Zebra Technologies EPL2 User Manual

EPL2

Programmer’s

Manual

Programming for Page Mode

Printing

Manual No. 980352-001 Rev. A

FOREWORD

This manual provides programming information for printers featuring Zebra’s EPL2 Pro gramming and command language, which are manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corpora tion, Camarillo, California.

This documentcontains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This docu ment and the information contained within is copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approval from Zebra. While every effort has been made to keep the information contained within current and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error-free or thatitisaccuratewith regardtoany specification.Zebrareserves therightto makechanges,for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS

Zebra and EPL2 are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

REVISION HISTORY

Rev.A - Thismanual version coincides with Zebraprinters with EPL2 firmware version4.04and is available from Zebra in electronic form.

See the Zebra web site for information on Zebra Technologies printers at: www.zebra.com

980352-001 Rev.A

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Command Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Basic Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Command Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Placing Elements in the Print Image . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Text (Fonts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Programming Sequences Affect Graphic Results . . . . 1-8

Printer Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Printer AutoSense Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Determining Printer Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Programming Mode Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Media Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Command - ASCII Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Asian Character Font Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

AUTOFR

B Command - Bar Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

b Command - 2D Bar Code - MaxiCode Specific Options . . 3-16 b Command - 2D Bar Code - PDF417 Specific Options . . . 3-20

C Command - Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

C Command - Cut Immediate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

D Command - Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30

dump Command - Enable Dump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31

eR Command - User Defined Error/Status Character . . . . 3-32

EI Command - Print Soft Font Information . . . . . . . . . . 3-33

EK Command - Delete Soft Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34

ES Command - Store Soft Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

f Command - Cut Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40

FE Command - End Form Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41

FI Command - Print Form Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42

FK Command - Delete Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43

FR Command - Retrieve Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44

FS Command - Store Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45

GG Command - Print Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47

GI Command - Print Graphics Information . . . . . . . . . . 3-48

GK Command - Delete Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49

GM Command - Store Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50

GW Command - Direct Graphic Write . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-52

Command - Automatic Form Printing . . . . . . . 3-9

980352-001 Rev.A

iii

I Command - Character Set Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53

JB Command - Disable Top Of Form Backup . . . . . . . . . . 3-55

JF Command - Enable Top Of Form Backup . . . . . . . . . . 3-56

LE Command - Line Draw Exclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57

LO Command - Line Draw Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-58

LS Command - Line Draw Diagonal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59

LW Command - Line Draw White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-60

M Command - Memory Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-61

N Command - Clear Image Buffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-62

o Command - Cancel Software Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-63

oB Command - Cancel Auto Bar Code Optimization . . . . . . 3-64

oE Command - Line Mode Font Substitution . . . . . . . . . . 3-65

oH Command - Macro PDF Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-66

oM Command - Disable Initial Esc Sequence Feed . . . . . . . 3-68

oR Command - Character Substitution (Euro) . . . . . . . . . . 3-69

oW Command - Customize Bar Code Parameters . . . . . . . 3-71

O Command - Hardware Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-73

OEPL1 Command - Set Line Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75

P Command - Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76

PA Command - Print Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-77

q Command - Set Label Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-78

Q Command - Set Form Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-80

r Command - Set Double Buffer Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-84

R Command - Set Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-85

S Command - Speed Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-86

TD Command - Define Date Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-87

TS Command - Set Real Time Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-88

TT Command - Define Time Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-89

U Command - Print Configuration (General) . . . . . . . . . . 3-90

UA Command - Enable Clear Label Counter Mode . . . . . . . 3-91

UB Command - Reset Label Counter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 3-92

UE Command - External Font Information Inquiry . . . . . . . 3-93

UF Command - Form Information Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-94

UG Command - Graphics Information Inquiry . . . . . . . . . 3-95

UI Command - Host Prompts/Codepage Inquiry . . . . . . . . 3-96

UM Command - Codepage & Memory Inquiry . . . . . . . . . 3-97

UN Command - Disable Error Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-98

UP Command - Codepage & Memory Inquiry/Print . . . . . . . 3-99

UQ Command - Configuration Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-100

US Command - Enable Error Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-101

V Command - Define Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-103

W Command - Windows Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-105

980352-001 Rev.A

xa Command - AutoSense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-106

X Command - Box Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-107

Y Command - Serial Port Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-108

Z Command - Print Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-109

? Command - Download Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-110

^@ Command - Reset Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-111

^ee Command - Error Report - Immediate . . . . . . . . 3-112

Appendix A - Character References . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Resident Fonts 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Default Character Map Code Page - 437. . . . . . . . A-2

Dump Mode Character Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Appendix B - Cash Drawer Kicker Option . . . . . . . B-1

Cash Drawer Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

<Esc>p

Command - Generate Pulse CDK . . . . . . . . . . B-3

<Esc>u Command - CDK Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

980352-001 Rev.A

Introduction

This section contains information about the ba sic features, command syntax and terminology oftheEPL2ProgrammingLanguageforZebra's desktop printers with flash memory architecture. These printers incorporate common programmingcodesetsandarchitecturalfeatures.

The primary operating mode for the printer is EPL2, a page description language. It is designed to assemble all the elements of the label prior to printing to speed the printing process. EPL2 is an ideal language foryourlabeling and bar code requirements. The EPL2 is versatile and is capable of printing a wide range media and bar codes.

Some printer models also include a legacy printer compatibility mode, Line Mode. Line Mode supports our early model EPL program ming language - ELP1. A separate manual is provided for Line Mode printing (p/n 980326-001). See the printer's Software and Documentation CD with the specific model'sProgrammer' Manualbuttonselector or visit our web site at: www.zebra.com

980352-001 Rev.A

1-1

Command

Conventions

The manual uses the following typographic conventions to describe commands.

Example Description

A Commands (Case Sensitive)

1,p2,p3

, p2, p3]

{Choice 1|Choice 2}

This text should be→ on one line

↵ Line feed character.

“NAME”

“DATA”

Required parameters Optional parameters Indicates a mandatory choice be

tween two or more items. You must include one of the items un less all of the items are also en closed in square brackets.

The line-continuation character (→) indicates that code is contin ued from one line to the next and should be typed all on one line.

The name of a form or graphic in double quote marks.

The text or bar code data in double quote marks. The (\) character designates that the character following is a literal and will encode into the data field. Refer to the following examples:

“PROMPT”

To Print ”\" “Company” \"Company\" \\\ \code\ \\code\\

An ASCII text field that will be transmitted to the host (via the se rial interface) each time this com mand is executed.

Enter into Data Field

Attention!!

All commands and alpha character command parameters are case sensitive!

1-2

980352-001 Rev.A

Basic Command

Syntax

Each command consists of one or two ASCII (case sensitive) alpha characters to identify the specific command desired. Some commands require one or more additional parameters to supply the printer with sufficient information to complete the command. Refer to Figure 1- for the basic command syntax.

Figure 1-1

Command Name

Basic Command Syntax

Command Parameters Command

WRITE TEXT

Ap,p,p,p,p,p,p,"DATA "

1234567

Specific

Data

↵

Each command line must be terminated with a Line Feed (LF) character (Dec. 10). Most PC based systems send CR/LF when the Enter key is pressed. The Carriage Return (CR) character is ignored by the printer and cannot be used in place of LF.

Command Editor One method to createcommandfilesis through

anASCIIbased text editor.IntheDOSenvironment, MS-DOS EDIT or BRIEF are good choices. To execute the file, use the editor’s print command or from the DOS prompt, use the COPY command to send the file directly to theprinter. Anexampleof the use of the COPY command is:

980352-001 Rev.A

COPY “FILENAME.EXT” LPT1↵

COPY “FILENAME.EXT” COM1↵

For more information on the use of the COPY command, refer to your DOS software manual. Configure the COM port to match the printer’s serial port setting (typically set to defaults). See the Y command in section 2 for details.

1-3

Placing Elements in

the Print Image

Sample Format

Image elements are located in the image print buffer on a X-Y grid expressed in dots. The X value represents thewidth and the Y value rep resents the height of the grid.

The point of origin (the starting point) for a non-rotated object is the upper left corner. As anobjectrotates, the point oforiginrotateswith the object.

These image buffer properties are depicted graphically in the following illustration.

Point of

Origin for

Text Object

Point of

Origin for

BarCode Object

"q" dots

Te x t

"Q"

dots

y axis

x axis

(0,0)

Te x t

Direction Of Feed

The minimum non printingmargin on all edges ofthelabel is 1mm.Printingcloserthan 1mm to the top or bottom edge of the label may cause theprinter toadvanceunwantedlabelsor cause the printer to go into error condition.

Point of Origin for Text Object Rotated 90°

Point of Origin for Text Object Rotated 270

1-4

980352-001 Rev.A

Text (Fonts) The standard EPL2 printer has five (1-5) resi

(

)

dent mono-spaced dot fonts. Fonts A-Z and a-z (upper and lower case alpha characters) are re served for downloading soft fonts.

First Character of Text String Reference Point

8 Dots

Character Width

Total Character Width

Inter-character Space

actuallywhite dots

Control text height (in horizontal dots) and width (in vertical dots) with the horizontal and vertical multipliers. The textis oriented first and then the A command’s font multipliers are ap plied.

980352-001 Rev.A

1-5

Thetext is placedintothe image buffer.Seethe following example.

Point of

Origin for

Text Object

Point of

Origin for

Text Object

Point of

Origin for

Text Object

y axis

x axis

(0,0)

Horizontal Dots

Text

2x Horizontal Multiplier

Text - No Size Multipliers

Text

2x Vertical Multiplier

Text

Direction Of Feed

Text

Point of Origin for Text Object

Rotated 270°

Point of Origin for Text Object

V e

Rotated 90°

r t i c

D o

t s

The reference point of the first character in a text stringisnotaffectedbythefont sizemultipliervalues.

First Character of Text String Reference Point

2times 2times

1-6

980352-001 Rev.A

Bar Codes All bar codes supported by the EPL2 language

have associated industry specifications that the programmershouldbe aware of and adhere to. The programmer needs to consider bar code features and requirements when choosing and using a bar code for different applications. Some of the features and requirements that need consideration are listed below:

Data used by the application are per the bar

❏

code specification (numbers only, alphanu meric, alphanumeric and special characters, etc.).

Minimum and maximum number of charac

❏

ters allowed or required per bar code.

❏Density or magnification of a given bar code

type.

❏White area required around bar codes (the

“Quiet Zone”).

❏The bar code must print within the image

buffer (printable area of the label).

Bar Code Orientation Tip

To help ensure that generated bar codes are readable by the widest variety of bar code readers, print bar codes in the “Picket Fence” orientation versus the “Ladder” orientation.

Horizontal Dots

Ladder

Orientation

Height of Bar Code

V e

r t

i c a

l D

Height of Bar Code

y axis

x axis

(0,0)

Picket Fence

Orientation

Direction Of Feed

980352-001 Rev.A

1-7

Programming

Sequences Affect

Graphic Results

Graphic elements can interact andthe resultant image can be affected by other commands. Structure command sequences to reduce the chancesofunexpectedprintresults.Theprinter will process lines, text, boxes and most bar codes in command sequence. The printer then processes the printer control processes, coun ters, variable data, Postnet, and then graphics last.

1-8

980352-001 Rev.A

Printer Configuration

This section covers the interpret your printer's configuration setup and setting basic modes.

Printer AutoSense

Feature

Use the printer's AutoSense feature to determineyourprinter'sconfigurationandoperating mode. The primary functions that AutoSense provides are:

❏AdjustmentoftheMediaSensorintheprinter

to the media in use.

❏

Programming Mode - Page (EPL2) or Line (EPL1emulation) Mode.Note- LineModeis not available for all printer models.

❏

The printer' serial interface settings.

❏

Reports the printer's configuration status in cluding printer options.

980352-001 Rev.A

2-1

Explanation of the Status Printout

4M03351F 16 V3.18 Serial por t:96,N,8,1 Page Mode 200dpi

Image buffer size:0507K Fmem:000.0K,061.4K avl Gmem:000K,045K avl Emem:024K,045K avl I8,0,001 rY S4 D00 R128,000 ZT UN q832 Q1022,029 Option:D,P,C,S oEw,x,y,z 16 23 31

Date: 10-05-94 Time:01:00:00

Dump Mode Print Sample

. Printer I.D.code number and firmware

version number.

. Serial port configuration.

Programming Mode Print head resolution USB is printed here ifinstalled

Print head test pattern.

. A mountof memory availablefor the

Image buffer.

Amount of memory used and memory available for

Amount of memory used and memory available for Soft fonts.

. Currently selected CharacterSet ( )

and Image Buffer mode setting ( ).

= Double Buffering Enabled

= Double Buffering Disabled

. Curr entlyselectedPrint Speed ( ),

Heat Density ( ), Reference Point( ), Print Orientation ( ) and Error Status ().

. Currently selected Form Width ( ) and

Length( ).

. Current Hardware and Software

Option status .

. Curr entAutoSense Through (Gap)

Sensor values. The three numbers represent;

1. Backing Transparent point

2. Set point

3. Label Transpar entpoint.

. Current time set in Real Time Clock.

This value will only be displayed if your printer is equippedwith the Real Time Clock feature.

. Current date set in Real Time Clock.

This value will only be displayed if your printer is equippedwith the Real Time Clock feature.

Formstorage. Graphics storage.

Determining Printer

Firmware Version

2-2

The printer version numbers are a code used to document product function and the feature support level of the printer. The latest firmware version and updates can be obtained from our web site.

980352-001 Rev.A

Programming Mode

Configuration

Flash based printers are, by default, configured for Page (EPL2) mode operations. The opera tor must convert the printer to Line Mode prior tothe initialuseof LineMode.Thisis doneviaa hardwareselectprocedurewiththeFeedbutton during printer power-up. See the OEPL1 com mand (page 3-75) for details on switching be tween line and page modes via programming.

Manually Setting

Line Mode

As of January 2001, the following printers sup port Line Mode (EPL1 emulation):

2443

2722

2824

2844

The Line Mode (and Page Mode) configuration setting is retained after reset has been issued or power has been cycled.

TheLineModecapableprinterutilizes the Feed button during printer power-up to toggle between the printer personality modes, Line and Page (EPL2).

1. With printer power off, press and hold the Feed button while turning the printer on, then release the button when the LED starts blinking red.

980352-001 Rev.A

2.When theindicatorLED startsflashinggreen, immediately press and hold Feed button.

3. Release the Feed buttonwhen the LED turns a steady Amber (orange).

4. Verify printer personality with Dump Mode printout:. Line Mode or Page Mode (EPL2).

5. Press the Feed button to exit the Dump Mode.

2-3

Media Detection Media detection in EPL2 printers is a combina

tionofprogrammingandprintermediasensing. TheQ (SetForm Length) and O (Option) com mands program the media detection method. The user must configure the printer for the me dia type and the (programmed)form or label in use.

Theprintercandetectthebeginningandendof the printable areaon the media by one of three methods: Gap, Notch (hole), or Black line. The Gap method detects the difference in optical density of a label on a liner from the liner only with the Transmissive (Gap) sensor. The Notch methodusestheTransmissivesensortodetecta hole in the media (gap-less labels or tag stock). The Black line method uses the Reflective sen sor to detect a preprinted black line on the media back (for gap-less labels or tag stock).

Printing on continuous media requires programming to control media positioning.

EPL2 printers also support a “Label Dispense” modeasaprinterconfigurationoption(formost models). The printers use a “Label Taken”sensor to detect the removal of a label.

One or more of these sensors may require user adjustment or configuration for proper operation. All EPL2 printers have an AutoSense fea ture to optimize label and label gap detection by the transmissive (gap) sensor. See the printer’s user’s manual for printer specific sensor adjust ment control.

2-4

980352-001 Rev.A

Command Reference

This section contains a complete listing of all commands in alphabetical order.

980352-001 Rev.A

3-1

Command Description Page

A ASCII Text 3-4

AUTOFR Automatic Form Printing 3-9

B Bar Code 3-11

b C Counter 3-27

C Cut Immediate 3-29

D Density 3-30

EI Print Soft Font Info. 3-33 EK Delete Soft Font 3-34 eR User Definable Error Response 3-32

ES Store Soft Font 3-35

f Cut/Peel Position 3-40

FE End Form Store 3-41

FI Print Form Info. 3-42 FK Delete Form 3-43 FR Retrieve Form 3-44

FS Store Form 3-45

GG Retrieve Graphics 3-47

GI Print Graphics Info. 3-48

GK Delete Graphic 3-49 GM Store Graphic 3-50 GW Direct Graphic Write 3-52

I Character Set Selection 3-53

JB Disable Top Of Form Backup 3-55

JF Enable Top Of Form Backup 3-56

LE Line Draw Exclusive 3-57

LO Line Draw Black 3-58

LS Line Draw Diagonal 3-59

LW Line Draw White 3-60

M Memory Allocation 3-61

N Clear Image Buffer 3-62

o Cancel Customized Settings 3-63 oB Cancel Customize Bar Code 3-64 oE Line Mode Font Substitution 3-65

oH Macro PDF Offset 3-66 oM Disable Initial Esc Sequence Feed 3-68

oR Character Substitution (Euro) 3-69

oW Customize Bar Code Parameters 3-71

O Options Select 3-73

OEPL1 Set Line Mode 3-75

P Print 3-76 PA Print Automatic 3-77

MaxiCode 3-16 PDF417 3-20

3-2

980352-001 Rev.A

Command Description Page

Set Form Length

q Set Form Width 3-78

r Set Double Buffer Mode 3-84 R Set Reference Point 3-85 S Speed Select 3-86

TD Define Date Layout (& Print Date) 3-87

TS Set Real Time Clock 3-88 TT Define Time Layout (& Print Time) 3-89

U Print Configuration 3-90 UA Enable Clear Label Counter Mode 3-91 UB Reset Label Counter Mode 3-92

UE External Font Information Inquiry 3-93 UF Form Information Inquiry 3-94

UG Graphic Information Inquiry 3-95

UI Host Prompts/Codepage Inquiry 3-96 UM Codepage & Memory Inquiry 3-97 UN Disable Error Reporting 3-98

UP Codepage & Memory Inquiry/Print 3-99

UQ Configuration Inquiry 3-100

US Enable Error Reporting 3-101

V Define Variable 3-103

W Windows Mode 3-105

xa Sense Media 3-106

X Box Draw 3-107

Y Serial Port Setup 3-108

Z Print Direction 3-109

? Download Variables 3-110

^@ Reset Printer 3-111

^ee Status Report - Immediate 3-112

Transmissive (Gap) Sensor Black Line Sensor Continuous Stock

3-80

980352-001 Rev.A

3-3

A Command - ASCII Text

Description Prints an ASCII text string.

Syntax Ap

Parameters p

p p

p4= Font selection

1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7

= Horizontal start position (X) in dots.

=Vertical start position (Y) in dots.

= Rotation

Value Description

0 1 2 3

Value

No rotation 90 degrees 180 degrees 270 degrees

203 dpi 300 dpi

20.3 cpi, 6 pts, (8 x 12 dots)

16.9 cpi, 7 pts, (10 x 16 dots)

,"DATA"

Description

25 cpi, 4 pts, (12 x 20 dots)

18.75 cpi, 6 pts, (16 x 28 dots)

14.5 cpi, 10 pts,

(12 x 20 dots)

12.7 cpi, 12 pts,

(14 x 24 dots)

5.6 cpi, 24 pts,

(32 x 48 dots)

A - Z

Fonts 1 - 5 are fixed pitch.

Reserved for Soft Fonts

15 cpi, 8 pts, (20 x 36 dots)

12.5 cpi, 10 pts, (24 x 44 dots)

6.25 cpi, 21 pts, (48 x 80 dots)

Reserved for Soft Fonts

p5= Horizontal multiplier, expands the text

horizontally. Values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 8.

= Vertical multiplier, expands the text ver

tically. Values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9.

=N for normal or R for reverse image

“DATA” = Represents a fixed data field.

3-4

980352-001 Rev.A

A Command - ASCII Text

Examples:

Will Produce:

The backslash (\) character designates the fol lowing character is aliteral and will encodeinto thedatafield.Refertothefollowingexamples:

To Print

Enter into data field “ \” “Company” \”Company\” \ \\ \code\ \\code\\

N¿ A50,0,0,1,1,1,N,"Example 1"¿ A50,50,0,2,1,1,N,"Example 2"¿ A50,100,0,3,1,1,N,"Example 3"¿ A50,150,0,4,1,1,N,"Example 4"¿ A50,200,0,5,1,1,N,"EXAMPLE 5"¿ A50,300,0,3,2,2,R,"Example 6"¿ P1¿

HINT

980352-001 Rev.A

As shown in example 5 above, font 5 only supports upper case characters. Refer to Appendix A for a complete listing of available fonts and character sets supported.

Use the LE command to create reverse print text in stead of the “R”intheA command parameter p This is the recommend method because it provides the best size, position and centering of the black line (rectangle) bordering the reversed text.

3-5

A Command - ASCII Text

Variable Data and

Counter Functions

Example:

Data with the RTC

Time & Date

Functions

The “Data” field can be replaced by or com bined with the following commands:

Vnn= Prints the contents of variable “nn” at

this position where nn is a 2 digit num

ber from 00 to 99. See the V command, page

Cn= Prints the contents of counter “n” at this

position where n is a one digit number from 0 to 9. See the C command, page .

A50,0,0,1,1,1,N,"DATA"¿ : Writes Text A50,50,0,2,1,1,N,V01¿: Writes contents of variable 01 A50,100,0,3,1,1,N,C1¿: Writes contents of counter 1 A50,100,0,3,1,1,N,C1+2¿ : Writes contents of counter 1 plus 2

The “Data” field can be replaced by or combined with the following variables:

TT = Prints the current time at this position in

the predefined format. See the TT command for format selection. This variable is available only if the printer Time & Date option is installed.

Examples:

TD=Prints the current date at this position in

the predefined format. See the TD command for format selection. This variable is available only if the printer Time & Date option is installed.

A50,150,0,4,1,1,N,TT↵ : Writes current time A50,200,0,5,1,1,N,TD↵ : Writes current date

or a combination of several options: A50,300,0,3,2,2,R,"Deluxe"V01C2"Combo"TDV01TT↵ :Writes the text “Deluxe” followed by the contents of variable 01 fol

lowed by the contents of counter 2 followed by the text “Combo” fol lowed by the current date followed by the contents of variable 01 followed by the current time.

3-6

980352-001 Rev.A

A Command - ASCII TEXT

Simple Expressions

in Data Fields

Syntax Ap

Parameters For the p

Anadvancedfunctionof the A command allows addition and subtraction to be performed on constant and variable values in flash printers.

1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7

- p7and “DATA” parameters -

,"DATA"[p8p9p10…]

See first page of A command, page 3-4.

= Required. Must be a variable data field

number, e.g. V00, V01 etc.

= Required. Operator, + or –

= Required. Variable data field number

or constant value.

Valid Number Ranges:

Constant = 0 to 2147483647 Variable = 0 to 2147483647 Result = -2147483648 to 2147483647

❏The Expression must start with a variable

field.

❏Thecharacter field length defined for the first

variable in the expression will be used to for mat the result. If the result is of a greater length than the defined character length, then the result field will contain ‘X’s.

❏

A syntax error will be generated during form store if the constant value is too large.

❏

Ifanerror occurs during theevaluationofthe expression, the resultant field will be filled with ‘X’s.

980352-001 Rev.A

3-7

A Command - Simple Expressions in Data Fields

Example:

FK"1"¿ FK"1"¿ FS"1"¿ V00,10,N,"Enter current mileage"¿ A100,100,0,4,1,1,N,"Current mileage is “V00" miles.”¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Change oil at “V00+3000" miles.”¿ FE¿

FK"2"¿ FK"2"¿ FS"2"¿ V00,10,N,"Enter current mileage."¿ V01,10,N,"Enter interval mileage."¿ A100,100,0,4,1,1,N,"Current mileage is “V00" miles.”¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Mileage interval is “V01" miles.”¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Change oil at “V00+V01" miles.”¿ FE¿

FK"3"¿ FK"3"¿ FS"3"¿ V00,10,N,"Enter value 1."¿ V01,10,N,"Enter value 2."¿ V02,10,N,"Enter value 3."¿ A100,200,0,4,1,1,N,"Answer: “V01+123+V00-10-V02¿ FE¿

Asian Character Font

Sets

3-8

The flash based printers support three Asian languagesets. Asian language support is an op tional feature and requires a special version of the printer (PCBA) to support the large Asian character sets.

The Asian character maps and special features of the A command that support the character sets can be found on our Internet site or from CD ROM. Click on the code page reference (in the electronic manual version) to display the Addendum and its code pages.

Chinese Addendum - P/N 980095-061 Japanese Addendum - P/N 980095-071 Korean Addendum - P/N 980095-081

980352-001 Rev.A

AUTOFR Command - Automatic Form Printing

Description This special form process allows you to detach

the printer from the computer and print in a standalone mode. The EPL2 printer reserves the form name AUTOFR to allow the printer to automaticallystarta form whentheprinteris in itialized power-up. This feature can be used in many ways:.

Feed a single label in peel mode and print

multiple labels set to the number of labels on the roll.

Have a form with a variable and enter the

variable with a scanner, terminal, weight scale, circuit analyzer or any other device ca pable of sending ASCII character data.

Using AUTOFR Download a form to the printer with the name

AUTOFR.

Example:

¿ :Line Feed to initialize the printer

FK"AUTOFR"¿ :Form Kill (delete any existingAUTOFR) FS"AUTOFR"¿ :Form Save (save file from here to FE at

: the bottom) V00,8,L,""¿ :Variable field definition Q254,20¿ :Label height followed by gap width S2¿ :Speed (2ips) D7¿ :Density setting ZB¿ :Print direction (ZTflips it 180 degrees) A340,20,0,4,1,2,N,"QUANTITY"¿

:Fixed text line B265,75,0,3,2,4,101,B,V00¿ :Bar code definition PA1¿ :Print1 labelAutomatically * FE¿ :FormEnd (Line Feed)

* - If using the CAL TOOLS, CAL WIN, etc. programs to gener ate label files (files with .ejf extensions), then the PA command must be added manually by editing the .ejf file.

980352-001 Rev.A

3-9

AUTOFR - Automatic Form Printing Feature

AUTOFR treats any incoming data as a variable in

tended for printing. This means if you send the printer a memory partition command, the label will print, if you send a delete command - the label will print! So, while you are testing AUTOFR it isbest to use another name for the form. Once you are satis fied with the form, rename it AUTOFR before you download it.Thereis no need to specify a file exten sion.

Isolating Data From

the Input Device

Place the printer in the diagnostic dump mode andsendfromyourdatainput device. All charac tersthedevicesendswillbeprintedonthelabel.

If nothing prints, nothing is arriving - check

pin-outs and serial settings.

Disabling AUTOFR Senda XOFF data character (13 hex. or ASCII

19) oraNUL(00hex.orASCII0)totheprinter. Theformmaynowbedeletedfromtheprinter.

Removing AUTOFR The programmer must send a Delete Form - FK

command to the printer after disabling

AUTOFR.

Example:

FK"AUTOFR"¿ FK"AUTOFR"¿

3-10

980352-001 Rev.A

B Command - Bar Code

Description Usethiscommandtoprintstandardbarcodes.

Syntax Bp

Parameters p

p p

p4= Bar Code selection (see Table 2-1 on

1,p2,p3,p4,p5,p6,p7,p8

=Horizontal start position (X) in dots

= Vertical start position (Y) in dots.

= Rotation

Value Description

0 1 2 3

No rotation 90 degrees 180 degrees 270 degrees

,"DATA"

next page).

=Narrow bar width in dots. (see Table

2-1 on next page).

=Wide bar width in dots.

Acceptable values are 2-30.

=Bar code height in dots.

=Print human readable code.

Values: B=yes or N=no. “DATA” = Represents a fixed data field. The data in this field must comply with the selected bar code’s specified format.

The backslash (\) character designates the fol lowing character is aliteral and will encodeinto thedatafield.Refertothefollowingexamples:

To Print

Enter into data field “ \” “Company” \”Company\” \ \\ \code\ \\code\\

980352-001 Rev.A

3-11

B Command - Bar Code

Bar Codes

Description

Code 39 std. or extended Code 39 with check digit Code 93 Code 128 UCC

Serial Shipping Container Code Code 128 auto A, B, C modes Code 128 mode A Code 128 mode B Code 128 mode C Codabar EAN8 EAN8 2 digit add-on EAN8 5 digit add-on EAN13 EAN13 2 digit add-on

Value

E80 2-4 E82 2-4 E85 2-4 E30 2-4 E32 2-4

Value

3 1-10

3C 1-10

9 1-10 0 1-10

1 1-10 1A 1-10 1B 1-10 1C 1-10

K 1-10

EAN13 5 digit add-on German Post Code Interleaved 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 with mod 10 check digit Interleaved 2 of 5 with human readable

check digit Postnet 5, 9, 11 & 13 digit Japanese Postnet UCC/EAN 128* UPC A UPC A 2 digit add-on UPC A 5 digit add-on UPC E UPC E 2 digit add-on UPC E 5 digit add-on UPC Interleaved 2 of 5 Plessey (MSI-1) with mod. 10 check digit

E35 2-4

2G 3-4

2 1-10 2C 1-10

2D 1-10

P—

J— 1E 1-10

UA0 2-4 UA2 2-4 UA5 2-4 UE0 2-4 UE2 2-4 UE5 2-4

2U 1-10

L—

3-12

MSI-3 with mod. 10 check digit

* - Use ASCII 06 to delimit variable length fields.

M—

980352-001 Rev.A

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