SATO GL412e, GL408e Reference

SBPL PROGRAMMING REFERENCE

For printer model:

GL408e / GL412e

www.satoamerica.com

Read this Programming Guide before and during any development work in SBPL. Keep
this Guide handy for future reference.

31$

SATO America, Inc.

10350A Nations Ford Road

Charlotte, NC 28273

Main Phone: [phone]

Technical Support: [phone]

Technical Support Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

www.satoamerica.com

Copyright 2009 SATO America, Inc.

All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

About This Manual 1-2
Print Area Calculation 1-3

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

Programming Language 2-2
Selecting Protocol Codes 2-3
Using Basic 2-4
Print Position Commands 2-6

COMMAND CODE QUICK REFERENCE

A: <ESC>A Start Label 3-2

<ESC>~A Cut, Label 3-2
<ESC>~a Cut, Job 3-2
<ESC>~B Cut, Last 3-2
<ESC>AO Auto Online 3-2
<ESC>A1 Media Size 3-2
<ESC>& Form Overlay, Store 3-2
<ESC>AR Standard Print Area 3-2
<ESC>&R Form Overlay, Recall 3-2
<ESC>&S Form Overlay, Store 3-2
<ESC>* Clear (Memory Card) 3-3
<ESC>@ Offline/Pause 3-3
<ESC>A3 Start Point Correction 3-3
<ESC>AX Print Area Enlargement 3-3

B: <ESC>B Barcode, Ratio 1:3 3-4

<ESC>BC CODE 93 Barcode 3-4
<ESC>BD Barcode, Ratio 2:5 3-4
<ESC>BF Bookland 3-5
<ESC>BG CODE 128 Barcode 3-5
<ESC>BI UCC/EAN 128 3-5
<ESC>BJ True Type Font, Store 3-5
<ESC>BJD True Type Font, Download Bit Mapped Data 3-5
<ESC>BJF Card, Format 3-5
<ESC>BJS Print Memory Card Status 3-5
<ESC>BJT True Type Font, Recall 3-6
<ESC>BK PDF 417 3-6
<ESC>BP Postnet 3-6
<ESC>BQ QR Code 3-7
<ESC>BT Variable Ratio Barcodes 3-7
<ESC>BV Maxi Code 3-8
<ESC>BW Barcode Expansion 3-8
<ESC>BX Data Matrix Code 3-8

C: <ESC>C Repeat Label 3-8

<ESC>CC Card, Slot for Use 3-8
<ESC>CL CL/LF Deletion 3-9
<ESC>CS Print Speed 3-9

D: <ESC>D Barcode, Ratio 1:2 3-9

<ESC>d Barcode, Human Readable Information (HRI) 3-9
<ESC>DC Data Matrix Code, Data 3-9
<ESC>$ Font, Vector 3-10
<ESC>$= Outline Font Print 3-10

E: <ESC>E Line Feed 3-10

<ESC>EP Print End Position 3-10
<ESC>EU EAN/UCC Composite Symbol 3-10
<ESC>EX0 Print Length Expansion 3-10

F: <ESC>F Sequential Numbering 3-10

<ESC>FC Printing, Circles 3-11

i

<ESC>FM Memory Cartridge Format 3-11
<ESC>FP Memory Cartridge Printing 3-11
<ESC>FT Printing, Triangles 3-11
<ESC>FW Printing, Lines & Boxes 3-11
<ESC>FX Data Matrix Code, Sequential Number 3-12

G: <ESC>G Graphics, Custom 3-12

<ESC>GC BMP File, Recall 3-12
<ESC>GI Graphic, Store 3-12
<ESC>GM Graphics, BMP File 3-12
<ESC>GP Graphics, PCX File 3-12
<ESC>GR Graphic, Recall 3-13
<ESC>GT BMP File, Store 3-13

H: <ESC>H Horizontal Print Position 3-13
I: <ESC>ID Job Store ID 3-13
J: <ESC>J Journal Printing 3-13

K: <ESC>K Custom Designed Characters, Recall 3-13
L: <ESC>L Character, Expansion 3-13

<ESC>LA Language 3-13
<ESC>LD User Download 3-14
<ESC>LF Online Feed 3-14
<ESC>LH Zero Slash 3-14

M: <ESC>M M Font 3-14
N: <ESC>NC Auto Feed, Cut 3-14
O: <ESC>OA OA Font 3-14

<ESC>OB OB Font 3-14
<ESC>OL Online 3-14

P: <ESC>P Character, Pitch 3-14

<ESC>( Reverse Image 3-14
<ESC>PC Flash ROM Setup 3-14
<ESC>#E Print Darkness 3-14
<ESC>% Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point 3-14
<ESC>PG EEPROM Setup 3-14
<ESC>PI PCX File, Store 3-14
<ESC>PR Character, Fixed Spacing 3-14
<ESC>PS Character, Proportional Spacing 3-15
<ESC>PY PCX File, Recall 3-15

Q: <ESC>Q Print Quantity 3-15
R: <ESC>RD Font, Raster 3-15

<ESC>RF Recall and Print of Font & Logo 3-15
<ESC>RM Mirror Image 3-15

S: <ESC>S S Font 3-15

<ESC>/ Form Overlay, Recall 3-15
<ESC>/D Field, Recall 3-16
<ESC>/N Field, Store 3-16

T: <ESC>T Custom designed Characters 3-16
U: <ESC>U U Font 3-16
V: <ESC>V Vertical Print Position 3-16
W: <ESC>WA Calendar Printing 3-16

<ESC>WB WB Font 3-17
<ESC>WDH Copy Image Area (Partial Copy) 3-17
<ESC>WK Job Name 3-17
<ESC>WL WL Font 3-17
<ESC>WP Calendar Increment 3-17
<ESC>WT Calendar Configuration 3-17

X: <ESC>XB XB Font 3-17

<ESC>XL XL Font 3-18
<ESC>XM XM Font 3-18
<ESC>XS XS Font 3-18
<ESC>XU XU Font 3-18

Y: <ESC>YR Format, Recall 3-18

<ESC>YS Format, Store 3-18

Z: <ESC>Z Stop Label 3-18

<ESC>0 Replace Data (Partial Edit) 3-18

ii

STANDARD COMMAND CODES

Control Commands 4-2

<ESC>A Start Label 4-2
<ESC>Z Stop Label 4-2
<ESC>Q Print Quantity 4-3
<ESC>ID Job ID Store 4-4
<ESC>WK Job Name 4-5

Modification Commands 4-6

<ESC>L Character, Expansion 4-6
<ESC>P Character, Pitch 4-7
<ESC>PR Character, Fixed Spacing 4-8
<ESC>PS Character, Proportional Spacing 4-8
<ESC>% Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point 4-9
<ESC>F Sequential Numbering 4-10
<ESC>FC Print, Circles 4-11
<ESC>FT Print, Triangles 4-12
<ESC>FW Print, Lines & Boxes 4-13
<ESC>( Reverse Image 4-14
<ESC>& Form Overlay, Store 4-15
<ESC>/ Form Overlay, Recall 4-16
<ESC>0 Replace Data (Partial Edit) 4-17
<ESC>WD Copy Image Area (Partial Copy) 4-18
<ESC>J Journal Printing 4-19
<ESC>RF Recall and Print of Font & Logo 4-20
<ESC>RM Mirror Image 4-21

Print Position Commands 4-22

<ESC>A1 Media Size 4-22
<ESC>H Horizontal Print Position 4-23
<ESC>V Vertical Print Position 4-23

Font Commands 4-24

<ESC>XB XB Font 4-24
<ESC>XL XL Font 4-24
<ESC>XM XM Font 4-24
<ESC>XS XS Font 4-24
<ESC>XU XU Font 4-24
<ESC>S S Font 4-24
<ESC>M M Font 4-24
<ESC>U U Font 4-24
<ESC>OA OA Font 4-24
<ESC>OB OB Font 4-24
<ESC>WB WB Font 4-25
<ESC>WL WL Font 4-25
<ESC>RD Font, Raster 4-26
<ESC>$ Font, Vector 4-27
<ESC>$= Outline Font Print 4-27

Barcode Commands 4-28

<ESC>B Barcode, Ratio 1:3 4-28
<ESC>BD Barcode, Ratio 2:5 4-28
<ESC>D Barcode, Ratio 1:2 4-28
<ESC>d Barcode, Human Readable Information (HRI) 4-31
<ESC>EU EAN/UCC Composite Symbol 4-32
<ESC>BC CODE 93 Barcode 4-33
<ESC>BF Bookland 4-34
<ESC>BG CODE 128 Barcode 4-35
<ESC>BI UCC/EAN 128 4-36
<ESC>BP Postnet 4-38
<ESC>BT Variable Ratio Barcodes 4-39
<ESC>BW Barcode Expansion 4-40

2D Code Commands 4-41

<ESC>BK PDF417 4-41
<ESC>BQ QR Code 4-42

iii

<ESC>BV Maxi Code 4-43
<ESC>BX Data Matrix Code 4-44
<ESC>DC Data Matrix Code, Data 4-45
<ESC>FX Data Matrix Code, Sequential Number 4-46

System Commands 4-47

<ESC>CS Print Speed 4-47
<ESC>#E Print Darkness 4-48
<ESC>NC Cutting Operation 4-49
<ESC>A3 Base Reference Point 4-50
<ESC>AR Print Area, Standard 4-51
<ESC>AX Print Area Enlargement 4-51
<ESC>EP Print End Position 4-51
<ESC>~a Cut, Job 4-52
<ESC>~A Cut, Label 4-53
<ESC>~B Cut, Last 4-54
<ESC>* Clear Print Jobs & Memory 4-55
<ESC>@ Offline/Pause 4-56
<ESC>OL Online 4-56
<ESC>C Repeat Label 4-57
<ESC>PG EEPROM Setup 4-58
<ESC>PC Flash ROM Setup 4-58
<ESC>I2 Serial Interface, Configuration 4-59
<ESC>IG Sensor Type Selection 4-60
<ESC>E Line Feed 4-61
<ESC>LD User Download 4-62
<ESC>LA Language 4-63
<ESC>CL CL/LF Deletion 4-63
<ESC>LH Zero Slash 4-64
<ESC>AO Auto Online 4-64
<ESC>LF Online Feed 4-65
<ESC>EX0 Print Length Expansion 4-66

Graphic Commands 4-67

<ESC>G Graphics, Custom 4-67
<ESC>GM Graphics, BMP File 4-68
<ESC>GP Graphics, PCX File 4-69
<ESC>WDH Copy Image Area 4-70

OPTIONAL COMMAND CODES

Calendar Commands 5-2

<ESC>WA Calendar Printing 5-2
<ESC>WP Calendar Increment 5-3
<ESC>WT Calendar Configuration 5-4

Memory Card Commands 5-5

<ESC>CC Card, Slot for Use 5-5
<ESC>BJF Card, Format 5-6
<ESC>FM Memory Cartridge Format 5-7
<ESC>FP Memory Cartridge Printing 5-7
<ESC>* Memory Card Clear 5-8
<ESC>BJS Print Memory Card Status 5-9
<ESC>BJT True Type Font, Recall 5-10
<ESC>BJ/BJD True Type Font, Store 5-11
<ESC>YR/ID Format/Field, Recall 5-12
<ESC>YS/IN Format/Field, Store 5-13
<ESC>&R Form Overlay, Recall 5-14
<ESC>&S Form Overlay, Store 5-15
<ESC>GC BMP File, Recall 5-17
<ESC>GT BMP File, Store 5-18
<ESC>PY PCX File, Recall 5-19
<ESC>PI PCX File, Store 5-20
<ESC>GR Custom Graphic, Recall 5-21
<ESC>GI Custom Graphic, Store 5-22
<ESC>T Character, Custom Designed 5-23

iv

BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Introduction 6-2

General Configuration 6-2
Serial Interface 6-2
Receive Buffer 6-2
Data Transmission 6-2

Enquire & Response 6-3

Enquire (SOH + ENQ) 6-3
Cancel (SOH + CAN) 6-3
Print Job 6-3
Print Stop (SOH + DLE) 6-3
Print Start (SOH + DC1) 6-4
Obtain History Data (SOH + LW) 6-4
Release Return Error (SOH + SUB) 6-4
Printer Status (SOH + MG) 6-4
Counter Status (SOH + ME) 6-5
Sensor Status (SOH + SG) 6-5
Head Status (SOH + HC) 6-5
System Version Information (SOH + SB) 6-5
Memory Status (SOH + EB) 6-5
Format Overlay Status (SOH + FO) 6-5
Font Configuration (SOH + FG) 6-5
Interface Status (SOH + IG) 6-5
Interface Settings (SOH + H2) 6-5
Item Number Check 6-6
BCC Check (Block Check Code) 6-6
Designation of Start Item Number (ESC + IQ) 6-6
Designation of Switching Status 5 Return (ESC+ PL) 6-7
Designation of Status 5 Return Check (ESC+ CR) 6-7

APPENDIX

Custom Characters & Graphics 7-2

Custom Designed Character Example 7-2
Custom Graphics Example 7-4
PCX Graphics Example 7-7

Custom Protocol Codes 7-9
Reference Tables 7-10

Table 1: Valid Commands (<ESC>L) 7-10
Table 2: Valid Commands (<ESC>P) 7-10
Table 3: Valid Commands (<ESC>PR) 7-10
Table 4: Valid Commands (<ESC>PS) 7-10
Table 5: Valid Commands (<ESC>%) 7-10
Table 6: Valid Commands (<ESC>F) 7-10
Table 7: Valid Commands (<ESC>&) 7-11
Table 8: Valid Commands (<ESC>/) 7-11
Table 9: Valid Commands (<ESC>H) 7-11
Table 10: Valid Commands (<ESC>V) 7-11
Table 11: Valid Commands (<ESC>XU, XS, XM, XB, XL) 7-11
Table 12: Character Font Set (<ESC>XU) 7-12
Table 13: Character Font Set (<ESC>XS) 7-12
Table 14: Character Font Set (<ESC>XM) 7-13
Table 15: Character Font Set (<ESC>XB) 7-13
Table 16: Character Font Set (<ESC>XL) 7-14
Table 17: Valid Commands (<ESC>OA, OB) 7-14
Table 18: Character Font Set (<ESC>OA) 7-15
Table 19: Character Font Set (<ESC>OB) 7-15
Table 20: Valid Commands (<ESC>RD) 7-16
Table 21: Valid Commands (<ESC>$) 7-16
Table 22: Valid Commands (<ESC>$=) 7-16
Table 23: Barcode Type (<ESC>B) 7-16
Table 24: Barcode Type (<ESC>BD) 7-17
Table 25: Barcode Type (<ESC>D) 7-17

v

Table 26: CODE128 Data Values (<ESC>BG) 7-18
Table 27: Format ID List (<ESC>BX) 7-19
Table 28: Parameters (<ESC>PG) 7-19
Table 29: Parameters (<ESC>PC) 7-21
Table 30: Parameters (<ESC>LD) 7-22
Table 31: Valid Commands (<ESC>YS) 7-22
Table 32: Invalid Commands (<ESC>YS) 7-22
Table 33: Valid Commands (<ESC>&R) 7-23
Table 34: Valid Commands (<ESC>&S) 7-23
Table 35: Error Commands (<ESC>&S) 7-23
Table 36: Valid Commands (<ESC>/N) 7-24
Table 37: Specified Item Status 7-24
Table 38: Item Status In Process 7-24

SATO CONTACTS 8-1

vi

Unit 1: Introduction

INTRODUCTION

• About This Manual

• Print Area Calculation

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 1-1

Unit 1: Introduction

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual is laid out consistent with the product discussed and provides all of the information
required for printer programming.

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

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

CAUTION: PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT, IF UNHEEDED, MAY

RESULT IN EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

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

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

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

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

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

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 1-2

Unit 1: Introduction

PRINT AREA CALCULATION

Many print applications may not require labels that fill the entire printable area of the printer.
Therefore it is important to understand how to calculate print size so that the printed image does
not exceed the label size.

There are two axis to consider when calculating for print position; horizontal and vertical. The
horizontal axis is lateral positioning parallel with the print head and is measured from the right
side of the media to the left. The vertical axis is the label length from the front to its rear.

This juncture point of the horizontal and vertical axis is referred to as the Base Reference Point
(or zero point) and all measurement is incremental along those axis’ from there. The allowable
ranges for these references is dependent on the particular printer to accommodate different print
widths and resolutions.

A1 COMMAND

The A1 command is the preferred method of configuring the printer for media size. If using media
smaller than the print head width, use this command to specify the media size and adjust the
start position corresponding to that. The backing paper must be included in media size
considerations. This command would be as follows:

<A1>aaaaabbbb

a = Height of Label

b = Width of Label

NOTE: The valid ranges for each of the above may be found in the product
manuals.

A3 COMMAND

Before beginning to send code, one must perform some simple calculations to determine print
positioning. Firstly, determine the print resolution and maximum print width of the printer. This
information is provided in the Technical Data unit of the Operator Manual and Service Manuals.

The print resolution of the print head has a direct bearing on the “dots per inch” (DPI) of print
density. The corresponding formula for a 203 Resolution print head on a printer with 4.1
Maximum Print Width would be:

Resolution (DPI) x Maximum Printable Width (Linear Inches) =

Maximum Printable Width (Linear Dots)

203 (DPI) x 4.1 (Linear Inches) = 832 (Linear Dots)

Once this is done, one must calculate the label width in linear dots. That formula would be as
follows for a 2 inch wide label:

Resolution (DPI) x Label Width (Linear Inches) =

Label Width (Linear Dots)

203 (DPI) x 2.0 (Linear Inches) = 406 (Linear Dots)

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 1-3

Unit 1: Introduction

POWER

ON LINE

STATUS LABEL RIBBON

LINE

FEED

Print Head

LABEL

LABEL

Label Width

Label Length

Maximum Printable Width

Initial Base Reference Point

Print Offset

New Base Reference Point

Lastly, one must calculate the horizontal distance to offset printing to accommodate for the
difference in size from the printer’s maximum printable width to the label width. That formula
would be as follows using the above examples:

Maximum Printable Width (Linear Dots) - Label Width (Linear Dots) =

Print Offset (Linear Dots)

832 (Linear Dots) - 406 (Linear Dots) = 426 (Linear Dots)

In the above example, 426 would be the required command entry to reset the initial base
reference point (or zero point) to the new base reference point (or zero point) based on the
label’s width.

Note that with each additional horizontal or vertical adjustment, the New Base Reference Point
will always be positioned relative to the last base reference point - not the Initial Base Reference
Point. In other words, the only way to return to the Initial Base Reference Point is to either
commands to reverse the prior commands or to delete all positioning commands to return the
printer to its default state.

Figure 1-1, Print Area Calculation

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 1-4

PROGRAMMING

CONCEPTS

• Programming Language

• Selecting Protocol Codes

• Using Basic

• Print Position Commands

• GL-specific Commands

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-1

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

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

<ESC>{Command}

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

<ESC>{Command} {Data}

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

<ESC>{Command} {Parameter}

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

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

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

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-2

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

SELECTING PROTOCOL 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 Non­Standard 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 D).

PROTOCOL CODES

CONTROL
CHARACTER

STX 02 Hex Data start

ETX 03 Hex Data end

ESC 1B Hex Command Code to follow

ENQ 05 Hex Get printer status, Bi-Com Mode

CAN 18 Hex Cancel print job, Bi-Com mode

Off-Line 40 Hex Take printer Off-Line

STANDARD
DSW2-7 OFF

DESCRIPTION

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-3

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

USING BASIC

It may be useful to test your printer using a BASIC program on a PC or write your actual
production programs in BASIC. Whatever the reason, if working in BASIC, some of the following
hints may be helpful.

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 a single line and do not contain <CR> and/or <LF> characters. If
these characters are needed, they are explicitly noted by the inclusion of <CR> and <LF>
notations.

If using the printer’s RS232C interface, it is necessary to set the computer COM portion so the
CTS and DSR signals are ignored. Send OPEN “COM” statements as follows:

OPEN “COM1:9600,E,8,1,CS,DS”AS #1

This sets the host computer’s COM1 port RS232C communication parameters for 9600 baud,
Even parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and directs the port to ignore the CTS and DSR control
signals.

It may be desirable to assign the <ESC> character to a string variable to reduce keystrokes since
this character is often used.

The following two examples use Standard Protocol codes in BASIC.

PRINTING WITH THE PARALLEL 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 is only displayed on
the screen.

10 E$=CHR$(27) Sets the “E$” string as an <ESC> character

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

30 LPRINT E$;"A"; Sends an “<ESC>A” command code to the LPT1

parallel port

40 LPRINT E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be to be placed 400

dots horizontally and 100 dots 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 command has been

sent. The printer can now create and print the job.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-4

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

PRINTING WITH THE RS232C PORT

5 REM CL612 Parallel 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.

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"

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

60 PRINT #1, E$; “Z”; Informs the printer that the last command has

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

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

label.

been sent and printing can occur.

informs the printer of message end.

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.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-5

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

LABEL

Label Width

Label Length

PRINT POSITION COMMANDS

There are three methods using command codes to properly orient print images on a label. They
are as follows:

MEDIA SIZE COMMAND

The Media Size Command (<ESC>A1) allows specification of the label width and
length so the printer may automatically adjust itself relative to the command entry.
However, the label size specified and the actual label size must match.

Example: <ESC>A1aaaaabbbb

a = Label Length
b = Label Width

Figure 2-1, Media Measurement

BASE REFERENCE POINT COMMAND

The Base Reference Point Command (<ESC>A3) establishes the zero point of
the Horizontal and Vertical axis so the distance may be calculated in dots from
that point to the label’s edge. This command immediately follows the Data Start
Command.

Example: Label Width = total dots - = 406 dots

New Base Ref Point = Max Print Width - Label Width
= (dot quantity) - (406 dots) = 426 dots

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

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

HORIZONTAL OFFSET COMMAND

Allows print image orientation by combining a part of both methods above by
establishing the media size and then orienting it through base reference point
adjustment.

Example: A Printer with 8-dpmm:

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

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-6

position each field.

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

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 4.25 inch wide label.

If you want to test any of the sample label outputs and are using labels less than five inches in
width, it is recommended that the Base Reference Point command be added to the data stream
to print the image onto the label.

The addition of the Base Reference Point command to the data stream will help adjust the print.
See the following two examples or refer to the Base Reference Point command description.

Example: <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 using a 2 inch wide label, the entire image may not appear on the 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 the image to shift toward the inside of the printer where it can be printed
on the narrower label.

Example: M8400RVe data stream results in a 2 inch wide 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.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-7

Unit 2: Programming Concepts

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SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 2-8

COMMAND QUICK

REFERENCE

• A through Z (all commands)

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-1

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

A Start Code. Begins all print jobs

~Aaaaa Cut, Label. Specifies the number of labels to print between each cut. It is

independent of the Quantity command.

aaaa = Number of labels between each cut

~aaaa Cut, Job. Cuts labels at a specified interval in a print job. Quantity of labels

printed is equal to the product of the quantity specified x the value of aaaa.

aaaa = Number of labels between each cut (0001 to 9999)

~B Cut, Last. Cuts any printed labels that remain in the printer.

AOa Auto Online. Allows the automatic online on power up setting to be

enabled or disabled.

a = 0: Powers up in the online mode

1: Powers up in the offline mode

A1aaaabbbb Media Size. Specifies the label size.

aaaa = Label height in dots (0 to Vmax)

bbbb = Label width in dots (0 to Hmax)

& Store Form Overlay. Stores a specified label image in the printer’s volatile

form overlay memory.

AR Normal Print Length. This command resets the printer to the Standard

print length (7 inches).

&Raa Form Overlay, Recall. Recalls a label image previously stored in

Expanded Memory.

aa = Storage number (00 to 99)

&S,aa,bbbb,cccc Form Overlay, Store. Stores a label image in Expanded Memory.

aa = Storage number (00 to 99)

bbbb = Horizontal size of window to be stored (50 to Hmax)

cccc = Vertical size of window to be stored (50 to Vmax)

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-2

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

*a,bbb Clear Memory Card. Stores a label image in Expanded Memory.

a = Memory section to be cleared.

G: SATO graphics file (001 to 999)
P: PCX graphics file (001 to 999)
F: Stored formats (001 to 999)
O: TrueType fonts, memory card (001 to 009)
R: BMP graphic file (001 to 999)

bbb = BMP graphic file (001 to 999)

@,nn...n Offline/Pause. Signals the printer to go offline after upon job completion.

nn...n = Optional message to be displayed on the LCD (max 32

characters).

A3H-aaaa-Vbbbb Base Reference Point. Establishes a new base reference point position

for the current label. Units of measurement are dots.

- = Optional character.If included, will shift reference point in
negative direction.

aaaa = Horizontal reference point

bbbb = Vertical reference point

AX Print Area Enlargement. This command sets the printer to the Expanded

print length (14 inches). <ESC>EX0 is the recommended replacement.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-3

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

Babbcccd Bar Codes. Prints a 1:3 ratio barcode.

a = 0: Codabar

1: Code 39
2: Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5)
3: UPC-A/EAN-13
4: EAN-8
5: Industrial 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
H: SSCC

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

ccc = Bar height in dots (001 to 999)

d = SSCC only

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

BC CODE 93 Barcode. Prints a CODE 93 barcode.

a = Narrow bar width (01 to 12 dots)

b = Height of barcode (001 to 999 dots)

c = Digit quantity of data (01 to 99)

n=Print data

BDabbcccd Bar Codes. Prints a 2:5 ratio barcode, except for UPC, EAN, Code 93,

Code 128 and SSCC symbols, which are fixed width bar codes. For values
a, bb, ccc and d see instructions for Babbcccd.

For UPC/EAN bar codes, this command puts descender bars and humand
readable text below the symbol.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-4

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

BF Bookland. Prints a Bookland barcode.

a

= Narrow bar width (01 to 12 dots)

b

= Height of barcode (001 to 999 dots)

n

= Print data

BG CODE 128. Prints a CODE 128 barcode.

a

= Narrow bar width (01 to 12 dots)

b

= Height of barcode (001 to 999 dots)

n

= Print data

BI SSCC. Prints a SSCC barcode.

a

b

c

n

BJaa..abb..b True Type Font, Store. Prepares the Expanded Memory to accept True

Type font data.

aa...a

bb...b

BJDcccccddddee...e True Type Font, Download Bit Mapped Data. Downloads the bit mapped

TrueType font data to the memory area specified.

ccccc

dddd

ee...e

BJFaaaaaaaa Card, Format. Initializes the Memory Area and formats it for use. Should

be preceded by the Memory Area Select command for the memory area to
be initialized.

Narrow bar width (01 to 12 dots)

=

Barcode height (001 to 999 dots)

=

Barcode expository font specification

=

0: Without HRI
1: HRI available in upper part of barcode
2: HRI available in upper part of barcode

Barcode print data (17 digits fixed)

=

= 40 byte font description

= 10 byte date field

= Memory Offset (hexadecimal)

= Data size in bytes (max = 2000)

= Font data to be downloaded

aaaa....a

BJS Print Memory Card Status. Reports the status of the currently active

Memory Card to the host by printing a status label.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-5

8 character alphanumeric password

=

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

BJTaabbccddeefffgg..g True Type Font, Recall. Recalls a previously stored bit mapped TrueType

font for use.

aa

= Font ID (01 to 99)

bb

= Horizontal Expansion (01 to 12)

cc

= Vertical Expansion (01 to 12)

dd

= Reserved, always 00

ee

= Character pitch (01 to 99)

ffff

= Number of characters

gg...g

BKaabbcddeeefffnn...n PDF417. Prints PDF417 2-D symbols.

nn...n = Data to be printed.

BPn...n Postnet. Prints Postnet bar codes.

= Data to be printed using font

aa = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will not print for

values of 01, 02 or greater than 09.

bb = Minimum module pitch dimension (04-240 dots). Will not

print for values of 01, 02, 03 or greater than 25.

c = Security level (1-8).

dd = Code words per line (01-30). If 00 is specified for dd and

ee, printer will automatically optimize settings.

ee = Rows/symbol (00 or 03). If 00 is specified for dd and ee,

printer will automatically optimize settings.

fff = Number of characters to be encoded (0001-2700)

g = Not specified, standard PDF417

M: Micro PDF417
T: Truncated PDF417

n...n = 5 digit ZIP (Postnet-32 format)

6 digits (Postnet-37 format)
9 digit ZIP+4 (Postnet -52 format)
11 digit ZIP+4+DPC (Postnet-62, Delivery Point format).

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-6

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

BQ QR Code. Prints QR CODE of 2D code.

a = Error correction level

1: 7% high density
2: 15% standard
3: 30% high reliability
4: 25%

b = Concatenation mode

0: Normal Mode
1: Concatenation mode

c = Size of one side of cell (01 to 32)

d = Quantity of partitions by concatenation mode (01 to 16)

e = Sequential number partitioned by concatenation (01 to 16)

f = Concatenation mode parity data (00 to FF)

g = Character mode

1: Number Mode
2: Alphanumeric Mode
3: Binary Mode

h = Quantity of data (0001 to 7366)

n=Print data.

BTabbccddee Bar Codes. Variable Ratio. provides the ability to print a bar code with a

ratio other than those specified through the standard bar code commands
(B, BD, and D).

a = Bar code option:

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

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)

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-7

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

BVa,b,c, ddddddddd,eee,
f f f,gg..g

BWaabbb Bar Codes. Expansion. Works together with the BT command to specify

BXaabbccddeeefffghh Data Matrix. Data Format. Specifies the format of the Data Matrix 2-D

Maxicode. Prints 2-D Maxicode symbols per AIM I.S.S. specification.

a = Position of symbol within the set

b = Total number of symbols in the set

c=Mode

dd..d = 9 digit numeric Postal Code

eee = 3 digit numeric Country Code

f f f = 3 digit numeric Service Class

gg..g = Data, terminated by <ESC>

an expansion factor and the bar code height for the particular symbol being
printed.

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

is increased (01 to 12)

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

symbology.

aa = Format ID (01 to 06, If ECC200 is selected (bb=20) this

field is ignored.

bb = Error correction level (00, 05, 08,10,14, 20 or 200. All other

values processed as 00.

cc = Horizontal cell size (03 to 12 dots/cell)

dd = Vertical cell size (03 to 12 dots per cell)

eee = Cells per line. Use 000 for optimized symbol.

fff = Cell lines. Use 000 to optimize.

g = Mirror image

0: Normal Print
1: Reverse Print

hh = Guide cell thickness (01 to 15) 01 indicates normal type.

C Repeat Label. Prints a duplicate of the last label printed.

CCa Card, Slot for Use. Selects the memory area for all following expanded

memory commands.

a

= Memory Area 1

b

= Memory Area 2

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-8

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

CLa CL/LF Deletion. Deletes the occurrence of CR/LF characters in the data

stream.

a

CSa Print Speed Selection. Specifies a unique print speed in in./sec. through

software for a particular label.

a

Dabbcccn Barcode, Human Readable Information (HRI). Specifies the character

type of human readable information of barcode.

a

b

c

n

dn...n Barcode, Human Readable Information (HRI). Specifies the character

type of human readable information of barcode. May be used in
conjunction with the preceding <ESC>D.

d

0: Do not delete CR/LF

=

1: Delete CR/LF

Speed Range

=

3: JAN/EAN13

=

4: JAN/EAN8
H: UPC-A

Narrow bar width (01 to 12 dots)

=

Barcode height (001 to 999 dots)

=

Barcode print data

=

Character type specification

=

XU
XS
XM
XB
XL
OA
OB
HRI data

n

DCxx...x Data Matrix. Print Data. Prints data using Data Matrix format specified in

BX Data Format command.

xx...x = Data to be printed. Cannot exceed 500 characters.

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-9

HRI print data

=

Unit 3: Command Quick Reference

COMMAND QUICK REFERENCE

INSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

$ Font, Vector. Specifies printing of the unique SATO vector font.

a = A: Helvetica Bold (proportional spacing)

B: Helvetica Bold (fixed spacing)

b = Font width (50 to 999 dots)

c = Font height (50 to 999 dots)

d = Font variation (0 to 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, shadow 1
6: Standard, shadow 2
7: Standard mirror image
8: Italic
9: Italic open (outlined)

$= Outline Font Print. Specifies the print of outline font.

n=Print data

Eaaa Line Feed. Provides the ability to print multiple lines of the same character

size without specifying a new print position for each line.

aaa = Number of dots (1 to 999) between the bottom of the

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

EP Print End Position. Specifies the label stop position in the sensor valid

mode.

EU EAN/UCC Composite Symbol. Specifies the composite symbol of EAN/

UCC.

EX0 Expanded Print Length. Expands the print length to 9999 dots.

Faaaabcccc ddee Sequential Numbering. Allows the printing of sequencing fields (text, bar

codes) where all incrementing is done within the printer.

aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data (0001 to 9999).

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

cccc = Value of step for sequence (001 to 9999).

dd = Quantity of digits for sequential numbering (01 to 99).

ee = Quantity of digits free for sequential numbering (01 to 99).

SATO GL4xxe SBPL Programming Reference Page 3-10