Printek FormsMaster 8000se, FormsPro 4000se, PrintMaster 850 User Manual

FormsPro 4000se Series

FormsMaster 8000se Series

PrintMaster 850 Series

Programmer’s Manual

©Printek, Inc. 2003

1517 Townline Road

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

269-925-3200

Printek Part Number 5640

IBM and Proprinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation, DEC is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson, Code V is a trademark of QMS, Inc., QMS is a registered trademark of QMS, Inc.Printek is a registered trademark of Printek, Inc.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

How to Use This Manual 1 Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features 2 Selecting Emulations 2 Changing Forms/Tractor Paths 3

ANSI X3.64 EMULATION 5

Introduction 5 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 7

Communications 7 Character Size and Line Spacing 8 Character Attributes 9 Horizontal Position 9 Vertical Position 10 Horizontal and Vertical Position 12 Form Length and Form Feed 12 Horizontal Tabs 13 Vertical Tabs 14 Printer Controls 16 Emulations 17

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 18

EPSON FX EMULATION 20

Introduction 20 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 21

Communications 21 Character Size 22 Character Attributes 25 Character Sets 27 Line Pitch 30 Horizontal Position 31 Vertical Position 32 Form Length and Form Feed 32 Horizontal Tabs 34 Vertical Tabs 35 Horizontal Margins 36 Vertical Margins 36 Graphics 37 Printer Controls 39 Forms and Tractors 40 Emulations 41

Sorted Alphabetically 42

IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION 45

Introduction 45 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 46

Communications 46 Character Size 47 Character Attributes 49 Character Sets 50 Line Pitch 51 Horizontal Position 52 Vertical Position 53

iii

Form Length and Form Feed 53 Horizontal Tabs 55 Vertical Tabs 55 Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 56 Horizontal Margins 56 Vertical Margins 57 Graphics 58 Printer Controls 59 Emulations 60

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 62

DEC LA120/210 EMULATION 65

Introduction 65 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 67

Communications 67 Character Size 68 Character Attributes 69 Character Sets 69 Line Pitch 70 Horizontal Position 71 Vertical Position 71 Horizontal and Vertical Position 73 Form Length and Form Feed 73 Horizontal Tabs 74 Vertical Tabs 76 Horizontal Margins 78 Vertical Margins 79 Printer Controls 80 Graphics 81 Emulations 82

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 83

SIMPLE TTY EMULATION 85

Introduction 85 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 86

Communications 86 Horizontal Position 86 Vertical Position 87 Form Length and Form Feed 87 Horizontal Tabs 88 Vertical Tabs 88 Printer Controls 88 Emulations 89

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 90

PRINTEK EMULATION 91

Introduction 91 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 93

Communications 93 Character Size 94 Character Attributes 95 Character Sets 96 Line Pitch 97 Horizontal Position 97 Vertical Position 97 Form Length and Form Feed 98 Horizontal Tabs 99 Vertical Tabs 100 Horizontal and Vertical Tabs 100

Horizontal Margins 101 Vertical Margins 102 Graphics 102 Printer Controls 104 Forms and Tractors 106 Emulations 107

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 108

GENICOM 3840 AND 3410 ANSI EMULATION 109

Introduction 109 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function 111

Communications 111 Character Size 111 Character Set 112 Horizintal Position 113 Vertical Position 115 Horiztonal Tab 116 Vertical Tab 117 Forms Setup 118 Graphics 119 Printer Control 120 Paper Shear 121 ANSI Bar Codes 121 Barcode Options 122 Paper Path 123 Emulations 124 Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically 125

CONFIGURATION DOWNLOAD 127

Remote Setup Line Definitions 128 Remote Setup Example File 130

HEX DUMP MODE 131 PRINTING BASIC BAR CODES 133

Introduction 133 Bar Code Sequences 135

Measurements in Bar Code Mode 135 Entering/Exiting Bar Code Mode 135 The Bar Code Control Character 136 Other Control Characters 136 Bar Code Definition 137 Variable Width Bar Code Definition 139 Bar Code Height 141 Relative Vertical Tab 143 Absolute Horizontal Tab 143 Bar Code Pass Terminator 145

Mixing Bar Codes and Text 146 Description of Supported Bar Code Types 147

ASCII CHARACTER TABLES 149

ASCII Control Code Definitions 149

PRINTER RESET CONDITIONS 157 GLOSSARY 159

INTRODUCTION

This manual describes the software interfaces supported by the FormsPro 4000se, FormsMaster 8000se and PrintMaster 850 series printers. It is written for a programmer who will be developing software for the printer, and contains information not normally needed by a printer operator/user.

Basic information on printer operation (setting the printer up, loading paper, replacing ribbons, etc.) can be found in either of the FormsPro4000se, FormsMaster 8000se or PrintMaster 850 Series Operator's Manual that accompanied your printer.

How to Use This Manual

Below is a brief description of the information contained in this manual.

INTRODUCTION describes the contents of this manual. This chapter also provides you with an

introduction to the capabilities and operation of the FormsPro 4000se, FormsMaster 8000se and PirntMaster 850 series printers.

ANSI X3.64 EMULATION, EPSON FX EMULATION, IBM PROPRINTER EMULATION, DEC LA120/210 EMULATION, SIMPLE TTY EMULATION, PRINTEK EMULATION, AND GENICOM 3840/3410 EMULATION are each designed as a stand-alone chapter. Each chapter

provides all the information necessary to write software for a particular emulation. You may wish to refer only to the chapter for the emulation you are using, and skip the others.

CONFIGURATION DOWNLOAD describes how a simple text file may be used to set default values in

the printer’s non-volatile memory. This feature may be used as an alternative to using the printer’s front panel setup and can be useful when configuring multiple printers or when configuring printers at a remote location.

HEX DUMP MODE describes the output of Hex Dump mode, and how it may be used to debug software

problems.

PRINTING BASIC BAR CODES describes how to use the built in bar coding capabilities. ASCII CHARACTER TABLES provides a definition of ASCII control codes, character tables, and an

ASCII to Decimal to Octal to Hexadecimal conversion table.

PRINTER RESET CONDITIONS describes the state of the printer after a power up reset or receipt of a

reset command.

GLOSSARY provides a reference for printer related terms.

Introduction

Printer Model Descriptions and Key Features

The Printek FormsPro 4000se, FormsMaster 8000se and PrintMaster 850 series printers are high speed, heavy duty serial dot matrix printers designed especially for printing upon hard to print forms. Such forms are often not printed adequately by other printers. The printer is also designed to be factory floor rugged while still quiet enough for the office. All models provide straight paper paths for jam free paper motion and a zero waste tear bar for demand document applications.

The operator may permanently record up to ten complete sets of form parameters which may be later selected either at the printer's control panel or from the host computer. The FormsPro 4503se and FormsMaster 8003se series printers provides three sets of tractors, any of which can be included in the form parameters for a particular form. This allows the printer to automatically unload one form and load another when selected, without requiring the operator to touch the paper. The FormsMaster 8003se series printer is also able to use the same form or paper in multiple paths and automatically continue printing from a different path after one or two paths are out of paper. For more information, refer to the FormsMaster 8000se Series Operator’s Manual.

The printers come equipped with an industry standard parallel interface and an RS-232 serial interface. Optional interfaces which are available include Ethernet 10/100BaseT Print Server, Wireless Ethernet Print Server and a TN5250 LAN Interface

Standard bar coding capabilities include Code 39, Code 39 LOGMAR, 2-of-5, and Interleaved 2-of-5 bar codes, and OCR-A and OCR-B fonts. Bar code options include the Imager Graphics Co-Processor which expands the bar code capabilities beyond the standard Basic Bar Codes with QMS Code V v1 barcoding compatibility, and the ImagerPlus Graphics Co-Processor which adds bar code and graphic capabilities with QMS Code V v1 and v2 compatibility and Printronix IGP compatibility.

Other options include an external FormsCutter for the FormsPro 4000se Series printer and an internal FormsCutter for the FormsMaster 8000se series printer which can be used to automatically cut off each form or to separate reports. A specially designed print stand which can handle three boxes of paper, and a Setup Module to make set up of multiple printers quick and easy are also available for these models.

Selecting Emulations

The software interface of the printer varies, depending upon which emulation is selected. The default emulation, selected at power up, is specified by the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu

for the interface being used. Frequently, the desired emulation is specified here, and never changed again. Note that the emulation may only be specified for the serial, parallel, and EtherLink ports.

It is also possible to switch back and forth between various emulations in order to use the unique features of each. A different emulation may be selected via software with the ESC ESC n sequence.

Although switching emulations is essentially a seamless process, the fundamental differences between emulations may cause unanticipated results. For example, character size may vary, or tabs may work differently.

Introduction

Changing Forms/Tractor Paths

As mentioned above, Printek FormsPro 4000se, FormsMaster 8000se and PrintMaster 850 series printers have ten complete sets of forms parameters. These different parameters, or forms, may be selected either from the front panel or with escape sequences. In the FormsPro 4503se and FormsMaster 8003se series printers, selecting a different form may also select a different tractor path. The tractor path is one of the parameters which may be set for each of the ten forms in the forms menu using Setup as described in the FormsPro 4000se or FormsMaster 8000se Series Operator's Manual.

Escape sequences for loading forms are only available in the Epson and Printek emulations. In either chapter refer to the “Load Form” escape sequence in the “Forms and Tractors” section.

If you are using an emulation other than Epson or Printek, you may temporarily change emulations, load the new form, and then return to the previous emulation. An example of this may be found in the “Emulations” section at the end of each of the emulation chapters.

ANSI X3.64 EMULATION

Introduction

This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising ANSI X3.64 emulation. This emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “ANSI X3.64” in the appropriate interface setup menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 1 sequence. While this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from other emulations are not available.

Control codes and escape sequences are used to control printer operation. An ASCII control code is a single character in the range 00 hex through 1F hex, and 7F hex. The ESC (Escape) control code (1B hex) is used to introduce character strings called escape sequences, which provide an extension of the commands available with ASCII control codes.

Many ANSI escape sequences begin with a two character Control Sequence Introducer (CSI), Escape Left Square Bracket (ESC [, 1B 5B hex). If 8-bit data is selected via control panel setup, these two characters may be replaced by a single character CSI, 9B hex. The sequences are always documented in this section with the two character CSI (ESC [), because this format seems to be much more common, and works equally well with 7-bit or 8-bit data.

Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. A numeric parameter is a decimal number represented by a string of ASCII decimal digits (“0” through “9”). Leading zeros may be supplied, but are not necessary. Due to implementation constraints, the largest value that can be accepted is decimal 255. Larger values will be treated as zero. Omitting a numeric parameter is equivalent to supplying a value of zero.

If a sequence accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as “n”. If a sequence accepts more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as “n1; n2; ... nx”. Note that multiple numeric parameters are separated by a semicolon.

Most ANSI escape sequences will assume one of the following formats:

ESC f (no numeric parameters) ESC n f (one numeric parameter) ESC n1; n2; ... nx f (two or more numeric parameters)

The “f” at the end of the escape sequence represents the final character. It terminates the sequence, and specifies the function to be performed.

Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as “n” and “f” above) are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that some value must be supplied.

Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two characters “B” and “S” (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is prvided on page 152 for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the example.

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.

Some escape sequences refer to the active column or active line. The active column is the column where the next character will be printed. Printing a character or a space will increment the active column. The active line is the line where the next character will be printed. A line feed will increment the active line. Column and line numbers begin at one, not at zero.

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function

Communications

End of Text ETX

If “ETX/ACK” is set to “On” in the serial interface setup menu, then receipt of an ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.

Since the ETX may be a legal value within an escape sequence, it is the user's responsibility to ensure that an ETX used for data handshake is not sent within an escape sequence. The user must also ensure that the maximum block size or the number of blocks sent at one time does not exceed the input buffer size of the printer.

ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. Control code: ETX

Hexadecimal: 03

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Character Size and Line Spacing

Set Character and Line Spacing ESC [ n1 ; n2 SP G

Sets the character and line spacing in decipoints (1/720 of an inch). The first parameter, n1, sets the line spacing. The second parameter, n2, sets the character spacing. Typical values for n1 and supported values for n2 are shown below. Other values for n2 will be ignored. To change only the horizontal or only the vertical spacing, omit the other value from the sequence or set it to zero. Overrides the “Characters/Inch” value and the “Lines/Inch” value in the forms setup menu.

n1 line pitch 120 6 lpi 90 8 lpi

n2 character pitch 72 10 cpi 60 12 cpi 54 13.3 cpi 48 15 cpi 43 16.74 cpi 42 17.14 cpi 36 20 cpi

Example: The following escape sequence will select 6 lpi and 10 cpi. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 0 ; 7 2 SP G

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 30 3B 37 32 20 47

Example: The following escape sequence will select 6 lpi without affecting character spacing. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 0 SP G

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 30 20 47

Example: The following escape sequence will select 10 cpi without affecting line spacing. Escape Sequence: ESC [ ; 7 2 SP G

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 3B 37 32 20 47

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Character Attributes

Select Graphic Rendition ESC [ n m

Selects the graphic rendition n from the following table.

n Rendition 0 Normal 1 Emphasized 3 Italic 4 Underline

For italic mode to work correctly, an Epson FX font must be selected (check the “Font” value in the forms setup menu). The other available fonts do not include italic characters.

Example: The following escape sequence will select emphasized mode. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 m

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 6D

Horizontal Position

Carriage Return CR

Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left margin. If “Auto LF” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a line feed will also be performed.

Control code: CR Hexadecimal: 0D

Backspace BS

Causes the current line to be printed, and then moves the current print position one space to the left. The actual distance moved depends on the current character spacing. Backspacing can be done up to, but not beyond, the left margin.

Control code: BS Hexadecimal: 08

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Absolute Horizontal Tab ESC [ n `

Sets the current print position to column n. The actual position will depend on the current character spacing. If n is less than the left margin, the active column will be set to the left margin. If n is greater than the right margin, then a line feed will be performed and the active column will be set to the left margin.

Example: The following escape sequence will set the active column to column 65. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 6 5 `

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 36 35 60

Relative Horizontal Tab ESC [ n a

Advances the current print position by n columns. The actual distance moved will depend on the current character spacing. Equivalent to sending n spaces (SP).

Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active column by 10 columns. If current character spacing is 10 cpi, this will cause the print position to move one inch to the right.

Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 0 a Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 30 61

Vertical Position

Line Feed LF (or) IND (or) ESC D

Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one line at the current line spacing. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.

Control code: LF Hexadecimal: 0A

Control code: IND Hexadecimal: 84

Escape Sequence: ESC D Hexadecimal: 1B 44

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Partial Line Down PLD (or) ESC K

Performs a half line feed. Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper one half line at the current line spacing. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.

Control code: PLD Hexadecimal: 8B

Escape Sequence: ESC K Hexadecimal: 1B 4B

Partial Line Up PLU (or) ESC L

Performs a reverse half line feed. Causes the current line to be printed, and then retracts the paper one half line at the current line spacing. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.

Control code: PLU Hexadecimal: 8C

Escape Sequence: ESC L Hexadecimal: 1B 4C

Absolute Vertical Tab ESC [ n d

Sets the current line to line n of the current form. The actual position will depend on the current line spacing. Example: The following escape sequence will set the active line to line 12. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 d

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 64

Relative Vertical Tab ESC [ n e

Advances the active line by n lines. The actual distance moved will depend on the current line spacing. Equivalent to sending n line feeds (LF).

Example: The following escape sequence will advance the active line by 12 lines. If current line spacing is 6 lpi, this will cause the paper to advance one inch.

Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 2 e Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 32 65

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Horizontal and Vertical Position

New Line NEL (or) ESC E

Causes the current line to be printed, and then sets the current print position to the left margin and performs a line feed. Equivalent to a carriage return (CR) line feed (LF) combination.

Control code: NEL Hexadecimal: 85

Escape Sequence: ESC E Hexadecimal: 1B 45

Form Length and Form Feed

Form length is the distance from the top of the form to the bottom of the form. A form feed will advance the paper to the top of the next form. Some programs do not send form feeds. Instead, they count line feeds, and send the appropriate number of line feeds to fill out the page. The usual rational is that the program is then in complete control of form length, and will work on any printer without requiring the correct form length to be set. However, the correct form length should always be set with the control panel setup. Even if the program does not use form feeds, the printer will automatically scroll a completed form up to the tear bar to be torn off. This automatic scroll is based upon form length. The easiest way to set form length is via the “Form Length” value in the forms menu, so it will be correctly set for everyone using the form.

Form Feed FF

Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the top of the next form. If a top margin is set, printing will continue at the top margin. Setting “Host FF at TOF” to “No” in the interface setup menu (not available for all interfaces) allows a form feed to be ignored if the paper is already at top of form. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.

Control code: FF Hexadecimal: 0C

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Horizontal Tabs

Horizontal tab stops are associated with columns, not absolute physical positions. Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops. Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. If different tab stops are to be set, the default tab stops should first be cleared.

Horizontal Tab HT

Advances to the next horizontal tab stop. If no tab stop exists between the active column and the right margin, the HT will be ignored. Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. Different tab stops may be set with ESC H, ESC 1, or ESC [ n1 ; n2 ; ... nx u.

Control code: HT Hexadecimal: 09

Set Horizontal Tab Stop HTS (or) ESC H

Sets a horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop is associated with the active column, not an absolute physical position. Changing character spacing will change the physical position of the tab stop.

Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, etc. The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops, including the default tab stops. If this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be cleared.

Control code: HTS Hexadecimal: 88

Escape Sequence: ESC H Hexadecimal: 1B 48

Clear Horizontal Tab Stop ESC [ g (or) ESC [ 0 g

Clears the horizontal tab stop at the current print position. The tab stop to be cleared is associated with the active column (based upon the current character spacing), not an absolute physical position.

Escape Sequence: ESC [ g Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 67

Clear all horizontal tab stops ESC [ 2 g (or) ESC [ 3 g

Clears all currently set horizontal tab stops. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 g

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 67

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Escape Sequence: ESC [ 3 g Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 33 67

Vertical Tabs

Vertical tab stops are associated with lines, not absolute physical positions. Changing line spacing will change the physical position of the tab stops.

Vertical Tab VT

Causes the current line to be printed, and then advances the paper to the next vertical tab stop. If no vertical tab stops are set, then a line feed is done instead. If “Auto CR” is set to “On” in the interface setup menu, a carriage return will also be performed.

Control code: VT Hexadecimal: 0B

Set Vertical Tab Stop VTS (or) ESC J

Sets a vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop is associated with the active line, not an absolute physical position. Changing line spacing will change the physical position of the tab stop.

The tab stop set by this escape sequence will be added to previously set tab stops. If this is not desired, the old tab stops should first be cleared.

Control code: VTS Hexadecimal: 8A

Escape Sequence: ESC J Hexadecimal: 1B 4A

Clear Vertical Tab Stop ESC [ 1 g

Clears the vertical tab stop at the current line. The tab stop to be cleared is associated with the active line (based upon the current line spacing), not an absolute physical position.

Escape Sequence: ESC [ 1 g Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 31 67

Clear All Vertical Tab Stops ESC [ 4 g

Clears all currently set vertical tab stops. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 4 g

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 34 67

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Printer Controls

Bell BEL

Causes the printer's bell to sound. Control code: BEL

Hexadecimal: 07

Select Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ 20 h

Selects automatic carriage return mode. This causes the printer to automatically perform a carriage return (CR) for each line feed (LF), vertical tab (VT), or form feed (FF) that it receives. Overrides the “Auto CR” value in the interface setup menu.

Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 0 h Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 30 68

Cancel Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ 20 l

Cancels automatic carriage return mode. Overrides the “Auto CR” value in the interface setup menu. Escape Sequence: ESC [ 2 0 l

Hexadecimal: 1B 5B 32 30 6C

Reset ESC c

Deletes all data on the current line and initializes the printer to the default settings for the current form. Restores the default horizontal tab stops. Default tab stops are set at every eighth column, i.e. column 9, 17,

25, 33, 41, etc. Resets top of form to the current position, so it is wise to be at top of form before performing this reset.

Issuing a form feed will guarantee this. See the chapter on Printer Reset Conditions for more information. Escape Sequence: ESC c

Hexadecimal: 1B 63

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Emulations

Select Software Interface n ESC ESC n

Selects the software interface n according to the table below.

n Software Interface

0 Test (reserved for factory use) 1 ANSI X3.64 Emulation 2 Epson FX Emulation 3 Bar Code Mode (optional) 4 IBM Proprinter Emulation 5 DEC LA120/210 Emulation 6 TTY Emulation 7 Printek Emulation ; Remote Setup Mode < Genicom 3840 = Genicom 3410 ? Previously Selected Emulation @ Default Emulation

Overrides the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu. A numeric value for n may be specified in two different ways, with equivalent results: a single byte with a

value of 00 to 07 hex, or a single printable ASCII character “0” to “7” (30 to 37 hex). If more than one emulation has been selected, ESC ESC ? will return to the previously selected emulation.

This is particularly useful when the previous emulation is unknown. Please beware that the memory (stack) is only one level deep.

ESC ESC @ will return to the default emulation, as specified by the “Emulation” value in the interface setup menu.

This chapter describes ANSI X3.64 emulation. If a different interface is selected, the control codes and escape sequences described in this chapter will no longer be applicable.

Example: The following escape sequences will select Printek emulation, load form one, and then return to the previous emulation.

Escape Sequence: ESC ESC 7 ESC L 1 ESC ESC ? Hexadecimal: 1B 1B 07 1B 4C 01 1B 1B 3F

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Sorted Alphabetically

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

BEL Bell BS Backspace CR Carriage Return CSI Control Sequence Introducer ESC D Line Feed ESC E New Line ESC ESC n Select Software Interface n ESC H Set Horizontal Tab Stop ESC J Set Vertical Tab Stop ESC K Partial Line Down ESC L Partial Line Up ESC [ n1 ; n2 SP G Set Character and Line Spacing ESC [ n ` Absolute Horizontal Tab ESC [ n a Relative Horizontal Tab ESC [ n d Absolute Vertical Tab ESC [ n e Relative Vertical Tab ESC [ g Clear Horizontal Tab Stop ESC [ 0 g Clear Horizontal Tab Stop ESC [ 1 g Clear Vertical Tab Stop ESC [ 2 g Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops ESC [ 3 g Clear All Horizontal Tab Stops ESC [ 4 g Clear All Vertical Tab Stops ESC [ 20 h Select Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ 20 l Cancel Automatic Carriage Return ESC [ n m Select Graphic Rendition ESC c Reset ETX End of Text FF Form Feed HT Horizontal Tab HTS Set Horizontal Tab Stop IND Line Feed LF Line Feed NEL New Line PLD Partial Line Down PLU Partial Line Up VT Vertical Tab VTS Set Vertical Tab Stop

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

EPSON FX EMULATION

Introduction

This section describes the control codes and escape sequences comprising Epson FX emulation. This emulation may be selected by setting “Emulation” to “Epson” in the interface setup menu, or via software with the ESC ESC 2 sequence. While this emulation is selected, control codes and escape sequences from other emulations are not available.

Some escape sequences accept one or more numeric parameters. If a sequence accepts one numeric parameter, it will be represented as “n”. If a sequence accepts more than one numeric parameter, they will be represented as “n1 n2 ... nx”.

Since numeric parameters are always encoded in one byte, their values may range from 0 to 255 decimal. Please note that the value will never be represented by a string of ASCII decimal digits (“0” through “9”). For example, a value of 66 decimal would be sent as a single byte with a hex value of 42. This is equivalent to sending the ASCII character “B”. It is entirely different than sending the two printable ASCII characters “66”.

If a numeric parameter is limited to a value of zero or one, it may be sent as a single byte with a value of 00 or 01 hex (NUL or SOH), or it may be sent as a single printable ASCII character “0” or “1” (30 or 31 hex).

Spaces are used when documenting escape sequences to increase readability. The spaces within the sequences are for readability only; they are not part of the sequences themselves. Characters that appear in italics (such as “n” and “n1 n2” above) are not sent to the printer as is; they are used as a place holder indicating that some value must be supplied.

Multiple character strings without intervening spaces typically represent control codes. For example, BS is the Backspace control code (08 hex), not the two characters “B” and “S” (42 and 53 hex). An ASCII Control Code Table is contained in the appendices for your convenience. If you have any doubt about how to interpret a documented control code or escape sequence, refer to the hex representation in the provided example. This should clarify any ambiguity. The examples may also be helpful when analyzing a hex dump (see Hex Dump chapter) printed by the printer.

Column and line numbers begin at zero, not at one. Keep this in mind when setting tabs, margins, etc.

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Control Codes and Escape Sequences Grouped by Function

Communications

Cancel Line CAN

Cancels all printable text in the current print line. Does not affect any control codes or escape sequences. Control code: CAN

Hexadecimal: 18

Delete Character DEL

Deletes the last printable character from the current line. Does not affect any control codes or escape sequences.

Control code: DEL Hexadecimal: 7F

End of Text ETX

If “ETX/ACK” is set to “On” in the serial interface setup menu, then receipt of an ETX causes the printer to transmit an ACK to the host computer.

ETX/ACK handshake is available only with serial I/O. If the printing of low symbols is enabled, ETX will be treated as a printable character instead of an I/O

handshake control code. Control code: ETX

Hexadecimal: 03

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Set MSB to 0 ESC =

Sets the MSB (most significant bit) of all following data to zero. Some computers always set the MSB to one, causing all characters to print in italic mode. This escape sequence can overcome the problem. The problem can also be avoided by setting “Data Bits” to “7” in the interface setup menu.

Escape Sequence: ESC = Hexadecimal: 1B 3D

Set MSB to 1 ESC >

Sets the MSB (most significant bit) of all following data to one. This escape sequence allows the eighth bit to be turned on, even if the computer and printer are connected via a 7-bit I/O interface. The eighth bit may be useful for 8-pin graphics data, or for accessing italic characters.

Escape Sequence: ESC > Hexadecimal: 1B 3E

Cancel MSB Control ESC #

Cancels the MSB (most significant bit) control set by ESC = or ESC >. This causes the eighth data bit sent from the host computer to be accepted as is.

Escape Sequence: ESC # Hexadecimal: 1B 23

Deselect Printer DC3 (or) XOFF

Deselects the printer. Use of this command is discouraged, because the printer will remain offline until an operator presses the ONLINE button on the control panel.

Control code: DC3 Hexadecimal: 13

Character Size

The FormsPro, FormsMaster and PrintMaster series printers are capable of supporting 10, 12, 13.3, 15,

16.7, 17.14, and 20 cpi, but most emulations support only a subset of these. Epson emulation supports 10, 12, 15, 17.14, and 20 cpi via software, but does not support 13.3 or 16.7 cpi. Every emulation supports 10 cpi, and we consider this to be the default character pitch. When you use the control panel to change the “Characters/Inch” value in the forms menu, you are actually changing the default character pitch. When the printer is turned on (or reset), it will use this character pitch. You can even use a pitch that is not supported by your emulation, such as 13.3 cpi with Epson emulation. You can override this pitch selection via software, by sending an escape sequence. This selects a user specified non-default pitch. For example, in Epson emulation, sending ESC M will select 12 cpi. Sending ESC P will re-select 10 cpi, and thus re-select the default character pitch that was selected in the form setup.

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Via software escape sequences, you can select any character pitch supported by the emulation you are using. All will print as expected, unless you select 10 cpi -- because 10 cpi really selects the default character pitch from setup. If you really want 10 cpi, then you must set “Characters/Inch” to “10” in the forms menu. Likewise, if you want to use the default pitch from setup, you must not override it. Either send no character pitch sequences to the printer, or make sure you re-select 10 cpi via software.

When you select different forms, the default character pitch from setup is selected along with the form. But you will not see this default pitch if it has already been overridden via software.

Select 10 CPI ESC P

Selects 10 cpi by cancelling 12 cpi and 15 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The resulting character spacing will be 10 cpi, or if condensed mode is also selected, 17.14 cpi.

If “Characters/Inch” was not set to “10” in the forms menu, the specified default character pitch will be selected instead of 10 cpi.

Escape Sequence: ESC P Hexadecimal: 1B 50

Select 12 CPI ESC M

Selects 12 cpi (elite mode). Cancels 15 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The resulting character spacing will be 12 cpi, or if condensed mode is also selected, 20 cpi.

Escape Sequence: ESC M Hexadecimal: 1B 4D

Select 15 CPI ESC g

Selects 15 cpi. Cancels 12 cpi. Condensed mode is unaffected. The resulting character spacing will be 15 cpi, even if condensed mode is also selected.

Escape Sequence: ESC g Hexadecimal: 1B 67

Select Condensed Mode SI (or) ESC SI

Selects condensed mode. The resulting character spacing will be 17.14 cpi if 10 cpi was selected, or 20 cpi if 12 cpi was selected. If 15 cpi was selected, condensed mode will have no affect.

Control code: SI Hexadecimal: 0F

Escape Sequence: ESC SI Hexadecimal: 1B 0F

ANSI X3.64 Emulation

Cancel Condensed Mode DC2

Cancels condensed mode set by SI or ESC SI. Control code: DC2

Hexadecimal: 12

Select double-wide mode (one line) SO (or) ESC SO

Selects double-wide mode for one line. Double-wide mode doubles the width of all characters, but does not affect character height. This mode is cancelled by a carriage return or DC4.

Control code: SO Hexadecimal: 0E

Escape Sequence: ESC SO Hexadecimal: 1B 0E

Cancel Double-Wide Mode (one line) DC4

Cancels double-wide mode selected by SO or ESC SO. Does not cancel double-wide mode selected by ESC W or ESC !.

Control code: DC4 Hexadecimal: 14

Double-Wide Mode ESC W n

Selects double-wide mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. Double -wide mode doubles the width of all characters, but does not affect character height.

Example: The following escape sequence will select double-wide mode. Escape Sequence: ESC W 1

Hexadecimal: 1B 57 31

Double-High Mode ESC w n

Selects double-high mode for n=1, or cancels for n=0. Double-high mode doubles the height of all characters, but does not affect character width.

Example: The following escape sequence will select double-high mode. Escape Sequence: ESC w 1

Hexadecimal: 1B 77 31

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