Printronix LQH-HWTM User Manual

IGP®/PGL® Technical Reference Manual

/LQH-HW™

Printers

LineJet™ Printers

IGP®/PGL® Technical Reference Manual

Hewlett-Packard makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be held responsible for errors contained herein or any omissions from this material or for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, in connection with the furnishing, distribution, performance or use of this material. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

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T rademark Acknowledgements

IBM is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corp. IGP, LinePrinter Plus, PGL and Printronix are registered trademarks of

Printronix, Inc. Code V is a trademark of Quality Micro Systems, Inc. Hewlett-Packard and HP are registered trademarks, and LineJet is a

trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. This product uses Intellifont Scalable typefaces and Intellifont technology.

Intellifont is a registered trademark of Agfa Division, Miles Incorporated (Agfa).

CG, Garth Graphic, Intellifont, and Type Director are registered trademarks, and Shannon and CG Triumvirate are trademarks of Agfa Division, Miles Incorporated (Agfa). CG Bodoni, CG Century Schoolbook, CG Goudy Old Style, CG Melliza, Microstyle, CG Omega, and CG Palacio are products of Agfa Corporation. CG Times, based on Times New Roman under license from The Monotype Corporation Plc is a product of Agfa.

Univers is a registered trademark of Linotype AG and/or its subsidiaries. Letraset is a registered trademark, and Aachen, Revue and University Roman

are trademarks of Esselte Pendaflex Corporation.

Futura is a registered trademark of Fundición Tipográfica Neufville, S.A. ITC Avant Garde Gothic, ITC Benguiat, ITC Bookman, ITC Century, ITC

Cheltenham, ITC Clearface, ITC Galliard, ITC Korinna, ITC Lubalin Graph, ITC Souvenir, ITC Tiepolo, ITC Zapf Chancery, and ITC Zapf Dingbats are registered trademarks of International Typeface Corporation.

Albertus, Gill Sans, and Times New Roman are registered trademarks, and Monotype Baskerville is a trademark of The Monotype Corporation Plc, registered in the U.S. Pat. and TM office and elsewhere.

Hiroshige and Marigold are trademarks of AlphaOmega Typography, Inc.

1 Introduction......................... ..................................13

About this Manual.................................. ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... .................13

Warnings and Special Information ...................................................13

The IGP/PGL Emulation .........................................................................13

Features...........................................................................................13

How the IGP Operates .....................................................................14

Modes of Operation..........................................................................15

Alphanumeric Data...........................................................................22

Incremental Data..............................................................................22

2 Commands.................... .......................................23

IGP Command Standards.......................................................................23

Special Function Control Code (SFCC) ...........................................23

Semicolon (;)....................................................................................23

Uppercase........................................................................................23

Inline Commands .............................................................................23

Line Terminator................................................................................24

Printable Character ................................................... ...... .................24

Spaces ......................................................... ...... ..............................24

Command Parameters .....................................................................24

Form Name ......................................................................................24

Prompt..............................................................................................25

Numeric Values................................................................................25

Comments in Command Lines.................................. ...... ....... ..........25

Storing Data .....................................................................................25

Character Position.Dot Position (CP.DP) Format.............................26

Command Codes....................................................................................27

Data Fields for Alphanumeric and Incremental Data........................27

Dark Printing ...................................................................................28

Alphanumerics .................................................................................29

Alphanumerics, Incremental Fields..................................................34

Alphanumerics, Incremental: Fixed Data Fields...............................38

Alphanumerics, Incremental: Dynamic Data Fields..........................40

Boxes ...............................................................................................43

Compressed Print (Density) .............................................................45

Configuration....................................................................................46

Table of Contents

Corners ............................................................................................49

Create ..............................................................................................51

Delete Form .....................................................................................52

Delete Logo......................................................................................53

Directory...........................................................................................53

Duplication, Horizontal .....................................................................54

Duplication, Vertical .........................................................................56

Emulation Switching.........................................................................57

End...................................................................................................57

Execute Form Mode.........................................................................58

Execute Form: General Format........................................................59

Execute Form: Electronic Vertical Format Unit ................................61

Execute Form: Dynamic Alphanumeric Data ...................................62

Execute Form: Dynamic Bar Code Data............ ....... ...... ....... ...... ....63

Execute Form: Dynamic Logo......................................... ....... ...... ....64

Execute Form: Incremental Dynamic Data ......................................65

Execute Form: Overlay Data..... ...... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ..........67

Expanded Print.................................................................................68

Font..................................................................................................69

Form Length.....................................................................................70

Ignore Sequence..............................................................................71

Line Spacing ....................................................................................71

Lines, Horizontal ..............................................................................72

Lines, Vertical...................................................................................73

Listen................................................................................................74

Logo Call..........................................................................................74

Logo Mode, Create ..........................................................................76

Normal Mode....................................................................................78

Page Number...................................................................................78

Paper................................................................................................79

Paper Instruction - Data Bit 8...........................................................79

Paper Instruction (PI) Enable/Disable..............................................80

Print File...........................................................................................80

Quiet.................................................................................................81

Recall ...............................................................................................81

Reset................................................................................................82

Reverse Print ...................................................................................82

Scale ................................................................................................83

Select Format...................................................................................84

Setup................................................................................................85

Special Function Control Code Change...........................................86

Table of Contents

3 Bar Codes............................................................. 87

Overview.................................................................................................87

User-Defined Variable Bar Code Ratios...........................................89

PDF Character Sizes [PDF [;LOC] [;FONT]]....................................90

Bar Codes.................... ....... ...... ...... ....... ...... ....... ....................................91

Codabar ............................................................. ....... ...... ....... ...... ....91

Code 39............................................................................................96

Code 93..........................................................................................102

Code 128A, 128B and 128C ..........................................................108

EAN 8.............................................................................................118

EAN 13...........................................................................................123

FIM.................................................................................................129

Interleaved 2/5 (I-2/5), German I-2/5 and ITF-14...........................135

Matrix .............................................................................................141

MSI.................................................................................................147

PDF417..........................................................................................153

POSTNET ......................................................................................158

PostBar and Royal Mail (KIX).........................................................163

Telepen ..........................................................................................167

UCC/EAN-128................................................................................173

UPC-A............................................................................................185

UPC-E and UPC-E0.......................................................................191

UPCSHIP .......................................................................................198

UPS 11...........................................................................................203

Incremental Bar Code Fields................................................................208

Incrementing Bar Code Data..........................................................208

Incremental Bar Code Fixed Data Fields .......................................211

Incremental Bar Code Dynamic Data Fields..................................212

Duplicating Incremental Bar Code Fields.......................................214

4 Form Examples and Exercises........................... 215

Form Examples....................................................................................215

Example: Basic Create Form .........................................................215

Example: Dynamic Data.................................................................218

Form Exercise.......................................................................................228

Creating a Box and Corners...........................................................228

Adding Horizontal and Vertical Lines .............................................230

Adding Fixed Alphanumeric Text ...................................................231

Adding a Bar Code.........................................................................233

Logo Exercise.......................................................................................236

Creating a Logo..............................................................................237

Form Design.........................................................................................239

Table of Contents

Page Layout Considerations ..........................................................239

Planning the Form Layout ..............................................................239

Creating a Form and Adding Form Components ...........................243

Directory Command..............................................................................247

Example .........................................................................................247

Delete Command..................................................................................248

Example .........................................................................................248

Solving Program Errors ........................................................................248

Example .........................................................................................249

5 Multinational Character Sets........................... ....251

Introduction...........................................................................................251

Supported Character Sets..............................................................251

Character Addresses ................ ...... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ........252

Making Character Substitutions .....................................................252

Accessing Characters and Character Sets...........................................253

OCR Character Sets ......................................................................253

Data Bit 8 .......................................................................................253

Power-Up Character Set Selection ................................................253

User-Defined Set Command (USET).............................................254

Character Set Selection Command (ISET) .................................. ..256

Multinational Character Sets ..........................................................257

6 Error Codes ........................................................261

IGP/PGL Emulation Error Codes..........................................................261

Horizontal Line Errors ....................................................................262

Vertical Line Errors.........................................................................263

Box Errors ......................................................................................264

Corner Errors ........................................ ....... ...... ....... .....................265

Alpha Errors ...................................................................................266

Logo Errors ....................................................................................267

Create Errors..................................................................................268

Execute Errors ...............................................................................269

Miscellaneous Errors............................. ....................................... ..270

Bar Code Errors .... ....... ...... ....................................... ...... ....... ...... ..271

Reverse Print Errors.......................................................................273

Incremental Fields Errors ...............................................................274

Multinational Character Set Errors.................................................274

A Standard ASCII Character Set................ ...........277

B Grid Programs and Samples.. ............................279

Table of Contents

C Vertical Paper Motion.........................................283

Introduction...........................................................................................283

Paper Motion Using Line Feeds and Form Feeds................................283

Paper Motion Using the PI Line (Relative Line Slewing) ......................283

Paper Motion Using the EVFU..............................................................285

General EVFU Programming .........................................................285

EVFU Programming Sequence......................................................285

Using the EVFU .............................................................................286

Clearing the EVFU Memory ...........................................................288

EVFU Example...............................................................................289

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

About this Manual

This manual explains how to use the IGP/PGL (Intelligent Graphics Printing/Printronix manual and your printer



Graphics Language) on line matrix printers. Use this

User’s Guide

for complete printer-IGP compatibility.

Warnings and Special Information

Information requiring special attention is indicated under special headings. Always read and comply with this information. The heading reveals the nature of the information:

Warning Warning messages call attention to situations that

could hurt you or damage the equipment.

Caution Conditions that could damage the printer or related

equipment.

Note A note gives you helpful hints about printer operation and

maintenance.

The IGP/PGL Emulation

The IGP/PGL emulation is the software-based Intelligent Graphics Processor (IGP) for the line matrix printers. It is based on, and is compatible with, the Printronix IGP-100/200/400 board using the Printronix Graphics Language (PGL).

Features

On-Line Form and Label Generation makes it easy to creat e forms o r label s

with a “preprinted” look for each application. IGP programs control all graphic functions, dramatically reducing host computer programming and processing time.

Chapter 1 The IGP/PGL Emulation

Graphic capabilities include boxes, vertical and horizontal lines with userselectable thickness, logos, and special alphanumeric print features. Forms and graphic designs can be duplicated horizontally and vertically.

Alphanumeric data can appear as prepositioned “fixed” information (entered when the form is created), can be overlayed onto the form (positioned in a specific location after the form is created), or may be dynamically merged with the form.

Selectable Bar Codes provide appropriate bar codes for your application, using standard wide-to-narrow ratios. A wide selection of bar codes are available: Codabar; Code 39; Code 93; Interleaved 2 of 5; German I-2/5; ITF14; FIM; Matrix; MSI A through D; Code 128 Subset A, B, and C; UCC/EAN128; EAN 8; EAN 13; PDF417; POSTNET; PostBar; Royal Mail; Telepen; UPC-A; UPC-E and UPC-E0; UPCSHIP and UPS 11. UPC and EAN bar codes can also specify add-on data.

Expanded and Compressed Character Print attract attention where needed. Alphanumeric height and width are controlled independently for a wide range of character sizes up to 113 times the standard character size (up to 11.3 inches wide and tall). Compressed print sizes of 12, 13, 15, and 17 characters per inch (cpi) are available.

Rotated Alphanumerics permit new concepts in form design. Normal, expanded, and compressed character strings can be rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, or they can be printed upside down.

Logos are easily created using alphanumeric commands and add a variety of print and shading features for a “customized” appearance to forms, reports, and labels.

Reversed Print permits highlighting and contrasting by printing a dark background around white characters.

Automatic Increment/Decrement Capability allows batch form processing. You can identify individual numeric and bar code data fields, which include automatic increment or decrement functions.

Scaling Capability permits graphic elements, such as corners or boxes, to retain their physical shapes and sizes when printed in a horizontal and vertical density other than the base density of 60 x 72 dpi.

Multinational Character Sets provide 32 international character sets, each 96 characters in length. This feature also allows you to create your own character sets using characters defined and stored in memory.

Extended Character Sets provide 33 extended character sets, these also having 96 characters. These are also stored in memory.

How the IGP Operates

IGP is an emulation that allows printing of sophisticated graphics and bar codes.

The printer performs commands based on the current mode. These modes are discussed in more detail beginning on page 15.

When the printer is receiving or printing text, it is in Normal Mode. Any time the printer is on and is not processing IGP commands, it is in Normal Mode.

Modes of Operation

When a Create Form command is issued, the printer moves from the Normal Mode to the Create Form Mode.

When in the Create Form Mode, the user sends text, images, and bar code data to the IGP. All of this data is stored in memory. An End statement terminates the IGP data string. The printer returns to Normal Mode.

You can create as many forms as you wish and store them on your host. These forms can then be downloaded from your host to the printer.

When you execute a form, you can print it as many times as you wish. This saves you time downloading the form each time you want to print it.

Printer Operating Mode What It Means

Normal Mode

Create Form Mode

Execute Form Mode

Normal Mode

Figure 1

. IGP Modes

Printer receives data and prints text/graphics.

You send IGP commands to the printer.

Printer prints the form designed in Create Form Mode.

Printer returns to Normal Mode.

Modes of Operation

The IGP has five modes of operation that use specific command sequences to control the IGP.

• In the Normal Mode, the printer waits for an SFCC in order to perform IGP

functions.

• In Quiet Mode, all IGP commands are ignored except the LISTEN

command.

• In the Create Logo Mode the printer produces graphics such as forms,

logos, bar codes, and alphanumeric data.

• The Execute Mode is the IGP printing mode, which controls when the

actual printing of the bar codes and graphics will occur.

• In Create Form Mode, the printer produces graphics such as forms,

logos, bar codes, and alphanumeric data.

Chapter 1 The IGP/PGL Emulation

Normal Mode

Normal Mode commands print data in a line printer format until a Special Function Control Code (SFCC) is detected.

Commands accessible in the Normal Mode are summarized in Table 1 and fully described on the referenced page. Some Normal Mode commands can also be used in other modes: Compressed Print, Expand, Ignore, Select Format, and Vertical Line Spacing, which are Normal Mode commands, can also be used in the Execute Form Mode; the Multinational Character Set command can be used in the Normal or Create Modes. Carriage Return, Form Feed, Line Feed, EVFU commands, and Paper Slew commands also operate in the Normal Mode.

Note All IGP commands must be entered in UPPERCASE, and

each command line must be followed immediately by a line feed (or carriage return with line feed terminator) or a paper motion command.

Quiet Mode

In this mode, the host processes all data as ASCII characters without any IGP

interpretation — the IGP is disabled and all IGP commands are ignored. The IGP looks only for the (cc)LISTEN command.

Modes of Operation

Table 1. Normal Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Compressed Print DENSITY Defines the horizontal print density in characters per inch (cpi). 45 Configuration CONFIG Reconfigures IGP/PGL parameters 46 Create CREATE Places the IGP in the Create Form Mode where all the Create

Form Mode commands are available to design form elements.

Create Logo LOGO Places the IGP in the Create Logo Mode, where logos can be

defined using the appropriate dot placements.

Delete Form DELETE

FORM

Directory DIRECTORY Provides a li st of all d efined for ms and lo gos, log o assign ments

Emulation Switch EMULATION Switch emulation from IGP/PGL to IGP/VGL (if VGL is present) 57 Execute EXECUTE Executes a previously created form. 58 Expanded Print EXPAND Expands fonts vertically and horizontally. 68 Font FONT Selects a specific typeface: bold, slant (italic) factor, and

Ignore Sequence On/Off

Line Spacing, Vertical

Listen LISTEN Removes IGP from the quiet state and enables IGP operation. 74

IGON IGOFF

LPI Defines the lines per inch (lpi) printing format. 71

Deletes a selected form name from the directory and IGP memory.

to forms, and memory usage and availability.

symbol set. Enables the IGP to ignore all characters after the Ignore

Sequence On command is sent until the Ignore Sequence Off command is sent. See note on page 20.

Multinational Character Set

Normal Mode NORMAL Places the IGP in the Normal Mode, where it does not change

Paper Instruction Enable/Disable

Paper Instruction On/Off for Data Bit 8

Print File PRINT Prints a file from the flash memory. 80 Quiet QUIET IGP operation is disabled until a Listen command is received.

Recall RECALL Recalls forms or logos from memory stored in “setup.ptx”. 81

Reset RESET Deletes all forms and logos from the IGP memory. 82

ISET USET

EN-PI DIS-PI

PION PIOFF

Use a character set. Create a custom user-defined character set.

the data stream but awaits the SFCC followed by an IGP command.

Enables or disables use of the PI line with a parallel interface. 80

Enables or dis ables Da ta Bit 8 as the paper i nstruc tion sig nal in a serial interface.

Any data sent to the line matrix printer emulation is unaffected by IGP commands.

Chap. 5

Chapter 1 The IGP/PGL Emulation

Table 1. Normal Mode Commands (continued)

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Special Fu nction Control Code

Select Format On/Off

Set Up SETUP Automatically executes and loads the IGP/PGL commands into

SFCC Changes the current Special Function Control Code (SFCC). 86

SFON SFOFF

Ignores all host-generated paper movement commands. See note on page 20.

the printer at power-up or after a RESET command is sent.

Create Form Mode

Create Form Mode commands design forms, all form components, and bar codes. The forms are not printed in the Create Form Mode; forms are printed in the Execute Form Mode after all form design is completed. To begin form design, access the Create Form Mode using the Create command. The Create command is always used to enter the Create Form Mode to begin form design.

Note The CREATE command must be entered in UPPERCASE.

Each element has its own specific set of commands and parameters that determine size, location, and content. Listed in alphabetical order, Create Form Mode commands are summarized in Table 2 and fully described on the referenced pages.

Print Boundaries

Print area boundaries exist for the paper size selected. All Create Form Mode commands require you to identify the location for the components in your form. Boundary checking for form elements is performed only when the form length is specified. This ensures that forms can be created regardless of the type of paper you have loaded or margins you have set.

The IGP checks the boundaries before the form is executed to ensure that it will fit on the loaded paper size. If the debug option is used in the create statement, the boundaries are checked against the current paper size. Refer to Appendix C for more information regarding page boundary guidelines.

Create Logo Mode

The Create Logo Mode is used in the Create Form Mode. The Create Logo

Mode creates a logo design; this predefined logo is then “called” into a form in the Create Form Mode. (The logo must be defined before it is “called”.)

Modes of Operation

Table 2. Create Form Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Alphanumerics ALPHA Defines si ze, lo cation, and content of alphanumeric cha rac ters

and dynamic alphanumeric data fields.

Alpha, Incremental ALPHA Defines starting data and increment amount for fixed auto-

increment fields.

Bar Codes BARCODE Each bar code type has its own command to define size,

location, orientation, and data as described in the “Bar Codes”

chapter. Boxes BOX Defines size, location, and thickness of boxes. 43 Corners CORNER Defines vertical and horizontal length, location, and thickness

of a set of four corners. Duplication,

Horizontal End END Terminates the Create Form Mode. 57 Form Length LFORM Specifies the form length by total number of lines at 6 or 8 lpi. 70 Ignore Sequence

On/Off

Lines, Horizontal HORZ Defines the location, size, and thickness of horizontal lines. 72 Lines, Vertical VERT Defines the location, size, and thickness of vertical lines. 73

HDUP Defines the number of horizontal duplications of an element

and the spacing between duplications.

IGON IGOFF

Enables the IGP to ignore all characters after the Ignore

Sequence On command is sent until the Ignore Sequence Off

command is sent. See Note on page 20.

Chap. 3

Logo Call LOGO Specifies the location of a previously defined logo. 74 Multinational

Character Set Page Number PAGE Defines the location for automatically incremented page

Reverse Print REVERSE Defines the location for white-on-black printing and selec ts the

Scale SCALE Defines the vertical spacing and horizontal pitch for data

Select Format On/Off

ISET Selects one of the mul tinational or international character sets. Chap. 5

numbers.

background shade.

positioning in character or dot columns and rows.

SFON SFOFF

Ignores all host-generated paper movement commands. See

note on page 20.

Chapter 1 The IGP/PGL Emulation

Execute Form Mode

The Execute Form Mode prints forms created in the Create Form Mode. Execute Form Mode commands are summarized in Table 3 and fully described on the referenced pages. Carriage Return, Form Feed, and Line Feed commands also operate in the Execute Form Mode. The EXECUTE

must

Form command or a line containing overlay data must separate an EXECUTE command from a NORMAL command.

Note Some systems pad the data stream with characters and

be entered in UPPERCASE, and a single line spacing

spaces. If the IGP file on your system contains padded characters or spaces before the SFCC, this data must be ignored before the IGP can operate. The Ignore Sequence (IGON/IGOFF) command, discussed on page 71, is provided for this purpose. At times you may also need the IGP to ignore host-originated paper movement commands (carriage return, line feed, form feed, etc.) in lengthy data streams. Select Format (SFON/SFOFF) discussed on page 84 is provided for this purpose. In addition, the Quiet command, page 81, can be used to pass data unchanged to the printer.

Modes of Operation

Table 3. Execute Form Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Compressed Print DENSITY Defines the horizontal print density in characters per inch (cpi). 45 Dynamic

Alphanumeric Data Dynamic Bar Code

Data Expanded Print EXPAND Expands fonts vertically and horizontally. 6 8 Font FONT Selects a specific typeface: bold, slant (italic) factor, and

Ignore Sequence On/Off

Incremental Alphanumeric Dynamic Data

Increment al Bar Code Dynamic Data

Line Spacing, Vertical

Multinational Character Set

Normal Mode NORMAL Places the IGP in the Normal Mode, where it does not change

IGON IGOFF

IAF

IBF

LPI Defines the lines per inch (lpi) printing format. 71

ISET Selects one of the mul tinational or international character sets. Chap. 5

Executes the dynamic alphanumeric data provided after the

(cc) EXECUTE command.

Executes the dynamic bar code data provided after the (cc)

EXECUTE command.

symbol set.

Enables the IGP to ignore all characters after the Ignore

Sequence On command is sent until the Ignore Sequence Off

command is sent.

Executes the increm ental dyna mic alphan umeric data provided

after the (cc) EXECUTE command.

Executes the incremental dynamic bar code data provided

after the (cc) EXECUTE command.

the data stream but awaits the SFCC followed by an IGP

command.

Reset RESET Deletes all forms and logos from the IGP memory. 82 Select Format

On/Off SFCC SFCC Changes the current Special Function Control Code (SFCC). 86

SFON SFOFF

Ignores all host-generated paper movement commands. See

note on page 20.

Chapter 1 The IGP/PGL Emulation

Alphanumeric Data

Based on the requirements of a specific application, you can use one of three methods to print alphanumeric data on a form: Fixed data, Overlay data, and Dynamic data. These methods are described in more detail in Chapter 2.

• Fixed data prints on each form in the same “prepositioned” location,

unless the location changes in the form definition. Company name, address, logo, and phone number are typical examples of alphanumeric data that can be “fixed” onto the form.

• Overlay data is variable alphanumeric data positioned on the page with

line feeds and spaces to fit into exact locations. For example, specific

data can be “overlayed” onto a blank form as if you were typing data into the appropriate blanks on a preprinted form. Customer names, addresses, and order numbers are examples of data overlayed onto a form.

• Dynamic data is variable data entered into specific locations on each

form. Each time the form prints, a command enters new data in those locations. Customer names, addresses, or any type of variable alphanumeric or bar code data can be provided dynamically.

Incremental Data

The incremental data feature allows you to update alphanumeric and bar code data fields in an alphabetical or numeric manner automatically with just one set of data sent from the host computer.

Alphanumeric and bar code incremental fields can be used with fixed (static) data input as part of the Create Form Mode or with dynamic data supplied in the Execute Form Mode.

The incremental fields can be increased or decreased, repeated at specified intervals before updating, and reset to the starting value after a specified number of increments.

2 Commands

IGP Command Standards

IGP commands have many options and a specific format that you must follow to obtain the desired results. Certain elements are standard for all IGP commands. These command standards are described in the following sections. Familiarize yourself with the meaning and use of these standards before operating the IGP.

Special Function Control Code (SFCC)

The SFCC identifies a command directed to the IGP to enable a specific IGP function. Based on the host computer interface requirements, various characters can be selected as the SFCC, such as the caret (^) or a tilde (~). Do not use a nonprintable character as your SFCC.

It is appropriate to place the SFCC command at the beginning of a new line. If the SFCC command is placed anywhere else on the line, at the user’s discretion, the data preceding the command will either print or be ignored, depending on how the Skip Command Prefix parameter is set.

The examples in this manual use the tilde as the SFCC; always substitute the actual SFCC required by your system where the tilde is shown. In the general command formats, the SFCC is represented by (cc).

Semicolon (;)

Each parameter (alpha data, options, etc) on the command line is separated by a semicolon. Blank spaces between the semicolon and the next parameter are not allowed. A missing or misplaced semicolon causes an error message.

Uppercase

The IGP/PGL is “case sensitive.” ALL commands must be entered in uppercase.

Inline Commands

The SFCC, usually a tilde, is suggested to be the first character on a new line. It may appear anywhere on the command line. There is a configuration option that determines whether any data preceding a command is printed or is ignored.

Chapter 2 IGP Command Standards

All IGP commands begin with the Special Function Control Code (SFCC) and must end with a line terminator.

Line Terminator

Each command line must be terminated by a line feed (or a carriage return with a line feed), or a paper motion command. The command line will not be accepted if not properly terminated. Refer to the system controls for your system keyboard and printer configuration codes to determine which key(s) (such as ENTER, LINE FEED, FORM FEED, etc.) perform a line feed, carriage return with line feed, or form feed function.

Printable Character

To print, alphanumeric and bar code data must be enclosed by a printable character (a delimiter). This delimiter is represented by format. In this manual, an asterisk (*) is used in most examples as the printable character. (The parentheses are character can be used as this delimiter except a slash (/) or the SFCC. The same printable character must be used at both the beginning and end of the text to be printed and can not be used within the text.

(D)

in the command

not

entered.) Any printab le

Spaces

Spaces are used in the general command formats to visually separate individual command parameters. Supply the appropriate information for the command parameter, but do not enter the spaces in the command sequence; they are shown simply as a visual aid to illustrate where one command parameter ends and another begins.

Command Parameters

Most commands include a number of parameters. Some are optional, and some are required. Each parameter must be separated by a semicolon (;) unless noted otherwise. Throughout this manual, actual commands required for input are shown exactly as they must be entered and all parameters associated with that command are shown in italics. Optional parameters are enclosed in brackets [ ], but do not enter the brackets.

Parentheses indicate variable data. You have a choice of what to enter, but you must enter something. Do not enter the parentheses by themselves.

Form Name

You must use alphanumeric characters to identify the document (form or logo) you are creating (a maximum of 15 alphanumeric characters). The Form Name is also used to identify the form during the Execute Form Mode. The valid Form Name characters are listed in Table 4 and also apply to Logo Name. The SFCC can also be used in the Form Name. No spaces are allowed between any of the Form Name characters.

Prompt

Table 4. Valid Form Name Characters

A through Z (upper and lowercase) Left and right parenthesis ( ) 0 through 9 Tilde ~ Dollar sign $ Single quotes ‘ ’

Percent sign % Exclamation point ! Dash — Pound sign # At sign @ Ampersand & Left and right braces { }

Prompt

The prompt is the symbol (e.g., a dollar sign, period, or greater than symbol) used to indicate that the host computer is ready for data input. In this manual, the prompt is shown as a period (.).

Numeric Values

In this manual, a lowercase n in the command represents a numeric value. If

a command parameter includes a lowercase appropriate numeric value. If the lowercase and the option is not selected, a value for

, it must be substituted with an

is part of an optional parameter

is not required.

Comments in Command Lines

To aid in preparation or maintenance of a form or logo, comments can be added to many command lines. Comments must be preceded by a slash (/). However, do not use the /comment feature on lines containing an SFCC (i.e., CREATE, NORMAL, EXECUTE, etc.). Throughout this manual, comments are provided in parentheses beside most command lines for better understanding of IGP operation but should not be included in your IGP files.

Storing Data

To send data to the IGP, use a system command, such as PRINT. (Entering data through the keyboard does not store data in memory.) Once stored in memory, the data remains until deleted, the IGP is reset with RESET command, or until the printer is turned off.

IGP/PGL files can be permanently stored to, deleted from, and retrieved from

the printer’s flash memory by ending CREATE, CREATE LOGO, DELETE FORM, DELETE LOGO, EXECUTE, and DIRECTORY commands with ;DISK.

For example, the following command creates a form named ORDER and stores it on the flash memory:

(cc)CREATE;ORDER;DISK

Executing a form or calling a logo will access the default flash automatically if the object is not found in memory.

Chapter 2 IGP Command Standards

Character Position.Dot Position (CP.DP) Format

The CP.DP format is a special parameter available with the IGP commands. CP.DP format allows two elements plotted at nearly the same character location to be offset to eliminate overlapping. Specifying starting and ending rows and columns is its most frequent use.

Each character location is a cell. Each cell is a grid 12 dot rows high by 6 dot columns wide (printing at 6 lpi and 10 cpi). The CP.DP format allows a character cell position (CP) and a specific dot position (DP) within the cell to be identified as shown in Figure 2. The DP portion of the CP.DP format specifies a location down (in reference to rows) and to the right (in reference to columns) within the character cell position.

For example, refer to Figure 2. Suppose a line runs along character position column 13 (CP = 13). At the same time, an alphanumeric string must begin in column 13. With CP.DP format, the alphanumeric string can be offset 2 dot positions (DP = 2) in column 13 to avoid overlap. Specify 13.2 (CP = 13, DP= .2) for the starting column of the alphanumeric string. Similarly, to place a horizontal line 8 dot rows beneath another horizontal line in character row position 11, specify row 11 for one line and row 11.8 for the other line.

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

11.0 12.0

15.013.0 14.0

10.9

10.10

10.11

11.0

11.1

11.2

11.3

11.4

11.5

11.6

11.7

11.8

11.9

11.10

11.11

12.0

12.5

12.4

13.0

13.1

13.2

13.3

13.4

13.5

14.1

14.0

Figure 2

. CP.DP Format Example

Command Codes

Data Fields for Alphanumeric and Incremental Data

Based on the requirements of a specific application, three methods are used to print alphanumeric data on the form: fixed (or prepositioned) data, overlay data, and dynamic data.

Fixed Data

Fixed data is entered during the Create Form mode as part of the form definition. It appears as prepositioned information similar to other form elements. The fixed data is printed on each form in the same location and can only be changed by changing the form definition. Your company name, address, logo, or phone number are typical examples of alphanumeric data that can be fixed onto the form.

Overlay Data

Data Fields for Alphanumeric and Inc remental Data

Overlay data is variable alphanumeric data entered during the Execute Form mode by positioning the information with line feeds and spaces into an exact location. In general, a page of data is overlayed onto a form similar to typing data in the appropriate blanks of a preprinted form. Each page of overlay data is separated by form feeds to correspond to each form printed. Customer names, addresses, and order numbers are examples of variable data that can be overlayed onto the form.

Dynamic Data

Dynamic data is variable data entered by command during the Execute Form mode. The dynamic data is entered into a location previously defined in the Create Form mode. Any number of locations can be identified during the Create Form mode as part of the form definition. A command during the Execute Form mode enters new data in the identified location(s) each time the form prints. Dynamic data is the most efficient method of supplying variable data to the form. Again, customer names, addresses, or any type of variable alphanumeric or bar code data can be provided dynamically.

Incremental Data Fields

The incremental data fields feature allows alphanumeric (and bar code) data fields to automatically update numerically or alphabetically with just one set of data sent from the host computer. A maximum of 65,535 forms can print with incremental fields automatically updated. Alphanumeric incremental fields can be used with fixed (static) data input as part of the Create Form mode or with dynamic data supplied in the Execute Form mode. Incremental data fields cannot be used with Overlay data.

Chapter 2 Command Codes

Dark Printing

A DARK parameter, available in the Alpha, Reverse, and Bar Code commands, is a double-strike feature which produces bolder, darker text, denser black backgrounds for reverse print, and extra-dark, more readable bar codes.

A DARK parameter used with alphanumeric text in the ALPHA command will print using a bold font.

The extra darkness provided by the DARK parameter improves the Print Contrast Ratio (PCR) and effectively extends the life of the ribbon. For bar codes, the PCR describes the difference in light reflection between the bars and spaces as a measurement of light/dark contrast in order to judge when a printed bar code will not be dark enough to be read with accuracy by a scanner. The extra dots used to produce the darker bar code do not change the overall width of the wide bars. Figure 3 illustrates how the DARK parameter adds two extra dot columns to wide bar code bars without increasing bar width.

Due to the second hammer bank stroke required to plot the extra columns of dots, print speed may be reduced up to half when the DARK parameter is used with Bar Code commands. However, this decreased print speed should be weighed against the significant increase in bar code PCR and extended ribbon life.

NORMAL MODE

Figure 3

ADDED COLUMNS OF DOTS

DARK MODE

. Dark Printing

Alphanumerics

Purpose Defines and positions alphanumeric data on a form as a

“preprinted” static data field or as a dynamic data field.

Mode CREATE Format ALPHA

;] [AF

n;L;

] [

DIR

[R;] [E;] [C

or HSDn;]

[HS STOP

ALPHA The Alphanumeric command; enter ALPHA. R The optional reverse printing (white on black)

SR; SC; VE; HE; (D)text(D)

parameter. Enter R to specify a black background.

;] [UC;] [DARK;] [POINT;]

Note The

ignored. In addition, the L parameter, also used in earlier IGP/PGL versions to specify a long reverse field for descending characters in dynamic alphanumeric data, is provided automatically. The IGP/PGL will ignore these parameters if found in a command line.

E The optional elongated character parameter. Enter

n;L

D parameter, used in earlier IGP/PGL versions, is

E to specify elongated character printing.

Elongated characters are double height and single width. If used, the VE and HE parameters must be 7set to 0, or an error message will result. Elongated character printing is also available with rotated alphanumerics.

The optional horizontal compres s ion param ete r.

Enter C and replace to specify the number of horizontal characters per inch (cpi). 10 cpi is the default value. 10A = 10 cpi OCR-A. 10B = 10 cpi OCR-B. If used, the

parameters must be set to 0, or an error

message will result. The optional dynamic data field parameters for

identifying the alphanumeric string location on a form and for designating the length of the alphanumeric string. If these parameters are used, the actual text can not be entered during the Create Form mode; it must be entered dynamically during the Execute Form mode. Dynamically entering data during the Execute Form mode permits changes to the alphanumeric text without redefining or recreating the form. To use this field, perform the following steps:

with 10, 12, 13, 15, 17 or 20

and

a. Enter AF.

b. Replace

through 512 to identify the alphanumeric string

with a number ranging from 1

Chapter 2 Command Codes

DIR

location on the form. The parameters specify the exact location of the alphanumeric field identified by

c. Replace

of characters in the dynamic alphanumeric string ranging from 1 through 512.

d. Dynamically enter the alphanumeric string

itself in the Execute Form mode. The length of the alphanumeric string must be equal to or less than the value assigned to the length ( parameter. Refer to “Execute Form: Dynamic

Alphanumeric Data” on page 62.

e. If the dynamic data field is used, do

the ASCII TEXT parameter.

Optional parameter for rotating a character string. Use the following codes to indicate the direction of character rotation:

a. Enter CW for 90 degree clockwise rotation.

with a number equal to the number

and SC

not

enter

)

b. Enter CCW for 90 degree counterclockwise

rotation.

c. Enter INV for inverted characters (180 degree

rotation).

The default orientation prints character strings in the standard horizontal format.

UC Enter UC to specify uppercase-only characters.

When uppercase-only is specified, all lowercase alpha character codes are converted automatically to uppercase. Consequently, do not specify uppercase-only characters if lowercase characters are required.

DARK Optional parameter to produce bolder text. Enter

DARK or D. (D is also allowed in the ALPHA command only.) More information about dark printing is provided on page 28.

Defines the starting row of the alphanumeric data. Enter a value ranging from row 1 through one less than the length of the form. Character row or dot row is specified based on the Scale command (page 83), or use the CP.DP format (page 26).

Defines the starting column of the alphanumeric data. Enter a value ranging from column 1 through one less than the width of the form. Character column or dot column is specified based on the Scale command (page 83), or use the CP.DP format (page 26).

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