SATO CX User Manual

CX Series

Programming Manual

Issued April 2001

SATO Group of Companies

BARCODE SATO INTERNATIONAL PTE

438A Alexandra Road #05-01/ 02,

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

Valley Road, Harwich, Essex England

Co12 4RR, United Kingdom

Website: www.satouk.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO POLSKA SP Z O.O.

Ul Okolna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.sato-europe.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO SHANGHAI CO, LTD

11 Floor, D, Pudong South Road 1111,

Pudong New Area, Shanghai,

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO BAR CODE & LABELLING SDN BHD

Suite B-08-11&12, Block B Plaza Mont'

Kiara, No.2, Jalan Kiara Mont' Kiara,

50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

LT D

Alexandra Technopark,

Singapore 119967

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

SATO UK LTD

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Poland

Tel: [phone]

China 200120

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

SATO EUROPE NV

Leuvensesteenweg 369,

1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, Brussels, Belgium

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.sato-europe.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

Schaberweg 28, 61348
Bad Homburg, Germany
Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.sato-deutschland.de

Email: [e-mail]

SATO AMERICA INC.

10350 Nations Ford Road Suite A,

Charlotte, NC 28273

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.satoamerica.com

Email: [e-mail]

BAR CODE SATO ELECTRONICS (S) PTE

438A Alexandra Road #05-01/02,

Alexandra Technopark, Singapore 119967

Website: www.barcodesato.com

www.satosingapore.com

Email: [e-mail]

BARCODE SATO (THAILAND) CO. LTD

370/8 Supattra Building, 5th Floor, Rama9

Road, Bangkapi, Huay Kwang

Bangkok 10320, Thailand

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

LT D

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

SATO CX Series Printer

Warning

It is essential that the safety and operating procedures contained within
this manual be brought to the attention of, and are used by, all personnel
likely to operate this printer/product.

This printer/product must only be used for the purpose for which it was
designed.

In the case of fire, water must not be used on the product to extinguish the
fire, and the appropriate type of fire extinguisher should be readily available.

No modifications, either mechanical or electrical, should be made to this
printer/product or accessory without the written consent of SATO Europe
GmbH. Any modifications made without this consent may invalidate guarantee
claims.

Other manuals relating to this printer include additional information relating to
other aspects of the safe operation of the printer, and are available from your
SATO supplier.

All consumable waste, such as the label backing paper and used carbon rib­bon must be disposed of carefully, and in a manner that will cause the mini­mum of environmental pollution.

Should you have any doubts regarding the setting, operating or any safety
aspects of this printer/product, please contact your SATO supplier.

SATO Europe GmbH makes no guarantee that all the features described in this
manual are available in all models, and, due to SATO’s policy of continuous
development and improvement, specifications are liable to change, without
notice.

Consumables

Always use SATO carbon ribbons or equivalent. The use of incorrect materials
may cause malfunctions of the printer and void the warranty.

Conventions

Text that appears bold italic and all in capitals such as LABEL refers to a key
or an LED on the operation panel.

Text that appears enclosed in brackets such as <ESC> refers to an Escape
sequence of a data string.

Text that appears bold italic such as On-Line refers to a function or to a result.
Text that appears in bold such as VR1 refers to electrical components like

pins, resistors connectors and so on.

SATO CX Series Printer

Warranty and Copyright

SATO Europe GmbH makes no guarantee of any kind with regard to this mate­rial, including, but not limited to, the implied guaranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.

SATO Europe GmbH shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for any
incidental consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, perfor­mance, or use of this material.

This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copy­right.

All rights are reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in any

form whatsoever without the express permission of SATO Europe GmbH.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© Copyright 2001 SATO Europe GmbH

SATO CX Series Printer

Contents

Contents

ContentsContents

CX SERIES PROGRAMMING GUIDE ...................................1

INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 1

THE SATO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE ........................... 1

SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES ...................... 2

USING BASIC ................................................................... 2

Printing with the Parallel Port ............................................3

Printing with the RS232 Port .............................................4

ROTATED FIELDS .............................................................. 5

COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS ...................................... 5

PRINTER CONFIGURATION .............................................. 6

COMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCE ............................... 7

Bar Codes ........................................................................ 8

Bar Codes, Expansion ....................................................... 13

Bar Codes, Variable Ratio ................................................. 15

Base Reference Point ........................................................ 17

Characters, Custom-Designed ..........................................19

Character Expansion ........................................................ 21

Character, Fixed Spacing .................................................. 23

Character Pitch ................................................................. 24

Character, Proportional Spacing .......................................26

Clear Print Job(s) & Memory ............................................. 27

Continuous Forms Printing ............................................... 28

Copy Image Area ............................................................. 29

Cutter Command .............................................................31

Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM .................................33

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL ..................................................... 35

Form Feed .......................................................................37

Form Overlay, Recall ........................................................ 38

Form Overlay, Store ......................................................... 40

Graphics, Custom ............................................................. 41

Graphics, PCX .................................................................. 43

Journal Print ..................................................................... 45

Label Size & Start Position ................................................47

Lines and Boxes ................................................................ 48

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SATO CX Series Printer

Line Feed ......................................................................... 50

Off-Line/Pause ................................................................. 52

Postnet ............................................................................. 53

Print Darkness .................................................................. 54

Print Length, Expanded ..................................................... 55

Print Position .................................................................... 57

Print Quantity ................................................................... 59

Print Speed ...................................................................... 60

Repeat Label .................................................................... 61

Replace Data (Partial Edit) ................................................ 62

Reverse Image ................................................................. 64

Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point .................................... 66

Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point ................................ 68

Sequential Numbering ..................................................... 70

Start/Stop Label ............................................................... 73

Expanded Memory Option Commands .............................. 74

Expanded Memory Function

Fonts, TrueType Recall ...................................................... 75

Expanded Memory Function

Fonts, TrueType Store ....................................................... 77

Expanded Memory Function

Graphics, Custom Recall ................................................... 78

Expanded Memory Function

Graphics, Custom Store .................................................... 80

Expanded Memory Function

Graphics, PCX Recall ........................................................ 82

Expanded Memory Function

Graphics, PCX Store ......................................................... 83

Expanded Memory Function

Initialise ........................................................................... 85

Expanded Memory Function

Area Select ...................................................................... 86

Expanded Memory Function

Status .............................................................................. 87

Two-Dimensional Symbols ................................................ 88

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SATO CX Series Printer

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Maxicode ......................................................................... 89

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

PDF417 ............................................................................ 91

CONFIGURATION COMMANDS ....................................... 94

Calibrate Sensor .............................................................. 95

Auto Calibration ............................................................... 96

Custom Protocol Command Codes

Download ........................................................................ 97

Label Tear-Off .................................................................. 99

Print Darkness Fine Adjustment ........................................ 100

Print Test Label ................................................................. 102

Set Print Mode ..................................................................103

Set RS232 Parameters ...................................................... 104

Set Sensor Type ................................................................ 105

Back Feed Enable ............................................................. 106

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SATO CX Series Printer

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SATO CX Series Printer

CX SERIES PROGRAMMING GUIDE

CX SERIES PROGRAMMING GUIDE

CX SERIES PROGRAMMING GUIDECX SERIES PROGRAMMING GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

This section presents the commands that are used with the SATO CX printers
to produce labels with logos, bar codes and alphanumeric data.

The following information is presented in this section:

❒ The SATO Programming Language
❒ Selecting Protocol Control Codes
❒ Using Basic
❒ The Print Area
❒ Printer Configuration
❒ Command Codes

THE SATO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

THE SATO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

THE SATO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGETHE SATO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

A programming language for a printer is a familiar concept to most program­mers. It is a group of commands that are designed to use the internal intelli­gence of the printer. The commands, which are referred to as SATO
Command Codes, contain non-printable ASCII characters (such as <STX>,
<ETX>, <ESC>) and printable characters. These commands must be assem­bled into an organized block of code to be sent as one data stream to the
printer, which in turn interprets the command codes and generates the desi­red label output. The programmer is free to use any programming language
available to send the desired data to the printer.

The command codes used are based upon “Escape” (1B hexadecimal)
sequences. Typically there are four types of command sequences:

<ESC>{Command}

These commands generally tell the printer to perform a specific action, like
“clear the memory.”

<ESC>{Command} {Data}

Commands with this format tell the printer to perform a specific action which
is dependent upon the following data, like “print X labels”, where the value
for X is contained in the data.

<ESC>{Command} {Parameter}

These commands set the operational parameters of the printer, like “set the
print speed to 3.”

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SATO CX Series Printer

<ESC> {Command} {Parameter} {Data}

Some commands can contain both Parameter and Data elements, such as
“print a Code 39 symbol containing the data.”

SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES

SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES

SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODESSELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES

Protocol codes are the special control characters that prepare the printer to
receive instructions. For example, the <ESC> character tells the printer that
a command code will follow.

The Protocol Control Code set is made up of six special characters. The Stan­dard Protocol Control codes are non-printable characters. They can be chan­ged to printable characters using the Protocol Control code down-load
command. This may be useful on host computers using protocol converters or
in an application where non-printable ASCII characters cannot be sent from
the host. This manual uses the Standard Protocol Control codes for all of the
examples.

The Protocol Control codes must be down-loaded from the host using the
<ESC>LD command (See page 97). Once they are down-loaded, the printer
will not respond to standard protocol codes. The current protocol codes active
in a printer can be determined by printing a Test Label (see CX Series User’s
Guide).

Control

Control

Control Control

Character

Character

CharacterCharacter

STX 02 Start of Data

ETX 03 End of Data

ESC 1B Command Code to follow

ENQ 05 Not used on CX Series

CAN 18 Not used on CX Series

Off-Line 40 Take printer off-line

USING BASIC

USING BASIC

USING BASICUSING BASIC

It may be useful to test your printer using a BASIC program on a PC. You may
also write your actual production programs in BASIC. Whatever the reason,
if you will be working in BASIC, some of the following hints may help you get
started:

HEX Value

HEX Value Description

HEX ValueHEX Value

Description

DescriptionDescription

2

SATO CX Series Printer

1. Set the WIDTH of the output device to 255 characters to avoid au­tomatically sending <CR> and <LF> characters after every line.
The command string should be continuous and uninterrupted by
<CR> and/or <LF> commands. The examples given in this ma­nual are printed on separate lines because they will not fit on
one line and do not contain any <CR> and/or <LF> characters.
If these characters are needed, they are explicitly noted by the
inclusion of <CR> and <LF> notations.

2. If you are using the printer’s RS232 interface, it is necessary to set
the COM port on the PC such that the CTS and DSR signals will
be ignored. Send your OPEN “COM” statement in the following
way:

OPEN “COM1:9600,E,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1

This sets the RS232 communication parameters of the host PC’s COM1 port
for 9600 baud, Even parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and directing the port to
ignore the CTS and DSR control signals.

3. You may want to minimize keystrokes and program size by assi­gning the <ESC> character to a string variable since this charac­ter is used quite often.

The following two examples in BASIC show a typical example using these
hints. Both of these examples use the Standard Protocol codes.

Printing with the Parallel Port

Printing with the Parallel Port

Printing with the Parallel PortPrinting with the Parallel Port

5 REM Parallel Example Identifies the program as a

parallel port print label. The
“REM” prevents this data from
being sent to the printer and
displays it only on the screen.

10 E$=CHR$(27) Sets the “E$” string as an

<ESC> character

20 WIDTH “LPT1:”,255 Sets the width of the output to

255 characters

30 LPRINT E$;"A"; Sends an “<ESC>A” com-

mand code to the LPT1 paral­lel port

40 LPRINT E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"WL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be

to be placed 400 dots horizon­tally and 100 dots vertically on
the label and printed in the
“WL” font.

3

SATO CX Series Printer

50 LPRINT E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print

one label.

60 LPRINT E$; “Z”; Tells the printer that the last

command has been sent. The
printer can now create and
print the job.

Printing with the RS232 Port

Printing with the RS232 Port

Printing with the RS232 PortPrinting with the RS232 Port

5 REM RS232 Example Identifies the program as a

RS232 port print label. The
“REM” prevents this data from
being sent to the printer and
displays it only on the screen.

10 E$=CHR$(27) Sets the “E$” string as an

<ESC> character.

20 OPEN “COM1:9600,N,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1 Opens the COM1 port for out-

put and sets the parameters as
9600 baud, No parity, 8 Data
bits, 1 Stop bit and instructs
the port to ignore the CTS and
DSR control signals.

30 PRINT #1,CHR$ (2); Sends an <STX> (ASCII Code

a decimal “2”) to the printer
instructing it to prepare to
receive a message.

40 PRINT #1,E$;"A"; Sends an “<ESC>A” com-

mand code to Print Port #1
opened by statement 20
above.

50 PRINT #1, E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"WL0SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be

to be placed 400 dots horizon­tally and 100 dots vertically on
the label and printed in the
“WL” font.

60 PRINT #1, E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print a

quantity of one label.

70 PRINT #1, E$; “Z”; Tells the printer that the last

command has been sent. The
printer can now create and
print the job.

80 PRINT #1,CHR$ (3); Sends an <ETX> (ASCII Code

decimal “3”) to the printer tel­ling it that this is the end of the
message.

4

SATO CX Series Printer

ROTATED FIELDS

ROTATED FIELDS

ROTATED FIELDSROTATED FIELDS

The printers can rotate each print field in 90° increments using the Rotate
command. There are two variations of this command.

•<ESC>% - The field rotates, but the base reference point for the field
remains the same.

•<ESC>R - The field and the base reference point rotate.

The following data stream will rotate the print field but will not change the
base reference point of the field:

<ESC>A<ESC>%1<ESC>V800<ESC>H200<ESC>L0202<ESC>WB1E
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z<P255>

The following data stream will rotate both the field and the base reference
point for that field:

<ESC>A<D><ESC>R<D><ESC>V0200<ESC>H0100<ESC>L0202<E
SC>P02<ESC>WB1E<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z<P255>

COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS

COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS

COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGSCOMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS

There are some types of commands that must have a value specified before
a label can be printed. If the data stream does not contain these commands,
a “default” value is assumed. The commands and the corresponding default
values are:

Command

Command Default

CommandCommand

Print Rotation

Default Note

DefaultDefault

0°

Note

NoteNote

(1)

5

SATO CX Series Printer

Command

Command Default

CommandCommand

Vertical Reference Point 0 (1)

Horizontal Reference Point 0 (1)

Character Pitch 2 (1)

Base Reference Point H=0, V=0 (2)

Character Expansion 1 (1)

Print Darkness 3 (1)

Print Speed 75 mm/second (2)

NOTES:
(1) The settings for these commands will revert to the default value when the

printer receives an <ESC>Z or an <ESC>*.

(2) These values transmitted with these commands will remain in effect until

a new command is received.

PRINTER CONFIGURATION

PRINTER CONFIGURATION

PRINTER CONFIGURATIONPRINTER CONFIGURATION

The CX Series printers are different from other SATO models in that they do
not use DIP switches for printer configuration. Instead, all printer configura­tion is done via software commands. The parameters that can be configured
are:

❒ Sensor Calibration
❒ Protocol Codes
❒ Print Darkness Range
❒ Sensor Type
❒ RS232 Parameters
❒ Label Tear-Off Position
❒ Back-feed Enable/Disable

Because there are no DIP switches to indicate the current printer settings, a
Test Label can be printed that lists the active settings in the printer. This Test
Label lists all of the information a user needs to ascertain the printer configu­ration. Test Labels can be printed out by sending a command via software
(See page 102) or by using the FEED and On-LINE/Off-Line Indicator buttons
on the control panel (see the CX Series User’s Guide).

Default Note

DefaultDefault

Note

NoteNote

6

SATO CX Series Printer

COMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCE

COMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCE

COMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCECOMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCE

This section contains all the printer Command Codes. The commands must
be sent to the printer in an organized fashion in order for the label(s) to print.

The purpose of this section is to:

Explain the different commands and provide examples of their
usage.

To provide a detailed reference for programming.

Each command begins on a separate page with its own heading. A uniform
layout is used to help you find key information about each command. For
each Command Code in this section, there will be a sample data input stream
to the printer and the expected print output. By studying the examples, you
can learn how to use the particular command within a whole block of printer
code. Pay particular attention to the “Special Notes” with each command to
learn other important information.

The subject commands are highlighted in bold letters in the Reference Sheets.
There are two parts of most, but not all, commands. The first is the command
character which immediately follows the <ESC> code. It is always an upper
case alpha or a special character (such as an “&” or a “%”). It is never a lower
case alpha character. If the command requires additional variable informa­tion, it is represented by a group of lower case alpha characters immediately
following the command character. For example, if an aaaabb is listed follo­wing the basic command, the printer will look for six characters immediately
following the command. The first four would represent the value of aaaa and
the next two the value of bb.

The maximum number of characters defined in a parameter is represented by
the number of characters shown in the command structure. For example, a
command followed by an aaaa can have up to four characters. In general,
commands with only one parameter following the command can be entered
without the leading zeroes. In the above example, you could enter either
“809” or “0809”. However, certain commands require the exact number of
matching characters. A command with two parameters listed following the
command code, such as aaaabbbb require the exact number of digits to be
entered. If the value of aaaa is “800” and the value of bbbb is “300”, then
the parameters must be entered as “08000300”. It is recommended that you
make it a practice to always enter leading zeros to prevent any mistakes.

7

SATO CX Series Printer

Command Structure

1:3 narrow/wide bar ratio: <ESC>Babbcccd
2:5 narrow/wide ratio: <ESC>BDabbcccd
1:2 narrow/wide bar ratio: <ESC>Dabbcccd

a=Bar Code Symbol

bb = Number of dots (01-12) for narrow bar and

ccc = Bar height in dots (001-600)
d = UCC 128 only. Not used for other bar code ty-

Example: <ESC>BD103200
Placement: Immediately preceding data to be encoded
Default: None

Bar Codes

Bar Codes

Bar CodesBar Codes

0 Codabar
1Code 39
2 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5)
3 UPC-A / EAN-13
4EAN-8
AMSI
CCode 93
EUPC-E
F Bookland
G Code 128
I UCC 128

narrow space

pes
0 No human readable text
1 Human readable at top
2 Human readable at bottom

Command Function

To print bar code images on a label. With this command, the­re are 13 standard bar code symbologies available to be
printed and three two dimensional symbols (Two Dimensio­nal bar code symbols (See page 88)).

8

SATO CX Series Printer

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0025<ESC>B103100*CODE 39*
<ESC>H0155<ESC>V0130<ESC>XS*CODE 39*
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0200<ESC>BD20210045676567
<ESC>H0075<ESC>V0310<ESC>XM45676567
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0375<ESC>BD30215001234567890
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0950<ESC>BA03100123455
<ESC>H0095<ESC>V1060<ESC>XS12345
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V1125<ESC>BC03100081234ABCD
<ESC>H0080<ESC>V1240<ESC>XS1234ABCD
<ESC>H0525<ESC>V0025<ESC>B002100A12345B
<ESC>H0565<ESC>V0135<ESC>XS12345
<ESC>H0475<ESC>V0200<ESC>BD303100123456789012
<ESC>H0525<ESC>V0375<ESC>BD4031001234567
<ESC>H0525<ESC>V0550<ESC>DE03100123456
<ESC>H0500<ESC>V0600<ESC>OB0
<ESC>H0533<ESC>V0655<ESC>OB123456
<ESC>H0350<ESC>V0725<ESC>D30315009827721123
<ESC>L0101<ESC>H0320<ESC>V0800<ESC>OB0
<ESC>H0365<ESC>V0878<ESC>OB98277
<ESC>H0505<ESC>V0878<ESC>OB21123
<ESC>H0665<ESC>V0760<ESC>BF0313021826
<ESC>H0680<ESC>V0730<ESC>OB21826
<ESC>H0425<ESC>V1125<ESC>D30315000633895260
<ESC>L0101<ESC>H0395<ESC>V1200<ESC>OB0
<ESC>H0440<ESC>V1278<ESC>OB06338
<ESC>H0580<ESC>V1278<ESC>OB95260
<ESC>H0730<ESC>V1155<ESC>BF0314024
<ESC>H0745<ESC>V1125<ESC>OB24
<ESC>H0325<ESC>V0950<ESC>BG03100>GAB>B789>C12
3456
<ESC>H0435<ESC>V1055<ESC>XSAB789123456
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Note: Carriage Returns and Line Feeds have been added to the

command listing for clarity and should not be included in
the actual data stream.

9

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

10

UCC-128 Without Incrementing

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>BI071501012345670000

00001

<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

With Incrementing

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>F001+001
<ESC>BI07150101234567000000001
<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

11

SATO CX Series Printer

Special Notes

1. UPC and EAN bar codes are not affected by the different
types of narrow to wide ratios. Instead, the <ESC>D
command adds descender bars to these codes where
needed to meet UPC specifications. The <ESC>BD com­mand puts descender bars and human readable text
below the symbol.

2. The Code 128, UCC 128, MSI, and Code 93 bar codes
are not affected by the narrow to wide ratios.

3. The Codabar and Code 39 bar codes are affected by the
Character Pitch command. This command must be pla­ced before the Bar Code command.

4. Because of their unique characteristics, two-dimensional
symbols are covered separately(See page 88).

5. For UCC128, the FNC1 code is automatically inserted
and the Mod 10 and Mod 103 check digits are automati­cally calculated.

6. For the MSI bar code, the check digit is not automatically
calculated.

7. To select UPC-A, 11 digits of data is sent. The printer
adds a “0” and automatically generates the check digit.
If 12 digits of data are sent, the printer assumes an EAN­13 symbol and automatically generates the check digit.
The last digit of the bar code data is a modulo 10 check
digit. If 13 digits of data are sent to the printer, the check
digit is not created and must be supplied by the pro­grammer. It must be the last character of the 13 digit
string.

12

Bar Codes, Expansion

Bar Codes, Expansion

Bar Codes, ExpansionBar Codes, Expansion

Command Structure

<ESC>BWaabbb
aa = Expansion factor by which the width of all bars

bbb = Bar height by dot (004-600 dots)
Example: <ESC>BW02100
Placement: Immediately follows the <ESC>BT command

Default: None

Command Function

This command works together with the <ESC>BT command
to specify an expansion factor and the bar code height for the
particular symbol being printed.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A<ESC>H0050
<ESC>V0050<ESC>BT101030103
<ESC>BW04100*1234*
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

and spaces will be increased (01-12)

and precedes data to be encoded.

Printer Output:

13

SATO CX Series Printer

Special Notes

1. This command must be preceded by the Variable Ratio
Bar Codes <ESC>BT command(See page 15)).

2. The following bar codes will be affected by the Character
Pitch command:
Codabar, Code 39 and Interleaved 2 of 5.

14

Bar Codes, Variable Ratio

Bar Codes, Variable Ratio

Bar Codes, Variable RatioBar Codes, Variable Ratio

Command Structure

<ESC>BTabbccddee
a=Bar Code Symbol:

bb = Narrow space in dots (01-99)
cc = Wide space in dots (01-99)
dd = Narrow bar in dots (01-99)
ee = Wide bar in dots (01-99)
Example: <ESC>BT101030103
Placement: Following print position commands and prece-

Default: Current setting

Command Function

To print a bar code with a ratio other than those specified
through the standard bar code commands (B,BD, and D). This
is done through individual control of each of the bar code
elements (bars, spaces) as shown above. Remember that this
command only applies to the three bar code types shown.

SATO CX Series Printer

0 Codabar
1Code 39
2 Interleaved 2 of 5

ding the <ESC>BW command.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050
<ESC>V0050
<ESC>BT101030103
<ESC>BW03100*1234*
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

15

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. This command must be immediately followed by the
<ESC>BW Bar Code Expansion command (See page

13).

2. You may use only one variable ratio bar code per label.

3. If the data specified in this command is incorrect, the
command is ignored and the ratio used will be based on
the previous setting.

16

Base Reference Point

Base Reference Point

Base Reference PointBase Reference Point

Command Structure

<ESC>A3H-aaaaVbbbb

- = This character is optional. When present, it

aaaa = Horizontal Print Offset (-0832 to +0832)
bbbb = Vertical Print Offset (0001 to 1424)
Example: <ESC>A3H100V0050
Placement: Preceding all images that are based on the

Default: Current V and H offset setting in the printer

Command Function

To establish a new base reference point for the current label.
The base reference point is the top left corner or “origin” from
where all print position commands are based.

This command may be very helpful when using labels less
than four inches wide to place images on the printable label
surface. It may also be used to move images past pre-printed
fields on a label.

SATO CX Series Printer

specifies that the horizontal offset is in the ne­gative direction. If it is left out the offset direc­tion is positive.

new base reference point.

configuration

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>L0202
<ESC>H0025
<ESC>V0025
<ESC>WB0MNORMAL REFERENCE POINT
<ESC>A3H0300V0075
<ESC>H0100
<ESC>V0050
<ESC>WB0MNEW REFERENCE POINT
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

17

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. Use of this command will set the Vertical/Horizontal Off­set setting of the printer configuration until a new Base
Reference Point command is issued.

2. This command may be used more than once in a print
job.

3. An alternative to using this command is to make chan­ges to your current Horizontal and Vertical Print Position
commands (See page 57).

Example:
Let’s say the current base reference point is H=1, V=1 and

you wish to move all the fields on your label downward ver­tically by 150 dots. You could either (1) add the Base Refe­rence Point command or (2) change all the vertical position
commands by an additional 150 dots.

4. For a more detailed example of the Base Reference Point
command, see “Print Area” in this section(See page 5).

5. The CX Series printers will not “wrap” (i.e. if any part of a
character or image extends beyond the last print dot
position, it will disappear and not be visible on any part
of the label).

18

Characters, Custom-Designed

Characters, Custom-Designed

Characters, Custom-DesignedCharacters, Custom-Designed

Command Structure

Store Command:<ESC>Tabcc
Recall Command:<ESC>Kab90cc
a = 1 16x16 matrix

b = Specifies the character encoding method for

cc = Memory location to store/recall the character.

Example: <ESC>T1H3F

Placement: The Store command is typically sent in its own

Default: None

SATO CX Series Printer

2 24x24 matrix

the data stream
H Hexadecimal characters
B Binary characters

Valid memory locations are 21 to 52 (counting
in Hex or “!” to “R” in Binary

<ESC>K1H903F

data stream to the printer, between the Start/
Stop commands. The Recall command is sent
in a secondary data stream to print the charac­ter, and follows any necessary position or size
commands.

Command Function

To allow for the creation, storage, and printing of custom
characters, such as special fonts or logos. Up to 50 individual
characters may be stored in the custom character volatile me­mory.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>T1H3F0100038007C00FE01FF03FF87FFCFFFE07C
007C007C007C007C007C007C007C0
<ESC>Z

<ESC>A
<ESC>H150

19

SATO CX Series Printer

<ESC>V100
<ESC>L0505
<ESC>K1H903F
<ESC>H350
<ESC>V100
<ESC>L1010
<E SC>K1H903F
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

20

1. When printing the custom character using the <ESC>K
Recall command, the character is affected by the follo­wing commands:

Character Expansion, (See page 21)
Character Pitch, (See page 24)
Line Feed, (See page 50)
Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point, (See page 66))
Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point, (See page 68)

2. The characters are stored in volatile memory and must
be reloaded if the printer power is lost.

3. Do not use ASCII <CR> or <LF> characters within the
graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as
specified.

Character Expansion

Character Expansion

Character ExpansionCharacter Expansion

Command Structure

<ESC>Laabb
aa = Multiple to expand horizontally (01- 04)
bb = Multiple to expand vertically (01- 04)
Example: <ESC>L0304
Placement: Preceding the data to be expanded
Default: <ESC>L0101

Command Function

To expand characters independently in both the horizontal
and vertical directions. The command allows you to enlarge
the base size of each font up to 4 times in either direction. Ex­panded characters are typically used for added emphasis or
for long distance readability.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>L0402<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0300<ESC>L0204<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

21

SATO CX Series Printer

Special Notes

1. This command will expand the following fonts:

2. Fonts U, S, M, XU, XS, XM, OA & OB (See page 33), and
fonts WB, WL, XB and XL, (See page 35).

3. This command will also affect the following commands:
Character Pitch, (See page 24).
Characters, Custom-Designed, (See page 19).

4. The Character Expansion value is in effect for the current
print job until a new expansion command is specified.

5. The Line and Box command, if used within the data
stream, may return all subsequent text to the default
expansion of 1 x 1. Therefore, either send the Character
Expansion command before all printed data, or send
Line and Box commands last, preceding the <ESC>Q
Quantity command.

22

Character, Fixed Spacing

Character, Fixed Spacing

Character, Fixed SpacingCharacter, Fixed Spacing

Command Structure

<ESC>PR
Example: See Above
Placement: Preceding the data
Default: The default is Proportional Spacing.

Command Function

To reset proportional spacing and place the printer back to fi­xed spacing.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0050<ESC>PS
<ESC>L0404<ESC>XMPROPORTIONAL SPACING
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0180<ESC>PR
<ESC>L0404<ESC>XMFIXED SPACING
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. This command only works with the proportionally spaced
fonts XU, XM, XS, XL and XB.

23

SATO CX Series Printer

Character Pitch

Character Pitch

Character PitchCharacter Pitch

Command Structure

<ESC>Paa
aa = Number of dots between characters (00-99)
Example: <ESC>P03
Placement: Preceding the text to be printed
Default: <ESC>P02

Command Function

To designate the amount of spacing (in dots) between cha­racters. This command provides a means of altering charac­ter spacing for label constraints or to enhance readability.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>A<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0025<ESC>L0202<ESC>XB1S
ATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0125<ESC>L0202<ESC>P20<ESC>XB
1SATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0225<ESC>L0202<ESC>P40<ESC>XB
1SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

24

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. This command is affected by the <ESC>L Character
Expansion command, (See page 21). The character pitch
is actually the product of the current horizontal expan­sion multiple and the designated pitch value.

2. Example:<ESC>L0304<ESC>P03
Pitch = (03) x (03) = 9 dots

3. To avoid confusion, you may want to include the
<ESC>L Character Expansion command and this com­mand together in your program.

4. This command affects fonts U, S, M, XU, XS, XM, OA &
OB, (See page 33), and fonts WB, WL, XB and XL, (See
page 35).

5. Character Pitch will always revert to the default value
unless it is specified before each new font command in
the data stream.

6. This command also affects Codabar and Code 39 bar
codes.

25

SATO CX Series Printer

Character, Proportional Spacing

Character, Proportional Spacing

Character, Proportional SpacingCharacter, Proportional Spacing

Command Structure

<ESC>PS Set to proportional spacing
<ESC>PR Reset to fixed spacing
Example: See above
Placement: Preceding the data to be proportional spaced
Default: <ESC>PS

Command Function

To specify the printing of proportional or fixed spacing for
proportionally spaced fonts.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0050<ESC>PS
<ESC>L0202
<ESC>XMPROPORTIONAL SPACING
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0130<ESC>PR
<ESC>L0202<ESC>XMFIXED SPACING
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

26

1. Once this command is sent in the data stream, it is in
effect until the end of the print job unless a reset com­mand is sent.

Clear Print Job(s) & Memory

Clear Print Job(s) & Memory

Clear Print Job(s) & MemoryClear Print Job(s) & Memory

Command Structure

<ESC>*a
a = Specifies the internal memory section to be

Example: <ESC>*

Placement: This command should be sent to the printer as

Default: None

Command Function

To clear individual memory or buffer areas of the printer.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>*
<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

cleared.
T To clear the custom character memory
& To clear the form overlay memory
X To clear all internal memory

<ESC>*&

an independent data stream.

Printer Output:

Special Note

There is no printer output as a result of this command. The
current print job in the buffer will be terminated and all other
print jobs in the buffer cleared.

1. It is not necessary to clear the printer’s memory between
each print job.

2. When the “a” parameter is used, the section of memory
specified will not be cleared until the label is printed.

3. When the “a” parameter is not included, all sections of
memory will be cleared the same as for the <ESC>*X
command.

27

SATO CX Series Printer

Continuous Forms Printing

Continuous Forms Printing

Continuous Forms PrintingContinuous Forms Printing

Command Structure

None
The printer locates the end of an adhesive label by sensing

the backing between labels or through the use of an Eye­Mark (black rectangle on the reverse side of the backing). It
locates the end of a tag from a notch, eye-mark, or a hole
between tags. Both sensors should be disabled when printing
continuous forms by sending the <ESC>CI0 command to
disable the sensor, (See page 105).

If you will be using continuous labels or tags, the printer must
be told to stop feeding in another manner. The length is de­termined by the position of the last printed image on the label
or tag. The printer will stop feeding when this last field is fi­nished printing. The length may be increased with printed
spaces (20 hexadecimal) if necessary. There is no command
code to control label length.

28

Command Structure

<ESC>WDHaaaaVbbbbXccccYdddd
aaaa = Horizontal position of the top left corner of the

bbbb = Vertical position of the top left corner of the

cccc = Horizontal length of the image area to be co-

dddd = Vertical length of the image area to be copied

Example: <ESC>WDH0100V0050X0600Y0400
Placement: Anywhere within the data stream, after spe-

Default: None

Command Function

To copy an image from one location to another on the same
label. This may be useful for duplicating individual fields or
entire sections of the label with only one command.

SATO CX Series Printer

Copy Image Area

Copy Image Area

Copy Image AreaCopy Image Area

area to be copied 0001 to 832

area to be copied 0001 to 1424

pied0001 to 0832

0001 to 1424

cifying the location of the duplicate image.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0050<ESC>E010<ESC>XMSATOSATO­SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATO­SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOS
ATOSATOSATOSATO
<ESC>H0180<ESC>V0250<ESC>WDH0130V0050X0400Y02

00

<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

29

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. Use the Print Position commands (V and H) to locate the
new area for the duplicate image, (See page 57).

2. Position of the new target area must not be inside the
original image.

3. If you use the Rotate command, V, H, X and Y axis will be
reversed.

4. If the reference area of the target image exceeds the
print area, it will not be printed.

30

Command Structure

<ESC>~aaaa or <ESC><NUL>aaaa
aaaa = Number of labels to print between each cut

Example: <ES>~0002
Placement: Following the <ESC>Q Print Quantity com-

Default: Cut after each label if cutter installed

Command Function

To control the cutting of labels when using a SATO cutter unit
with the printer. This command allows the cutting of multi­part tags or labels at a specified interval within a print job.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H020
<ESC>V020
<ESC>WB1TEST LABEL
<ESC>Q3
<ESC>~002
<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Cutter Command

Cutter Command

Cutter CommandCutter Command

(0001 to 9999)

mand

Printer Output

Special Notes

This set of commands will print 6 labels, with 2 labels bet­ween cuts.

1. You must have the optional printer Cutter installed to
use this function. Contact your SATO representative for
more information

2. To use this command, you must have the cutter enabled.

3. If the cut value is set at aaaa = 0000, the cutter is inac­tive.

4. When using the Cutter command, the total number of
labels printed is the product of the cut value times the
print quantity. For example, if the cut value is 2 and the

31

SATO CX Series Printer

print quantity is 20, then 40 (20 sets of 2) labels will be
printed.

5. Sending a Cutter command to a printer without a cutter
installed will enable the Back-feed operation.

32

SATO CX Series Printer

Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM

Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM

Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XMFonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM

Command Structure

Font XU: <ESC>XU Font U: <ESC>U
Font XS: <ESC>XS Font S: <ESC>S
Font XM: <ESC>XM Font M: <ESC>M
Font OA: <ESC>OA Font OB: <ESC>OB
Example: See above
Placement: Preceding the data to be printed
Default: None

Command Function

To print text images on a label. These are eight of the built­in fonts available on the printer. All matrices include descen­ders.

NON-PROPORTIONALPROPORTIONAL(1)
U 5W x 9H dot matrixXU5W x 9H dot matrix
S 8W x 15H dot matrixXS17W x 17H dot matrix
M 13W x 20H dot matrixXM24W x 24H dot matrix
OA OCR-A font 15W x 22H
OB OCR-B font 20W x 24H
(1) These fonts will be printed with proportional spacing only

if preceded by an <ESC>PS command.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A<ESC>PS<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0100<ESC>L0202<E
SC>XUSATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0175<ESC>L0202<ESC>XSSATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0250<ESC>L0202<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0325<ESC>L0101<ESC>OASATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0400<ESC>L0101<ESC>OBSATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0100<ESC>L0202<ESC>USATO\
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0175<ESC>L0202<ESC>SSATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0250<ESC>L0202<ESC>MSATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

33

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

Special Notes

1. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the
Character Expansion command, (See page 21).

2. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the
Character Pitch command, (See page 24). The default is
2 dots between characters. It is recommended to use a
spacing of 5 dots for OCR-A and 1 dot for OCR-B.

3. You may also create custom characters or fonts. See the
<ESC>T Custom-Designed Characters command, (See
page 19).

4. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There
is no default font.

5. The proportionally spaced fonts XU, XS, XM, XL and XA
can be printed with fixed spacing using the <ESC>PS
Proportional Space command.

34

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XLFonts WB, WL, XB & XL

Command Structure

Font WB: <ESC>WBa Font XB: <ESC>XBa
Font WL: <ESC>WLa Font XL: <ESC>XLa
a = Provided for compatibility with

Example: <ESC>WB1123456
Placement: Preceding the data to be printed
Default: None

Command Function

To print text images on a label. These are the four auto­smoothing fonts available on the printer.

WB 18W x 30H dot matrixXB48W x 48H dot matrix
WL 28W x 52H dot matrixXL48W x 48H dot matrix
(1) These fonts will be printed with proportional spacing only

if preceded by an <ESC>PS command.

SATO CX Series Printer

CL Printers.
Can be either a 0 or a 1

NON-PROPORTIONALPROPORTIONAL(1)

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A<ESC>PS<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB0SATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0185<ESC>WB1SATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0270<ESC>WL0SATO
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0355<ESC>WL1SATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0100<ESC>XB0SATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0185<ESC>XB1SATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0270<ESC>XL0SATO
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0355<ESC>XL1SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

35

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the
<ESC>L Character Expansion command, (See page 21).

2. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the
<ESC>A Character Pitch command, (See page 24).

3. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There
is no default font.

4. The proportionally spaced fonts XU, XS, XM, XL and XB
can be printed with fixed spacing using the <ESC>PS
Proportional Space command.

36

Command Structure

<ESC>A(space)<ESC>Z
Example: See above
Placement: Separate data stream sent to printer
Default: None

Command Function

To feed a blank tag or label, which is the equivalent of a
“form feed”

Input to Printer

<ESC>A(space)
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Blank label or tag

SATO CX Series Printer

Form Feed

Form Feed

Form FeedForm Feed

37

SATO CX Series Printer

Form Overlay, Recall

Form Overlay, Recall

Form Overlay, RecallForm Overlay, Recall

Command Structure

<ESC>/
Example: See above
Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed

Default: None

Command Function

To recall the label image from the form overlay memory for
printing. This command recalls a stored image from the over­lay memory. Additional or different data can be printed with
the recalled image.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H01000<ESC>V0125
<ESC>STHIS IS THE STORED IMAGE WITH A BARCODE
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0165<ESC>B103100*12345*
<ESC>&<ESC>Z

just before the Print Quantity command,
<ESC>Q.

38

<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0050
<ESC>STHIS IS RECALLING AND ADDING TO THE
STORED IMAGE<ESC>/
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. The overlay is stored using the <ESC>& Form Overlay
Store command, (See page 40).

2. The <ESC>AX Expanded Print Length command, (See
page 55), cannot be used with Forms Overlay.

39

SATO CX Series Printer

Form Overlay, Store

Form Overlay, Store

Form Overlay, StoreForm Overlay, Store

Command Structure

<ESC>&
Example: See above
Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed

Default: None

Command Function

To store a label image in the volatile form overlay memory.
Only one label image may be stored in this memory area at
a time.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0125
<ESC>STHIS IS THE STORED IMAGE WITH A BARCODE
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0165<ESC>B103100*12345*
<ESC>&
<ESC>Z

just before the Stop command (<ESC>Z)

Printer Output

Special Notes

40

There is no output from this command. It stores the label
image in the overlay buffer.

1. Remember that this storage is volatile. Therefore, if the
printer loses power, the overlay must be sent again.

2. The overlay is recalled using the <ESC>/ Form Overlay
Recall command, (See page 38).

3. Form overlays do not have to be re-compiled each time
they are called to be printed and therefore may result in
much faster print output.

4. The Expanded Print Length <ESC>AX, (See page 55),
cannot be used with this command. The maximum
length label that can be used with Forms Overlay is
177mm (7").

Command Structure

<ESC>Gabbbccc(data)
a = Specifies format of data stream to follow

bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks

ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks

(data) = Hex data to describe the graphic image

Example: <ESC>GH006006 . . . .

Placement: May be placed anywhere within the data st-

Default: None

Command Function

To create and print custom graphics (logos, pictures, etc.) on
a label. The graphic image may be printed along with other
printed data to enhance label appearance or eliminate the
need for preprinted label stock. Using a dot-addressable ma­trix, design the graphic image in 8 dot by 8 dot blocks, then
send it to the printer.

SATO CX Series Printer

Graphics, Custom

Graphics, Custom

Graphics, CustomGraphics, Custom

BBinary format
H Hexadecimal format

001 to 104

001 to 178 (001 to 356 for Expanded Length)

ream after the necessary position commands.

Printer Input

<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>GH006006
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC00000000003
C00000000003C000FFFFFFF3C00080000013
C00080000013C0009FFFFF13C00080000013
C00080000013C0009FFFFF13C00080000013
C00080000013C000FFFFFFF3C00000000003
C00000000003C00000000003C00000000003
C00000000003C00000000003C00003C00003
C00007E00003C0000FF00003C0000FF00003
C0000FF00003C0000FF00003C00007E00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003

41

SATO CX Series Printer

C00003C00003C00001800003C00000000003
C00000000003FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0100<ESC>XSPLEASE PLACE YOUR
DISK
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0150<ESC>XSIN A SAFE PLACE
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes

1. Do not use ASCII <CR> or <LF> characters (carriage
return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic
data or the actual image will not be printed as specified.

2. A custom graphic cannot be enlarged by the <ESC>L
Character Expansion command, (See page 21).

3. A custom graphic is not affected by either of the Rotation
commands. Therefore, always design and locate your
graphic image to print in the appropriate orientation.

4. The binary format reduces the transmission time by 50%.

42

Command Structure

<ESC>GPaaaaa,(data)
aaaaa = Number of bytes to be downloaded
Example: <ESC>GP32000, ... data...
Placement: Anywhere within the job data stream
Default: None

Command Function

To allow the creation and printing of graphic images using a
PCX file format.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>V0150<ESC>H0100<ESC>GP03800,(...Data...)
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

SATO CX Series Printer

Graphics, PCX

Graphics, PCX

Graphics, PCXGraphics, PCX

Special Notes

1. The maximum number of bytes that can be downloaded
is 32K (compressed). The number specified by this com­mand includes the PCX header information. The maxi­mum size of the uncompressed PCX file is 64K. If the
uncompressed file exceeds 64K, the graphic will not
print.

43

SATO CX Series Printer

2. Only black and white PCX files can be downloaded.

3. The image created by this command cannot be rotated.

4. The file size specified by this command is the DOS file
size in bytes.

44

Command Structure

<ESC>J
Example: See above
Placement: Immediately following <ESC>A
Default: None

Command Function

To print text in a line by line format on a label. By specifying
this command, you automatically select Font S with a Charac­ter Expansion of 2x2. You also establish a base reference
point of H2,V2. The character pitch is 2 dots and the line gap
is 16 dots. Simply issue an ASCII <CR> at the end of each
text line.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A<ESC>J WITH THE JOURNAL FEATURE
YOU CAN PRINT TEXT WITHOUT
USING ANY FONT COMMANDS
OR POSITION COMMANDS
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Journal Print

Journal Print

Journal PrintJournal Print

Printer Output:

Special Notes

45

SATO CX Series Printer

1. Journal mode assumes a maximum label width. Other­wise, you may print where there is no label and damage
your print head.

2. It is effective only for the current print job.

46

Label Size & Start Position

Label Size & Start Position

Label Size & Start PositionLabel Size & Start Position

Command Structure

Line <ESC>A1aaaabbbb
aaaa = Vertical Label Size, 1-V Max (dot)
bbbb = Horizontal Label Size, 1-H Max (dot)
Example: <ESC>A108000400
Placement: Preceding the data to be printed

Command Function

By using this command you can adjust the label size and the
start position of the label.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>A108000400
<ESC>V100<ESC>H2000<ESC>P2<ESC>L0202
<ESC>XMABCD
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Special Notes

The A1 command is not stored in the printer memory and
must be implemented in the label job.

For reasons of compatibility, when this command is sent to
the previous model (CX200, CX210) it will be ignored.

47

SATO CX Series Printer

Lines and Boxes

Lines and Boxes

Lines and BoxesLines and Boxes

Command Structure

Line <ESC>FWaabcccc
aa = Width of horizontal line in dots (01-99)
b = Line orientation

cccc = Length of line in dots (see Note 2 for max

Box: <ESC>FWaabbVccccHdddd

aa = Width of horizontal side in dots (01-99)
bb = Width of vertical side in dots (01-99)
cccc = Length of vertical side in dots (0001 to

dddd = Length of horizontal side in dots (0001 to

Example: <ESC>FW02H0200
Placement: Following the necessary positioning com-

Default: None

H Horizontal line
V Vertical Line

length)

1424)

0832)

mands

Command Function

To print horizontal lines, vertical lines, and boxes as images
on the label.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>FW20H0200
<ESC>H0320<ESC>V0100<ESC>FW20V0200
<ESC>H0350<ESC>V0100<ESC>FW1010H0200V0200
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

48

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

It is recommended that all lines and boxes be specified in the
normal print direction.

49

SATO CX Series Printer

Command Structure

<ESC>Eaaa
aaa = Number of dots (001-999) between the bot-

Example: <ESC>E010
Placement: Preceding the text that will use the line feed

Default: None

Command Function

To print multiple lines of the same character size without spe­cifying a new print position for each line. With the Line Feed
command, specify the number of dots you want between
each line. Then, send an ASCII <CR> at the end of each line
of text. The printer automatically identifies the size of the last
character, moves down the number of dots specified, and be­gins printing the next line.

Line Feed

Line Feed

Line FeedLine Feed

tom of the characters on one line to the top of
the characters on the next line

function

Input to Printer

50

<ESC>A
<ESC>E010<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0050<ESC>L0202<ESC>S
THIS IS THE 1ST LINE<CR>
THIS IS THE 2ND LINE<CR>
THIS IS THE 3RD LINE<CR>
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. It is effective only for the current data stream.

2. When printing lines or boxes in the same data stream
with the Line Feed command, the Lines and Boxes com­mand should be specified last, preceding <ESC>Q
Quantity command.

3. This command is invalid only if the value specified is
zero.

4. Following this command with a <CR> character will
allow you to print with auto line feed. The print position
will be determined from the value specified and the H
value set in the printer. If you specify several H values
after this command, the print position will be determined
by the H value last specified. You must redefine the font
to be used after each H command.

51

SATO CX Series Printer

Off-Line/Pause

Off-Line/Pause

Off-Line/PauseOff-Line/Pause

Command Structure

<ESC>@
Example: See above
Placement: Anywhere in the print job between the

Default: None

Command Function

To specify the printer to come to an off-line state. When used
within a print job, the printer goes off-line after finishing the
print job.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>@...Job...
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

There is no printer output for this command. The printer is
placed in the Off-Line mode as soon as the current print job
is finished.

<ESC>A and <ESC>Z

Special Notes

52

1. You must press the READY indicator key on the front
panel to return the printer to an On-Line status.

2. Remember, when using this command, that the print job
specifies <ESC>Q10, all ten labels will print before the
printer goes off-line.

3. This command will clear the print buffer.

Command Structure

<ESC>BPn...n
n...n = 5 digits (Postnet-32 format

Example: <ESC>BP123456789
Placement: Immediately preceding the data to be encoded
Default: None

Command Function

To print Postnet bar codes

Printer Input

<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0120<ESC>BP94089
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0160<ESC>BP123456
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>BP123456789
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0240<ESC>BP12345678901
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Postnet

Postnet

PostnetPostnet

6 digits (Postnet-37 format)
9 digits (Postnet-52 format)
11 digits (Postnet-62, Delivery Point format)

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. If the number of data digits does not match the Postnet
formats listed, the command is ignored.

2. Only numeric data will be accepted.

53

SATO CX Series Printer

Print Darkness

Print Darkness

Print DarknessPrint Darkness

Command Structure

<ESC>#Ea
a = Print darkness value

Example: <ESC>#E2
Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A

Default: 2

Command Function

To specify a new print darkness setting. This command allows
software control of the darkness setting for unique media and
ribbon combinations.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>#E2
<ESC>Z

a = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

and immediately before <ESC>Z in its own
separate data stream

Printer Output

There is no printer output for this command.

Special Notes

1. This becomes the new setting in the printer configuration
for all subsequent print jobs, unless changed. The setting
is stored in non-volatile memory and is not affected by
cycling power.

2. 1 is the minimum darkness setting, and 5 is the maxi­mum darkness setting.

3. This command adjusts the print darkness in discrete
steps. The range of this command is set using the
<ESC>CD Print Darkness Fine Adjustment command,
(See page 100). Changing the Print Darkness Fine Adju­stment setting will affect this command.

54

Print Length, Expanded

Print Length, Expanded

Print Length, ExpandedPrint Length, Expanded

Command Structure

<ESC>AX Sets the print length to 356 mm (14")
<ESC>AR Resets the maximum print length to 178 mm

Example: See above
Placement: Must follow the Start Code command, (See

Default: <ESC>AR

Command Function

To double the maximum print length (in feed direction) for a
label.

Input to Printer:

<ESC>A
<ESC>AX
<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

(7")

page 73), and be in it’s own separate data st­ream.

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB1EXPAND TO:
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V2700<ESC>WB114 INCHES
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

<ESC>A
<ESC>AR
<ESC>Z

55

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output:

Special Notes

1. AX is effective until AR is sent to reset the printer to its
standard print length, or until the printer is re-powered.

2. It may be included in an independent data stream to
specify the size of the maximum print area.

3. This command is cannot be used with the <ESC>& Store
Form Overlay command, (See page 40).

56

Command Structure

Horizontal Position:<ESC>Haaaa
Vertical Position:<ESC>Vbbbb
aaaa = Number of dots horizontally from the base re-

bbbb = Number of dots vertically from the base refe-

Example: <ESC>H0020<ESC>V0150
Placement: Preceding any printed field description of lines/

Default: <ESC>H0001

Command Function

The Horizontal and Vertical commands specify the top left
corner of a field or label, using the current base reference
point as an origin. They also establish a reference point for
subsequent fields until the next horizontal and/or vertical
print position command is issued.

SATO CX Series Printer

Print Position

Print Position

Print PositionPrint Position

ference point
0001 to 0832.

rence point
0001 to 1424 (0001 to 2848 with Expanded
Print Length).

boxes, fonts, bar codes or graphics.

<ESC>V0001

Input to Printer

<ESC>A<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0050<ESC>L0303
<ESC>MSATO<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0150
<ESC>MSATO
<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

57

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

Special Notes

1. The print position of a field is affected by both the Rotate
(<ESC>R and <ESC>A3) commands.

2. If any part of an image is placed past the maximum
number of dots for standard length.

3. If any part of an image is placed past maximum allowa­ble dots across the label, that part of the image will be
lost.

4. If you attempt to print where there is no paper, you may
damage the print head.

5. For these commands, the leading zeroes do not have to
be entered. The command V1 is equivalent to V0001.

58

Command Structure

<ESC>Qaaaaaa
aaaaaa = Total number of labels to print (1 to 65535)
Example: <ESC>Q500
Placement: Just preceding <ESC>Z, unless <ESC>~ Cut-

Default: None

Command Function

To specify the total number of labels to print for a given print
job.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB1SATO
<ESC>Q3
<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Print Quantity

Print Quantity

Print QuantityPrint Quantity

ter command exists, then preceding that. This
command must be present in every print job.

Printer Output

Special Notes

Three labels containing the data “SATO” will be printed.

1. To cancel a print job, you must turn off the printer.

2. When used with the <ESC>F Sequential Numbering
command, (See page 70), the Print Quantity value
should be equal to the total number of labels to be prin­ted.

3. If you do not specify a Print Quantity, the printer will not
print a label.

4. For this command, leading zeroes do not have to be
entered. The command Q1 is equivalent to Q000001.

59

SATO CX Series Printer

Print Speed

Print Speed

Print SpeedPrint Speed

Command Structure

<ESC>CSa
a = Designates the speed selection

Example: <ESC>CS3
Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A

Default: As previously set in the printer configuration

Command Function

To specify a unique print speed through software for a parti­cular label. This allows flexibility in finding the best perfor­mance and quality for the particular label format, media, and
ribbon. All subsequent labels will print at this speed unless
the speed is changed with this command.

2 =50 mm/s (2"/ps)
3 =75 mm/s (3"/ps)

and immediately before <ESC>Z in its own
separate data stream

Input to Printer

Printer Output

Special Notes

60

<ESC>A
<ESC>CS3
<ESC>Z

There is no printer output for this command. It sets the print
speed of the printer to 3 inches per second.

1. This becomes the new setting in the printer configuration
for all subsequent print jobs, unless changed. The setting
is stored in non-volatile memory and is not affected by
cycling the power.

Command Structure

<ESC>C
Example: See above
Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A

Default: None

Command Function

To print duplicate of the last label printed

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>C
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

A duplicate of the previous label will be printed.

SATO CX Series Printer

Repeat Label

Repeat Label

Repeat LabelRepeat Label

and immediately before <ESC>Z in its own
separate data stream

Special Notes

1. This command will have no effect if the power to the
printer was cycled off and back on since printing the pre­vious label.

61

SATO CX Series Printer

Replace Data (Partial Edit)

Replace Data (Partial Edit)

Replace Data (Partial Edit)Replace Data (Partial Edit)

Command Structure

<ESC>0 (<ESC>zero)
Example: See above
Placement: Must follow <ESC>A and precede all other

Default: None

Command Function

To replace a specified area of the previous label with new da­ta. This command will cause the previous label to print along
with any changes specified within the current data stream.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0020<ESC>WB0Company Name
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0085<ESC>WB1SATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0150<ESC>WL0SATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0215<ESC>WL1SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

print data

62

<ESC>A
<ESC>0<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0020<ESC>WB0SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

SATO CX Series Printer

Special Notes

1. Specify the exact same parameters for the image to be
replaced as were specified in the original data stream,
including rotation, expansion, pitch, etc. This will ensure
that the new data will exactly replace the old image. If
the replacement data contains fewer characters than the
old data, then the characters not replaced will still be
printed.

2. This command will not function if the power has been
cycled off and back on since the last label was printed.

3. Proportional Pitch text cannot be used with this com­mand.

63

SATO CX Series Printer

Reverse Image

Reverse Image

Reverse ImageReverse Image

Command Structure

<ESC>(aaaa,bbbb
a = Horizontal length in dots of reverse image

b = Vertical height in dots of reverse image area.

Example: <ESC>(100,50)
Placement: This command must be preceded by all other

Default: None

Command Function

To reverse an image area from black to white and vice versa.
Use the Print Position commands (<ESC>H and <ESC>V) to
locate the top left corner of the reverse image area.

area
0000 to 0832

0000 to 1424

data and be placed just before <ESC>Q

Input to Printer

64

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0120<ESC>L0202<ESC>WB1REVERSE
<ESC>H0250<ESC>V0300<ESC>L0202<ESC>WB1HALF
<ESC>H0040<ESC>V0110<ESC>(370,100
<ESC>H0240<ESC>V0290<ESC>(220,47
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. A reverse image area is affected by the rotate com­mands. Therefore, always assume the printer is in the
normal print orientation when designing and sending
the Reverse Image command.

2. If using reverse images with the form overlay, place this
command before the Form Overlay command in the
data stream.

3. If the Rotate commands are used with this command, the
V and H parameters are reversed.

4. If the height and width to be reversed contain other than
alphanumeric data, the area is not printed.

5. If the values specified exceed the maximum ranges, the
reverse image is not created.

65

SATO CX Series Printer

Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point

Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point

Rotate, Fixed Base Reference PointRotate, Fixed Base Reference Point

Command Structure

<ESC>%a
a = 0 Sets print to normal direction

1 Sets print to 90°CCW
2 Sets print to 180° rotated (upside down)

3 Sets print to 270° CCW
Example: <ESC>%3
Placement: Preceding any printed data to be rotated
Default: <ESC>%0

Command Function

To rotate the print direction in 90° increments without chan­ging the location of the base reference point. The diagram
below illustrates the use of the <ESC>% Rotate command.
Note that the entire print area is shown, but your label will
probably not be as large as the entire area.

Input to Printer

66

<ESC>A
<ESC>%0<ESC>L202<ESC>H0200<ESC>V0100<ESC>MNOR
MAL DIRECTION
<ESC>%1<ESC>H0200<ESC>V0300<ESC>MONE
<ESC>%2<ESC>H0200<ESC>V0400<ESC>MTWO
<ESC>%3<ESC H0200<ESC>V0500<ESC>MTHREE
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. Do not combine this command and the <ESC>R Rotate
command, (See page 68), in the same data stream.

2. The specified values are valid until another Rotate
(<ESC>%) command is received.

3. Receipt of a Stop Print (<ESC>Z) command will reset the
setting to the default value.

67

SATO CX Series Printer

Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point

Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point

Rotate, Moving Base Reference PointRotate, Moving Base Reference Point

Command Structure

Normal Direction:<ESC>N
Rotated Direction:<ESC>R
Example: See above
Placement: Preceding any printed data to be rotated
Default: <ESC>N

Command Function

The <ESC>R command rotates the printing of all subsequent
images in a print job by 90° counter-clockwise each time it is
used. It also moves the base reference point to a different
corner of the print area.

The <ESC>N command returns to the original base refe­rence point and returns printing to the normal orientation.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>N<ESC>L202<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0010<ESC>MNOR­MAL DIRECTION
<ESC>R<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>MONE
<ESC>R<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC >MTWO
<ESC>R<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>MTHREE
<ESC>R<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>MFOUR
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

68

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. This command is provided for compatibility with other
SATO printers. It is not recommended for new label
designs and the <ESC>% rotate command should be
used.

2. Do not combine this command and the <ESC>% Rotate
command, (See page 66), in the same data stream.

3. A custom graphic is not affected by this command. The­refore, always design and locate your graphic image to
print in the appropriate orientation.

4. See Rotated Fields, (See page 5), for more information.

5. The specified values are valid until another Rotate
(<ESC>R) command is received.

6. Receipt of a Stop Print (<ESC>Z) command will reset the
setting to the default value.

69

SATO CX Series Printer

Sequential Numbering

Sequential Numbering

Sequential NumberingSequential Numbering

Command Structure

<ESC>Faaaabcccc,dd,ee
aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data

b = Plus or minus symbol (+ for increments; - for

cccc = Value of step for sequence (0001-9999)
,dd = Number of digits for sequential numbering

,ee = Number of digits free from sequential numbe-

Example: <ESC>F0001-0001,04,03

(0001-9999)

decrements)

(01-99). The first incrementing character posi­tion starts after the positions exempted from
sequential numbering as specified in ee. If the­se digits are left out, the default is 8.

ring (00-99) starting with the right most positi­on. If these digits are left out, default is 0.

Placement: Preceding the starting value to be incremented

Default: None

Command Function

To allow the ability to print sequential fields (text, bar codes)
where all incrementing is done within the printer. Up to eight
different sequential fields can be specified per label. Sequen­cing is effective for up to 99-digit numeric data within each
field.

70

Decrementing

004321321

Free from Decrementing

In this example, the right most (least signifi­cant) three digits would not decrement and the
next four would decrement.

or decremented.

Input to Printer

Printer Output:

SATO CX Series Printer

<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>MSERIAL NUMBER:
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>F0001+0005
<ESC>L0202<ESC>M1000
<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

Special Notes

1. The value specified for Print Quantity, (See page 59),
should be equal to the number of different sequential
values desired multiplied by the number of repeats spe­cified.

Example:

To print 2 sets each of the numbers 1001-1025 on sepa­rate labels, we need 50 total labels. The commands would
be as follows:

71

SATO CX Series Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>F0002+0001
<ESC>XM1001
<ESC>Q50
<ESC>Z

2. It is necessary to specify the print position for each
sequential field on a label.

3. Up to eight different sequential fields can be specified
per label.

4. This command ignores alpha characters in the sequen­tial number field.

5. This command can not be used with the following com­mands:
Copy Image, (See page 29).
Reverse Image, (See page 64).
Line Feed, (See page 50).

72

Command Structure

Start Command:<ESC>A
Stop Command:<ESC>Z
Example: See above
Placement: <ESC>A must precede data

Default: None

Command Function

For all print jobs, the Start command must precede the data,
and the Stop command must follow. The print job will not run
properly if these are not in place.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0001<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB1SATO
<ESC>H0130<ESC>V0200<ESC>B103150*SATO*
<ESC>H0170<ESC>V0360<ESC>L0202<ESC>S*SATO*
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Start/Stop Label

Start/Stop Label

Start/Stop LabelStart/Stop Label

<ESC>Z must follow data

Printer Output

There is not output for these commands they are not accom­panied by other label printing commands. However, these
commands must precede and follow each print job sent to the
printer.

73

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Option Commands

Expanded Memory Option Commands

Expanded Memory Option CommandsExpanded Memory Option Commands

These commands require the Expanded Memory Option.
The first 2MB of Expanded Memory installed is designated as memory area

CC1.If 4MB of Expanded Memory is installed, second 2MB (i.e. the area
above the first 2 MB) is designated as memory area CC2.

IMPORTANT:­Please note that the Expanded Memory

Option Commands are not yet imple­mented.

Please contact SATO Europe Technical
Department for the latest information.

74

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Fonts, TrueType Recall

Fonts, TrueType Recall

Fonts, TrueType RecallFonts, TrueType Recall

Command Structure

<ESC>BJRabbccddeeeeff...f
a = Font ID (0 thru 9)
bb = Horizontal Expansion (01 thru 12)
cc = Vertical Expansion (01 thru 12)
dd = Character Pitch (01 thru 99)
eeee = Number of characters to be printed using the

f f f f = Data to be printed
Example: <ESC>BJR1020201000004SATO
Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Memory

Default: None

Command Function

This command recalls previously stored TrueType fonts from
Expanded Memory.

SATO CX Series Printer

font

Area Select command.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100<ESC>CC1<ESC>BJR102020100

0004SATO

<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

75

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

SATO

Special Notes

1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option.
See your SATO representative for details.

76

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Fonts, TrueType Store

Fonts, TrueType Store

Fonts, TrueType StoreFonts, TrueType Store

The conversion from a TrueType font to a format that can be downloaded to
the printer is very complex and requires the use of a TrueType Down-loaded
utility program. See your SATO representative for details. This process requi­res the Expanded Memory option.

77

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Graphics, Custom Recall

Graphics, Custom Recall

Graphics, Custom RecallGraphics, Custom Recall

Command Structure

<ESC>GRaaa
aaa = Graphics storage number (001-999)
Example: <ESC>GR111
Placement: The Recall command is sent in a secondary

Default: None

Command Function

Use the Recall command any time you want to print a graphic
image on a label along with other printed data.

Printer Input

Non Rotated Graphic Graphic Rotated 90°

<ESC>A<ESC>CC1 <ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%1
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0080<ESC>L0505
<ESC>V0180<ESC>H0250<ESC>L0505
<ESC>GR001 <ESC>GR001
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z <ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Graphic Rotated 180° Graphic Rotated 270°

<ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%2 <ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%3
<ESC>V0180<ESC>H0500<ESC>L0505
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0700<ESC>L0505
<ESC>GR001 <ESC>GR001
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z <ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

data stream to print the graphic, and follows
any necessary position or size commands.

78

Printer Output:

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

1. The graphic image to be stored cannot be rotated before
it is stored. It can be rotated when it is recalled.

2. Graphic images cannot be stored as part of a label for­mat.

3. See the <ESC>GI Custom Graphic Store command.

79

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Graphics, Custom Store

Graphics, Custom Store

Graphics, Custom StoreGraphics, Custom Store

Command Structure

<ESC>GIabbbcccddd{data}
a = Specifies character format of the data

bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (001 to104
ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (001 to178)
ddd = Graphics storage number (001 to 099)
{data}= Hex or binary data to describe the graphic im
Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Memory

Default: None

Command Function

To provide similar functionality to the <ESC>G Custom Gra­phic command, (See page 41), but allows for the graphic
image to be stored in a Expanded Memory. Use the Store
command to send the graphic data to the printer, which is
held in the optional Expanded Memory, even if printer power
is lost.

H Hex data
B Binary data

Area Select command.

Printer Input

80

<ESC>A
<ESC>CC1<ESC>GIH002002001

0100038007C00FE01FF03FF87FFCFFFE07C007C007C00
7C007C007C007C007C0

<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes

SATO CX Series Printer

There is no printer output as a result of this command. See
<ESC>GR Recall Custom Graphics command, (See page

78).

1. You must have the optional Expanded Memory to use
this command. Call your SATO representative for details.

2. The maximum storage capacity is 999 graphics, up to
the capacity of the memory expansion.

3. Each graphic to be stored must be sent in its own data
stream.

Example of correct data stream:

<ESC>A
<ESC>GIHaaabbb001(DATA)
<ESC>Z
<ESC>A
<ESC>GIHaaabbb002(DATA)
<ESC>Z

Example of incorrect data stream:

<ESC>A
<ESC>GIHaaabbb001(DATA)
<ESC>GIHaaabbb002(DATA)
<ESC>Z

4. Do not use ASCII <CR> or <LF> characters (carriage
return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic
data or the actual image will not be printed as specified.

5. The graphics storage number (ddd) must be specified
with this command.

81

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Graphics, PCX Recall

Graphics, PCX Recall

Graphics, PCX RecallGraphics, PCX Recall

Command Structure

<ESC>PYaaa
aa = Storage area number (001thru 099)
Example: <ESC>PY001
Placement: This command must be placed within its own

Default: None

Command Function

To recall for printing a graphic file previously stored in a PCX
format in the Memory Card.

Printer Input

Normal Rotation Rotate Base Reference Point

<ESC>A<ESC>CC1 <ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%1
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0001<ESC>PY001
<ESC>V0330<ESC>H0110<ESC>PY001
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z <ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

2nd Rotation, Base Reference Point 3rd Rotation, Base Reference Point

<ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%2 <ESC>A<ESC>CC1<ESC>%3
<ESC>V0330<ESC>H0550<ESC>PY001
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0750<ESC>PY001
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z <ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

data stream specifying the placement of the
graphic.

Printer Output

Special Notes:

82

1. This command requires Expanded Memory option. See
your SATO representative for details.

2. See the <ESC>PI Store PCX Graphics command.

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Graphics, PCX Store

Graphics, PCX Store

Graphics, PCX StoreGraphics, PCX Store

Command Structure

<ESC>PIaaa,bbbbb,{data}
aaa = Storage area number (001 thru 999)
bbbbb = Size of PCX file in bytes
{data} = Data
Example: <ESC>PI001,32000,{data}
Placement: This command must be placed within its own

Default: None

Command Function

To store for later printing a PCX graphic file in Expanded Me­mory.

Printer Input

BASIC Program to down-load a PCX file to Expanded Memory
Section #1 (first 2MB installed).

OPEN “C:\WIZARD\GRAPHICS\LION.PCX” FOR INPUT
AS #2
DA$ = INPUT$(3800,#2)
C$ = CHR$(27)
WIDTH “LPT1:”,255
LPRINT C$;"A";C$;"CC1";
LPRINT C$;“PI001,03800,”;DA$
LPRINT C$;"Z";
CLOSE #2

SATO CX Series Printer

data stream

Printer Output

Special Notes:

There is no printer output as a result of this command. See
<ESC>PY PCX Graphics Recall command.

1. This command requires Expanded Memory option. See
your SATO representative for details.

2. Graphics cannot be stored as part of a format.

83

SATO CX Series Printer

3. Only black and white PCX files can be stored.

4. The file size specified by this command is the DOS file
size in bytes.

84

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Command Structure

<ESC>BJFaaaaaaaa
aaaaaaa= Eight character alphanumeric user ID
Example: <ESC>BJFsato
Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Memory

Default: None

Command Function

This clears all of the data from the specified Memory Area
and prepares the area to accept data.

Input to Printer

<ESC>A
<ESC>CC2
<ESC>BJFsato

<ESC>Z

SATO CX Series Printer

Initialise

Initialise

InitialiseInitialise

Area Select command.

Printer Output

Special Notes

There is no printer output as a result of this command.

1. You must have the optional Expanded Memory to use
this command. Call your local SATO representative for
information.

2. All Expanded Memory must be initialized before they can
be used for the first time.

3. Care should be exercised when using this command as it
destroys any data previously written the specified section
of memory. It will clear all data from the Expanded
Memory and assign the new ID (“sato” in the above
example).

85

SATO CX Series Printer

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Area Select

Area Select

Area SelectArea Select

Command Structure

<ESC>CCa
a = Section Select

Example: <ESC>CC1
Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>A Start Co-

Default: Last selected Memory Area.

Command Function

Selects the section of Expanded Memory to be used for follo­wing commands.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>CC1{commands}
<ESC>Z

1 Section1, first section of Expanded Memory
2 Section 2, second section of Expanded Me­mory

de.

Printer Output

Special Notes

86

There is no printer output as a result of this command.

1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option.
See your SATO representative for more information.

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory Function

Expanded Memory FunctionExpanded Memory Function

Command Structure

<ESC>BJS
Example: <ESC>BJS
Placement: After the <ESC>CC Memory Area Select com-

Default: None

Command Function

Causes the printer to print the Memory Area status.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>CC1
<ESC>BJS
<ESC>Z

Status

Status

StatusStatus

mand.

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output: -

Special Notes

1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option.
See your SATO representative for more information

87

SATO CX Series Printer

Two-Dimensional Symbols

Two-Dimensional Symbols

Two-Dimensional SymbolsTwo-Dimensional Symbols

The following commands are used to create the two-dimensional symbolo­gies supported by the printers.

Currently, PDF 417 and Maxicode are installed.

88

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Two-Dimensional Bar CodesTwo-Dimensional Bar Codes

Command Structure

<ESC>BUaaa,bbb,cccccc,dddd,ee...e
aaa = Service class, numeric only (001-999)
bbb = Country code, numeric only (001-999)
cccccc = ZIP code, alphanumeric (000000-999999)
dddd = Extended ZIP code, numeric only (0001-9999)
ee...e = Low priority message, alphanumeric, 84 digits.
Example:<ESC>BU001,840,94089,0000
Placement: Immediately preceding data to be encoded
Default: None

Command Function

To print a Maxicode two-dimensional bar code image on a
label.

Maxicode

Maxicode

MaxicodeMaxicode

SATO CX Series Printer

Command Function

To print a UPS Maxicode symbol.

Printer Input

<ESC>A<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100
<ESC>BU001,840,94089,0000
[)><Rs>
01<Gs>96
1Z12345675<Gs>UPSN
<Gs>12345E<Gs>089
<Gs><Gs>11<Gs>10.1<Gs>Y
<Gs><Gs><Gs>UT
<Rs><Eot>
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

89

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

Special Notes

1. The Secondary Message field (ee...e) must contain exa­ctly 84 characters. If a smaller message is specified, the
field must be padded with “exclamation point” charac­ter(s).

2. <Rs> represents Hex 1E, <Gs> represents Hex 1D,
<Eot> represents Hex 04, <ESC> represents Hex 1B
and <Sp> represents Hex 20.

90

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Two-Dimensional Bar CodesTwo-Dimensional Bar Codes

Command Structure

<ESC>BKaabbcddeeffffnn...n
aa = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will

bb = Minimum module pitch dimension (04-24

c = Security (error detection) Level (1-8).
dd = Code words per line (01-30). If 00 is specified

ee = Rows per symbol (00 or 03-40). If 00 is speci-

ffff = Number of characters to be encoded (0001-

nn...n = Data to be printed.
Example: <ESC>BK0304400000021
Placement: Immediately preceding data to be encoded
Default: None

SATO CX Series Printer

PDF417

PDF417

PDF417PDF417

not print if values of 01, 02 or greater than 10
are specified.

dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02, 03 or
greater than 25 are specified.

for both dd and ee, the printer automatically
optimises the number of rows per symbol.

fied for both dd and ee, the printer automati­cally optimises the number of rows per symbol.

2700).

Command Function

To print a PDF417 two-dimensional bar code image on a la­bel.

Printer Input

<ESC>A
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100<ESC>BK0607400000021PDF41

7 PDF417 PDF417

<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

91

SATO CX Series Printer

Printer Output

Special Notes

1. When the code words per line and the number of rows
per symbol (“dd” and ‘ee”) are set to all zeroes, the prin­ter will calculate the optimum configuration.

2. If the product of the values entered for “dd” and “ee” are
not equal to or less than the value of “fff” (i.e.,“ffff ” is
greater that “dd” x “ee”), an error will occur and the
symbol will not be printed. It is recommended that these
values each be set to “000” and the printer be allowed
to automatically calculate the optimum values.

3. The values for “dd” and “ee” need to be made larger if
the security level is increased.

4. The maximum data length is 2700 characters, but may
be less depending upon:

- the minimum module dimension (“aa”)

- the security level specified by “c”.

- the number of data characters

5. The Reference Point of the PDF417 symbol is the upper­left corner.

6. The <ESC>F Sequential Numbering command cannot
be used with this command.

7. The <ESC>E Line Feed command cannot be used with
this command.

8. The Macro and Truncated PDF417 symbols are not sup­ported.

9. The values 00H thru 1FH can be specified as print data.

10. This command can be stored in a format.

11. The <ESC>R Rotate command can be used.

92