Star Micronics SP300 Series, SP312F, SP317F Programmer's Manual

Dot Matrix Printer

SP300 Series

Programmer’s Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. CONTROL PANEL ..............................................................................1

1-1. Basic Operation ............................................................................1

1-2. Switch Operation (Combined Switch Operation) ........................2

2. SERIAL INTERFACE ..........................................................................7

2-1. Interface Specifications ................................................................7

2-2. Interface Circuit ...........................................................................8

2-2-1. RS-232C Serial Interface ..................................................8

2-2-2. Current Loop (option) .......................................................8

2-2-3. RS-422A Serial Interface (option) ....................................9

2-3. Connectors and Signals ..............................................................10

2-4. Interface Connections.................................................................12

2-5. Installing the Optional Interface Board ......................................13

2-6. Data Structure.............................................................................14

2-6-1. DTR mode .......................................................................14

2-6-2. X-ON/X-OFF mode ........................................................16

2-6-3. STX-ETX mode .............................................................19

3. PARALLEL INTERFACE..................................................................22

3-1. Interface Specifications ..............................................................22

3-2. Interface Timing......................................................................... 22

3-3. Connectors and Signals ..............................................................24

4. Emergency Suspension........................................................................25

5. VALIDATION PRINTING (Models with validation function only) . 26

5-1. Operating Method ......................................................................26

5-2. Printing Format ..........................................................................27

5-3. Data format.................................................................................27

5-4. Other...........................................................................................27

6. AUTO CUTTER (Auto-cutting models only).....................................28

6-1. Cutting Method ..........................................................................28

6-2. Cutting position ..........................................................................28

6-3. Auto cutting control codes .........................................................28

6-4. Other position to be observed ....................................................28

7. CONTROL CODES ............................................................................29

7-1. Control Codes Used for Character Setting................................. 32

7-2. Control Codes Used for Line Spacing .......................................36

7-3. Control Codes Used for Page Layout.........................................37

7-4. Control Codes Used for Graphics Printing ................................41

7-5. Control Codes Used for Download Characters ..........................46

7-6. Control Codes Used for Peripheral Units...................................49

7-7. Other Control Codes ..................................................................50

8. CHARACTOR CODE TABLES ......................................................55

8.1 U.S.A. & Europe (DIP SW2-1: ON, SW2-2: ON).....................55

8.2 IBM Character Set #1 (DIP SW2-1: OFF, SW2-2: ON) ..........57

8.3 IBM Character Set #2 (DIP SW2-1: ON, SW2-2: OFF) ........... 59

8.4 JAPAN (DIP SW2-1:, OFF, SW2-2: OFF)................................61

8.5 International Character Sets .......................................................63

• For DIP switch settings, refer to Installation Manual.

• Models with validation function: SP312F, SP317F

– 1 –

1. CONTROL PANEL

1-1. Basic Operation

1 “ON LINE” switch

Switches the printer between “ON
LINE” and “OFF LINE”. When­ever the printer switches between
“ON LINE” and “OFF LINE”, the
buzzer gives one short beep (“ON
LINE” and “OFF LINE”, switching
is possible only when the paper is
loaded in the printer.)

2 “FEED” switch

• When this switch is pressed and
then released within 0.5 sec.,the
paper feeds one line.

• When this switch is depressed for
more than 0.5 sec.,the paper feeds
continuously.
(The above paper feed operation
is possible for both “ON LINE”
and “OFF LINE” modes.)

3 “POWER” lamp (green LED)

• Lights when the power for the printer is on.

4 “ALARM” lamp (red LED)

• Lights when the paper is out.
If the paper is out, load a new roll then press the “ON LINE” switch.

• Flashes when the front cover is open or a mechanical error (motor lock etc.)
occurs. The buzzer will give one short beep followed by a long beep.
Mount the front cover properly and press the “ON LINE” switch. If the
buzzer still sounds and the “ALARM” lamp flashes, this signifies that a
mechanical error has occurred. Locate the cause of the error and turn the
power for the printer off and back on again to reset the printer.
(In case of a mechanical error, the data will not be cleared even if the power
is turned off.)

5 “ON LINE” lamp (green LED)

LED lit: Printer is ON LINE
LED off: Printer is OFF LINE
LED flashes: Validation printing mode is set.
When all lamps 3 to 5 light simultaneously and the buzzer sounds continu­ously, a CPU error has occurred. In case of a CPU error, turn off the power then
turn it on again. When turning off the power, the data will be cleared.

3

4

5

1

2

POWER

ALARM

ON LINE

FEED

Fig. 1-1 Control panel

– 2 –

1-2. Switch Operation (Combined Switch Operation)

1 <SELF PRINT TEST>

FEED + POWER ON (Turn the power on while holding the FEED switch
depressed.)
Self-printing will be performed according to the VER. NO., DIP switch
settings and character order. When the FEED switch is held continuously
during self printing, only the characters will print out repeatedly.
In models with cutter, cutting will be done after self-printing is performed
according to the VER. NO., DIP switch setting and character order. When the
FEED switch is pressed after completed self-printing, character printing and
cutting will be repeatedly performed.

Fig. 1-2 Self printing sample (when using serial interface printer)

– 3 –

2 <Hexadecimal dump mode>

ON LINE + POWER ON (Turn the power on while holding the ON LINE
switch depressed.)
Each of the signals sent from the computer to the printer will be printed out
in hexadecimal code.
This function allows you to check if a control code sent to the printer by the
program being used is correct or not. The buzzer will sound once to indicate
the printer is in hexadecimal dump mode.
After the program has been run, the last line buffer should be flushed by
pressing the ON LINE switch. To turn off the mode, it is necessary to turn off
the printer completely.

Fig. 1-3 Hexadecimal printing sample

3 <CLEAR PRINT BUFFER> (Single Head Only)

FEED + ON LINE + POWER ON (Turn the power on while holding both
the FEED and ON LINE switches depressed.)
This operation clears the printer buffer. (The buzzer gives two short beeps.)
When DIP switch 1-7 of this printer is set to ON (which is the factory presetting),
the RAM back-up function operates to maintain the data in the data buffer, even
if the power for the printer is shut off due to power failure, etc.
However, when the printer power is shut off for more than 10 hours, the data
content will become unstable and its content could degenerate and become un­usable in the worst instances. For this reason, when the printer power is turned
off for more than 10 hours, perform the above operation to clear the data in the
data buffer.
Note that the data in the buffer can also be cleared by control code <CAN>.

4 <MICRO FEED>

ON LINE + FEED Press the FEED switch while holding the ON LINE
switch depressed when the printer is OFF LINE and the paper will feed in very
small increments.

– 4 –

5 <PAGE TOP> (Sprocket-type Only)

ON LINE + FEED (Press the FEED button while holding the ON LINE
button depressed when the printer is ON LINE) The buzzer gives three short
beeps and the printer sets the page top.

6 <Dot alignment adjust mode> (Twin Head Only)

FEED + ON LINE + POWER ON

This mode enables adjustment of the forward and backward printed line align­ment by 1/2-dot increments. The adjustment procedure is explained on the
following pages.

– 5 –

1. Enter the Dot Alignment Adjust Mode by turning on the power while
pressing the ONLINE and FEED switches.

2. When Dot Alignment Adjust Mode starts, the buzzer will sound twice and
“Dot Alignment Adjust Mode” is printed.

3. Seven dot alignment patterns are printed as shown below. The patterns are
arranged with the backward printed lines more toward the left as the patterns
are printed down the page; the fourth pattern is the standard. The asterisk (*)
indicates the pattern printed with the current setting.

– 6 –

4. To choose a pattern with a closer alignment of the forward and backward
printed lines, count from the top down to the desired pattern and press the
FEED switch the counted number of times. (The buzzer sounds each time the
FEED switch is pressed, up to a maximum of seven times. However, if the
FEED switch is pressed more than seven times, a warning sounds.)

5. Press the ONLINE switch after the setting is made. (If the power is turned off
before the ONLINE switch is pressed, the new setting becomes invalid.)
When the setting is entered, the buzzer sounds once and the chosen starting
position of the backward printed line is stored in the memory.
This setting does not change if the machine’s power is turned off.
A pattern using the selected setting and followed by “Adjust Completed!” is
printed.
If the ONLINE switch is pressed to end step 5 without changing the setting,
“Adjust Completed!” is printed and the mode is exited.

* To set the starting position of the backward printed line to 0, simultaneously

press the ONLINE and FEED switches in step 4. The mode automatically
continues on to step 5, then a pattern using the selected setting and followed
by “Adjust Completed!” is printed.

– 7 –

2-1. Interface Specifications

1 Data transmission method: Asynchronous serial interface
2 Baud rate: Selectable from 150, 300, 600, 1200,

2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 (Twin Head
only) bps (Refer to Installation
Manual.)

3 Word length Start bit: 1 bit

Data bit: 7 or 8 bits (selectable. Refer
to Installation Manual.)
Parity bit: Odd, even or none
(selectable. Refer to Installation
Manual.)
Stop bit: 1 or 2 bit length

4 Signal polarity RS-232C (Standard feature)

MARK : Logic “1”(–3V to –25V)
SPACE : Logic “0” (+3V to +25V)

Current loop (optional)

MARK : Logic “1”(current ON)
SPACE : Logic “0” (current OFF)

RS-422A (Optional)

MARK : Logic “1”

A is –0.2V or less than B

SPACE : Logic “0”

A is 0.2V or more than B

2. SERIAL INTERFACE

b0 b1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 (b7)

ABCD

Mark [1]

Space [0]

A: Start bit
B: Data bits
C: Vertical parity bit
D: Stop bit

– 8 –

2-2. Interface Circuit

2-2-1.RS-232C Serial Interface

Input (RXD, CTS)

Output (DTR, FAULT, TXD, RCH, RTS)

Fig . 2-1 RS-232C interface circuit

2-2-2.Current Loop (option)

Input (TTY-RXD, TTY-RXDR)

Output (TTY-TXD, TTY-TXDR)

Note: Adjust “R” so that the loop current is set within 10 to 20 mA.

Fig. 2-2 Current loop interface circuit

Printer Host computer

75189 or equivalent

+V

Host computer

R

Printer

+V

Host computer

R

Printer

75188 or equivalent

Printer Host computer

– 9 –

2-2-3.RS-422A Serial Interface (option)

Input (RD, RS)

Output (SD, CS)

Fig. 2-3 RS-422A interface circuit

A

B

Printer Host computer

A

B

Printer Host computer

– 10 –

14

1

25

13

2-3. Connectors and Signals

RS-232C

Pin no. Signal name

I/O

Function

direction
1 F-GND — Frame ground
2 TXD OUT Transmitted data
3 RXD IN Received data
4 RTS OUT Data transmission request signal. This is al-

ways “SPACE” when the printer is turned on.

5 CTS IN This signal changes to “SPACE” when

host computer is ready to transmit data. (In
this instance, the printer does not check this

signal.)
6 N/C Not connected
7 S-GND — Signal ground
8 N/C Not connected

9-10 N/C This pin is used when using the optional

interface board.

11 RCH OUT This signal changes to “SPACE” when the

printer is ready to receive data. (The signal

line is same as pin 20.)

12 N/C Not connected.
13 S-GND — Signal ground
14 FAULT OUT When printer error occurs (such as paper

out, mechanical error, etc.), this signal is

set to “MARK”.

15

Multi-printer TXD

OUT Diode coupled TXD

16

Multi-printer DTR

OUT Diode coupled DTR

17 to 19 N/C This pin is used when using the optional

interface board.

20 DTR OUT Data terminal ready signal. When the printer

is ready to receive data, this signal changes

to “SPACE”.

21-22 N/C Not connected

23 to 25 N/C This pin is used when using the optional

interface board.

Fig. 2-4 Serial interface connector

– 11 –

20 mA current loop (option)

Pin no. Signal name

I/O

Function

direction

9 TTY TXDR — Indicates the ground side of the data signal

of 20 mA loop current.

10 TTY TXD OUT Transmitted data of 20 mA current loop.
17 TTY TXDR — Indicates the ground side of the data signal

of 20 mA loop current.

18 TTY RXDR — Indicates the ground side of the data signal

of 20 mA loop current.

19 TTY RXD IN Received data of 20 mA current loop.
23 TTY RXDR — Indicates the ground side of the data signal

at 20 mA loop current.

24 TTY TXD OUT Transmission data of 20 mA current loop.
25 TTY RXD IN Reception data of 20 mA current loop.

RS-422A (option)

Pin no. Signal name

I/O

Function

direction

9 SD (+) OUT Transmitted data

10 SD (–) OUT Transmitted data
17 RD (+) IN Received data
18 RD (–) IN Received data
19 CS (+) IN When the host computer is set to standby

for data transmission, this signal changes to

“SPACE”.

(In this instance, the printer does not check

the signal.)

23 CS (–) IN When the host computer is set to standby

for data transmission, this signal changes to

“SPACE”.

(In this instance, the printer does not check

the signal.)

24 RS (+) OUT Data transmission request signal. When the

printer is ready to receive data, this signal

changes to “SPACE”.

25 RS (–) OUT Data transmission request signal. When the

printer is ready to receive data, this signal

changes to “SPACE”.

– 12 –

2-4. Interface Connections

The following is a basic example of interface connections. (For interface
connections, refer to the specifications for the respective interface.) IBM PC type
serial port is shown as example.

1
2
3
4
5

7
14
20

1
2
3
4
5

6
7

8

20

F-GND
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS
DSR
S-GND
DCD
DTR

F-GND
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS

S-GND
FAULT
DTR

Board side

IBM PC side

Shield

25Pin

1
2
3
4
5

7
14
20

1
2
3
4
5

6
7

8
9

DCD
RXD
TXD
DTR

CTS

DSR

S-GND

RI

RTS

F-GND
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS

S-GND
FAULT
DTR

Board side

IBM PC side

9 Pin

Fig. 2-5 Example of interface connections for IBM PC

– 13 –

2-5. Installing the Optional Interface Board

When using the optional 20 mA current loop interface or the RS-422A interface,
the optional interface board must be mounted to the printer’s main logic board.
The following is the method of mounting the interface board to the printer’s main
logic board.
1 Remove the 6 screws on the bottom cover of the printer, then remove the

bottom cover.

2 Connect the optional interface board connector to connector CN9 on the

printer’s main logic board.

3 At the same time, insert the plastic board support of the main logic board into

the hole on the interface board.

4 Switch SW5 and SW6 on the main logic board from A-C to B-C.
5 Mount the bottom cover to the printer and fasten the 6 screws to fix it in place

on the printer.

Fig. 2-6 Installing the optional interface board

Fig. 2-7 Switch SW5 and SW6

Bottom cover

Screw

Optional interface board

Main logic board

SW5
SW6

Board support

CN9

A C B

A C B

SW5

SW6

– 14 –

2-6. Data Structure

2-6-1.DTR mode

This mode is accessed when the DIP switch 3-5 is ON.
Signals are controlled using the DTR line as BUSY flag.

If a printer errors do not occur after the power is turned on, the DTR signal line
changes to “SPACE”.
When the host computer confirms that the DTR signal line is set to “SPACE”, the
host computer sends the data text via the RXD signal line to the printer. Also, the
printer will set the DTR signal line to “MARK” when the empty space in the data
buffer is below 256 bytes. After the host computer detects that the DTR signal line
is at “MARK”, transmission of the data text is sopped. In this instance, data can
still be received up until the data buffer becomes completely full.
When the empty space in the data buffer is increased following printing (when the
data in the data buffer is reduced to 256 bytes or less), the printer sets the DTR
signal line to “SPACE”.

RXD

DTR

Data Data Data

Buffer full Buffer empty

Printing

Power ON

RXD

DTR

OFF LINE ON LINE

When paper is out

Printing

PAPER OUT signal

Power ON

Paper out

Press the ON LINE switch after
loading paper.

– 15 –

[Paper out]
When the “paper out’ detector senses the end of the paper, the printer stops
printing after printing a maximum of two more lines or on feeding the paper.
Immediately after a “paper out” condition is detected, the printer sets to OFF
LINE and the DTR changes to “MARK”. (To reset printer after a “paper out’, load
paper into the printer and press the ON LINE switch to set the printer to ON
LINE.)

[Mechanical error]
Mechanical errors are detected when the front cover is opened during printing, or
when the motor locks and the unit will not print. Immediately after a mechanical
error occurs, the printer sets the DTR to “MARK” and then sets the printer to OFF
LINE. To cancel a mechanical error, close the front cover properly and press the
ON LINE switch. If the buzzer sounds and the ALARM lamp flashes at this time,
then locate the cause of the error and turn the power for the printer off and back
on again to reset the printer.

[Status]

Data buffer
Full

Near Full

Near Empty Empty

DTR “MARK” DTR “SPACE”

Remainder

256 bytes

256 bytes

Mechanical error
1: error

Buffer empty
1: empty

Buffer overflow
1: overflow

Compulsion switch
High level
(Switch is set to ON)

b7 b6 b5 b4 b3 b2 b1 b0

Constantly
set at “0”

Vertical parity error
1: error

Framing error
1: error

Paper empty
1: empty

– 16 –

[Framing error]
A framing error occurs when SPACE is detected at the stop bit. When a framing
error or a vertical parity error occurs for the data which is received, the printer
prints out a “?” mark to indicate that the error occurred.

[Compulsion switch]
When pin 6 of the peripheral unit drive circuit connector is set “HIGH”, status bit
7 becomes “1”.

2-6-2.X-ON/X-OFF mode

This mode accessed when the DIP switch 3-5 is OFF.

If printer errors do not occur after the power is turned on, the printer outputs an
X-ON (DC1 by control code; 11H by hexadecimal data) signal on the TXD signal
line which sends it to the host computer. When the host computer receives the X­ON signal, the host computer transmits the data to the RXD signal line for the
printer. If data text is not sent from the host computer (even after transmitting the
X-ON signal to the host computer), the printer outputs an X-ON signal at 3 second
intervals until the printer receives data.
The printer starts outputting an X-OFF (DC3, 13H) signal when the empty space
in the buffer reduces below 256 bytes. When the host computer receives the X­OFF signal, it halts output of data. (however, the printer can continue receiving
data until the buffer becomes completely full.)
Output of the X-ON signal is resumed when the data in the buffer is printed out
and drops to below 256 bytes.

TXD

RXD

ON

OFF

X–ON X–OFF X–OFF X–ON X–OFF X–OFF

X–OFF

X–ON

X–OFF

Printing

Paper out

signal

ON LINE

lamp

Data Data Data

Paper out

Power ON Load paper and press

the ON LINE switch.

– 17 –

[Paper out]
When the “paper out” detector senses the end of the paper, the printer stops
printing after printing a maximum of two more lines or on feeding the paper. The
printer will set the DTR to “MARK” and set the printer to OFF LINE five seconds
after a “paper out” condition is detected. To reset the printer after a “paper out”,
load a new roll of paper into the printer and press the OFF LINE switch to set the
printer ON LINE.

[Mechanical error]
Mechanical errors occur when the front cover is opened during printing and
printing stops or when the motor locks and printing stops. After the error occurs,
the printer outputs an X-OFF signal and stops printing. The printer sets the DTR
signal to “MARK” and sets to OFF LINE five seconds after a mechanical error
occurs. To reset the printer after a mechanical error occurs, close the front cover
properly and press the ON LINE switch. If a buzzer sounds and the ALARM lamp
flashes at this point, locate the cause of the error and turn the power off and then
back on to reset the printer.

Data buffer
Full

Near Full

Near Empty Empty

X-OFF X-ON

Remainder

256 bytes

256 bytes

– 18 –

[Status]

[Framing error]
A framing error occurs when SPACE is detected at the stop bit. When a framing
error or a vertical parity error occurs for the data which is received, the printer
prints out a “?” mark to indicate that the error occurred.

[Compulsion switch]
When pin 6 of the peripheral unit drive circuit connector is set at “HIGH”, status
bit 7 becomes “1”.

Mechanical error
1: error

Buffer empty
1: empty

Buffer overflow
1: overflow

Compulsion switch
High level
(Switch is set to ON)

b7 b6 b5 b4 b3 b2 b1 b0

Constantly
set at “0”

Vertical parity error
1: error

Framing error
1: error

Paper empty
1: empty

0

– 19 –

2-6-3.STX-ETX mode

This mode is accessed from whichever DTR mode or X-ON/X-OFF mode.
To set this mode, the data buffer must be empty.
The host computer sends an ENQ code to the printer and acknowledges the printer
status. Then, the host computer checks if the printer buffer is empty. After the host
computer detects that the buffer is empty, a STX code and data are transmitted.
After 1 block of data is transmitted, the host computer sends an ENQ code to the
printer and then receives the printer status and check byte (horizontal parity for
the printer.)
At this points, the host computer performs a status and horizontal parity check.
When the host computer determines that there was no error, it transmits an ETX
code which serves as text end code. After the printer receives the ETX code, data
in the data buffer is printed out. If an error occurs, a CAN code is transmitted by
the host computer. (In this instance, the data which was previously sent to the
buffer is cleared, thus, the host computer must retransmit the same data to the
printer.)
A flowchart of this operation is illustrated on the following page.

[Status]

[Framing error]
A framing error occurs when SPACE is detected at the stop bit. When a framing
error or a vertical parity error occurs for the data which is received, the printer
prints out a “?” mark to indicate that the error occurred.

Mechanical error
1: error

Buffer empty
1: empty

Buffer overflow
1: overflow

Compulsion switch
High level
(Switch is set to ON)

b7 b6 b5 b4 b3 b2 b1 b0

Constantly
set at “0”

Vertical parity error
1: error

Framing error
1: error

Paper empty
1: empty

0

– 20 –

[Compulsion switch]
When pin 6 of the peripheral unit drive circuit connector is set at “HIGH”, status
bit 7 becomes “1”.

– 21 –

Sends <ENQ>

Receives status byte.

Sends <STX>

Is the data buffer

empty?

Is an odd parity

check?

Acquires the exclusive OR of the content
of the text byte and the data to sent, then
it is used as the content of the test byte.

Transmits the data to
the printer.

Is this the last data in

a block?

Starts the
STX-ETX mode.

The test byte is set at (0)H.

Sends an <ENQ>

Receives status signal.

Receives a check byte.

Sends <ETX>

Sends <CAN>

Ends the
STX-ETX mode.

RET

Is there a data block in

the STX-ETX mode?

YES

NO

(Printing)

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

Horizontal
parity check

Check byte =

test byte?

Is the status an

error?

YES

(FF) H is set for the text
byte.

NO

Check byte:
Horizotal parity of the printer.
Test byte:
Horrizontal parity of the host
computer.

STX-ETX mode flow diagram for host computer

– 22 –

3-1. Interface Specifications

This printer has a parallel interface to communicate with the computer. The
operating specifications of the parallel interface are as follows.

(1) Data transfer rate : 1000 to 6000 characters per second
(2) Synchronization : Via externally supplied STROBE pulses
(3) Handshaking : ACK and BUSY signals
(4) Logic level : Compatible with TTL level

3-2. Interface Timing

Fig. 3-1 Interface timing diagram

3. PARALLEL INTERFACE

TTT

A C K

Data

STROBE

BUSY

T:more than 0.5 microsec.

About 9ms

– 23 –

74 HC Compatible4.7KW

4.7KW

Signal Name Circuit Example

Fig. 3-2 Typical interface circuit

74 HC Compatible4.7KW

100W

470pF

DATA 1 – DATA 8

(To Printer)

STROBE

(To Printer)

BUSY, ACK

(From Printer)

INPUT

OUTPUT

74 HC Compatible4.7KW

– 24 –

3-3. Connectors and Signals

Pin no Signal name

Direction

Function

1 STROBE IN Signals when data is ready to be read. Signal

goes from HIGH to LOW (for at least 0.5
microsec.) when data is available.

2-9 DATA 1-8 IN These signals provide the information of the

first to eighth bits of parallel data. Each signal
is at HIGH level for a logical 1 and at a LOW
level for a logical 0.

10 ACK OUT A 9 microsecond LOW pulse acknowledges

receipt of data.

11 BUSY OUT When this signal goes LOW, the printer is

ready to accept data. When the printer is in
one of the conditions below. “HIGH” is set.

1. Data being entered.

2. Off line.

3. Error condition.

12 PAPER OUT OUT This signal is normally LOW. It will go

HIGH if the printer runs out of paper.
13 SELECTED OUT This signal is HIGH when the printer is online.
14-15 N/C Unused
16

SIGNAL GND

Signal ground.

17

CHASSIS GND

Chassis ground, isolated from logic ground.
18 +5VDC +5VDC (Max 50mA)
19-30 GND Twisted pair return signal ground level.
31 RESET IN When this signal goes LOW, the printer is

reset to its power-on condition.

32 ERROR OUT This signal is normally HIGH. This signal

goes LOW to signal that the printer cannot

print due to an error condition.

Refer to Item 8-4 Emergency Suspension.
33 EXT GND External ground.
34

COMPULSION

OUT Compulsion signal

35-36 N/C Unused.

This connector mates with an
Amphenol 57-30360 connector

Fig. 3-3 Parallel interface connector (printer side)

(19) (36)

(1) (18)

– 25 –

If any of the following errors is detected while the printer is operating, the printer
halts and ERROR signal turns to “LOW” level.

1 Mechanical errors

• Motor lock

• Defective of timing detector (signal not issued)

• Abnormal home position check.

• Defective cutter movement (paper jam, etc.)

• Timing error of Reset sig of the auto cutter during the auto cutter operation

(Auto-cutting models only)

• Abnormality of thermistor

To reset the emergency suspension, rectify the cause of trouble & adopt one of
the following 2 methods.

• Turn the printer power off and on again.

• Push ON LINE switch.

Even while in the status of no backed up RAM with DIP SW1-7, the RAM is
not cleared when power is turned OFF. Printing resumes from the line being
printed when the mechanism stopped. (Single Head Only)

2 If the front cover is opened while printing

If the front cover is opened while printing, the same operation as given in
above item “1 Mechanical errors” takes place. To restart printing, close the
front cover and push ON LINE switch.

3 CPU error

If CPU goes erratic due to external noise, etc., the printer halts, treating it as
CPU error. Normal operation can be resumed by turning ON the power supply
again, but the data contained in RAM gets cleared.

4 RAM Check Function

Before self-printing and when clearing the buffer, a RAM check is performed.

5 Procedures at Time of Power Interruption (Single Head Only)

When using the backed up RAM function in valid status, the data in the buffer
will be preserved even when there is a power interruption. When the power is
turned ON again, the power interruption message “

” will be printed,

and printing will be resumed from the line where it was stopped.

4. EMERGENCY SUSPENSION

– 26 –

This printer can print one line of validation printing.

5-1. Operating Method

5. VALIDATION PRINTING (Models with validation function only)

Fig. 5-2 Loading the paper

1 Open the front cover, pull the adjust

lever one notch from standard posi­tion A toward the operation panel
side position B.
When you cannot find standard po­sition A, push the lever as far as
possible toward the rear cover, and
pull it 2 notches after having pressed
it down. The lever is now in standard
position A.

2 Mount the front cover.

3 Set the printer for the validation

print mode. In this instance, the
buzzer gives tow short beeps.

A: Standard position (one sheet)
B: Validation printing or copying

A

B

Adjust lever

4 Make sure that the ON LINE lamp

is flashing.

5 Align the right edge of paper with

the right end of the tear bar then
insert the paper from the top.

6 The printer starts printing approx. 1

second after the paper is loaded.

7 When printing is completed, pull

the paper upward and remove it
from the printer.

Note: When printing a roll paper, also

set the adjust lever at position B.

Fig. 5-1 Position of the adjust lever

POWER

ALARM

ON LINE

FEED

Rear cover

Front cover

Right end
of the tear bar

– 27 –

5-2. Printing Format

Prints one line in 7 × 9 font normal printing.
32 columns (from the 5th to 36th columns)
Even if the setting for the paper width is changed by the DIP switch, the 32­column format will not change.

5-3. Data format

<GS> <data> <LF>

5-4. Other

• The FEED and ON LINE switches will not operate normally during validation

printing.

• When the printer receives an immediate execution command for peripheral

units during validation printing, it executes the command when the validation
print mode is canceled.

• Modes in effect before the validation printing (such as emphasized printing,

inverted printing, expanded printing, and underlining) are invalid during
validation printing. But these become valid again after validation printing.

• Data received before a <GS> code is printed out when the printer receives the

<GS> code.

Fig. 5-3 Print area

Paper sensor
position

Print area

52.8

100

Min. 120

Approx.
17

Approx.12

: m m

Approx.

18

Min. 70

– 28 –

6-1. Cutting Method

Cuts recording paper into continuous forms connected at only one point remain­ing uncut between adjacent forms.

Only one sheet of paper can be cut each time.

6-2. Cutting position

The paper is cut approximately 21.7 mm above the printing head.

Fig. 6-1 Cutting method Fig. 6-2 Cutting position

6-3. Auto cutting control codes

<ESC> “d” “0” or <ESC> “d” <0>
<ESC> “d” “1” or <ESC> “d” <1>
Refer to the control codes of chapter 10.

6-4. Other position to be observed

1 When continuously cutting for more than 12 minutes, make a maximum of 10

cuttings per minute.

2 When using for a long time, paper dust will gather around the cutter.

Therefore, make sure to clean periodically. If paper dust is not removed,
normal paper feeding may become impossible.

6. AUTO CUTTER (Auto-cutting models only)

Center of printer

Partial cutting
with one uncut
point left

Cutting position
Approx. 21.7mm

Printing head
position

– 29 –

7. CONTROL CODES

Control Codes Used for Character Setting

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<ESC> “R” n 1B 52 n Select international character set 32
<ESC> “6” 1B 36 Select IBM character set #2 32
<ESC> “7” 1B 37 Select IBM character set #1 32
<ESC> “M” 1B 4D Select 7 × 9 (half dot) font 33
<ESC> “P” 1B 50 Select 5 × 9 (2 pulses + 1 dot) font 33
<ESC> “:” 1B 3A Select 5 × 9 (3 pulses + 1 dot) font 33
<SO> 0E Select expanded character mode 33
<DC4> 14 Cancel expanded character mode 34
<ESC> “W” “1” 1B 57 31

Select expanded character mode 34

<ESC> “W” <1> 1B 57 31
<ESC> “W” “0” 1B 57 30

Cancel expanded character mode 34

<ESC> “W” <0> 1B 57 30
<ESC> “E” 1B 45 Select emphasized print mode 34
<ESC> “F” 1B 46 Cancel emphasized print mode 34
<ESC> “-” “1” 1B 2D 31

Select underline mode 35

<ESC> “-” <1> 1B 2D 01
<ESC> “-” “0” 1B 2D 30

Cancel underline mode 35

<ESC> “-” <0> 1B 2D 00
<ESC> “_” “1” 1B 5F 31

Select upperline mode 35

<ESC> “_” <1> 1B 5F 01
<ESC> “_” “0” 1B 5F 30

Cancel upperline mode 35

<ESC> “_” <0> 1B 5F 00
<ESC> “4” 1B 34 Select highlighted print mode 35
<ESC> “5” 1B 35 Cancel highlighted print mode 36
<SI> 0F Select inverted print mode 36
<DC2> 12 Cancel inverted print mode 36

Control Codes Used for Line Spacing

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<LF> 0A Line feed 36
<CR> 0D Line feed (same as LF) 36
<ESC> “z” “1” 1B 7A 31

Set 1/6-inch line feed 36

<ESC> “z” <1> 1B 7A 01
<ESC> “0” 1B 30 Set 1/8-inch line feed 37
<ESC> “a” n 1B 61 n Feed paper n lines 37

– 30 –

Control Codes Used for Page Layout

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<FF> 0C Page feed (form feed) 37

<ESC> “C” n 1B 43 n Set page length at n lines 37
<ESC> “C” <0> n 1B 43 00 n Set page length at n inches 37
<ESC> “B” n1 n2 1B 42 n1 n2 Set vertical tab positions 38
<VT> 0B Execute vertical tab 38
<ESC> “N” n 1B 4E n Set bottom margin 38
<ESC> “O” 1B 4F Cancel bottom margin 39
<ESC> “1” n 1B 6C n Set left margin 39
<ESC> “Q” n 1B 51 n Set right margin 39
<ESC> “D” n1 n2 1B 44 n1 n2 Set horizontal tab position 40
<HT> 09 Execute the horizontal tab 40

Control Code Used for Graphics Printing

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<ESC> “1” 1B 31 Set 7/72-inch line feed 41
<ESC> “A” n 1B 41 n Define n/72-inch line feed 41
<ESC> “2” 1B 32 Set n/72-inch line feed 41
<ESC> “J” n 1B 4A n One time line feed of n/72-inch 41
<ESC> “z” “0” 1B 7A 30

Set 1/12-inch line feed 41

<ESC> “z” <0> 1B 7A 00
<ESC> “3” n 1B 33 n Set n/216-inch line feed simulation 42
<ESC> “y” n 1B 79 n Set n/144-inch line feed (Models with 1/44”

42

-pitch paper feed mechanism only)
<ESC> “K” n1 <0> 1B 4B n1 00 8 dot single density bit image 42
<ESC> “L” n1 n2 1B 4C n1 n2 8 dot double density bit image 44
<ESC> “h” “1” 1B 68 31

Select vertical expanded character mode 45

<ESC> “h” <1> 1B 68 01
<ESC> “h” “0” 1B 68 30

Cancel vertical expanded character mode 45

<ESC> “h” <0> 1B 68 00

Control Codes Used for Download Characters

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<ESC> “&” <0> n1 n2 1B 26 00 n1 n2 Definition of down load characters 46
<ESC> “%” “1” 1B 25 31

Enable download character set 47

<ESC> “%” <1> 1B 25 01
<ESC> “%” “0” 1B 25 30

Disable download character set 47

<ESC> “%” <0> 1B 25 00

– 31 –

Control Codes Used for Peripheral Units

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<ESC> <BEL> n1 n2 1B 07 n1 n2 Adjust drive pulse width for peripheral unit 1 49

<BEL> 07 Deferred drive command for peripheral unit 1 49
<FS> 1C Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 1 49
<SUB> 1A Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 2 50
<EM> 19 Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 1 50

Other Control Codes

Control codes

Hexadecimal

Function Page

codes
<RS> 1E Sound buzzer 50
<CAN> 18 Cancel print data in buffer & Initialize printer 50
<DC3> 13 Set deselect mode 51
<DC1> 11 Set select mode 51
<ESC> “U” “1” 1B 55 31

Select uni-directional print mode 52

<ESC> “U” <1> 1B 55 01
<ESC> “U” “0” 1B 55 30

Select bi-directional print mode 52

<ESC> “U” <0> 1B 55 00
<ESC> “@” 1B 40 Initialize printer 52
<ENQ> 05 Enquiry 53
<STX> 02 Enter STX-ETX mode 53
<ETX> 03 Terminate STX-ETX mode 53
<ESC> “d” “0” 1B 64 30
<ESC> “d” <0> 1B 64 00 Trigger auto-cutter drive

54

<ESC> “d” “1” 1B 64 31 (Auto-cutting models only)
<ESC> “d” <1> 1B 64 01
<GS>...<LF> 1D...0A Selection of validation characters

54

(Models with validation function only)

– 32 –

7-1. Control Codes Used for Character Setting

FUNCTION

Select international character set

CODE

<ESC> “R” n

DEFINITION RANGE

(1B)H (52)H n

OUTLINE

(00)H n (08)H
Select the international character set corresponding to the
value set for n.
n =(00)

H: U.S.A. (03)H: England (06)H: Italy

(01)

H: France (04)H: Denmark (07)H: Spain

(02)

H: Germany (05)H: Sweden (08)H: Japan

The default international characters can also be set with DIP
switches, however, setting by control code takes priority over
setting by DIP switches.
Refer to chapter 11-5 “Code Table”

FUNCTION

Select IBM character set #2

CODE

<ESC> “6”
(1B)

H (36)H

OUTLINE

Selects IBM character set #2.

NOTE

This code is only valid when the character code table set by
DIP switches 2-1 and 2-2 is IBM character set #1 or #2.

FUNCTION

Select IBM character set #1

CODE

<ESC> “7”
(1B)

H (37)H

OUTLINE

Selects IBM character set #1.

NOTE

This code is only valid when the character code table set by
DIP switches 2-1 and 2-2 is IBM character set #1 or #2.

– 33 –

FUNCTION

Select 7 × 9 (half dot) font

CODE

<ESC> “M”
(1B)

H (4D)H

OUTLINE

Selects 7 × 9 (half dot) font.
Refer to User’s manual for the maximum number of print
columns.
When the power of the printer is turned on, 7 × 9 (half dot)
printing is automatically selected.
This code valid only when received at the beginning of a line.

FUNCTION

Select 5 × 9 (2 pulses = 1 dot) font

CODE

<ESC> “P”
(1B)

H (50)H

OUTLINE

Selects 5 × 9 (2 pulses = 1 dot) font.
This code is valid only when received at the beginning of a
line.

FUNCTION

Select 5 × 9 (3 pulses = 1 dot) font

CODE

<ESC> “:”
(1B)

H (3A)H

OUTLINE

Selects 5 × 9 (3 pulses = 1 dot) font.
This code is invalid when using SP311F SP341F SP321S.
This code is valid only when received at the beginning of a
line.

FUNCTION

Select expanded character mode

CODE

<SO>
(0E)

H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed in double-width charac­ters.
Same as <ESC> “W” “1” or <ESC> “W” <1>.

– 34 –

FUNCTION

Cancel expanded character mode

CODE

<DC4>
(14)

H

OUTLINE

Cancels expanded character mode set by <SO> or <ESC>
“W” “1” or <ESC> “W” <1> code. Data following this code
is printed out in normal size characters.
Same as <ESC> “W” “0” or <ESC> “W” <0>.

FUNCTION

Select expanded character mode

CODE

<ESC> “W” “1” or <ESC> “W” <1>
(1B)

H (57)H (31)H or (1B)H (57)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed in double-width charac­ters.
Same as <SO>.

FUNCTION

Cancel expanded character mode

CODE

<ESC> “W” “0” or <ESC> “W” <0>
(1B)

H (57)H (30)H or (1B)H (57)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Cancels expanded character mode set by <ESC> “W” “1” or
<ESC> “W” <1> or <SO> code. Data following this code is
printed out in normal size characters.
Same as <DC4>.

FUNCTION

Select emphasized print mode

CODE

<ESC> “E”
(1B)

H (45)H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed in the emphasized print
mode. In this mode, only uni-directional printing is per­formed.

FUNCTION

Cancel emphasized print mode

CODE

<ESC> “F”
(1B)

H (46)H

OUTLINE

Cancels emphasized print mode.

– 35 –

FUNCTION

Select underline mode

CODE

<ESC> “-” “1” or <ESC> “-” <1>
(1B)

H (2D)H (31)H or (1B)H (2D)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed out underlined. (However,
the spaces generated by horizontal tab are not underlined.)

FUNCTION

Cancel underline mode

CODE

<ESC> “-” “0” or <ESC> “-” <0>
(1B)

H (2D)H (30)H or (1B)H (2D)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Cancels underlined mode.

FUNCTION

Select upperline mode

CODE

<ESC> “_” “1” or <ESC> “_” <1>
(1B)

H (5F)H (31)H or (1B)H (5F)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed out with an upperline.
(However the spaces generated by horizontal tab are not
upperlined.)

FUNCTION

Cancel upperline mode

CODE

<ESC> “_” “0” or <ESC> “_” <0>
(1B)

H (5F)H (30)H or (1B)H (5F)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Cancels upperline mode.

FUNCTION

Select highlighted print mode

CODE

<ESC> “4”
(1B)

H (34)H

OUTLINE

Prints with highlighted characters.
If an underline, upperline or inverted print command is input
while the highlighted print mode is in effect, the highlighted
mode will be canceled and the newly input command will be
executed. If a highlighted print command is received while
the underline, upperline or inverted print mode is in effect, the
previously set mode is canceled and the highlighted print
mode will be set.

– 36 –

FUNCTION

Cancel highlighted print mode

CODE

<ESC> “5”
(1B)

H (35)H

OUTLINE

Cancels highlighted print mode.

FUNCTION

Select inverted print mode

CODE

<SI>
(0F)

H

OUTLINE

Data following this code is printed out in inverted characters.
This code is valid only when input at the beginning of a line,
thus, normal and inverted characters cannot be mixed in on
the same line.

FUNCTION

Cancel inverted print mode

CODE

<DC2>
(12)

H

OUTLINE

Cancels the inverted character mode. This code is valid only
when input at the beginning of a line.

7-2. Control Codes Used for Line Spacing

FUNCTION

Line feed

CODE

<LF>
(0A)

H

OUTLINE

Data in the line buffer is printed out and one line is fed. If data
does not exist before this code is received, the printer only
feeds one line.

FUNCTION

Line feed (Same as LF)

CODE

<CR>
(0D)

H

OUTLINE

Functions the same as an LF code.
When DIP SW 1-3 is set to ON, this code becomes invalid.

FUNCTION

Set 1/6-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “z” “1” or <ESC> “z” <1>
(1B)

H (7A)H (31)H or (1B)H (7A)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at 1/6-inch after this code is received.

– 37 –

FUNCTION

Set 1/8-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “0”
(1B)

H (30)H

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at 1/8-inch after this code is received.

FUNCTION

Feed paper n lines

CODE

<ESC> “a” n
(1B)

H (52)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 127

OUTLINE

After data in the line buffer is printed out, feeds the paper
n lines.

7-3. Control Codes Used for Page Layout

FUNCTION

Page feed (form feed)

CODE

<FF>
(0C)

H

OUTLINE

After data in the line buffer is printed out, feeds the paper to
the top of the next page.

FUNCTION

Set page length at n lines

CODE

<ESC> “C” n
(1B)

H (43)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 255 (default value friction: n =33

Sprocket: n =42)

OUTLINE

Sets page length at n lines.

FUNCTION

Set page length at n inches

CODE

<ESC> “C” <0> n
(1B)

H (43)H (00)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 127

OUTLINE

Sets page length at n inches.

– 38 –

FUNCTION

Set vertical tab positions

CODE

<ESC> “B” n1 n2...nk <0>
(1B)

H (42)H n1 n2...nk (00)H

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n1 < n2 < n3 <....< nk 255, 1 k 16

OUTLINE

Cancels all current vertical tab positions and sets new vertical
tab positions at lines n1, n2, etc., where n1, n2, etc. are
numbers between 1 and 255. A maximum of 16 vertical tab
positions can be set. Tab positions must be specified in
ascending order; any violation of ascending order terminates
the tab position list. Standard termination is by the <0>
control code. Vertical tab positions are set in terms of the
current line spacing and do not move if the line spacing is
changed later.

NOTE

If a tab set position <nk> is equivalent or smaller than
<nk–1> just preceding the tab set position, setting of vertical
tab is assumed as complete.

FUNCTION

Execute vertical tab

CODE

<VT>
(0B)

H

OUTLINE

Feeds the paper to the next vertical tab set position.
When a vertical tab is not set, line feed is not performed. If the
current line is at or below the last vertical tab set position, the
paper feeds to the top of the next page.

FUNCTION

Set bottom margin

CODE

<ESC> “N” n
(1B)H (4E)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

0 n 255 (Default n = 0)

OUTLINE

Sets bottom margin to n lines.

Page length

Feeds the paper
automatically.

Bottom margin of n lines.

– 39 –

FUNCTION

Cancel bottom margin

CODE

<ESC> “O”
(1B)

H (4F)H

OUTLINE

Cancels bottom margin.

FUNCTION

Set left margin

CODE

<ESC> “1” n
(1B)

H (6C)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

0 n (right margin –2)

OUTLINE

Sets the left margin at column n in the current character pitch.
The left margin does not move if the character pitch is
changed later. The left margin must be at least two columns
to the left of the right margin and within the limits above.

FUNCTION

Set right margin

CODE

<ESC> “Q” n
(1B)

H (51)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

2 n (maximum no. of print columns)

OUTLINE

Sets the right margin at column n in the current character
pitch. Column n becomes the last character position the line.
The right margin does not move if the character pitch is
changed later. The right margin must be within the limits
above.

Left margin n

Right margin n columns

Left end

Printing area

– 40 –

FUNCTION

Set horizontal tab position

CODE

<ESC> “D” n1 n2...nk <0>
(1B)

H (44)H n1 n2...nk (00)H

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n1 < n2 < n3...< nk (Maximum print columns –1),
1

k 16

OUTLINE

Cancels all current horizontal tab positions and sets new tab
positions at columns n1, n2, etc. in the current character pitch,
where n1, n2, etc. are numbers between 1 and (Maximum
print columns–1). The maximum number of horizontal tab
positions allowed is 16. The tab positions must be specified
in ascending order; any violation of ascending order termi­nates the tab position list. Standard termination is by the <0>
control code. To clear all tab positions, specify <ESC> “D”
<0>.

NOTE

When the horizontal tab set position <nk> is equivalent or
smaller than <nk-1> which is the column just preceding the set
tab position, horizontal tab setting is assumed as complete.

FUNCTION

Execute horizontal tab

CODE

<HT>
(09)

H

OUTLINE

The print position skips to the next horizontal tab position in
line. If the current position is after the final horizontal tab
position that can be executed, this code is ignored. (Underlin­ing and overlining do not take place in the spaces between
characters set with the horizontal tab function.)

– 41 –

7-4. Control Codes Used for Graphics Printing

FUNCTION

Set 7/72-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “1”
(1B)

H (31)H

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at 7/72-inch after this code is received.

FUNCTION

Define n/72-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “A” n
(1B)H (41)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

0 n 85 (Default n = 12)

OUTLINE

Line feed is defined at n/72-inch after this code is received.
This code sets the feed at n/72-inch with the <ESC> “2” code.

FUNCTION

Set n/72-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “2”
(1B)

H (32)H

OUTLINE

This code sets the line feed at a defined value with the <ESC>
“A” previously described.

FUNCTION

One time line feed of n/72-inch

CODE

<ESC> “J” n
(1B)

H (4A)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 255

OUTLINE

This code activates the n/72-inch paper feed once.

FUNCTION

Set 1/12-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “z” “0” or <ESC> “z” <0>
(1B)

H (7A)H (30)H or (1B)H (7A)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at 1/12-inch after this code is received.

– 42 –

EXAMPLE

Set n/216-inch line feed simulation

CODE

<ESC> “3” n
(1B)

H (33)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 255

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at n/216-inch after this code is received.
According to the minimum paper feed pitch of the connected
mechanism, the amount of line feed is set as follows:
For 1/72”-pitch mechanisms: INT {(n/3)}/72-inch.
For 1/144”-pitch mechanisms: INT {(2n/3)+0.5}/144-inch.

FUNCTION

Set n/144-inch line feed

CODE

<ESC> “y” n
(1B)

H (79)H n

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n 255

OUTLINE

Line feed is set at n/144-inch after this code is received.
* 1/72-inch type mechanism only

FUNCTION

8 dot single density bit image

CODE

<ESC> “K” n1 <0> m1 m2 ...
(1B)

H (4B)H n1 (00)H m1 m2 ...

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n1 200

OUTLINE

Excutes 8 dot bit image print determined by “n1”. The total
number of bit image data bytes in one line is equal to n1.
The printer ignores any data bytes over the specified amount
allowed in one line. When the bit image print is finished the
printer automatically returns to the character mode.

D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1

MSB LSB

Image data

Dot Position

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 (Not Used)

– 43 –

m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7 m8 m9

m10 m11 m12 m13m14 m15 m16 m17 m18m19 m20 m21 m22 m23m24 m25m26 m27 m28m29 m30

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m21 00111110 3E
m22 00101110 2E
m23 00101110 2E
m24 00111110 3E
m25 00101111 2F
m26 00101111 2F
m27 00111110 3E
m28 00111110 3E
m29 00000010 02
m30 00000010 02

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

EXAMPLE

Actually, let us consider printing as a means of bit image. We
will create the design below using bit image.

First, since the volume of data is 30, n1 = (1E)

H. If the data m1

~ m30 is converted to hexadecimal, it appears as shown
below.

Printing Samples

m11 00111110 3E
m12 00000010 02
m13 00000010 02
m14 00111110 3E
m15 00111110 3E
m16 00101111 2F
m17 00101111 2F
m18 00111110 3E
m19 00101110 2E
m20 00101110 2E

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

m1 00000001 01
m2 00011110 1E
m3 00111110 3E
m4 01011111 5F
m5 00011111 1F
m6 01011110 5E
m7 00011110 1E
m8 00111111 3F
m9 00101111 2F

m10 00111110 3E

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

– 44 –

FUNCTION

8 dot double density bit image

CODE

<ESC> “L” n1 n2 m1 m2...
(1B)

H (4C)H n1 n2 m1 m2...

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n1 + 256 × n2 400

OUTLINE

Executes double density bit image printing (half-dot print­ing) determined by “n1” and “n2”. The total number of bit
image data bytes in one line is equal to n1 + n2 × 256. Refer
to <ESC> K as to the relation between the dot position and the
bit number. The printer ignores any data bytes over the
specified amount allowed in one line.

The printer does not print adjacent dots. When the bit image
printing is finished, the printer automatically returns to the
character mode.

NOTE

For double density bit image printing, dots cannot be printed
overlapping each other in the horizontal direction.
The following is an example of this.

When printing one graphic image of a minimum of two lines
with <ESC> K or <ESC>L, feed the paper a minimum of one
line before printing so that the line spacing becomes identical
between the lines.

m1 m3 m5 m7 m9 m11

D

8

D

7

D

6

D

5

D

4

D

3

D

2

D

1

m2 m4 m6 m8 m10

Printing Possible

m1 m3 m5 m7 m9 m11

D

8

D

7

D

6

D

5

D

4

D

3

D

2

D

1

m2 m4 m6 m8 m10

Printing not Possible

Over lapping
horizontally

Over lapping
horizontally

– 45 –

FUNCTION

Select vertical expaned character mode

CODE

<ESC> “h” “1” or <ESC> “h” <1>
(1B)

H (68)H (31)H or (1B)H (68)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Prints characters two times the normal vertical size after the
code is received.
However, the bit image mode <ESC> “K” and <ESC> “L”
are excluded.

NOTE

(1) When combined with the <SO> code, this code enables

printing of the characters in two times the normal vertical
and horizontal size.

(2) This code is not combined with the inverted print mode

<SI> code.

(3) For the 6 × 12 dots IBM block graphic (the characters

code table (B0)

H-(DF)H and (F4)H-(F5)H of IBM charac-

ter set #1 and #2) of the font construction, vertical
enlargement is not available.

(4) The relationship of the vertically enlarged character and

the normal character is matched at the lower level.

(5) Feed the paper a minimum of one line before printing

with this code.

FUNCTION

Cancel vertical expanded character mode

CODE

<ESC> “h” “0” or <ESC> “h” <0>
(1B)

H (68)H (30)H or (1B)H (68)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Cancels vertical expanded character mode

– 46 –

7-5. Control Codes Used for Download Characters

FUNCTION

Definition of download characters

CODE

When the 7 × 9 (half dot) font is set (default setting):
<ESC> “&” <0> n1 n2 [m0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7]

n2 – n1 + 1

(1B)H (26)H (00)H n1 n2 [m0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7]

n2 – n1 + 1

When the 5 × 9 font is set:
<ESC> “&” <0> n1 n2 [m0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5]

n2 – n1 + 1

(1B)H (26)H (00)H n1 n2 [m0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5] n2 – n1 + 1

DEFINITION RANGE

(21)H n1 n2 (7F)H, m0 = (00)H or m0 = (80)H

OUTLINE

Defines download characters
Up to 10 download characters can be defined and the defined
character patterns can be stored in the printer’s RAM.
Defining of download characters begins with character code
n1 and completes with n2. When only one character is
defined, n1 = n2.
m0 indicates the relationship between the character pattern
and print head.
m1 = m2...Indicate the character pattern

NOTE

When the 7 × 9 (half dot) font is set (the default setting),
printing of adjacent horizontal dots is not allowed.

m1 m3 m5 m7

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m2 m4 m6

Printing not possible

Over lapping
horizontally

Over lapping
horizontally

m1 m3 m5 m7

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m2 m4 m6

Printing possible

D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1

LSB

Pin No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

(Not Used)

When m0=(00)H
MSB

D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1

LSB

Pin No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 (Not Used)

When m0=(80)H
MSB

– 47 –

FUNCTION

Enable download character set

CODE

<ESC> “%” “1” or <ESC> “%” <1>
(1B)

H (25)H (31)H or (1B)H (25)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Enables the download character set
Download characters defined by the ESC & 0 code cannot be
printed until enabled by this command.

FUNCTION

Disable download character set

CODE

<ESC> “%” “0” or <ESC> “%” <0>
(1B)

H (25)H (30)H or (1B)H (25)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Disables the selected download character set and selects the
built-in character set. When the power of the printer is
initially turned on, the built-in character set is selected.

EXAMPLE

To print a download character when the 7 × 9 (half dot) font
character size is set.
(1) Design the download character to be used at code posi-

tions (21)

H, (22)H, and (23)H.

(2) Define the download characters.
When character codes where the download character is
written are specified as (21)H, (22)H, (23)H, n1 = (21)H, n2
=(23)

H are obtained.

If the relationship between the character pattern data and
printing head is specified to “not use pin 9”, m0 = (80)

H is

obtained. When data m1 to m7 are converted into hexadeci­mal data, they are indicated as follows.

m1 m3 m5 m7

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m2 m4 m6

m1 m3 m5 m7

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m2 m4 m6

m1 m3 m5 m7

D8
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1

m2 m4 m6

Char. Code=(21)H Char. Code=(22)H Char. Code=(23)H

– 48 –

Example of transmitting data

(1B)H (26)H (00)H (21)H (23)H (80)H
(A0)H (00)H (A0)H (1F)H (A0)H (00)H
(A0)H (80)H (98)H (64)H (82)H (01)H
(82)H (64)H (98)H (80)H (3C)H (42)H
(A5)H (00)H (A5)H (42)H (3C)H

(1B)H (25)H (31)H

(21)H (22)H (23)H (0A)H
(1B)

H (25)H (30)H

(21)H (22)H (23)H (0A)H

Printing Samples

m1 00111000 3C
m2 01000010 42
m3 10100101 A5
m4 00000000 00
m5 10100101 A5
m6 01000010 42
m7 00111000 3C

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

m1 10011000 98
m2 01100100 64
m3 10000010 82
m4 00000001 01
m5 10000010 82
m6 01100100 64
m7 10011000 98

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

m1 10100000 A0
m2 00000000 00
m3 10100000 A0
m4 00011111 1F
m5 10100000 A0
m6 00000000 00
m7 10100000 A0

Data Binary

Hexa-

decimal

(1) Definition of down-

load characters

(2) Selecting the down-

load character set

(3) Character codes
(4) Canceling the down-

load character set

(5) Character codes

– 49 –

7-6. Control Codes Used for Peripheral Units

FUNCTION

Adjust drive pulse width for peripheral unit 1

CODE

<ESC> <BEL> n1 n2
(1B)

H (07)H n1 n2

DEFINITION RANGE

1 n1 127, 1 n2 127 (default setting n1 = n2 = 20)

OUTLINE

Adjusts drive pulse width for peripheral devices requiring
other than standard 200 ms pulse time and delay time
Energizing time = 10 × n1 (ms)
Delay time = 10 × n2 (ms)
Executed by <BEL>, <FS> codes.

NOTE

Adjustment is not necessary for standard cash drawers in the
U.S.A. market.

FUNCTION

Deferred drive command for peripheral unit 1

CODE

<BEL>
(07)

H

OUTLINE

Executes drive pulse for peripheral unit 1 (deferred).

FUNCTION

Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 1

CODE

<FS>
(1C)

H

OUTLINE

Executes drive pulse for peripheral unit 1 (immediate).
This code differs from the <BEL> code as follows:
When the printer receives an <FS> code, the command is
executed immediately. The <BEL> code is stored in the data
buffer in the same manner as other codes, and executed in the
order in which they are received.

ON

OFF

10 × n1 (ms) 10 × n2 (ms)

Printing and paper feed
are prohibited.

– 50 –

FUNCTION

Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 2

CODE

<SUB>
(1A)

H

OUTLINE

Drives peripheral unit 2. Pulse width is fixed at 200ms with
a fixed delay time of 200 ms.
When the printer receives a <SUB> code, the command is
executed immediately. Same as <EM>

NOTE

Peripheral units 1 and 2 cannot be driven simultaneously.

FUNCTION

Immediate drive command for peripheral unit 2

CODE

<EM>
(19)

H

OUTLINE

Dives peripheral unit 2. Pulse width is fixed at 200 ms with
a fixed delay time of 200 ms.
When the printer receives a <EM> code, the command is
executed immediately. Same as <SUB>.

NOTE

Peripheral units 1 and 2 cannot be driven simultaneously.

7-7. Other Control Codes

FUNCTION

Sound buzzer

CODE

<RS>
(1E)

H

OUTLINE

A short alarm is generated by the printer.

FUNCTION

Cancel print data in buffer & Initialize printer

CODE

<CAN>
(18)

H

OUTLINE

Clears the data buffer and line buffer and initializes (<ESC>
“@”) all commands already set. However, the following
parameters are not initialized: external device drive pulse
width setting, operation switch valid/invalid selection, online
switch valid/invalid selection.
For a serial interface printer, the select/deselect state for
addressable mode and DC1/DC3 mode is not affected.
In STX-ETX mode, this CAN code clears the data between
STX and ETX and the line buffer, but does not initialize the
commands.

– 51 –

FUNCTION

Set deselect mode

CODE

<DC3>
(13)

H

OUTLINE

(1) When using serial interface printer:

This function differs depending on the setting of DIP
switch 4.

a) When the DC1, DC3 invalid mode is set (DIP switches

4-1 to 4-4 are all set to ON), the printer ignores this code.

b) In the DC1, DC3 valid mode (with DIP switches 4-1

to 4-4 set to OFF), data following this code is ignored
when the printer receives a <DC3> code.
The deselect mode is canceled by <DC1> code.

c) If the printer receives a <DC3> code during an

addressable mode (with DIP switches 4-1 to 4-4 set to
settings other than a) and b) above,), the data follow­ing this code is ignored.
Deselect mode can be canceled by a <DC1> n code.
Note that addressable mode is valid only when the RS­422A interface option is installed.

(2) When using parallel interface printer;

Data following this code is ignored when the printer
receives a <DC3> code.
The deselect mode is canceled by <DC1> code.

FUNCTION

Set select mode

CODE

When using serial interface printer;
<DC1> or <DC1>n
(11)

H or (11)H n

When using parallel interface printer
<DC1>
(11)

H

OUTLINE

(1) When using serial interface printer;

This function differs depending on the setting of DIP
switch 4.

a) When the DC1, DC3 invalid mode is set (DIP switches

4-1 to 4-4 are all set to ON), the printer ignores this code.

b) In the DC1, DC3 valid mode (with DIP switches 4-1

to 4-4 set to OFF), when the printer receives a <DC1>
code, the deselect mode is canceled and data follow­ing this code is input to the buffer.

– 52 –

c) If the printer receives a <DC1> n code (n is the DIP

switch controlled address) during the addressable
mode (with DIP switches 4-1 to 4-4 set other than
settings a) and b) above,), the deselect mode is canceled
and data following this code is input to the buffer.
Note that addressable mode is valid only when op­tional RS-422A interface is installed.

(2) When using parallel interface printer;

When the printer receives a <DC1> code, the deselect
mode is canceled and data following this code is input to
the buffer.

FUNCTION

Select uni-directional print mode

CODE

<ESC> “U” “1” or <ESC> “U” <1>
(1B)

H (55)H (31)H or (1B)H (55)H (01)H

OUTLINE

Prints only when the print head moves from left to right.

FUNCTION

Select bi-directional print mode

CODE

<ESC> “U” “0” or <ESC> “U” <0>
(1B)

H (55)H (30)H or (1B)H (55)H (00)H

OUTLINE

Returns to the standard bi-directional print mode. (This mode
is set automatically when the printer power is turned on.)

FUNCTION

Initialize printer

CODE

<ESC> “@”
(1B)

H (40)H

OUTLINE

Initializes all the commands already set. However the follow­ing parameters are not initialized: eternal device drive pulse
width setting, operation switch valid/invalid selection, online
switch valid/invalid selection. Also, the line and data buffers
are not cleared and the DIP switches are not read in again.
For a serial interface printer, the select/deselect state for
addressable mode and DC1/DC3 mode is not affected.

– 53 –

FUNCTION

Enquiry

CODE

<ENQ>
(05)

H

OUTLINE

This code is valid when using serial interface printer.
Online in STX-ETX mode: The printer sends the status data
and the check byte to the host computer.
Online in any other mode: The printer sends only the status
data to the host computer.
Offline in any mode: The printer only sends the status data to
the host computer if there is a mechanical error in the status
bit, or if the paper out or power down bit is set.

NOTE

When IBM character set #2 is selected by character code,
codes <ENQ> does not exist. (In this instance, select another
code.)

U.S.A. & Europe IBM #1 IBM #2 Japan

(05)H <ENQ> <ENQ> ♣ <ENQ>

FUNCTION

Enter STX-ETX mode

CODE

<STX>
(02)

H

OUTLINE

This code is valid when using serial interface printer.
STX-ETX mode is set.

FUNCTION

Terminate STX-ETX mode

CODE

<ETX>
(03)H

OUTLINE

This code is valid when using serial interface printer.
Terminates the STX-ETX mode and prints out the text data.

NOTE

When IBM character set #2 is selected by character code,
codes <ETX> does not exist. (In this instance, select another
code).

U.S.A. & Europe IBM #1 IBM #2 Japan

(03)H <ETX> <ETX> ♥ <ETX>

– 54 –

FUNCTION

Trigger auto-cutter drive (Auto-cutting models only)

CODE

<ESC> “d” “0” or <ESC> “d” <0>
(1B)

H (64)H (30)H or (1B)H (64)H (00)H

<ESC> “d” “1” or <ESC> “d” <1>
(1B)

H (64)H (31)H or (1B)H (64)H (01)H

OUTLINE

This code causes the printer to trigger auto-cutter.

FUNCTION

Select validation printing (Models with validation function
only)

CODE

<GS> data <LF>
(1D)

H data (0A)

OUTLINE

Prints up to 32 columns of the 7 × 9 (half dot) font size
characters on one line.

NOTE

(1) Character data and immediate execution command

<CAN> <SUB> <LF> are valid for data.

(2) Printing modes (such as emphasized, inverted, expanded

character modes, etc.) which were set before validation
printing are invalid during validation printing. (These
modes become valid again after validation printing is
completed.)
(Refer to “5. VALIDATION PRINTING”)

– 55 –

8.1 U.S.A. & Europe (DIP SW2-1: ON, SW2-2: ON)

8. CHARACTER CODE TABLES

– 56 –

– 57 –

8.2 IBM Character Set #1 (DIP SW2-1: OFF, SW2-2: ON)

– 58 –

– 59 –

8.3 IBM Character Set #2 (DIP SW2-1: ON, SW2-2: OFF)

– 60 –

– 61 –

8.4 JAPAN (DIP SW2-1:, OFF, SW2-2: OFF)

– 62 –

– 63 –

8.5 International Character Sets

MEMO

Printed in Japan, 80872005

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STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.

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Tel: [phone], Telefax: [phone]

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Tel: [phone], Telefax: 0697-81006, Telex: 417 5825 STAR D

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Tel: [phone], Telefax: 0494-473333