SATO ct4i User Manual

Operator Manual

For printer models:

www.satoamerica.com

PN: 9001239(A)

CT4i Series

SATO America, Inc.

10350A Nations Ford Road

Charlotte, NC 28273

Main Phone: [phone]

Technical Support: [phone]

Technical Support Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

www.satoamerica.com

Copyright 2011 SATO America, Inc. All rights reserved

Caution

(1) Reproduction in any manner of all or part of this document is prohibited.

(2) The contents of this document may be changed without prior notice.

(3) Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document. However, if, for any reason, problems,
mistakes, or omissions are found, please contact your SATO reseller or technical support center.

FCC statement

The printer complies with the requirements in Part 15 of FCC Rules for a Class B Computing Device.
Operating the printer in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception.
If the interference is unacceptable, you can reposition the equipment, which may improve reception.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................1 - 1

About This Manual.................................................................................................... 1 - 2

General Description.................................................................................................. 1 - 3

TECHNICAL DATA................................................................................2 - 1

Interface Selection .................................................................................................... 2 - 6

RS232C High-Speed Serial Interface (25-Pin)................................................................... 2 - 6

IEEE1284 Parallel Interface ............................................................................................... 2 - 8

Universal Serial Bus (USB) ................................................................................................ 2 - 9

Local Area Network (LAN) Ethernet................................................................................... 2 - 9

802.11G Wireless............................................................................................................. 2 - 10

All Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 2 - 13

ACK/NAK Protocol ........................................................................................................... 2 - 13

Status5 Return ................................................................................................................. 2 - 13

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

Overview .................................................................................................................... 3 - 2

Unpacking & Parts Identification............................................................................. 3 - 5

Printer Installation .................................................................................................... 3 - 6

Site Location ...................................................................................................................... 3 - 6

Media Selection.................................................................................................................. 3 - 6

Media Loading: Rolled Paper............................................................................................. 3 - 6

Ribbon Loading .................................................................................................................. 3 - 7

Loading Fanfold Paper ............................................................................................. 3 - 8

Label Sensing............................................................................................................ 3 - 9

Operational Mode Selection................................................................................... 3 - 10

Continuous Mode ............................................................................................................. 3 - 10

Tear-off Mode................................................................................................................... 3 - 10

Cutter Mode ..................................................................................................................... 3 - 10

Dispense Mode ................................................................................................................ 3 - 10

Linerless Mode................................................................................................................. 3 - 10

PRINTER CONFIGURATION .................................................................4 - 1

Configuration Modes ................................................................................................ 4 - 2

4.1 Operating Panel ........................................................................................................... 4 - 2

4.2 The Rear Panel ............................................................................................................ 4 - 3

4.3 The Configuration Panel............................................................................................... 4 - 4

DIP Switch Settings............................................................................................................ 4 - 4

4.4 Operational Modes....................................................................................................... 4 - 7

4.9 Offsets........................................................................................................................ 4 - 14

4.10 Potentiometer Adjustments ...................................................................................... 4 - 15

4.12 Printing Test Labels.................................................................................................. 4 - 18

4.13 Printing Factory/Service Test Prints......................................................................... 4 - 19

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

CT4i Series Operator Manual Page 1

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................................ 5 - 2

Interface Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 5 - 6

Test Print Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 5 - 8

Hex Dump .......................................................................................................................... 5 - 8

Test Label Printing ............................................................................................................. 5 - 8

MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................6 - 1

Cleaning Procedures ................................................................................................ 6 - 2

Adjustment Procedures...................................................................................................... 6 - 3

Adjusting the Print Quality.................................................................................................. 6 - 3

Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers...................................................................... 6 - 4

Releasing/Replacing the Print Head .................................................................................. 6 - 6

Cleaning the Sensor........................................................................................................... 6 - 7

SATO group of Companies ...................................................................................... 7 - 1

SATO Group of Companies ............................................................................................... 7 - 2

Page 2 CT4i Series Operator Manual

Unit 1: Introduction

INTRODUCTION

• About This Manual

• General Description

• Control Features

CT4i Series Operator Manual 1-1

Unit 1: Introduction

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual is laid out consistent with the product discussed and provides all of the information required for printer
installation, configuration, operation, and light maintenance. Refer to this product’s Programming Reference
document for instructions on printer programming through a host system.

This manual also incorporates the use of special information boxes. Examples of these boxes and the type of
information provided in each, are below.

WARNING: PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT, IF UNHEEDED, MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT, IF UNHEEDED, MAY RESULT IN

EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

ATTENTION: Provides information that is deemed of special importance but will not
result in personal injury or product damage if unheeded.

NOTE: Provides helpful hints to assist in performing the tasks at hand.

LCD DISPLAY: Provides the specific display that should be visible on the LCD at that
point.

A comprehensive Table Of Contents provided at the front of this manual facilitates rapid movement within. The
contents identify the different Units, Chapters, and some Sections. Each references the page number of their
commencement.

The pages of this manual have embedded headers and footers to assist the user in identifying his or her exact
position within the manual. The header provides the unit number followed by its name. The footer identifies the
product on the left, the page number in the center, and the manual’s part number to the right side of the page.

Page enumeration is two-part with each separated by a hyphen. The first character set references the Unit and the
second identifies the page number within that unit. Page numbers begin with the numeral one (1) at the beginning
of a new unit and ascend sequentially.

CT4i Series Operator Manual 1-2

Unit 1: Introduction

Ribbon Take-up
spindle

Spring loaded holder
for ribbon mechanism

Support stand for lifting
ribbon mechanism
upward

Label Holder

Cover release

Top cover

Power switch

LED/DIP switches
and potentiometers

ONLINE button

FEED button

Power/Error LEDs

Platen Roller

Label Sensor

Label Holder

Label Holder release
knob

Print Head

Fanfold loading window

Front cover and
compartment for
optional cutter

Ribbon Supply
spindle

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The compact CT4xxi Series printers are designed for use in medium-volume labeling applications demanding a
low footprint, crisp print quality of up to 600dpi; hardware versatility, ease of use, and great reliability. Its
antibacterial chassis also positions it ideally for clinical environments. The printer’s main parts are described below.

Figure 1-1, Primary Parts (Direct Thermal model)

Figure 1-2, Primary Parts (Thermal Transfer model)

CT4i Series Operator Manual 1-3

Unit 1: Introduction

This page is left blank intentionally.

CT4i Series Operator Manual 1-4

Unit 2: Technical Data

TECHNICAL DATA

• Physical Characteristics

• Environmental Specs

• Power Supply

• Processing

• Printer Language

• Interface Modules

•Print

• Sensing

•Media

• Ribbon

• Regulatory Approvals

• Character Font Capabilities

• Barcode Capabilities

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-1

Unit 2: Technical Data

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Width 7.8 in. (198 mm)

Height

Depth

Weight

5.5 lbs (2.5 Kg) excluding AC adaptor

8.8 in. (225 mm)

7.1 in. (180 mm)

ENVIRONMENTAL (EXCLUDING MEDIA)

Operating Temperature/Humidity 5° to 35°C @ 30 to 80%RH

Storage Temperature/Humidity -5° to 60°C @ 30 ~ 90%RH, non-condensing (NA for media)

POWER SUPPLY

100-240 Volts AC +/- 10%, 50/60 Hertz

Input Voltage (AC)

Input Voltage (DC)

Power Consumption 90 Watts (when print ratio is 30%)

Rated Input voltage: 25 V DC

Rated current: 1.5 A

Rated voltage: 24.0 VDC - 25.25 VDC

Rated current: 2 A (Current peak: 13 A)

PROCESSING

CPU 32 Bit RISC

Flash ROM 4 Megabytes

SDRAM 16 MB

PRINTER LANGUAGE

Standard SATO Barcode Printer Language (SBPL) 4.3

INTERFACES

Factory-installed only Bluetooth

Standard configurations

Optional Interface Board
(user installable)

2) USB 2.0 with LAN (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Automatic Switching)

Either 1) USB 2.0 with RS-232C or

IEEE1284, 802.11g Wireless Wi-Fi

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-2

PRINT

Unit 2: Technical Data

Method

Maximum Speed (selectable)

Resolution

Maximum Print Width 4 in. (104 mm)

Maximum Print Length 15.75 in. (400 mm)

TT models: Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal (switchable)

DT models: Direct Thermal only

2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Inches Per Second (CT408i)

2, 3, 4 Inches Per Second (CT412i)

2, 3 Inches Per Second (CT424i)

CT408i: 203 Dots Per Inch (8 dpmm)
CT412i: 305 Dots Per Inch (12 dpmm)
CT424i: 609 Dots Per Inch (24 dpmm)

SENSING

Gap Sensitivity Adjustable

Reflective Eye-Mark Sensitivity Adjustable

Head Open Fixed

Media Out Fixed (always enabled)

Ribbon Out Fixed (always enabled)

MEDIA

Media Width: 1.0 in. - 4.5 in. (25-115 mm)

Width

Note: For Dispensing Mode, specifications may vary depending on the requirements

Length

Type

Configuration

Thickness 0.003 in.- 0.01 in. (0.08 - 0.19 mm)

Wind Direction Face Out

Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer depending on print model (DT or TT)

With backing paper: 1.0 - 4.0 in. (28 - 118 mm)

0.5 -16.0 in. (15 - 397 mm)

1.0 - 15.7 in. (18 - 400 mm with Backing Paper)

Roll stock / Fan-fold

Roll stock: Max. outer diameter: 4.3 in. (110 mm)

Wound face-out, Inner diameter of roll: 1.5 in. (40 mm)

Fanfold: Max. stack height: 3.9 in. (100 mm) (external supply)

RIBBON

Width 4.3 in. (111 mm)

Length 328.0 feet (100 M)

Wound Face Out

Core Diameter 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)

Roll Diameter 1.5 in. (39 mm)

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-3

Unit 2: Technical Data

REGULATORY

USA/Canada UL60950-1(2001), CSA C22.2 No.60950-1-03

China CCC (GB4943-2001)

EU CE, Nemko (EN60950-1)

Singapore SS337:2001

Korea MIC, EK (only AC-Adapter applicable)

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class B (USA/Canada)

GB9254-1998, GB17625.1-2003 (China)

Radiation Noise

WLAN/RFID/Bluetooth

Antibacterial Finish JISZ2801 (control panel and enclosure)

Environmental (RoHS)

R&TTE (EN300 328 V1.4: 2003-04, EN301 489 V1.4.1: 2002-08);

CE (EN55022, EN55024, EN61000-3-2/-3) (EU)

CISPR22, CISPR24 (reference standard, Singapore)

KN22, KN24 (Korea)

FCC15B / FCC15C (USA/Canada)

SRRC (China)

Wireless LAN/Bluetooth (2.45GHz)

HF Band: RFID (13.56MHz) (EU)

R&TTE (EN300-330)

IDATS (Singapore)

MIC (Korea)

Chromium: below 0.1%

Lead: below 0.1%

Mercury: below 0.1%

Cadmium: below 0.01%

Polybrominated Bipheny (PBB): below 0.1%

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE): below 0.1%

CHARACTER FONT CAPABILITIES

MATRIX FONTS

XU 5 dots W x 9 dots H (Helvetica)

XS 17 dots W x 17 dots H (Univers Condensed Bold)

XM 24 dots W x 24 dots H (Univers Condensed Bold)

CT408i: 15 dots W x 22 dots H

OA Font (OCR-A)

OB Font (OCR-B)

AUTO SMOOTHING FONTS

XB 48 dots W x 48 dots H (Univers Condensed Bold)

XL 48 dots W x 48 dots H (Sans Serif)

DOWNLOADABLE FONTS

Up to 1600 characters of 64 bit x 64 bit sized font can be downloaded to Flash Memory

Expansion up to 12 x in either the X or Y coordinates.

CT412i: 22 dots W x 33 dots H
CT424i: 44 dots W x 66 dots H

CT408i: 20 dots W x 24 dots H
CT412i: 30 dots W x 36 dots H

CT424i: 60 dots W × 72 dots H

Character Pitch Control

Line Space Control

Journal Print Facility

0, 90, 180, and 270-degree rotation

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-4

BARCODE CAPABILITIES

Unit 2: Technical Data

Linear Bar Codes

Two Dimensional

Ratios 1:2, 1:3, 2:5, User definable bar widths

Bar Height 4 to 999 dots, User programmable

Rotation 0, 90, 180, and 270 Degrees

UPC-A/E, EAN, CODABAR, CODE39, CODE93, CODE128, UCC/EAN128, Interleaved

2of5, Industrial 2of5, Matrix 2of5, MSI, BOOKLAND, POSTNET, EAN/UCC symbol

QR code (Ver8.1), PDF417 (Ver2.4), MAXI code (Ver3.0), Data Matrix (Ver1.3) *Only

ECC200 is supported

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-5

Unit 2: Technical Data

INTERFACE SELECTION

This unit presents the printer interface types and their specifications. These specifications include detailed
information to assist in the selection of the most appropriate method for the printer to interface with the host. The
five acceptable interface methods are:

• RS232C High-Speed Serial

• IEEE1284 Parallel

• Universal Serial Bus (USB)

• Bluetooth

• Local Area network (LAN) Ethernet

• 802.11g Wireless

Following the selection of the desired interface, proceed to the next unit for instructions on how to configure the
printer for that interface type.

WARNING: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT INTERFACE CABLES (OR USE
A SWITCH BOX) WITH POWER APPLIED TO EITHER THE HOST OR THE
PRINTER. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERFACE CIRCUITRY IN THE
PRINTER/HOST AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.

RS232C HIGH-SPEED SERIAL INTERFACE (25-PIN)

INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

Asynchronous ASCII Half-duplex communication

Bi-Directional Communication

Data Transmission Rate 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps

Transmission Form Start, b1, b2, b3, b4, b5, b6, b7, b8, Stop (b8 will be omitted if using 7 bit oriented)

Data Length 7 or 8 bit (selectable)

Stop Bit 1 or 2 bit (selectable)

Parity Bit ODD, EVEN, NONE (selectable)

Codes Used ASC II Character Codes: 7 bits, Graphics: 8 bits

Control Codes STX (02H), ETX (03H), ACK (06H), NAK (15H)

Connector (Printer Side) DB-25 Male (equivalent)

Cable Connector DB-25 Female (equivalent)

Cable Length 5 meters or less.

Signal Levels High = +5V to +12V, Low = -5V to -12V

Protocol Ready/Busy, X-On/X-Off, Protocol for Driver, Status2, Status3, Status4, Status5

Figure 3-5, Serial Connector Pin Assignments

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-6

Unit 2: Technical Data

I/O SIGNALS

PIN# SIGNAL I/O DESCRIPTION

1 FG - Framework Ground

2 SD Output Data transferred from Printer to Host

3 RD Input Data transferred from Host to Printer

4 RS Output Goes to the Low state when an error occurs in the printer

5 CS Input Maintained at the High state

6 DR Input Maintained at the High state

7 SG - Signal Ground

20 ER Output Goes to the High state when printer is ready to receive data

Goes Low when printer is OFFLINE or errors have occurred in the printer

LINE CONNECTION

1. DB25P 2. DB9P

PRINTER HOST PRINTER HOST

FG 1 1 FG FG 1

SD 2 3 RD SD 2 2 RD

RD 3 2 SD RD 3 3 SD

RS 4 5 CS RS 4 8 CS

CS 5 4 RS CS 5 7 RS

DR 6 20 ER DR 6 4 ER

SG 7 7 SG SG 7 5 SG

ER 20 6 DR ER 20 6 DR

3. DB25P 4. DB9P

PRINTER HOST PRINTER HOST

FG 1 1 FG FG 1

SD 2 3 RD SD 2 2 RD

RD 3 2 SD RD 3 3 SD

RS 5 20 ER RS 4 6 DR

CS 4 6 DR CS 5 4 ER

DR 6 4 RS DR 6 7 RS

SG 7 7 SG SG 7 5 SG

ER 20 5 CS ER 20 8 CS

Note: When executing Windows hardware control, 3. and 4. above work as the connection.

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-7

Unit 2: Technical Data

IEEE1284 PARALLEL INTERFACE

The parallel interface is a plug-in module that can be installed by the user and conforms to IEEE1284
specifications. It automatically detects the IEEE1284 signals and operates in the high speed mode. If the
IEEE1284 signals are not detected, it will operate in the slower standard Centronics mode. For this reason, an
interface cable and host interface conforming to the IEEE1284 specification must be present to fully utilize the
speed capabilities. This interface also operates bi-directionally and can report the status of the printer back to the
host.

SPECIFICATIONS

Printer Connector AMP 57-40360 DDK (or equivalent)

Cable Connector AMP 57-30360 DDK (or equivalent)

Cable 4.9 ft. (1.5 meter) or less

Signal Level High = +2.4V to +5.0V, Low = 0V to -0.4V

Data Stream <ESC>A . . Job#1 . . <ESC>Z<ESC>A . . Job#n . . <ESC>Z

Figure 3-6, Parallel Connector Pin Assignments

PIN ASSIGNMENTS

PIN SIGNAL DIRECTION PIN SIGNAL DIRECTION

1 Strobe To Printer 19 Strobe Return Reference

2 Data 1 To Printer 20 Data 1 Return Reference

3 Data 2 To Printer 21 Data 2 Return Reference

4 Data 3 To Printer 22 Data 3 Return Reference

5 Data 4 To Printer 23 Data 4 Return Reference

6 Data 5 To Printer 24 Data 5 Return Reference

7 Data 6 To Printer 25 Data 6 Return Reference

8 Data 7 To Printer 26 Data 7 Return Reference

9 Data 8 To Printer 27 Data 8 Return Reference

10 ACK To Host 28 ACK Return Reference

11 Busy To Host 29 Busy Return Reference

12 Ptr Error To Host 30 PE Return Reference

13 Select To Host 31 INIT From Host

14 AutoFD1 To Host 32 Fault To Host

15 Not Used 33 Not Used

16 Logic Gnd 34 Not Used

17 FG Frame Gnd 35 Not Used

18 +5V (z=24k ohm) To Host 36 SelectIn1 From Host

1 Signals required for IEEE 1284 mode.

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-8

Unit 2: Technical Data

UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB)

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is a Plug-In Interface Module that can be installed by the user. It requires
a driver (shipped with each printer that has the interface installed) that must be loaded onto the PC and configured
to support USB peripherals using Windows 2000 or above. Details for loading the USB driver are contained in the
USB Interface Manual that is shipped with each printer with a USB Optional interface installed. Up to 127 devices
may be connected to a USB port using powered hubs.

ATTENTION: This Interface Type Is Not Compatible With Windows 98 Or Windows
Me.

SPECIFICATIONS

Printer Connector USB Type B Plug

Cable 10 feet (3 m) maximum

Host Windows 2000 or above with USB Port

Power Supply BUS Power through cable

Power Consumption +5 V at 80 ma

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) ETHERNET

A Local Area Network (LAN) interface is an optional Plug-In Interface Module that can be installed by the user. It
requires a driver shipped with each printer that has the interface installed. The driver that must be loaded onto the
host computer and configured to run one of the supported network protocols using a 10Base-T or 100Base-TX
LAN connection. Details for loading the LAN driver are contained in the LAN Interface Manual that is shipped with
each printer with a LAN Optional interface installed.

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Corresponding Protocol TCP/IP

Network Layer ARP, RARP, IP, ICMP

Session Layer TCP, UDP

Application Layer LPD, FTP, TELNET, BOOTP, DHCP

NOTE: Print data can be sent by LPR and FTP of TCP/IP and dedicated socket protocol. Printer status is obtainable by
dedicated socket protocol.

NOTE: In the TCP/IP protocol environment, LPD and FTP are provided for printing; TELNET for variable setup; ARP, RARP,
and BOOTP/DHCP for address setup.

LPD protocol complies with RFC1179 and handles the list of logical printer name as queue name such as lp, sjis, euc. In
addition, a banner page can be printed by a proper setup.

When sending the job by LPR, the transmission order of data file/control file within the job will not affect print operation. In
addition, if the banner page is specified, it will be added to each data file. Job deletion by LPR is not available.

FTP protocol complies with RFC959 and handles the list of logical printer name as a transfer directory. File transfer to this
directory executes print operation. It is possible to specify ASCII(A), Binary(I) and TENEX(L8) as transfer mode - although the
mode difference is dependent on the client. A banner page may be printed with a proper setup.

TELNET Complies with RFC854. This operation consists of interactive menu form and enables change and reference of
internal setup, and to display status. To change the setup, enter “root” user and password at the time of login. Default of root
password is set as null (linefeed only).

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-9

Unit 2: Technical Data

SPECIFICATIONS

Connector RJ-45 Receptacle

Cable 10/100BaseT Category 5

Cable Length 328 ft. (100 meters) or less

Power Supply Powered from printer

Protocol Status3 return

Protocol for Driver (cyclic response mode)
Protocol for Driver (ENQ response mode)
Status5 return

IP Address 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Subnet Mask 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Gateway Address 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

802.11G WIRELESS

The wireless print server provides easy printer interface with 802.11g Wi-Fi compliant networks free of wired
connections. Each printer is shipped with an integrated driver and interface installed. The driver must be loaded
onto the host computer and configured to run one of the supported protocols.

SPECIFICATIONS

Variable Data Rates 54, 11, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps

Frequency Band 2.4 GHz ISM Band

Wired Equivalent Privacy 128 bit, 64 bit (compatible with 40bit), none (WPA)

Sensitivity (typ, AAWGN, 8E-2 PER): -91dBm at 1Mbps, -88dBm at 2 Mdps, -87dBm at 5.5Mbps, -

84dBm at 11Mbps.

Range 100m indoors, 300m outdoors (environmentally dependent)

Protocols TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, Direct Mode IPX/IP, DLC/LLC, NetBEUI, NetBIOS/IP

Protocol Status3 return

Protocol for Driver (cyclic response mode)
Protocol for Driver (ENQ response mode)
Status5 return

IP Address 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Subnet Mask 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Gateway Address 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255

Communication Mode 802.11 Ad hoc, Ad hoc, Infrastructure

SSID Optional alphanumeric character string (up to 32 characters)

Channels 01 to 11

LED INDICATOR STATUS

Network Port Off ---

Link LED (green)

Status LED (orange)

Front Panel

Network Port Off ---

Front Panel Blinking Receiving packet

Blinking Waiting for link

On Linked

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-10

Unit 2: Technical Data

LED INDICATOR STATUS

Wireless LED (green) Front Panel

Blinking Ad-hoc mode

On Infrastructure mode

WIRELESS LAN SIGNAL STRENGTH

Off 0 to 50% (weak)

Network Port Link LED

Blinking 50 to 75% (medium)

On 75 to 100% (strong)

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Corresponding Protocol TCP/IP

Network Layer ARP, RARP, IP, ICMP

Session Layer TCP, UDP

Application Layer LPD, FTP, TELNET, BOOTP, DHCP

NOTE: Print data can be sent by LPR and FTP of TCP/IP and dedicated socket protocol. Printer status is obtainable by
dedicated socket protocol.

NOTE: In the TCP/IP protocol environment, LPD and FTP are provided for printing; TELNET for variable setup; ARP, RARP,
and BOOTP/DHCP for address setup.

LPD protocol complies with RFC1179 and handles the list of logical printer name as queue name such as lp, sjis, euc. In
addition, a banner page can be printed by a proper setup.

When sending the job by LPR, the transmission order of data file/control file within the job will not affect print operation. In
addition, if the banner page is specified, it will be added to each data file. Job deletion by LPR is not available.

FTP protocol complies with RFC959 and handles the list of logical printer name as a transfer directory. File transfer to this
directory executes print operation. It is possible to specify ASCII(A), Binary(I) and TENEX(L8) as transfer mode - although the
mode difference is dependent on the client. A banner page may be printed with a proper setup.

TELNET Complies with RFC854. This operation consists of interactive menu form and enables change and reference of
internal setup, and to display status. To change the setup, enter “root” user and password at the time of login. Default of root
password is set as null (linefeed only).

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-11

Unit 2: Technical Data

Figure 3-7, Socket Connection Diagram

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-12

Unit 2: Technical Data

ALL INTERFACES

Receive Buffer

The data stream is received from the host to the printer one job at a time. This allows the software program to
maintain control of the job print queue so that it can move a high priority job in front of ones of lesser importance.
A multiple job buffer allows the printer to continuously receive print jobs while compiling and printing other jobs at
the same time. It acts much like a Print buffer to maximize the performance of the host and the printer.

The printer receives and prints one job at a time. If a print job exceeds the buffer size, transmission will be rejected
by the printer. Error conditions that occur during the Print Data transmission will cause the printer to return a NAK.

ACK/NAK Protocol

Bi-Directional ACK/NAK protocol is used for error control. In a normal transmission sequence when the
transmission is received, the printer will return an ACK (06H) signifying that it was received without a transmission
error. After the transmission command structure has been analyzed, a status byte is returned to the host. This
status byte informs the host of the validity of the command structure.
If the command structure is error free, the printer proceeds with the print operation. When the print operation is
completed, a Printer Status message is returned to the host. If an error was detected during the initial transmission
sequence, a NAK (15H) will be returned signalling to the host that the received transmission contained errors and
must be resent. If the returned Status byte indicates a command structure error, the error must then be corrected
before the print data is resent to the printer.
A valid transmission to the printer must be bounded by an STX/ETX pair, with the STX (02H) signifying the start of
the Print Data and ending with an ETX (03H) signifying the end.

Status5 Return

This communication protocol is designed for the purpose of monitoring and controlling print data status in the host
and featuring various functions.

INTERFACE SIGNALS

SIGNAL SIGNAL DEFINITION

FGN (Frame Ground)

SxD (Send Data) - Data from the printer to the host.

RxD (Receive Data) - Data from the host to the printer.

SGN (Signal Ground)

Note: Depending on the host used, the CS and RS (maintaining at high) may need to be looped on the host side. Refer to host computer
documentation for details.

CABLE REQUIREMENTS

DB9 HOST DIRECTION DB9 PRINTER

2 Send Data To Printer 2 Receive Data

3 Receive Data To Host 3 Send Data

5 Frame Ground Bi-Directional 5 Frame Ground

RECEIVE BUFFER CONTROL

Causes For Receive Buffer Near Full Occurs when the remaining free space of the buffer drops to 0.95MB of 2.95MB

capacity or when the remaining free space is available for storing 50 of 500 items in
the history buffer.

Release Of Receive Buffer Near Full Can be released when the remaining free space rises to 1.95MB or when the

remaining free space is available for storing 200 items in the history buffer.

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-13

NORMAL PROCESS

(Figure 3-8a)

CANCEL PROCESS

Unit 2: Technical Data

STATUS5 TIMING CHARTS

(Figure 3-8b)

ERROR PROCESS

(Figure 3-8c)

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-14

PRINT PROCESS

(Figure 3-8d)

COMMAND PROCESS

Unit 2: Technical Data

STATUS5 TIMING CHARTS

(Figure 3-8e)

BCC ERROR PROCESS

(Figure 3-8f)

CT4i Series Operator Manual 2-15