Printronix ThermaLine Series, ThermaLine IGP, ThermaLine PGL Programmer's Reference Manual

R

t




t





P/N 136458–001, Rev B

R

Printronix, Inc. 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. Printronix, Inc. 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.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. No
part of this document may be reproduced, copied, translated or incorporated
in any other material in any form or by any means, whether manual, graphic,
electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the prior written consent of
Printronix, Inc.

All rights reserved.



17500 Cartwright Road, P.O. Box 19559
Irvine, California 92713
Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
Technical Support (714) 221–2686

COPYRIGHT  1995, PRINTRONIX, INC.

Trademark Acknowledgments

IBM and IBM PC are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corp.

Printronix is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

IGP is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

ThermaLine is a registered trademark of Printronix, Inc.

PSA is a trademark of Printronix, Inc.

Scalable type outlines are licensed from Agfa Corporation. Agfa

is a

registered trademark of Agfa–Gevaert, AG. CG, Garth Graphic, Intellifont,
and Type Director are registered trademarks of Agfa Corporation, and
Shannon and CG Triumvirate are trademarks of Agfa Corporation. 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 Corporation.

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.

HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett–Packard Company.

Table of Contents

1

Introduction

About this Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Features 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How the IGP/PGL Operates 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modes of Operation 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Normal Mode 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quiet Mode 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Form Mode 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Logo Mode 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form Mode 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configuration Mode 1–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumeric Data 1–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Data 1–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Configuration

Configuring the IPG/PGL with the Control Panel 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The IGP/PGL Emulation Submenu 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Define CR Code (Carriage Return) 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Define LF Code (Line Feed) 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Autowrap 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select SFCC 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select Font 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Auto Eject 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select LPI 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Auto Uppercase 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Skip Command Prefix 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iTable of Contents

Power On IGP/PGL 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extended Execute Copy 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UPC Descenders 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Host Form Length 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100 Compatibility 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IGP

3

4

PTX_Setup

PTX_Setup Command Description 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PTX_Setup Command Parameters and Values 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DISK_IO 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ENGINE 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PTX_Setup Command Example 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commands

IGP/PGL Command Standards 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Function Control Character (SFCC) 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Semicolon (;) 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uppercase 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inline Commands 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Line Terminator 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Printable Character 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spaces 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Command Parameters 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form Name 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prompt 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Numeric Values 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comments in Command Lines 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Storing Data 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uncompressed and Packed Bits Compression 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Character Position.Dot Position (CP.DP) Format 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data Fields for Alphanumeric and Incremental Data 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fixed Data 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ii Table of Contents

Overlay Data 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dynamic Data 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Data Fields 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dark Printing 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thermal Printers 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Line-Matrix Printers 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumerics 4–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumerics, Incremental Fields 4–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using Incremental Alphanumeric Data 4–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumerics, Incremental: Fixed Data Fields 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumerics, Incremental: Dynamic Data Fields 4–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Boxes 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compressed Print (Density) 4–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configuration 4–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corners 4–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create 4–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete Form 4–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete Logo 4–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Directory 4–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duplication, Horizontal 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duplication, Vertical 4–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

End 4–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form Mode 4–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Use the Execute Command 4–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Print Formats in the Execute Form Mode 4–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form: General Format 4–51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form: Dynamic Alphanumeric Data 4–54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form: Dynamic Bar Code Data 4–55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form: Incremental Dynamic Data 4–56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplying Dynamic Data for Incremental Fields 4–57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form: Overlay Data 4–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expanded Print 4–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Font 4–61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iiiTable of Contents

Form Length 4–64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ignore Sequence 4–65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Line Spacing, Vertical 4–66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lines, Horizontal 4–67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lines, Vertical 4–69. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Listen 4–71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Logo Call 4–72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Logo Mode, Create 4–74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Normal Mode 4–77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page Number 4–78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paper 4–79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PCX Logo 4–81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Print File 4–83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quiet 4–84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reset 4–85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reverse Print 4–86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Scale 4–88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select Format 4–90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setup 4–91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TIFF Logo 4–92. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bar Codes

Overview 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

User–Defined Variable Bar Code Ratios 5–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PDF Character Sizes [PDF [;LOC] [;FONT] (T)] 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Code 39 5–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Code 93 5–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Codabar 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Code 128B and Code 128C 5–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Code UCC–128 5–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EAN 8 5–53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EAN 13 5–60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv Table of Contents

FIM 5–67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interleaved 2/5 (I–2/5) 5–74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MSI 5–81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PDF417 5–88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POSTNET 5–94. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UPC–A 5–100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UPC–E and UPC–E0 5–107. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Bar Code Fields 5–116. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incrementing Bar Code Data 5–117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Bar Code Fixed Data Fields 5–120. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Bar Code Dynamic Data Fields 5–123. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duplicating Incremental Bar Code Fields 5–124. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

7

Form Examples and Exercises

Form Examples 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example: Using the Setup Command 6–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example: Dynamic Data 6–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Example: Auto Increment Fields 6–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form Exercise 6–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Logo Exercise 6–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form Design 6–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Directory Example 6–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete Example 6–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solving Program Errors 6–49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Multinational Character Sets

About the Multinational Character Set 7–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Character Sets Available 7–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Character Addresses 7–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Making Character Substitutions 7–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OCR Character Sets 7–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accessing Characters and Character Sets 7–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vTable of Contents

Data Bit 8 7–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power–Up Character Set Selection 7–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

User–Defined Set Command (USET) 7–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Character Set Selection Command (ISET) 7–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Multinational Character Set Charts 7–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Error Codes

The Purpose of Error Codes 8–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Horizontal Line Errors 8–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vertical Line Errors 8–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Box Errors 8–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corner Errors 8–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alpha Errors 8–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Logo Errors 8–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Errors 8–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Errors 8–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miscellaneous Errors 8–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bar Code Errors 8–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reverse Print Errors 8–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Fields Errors 8–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Multinational Character Set Errors 8–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Font Errors 8–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendices

A Standard ASCII Character Set
B Grid Programs and Samples
C Page Boundaries
D Typefaces

Index

vi Table of Contents

1

Chapter Contents

Introduction

About this Manual 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Locate Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warnings and Special Information 1–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Features 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How the IGP/PGL Operates 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modes of Operation 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Normal Mode 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Quiet Mode 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Form Mode 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create Logo Mode 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Execute Form Mode 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configuration Mode 1–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alphanumeric Data 1–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Incremental Data 1–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1Introduction

About this Manual

This manual explains how to use the IGP/PGL (Intelligent Graphics
Printing/Printronix
with your printer Setup Guide for complete printer–IGP/PGL compatibility.

How to Locate Information

You can locate information three ways:

• Use the Table of Contents at the front of the manual.

• Use the Chapter Contents list on the first page of each chapter.

• Use the alphabetical Index at the back of the manual.

Warnings and Special Information

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



Graphics Language). Use this manual in conjunction

WARNING

WARNING tells you of conditions that could cause you physical harm.

CAUTION

CAUTION tells you of conditions that could damage the printer,
IGP/PGL, or related equipment.

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT gives you information vital to proper IGP/PGL operation.

NOTE: Provides information affecting IGP/PGL operation considered

important enough to emphasize.

1–2 Introduction

Features

IGP/PGL is the Intelligent Graphics Printing firmware for the Printronix
Graphics Language, which is designed for the new Printronix PSA line of
line-matrix, laser and thermal printers. The IGP/PGL provides on–line forms,
bar codes, and many alphanumeric text–generation capabilities and is
compatible with earlier versions of Printronix IGP protocol and
programming. IGP/PGL graphics processing features are detailed below.

NOTE: The ThermaLine Series printers are not floppy disk-based

printers. As a result, reference to disk drive ‘A’ implies the internal
SRAM, disk drive ‘B’ corresponds to the top external memory
module slot, and drive ‘C’ corresponds to the bottom memory
module slot. Note also that drive ‘C‘ does not exist for the T3204
model.

On–Line Form and Label Generation makes it easy to create forms or
labels with a “preprinted” look for each application. IGP/PGL programs
control all graphic functions, dramatically reducing host computer
programming and processing time.

Graphic capabilities include boxes, vertical and horizontal lines with
user–selectable 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 provides you with the appropriate bar code for your
application using standard wide–to–narrow ratios. A wide selection of bar
codes are available: Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC–A, UPC–E, MSI A
through D, Code 128 Subset B and C, Code 93, EAN 8, EAN 13, POSTNET,
FIM, and PDF–417. 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 9.9 inches wide and tall). Compressed print sizes of 10 to 30 characters per
inch (cpi) are available.

1–3Introduction

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. You can define the format of the logo using TIFF files and PCX
raster data as well as the standard IGP/PGL dots.

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

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

The following list summarizes the new features included in the current
release:

• Inline Commands allows commands to appear anywhere within a line.

This enables the FONT command to control text attributes for a text
line. It also permits commands to be packed into a single text line to
maintain line counting when using an IBM system.

• TIFF and PCX Raster Data File Support allowing two of the four

TIFF file formats (uncompressed and packed bits compression formats)
and both of the PCX raster data file formats (compressed and
uncompressed).

• Additional Bar Codes including Code 93, an industrial bar code, and

Codabar, a medical and package tracking bar code.

• Host Control of PSA Resources through PTX SETUP command,

which manages those options that are common between printer
emulations.

1–4 Introduction

How the IGP/PGL Operates

IGP/PGL is an emulation that allows you to print sophisticated graphics and
bar codes.

Depending on what the printer is doing, it is always in a particular mode,
which is transparent to the user. These modes are discussed in more detail in
Chapter 2.

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

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

During this phase, the user sends text, images, and bar code data to the
IGP/PGL. All of this data is stored in memory. An End statement terminates
the IGP/PGL data string. The printer returns to Normal mode.

You can create as many forms as you wish and store them on your host or in
external printer memory.

All forms have filenames. You may want to print the form, label it, and store
it for future reference. Or, you can devise another method for easy retrieval.
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 from downloading the form each time you want to print it.

1–5Introduction

Printer Operating Mode What It Means

Normal Mode

Create Form Mode

Execute Form Mode

Printer receives data
and prints text/graphics.

You send IGP commands
to the printer.

Printer prints the
form designed in
Create Form mode.

Normal Mode

1–6 Introduction

Printer returns
to Normal mode.

Figure 1–1. IPG/PGL Modes

Modes of Operation

The IGP/PGL has six modes of operation that use specific command
sequences to control the IGP/PGL.

• In the Normal mode, the printer waits for a Special Function Control

Code (SFCC) in order to perform IGP/PGL functions.

• In Quiet mode all IGP/PGL commands are ignored.

• In the Create Logo and Create Form modes, the printer produces

graphics such as forms, logos, bar codes, and alphanumeric data.

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

the actual printing of the bar codes and graphics will occur.

• The Configuration mode allows you to select specific IGP/PGL

operations for running IGP/PGL files on your printer.

Normal Mode

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

Commands accessible in the Normal mode are summarized in Table 1–1 and
fully described on the referenced pages. 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/PGL 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.

1–7Introduction

Table 1–1. Normal Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Compressed Print DENSITY Defines the horizontal print density in characters per inch (cpi). 4–33
Configuration CONFIG Reconfigures IGP/PGL parameters. 4–34
Create CREATE Places

Create Logo LOGO Places

Delete Form DELETE FORM Deletes a selected form name from the directory and IGP/PGL memory. 4–41
Delete Logo DELETE LOGO Deletes a selected logo name from the directory and IGP/PGL memory. 4–42
Directory DIRECTORY Provides a list of all defined forms and logos, logo assignments to forms, and

Execute EXECUTE Executes a previously created form. 4–49
Expanded Print EXPAND Expands fonts vertically and horizontally. 4–60
Font FONT Selects a specific typeface, bold, slant (italic) factor, and symbol set. 4–61
Ignore Sequence

On/Off

Line Spacing,
Vertical

Listen LISTEN Removes IGP/PGL from the quiet state and enables IGP/PGL operation. 4–71
Multinational

Character Set
Normal Mode NORMAL Places the IGP/PGL in the Normal mode, where it does not change the data

Paper PAPER Selects features such as paper cutter, print intensity, label sensor, page

Print File PRINT Prints a file from external memory 4–83
Quiet QUIET IGP/PGL operation is disabled until a Listen command is received. Any data

Reset RESET Deletes all forms and logos from the IGP/PGL memory. 4–85
Select Format

On/Off
Set Up SETUP Automatically executes and loads the IGP/PGL commands into the printer at

Printer Mode PMODE Included only for compatibility; not recommended for use. N/A
Scaling Mode SMODE Included only for compatibility; not recommended for use. N/A

IGON
IGOFF

LPI Defines the lines per inch (lpi) printing format. 4–66

USET
ISET

SFON
SFOFF

the IGP/PGL in the

commands are available to design form elements.

the IGP/PGL in the Create Logo mode, where logos can be defined using

the appropriate dot placements.

memory usage and availability.

Enables the IGP/PGL to ignore all characters after the Ignore Sequence On
command
Page 1–11.

Use

stream but awaits the SFCC followed by an IGP/PGL command.

orientation (portrait/landscape), and print speed.

sent to the LinePrinter Plus Emulation is unaffected by IGP/PGL commands.

Ignores all host–generated paper movement commands. See Note on Page
1–11.

power–up or after a RESET command is sent.

is sent until the Ignore Sequence Of

a multinational character set or create a custom user–defined character set.

Create Form mode where all the Create Form mode

f command is sent. See Note on

4–39

4–74

4–43

4–65

Chapt. 6

4–77

4–79

4–84

4–90

3–2

1–8 Introduction

Quiet Mode

In this mode, the host sends all data to the LinePrinter+ emulation without
any IGP/PGL interpretation––the IGP/PGL is disabled and all IGP/PGL
commands are ignored. The IGP/PGL looks only for LISTEN and
PTX_SETUP.

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. Remember that 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 1–2 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/PGL
checks the boundaries before the form is executed to assure 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.

1–9Introduction

Table 1–2. Create Form Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page #

Alphanumerics ALPHA Defines

Alpha,
Incremental

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

Boxes BOX Defines size, location, and thickness of boxes. 4–30
Corners CORNER Defines vertical and horizontal length, location, and thickness of a set of

Duplication,
Horizontal

Duplication,
Vertical

End END Terminates the Create Form mode. 4–48
Font FONT Selects a specific typeface, bold, slant (italic) factor, and symbol set. 4–61
Form Length LFORM Specifies the form length by total number of lines at 6 or 8 lpi. 4–64
Ignore Sequence

On/Off

Lines, Horizontal HORZ Defines the location, size, and thickness of horizontal lines. 4–67
Lines, Vertical VERT Defines the location, size, and thickness of vertical lines. 4–69

ALPHA Defines starting data and increment amount for fixed auto–increment

HDUP Defines

VDUP Defines the number of vertical duplications of an element and the spacing

IGON
IGOFF

size, location, and content of alphanumeric characters and

alphanumeric data fields.

fields.

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

four corners.

the number of horizontal duplications of an element

between duplications.

between duplications.

Enables

the IGP/PGL to ignore all characters after the Ignore Sequence On
command is sent until the Ignore Sequence Off command is sent.
See Note on Page 1–11.

and the spacing

dynamic

4–12

4–18

Chapter 5

4–36

4–44

4–46

4–65

Logo Call LOGO Specifies the location of a previously defined logo. 4–72
Multinational

Character Set
Page Number PAGE Defines the location for automatically incremented page numbers. 4–78
Printer Mode PMODE Included only for compatibility; not recommended for use. N/A
Reset RESET Deletes all forms and logos from the IGP/PGL memory. 4–85
Reverse Print REVERSE Defines the location for white–on–black printing and selects the

Scale SCALE Defines the vertical spacing and horizontal pitch for data positioning in

Scaling Mode SMODE Included only for compatibility; not recommended for use. N/A
Select Format

On/Off

ISET Selects one of the 32 Multinational character sets. Chapter 7

4–86

4–88

4–90

SFON
SFOFF

background shade.

character or dot columns and rows.

Ignores all host–generated paper movement commands.
See Note on Page 1–11.

1–10 Introduction

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.”)

Execute Form Mode

The Execute Form mode prints forms created in the Create Form mode.
Execute Form mode commands are summarized in Table 1–3 and fully
described on the referenced pages. Carriage Return, Form Feed, and Line
Feed commands also operate in the Execute Form mode. Remember that the
EXECUTE Form command must be entered in UPPERCASE, and that a
single line spacing (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 spaces. If the

IGP/PGL file on your system contains padded characters or spaces
before the SFCC, this data must be ignored before the IGP/PGL can
operate. The Ignore Sequence (IGON/IGPOFF) command,
discussed on page 4–65, is provided for this purpose.

Similarly, at times you may also need the IGP/PGL 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 4–90 is provided for this
purpose. In addition, the Quiet command, (page 4–84), can be used
to pass data unchanged to the printer.

1–11Introduction

Table 1–3. Execute Form Mode Commands

Command Mnemonic Description Page No.

Compressed Print DENSITY Defines the horizontal print density in characters per

Dynamic Alphanumeric
Data

Dynamic Bar Code Data BFn Executes

Expanded Print EXPAND Expands fonts vertically and horizontally. 4–60
Font FONT Selects a specific typeface, bold, slant (italic) factor,

Ignore Sequence
On/Off

Incremental Alphanumeric
Dynamic Data

Incremental Bar Code
Dynamic Data

Line Spacing, Vertical LPI Defines the lines per inch (lpi) printing format. 4–66
Multinational

Character Set
Normal Mode NORMAL Places

AFn Executes the dynamic alphanumeric data provided

IGON
IGOFF

IAFn Executes the incremental dynamic alphanumeric data

IBFn Executes the incremental dynamic bar code data

ISET Selects one of the 32 multinational character sets. Chapter 7

inch (cpi).

after the (cc) EXECUTE command.

(cc)EXECUTE command.

and symbol set.
Enables

Ignore Sequence On command is sent until the Ignore
Sequence Off command is sent.
See Note on Page 1–11.

provided after the (cc) EXECUTE command.

provided after the (cc)EXECUTE command.

not change the data stream but awaits the SFCC
followed by an IGP/PGL command.

the dynamic bar code data provided after the

the IGP/PGL to ignore all characters after the

the IGP/PGL in the

Normal mode, where it does

4–33

4–54

4–55

4–61

4–65

4–57

4–57

4–77

Paper PAPER Selects features such as paper cutter, print intensity,

Reset RESET Deletes all forms and logos from the IGP/PGL

Select Format
On/Off

SFON
SFOFF

sensor

, page

label
print speed.

memory.
Ignores all host–generated paper movement

commands. See Note on Page 1–11.

orientation (portrait/landscape), and

4–79

4–85

4–90

1–12 Introduction

Configuration Mode

Selecting IGP/PGL options for running IGP/PGL files on your printer is
referred to as IGP/PGL configuration. You can select IGP/PGL configuration
parameters by sending commands from the host or by pressing keys on the
control panel.

Chapter 4 describes all the firmware commands.

Chapter 2 shows the control panel menu and describes all of the
configuration parameters. A list of the parameters is shown in Table 1–4.

Table 1–4. IGP/PGL Configuration Mode Options

NOTE: Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) indicate the factory default value.

The printer must be off–line to enter the configuration structure.

Option Parameter

Value

AutoEject DISABLE *

ENABLE

Auto Wrap DISABLE *

ENABLE

Define CR Code

Define LF Code LF = LF *

CR = CR *
CR = CR + LF

LF = CR + LF

Comments

If

the last page of a job is only 1/2 full (the data does not fill
the entire page), you can instruct the printer to eject the
page

or leave it in the
to eject the last page after the entire page has been
processed and printed. DISABLE instructs the printer to
eject the page only if you send a Page Eject command or
when the printer receives the next print job.

Controls automatic “wrapping” of text to the next line
down when the text exceeds the right margin.
DISABLE truncates text beyond the page margin until a
CR

or CR + LF is received. ENABLE automatically
a CR + LF after a full print line.
If

a proportional spaced font is used, this

and the printer does not wrap text.
When

CR = CR + LF
after each CR received, otherwise data passes through
unchanged.

When

LF = CR + LF
each

line feed is

unchanged.

printer

. ENABLE causes the printer

inserts

option is ignored

, a line feed is automatically

, a CR is

processed, otherwise data passes through

automatically inserted before

inserted

1–13Introduction

Option

Parameter

Value

Comments

Ext Execute Copy DISABLE*

ENABLE

Host Form Length DISABLE

ENABLE*

Power On IGP/PGL DISABLE

ENABLE*

Select SFCC 1 – 255 decimal

126 *

Uppercase DISABLE*

ENABLE

If DISABLED, dynamic data, overlay data, etc. are not
allowed
as part of the Execute command.
If
within a form in which the Form Count parameter is
specified in the Execute command. In this case, the exact
same
whatever
a

DISABLE sets the form length to the value set from the
front
form length defined in the CREATE FORM mode.

DISABLE puts printer in QUIET mode at power–up,
otherwise ENABLE or LISTEN mode is active at
power–up.

Select any ASCII character from Table 1–5 on page 1–16
to set the binary pattern for the selected Special Function
Control Character. Default is decimal 126 (~).

If

if

the optional Form Count parameter is specified

ENABLED,

form (with identical dynamic

separate page.

panel. ENABLE sets the printer page size equal to the

ENABLED,

dynamic data, overlay data, etc. are allowed

data, etc.) is printed for

the Form Count is. Also, each form is printed on

all incoming data is converted to uppercase.

1–14 Introduction

Option

Parameter

Value

Comments

Select Font 0 *

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Select LPI 1 – 10 Any integer value from 1 to 10. Default is 6.
Skip Cmd Prefix DISABLE

ENABLE*

Upc Descenders

DISABLE
ENABLE*

0 = US ASCII 11–23 = Undefined default to ASCII.
1 = German 24–31 = User–defined symbol set

2 = Swedish from the USET command.
3 = Danish
4 = Norwegian
5 = Finnish
6 = English
7 = Dutch
8 = French
9 = Spanish
10 = Italian

DISABLE
if a line feed preceded the command’s SFCC. ENABLE
ignores any text before a valid command.

If

ENABLED, human readable text for UPC and EAN bar
codes is embedded within the bar code.
If DISABLED, the text is printed below the bar code.

prints text before a valid

IGP/PGL command as

1–15Introduction

Table 1–5. ASCII Conversion Table

Binary

ASCII Dec Hex

7

Pattern

NUL 0 00 0000000

0000001

01

SOH
STX
ETX
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS
US

1

0000010

02

2

0000011

03

3

0000100

04

4

0000101

05

5

0000110

06

6

0000111

07

7

0001000

08

8

0001001

09

9

0001010

0A

10

0001011

0B

11

0001100

0C

12

0001101

0D

13

0001110

0E

14

0001111

0F

15

0010000

10

16

0010001

11

17

0010010

12

18

0010011

13

19

0010100

14

20

0010101

15

21

0010110

16

22

0010111

17

23

0011000

18

24

0011001

19

25

0011010

1A

26

0011011

1B

27

0011100

1C

28

0011101

1D

29

0011110

1E

30

0011111

1F

31

Binary

1

ASCII

Dec Hex ASCII Dec Hex ASCII Dec Hex

7

Pattern

1

SP 32 20 0100000 @ 64 40 1000000

41

65

0100001

21

33

!

0100010

22

34

”

0100011

23

35

#

0100100

24

36

$

0100101

25

37

%

0100110

26

38

&

0100111

27

39

’

0101000

28

40

(

0101001

29

41

)

0101010

2A

42

*

0101011

2B

43

+

0101100

2C

44

,

0101101

2D

45

.

0101110

2E

46

.

0101111

2F

47

/

0110000

30

48

0

0110001

31

49

1

0110010

32

50

2

0110011

33

51

3

0110100

34

52

4

0110101

35

53

5

0110110

36

54

6

0110111

37

55

7

0111000

38

56

8

0111001

39

57

9

0111010

3A

58

:

0111011

3B

59

;

0111100

3C

60

<

0111101

3D

61

=

0111110

3E

62

>

0111111

3F

63

?

A

42

66

B

43

67

C

44

68

D

45

69

E

46

70

F

47

71

G

48

72

H

49

73

I

4A

74

J

4B

75

K

4C

76

L

4D

77

M

4E

78

N

4F

79

O

50

80

P

51

81

Q

52

82

R

53

83

S

54

84

T

55

85

U

56

86

V

57

87

W

58

88

X

59

89

Y

5A

90

Z

5B

91

[

5C

92

\

5D

93

]

5E

94

^

5F

95

_

Binary

Pattern

7

1000001
1000010
1000011
1000100
1000101
1000110
1000111
1001000
1001001
1001010
1001011
1001100
1001101
1001110
1001111
1010000
1010001
1010010
1010011
1010100
1010101
1010110
1010111
1011000
1011001
1011010
1011011
1011100
1011101
1011110
1011111

1

‘ 96 60 1100000

97

a

98

b

99

c

100

d

101

e

102

f

103

g

104

h

105

i

106

j

107

k

108

l

109

m

110

n

111

o

112

p

113

q

114

r

115

s

116

t

117

u

118

v

119

w

120

x

121

y

122

z

123

{

124

|

125

}

126

~

127

61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F

Binary

Pattern

7

1100001
1100010
1100011
1100100
1100101
1100110
1100111
1101000
1101001
1101010
1101011
1101100
1101101
1101110
1101111
1110000
1110001
1110010
1110011
1110100
1110101
1110110
1110111
1111000
1111001
1111010
1111011
1111100
1111101
1111110
1111111

1

1–16 Introduction

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 the
“Commands” chapter.

• 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.

1–17Introduction

1–18 Introduction