Type COPY SAMPLE.FMT COM1. The

10.

following 2 inch by 2 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

"Determining Format Contents" for more information.

Determine your label size. Labels are available from Monarch

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

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

Identify the field types that appear on your label. See

"Considering Field Types" for more information.

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

for more information.

Fill out your Format Worksheet. See "Using the Format

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

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

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

"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

9403

9825/ 9850

9850 with optional 300 dpi

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

English 425 x 1750 400 x 1600

Metric 1080 x 4445 1016 x 4064

Dots 863 x 3553 812 x 3248

English 425 x 1750 400 x 1600

Metric 1080 x 4445 1524 x 4064

Dots 1275 x 5250 1200 x 4800

(Width x Length)

Maximum Print Area

(Width x Length)

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.

1-6

Getting Started

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:

English

The English grid, shown to the

right, is measured in 1/100

inches.

Metric

The Metric grid is measured in

1/10 millimeters (mm).

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.

Considering Fonts

When working with fonts, you have three considerations: font appearance, font size (scalable or bitmapped), and font spacing (monospaced or proportional).

The TrueType® scalable font, EFF Swiss Bold (font 50) is standard on the 9825 and 9850 printers. It is not available for the 9403 printer. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for samples of each font.

Getting Started

1-9

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 9850 printer has an optional 300 dpi printhead.

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."

Filling in the Format Worksheet

Decide what type of field to use on your label.

Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.

Define the Format Header.

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

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

1-10

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

Field Options" for more information.

Getting Started

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER

This chapter discusses how to

set communication parameters.

upload the printer’s configuration or font information.

configure the printer using online configuration packets.

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.

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 to set communication parameters for your printer.

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.

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 through the control panel. Refer to the Quick Reference or Operator’s Handbook for 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.

2-2

Configuring the Printer

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 (Use hex 7C for this character.

Depending on the code page selected, this character may appear differently.)

, parameter separator

"ABC" Quotation marks enclose character strings.

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

‘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:

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

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

Configuring the Printer

2-3

Define no more than 1000 fields (100 fields for 9403) 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.

The field number 0 to 999 (99 for the 9403) must be unique.

Monarch recommends starting at 1, instead of 0.

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

Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them.

The printer does not print in field number order.

Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).

End each field with a Field Separator ( p ).

Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or

phrases within quotation marks.

Include all parameters for a field unless documented as

optional.

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

apply.

Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

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.

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.

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

Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.

2-4

Configuring the Printer

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

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,

,A,,,,1 p } prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online

{ I System Setup parameters.

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 before the packet identifier (A, B, C, etc.). The I identifies the data stream as a configuration packet.

, immediately after the left bracket { and

parameter

Configuring the Printer

2-5

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

{

, 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

Syntax for single packet

{

, 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

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.

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Configuring the Printer

{header,ID#,action,device p }

3. action A Add configuration. U Upload User Configuration.

4. device Storage Device. Options:

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

Example

M Memory N Nonvolatile RAM R Volatile RAM

E English M Metric G Dots

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

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.

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

}

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

Configuring the Printer

2-7

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.

Configuration Syntax Guidelines

When creating a printer configuration packet:

Follow the "Standard Syntax Guidelines" listed at the beginning of this chapter.

Begin a packet with the configuration header (I).

Download multiple configuration packets within one packet or download a single configuration packet.

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

If you change any of the online configuration packets, resend the format packet to the printer, so the configuration changes take effect.

Make sure the communication settings at the host match those at the printer.

Send configuration packets once per session (each time the printer is turned off and then back on), not with every format or batch packet.

2-8

Configuring 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:

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.

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.

Syntax

A1. A System Setup Packet

A2. powup_mode Online Mode. Options:

A3. language Display Language. Options

A4. sep_on Batch Separators. Options:

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

0 online mode (default) 1 offline mode (9403/9850)

0 English (default) 1 French 2 German 3 Spanish

0 Does not print a separator (default) 1 Prints a separator 2 Double-length separator- prints 2 tags (9850)

NOTE: Do not use batch separators with continuous

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

Configuring the Printer

2-9

A5. slash_zero Slash Zero. Options:

A6. symbol_set Symbol Set. Options:

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

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) 17 Wingdings 18 Macintosh 19 UNICODE 20 BIG5 21 GB2312 22 SJIS (Shift JIS) to SJIS (Code Page 932, Japanese) 23 GB2312 to GB2312 (Code Page 936, Simplified Chinese) 24 BIG5 to BIG5 (Code Page 950, Traditional Chinese) 25 KSC5601 to KSC5601 (Code Page 949, Korean)

Example

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.

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Configuring the Printer

NOTE: The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and

DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C for more information. Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be used with downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable. Code Pages 932, 936, and 950 may only be used with downloaded Double-byte fonts. TrueType fonts are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not be supported in a given font.

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

Defining the Supply Setup Packet

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

Syntax

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

B1. B Supply Setup Packet

B2. supply_type Supply Type. Options:

B3. ribbon_on Ribbon. Options:

0 Black mark supply 1 Die Cut/edge aperture supply (default) 2 Continuous (non-indexed) supply (9825/9850) 3 Center Aperture supply (9850)

Must use with printer applicator

NOTE: You must use continuous supply in continuous mode.

Do not use 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.

0 Ribbon not installed (default for 9403) 1 Ribbon installed (default for 9825/9850) 2 High Energy Ribbon installed (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.

B4. feed_mode Feed Mode. Options:

0 Continuous operation (default) 1 On-demand mode

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

Configuring the Printer

2-11

You can not 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 9403/9825. Adjusts

Example

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.

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

C1. C Print Control Packet

C2. contrast -390 to 156. 0 is the default.

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

C3. print_adj -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default. Adjusts where data

C4. margin_adj -99 to 99 in 1/203 inch (or 1/300 inch for 9850 printer). 0 is

2-12

Configuring the Printer

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

the default. 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 for serial bar codes) 40 4.0 ips 60 6.0 ips (default for 9825/9850) 80 8.0 ips (9850) 100 10.0 ips (9850 with 203 dpi) 120 12.0 ips (9850 with 203 dpi)

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

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

Example

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

print at 2.5 ips)

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 "9850 Special Printing Considerations," in Chapter 6 for more information.

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

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

Configuring the Printer

2-13

D2. cur_sym Currency Symbol. Options:

D3. secondary Secondary Sign. Options:

0 No symbol 1 USA ($, Dollar- default) 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) 1 Print secondary sign

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

Example

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.

2-14

Configuring the Printer

NOTE: Secondary symbols only print if you designate at

least one decimal place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~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).

NOTE: "ANSI_cd" includes seven separate parameters. The

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

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

separator

(pipe sign- use hex 7C)

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.

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

Configuring the Printer

2-15

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"

}

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.

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"

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.

}

2-16

Configuring the Printer

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."

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 and the host is capable of communicating at the speed you select for 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

F1. F Communication Settings Packet

F2. baud Baud Rate. Options:

F3. word_length Word Length. Options:

F4. stop_bits Stop Bits. Options:

F5. parity Parity. Options:

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

0 1200 1 2400 2 4800 3 9600 (default) 4 19200 5 38400 6 57600 (9850) 7 115200 (9850)

NOTE: The 9403 printer does not support 38400 baud or

greater.

0 7-bit word length 1 8-bit word length (default)

0 1-stop bit (default) 1 2-stop bits

0 None (default) 1 ODD parity 2 EVEN parity

Configuring the Printer

2-17

F6. flow_control Flow Control. Options:

0 None 2 (CTS) 1 DTR (default) 3 XON/XOFF

NOTE: If you use the DOS COPY command to download

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

Example

{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.

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 the 9850 printer with a knife installed. Extended backfeed feeds a tag far enough out to be cut and backfeeds the next tag to the printhead line. You can not change the backfeed distance while the printer is active.

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.

2-18

Configuring the Printer

The 9403 printer does not support the backfeed packet. 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.

Syntax

G1. G Backfeed Control Packet

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

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

0 disable backfeed (default) 1 enable backfeed (use on any printer without a knife) 2 enable extended backfeed (use on 9850 printer with

a 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

2-19

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed

Make a note of the following items:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2-20

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

D Downloadable Fonts F Format I Image R Receive T Tra n sm it V Scalable (vector) Fonts (9825/9850)

}

Configuring the Printer

2-21

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

maximum value for each buffer is listed; however, the sum of all the buffers cannot exceed the maximum available memory of the printer.

Buffer Type 9403 9825* 9850

Transmit Vol. 1K

Receive Vol. 8K

Image Vol. 67K

Downld. Fonts NVol.

Vol .

Scalable Fonts Vol. NA 64K

Formats NVol.

Vol .

Internal NA cannot

(.5K- 4K)

(2K- 32K)

(41.5K- 124K)

20K (8K- 32K)

32K (16K- 64K)

reallocate

2K (.5K- 4K)

8K (2K- 64K)

330K (41.5K- 640K)

64K (8K- 640K) NA

(32K-640K)

64K (16K- 640K) NA

cannot reallocate

2K (.5K- 4K)

8K (2K- 64K)

585K (38.5K- 6144K)

120K (8K- 1024K) NA

384K (0K-1024K)

128K (16K- 1024K) NA

cannot reallocate

* The 9825 printer does not have non-volatile RAM; however, you can store formats and

fonts in flash memory.

2-22 Configuring the Printer

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

RAM* 9403 9825 9850

Volatile RAM 256K 1 Meg 8 Meg

Non-volatile RAM NA NA 512K

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

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

2-23

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 9825

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.

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

Example

2-24

Configuring the Printer

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 9825 and 9850 printers, formats remain in memory 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

2-25

Buffer Worksheet

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

HEADER

DEVICE

BUFFER SIZE

maximum of 2295

maximum of 320

maximum of 40

maximum of 1280

DOWN LOADABLE

FONTS BUFFER

FORMAT

BUFFER

IMAGE

BUFFER

RECEIVE

BUFFER

TRANSMIT

BUFFER

SCALABLE

FONTS BUFFER

BUFFER

Buffer Allocation Considerations

Keep these items in mind when allocating memory.

2-26

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 M,T,N,60

...}

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.

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.

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

Downloaded TrueType fonts are only available on the 9825 and 9850 printers.

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

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.

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

Font storage is limited on the 9825 printer, because there is no extended memory available.

Configuring the Printer

2-27

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.

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 (^).

2-28

Configuring the Printer

control character_immediate command

^CB

Command Parameter

^CA

^CB

^DD or

^DCd

^EA

^ER

^FD

^FF1

^FF2

^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.

Formats flash memory (either in the 9825/9850 printer or the 9850 optional SIMM board)

Returns the amount (in bytes) of the available flash memory.

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. 11 = M9403 16 = M9850 17 = 9825

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

2-29

Command Parameter

^RB

^RS

^SD or

^SCd

^SFa

^SFb

^SFc

^SFd

^SFe

^SFf

^SFg

^SFh

^SFi

^SFj

^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.

Loads script with host response (9825/9850)

Loads script without host response (9825/9850).

Enables script (9825/9850).

Disables script (9825/9850).

Uploads script version information (9825/9850).

Deletes script (9825/9850).

Turns on ENQ status polling before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

Turns off ENQ status polling before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

Turns on immediate commands before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

Turns off immediate commands before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

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.

Clearing Packets from Memory

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

2-30

Configuring the Printer

To use the immediate command control

character or the status polling character

within your data, use the tilde sequence.

Syntax

{header,packet#,action,device p }

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.

4. device Storage device. Options:

Example

A Check Digit Scheme F Format G Graphic (9825 V1.0 or greater) W Font

number (0-9999). 0 is for all formats, fonts, or graphics.

N Nonvolatile RAM R Volatile RAM

{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.

{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.

Configuring the Printer

2-31

W3. action Action. Options:

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.

NOTE: C does not clear (erase) fonts saved in the 9825 or

W4. device Device. Options:

9850 printer’s flash memory or on the optional SIMM board. You must format flash memory to erase fonts from the printer’s flash memory or the SIIMM board. However, when you format flash memory, ALL fonts saved in the printer’s flash memory or SIMM board are deleted.

F Flash (9825/9850) 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.

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

{W,0,H,Z p }

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

2-32

Configuring the Printer

The printer returns the following to the host:

Font Style

Symbol Set

Ty p e

Cell Width

{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 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

Spacing

Baseline

Cell Height

Nominal Width

Nominal Height

Inter-Character Gap

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 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

Configuring the Printer

2-33

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 9850

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).

Baseline Bottom of the font.

Cell Width Horizontal number of dots to contain the

Cell Height Vertical number of dots to contain the tallest

Nominal Width Average width for lower-case letters.

Nominal Height Average height for lower-case letters.

Inter-Character Gap

2-34

Configuring the Printer

widest character.

character.

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:

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

3. action Enter H to upload flash information.

Example

{header,packet#,action p }

A Check Digit Scheme F Format G Graphic

packets.

{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 }

Configuring the Printer

2-35

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.

Flash Considerations

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

2-36

Configuring the Printer

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"

}

{F,10,A,F,E,300,200,"Textiles"

}

Flash Selector

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

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.

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 9825 or 9850 printers, because formats remain in memory when you turn off these printers.

Syntax

F1. header Format Header

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

F3. action Action. Options:

F4. device Device. Options:

Example

{header,format#,action,device p }

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

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.

Configuring the Printer

2-37

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.

2-38

Configuring the Printer

DEFINING FIELDS

This chapter provides a reference for defining

the format header

text, constant text, and non-printable text fields

bar code fields

line and box fields.

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# Number from

0-999 (0-99

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

F4. device Format storage device. Options:

Flash (9403/9825)

Non-volatile RAM

Volatile RAM

F5. measure Unit of measure: E (English), M (Metric), or G (Graphic Dots).

See the following table.

Printer Unit of Measure Supply Length Supply Width

9403

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

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.

for 9403) to identify the format.

75-600 191-1524 152-1218

50-1750 127-4445 102-3552

32-1200

82-3048

65-3600

75-200 191-508 152-406

75-400

191-1016

152-812

75-400

191-1016 152-1200

3-2

Defining Fields

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

previous table for values.

F8. "name" Format name (optional),

characters, enclose within

0-8

quotation marks.

Example

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

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

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

T1. T Text Field.

T2. field# Unique number from

0-999 (0-99

T3. # of char Maximum number of printed characters is

9403) in the field.

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

F V

Fixed length Variable length

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.

0 (TOP)

1 (LEFT)

0 (TOP)

2 (BOTTOM)

3 (RIGHT)

1 (LEFT)

Left/Center/Right-Justified

Balanced

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

for 9403) to identify this field.

0-2710 (0-100

2 (BOTTOM)

3 (RIGHT)

0 (TOP)

2 (BOTTOM)

1 (LEFT)

End-Justified

for

Defining Fields

3-3

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599 0-1523 0-1217

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 0-1199

T6. column Distance from the left edge of the print area to the pivot point

to find the column location. Use the previous table for values.

T7. gap Number of dots between characters 203

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

0-99

NOTE:

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.

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

T8. font Style of font. Options:

Standard

Reduced

Bold

OCRA-like

HR1

HR2

CG Triumvirate Bold

CG Triumvirate

7 pt. CG Triumvirate

9 pt. CG Triumvirate

11 pt. CG Triumvirate

15 pt. CG Triumvirate

EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType Scalable)

3-4

Defining Fields

Or a valid downloaded font selector number. Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only. The 9403 supports fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 10, and 11 . The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C for more information.

T9. hgt mag Height magnifier, 1-7 times (4 -255 for scalable/downloaded

TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher magnifications. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more information about fonts.

T10. wid mag Width magnifier, 1-7 times (4- 255 for scalable/downloaded

T11. color Options for standard printer fonts:

TrueType fonts). Proportionally spaced fonts do 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: To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you

must reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

B Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal D/R/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Options for the Scalable Font:

A/N Transparent, Normal, Black, Bold B/O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal D/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal E/S Transparent, Italics, Black, Bold F/T Transparent, Italics, Black, Normal

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

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

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

existing fields.

Line field blocked out by opaque field using attribute B

Line field not blocked out by transparent field using attribute O

Defining Fields

3-5

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:

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

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

3-6

Defining Fields

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

T15. sym set Symbol set. Options:

0 1 100 101 102 103 104 105

106

107

437 850 852 855 857 860 1250 1251 1252 1253 1254 1255 1256 1257 1258

The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See 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 scalable font. Code Pages 932, 936, and 950 may only be used with downloaded Double-byte fonts. TrueType fonts are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not be supported in a given font.

Internal Symbol Set ANSI Symbol Set Macintosh Wingdings UNICODE (user input) for particular mapping BIG5 (user input) for UNICODE mapping GB2312 (user input) for UNICODE mapping SJIS (user input) for UNICODE mapping Code Page 932 (Japanese Shift-JIS) GB2312 (user input) for GB23212 mapping Code Page 936 (Simplified Chinese) BIG5 (user input) for BIG5 mapping Code Page 950 (Traditional Chinese) 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 (Vietnamese)

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.

Defining Fields

3-7

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

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: Data Matrix can use up to 2710 numeric characters or 2335 alphanumeric characters. Quick Response (QR Code) can use 299-2710 characters. See Appendix A, "Samples" for more information.

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) to identify this field.

0-2710 (0-100

12 F

14 F

17 F

12 F

10 F

13 F

15 F

18 F

13 F

for 9403).

Var iab le

3-8

Defining Fields

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*

Quick Response*

* For the 9403 printer, use the 2D bar codes online. For more information about

MaxiCode, Data Matrix, and Quick Response, see Appendix A, "Samples."

0 to 2335 (alphanumeric)

707 to 2710 (alphanumeric)

0 to 2710 V

depends on application F or 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)

1167 to 2710 (numeric)

Varia b le

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:

Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields

Balanced Fields End-Justified Fields

Defining Fields

3-9

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

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599 0-1523 0-1217

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 0-1199

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.

3-10

Defining Fields

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 36 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) Quick Response Code 39 (MOD 43 check digit) UPCA & Price CD EAN13 & Price CD Interleaved 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

Defining Fields

3-11

203 DPI Barcode Densities

Bar code

Ty p e

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

(Code 39 or MOD43 (Extended Code 39)

Codabar (NW7)

Code 128 or Code 16 K204

Density

Selector

4 1

2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11

13 1

2 3 4 6

11 12 20

2 3 4 5 7

Density

(% or cpi)

114

1.1

2.1

3.2

4.2

5.6

6.3

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

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

2/9.9 3/14.8

21/103.4 12/59.1 7/34.5

6/29.6 4/19.7 4/19.7

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

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

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

Data

Length

14/17

9/12

10/13

15/18

0 to 2710 8 0 to 9

0 to 2710 8 SPACE

0 to 26 8 $+-./

Appearance

Codes

Available

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

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

Char

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

0 to 9 a to d

Set

NOTE:

3-12

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.

Defining Fields

Bar code

Ty p e

CODE 93 3

MSI 4

Density

Selector

4 5

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

Ty p e

POSTNET 0 (fixed at

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

Bar code

Ty p e

PDF417 1

Quick Response (QR Code) Models 1 and 2

Density

Selector

4.3 cpi)

Density

Selector

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Bar Code

Ty pe

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

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

Density

Selector

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

Model 1: 0-1167 Numeric; 0-707 Alphanumeric; 0-486 (8-Bit); 0-299 Kanji Model 2: 0-2710 Numeric; Alphanumeric and 8-Bit; 0-1817 Kanji

Data

Length

0,5,6,9 or118 0 to 9

Data

Length

0 to 2709 8 00H to

Data Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

FFH

Char Set

FFH

NOTE:

Values in bold indicate the default.

Defining Fields

3-13

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

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Density

Selector

25 26 27 28 29 30

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Max. Data

Length Num. X

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

Max. Data

Length Num. X

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

3-14

NOTE:

Defining Fields

For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9825 and 9850 printers support 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. Depending on your application, additional densities are available.

300 DPI Barcode Densities

Bar code

Ty pe

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

Density

Selector

1 2 3

4 5 6

Density

(% or cpi)

103

1.1

2.1

3.3

4.2

5.6

6.2

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

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

Char

Set

(Code 39 or MOD43 (Extended Code 39)

Codabar (NW7)

Code 128 or Code 16 K46

NOTE:

7 8 9

10 11

13 1

2 3 4 6

11 12 20

2 3 4 5 7

8.3

9.4

9.9

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

Defining Fields

3-15

Bar code

Ty p e

CODE 93 3

MSI 4

Density

Selector

4 5

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

Ty p e

POSTNET 0 (fixed at

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

Bar code

Ty p e

PDF417 1

Density

Selector

4.2 cpi)

Density

Selector

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Bar Code

Quick Response (QR Code) Models 1 and 2

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

Ty pe

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

Density

Selector

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

Model 1: 0-1167 Numeric; 0-707 Alphanumeric; 0-486 (8-Bit); 0-299 Kanji Model 2: 0-2710 Numeric; Alphanumeric and 8-Bit; 0-1817 Kanji

Data

Length

0,5,6,9 or118 0 to 9

Data

Length

0 to 2709 8 00H to

Data Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char Set

FFH

Char Set

FFH

NOTE: Values in bold indicate the default.

3-16 Defining Fields

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix Square 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

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

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Max. Data

Length

Num. X

Alphanum.

App

Code

8 00H to FFH

Char

Set

Bar Code Size

Data Matrix Rectangular symbols

NOTE:

For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9825 and 9850 printers support printing

Row x Col.

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

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. Depending on your application, additional densities are available.

Density

Selector

25 26 27 28 29 30

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Max. Data

Length Num. X

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

Char

Set

Defining Fields

3-17

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 and QR Code, 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 and QR Codes may not be scannable. The Data Matrix and QR Code’s height depends on the number entered for this parameter. For example, if you select 80, the symbol could be smaller than 0.80," but 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, except where noted. Options:

3 5 6 7 8

Default MaxiCode Mode 0 (obsolete) QR Code Model 2 No check digit or number system QR Code Model 1 MaxiCode Mode 2 (Numeric Postal Code) QR Code Model 2 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

3-18

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, Data Matrix, and QR Code must use L.

Data Matrix must use 8.

Defining Fields

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

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.

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

2710 (

0-100

for 9403). 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

3-19

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

field.

for 9403).

D,4,20 p

for 9403) assigned to this

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 printer 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

3-20

Defining Fields

Syntax

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

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

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599 0-1523 0-1217

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 0-1199

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

dots.

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

C5. font Style of font. Options:

Standard

Reduced

Bold

OCRA-like

HR1

HR2

CG Triumvirate Bold

CG Triumvirate

7 pt. CG Triumvirate

9 pt. CG Triumvirate

11 pt. CG Triumvirate

15 pt. CG Triumvirate

EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType Scalable)

Defining Fields

3-21

C6. hgt mag Height magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded

C7. wid mag Width magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded

C8. color Options for standard printer fonts:

TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher magnifications. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more information about fonts.

NOTE: To use larger point sizes (greater than 60), you must

reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

B Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal D/R/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Options for the Scalable Font:

A/N Transparent, Normal, Black, Bold B/O Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal D/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal E/S Transparent, Italics, Black, Bold F/T Transparent, Italics, Black, Normal

3-22 Defining Fields

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

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

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

existing fields.

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

L B E

Use L, B, or E for any font.

C10. char rot Character rotation. Options:

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

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

Defining Fields

3-23

C13. sym set Symbol set. Options:

0 1 100 101 102 103 104 105

106

107

437 850 852 855 857 860 1250 1251 1252 1253 1254 1255 1256 1257 1258

3-24

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

Defining Fields

used. "MADE IN USA" is printed in this field. The internal symbol set is used.

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 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 printer per format). You

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:

the starting point.

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

Defining Fields

3-25

Printer Unit of Measure Row or

9403

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-599 0-1523 0-1217

0-1599 0-4063 0-3247

0-1199 0-3047 0-3599

L4. column Distance from left edge of the print area

to line origin. Use the previous table for values.

Column or

End Column

0-199 0-507 0-405

0-399

0-1015

0-811

0-399 0-1015 0-1199

L5. angle/ end row

L6. length/ end col

If Using

Segments

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,

, or

180

If Using

270

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

Vec tors

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

3-26

Defining Fields

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 "".

Example

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

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 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

1000

fields or

for 9403 printer per

100

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.

Defining Fields

3-27

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

9825/

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)

300 dpi Dots

End Row

0-1523 0-1217

0-1599 0-4063 0-3247

0-1199 0-3047 0-3599

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

upper right corner of box. Ranges same as row.

Q5. end col Distance from left edge of print area

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

0-599

Column or

End Column

0-199

0-507

0-405

0-399 0-1015

0-811

0-399 0-1015 0-1199

3-28

Defining Fields

Q6. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line

thickness (

1 to 99

) in box Q6. Measured in dots.

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

3-29

3-30

Defining Fields

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS

This chapter provides a reference for defining

field options in formats

check digit packets.

When using multiple options on the 9403 printer,

remember that options are processed in the

order they are received.

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 Data type restrictions (9403/9850) Data entry template (9403/9850 Copy data from previous field Define data entry sources (9403/9850)

20 30 31 42 50 51 52 60 61

R3. parameter(s) Varies per option. See the following option descriptions.

Define data entry prompts (9403/9850) Pad data to left or right with specified character Generate check digit Format as a price field Define bar code densities Define security and truncation of PDF417 bar codes Define width or length of PDF417 bar codes Define incrementing or decrementing field Reimage fields

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)

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.

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.

Defining Field Options

4-3

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 and

9850 printers. You must use the Monarch

917 keypad with the 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:

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).

4-4

Defining Field Options

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 and

9850 printers. You must use the 917 keypad

with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 3 Option 3.

R3. code Data types. Options

R4. chars Characters to include in a field or a specific template. Must

R,3,code,chars p

NOTE:

be enclosed within quotation marks. Indicators can be

* # @

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 -.

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)

Defining Field Options

4-5

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 printer) or the maximum number of characters permitted by the

bar code

2710

(or

for the 9403

100

Syntax

R1. R Field Option Header.

R2. 4 Option 4.

4-6

Defining Field Options

When copying from more than one field, copy

into the destination field from left to right.

R,4,src fld,src start,# to copy,dest start,copy code p

R3. src fld Field number from which data is copied. Range: 0 to

(or 0 to

for 9403)

999

R4. src start Position number in the source field of the first character to be

R5. # to copy Number of characters to copy. Range: 1 to

R6. dest start Position number where copied characters are to begin printing

R7. copy code Copy Method.

Example

copied. Character positions are numbered 1 to (or 1 to

for 9403).

in the destination field. Range: 1 to (or 1 to

for 9403), starting from the left.

100

2710

for 9403).

100

Copy field as is (including price symbols, pad characters, check digits, etc.).

Copy unformatted data (without price characters, pad characters, etc.).

2710

R,4,3,1,3,1,1 p

2710

(or 1 to

100

Copies data from field #3, starting at the first position and copying three characters. In the destination field, the information is placed in position 1 and copied as formatted data.

Merging Fields

You can copy data to merge the contents of fields. Use the copy data option as many times as necessary to copy all the appropriate fields into the merged field.

In the following example, two text and two non-printable fields are shown. Data from these fields is merged to form field 5, and is then printed as a bar code.

Field Data Field Type

1 203 Non-printable 2 339 Non-printable 38 Text 4BLUE Text 5 2033398BLUE Bar Code

Defining Field Options

4-7

To create this sequence:

Define fields 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Define field 5 as a bar code. Allow enough characters in the

bar code field to hold all the copied characters.

Apply Option 4 to field 5 once for every source field.

Sub-Fields

You can copy a segment of data from one field into a new location, called a sub-field. For example, extract part of the data in a bar code and display it in text form in a sub-field. Then, use the copy data option.

Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources)

Defines how data is entered into a field. If the field holds all fixed characters or copied data only, you can eliminate the operator prompt. Use Option 5 only once per field. You must use the 917 keypad with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 5 Option 5.

R3. code Input code for the data in the field. Options:

Example

Allows data to be entered from the keypad.

Example

4-8

Defining Field Options

Option 5 is required for offline data entry on

the 9403 and 9850 printers.

R,5,code p

K N

R,5,K p

R,5,N p

Keypad No user input for this field

Eliminates the user prompt for this field. Data is either fixed or copied from another source.

Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts)

This option defines the operator prompt and it is not recommended on fields filled entirely by fixed characters or copied data. This option must be defined before Option 5, or the prompt will not display during data entry. You must use the Monarch 917 keypad with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.

Option 20 is only available on the 9403 and

9850 printers.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 20 Option 20.

R3. "prompt" Displays the exact phrase you want to prompt the operator.

Example

R,20,"prompt" p

Must be enclosed within quotations. The prompt should be 15 characters or fewer.

R,20,"Order Number" p

Displays the prompt "Order Number" for the operator when this field is imaged.

Option 30 (Padding Data)

You can add characters to one side of a field to "pad" the field. Padding allows you to fill in the remaining spaces when the entered data does not fill an entire field.

If a variable length field is not completely filled with batch data, this option fills the remaining positions in the field with the character designated by Option 30.

Syntax

R,30,L/R,"character" p

Defining Field Options

4-9

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 30 Option 30.

R3. L/R Indicates type of padding

Pad field on left side

Pad field on right side

R4. "character" Pad character must be within the 0 -

enclosed inside quotation marks.

NOTE:

Example

Do not use on fixed length fields.

R,30,L,"X" p

decimal range and

255

Pads data with an "X" on the left side of the field.

Sample Use for Padding

If you have a variable length bar code that you want to occupy a fixed amount of space on the supply, use pad characters. If the maximum number of characters in the bar code is 15, but the batch record only has 10 characters, the padding option fills the remainder of the field with pad characters.

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit)

The printer generates a check digit if you apply Option 31 to the field. You cannot use this option if the field contains a UPC, EAN, or Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit) bar code.

Syntax

R,31,gen/ver,check digit # p

4-10

Defining Field Options

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 31 Option 31.

R3. gen/ver Enter G to generate a check digit.

R4. check digit # Specifies a check digit scheme. Enter a number that

identifies a check digit scheme that has been defined. For more information, see "Using Check Digits." Range: 1 - 10.

Example

R,31,G,5 p

Generates a check digit using the previously defined check digit scheme 5.

Option 42 (Price Field)

You can apply options that will insert monetary symbols automatically. Do not use this option with Option 31 (define a check digit) or Option 60 (increment or decrement a field). This option is not recommended for bar codes. When determining the maximum number of characters, add the maximum number of digits and the monetary symbols.

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 42 Option 42.

R3. appearance code

Example

R,42,appearance code p

Enter 1 to print price field in standard notation, as defined by country setting.

Use the monetary formatting packet to select monetary notations and symbols by country setting. See "Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet" for more information. See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/Code Pages," to make sure the monetary symbol you want to use is printable in the font selected for this field. For monetary symbols other than the dollar sign, use the internal symbol set.

R,42,1 p

Uses a price field that prints the monetary symbol and notations as defined in the monetary formatting packet.

Defining Field Options

4-11

Option 50 (Bar Code Density)

You can apply this option to bar code fields when you want to create custom densities. When you apply this option, it overrides the density value in the bar code field. When using this option, set the density parameter in your bar code field to the default value. You can only use this option once for each bar code field. This option overrides the density selected in the bar code field.

Bar codes produced using Option 50 may not be scannable. 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.

The additional character gap, narrow space, and wide space parameters are valid parameters are specified for any other bar codes, they will be ignored by the printer. Do not use Option 50 with fixed density bar codes.

with Code 39 and Codabar. If these

only

4-12

Defining Field Options

Syntax

R1. R Option Header.

R2. 50 Option 50.

R3. narrow Dot width of the narrow element. Range:

R4. wide Dot width of the wide element. Range:

R5. gap Additional dot space between characters. Enter a value of

R6. nar_space Additional dot width of the narrow bar code space. (Code 39

R7. wide_space Additional dot width of the wide bar code space. (Code 39

Example

R,50,narrow,wide,gap,nar_space, wide_space p

1-99

. (Code 39 and Codabar only.)

and Codabar only). Range:

R,50,4,8,4,4,8 p

1- 99

1-99

Monarch 9850, 9825, 9403 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

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