Operating Modes
Interfacing
The LCM25 Desktop printer has two operating modes, when not actually printing:
• "Idle Mode": ready to accept data, but no data are in the buffer awaiting printing;
• "Spooling Mode": active, but storing data for later printing.
Idle Mode
In idle mode, the printer is ready to receive data, which will be printed as soon as complete lines or
graphics patterns are decoded. It also responds to the paper feed button.
Spooling Mode
In spooling mode, data is received and stored, but not printed. This is useful when printing needs to
be suppressed during data transfer (for example in mobile radio systems); or when the printer is
unable to print because the paper has run out or the lid is open.
The printer will automatically enter spooling mode when the paper is out, when the paper lid is open, if
some other error condition occurs, or by command from the host. Spooling mode may be exited by
clearing the error condition, “double-clicking” the paper feed button, or by host command.
RS-232 SERIAL INTERFACE
All LCM model printers have an industry standard RS-232
interface. The default parameters are 9600 baud, 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit and no parity. Other baud rates may be
programmed by control codes, or by using a printer setup
utility.
Status Indications
The Status Indicator on the front of the printer uses a number of color combinations and flashing
patterns to provide status information as described below.
Pattern Power Status Buffer Mode
Constant Green Running Normal
Fast Flashing Green Running Spooling
Long Green - Short Red Low Voltage Normal
Short Green - Short Red Low Voltage Spooling
Fast Flashing Red Error Condition Spooling (Printing prohibited)
No light Printer is Off
The printer transmits XON/XOFF and status information to
the host. The hardware busy line is true (nominal -12V)
when busy. Serial output lines relax to approximately 0V
when the printer is off, and the user’s system must allow a
short period after powering the printer on before relying on
the values of these signals.
Some host equipment uses a constant space condition
(+12V) to indicate a reset condition or wait state. Some
battery powered host equipment presents the same output
signal when they go to sleep. The LCM25 Desktop printer
Pin Direction Description
1 n/a Do Not Connect
2 n/a Do Not Connect
3 To Printer RS-232 Rx Data
4 To Host RS-232 Tx Data
5 To Host RS-232 Busy
6 ––– Common
can be set to ignore this condition as detailed in the Programmer’s Manual, but even then this type
of host behavior may result in one or more spurious characters being received and printed by the
printer.
1
Serial I/O Connector
Power Connector
Part Number 6786 Rev A