SATO E series,Pro series Programming Manual

AND

SERIES PRINTERS

PROGRAMMING

REFERENCE

SATO Group of Companies

BARCODE SATO INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

438A Alexandra Road #05-01/ 02,

Alexandra Technopark,

Singapore 119967

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO UK LTD

Valley Road, Harwich, Essex England

Co12 4RR, United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.satouk.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO POLSKA SP Z O.O.

Ul Okolna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw

Poland

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.sato-europe.com

Email: [e-mail]

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]

SATO SHANGHAI CO, LTD

11 Floor, D, Pudong South Road 1111,

Pudong New Area, Shanghai,

China 200120

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

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

BAR CODE SATO ELECTRONICS (S) PTE LTD

438A Alexandra Road #05-01/02,

Alexandra Technopark, Singapore 119967

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.barcodesato.com

Email: [e-mail]

SATO M-84PRO ii

Programming Manual

iii e & Pro Series

Warranty and Copyright

SATO Europe NV 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 NV 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 NV.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© Copyright 2003 SATO Europe NV.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

The SATO Programming Language............................................................................... 1-1

Selecting Protocol Control Codes ..................................................................................1-2

Using Basic ....................................................................................................................1-2

The Print Area ................................................................................................................1-4

Rotated Fields ................................................................................................................1-8

Command Default Settings ............................................................................................1-9

Opposite Hand “Se” Printers ........................................................................................ 1-10

SECTION 2. COMMAND CODES

Bar Codes ......................................................................................................................2-2

Bar Codes, Expansion ................................................................................................... 2-7

Bar Codes, Variable Ratio ............................................................................................. 2-8

Base Reference Point .................................................................................................2-10

Characters,Custom-Designed...................................................................................... 2-12

Character Expansion.................................................................................................... 2-14

Character, Fixed Spacing............................................................................................. 2-15

Character Pitch ........................................................................................................... 2-16

Character, Proportional Spacing .................................................................................2-18

Clear Print Job(s) & Memory ....................................................................................... 2-19

Continuous Forms Printing .......................................................................................... 2-20

Copy Image Area ........................................................................................................2-21

Cut ............................................................................................................................... 2-23

Cut Job ........................................................................................................................2-24

Cut Last .......................................................................................................................2-25

Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM ........................................................................2-26

Font, Raster ................................................................................................................. 2-28

Font, Vector..................................................................................................................2-29

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL .............................................................................................. 2-31

Form Feed ................................................................................................................... 2-33

Form Overlay, Recall ................................................................................................... 2-34

Form Overlay, Store ....................................................................................................2-35

SATO Programming Reference v

Table of Contents

Graphics, Custom ....................................................................................................... 2-36

Graphics, BMP............................................................................................................. 2-38

Graphics, PCX ............................................................................................................. 2-39

Job ID Store ................................................................................................................. 2-40

Job Name .................................................................................................................... 2-41

ournal Print .................................................................................................................. 2-42

Lines and Boxes ......................................................................................................... 2-43

Line Feed .................................................................................................................... 2-45

Media Size ................................................................................................................... 2-46

Mirror Image ................................................................................................................ 2-47

Off-Line/Pause ............................................................................................................ 2-48

Postnet ........................................................................................................................2-49

Print Darkness ............................................................................................................ 2-50

Print Length, Expanded .............................................................................................. 2-51

Print Position................................................................................................................ 2-53

Print Quantity .............................................................................................................. 2-55

Print Speed .................................................................................................................. 2-56

Repeat Label................................................................................................................ 2-57

Replace Data (Partial Edit) ......................................................................................... 2-58

Reverse Image ............................................................................................................ 2-60

Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point ........................................................................... 2-62

Sequential Numbering ................................................................................................ 2-64

Start/Stop Label ........................................................................................................... 2-66

SECTION 3. CALENDAR COMMANDS

Increment .......................................................................................................................3-2

Print ............................................................................................................................... 3-4

Set ................................................................................................................................. 3-6

SECTION 4. EXPANDED MEMORY

Clear Expanded Memory ............................................................................................... 4-2

Fonts, TrueType Recall.................................................................................................. 4-3

Fonts, TrueType Store .................................................................................................. 4-4

Format/Field Recall........................................................................................................ 4-5

Format/Field Store ........................................................................................................ 4-6

Form Overlay Recall ..................................................................................................... 4-7

vi SATO Programming Reference

Form Overlay Store .......................................................................................................4-8

BMP Graphics Recall .....................................................................................................4-9

BMP Graphics Store ................................................................................................... 4-10

Graphics, Custom Recall ............................................................................................. 4-11

Graphics, Custom Store .............................................................................................. 4-12

Graphics, PCX Recall ..................................................................................................4-14

Graphics, PCX Store....................................................................................................4-15

Initialize ....................................................................................................................... 4-16

Memory Area Select..................................................................................................... 4-17

Status .......................................................................................................................... 4-18

SECTION 5. TWO-DIMENSIONAL SYMBOLS

Data Matrix, Data Format...............................................................................................5-2

Data Matrix, Print Data...................................................................................................5-5

Data Matrix, Sequential Numbering ...............................................................................5-6

Table of Contents

Maxicode........................................................................................................................5-8

TPDF417......................................................................................................................5-10

QR Code ......................................................................................................................5-12

SECTION 6. CONFIGURATION COMMANDS

Custom Protocol Command Codes Download............................................................... 6-2

Printer Setting ............................................................................................................... 6-4

Pitch Offset.....................................................................................................................6-7

Print Mode .....................................................................................................................6-8

Print Type ...................................................................................................................... 6-9

Sensor Type ................................................................................................................6-10

Serial Interface Parameters ........................................................................................ 6-11

CR/LF Delete ............................................................................................................... 6-12

Zero Slash....................................................................................................................6-13

Auto Online .................................................................................................................. 6-14

Online Feed.................................................................................................................. 6-15

Test Print......................................................................................................................6-16

SECTION 7. BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

ENQUIRE/ACK/NAK ......................................................................................................7-2

Status Response............................................................................................................7-2

SATO Programming Reference vii

Table of Contents

COMMAND CODE QUICK REFERENCE

Basic Commands...........................................................................................................A-1

Calendar Commands ...................................................................................................A-10

Expanded Memory Commands ...................................................................................A-11

Configuration Commands ............................................................................................A-14

Legacy Commands ......................................................................................................A-15

APPENDIX B. BAR CODE SPECIFICATIONS

Codabar .........................................................................................................................B-2

Code 39 .........................................................................................................................B-3

Interleaved Two of Five (I 2/5) .......................................................................................B-4

UPC-A/EAN-13 ..............................................................................................................B-5

EAN-8 ............................................................................................................................B-7

Industrial Two of Five.....................................................................................................B-8

Matrix Two of Five..........................................................................................................B-9

Code 128 .....................................................................................................................B-10

MSI...............................................................................................................................B-11

Code 93 .......................................................................................................................B-12

UPC-E..........................................................................................................................B-13

Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplements).............................................................................B-14

UCC-128 ......................................................................................................................B-15

Postnet.........................................................................................................................B-17

Data Matrix...................................................................................................................B-18

Maxicode......................................................................................................................B-20

PDF417........................................................................................................................B-22

Code 128 Character Table...........................................................................................B-23

APPENDIX C. CUSTOM CHARACTERS AND GRAPHICS

Custom Designed Character Example...........................................................................C-1

Custom Designed Graphics Example ............................................................................C-4

PCX Graphics Example .................................................................................................C-8

viii SATO Programming Reference

APPENDIX D. CUSTOM PROTOCOL COMMAND CODES

Description .................................................................................................................... D-1

Download Command Structure ..................................................................................... D-2

Reset............................................................................................................................. D-2

Download Procedure..................................................................................................... D-3

Table of Contents

SATO Programming Reference ix

SATO Programming Reference Page 1-1

SECTION 1.

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

INTRODUCTION

This section presents the commands that are used with the SATO Series “e” and PRO
printers to produce labels with logos, bar codes and alphanumeric data. All of the
SATO Programming Language commands use the same syntax. Some commands
reference a physical point on the label using horizontal and vertical dot reference
numbers. The allowable range for these references is dependent upon the particular
printer to accomodate different print widths and resolutions. These differences are
noted in tables under the commandsaffected

The following information is presented in this section:

• The SATO Programming Language

• Selecting Protocol Control Codes

• Using Basic

• The Print Area

• Command Codes

THE 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 by the printers 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}

Section 1. Programming Concepts

Page 1-2 SATO Programming Reference

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

<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

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 and the <ENQ> character asks for the printer status. There are two
pre-defined different sets of Protocol Control codes to choose from. Each set is made
up of six special characters. The Standard Protocol Control codes are non-printable
characters, and the Non-Standard Protocol Control codes are printable characters.
The Non-Standard set 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.
Alternately, the user may define and download a set of custom Protocol Control
Codes (see Appendix E).

The Protocol Control codes are selected by DIP switch DSW2-7.

USING 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:

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.

CONTROL

CHARACTER

STANDARD

DSW2-7 OFF

NON-STANDARD

DSW2-7 ON

DESCRIPTION

STX 02 Hex 7 B Hex = { Start of Data

ETX 03 Hex 7 D Hex= } End of Data

ESC 1B Hex 5 5 E Hex = Command code to follow

ESC 1B Hex 5E Hex = ^ Command code to follow

ENQ 05 Hex 40 Hex = @ Get printer status, Bi-Com mode

CAN 18 Hex 21 Hex = ! Cancel print job, Bi-Com mode

Off-Line 40 Hex 5D Hex = ] Take printer Off-Line

Section 1. Programming Concepts

SATO Programming Reference Page 1-3

2. If you are using the printer’s RS232C interface, it is necessary to set the COM
porton 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 RS232C 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 thesehints. Both
of these examples use the Standard Protocol codes.

PRINTING WITH THE PARALLEL PORT

PRINTING WITH THE RS232C PORT

5 REM CL612 Parallel Example Identifies the program as a CL612 parallel

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

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” command code tothe

LPT1 parallel port

40 LPRINT E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be to be placed

400 dots horizontally and 100dots
vertically on the label and printed in the
“XL” font.

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

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

been sent. The printer can nowcreate and
print the job.

REM CL612 RS232 Example Identifies the program as a CL612e

RS232C 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.

Section 1. Programming Concepts

Page 1-4 SATO Programming Reference

THE PRINT AREA

The maximum print area for the different printer models is listed in Table 1. Many of
your label applications may not require labels that fill the entireprint area, therefore it
is important to understand how to work with labelsthat do not use the entire print area.
The goal is to help you avoid printing where no label exists, which may lead to print
head damage, not to mentionfrustration when you cannot see the printed output.

The diagram below illustrates the maximum print area and a sample 2 inch wide by 3
inch long label placed within this area. As can be seen, your label will be oriented
against the inside left edge of the printer as viewed from the front of the printer. The
normal reference point is located at the H1, V1 position of the print area in the normal
print orientation (no rotation).

OPEN COM1:9600,N,8,1,CS,DS AS #1 Opens the COM1 port for output 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.

50 PRINT #1,E$;"A"; Sends an “<ESC>A” command code to

Print Port #1 opened by statement 20
above.

60 PRINT #1,
E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO";

Sends the data “SATO” to be placed
400 dots horizontally and 100 dots
vertically on the label and printed in
the“XL” autosmoothed font.

50 PRINT #1, E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print a quantity of

one label.

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

commandhas been sent. The printer
can nowcreate and print the job.

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

“3”) to the printer telling it that this is the
end of the message.
Identifies the program as a CL612e
RS232C port print label. The “REM”
prevents this data from being sent to
the printer and displays it only on the
screen.

Section 1. Programming Concepts

SATO Programming Reference Page 1-5

l

There are three methods available to make sure your printed output will appear
correctly on your label. They are as follows:

Table 1: Print Area

CL412e

M-84 Pro-3

CL612e

M-10e

M-8490Se

M-84 Pro-6

M-5900RVE

M-8459E

M-8485Se

CL608e

M-8460Se

CL408e

M-8400RVe

M-84 Pro-2

Resolution
dpi/dpmm

305

12

305

12

305

12

305

12

609

24

203

8

203

8

203

8

203

8

Max Print Width
(Hmax)
dots/inches/mm

1248

4.1

104

1984

6.5

165

6400

10.5

266.7

1344

4.4

112

2496

4.1

104

896

4.4

112

1024

5.0

128

1216

6.0

152

832

4.1

104

Std Print Length
(Vmax)
dots/inches/mm

2136

7.0

178

2136

7.0

178

3600

11. 8
300

2136

7.0

178

4272

7.0

178

2136

7.0

178

1424

7.0

178

1424

7.0

178

1424

7.0

178

Expanded Print
Length
(Vmax Expanded)
dots/inches/mm

9999

32.8
833

9999

32.8
833

10080

16.5
420

9999

32.8
833

9999

16.4
416

9999

49.2

1249

9999

49.2

1249

9999

49.2

1249

9999

49.2

1249

Section 1. Programming Concepts

Page 1-6 SATO Programming Reference

1. Media Size Command. Use the <ESC>A1 Media Size Command. This command
specifies the width and length of the label. The printer will automatically calculate
the correct offsets for printing labels of that size. However, if you specify a label
size with this command, the labels loaded should match the size specified to cor­rectly position the label.

2. Base Reference Point Command. Send the <ESC>A3 Base Reference Point
command as part of your data to the printer to set a new base reference point for
your label.

Calculate the distance (in dots) from the normal base reference point to the clos­est edge of the label.

For an M-8400RVe 8 dpmm printer , this would be:

LABEL WIDTH = 2" X 25.4 MM/IN X 8 DPMM = 406 DOTS

The new Base Reference Point then becomes:

NEW BASE REFERENCE POINT = MAXIMUM PRINT WIDTH - LABEL WIDTH

= (832 DOTS) - (406 DOTS) = 426 DOTS

Issue the Base Reference Point command <ESC>A3 after the Start command in
your data stream.

<ESC>A<ESC>A3H0426V0001. . . . . .

This resets the reference point for all the following data.

3. Add the correct offset to all horizontal commands. Use the normal base refer-
ence point from the print area and use the horizontal position for each field to
properly locate it on the label.

Calculate the distance (in dots) from the normal base reference point to the clos­est edge of the label.

For an M-8400RVe 8 dpmm printer:

Label Width = 2" x 25.4 mm/in x 8 dpmm = 406 dots

New Base Reference Point = Maximum Print Width - Label Width

= (832 dots) - (406 dots) = 426 dots

Each <ESC>H command would have the value “426” added to it to correctly posi­tion each field.

Note: The <ESC>A3 Base Reference Point command can also shift the reference
point in a negative direction (toward the outside edge of the label).

The Command Code subsection contains a sample label output for each command
code. These samples reflect how the printed information would appear on a five inch
wide label. If you want to test any of the sample label outputs and are using labels
less than five inches in width, we suggest that you add the Base Reference Point
command to the data stream in order for the images to print on your labels.

You must be careful not to print off the label surface as the label provides a heat sink

Section 1. Programming Concepts

SATO Programming Reference Page 1-7

for the print head elements. Doing so will cause irrepairable damage to the head. This
damage is not covered under the print head warranty. The addition of the Base
Reference Point command to the sample data stream may help to adjust the print for
your labels. See the following two examples or refer to the Base Reference Point
command description.

For example, the following illustrates a sample data stream for a M-8400RVe printer
and the resulting label assuming a 4 inch wide label:

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0100<ESC>L0303<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0200<ESC>B103100*SATO*
<ESC>H0070<ESC>V0310<ESC>L0101<ESC>XUSATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

If you are using a 2 inch wide label, the entire image may not appear on your label. By
adding the following Base Reference Point command to the second line of the data
stream, the base reference point will be changed, causing theimage to be shifted over
toward the inside of the printer where it can beprinted on the narrower label.

<ESC>A

<ESC>A3H0406V0001
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0100<ESC>L0303<ESC>XMSATO
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0200<ESC>B103100*SATO*
<ESC>H0170<ESC>V0310<ESC>L0101<ESC>XUSATO
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

The image is moved horizontally to the right 2 inches (406 dots) so that itcan be
printed on a 2 inch wide label. For more information, see the Base Reference Point
command description.

Section 1. Programming Concepts

Page 1-8 SATO Programming Reference

ROTATED FIELDS

The M-8400RVe printer can rotate each print field in 90° increments using the Rotate
command.

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

the same.

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>XB1E<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Section 1. Programming Concepts

SATO Programming Reference Page 1-9

COMMAND 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 DEFAULT NOTE

Print Rotation 0° (1)

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 - (1)(3)

Print Speed (DSW2-8 = On) - (2)(3)

Print Speed (DSW2-8 = Off) - (2)(3)

Proportional Spacing Enabled (1)

Cutter Command Disabled (1)

Section 1. Programming Concepts

Page 1-10 SATO Programming Reference

NOTES:

1. The settings for these commands will revert to the default value when the printer
receives an <ESC>Z or an <ESC>*.

2. The values transmitted with these commands will remain in effect until a new
command is received.

3. This default setting is printer dependent.

OPPOSITE HAND”SE” PRINTERS

The standard “Se” print engine is referred to as a“right-hand”printer (i.e., when facing
the Control Panel, the label comes out from left to right). The M-8485Se, M-8460Se
and M-8490Se are also available in a “left-hand” (i.e., the label comes out right-to-left)
version. The M-8459Se is only available in the standard Right-Hand configuation.

The only difference in the print area is the horizontal base reference point for the
label.With the standard “Se” printer, the reference point is the first print position

nearest the inside frame. With the “left-hand” version, the reference point is the first
print position away from the frame. The same command stream sent to both printers
should print an identical label except the image may be shifted because of the relative
positioning of the label under the print head.

SECTION 2.

COMMAND CODES

This section contains the basic Command Codes for the SATO “e” and PRO Series
printers. Commands for the oprions and specialized functions are provided in the
following sections. 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 the printers.

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.
However, certain commands require the exact number of matching characters. A
command with two parameters listed following the command code without a comma
delimiter, 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.

NOTE: These examples assume the use of the Standard Protocol Command

Codes, a parallel interface and a 5 inch wide label in a M-8400RVe printer.
The labels for all other printers will be similar, but, because of different
resolutions and print widths may be larger or scaled differently.

An alphabetical listing of the command codes is contained in Appendix A:Command
Code Quick Reference.

SATO Programming Reference Page 2-1

Section 2: Command Codes

Bar Codes

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= 0 Codabar

1 Code 39
2 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5)
3 UPC-A / EAN-13
4 EAN­5 Industial 2 of 5
6 Matrix 2 of 5
7 reserved
8 reserved
9 reserved
A MSI
B reserved
C Code 93
D reserved
E UPC-E
F Bookland
G Code 128
I UCC 128

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

space

ccc = Bar height in dots (001-999)

d = UCC 128 only. Not used for other bar code types

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

Example: <ESC>BD103200

Placement: Immediately preceding data to be encoded

Default: None

Command Function To print bar code images on a label. With this command, there are 14

standard bar code symbologies available to be printed and three two
dimensional symbols (see Section 5. Two Dimensional Symbols). Each of
the bar code symbologies are unique, and it is important to know the
differences. See Appendix B for specific information on using each
individual bar code symbol.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-3

Section 2: Command Codes

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>V0600<ESC>BD50210012345
<ESC>H0175<ESC>V0710<ESC>XS12345
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0775<ESC>BD60210012345
<ESC>H0105<ESC>V0885<ESC>XS12345
<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>C123456
<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.

Page 2-4 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Printer Output

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-5

UCC-128 Without Incrementing

<EXC>A<EXC>H0100<EXC>V0100
<EXC>B107150101234567000000001
<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

Section 2: Command Codes

With Incrementing

<ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100
<ESC>F001+001<ESC>B107150101234567000000001
<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z

Page 2-6 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

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 desender 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, Code 39, Industrial 2 of 5, and Matrix 2 of 5 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 (2D) sym­bols are covered separately.

5. For UCC128, the FNC1 code is automatically inserted and the Mod
10 and Mod 103 check digits are automatically calculated. For the
MSI bar code, the check digit is not automatically calculated.

6. The <ESC>D and <ESC>BD commands are not valid for the MSI,
Code 128, Code 93, UPC-E, Bookland, UCC128 and Postnet sym­bologies.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-7

Section 2: Command Codes

Bar Codes, Expansion

Command Structure <ESC>BWaabbb

aa = Expansion factor by which the width of all bars and

spaces will be increased (01-12)

bbb = Bar height by dot (004-999 dots)

Example: <ESC>BW02100

Placement: Immediately follows the <ESC>BT command and

precedes data to be encoded.

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

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. This command must be preceded by the Variable Ratio Bar Codes

<ESC>A

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

<ESC>BT command.

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

Page 2-8 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Bar 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)

0 Codabar
1 Code 39
2 Interleaved 2 of 5
5 Industrial 2 of 5
6 Matrix 2 of 5

Example: <ESC>BT101030103

Placement: Following print position commands and preceding

<ESC>BW

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 five bar
code types shown.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

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

Printer Output

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-9

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. This command must be immediately followed by the <ESC>BW Bar

Code Expansion command.

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.

Page 2-10 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Base Reference Point

Command Structure <ESC>A3H-aaaa-Vbbbb

-

aaaa

bbbb

Example:

Placement: Preceding all images that are based on the new base

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 ìoriginî 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 preprinted fields on a
label.

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

This character is optional. When present, it specifies

=

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

Horizontal Print Offset (-Hmax to +Hmax)

=

Vertical Print Offset (-Vmax to +Vmax)

=

<ESC>A3H100V0050

reference point

configuration

Printer Output

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-11

Section 2: Command Codes

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 or the setting is changed from the operator panel.

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.

Example: Let us 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 Section 1. Print Area.

5. The "Se" print engines can print as close as 2 mm to the inside edge
of the label.

6. The 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).

7. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for values of Hmax
and Vmax.

Page 2-12 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Characters,Custom-Designed

Command Structure Store Command: <ESC>Tabcc

Recall Command: <ESC>Kab90cc

a = 1 16x16 matrix

2 24x24 matrix

b= Specifies the character encoding method for the data

stream
H Hexadecimal characters
B Binary characters

cc = Memory location to store/recall the character. Valid

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

(data) = Data to describe the character

Example: <ESC>T1H3F

<ESC>K1H903F
See Appendix C for a more detailed explanation

Placement: The Store command is typically sent in its own 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.

Default: None

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 See Appendix C for a detailed explanation.

<ESC>A <ESC>T1H3F0100038007C00FE01FF03FF87FFCFFFE

07C007C007C007C007C007C007C007C0

<ESC>Z

<ESC>A <ESC>H150<ESC>V100<ESC>L0505<ESC>K1H903F
<ESC>H350<ESC>V100<ESC>L1010<E SC>K1H903F <ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-13

Section 2: Command Codes

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. When printing the custom character using the Recall command, the

character is affected by the following commands: Character Expansion
Character Pitch Line Feed Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point

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 (carriage return or line
feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will
not be printed as specified.

Page 2-14 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Character Expansion

Command Structure <ESC>Laabb

aa = Multiple to expand horizontally (01-12)

bb = Multiple to expand vertically (01-12)

Example: <ESC>L0305

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 (except the vector font) up to 12 times in either direction. Expanded
characters are typically used for added emphasis or for long distance
readability.

Input to Printer <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

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. This command will expand the following fonts: Fonts U, S, M, XU,

XS, XM, OA & OB and fonts WB, WL, XB and XL.

2. This command will also affect the following commands: Character
Pitch Characters, Custom-Designed

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

4. 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.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-15

Section 2: Command Codes

Character, 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

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. This command only works with the proportionally spaced fonts XU,

XM, XS, XL and XB.

Page 2-16 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Character 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>H0025<ESC>V0025<ESC>L0202<ESC>XB1SATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0125<ESC>L0202<ESC>P20<ESC>XB1SATO
<ESC>H0025<ESC>V0225<ESC>L0202<ESC>P40<ESC>XB1SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-17

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. This command is affected by the <ESC>L Character Expansion com-

mand. The character pitch is actually the product of the current hori­zontal expansion multiple and the designated pitch value.
Example:

<ESC>L0304
<ESC>P03
Pitch = (03) x (03) = 9 dots

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

3. This command affects fonts U, S, M, XU, XS, XM, OA & OB, WB, WL,
XB and XL, and the vector font.

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

5. This command also affects Codabar, Code 39 and Industrial 2 of 5 bar
codes.

Page 2-18 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Character, Proportional Spacing

Command Structure <ESC>PS

<ESC>PR

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

Set to proportional spacing Reset to fixed spacing

Special Notes 1. Once this command is sent in the data stream, it is in effect until the

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-19

end of the print job unless a reset command is sent.

Section 2: Command Codes

Clear Print Job(s) & Memory

Command Structure

Command Function To clear individual memory or buffer areas of the printer.

Input to Printer: <ESC>A

Printer Output: There is no printer output as a result of this command. The current print

<ESC>*a

a = If the “a” parameter is not included with this command

and the printer is in the multi-buffer mode, this
command clears all print jobs in the printer memory,
including the current print job.

a = If “a” is included with this command, it specifies the

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

Example: <ESC>*

<ESC>*&

Placement: This command should be sent to the printer as an

independent data stream.

Default: None

<ESC>*
<ESC>Z

job in the buffer will be terminated and all other print jobs in the buffer
cleared.

Special Note 1. See Expanded Memory Functions for variations of this command

used to clear data from the optional Expanded Memory.

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

3. The primary purpose of this command is to clear all print jobs in the
multi-buffer mode. The “a” parameter can be used in either the multi­buffer or single job mode to clear specific parts of the memory.

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

Page 2-20 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Continuous 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 eye-mark (black rectangle on the
reverse side of the backing). It locates the end of a tag from a notch, eye­mark, or a hole between tags. Both sensors should be disabled when
printing continuous forms by placing the Label Sensor Selection switch
(DSW3-3) in the ON position. See the specific printer Operator Manual for
instructions on configuring the printer using the DIP switch array.

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.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-21

Section 2: Command Codes

Copy Image Area

Command Structure <ESC>WDHaaaaVbbbbXccccYdddd

aaaa = Horizontal position of the top left corner of the area

bbbb = Vertical position of the top left corner of the area

cccc = Horizontal length of the image area to be copied

dddd = Vertical length of the image area to be copied

Example: <ESC>WDH0100V0050X0600Y0400

Placement: Anywhere within the data stream, after specifying the

location of the duplicate image.

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.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0050<ESC>E010<ESC>XM
SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATO
SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATO
SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATO
SATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATOSATO
<ESC>H0180<ESC>V0250<ESC>WDH0130V0050X0400Y0200
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Page 2-22 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. Use the Print Position commands (V and H) to locate the new area for

the duplicate image.

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.

5. See Table 1 in Section 1.Programming Concepts for values of Hmax
and Vmax.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-23

Section 2: Command Codes

Cut

Command Structure ESC>~Aaaaa

aaaa = Number of labels to print between each cut (1-9999)

Example: <ESC>~A2

Placement: Preceding the <ESC>Q Print Quantity command.

Default: <ESC>~A1 (if cutter enabled)

Command Function To control the cutting of labels when using a SATO cutter unit with the

printer printer. This command allows the cutting of a multi-part tag or label
at a specified interval within a print job. It differs from the <ESC>~ Cut Job
command in that it does not interact with the quantity command.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0020<ESC>V0020<ESC>XB1ABC<ESC>~A0002
<ESC>Q7<ESC>Z

Printer Output This set of commands will print seven labels with two labels between

each cut. One label will e cut separately.

Special Notes

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

2. To use this command, the printer configuration must have the cutter
option enabled. See Configuration Commands in this section of the
manual.

3. If the cutter option has been enabled in the printer configuration and
the cut value (a = 0), the cutter is inactive.

4. This command is independent of the <ESC>Q Quantity command. It

will cut the specified number of labels.

Page 2-24 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Cut Job

Command Structure <ESC>~aaaa

aaaa = Number of labels to print between each cut (1-9999)

Example: <ESC>~2

Placement: Following the Print Quantity command <ESC>Q

Default: <ESC>~1 (if cutter enabled)

Command Function To control the cutting of labels when using a SATO cutter unit with the

printer. This command allows the cutting of a multi-part tag or label at a
specified interval within a print job.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0020<ESC>V0020<ESC>XB1ABC<ESC>Q3
<ESC>~0002
<ESC>Z

Printer Output This set of commands will print 6 labels (3 x 2) with two labels between

each cut.

Special Notes 1. You must have the optional printer Cutter to use this function. Contact

your SATO representative for more information.

2. To use this command, the printer configuration must have the cutter
option enabled. See Printer Configuration commands in this section
manual.

3. If the cutter option has been enabled in the printer configuration and
the cut value (a = 0), the cutter is inactive.

4. A “~” (tilde) character or <NUL> (ASCII 00 Hex) character can be can
be used in this command. It is recommended that the “~” be used
whenever possible.

5. 5. When using the Cutter command, the total number of labels printed
is the product of the cut value and the print quantity.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-25

Section 2: Command Codes

Cut Last

Command Structure <ESC>~B

Example: <ESC>~B

Placement: Separate data stream sent to the printer

Default: None

Command Function To control the cutting of labels when using a SATO cutter unit with the

printer. This command allows the cutting of a printed multi-part tag or label
that is left in the printer after a job is cut.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>~B
<ESC>Z

Printer Output This command will feed the last printed label to the cut position, cut the

label and then back feed to the head position in preparation for printing
the next job.

Special Notes 1. You must have the optional printer Cutter to use this function. Contact

Page 2-26 SATO Programming Reference

your SATO representative for more information.

Section 2: Command Codes

Fonts 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 built-in fonts

available on the printer. All matrices include descenders.

Non-Proportional Proportional(1)

U 5W x 9H dot matrix XU 5W x 9H dot matrix

S 8W x 15H dot matrix XS 17W x 17H dot matrix

M 13W x 20H dot matrix XM 24W x 24H dot matrix

OA OCR-A font (see note 7 for matrix)

OB OCR-B font (see note 7 for matrix)

(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<ESC>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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-27

Section 2: Command Codes

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the Character Expan-

sion command.

2. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the Character
Pitch command. 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.

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

5. Fonts U, S, M, OA and OB are identical to fonts U, S, M, OA and OB
on the SATO M-8400 printer. (Note: These fonts, except the OA and
OB fonts which are fixed in size, will be 33% smaller on a 300 dpi
printer and 67% smaller on a 600 dpi printer)

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

7. The matrices for the OA and OB fonts are scaled so that they will
remain a constant size according to the OCR-A and OCR-B specifica­tions when printed on different resolution printers.

203 dpi (8 dpm) 305 dpi (12 dpmm) 609 dpi (24 dpmm)

OA Font 15 dots W x 22 dots H 22 dots W x 33 dots H 44 dots W x 66 dots H

OB Font 20 dots W x 24 dots H 30 dots W x 36 dots H 60 dots W x 72 dots H

Page 2-28 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Font, Raster

Command Structure <ESC>A<ESC>RDabb,ccc,ddd,nn. . .n

a = A CG Times font style

B CG Triumvirate font style.

bb = Always 00

ccc = Horizontal size (16 - 999 dots or P08 - P72)

ddd = Vertical size (16 - 999 dots or P08 - P72)

nn..n = Data to be printed.

Example: <ESC>RDA00,014,018ABCD

Placement: Within normal command stream.

Default: None

Command Function To print point size characters created using font definitions.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100
<ESC>RDA00,P28,P28,CG Times
<ESC>V0200<ESC>H0100
<ESC>RDB00,075,075,CG Triumvirate
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. The “cccc” Horizontal Size and “dddd” Horizontal Size parameters

can be entered either in dots or points, but both parameters must use
the same value types. If point size is used, the point size is preceded
by a “P”.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-29

Font, Vector

Command Structure Specify Vector Font: <ESC>$a,b,c,d

Data for Vector Font: <ESC>$=(data)

a= A Helvetica Bold (proportional spacing)

B Helvetica Bold (fixed spacing)

b= Font width (50-999)

c= Font height (50-999 dots)

d= Font variation (0-9) as follows:

0 Standard
1 Standard open (outlined)
2 Gray (mesh) pattern 1
3 Gray (mesh) pattern 2
4 Gray (mesh) pattern 3
5 Standard open, shadow 1
6 Standard open, shadow 2
7 Standard mirror image
8 Italic 9 Italic open, shadow

Section 2: Command Codes

Example: <ESC>$A,100,200,0<ESC>$=123456

Placement: Immediately preceding data to be printed.

Default: None

Command Function To specify printing of the unique SATO vector font. The vector font allows

large characters to be printed with smooth, round edges. Each character is
made of a number of vectors (or lines), and will require slightly more printer
compiling time.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>$A,100,100,0

<ESC>$=SATO AMERICA

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>$=VECTOR FONT
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0350<ESC>$A,200,300,8<ESC>$=SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Page 2-30 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. The Pitch command can be used with Vector fonts.

2. If the font size designation is out of the specified range, a default value
of 50 is used.

3. The font width and height values include ascenders, descenders, and
other space.

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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-31

Section 2: Command Codes

Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL

Command Structure Font WB: <ESC>WBa Font XB: <ESC>XBa

Font WL: <ESC>WLa Font XL: <ESC>XLa

a = 0 Disables auto-smoothing of font

1 Enables auto-smoothing of font (see

notes below)

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 auto-smoothing fonts

available on the printer.

Non-Proportional

WB 18W x 30H dot matrix XB 48W x 48H dot matrix

WL 28W x 52H dot matrix XL 48W x 48H dot matrix

(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>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

Proportional(1)

Page 2-32 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. Auto-smoothing (when enabled) is only effective if the character expan-

sion rate is at least (3) times in each direction.

2. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the <ESC>L Character
Expansion command.

3. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the <ESC>A Char­acter Pitch command.

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 XB can be printed
with fixed spacing using the <ESC>PS Proportional Space command.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-33

Section 2: Command Codes

Form Feed

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

Printer Output Blank label or tag

<ESC>A(space) <ESC>Z

Page 2-34 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Form Overlay, Recall

Command Structure <ESC>/

Example: See above

Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before

the Print Quantity command (<ESC>Q)

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
<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 1. The overlay is stored using the <ESC>& Form Overlay Store com-

mand.

2. If the this command is used with the <ESC>EX0 Expanded Print
Length command the Form Overlay length cannot exceed 9999
dots.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-35

Section 2: Command Codes

Form Overlay, Store

Command Structure <ESC>&

Example: See above

Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before

the Stop command (<ESC>Z)

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

&

Printer Output There is no output from this command. It stores the label image in the

overlay buffer.

Special Notes 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.

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

Page 2-36 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Graphics, Custom

Command Structure <ESC>Gabbbccc(data)

a = Specifies format of data stream to follow B Binary

format H Hexadecimal format

bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (see note 7 for

allowable range)

ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (see note 7 for

allowable range)

(data) = Hex data to describe the graphic image

Example: <ESC>GH006006 See Appendix C for a detailed

example

Placement: May be placed anywhere within the data stream after the

necessary position commands.

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 in a binary format to the printer.

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>GH006006
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC00000000003
C00000000003C000FFFFFFF3C00080000013
C00080000013C0009FFFFF13C00080000013
C00080000013C0009FFFFF13C00080000013
C00080000013C000FFFFFFF3C00000000003
C00000000003C00000000003C00000000003
C00000000003C00000000003C00003C00003
C00007E00003C0000FF00003C0000FF00003
C0000FF00003C0000FF00003C00007E00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003
C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003C00003
C00003C00003C00001800003C00000000003
C00000000003FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0100<ESC>XSPLEASE PLACE YOUR DISK
<ESC>H0300<ESC>V0150<ESC>XSIN A SAFE PLACE
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-37

See Appendix C for a details on the data format.

Section 2: Command Codes

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.

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. To store graphic images in optional Expanded Memory, see the
Expanded Memory Functions section.

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

6. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for values of
Hmax and Vmax.

7. Use the <ESC>E0 Expanded Print Length command to get the max­imum label length.

Page 2-38 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Graphics, BMP

Command Structure <ESC>GMaaaaa,(data)

aaaaa = Number of bytes to be downloaded

Example: <ESC>GM32000, ... data...

Placement: Anywhere within the job data stream

Default: None

Command Function To allow the creation and printing of graphic images using a BMP file

format.

Printer Input See Appendix Appendix C for a detailed example

<ESC>A
<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100<ESC>GM03800,(...Data...)
<ESC>Q1
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. The maximum number of bytes that can be downloaded is 32K

(compressed). The number specified by this command includes the
BMP header information. The maximum size of the uncompressed
BMP file is 64K. If the uncompressed file exceeds 64K, the graphic
will not print.

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

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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-39

Graphics, PCX

Section 2: Command Codes

Command

<ESC>GPaaaaa,(data)

Structure

aaaaa

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 See Appendix Appendix C for a detailed example

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

Printer Output

Number of bytes to be downloaded

=

Special Notes 1. The maximum number of bytes that can be downloaded is 32K (com-

pressed). 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.

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

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

Page 2-40 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Job ID Store

Command Structure <ESC>IDaa

aa =

Example:

Placement:

Job ID assigned (01 to 99)

<ESC>ID09

Immediately following the <ESC>A in the job data
stream.

Default:

Command Function To add an identification number to a job. The status of the job can then be

determined using the ENQ command in the Bi-Com status mode (See
Operators Manual for the specific printer for more information).

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>ID02
. . . Job . . .
<ESC>Z

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

Special Notes 1. Works only in Bi-Communications modes. The Job ID number must

be stored before Bi-Com status mode can be used.

2. If more than one ID number is sent in a single job, i.e.

<ESC>A
<ESC>ID01

. . . . . . . . . .

<ESC>ID02

. . . . . . . . .

the last number transmitted will be used.

None

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-41

Section 2: Command Codes

Job Name

Command Structure <ESC>WKnnn. . . n

nn..n = Job Name assigned, up to 16 ASCII characters

Example: <ESC>WKSATO

Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>A in the job data stream.

Default: None

Command Function This command is to identify a particular job using a descriptive name

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>WKSATO
. . . Job . . .
<ESC>Z

Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command. The information is

returned to the host upon receipt of a Bi-Com status request.

Special Notes 1. Works only in Bi-Com 4 mode. The Job Name must be stored before

Bi-Com status mode can be used.

2. If more than one Job Name is sent in a single job, i.e.

<ESC>A
<ESC>WKSATO

. . . . . . . . . .

<ESC>WKSATO AMERICA

. . . . . . . . .

the last name transmitted will be used.

Page 2-42 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Journal Print

Command Structure <ESC>J

Example:

Placement:

Default:

Command Function To print text in a line by line format on a label. By specifying this

command, you automatically select Font XS 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

Printer Output

See above

Immediately following <ESC>A

None

Special Notes 1. Journal mode assumes a maximum label width . Otherwise, you

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-43

may print where there is no label and damage your print head.

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

Lines and Boxes

Command Structure Line: <ESC>FWaabcccc

aa = Width of horizontal line in dots (01-99)

b = Line orientation H Horizontal line V Vertical

Line

cccc = Length of line in dots (see Section 1 Table 1 for

max length)

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 (see Section 1

Table 1 for max length)

Section 2: Command Codes

dddd = Length of horizontal side in dots (see Section 1

Table 1 for max length)

Example: <ESC>FW02H0200

Placement: Following the necessary positioning commands

Default: None

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

Printer Output

Page 2-44 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. It is recommended that all lines and boxes be specified in the normal

print direction.

2. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for values of Hmax
and Vmax.

3. Use the <ESC>E0 Expanded Print Length command for maximum
label length.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-45

Section 2: Command Codes

Line Feed

Command Structure <ESC>Eaaa

aaa = Number of dots (001-999) between the bottom of the

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

Example: <ESC>E010

Placement: Preceding the text that will use the line feed function

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

Input to Printer <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 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.

Page 2-46 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Media Size

Command Structure <ESC>A1aaaabbbb

aaaa = Label Width in dots (0 to Hmax)

bbbb = Label Length in dots (0 to Vmax)

Example: <ESC>A108323200

Placement: Separate data stream to the printer.

Default: <ESC>A108322136

COMMAND FUNCTION To set the size of the media.

INPUT TO PRINTER <ESC>A

<ESC>A108321424
<ESC>Z

PRINTER OUTPUT There is no printer output resulting from this command. It is used to

automatically adjust the offset values for the size of label being used. The
sample command stream specifies a label 832 dots wide by 1424 dots long.

SPECIAL NOTES 1. 1. The Base Reference point is always the on the right (looking at the

front of the printer) side of the print head. This command adjusts the
Base Reference Point to correspond with the right edge of the loaded
media.

2. If the label size is changed, then this command must be respecified to
center the print image on the label.

3. All eight variables “aaaa” and “bbbb” must be included in this com­mand.

4. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for max length for val­ues of Hmax and Vmax.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-47

Mirror Image

Command Structure <ESC>RM

Section 2: Command Codes

Example:

Placement:

Default

Command Function To allow mirror image printing of data, such as on transparent labels to be

applied to a glass or other transparent surface.

Input to Printer Label #1

<ESC>A
<ESC>A1<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0050<ESC>XL0ABCDEF
<ESC>RM
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

<ESC>A103000832<ESC>RM

After label data

None

Special Notes 1. The <ESC>A1 Media defines the area to be mirrored.

2. This command can be used with the <ESC>% Rotate Fixed Base
Reference Point command. Please note that the reference point rota­tion is dependent upon the location of the <ESC>% command in the
data stream

3. This command should not be specified more than once in any single
job.

4. This command cannot be used with commands requiring re-editing of
the print area, such as Sequential Numbering, Real time clock or
Copy Image Area.

5. Any data outside the area defined by the <ESC>A1 Media Size com­mand is not mirrored the command is treated as a command error.
Any print job containing the <ESC>RM command and without any
print data will be treated as a command error.

Page 2-48 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Off-Line/Pause

Command Structure <ESC>@,nn . . . n

nn...n = Optional message to be displayed on the LCD.

Maximum of 32 characters.

Example: See above Placement: Anywhere in the print job between

the <ESC>A and <ESC>Z

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>@, LOAD BLUE LABELS AND PLACE PRINTER ON-LINE
...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.

Special Notes 1. You must press the LINE 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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-49

Postnet

Command Structure <ESC>BPn...n

n...n = 5 digits (Postnet-32 format)

Section 2: Command Codes

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

Example:

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

Printer Output

<ESC>

BP123456789

Special Notes 1. If the number of data digits does not match those listed, the com-

2. Only numeric data will be accepted.

Page 2-50 SATO Programming Reference

mand is ignored.

Section 2: Command Codes

Print Darkness

COMMAND STRUCTURE <ESC>#Ea

a = Print Darkness Value (see note 2 for allowable range)

Example: <ESC>#E2

Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A and

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

Default: See Operator Manual for the specific printer

COMMAND FUNCTION To specify a new print darkness settings. This command allows software

control of the darkness setting for unique media and ribbon combinations.

INPUT TO PRINTER <ESC>A

<ESC>#E2
<ESC>Z

PRINTER OUTPUT There is no printer output for this command.

SPECIAL NOTES 1. This becomes the new setting in the printer configuration for all sub-

sequent print jobs, unless changed. The setting is stored in non-vola­tile memory and is not affected by cycling power.

2. See the specific printer Operator Manual for the valid head ranges.

3. The lighest setting is the smallest value and the darkest setting is the
largest value.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-51

Section 2: Command Codes

Print Length, Expanded

Command Structure <ESC>EX0 Sets the print length to maximum

<ESC>AR Resets the maximum print length to 7" (178 mm)

Example: See above

Placement: Must follow the Start Code command and be in it is own

separate data stream.

Default: <ESC>AR(7”)

Command Function To increase the maximum print length (in feed direction) for a label.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>EX0
<ESC>Z
<ESC>A
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB1EXPAND TO:
<ESC>H0050<ESC>V2700<ESC>WB1MAX INCHES
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z
<ESC>A
<ESC>AR
<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Max Length

EXPAND TO:

MAX INCHES

Page 2-52 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

SPECIAL NOTES 1. EX0 is effective until AR is sent to reset the printer to its standard

print length, or until the printer is re-powered.

2. See Section 1, Table 1 for values of Vmax.

3. When this command is used with the <ESC>& Store Form Overlay
command the Form length cannot exceed the maximum specified.

4. If a job contains elements out of the memory range, it is ignored.

5. If the Forms Overlay command <ESC>& is used with Expanded
Memory to expand the print area, the Form Overlay length is still lim­ited to the maximum.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-53

Print Position

COMMAND STRUCTURE Horizontal Position <ESC>Haaaa

Vertical Position: <ESC>Vbbbb

Section 2: Command Codes

aaaa

bbbb = Number of dots vertically from the base

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.

INPUT TO PRINTER <ESC>A

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

Printer Output

Number of dots horizontally from the base

=

reference point (1 to Hmax) See Note 2.

reference point (1 to Vmax) See Note 2.

boxes, fonts, bar codes or graphics.

<ESC>V0001

Page 2-54 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

SPECIAL NOTES 1. To expand the print length to the maximum limit, the <ESC>EX0

Expanded Print Length command must be used.

2. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for values of Hmax
and Vmax.

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

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

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

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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-55

Section 2: Command Codes

Print Quantity

Command Structure <ESC>Qaaaaaa

aaaaaa = Total number of labels to print (1-999999)

Example: <ESC>Q500

Placement: Just preceding <ESC>Z, unless <ESC>~ exists, then

preceding that. This command must be present in every
print job.

Default: None

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

Input to Printer

Printer Output Three labels containing the data “M-8485S” will be printed.

Special Notes 1. 1. To pause during a print job, you must press the LINE key on the

< ESC>A

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>WB1M-8485S
<ESC>Q3
<ESC>Z

Operator Panel.

2. 2. To cancel a print job, you must turn off the printer, or you may send
the <CAN> code if using the Bi-Com mode. Multi-Buffer jobs can be
cleared with the <ESC>* Clear Print Job(s) and Memory command.

3. 3. When used with the <ESC>F Sequential Numbering command, the
Print Quantity value should be equal to the total number of labels to
be printed.

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

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

Page 2-56 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Print Speed

Command Structure <ESC>CSa

a = Designates the speed selection in ips

Example: <ESC>CS6

Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A and

immediately before <ESC>Z in a separate data stream

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 or through
the Operator Panel.

Input to Printer <ESC>A <ESC>CS6 <ESC>Z

Printer Output There is no printer output for this command. It sets the print speed of the

printer.

Special Notes This becomes the new setting for all subsequent print jobs, unless

changed. The setting is stored in non-volatile memory and is not affected
by cycling the power. The allowable speed ranges are:

Print

Speed

2 ips

50 mm/s

3 ips

75 mm/s

4 ips

100 mm/s

5 ips

125 mm/s

6 ips

150 mm/s

8 ips

200 mm/s

10 ips

250 mm/

12 ips

300 mm/s

M-8459Se

X X XXX

XXXX

XXXXXXXXXX

XXXX

M-8485Se

M-5900RVe

M-8460Se

M-8490Se

CL4XX

CL6XX

M-84Pro-2

XXX

XX

X

M-84Pro-3

M-84Pro-6

M10e

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-57

Section 2: Command Codes

Repeat Label

Command Structure <ESC>C

Example: See above

Placement: Must be placed immediately after <ESC>A and

immediately before <ESC>Z in a separate data stream

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.

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.

Page 2-58 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Replace Data (Partial Edit)

Command Structure <ESC>0(<ESC>zero)

Example: See above

Placement: Must follow <ESC>A and precede all other print data

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

Printer Output

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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-59

Section 2: Command Codes

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.

Page 2-60 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Reverse Image

Command Structure <ESC>(aaaa,bbbb

a = Horizontal length in dots of reverse image area

b = Vertical height in dots of reverse image area. See

Section 1 Table 1 for maximum field ranges.

Example: <ESC>(100,50

Placement: This command must be preceded by all other data and be

placed just before <ESC>Q

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.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

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

Printer Output

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-61

Section 2: Command Codes

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

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

5. See Table 1 in Section 1. Programming Concepts for values of Hmax
and Vmax.

Page 2-62 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Rotate, 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

Printer Output

<ESC>A
<ESC>%0<ESC>L202<ESC>H0200<ESC>V0100<ESC>MNORMAL 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

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-63

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. The specified values are valid until another Rotate (<ESC>%) com-

mand is received.

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

Page 2-64 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Sequential Numbering

Command Structure <ESC>Faaaabcccc,dd,ee,g

aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data (0001-

9999)

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

decrements)

cccc = Value of step for sequence (0001-9999) ,

dd = Number of digits for sequential numbering (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. ,

ee = Number of digits free from sequential numbering

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

g = Count base 1 Decimal Count 2 Hexadecimal

Base

Example: <ESC>F001-001,04,03

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

Placement: Preceding the starting value to be incremented or

decremented.

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.

Input to Printer <ESC>A<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>MSERIAL NUMBER:

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200
<ESC>F001+005
<ESC>L0202<ESC>M1000<ESC>Q2<ESC>Z1

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-65

Printer Output

Section 2: Command Codes

Special Notes 1. The value specified for Print Quantity 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:

<ESC>A
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>F002+001<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
Reverse Image
Line Feed

Page 2-66 SATO Programming Reference

Section 2: Command Codes

Start/Stop Label

Command Structure Start Command: <ESC>A

Stop Command: <ESC>Z

Example: See above

Placement: <ESC>A must precede data <ESC>Z must follow

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*M-8485S*
<ESC>H0170<ESC>V0360<ESC>L0202<ESC>S*M-8485S*
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output There is no 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.

SATO Programming Reference PN 9001096 Rev. A Page 2-67

SECTION 3.

CALENDAR COMMANDS

The following commands in this section are used to control the Calendar Functions.The Calendar
Functions require the Calendar Option (except for the “Se” print engines which include it in the
standard configuration).

SATO Programming Reference Page 3-1

Section 3. Calendar Commands

Calendar Increment

Command Structure <ESC>WPabbb

bbb = Numeric data: Years (0-9), Months (01-99),

Example: <ESC>WPM03

Placement: Anywhere within the data stream

Default: None

a=Y Years

M Months
D Days
h Hours
W Week Number

Days (001-999), Hours (000-999), Week (00-99)

Command Function To add a value to the printer’s current date and/or time, which may

then be printed on the label. This command does not change the
printer’s internal clock setting.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V100<ESC>XB1Current Date:
<ESC>WAMM/DD/YY
<ESC>WPM06
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>XB1Expiration Date:
<ESC>WAMM/DD/YY
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Page 3-2 SATO Programming Reference

Section 3. Calendar Commands

Special Notes

1. Once the year increments past “99” it will wrap back to “00”. 2.
This command can only be used once per data stream.

2. The printer’s internal clock may be set through the Calendar Set
command.

3. Calendar Commands

4. If a print quantity of more than one label per job is used, the same
time and date will be on each label of the entire print job.

5. Calendar Increment Example: 1998 January 15 (ww = 03) plus 48
weeks = week 51

6. The Week Calendar specification follows ISO8601. Days of the
week are numbered 1 thru 7, beginning with Monday. The first
week of the year is the week containing the first Thursday. If Janu­ary 1st falls on Friday, it belongs to the last week of the previous
year. If December 31st falls on a Wednesday, it belongs to the first
week of the following year. If Calendar Increment calculation
extends over the year, the result belongs to the week number of
the following year.

SATO Programming Refernece Page 3-3

Section 3. Calendar Commands

Calendar Print

Command Structure <ESC>WA(elements)

(elements) = YYYY

YY
MM
HH
hh
mm
ss
TT
JJJ
WW
ww )

Example: <ESC>WAMM/DD/YY hh:mm

Placement: Anywhere within the data stream.

Default: None

Command Function To specify the printing of a date and/or time field from the printer’s

internal clock. This may be used to date/time stamp your labels.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0100<ESC>XB1The current date is:
<ESC>XB1<ESC>WAMM/DD/YY
<ESC>H0100<ESC>V0200<ESC>XB1The current time is:
<ESC>XB1<ESC>WAhh:mm
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

4 digit Year (1981-2080)
2 digit Year (00-91)
Month (01-12) DD Day (01-31)
12 Hour Clock (00-11)
24 Hour Clock (00-23)
Minute (00-59)
Seconds (00-59)
AM or PM
Julian Date (001-366)
Week (00-53)
Week (01-54

Printer Output

Page 3-4 SATO Programming Reference

Section 3. Calendar Commands

Special Notes 1. The date and time elements may be placed in any order for

printing.

2. Use a slash (/) to separate date elements and a colon (:) to
separate time elements.

3. The font for the date/time elements must be specified before
this command.

4. The printer’s internal clock may be set through the Calendar
Set command.

5. This command can be used up to six times per job.

6. The Copy (<ESC>WD), Mirror Image (<ESC>RM) or
Reverse Image (<ESC>/)commands cannot be used with
this command.

7. Up to 16 characters can be used with this command.

8. Century ranges are: For Year = YY, any year equal to or
greater than 80 and less than or equal to 99, then the century
equals 19 For Year specified as YYYY=1999, and printed as
<ESC>WAYY, will be equal to 99.

9. The Julian date is the accumulated day from January 1st to
the current date. The first day of the year is January 1st (001)
and the last day of the year is December 31st (365 or 366 for
leap years).

10. The TT command should not be specified for printing in
numeric only bar codes.

SATO Programming Refernece Page 3-5

Section 3. Calendar Commands

Calendar Set

Command Structure <ESC>WTaabbccddee

Year (00-99)

=

aa

Month (01-12)

=

bb

Day (01-31)

=

cc

Hour (00-23)

=

dd

Minute (00-59)

=

ee

Esample: <ESC>WT9101311200

Placement: This command must be sent in an independent

data stream.

Default: None

Command Function To set the time and date of the printer’s internal clock.

Input to Printer: <ESC>A

<ESC>WT9312251300
<ESC>Z

Printer Output There is no printer output for this command. It sets the current date

to December 25, 1993 and the current time to 1:00 PM in the printer.

Special Notes None

Page 3-6 SATO Programming Reference

SECTION 4.

EXPANDED MEMORY OPTION COMMANDS

These commands require the optional Expanded Memory..

Note: Before Expanded Memory can be used for the first time, it must be initialized
using the <ESC>BJF command. If it is not initialized, the printer will not recognize the
memory and respond as if no expanded memory was installed.

SATO Programming Reference Page 4-1

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Clear Expanded Memory

Command Structure <ESC>*a,bbb

bbb = Memory Card storage area to be cleared

Example: <ESC>*G,01

Placement: This command should be sent to the printer

a = Memory card section to be cleared

G To clear SATO graphic files from memory card
P To clear PCX graphic files
F To clear formats from the memory card
O To clear TrueType fonts
R To clear BMP graphic files

001 to 999 for Graphics, PCX or Formats
000 to 099 for TrueType fonts

immediately following the <ESC>CC Memory Area
Select command.

Default: None

Command Function To clear individual memory areas in the Expanded Memory.

Input to Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1<ESC>*O,09
<ESC>Z

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

Special Notes 1. To clear everything in the Expanded Memory, use the

<ESC>BJF Expanded Memory Initialize command.

2. This command is ignored if there is no data to be cleared.

3. This command is ignored if Expanded Memory is not installed in
the printer.

Page 4-2 SATO Programming Reference

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Fonts, TrueType Recall

Command Structure <ESC>BJRabbccddeeffffgg...g

<ESC>BJT,aa,bb,cc,dd,ee,ffff,gg...g

Font ID (0 thru 9)

=

a

Font ID (00 thru 99)

=

aa

Horizontal Expansion (01 thru 12)

=

bb

Vertical Expansion (01 thru 12)

=

cc

Character Pitch (01 thru 99)

=

dd

Reserved, always 00

=

ee

Number of characters to be printed using the font

f f f f

gg..g

Example: <ESC>BJR1020201000004SATO

Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Slot Select

=

Data to be printed

=

command.

Default: None

Command Function This command recalls previously stored bit mapped TrueType fonts from

Expanded Memory.

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100<ESC>CC1<ESC>BJT,1,02,02,01,00,0004,SATO
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. TrueType fonts are stored in a fixed size bit mapped format by this

command.

SATO Programming Reference Page 4-3

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Fonts, TrueType Store

Command Structure Begin Download

Download
End Download

aa..a
bb..b

ccccc

dddd

ee...e

Example: <ESC>BJ({50 byte header}<ESC>BJD{5 byte hex

Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Slot Select

Default: None

Command Function This command allows bit mapped TrueType fonts to be stored in a

Expanded Memory

Printer Input The download data stream is very complex and it is recommended that

the True Type Dowload utility program be used instead of
manuallycreating the required command and data stream.

Printer Output The is no printer output as a result of this comand. See <ESC>BJR True

Type Font Recall command.

<ESC>BJ( aa...abb..b
< ESC>BJDcccccddddee...e
<ESC>BJ)

40 byte font description

=

10 byte date information

=

Memory offset (hexadecimal)

=

Number of data bytes to be stored (0001-2000)

=

Font data to be downloaded

=

memory offset}{data}<ESC>BJ)

command.

Special Notes 1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option. See your

SATO representative for details.

2. The SATO True Type Download utility program can be used to auto­mate the download process from a computer running Windows 3.1 or
above. For a copy of this utility program contact your SATO represen­tative.

Page 4-4 SATO Programming Reference

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Format/Field Recall

Command Structure <ESC>YR,aa<ESC>/D,bb,cc....c

aa

=

Format number to be recalled (01-99)

bb

=

Field number to be recalled (01-99)

cc...c

Example: <ESC>YR,01<ESC>/D,01,99

Placement: Immediately following the <ESC>CC Slot Select

Default: None

Command Function To recall a field from a stored format and place new data in the field.

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1
<ESC>YR,02<ESC>/D,01,TWO FIELDS OF<ESC>/D,02,VARIABLE DATA
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

=

Data to be placed in the recalled field.

command.

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option. See your

SATO representative for details.

2. Only one format can be recalled at a time. However, multiple feilds
can be recalled from the same format.

3. The number of data characters contained in the “cc...c” field cannot
exceed the value designated in the <ESC>/N Field Store command.
If it does, the data will be truncated to fit the field length defined in the
store command.

SATO Programming Reference Page 4-5

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Format/Field Store

Command Structure <ESC>YS,aa<ESC>/N,bb,cc{.......}

Format number to be stored (01-99)

=

aa

Field number to be stored (01-99)

=

bb

Length of field to be stored (01-99)

=

cc

Command stream describing the field to be stored.

{.....}

Example: <ESC>YS,01<ESC>/N,01,05

Placement: Immediately after <ESC>CC Memory Area Select command.

Default: None

Command Function To store a format field description in the memory card.

Printer Input ESC>A

<ESC>CC1
<ESC>YS,02<ESC>/N,01,13<ESC>V0100<ESC>H0100<ESC>XB1
<ESC>/N,02,13<ESC>V0200<ESC>H0200<ESC>XB1
<ESC>Z

=

Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command. See <ESC>YR

Format/Field Recall command.

Special Notes 1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option. See your SATO

representative for details.

2. Each job should be sent individually. If more than one job is sent in a
data stream, only the first one will be accepted and the remainder
ignored.

3. The following commands cannot be stored in a format:

<ESC>CS Print Speed <ESC>C Repeat Label

<ESC>NULL Cut Label <ESC>Q Print Quantity

<ESC>/D Recall Field <ESC>EX Expanded Label Storage

<ESC>T Custom Characters <ESC>& Store Form Overlay

<ESC>@ Off Line <ESC>#E Print Darkness

<ESC>BJ TrueType Fonts <ESC>ID Store Job ID

<ESC>G Store Custom Graphics <ESC>* Clear Memory & Buffer

<ESC>BT Variable Ratio Bar Codes <ESC>PI Store PCX Graphics

<ESC>0 Partial Edit

Page 4-6 SATO Programming Reference

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Form Overlay Recall

Command Structure <ESC>&R,aa

aa = Storage Number (01 to 99)

Example: <ESC>&R,01

Placement: Following The <ESC>CC Memory Area Select

Command

Command Function To recall the label image from stored in the Expanded Memory.

Input to the Printer <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1
<ESC>&R,01
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output To be added

Special Notes 1. The Expanded Memory option is required for this command. See your

SATO representative for details.

2. The <ESC>CC Memory Area Select Command must be sent prior to
this command.

3. Several label images stored under different Storage Numbers can be
printed with this command.

4. The Storage number must be specified.

5. A Read/Write error will occur if an unused Storage number is specified
by this command.

6. The label image reference point will be V=1 H=1 if the window area
has not been specified.

7. The label image can be moved by using the <ESC>V and <ESC>H
commands when it is stored along with a window size. If it exceeds
the printable area by being moved, the label image will be truncated.

SATO Programming Reference Page 4-7

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

Form Overlay Store

Command Structure <ESC>&S,aa,bbbb,cccc

aa

=

Store Number (01 to 99

bbbb

cccc

Example: <ESC>&S,01

Placement: Following the <ESC>CC Memory Area select

Default: None

Command Function To store a label image in Expanded Memory

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1
<ESC>&S,01
<ESC>Z

=

Horizontal size of window (50 to H max)

=

Vertical size of window (50 to V max)

Command

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

Special Notes 1. The <ESC>CC Memory Area Select command must be sent before

this command.

2. The label image must be divided from other label images by the
<ESC>A and <ESC>Z bounding commands.

3. The parameters of “bbbb” and “cccc” may be omitted. By specifying
them, the label image can be moved by using the <ESC>V and
<ESC>H position commands when recalling the label image. If the
repositioned label image exceeds beyond the printable area, the
image will be truncated. If an <ESC>A1 Media Size Command has
been sent to the printer, the maximum size form that can be stored is
the size of label defined by the command.

4. A label image cannot be stored in a location that already contains
data.

5. Graphics, PCX and BMP files can be stored with this command.

6. As many as 99 Form Overlays can be stored, however their combined
storage area cannot exceed the available memory.

7. The forms stored by this command are cleared by the <ESC>*R com­mand.

Page 4-8 SATO Programming Reference

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

BMP Graphics Recall

Command Structure <ESC>GCaaa

aaa = Storage Number (001 to 999)

Example: E <ESC>GC001

Placement: After the CC Memory Area Select command.

Default: None

Command Function To recall a previously stored BMP file stored in Expanded Memory

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1<ESC>V100<ESC>H100
<ESC>GC001
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

Printer Output

Special Notes 1. The <ESC>CC Memory Area Select command must be sent

before this command.

2. The printed image can be expanded or rotated.

SATO Programming Reference Page 4-9

Section 4: Expanded Memory Commands

BMP Graphics Store

Command Structure <ESC>GTaaa,bbbbb,nn...n

aaa

=

Storage area number (001 thru 999)

bbbbb

nn..n +

Example: <ESC>GT001

Placement: This command must be placed within its own data

Default: None

Command Function To store for printing a graphic file in a BMP format in the optional

Expanded Memory.

Printer Input <ESC>A

<ESC>CC1<ESC>GT001, 12345, nn...n
<ESC>Q1<ESC>Z

=

Size of BMP file in bytes

=

Data

stream specifying the placement of the graphic.

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

Special Notes 1. This command requires the Expanded Memory Option. See your

SATO representative for details.

2. Data must be sent in binary format.

3. The Memory Area Select Command <ESC>CCa must be sent
before this command.

4. The first 62 bytes of the stored file is used for the header and the
remainder is the BMP image data.

5. The graphic will not be printed correctly if the specified size does
not match the actual graphic size.

6. Only black and white non-compressed BMP files can be stored.
Color BMP files will cause an error.

7. If you try to store an image in a memory area that already con­tains data, an error will occur.

Page 4-10 SATO Programming Reference