Paxar Printer TC6035PR User Manual

MONARCH^

DOS-based

PATHFINDER^Ultra^

System

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Standard Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Using MPCLII Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

MPCLII Punctuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Standard Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

DESIGNING A FORM AT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Starting with a Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Determining Format Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Determining the Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Drawing Rough Sketches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Using Supply Layout Grids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Considering Field Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Considering Fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Using the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Filling in the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

DEFINING FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Defining the Format Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Defining Text Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Defining Bar Code Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Defining Constant Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Defining Line Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Line Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Defining Box Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

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DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Applying Field Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Combining Field Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Option 1 (Fixed Data). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Option 4 (Copy Data). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Merging Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Option 50 (Bar Code Density) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Option 61 (Re-image Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Using Check Digits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sum of Products Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Sum of Digits Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

PRINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Defining the Batch Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Defining the Batch Control Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Defining Batch Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Merged or Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Downloading Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Sequential Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Batch Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Batch Quantity Zero Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Defining the Print Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Clearing Packets from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

CREATING GRAPHIC S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Overview of Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Determining a Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Designing Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

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Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Using the Hex Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Using the Run Length Encoding Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Determining How to Store the Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Using RAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Using Temporary Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Creating a Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Positioning the Graphic Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Defining the Graphic Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Creating Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Creating Next-Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14

Creating Duplicate Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15

Sample Hex Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Sample Run Length Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17

Placing the Graphic in a Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19

Defining the Graphic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19

Sample Bitmap Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Troubleshooting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

If You Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Calling Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Format Errors (1 - 99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Batch Errors (100 - 199) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Rule Errors (200 - 249) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Online Configuration Errors (250 - 299) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Check Digit Errors (300 - 324). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Graphic Errors (325 - 399). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

General Packet Errors (300 - 324). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Data Formatting Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

Machine Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

iii

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PRINTER OPTIM IZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Reducing Imaging Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

General Format Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

SAM PLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Sample UPCA Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Sample Fixed Character Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

FONTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Standard Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Monospaced Font Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Proportional Font Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Using Font Numbers in Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

SYM BOL SETS/CODE PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Selecting a Symbol Set or Code Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Selecting the Internal Symbol Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Selecting the 437 Code Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Using Code 128 Function Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

ASCII Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Code Page 437 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

ON (Black) Dots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

OFF (White Dots) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

FORM AT DESIGN TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Batch Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Check Digit Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

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G E T T I N G S TA R T E D

Before you read this manual, review the printer information in the

Equipment Manual.

A b o u t T h i s M a n u a l

This manual is for the developer creating the application for the

printer.

You must develop an application that uses the packets

you create. Refer to the Programmer Manual for

information about developing an application.

Use this manual to design and print your own custom formats on

the Monarch® 6035 printer. This chapter creates a sample

MPCLII packet.

S t a n d a r d Fe a t u r e s

The following features are standard on the 6035 printer: 192 dots

per inch (DPI) printhead, 2 inch by 4 inch maximum print image,

1.8 inches per second (IPS) maximum print speed, baud rate up to

115K, center-justified printing, 4-line display, alphanumeric keypad,

scanner, and 1 Meg memory with an additional 2 Meg flash ROM.

Getting Started 1-1

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C r e a t i n g a n M P C L I I Fo r m a t Pa c ke t

A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are

printed on the label. The printer requires this information in a

special form, using Monarch Printer Control Language II (MPCL).

This section describes how to create a sample MPCLII format

packet.

Make sure supplies are loaded, you have a fully charged battery,

and you have an application in the printer. Refer your Equipment

Manual for more information.

For detailed information about the format header, text, constant

text, and bar code fields, see Chapter 3, "Defining Fields." For

information about batch packets, see Chapter 5, "Printing."

1. Type the following format header, in any text editor:

{F,25,A,R,M,508,508,"FMT-25" p

2. Type the following constant text field:

C,250,80,0,1,1,1,W,C,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING:",0 p

3. Type the following bar code field:

B,1,12,F,110,115,1,2,120,5,L,0 p

4. Type the following text field:

T,2,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p }

1-2 Getting Started

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You have created a format packet for your MPCLII printer. Now, a

batch packet must be created before you can print the format.

5. Type the following batch header, after the text field line:

{B,25,N,1 p

6. Type the following bar code data:

1,"12345678901" p

7. Type the following text field data:

2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p }

Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.

For your application to use the format, use the

PCL library functions in

the Programmer Manual.

Getting Started 1-3

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U s i n g M P C L I I C o n v e n t i o n s

Here are some guidelines to follow when using MPCLII.

M P C L I I P u n c t u a t i o n

Use the following symbols when creating MPCLII packets:

{

}

start of header

end of header

field separator. Depending on the character

set you are using, this character may appear

differently, but it should always be hex 7C.

parameter separator

"ABC"

Quotation marks enclose character strings.

Empty quotes ("") identify null strings or

unused fields.

‘comment‘

Grave accents enclose comments. Any data

enclosed in grave accents is ignored. Do not

embed comments within a quoted string.

Grave accents are also used to reject

mainframe data.

These MPCL characters are the default.

1-4 Getting Started

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S t a n d a r d S y n t a x G u i d e l i n e s

When creating MPCLII packets:

Begin each packet with a start of header ({).

End each packet with an end of header (}).

Define no more than 50 fields in a format. Each p indicates

one field. However, options are not counted as fields.

The field number (0 to 999) must be unique. Monarch

recommends starting at 1, instead of 0.

Do not use a field number more than once per format.

Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them.

Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).

End each field with a Field Separator ( p ).

Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or

phrases within quotation marks.

Include all parameters for a field unless documented as

optional.

Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they

apply.

Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be

used in any combination except as noted with each definition.

Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider fields

than monospaced fonts. For variable field data, use a letter

"W" to determine the maximum field size.

Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing

character in a character string. However, a carriage return or

line break after each p makes your formats easier to read.

T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.

Getting Started 1-5

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1-6 Getting Started

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D E S I G N I N G A F O R M AT

This chapter describes how to

determine what kind of information to use in your format.

use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet.

categorize data into field types.

select fonts to use in your format.

Designing a Format 2-1

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S t a r t i n g w i t h a D e s i g n

Before you create a format packet, you must design your label.

There are several steps to designing a custom label:

1. Decide which fields should appear on your label. See

"Determining Format Contents" for more information.

2. Determine your label size. Labels are available from Monarch

in a wide variety of sizes. Your application and the amount of

data you need to print determines the supply size. Contact

Monarch Marking for more information.

3. Draw a rough sketch of your label. You may want to draw

several variations to see what works best. See "Drawing

Rough Sketches" for more information.

4. Identify the field types that appear on your label. See

"Considering Field Types" for more information.

5. Decide which fonts you want to use. See "Considering Fonts"

for more information.

6. Fill out your Format Worksheet. See "Using the Format

Worksheet" for more information.

At this point, you are ready to use your format.

7. Create a format packet, based on how you filled out your

worksheet. See Chapter 3, "Defining Fields," for more

information.

8. For your application to use the format, use the PCL library

functions in the Programmer Manual.

9. Execute your application.

2-2 Designing a Format

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D e t e r m i n i n g Fo r m a t C o n t e n t s

Before you lay out your format, you need to make a few decisions.

For example:

How large is your supply?

Which fonts do you want to use?

Do you want to include a bar code?

Do you want to include graphics?

D e t e r m i n i n g t h e P r i n t A r e a

The print area varies, depending on the size of your supply. Below

are the maximum and minimum print areas. Notice that the top

edge of the supply exits the printer first.

Unit of

Maximum

Print Area

Minimum

Measure

Supply Size

Print Area

English

(1/100")

200 x 400

508 x 1016

384 x 768

183 x 365

465 x 927

352 x 701

120 x 55

305 x 140

230 x 106

109 x 46

277 x 117

208 x 88

Metric

(1/10mm)

Dots

(1/203 dots)

For exact print area measurements of your

supply, see the supply layout grids in

Appendix D.

Use the following formulas to convert inches to dots and metric:

Dots = inches x 192

Metric (1/10mm) = inches x 254

English (1/100 inch) = 100 x (dots/192)

Dots = Metric (1/10 mm) x 756/1000

Designing a Format 2-3

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D r a w i n g Ro u g h S ke t c h e s

After you decide what information you want to

print, sketch how you want the information to

appear on the label. Note any areas that are

preprinted on the label, such as a logo.

As soon as you know what information to include

on the label, and you have a rough sketch, you

can use a supply layout grid to help you layout

and size your label. If you do not want to use a

grid, go to "Considering Field Types" to choose

what information you want on your label.

U s i n g S u p p l y L a y o u t G r i d s

A supply layout grid contains measurement markers. These

markers help you accurately position information on your label.

Decide whether you want to design formats using English, Metric,

or Dot measurements. Choose from the following grids:

English

Supply Layout

192 (dpi)

The English grid is measured in

768

672

576

480

384

288

192

768

1/100 inches.

672

576

480

384

288

192

Metric

The Metric grid is measured in 1/10

millimeters (mm).

Graphic

0.0

The printer uses dots to print images

on a label. The printhead has 192 dots

per inch (DPI).

192

0.0 96 192 288 384

If you want to use supply layout grids, a copy of each is in

Appendix D, "Format Design Tools."

2-4 Designing a Format

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C o n s i d e r i n g F i e l d Ty p e s

After you select a supply size, the next step in designing a format

is to decide what information you want to print on the label. For

example, you may want to print your company name, price of an

item, and a bar code that combines information from other places.

Everything you want to print falls into one of the following

categories.

Field Type

Description

Examples

Text

Contains letters, numbers, or

symbols you want to print.

item number, item

description, department

number, price, date

Bar Code

Used for printing bar codes

that can be scanned.

item or serial numbers, zip

codes, information you don’t

want to have visible to

customers

Constant Text

Line or Box

Prints fixed characters that

print without changing.

company name, company

address

Highlights or separates items. line marking out the regular

price, border around the

supply

Graphic

Contains a bitmap image or a logos

compliance label overlay.

All of the above field types except graphics

are discussed in Chapter 3. See Chapter 6,

"Creating Graphics" for information on

including graphics in your format.

Designing a Format 2-5

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C o n s i d e r i n g Fo n t s

When working with fonts, you have three considerations:

font appearance

font size (bitmapped)

font spacing (monospaced or proportional)

See Appendix B, "Fonts," for samples of each font.

U s i n g t h e Fo r m a t Wo r k s h e e t

The Format Worksheet is divided into sections that list the field

types. Each section has boxes to fill in with parameters that

define your format. A format worksheet is included in Appendix D,

"Format Design Tools."

F i l l i n g i n t h e Fo r m a t Wo r k s h e e t

Decide what type of field to use on your label.

1. Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.

2. Define the Format Header.

3. Define options as you require them. See Chapter 4, "Defining

Field Options" for more information.

2-6 Designing a Format

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D E F I N I N G F I E L D S

This chapter provides a reference for defining

the format header

text and constant text

bar code fields

line and box fields.

Defining Fields 3-1

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D e f i n i n g t h e Fo r m a t H e a d e r

A Format Header begins a format file.

Syntax

{F,format#,action,device,measure,length,

width,"name" p

F1. F

Format Header.

F2. format#

F3. action

F4. device

F5. measure

Unique number from 0-999 to identify the format.

Enter A to add a new format to the printer.

Format storage device. R is the only valid value.

Unit of measure. Options:

English, measured in 1/100 inches

Metric, measured in 1/10 mm

Graphic, measured in dots

F6. length

F7. width

Supply length, top to bottom, in selected units.

English

Metric

Dots

55 - 400

140 - 1016

106 - 768

Supply width, from left to right, in selected units.

English

Metric

Dots

120 - 200

305 - 508

230 - 384

F8. "name"

Format name (optional), 0-8 characters, enclose within

quotation marks.

Example:

{F,1,A,R,E,300,200,"TEXTILES" p

Format 1 ("TEXTILES") uses a three inch long by two inch wide

label.

3-2 Defining Fields

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D e f i n i n g Tex t F i e l d s

Create a separate definition for each text field. If text falls on two

lines, each line of text requires a separate definition.

Syntax

T,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column, gap,font,hgt mag,wid

mag,color,alignment, char rot,field rot,sym set p

T1. T

Text Field.

T2. field#

T3. # of char

T4. fix/var

Unique number from 0-99 to identify this field.

Maximum number of printed characters (0-2710) in the field.

Fixed or variable length field. Options:

Fixed length

Variable length

T5. row

For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to

the pivot point. The pivot point varies depending on how text

is justified.

0 (TOP)

O B T T 2 O ( M )

0 (TOP)

( B 2 O T T O M )

0 (TOP)

( B 2 O T T O M )

Left/Center/Right-Justified

Balanced

End-Justified

For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from bottom of print

area to baseline of characters in field.

English

Metric

Dot

0 - 365

0 - 927

0 - 701

Defining Fields 3-3

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T6. column

Distance from the left edge of the print area to the pivot point

to find the column location.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 183

0 - 465

0 - 352

T7. gap

Number of dots between characters (192 dots per inch).

Range: 0-99.

NOTE: For monospaced fonts, the additional spacing is

added to the existing inter-character gap. This is

also true for proportionally spaced fonts, but

remember that the inter-character gap varies with

character combinations.

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your

field width. Default spacing:

Letter Gothic Bold 6pt.

Letter Gothic Bold 9pt.

Reduced

1 dot

2 dots

1 dot

All other fonts

varies with each letter

T8. font

Style of font. Options:

CG Trium Bold

1000 6.5 pt

1001 8 pt

1002 10 pt

1003 12 pt

1004 18 pt

1005 22 pt

CG Trium Bold Cond

1006

1007

1008

1009

1010

1011

6.5 pt

8 pt

10 pt

12 pt

18 pt

22 pt

Letter Gothic Bold

1012 6 pt

1013 9 pt

Reduced

Internal Font

NOTE: Point sizes greater than 12 include only the following

special characters:

0123456789#$%&(),./@DFKLMPS\kprö¢£¥.

All other point sizes use the whole symbol set. This

information may not apply to optional fonts.

3-4 Defining Fields

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T9. hgt mag

Height magnifier, 1-7 (times). Use a magnifier of 1 with

proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose

smoothness at higher magnifications.

T10. wid mag

Width magnifier, 1-7 (times). Proportionally spaced fonts do

not have a set width. To estimate the size of your field, use

the letter "W" for the widest field or an "L" for an average

width field. Find your selected font and the desired width in

Appendix B, "Fonts."

T11. color

Options for standard printer fonts:

Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal

Opaque, Normal, White, Normal

Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Transparent, Normal, White, Normal

Opaque, Normal, White, Normal

NOTE: Solid black print should not exceed 30% on a given

square inch of the label, or the printhead life may be

decreased.

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

not block out (or "erase") existing fields.

Opaque

The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")

existing fields.

Linefield

Linefieldnot

blockedoutby

opaquefield

blockedoutby

transparentfield

usingattributeO

usingattributeB

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration

when using field color attributes. If a line field is defined

before the overlay (text or constant text) field, the line field is

blocked out by the overlay field, depending on the overlay

field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined after the overlay

field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,

regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

Defining Fields 3-5

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T12. alignment

Options:

Align on left side of field.

Center text within field (monospaced fonts only)

Align on right side of field (monospaced fonts only)

Align at midpoint of field

Align at endpoint of the field

Use L, B, or E for any font.

T13. char rot

Character rotation. The field or supply does not rotate, only

the characters do. Options:

Top of character points to top of field

Top of character points to left of field

Top of character points to bottom of field

Top of character points to right of field

T14. field rot

Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just

the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which

varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of

field is the pivot point. Options:

Top of field points to top of supply

Top of field points to left of supply

Top of field points to bottom of supply

Top of field points to right of supply

T15. sym set

Symbol set. Use 1 (ASCII Symbol Set)

See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information.

Example:

T,2,10,V,250,50,0,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

Defines a text field (field #2) with a variable length of up to 10

characters. The field begins at row 250, column 50. There is no

additional gap between characters, and the Standard font is used

without any additional magnification. The printing is black on

white and centered. No field or character rotation is used. The

internal symbol set is used.

3-6 Defining Fields

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D e f i n i n g B a r C o d e F i e l d s

Each bar code field requires a separate definition.

Syntax

B,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,

font,density,height,text,alignment,

field rot p

B1. B

Bar Code Field.

B2. field#

B3. # of char

Unique number from 0-99 to identify this field.

Maximum number of characters. If the bar code uses a check

digit, allow an extra character for the check digit. The actual

maximum number of characters is limited by the size of the

label and bar code density. Range: 0-2710.

B4. fix/var

Fixed (F) or variable (V) length field.

Bar Code

Number of Characters

Fixed or

Variable

UPCA

UPCA+2

UPCA+5

UPCA+Price CD

UPCE or LAC

UPCE+2

UPCE+5

EAN8

EAN8+2

EAN8+5

EAN13

EAN13+2

EAN13+5

EAN13+Price CD

Interleaved 2 of 5

0 to 2710

F or V

Interleaved I 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

Code 39 or MOD43

Defining Fields 3-7

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Bar Code

Codabar (NW7)

Number of Characters

Fixed or

Variable

0 to 26

0 to 2710

0 to 14

F or V

Code 128

Code 93

Code 16K

MSI

F or V

Maxicode

PDF417

POSTNET

15 to 99

0 to 2710

0 to 11

F or V

B5. row

Distance from bottom of the print area to the pivot point of the

field. The pivot point varies, depending on how the field is

justified. Pivot points:

Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields

Balanced Fields

End-Justified Fields

Remember to include text or numbers that may appear with

the bar code for the row measurement.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 365

0 - 927

0 - 701

3-8 Defining Fields

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B6. column

Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot

point.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 183

0 - 465

0 - 352

NOTE: Allow a minimum of 1/10 inch between the scan edge

of bar code and label edges or other data.

Two-dimensional barcodes cannot be scanned

(MaxiCode, PDF417, Code 16K and POSTNET).

B7. font

Bar code. Options:

UPCA

EAN8 +2

UPCE

EAN8 +5

Interleaved 2 of 5

EAN13 +2

Code 39 (no check digit) 17

Codabar

EAN8

EAN13

Code 128

MSI

EAN13 +5

LAC

POSTNET

Code 93

Code 16K

PDF417

10 UPCA +2

11 UPCA +5

12 UPCE +2

13 UPCE +5

Maxicode

Code 39 (MOD 43

check digit)

UPCA & Price CD

EAN13 & Price CD

Interleaved 2 of 5 with

Barrier Bar

B8. density

Bar code density. Use the following table for the bar code

density.

Defining Fields 3-9

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Barcode

Type

Density

Selector

Density

(% or cpi)

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

Narrow to

Wide

Data

Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char

Set

Ratio

UPCA

+2/+5

Price CD

80%

120%

2/10.4

3/15.6

N/A

11 or 12 1,5,6

0 to 9

14/17

7 or 8

UPCE

+2/+5

EAN8

+2/+5

EAN13

80%

120%

80%

120%

80%

120%

2/10.4

3/15.6

2/10.4

3/15.6

2/10.4

3/15.6

N/A

6 or 7

9/12

7 or 8

10/13

12 or 13 1,5,6

15/18

1,5,6

7 or 8

1,5,6

7 or 8

0 to 9

+2/+5

Price CD

7 or 8

Interleaved

2 of 5

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.3

6.0

7.1

8.3

9.1

10.6

12.0

13.7

1.3

1.7

3.3

4.0

6.0

6.6

3.7

12.0

2.8

2.0

2.9

4.3

4.7

7.7

8.4

9.6

3.6

4.3

5.3

7.1

21/109.4

12/62.5

7/36.5

6/31.3

4/20.8

3/15.6

2/10.4

10/52.1

8/41.7

4/20.8

3/15.6

2/10.4

4/20.8

1/5.2

5/26.0

8/41.7

6/31.3

4/20.8

2/10.4

6/31.2

5/26.0

4/20.8

3/15.6

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:3.0

1:2.3

1:2.0

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:2.0

1:2.5

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:2.0

1:3.0

1:2.2

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:2.0

1:3.0

1:2.5

1:2.0

N/A

0 to

0 to 9

2710

or I 2 of 5

with

Barrier Bar

Code 39

or MOD 43

0 to

2710

SPACE

$%*+-./

0 to 9

A to Z

Codabar

(NW7)

0 to

$%*+-./

0 to 9

a to d

Code 93

0 to

2710

00H to

FFH

10.7

2/10.4

3-10 Defining Fields

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Barcode

Type

Density

Selector

Density

(% or cpi)

Narrow

Element

(dots/mils)

Narrow

toWide

Ratio

Data

Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char

Set

Code 128

3.5/7.0

4.4/8.7

5.8/11.7

8.7/17.5

4.0

5/26.0

4/20.8

3/15.6

2/10.4

4/20.8

3/15.6

2/10.4

N/A

0 to

00H to

2710

7FH

CODE 16K

MSI

1:2.0

1:2.5

0 to

0 to 9

5.3

6.9

Barcode

Type

Density

Selector

Narrow

Short

Element

Width

Data

Length

Appearance

Codes

Available

Char

Set

Element

(dots/mils) (dots/mils) (dots/mils)

POSTNET

24/125.0

10/52.1

4/20.8

0,5,6,9

0 to 9

(fixed at

4.3 cpi)

(5 dot gap) or 11

Barcode

Type

Density

Selector

Element

Width

Row

Aspect

Ratio

Data

Length

Appearance Char Set

Codes

Available

Height

(dots/mils) (dots/mils)

PDF417

2/10.4

3/15.6

4/20.8

2/10.4

4/20.8

6/31.3

3/15.6

6/31.3

9/46.9

4/20.8

8/41.7

12/62.5

1:1

0 to

2710

00H to FFH

1:2

1:3

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:1

1:2

1:3

(Security

Levels 1 to

Maxicode

N/A

15-99

00H to

FFH

NOTE: Values in bold indicate the default.

B9. height

Bar code height, in 1/100 inches, 1/10 mm, or dots. Minimum

values:

English

Metric

Dots

B10. text

Appearance of text with bar code. For UPC and EAN only use

1-7. For all others, use 8. Options:

No check digit or number system

Number system at bottom, no check digit

Check digit at bottom, no number system

Check digit and number system at bottom

No text, bar code only

Defining Fields 3-11

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B11. alignment

B12. field rot

Choose L, R, C, B or E to align the bar code data correctly in

the field. For I2 of 5, Code 39 (Mod 43), Codabar, and MSI,

you can use L, R, C, B or E. For all other bar codes, use L.

Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just

the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which

varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of

field is the pivot point. Options:

Top of field points to top of supply

Top of field points to left of supply

Top of field points to bottom of supply

Top of field points to right of supply

NOTE: Serial bar codes printed at speeds greater than 2.5

IPS may not scan properly.

Example:

B,3,12,V,150,40,1,2,80,7,L,0 p

Defines a bar code field (field #3) with 12 characters of variable

length starting at row 150, column 40. A UPCA bar code with a

density of 2 and a height of 80 is used. The check digit and

number system are shown at the bottom. The bar code is left

aligned without any field rotation.

D e f i n i n g C o n s t a n t Tex t F i e l d s

A constant text field is a set of fixed characters that prints on all

labels. Define each constant text field separately. This field is not

assigned a field number, but is counted as a field (keep this in

mind, as the printer allows a maximum of 100 fields per format).

The characters in this field cannot be changed by batch data.

Field options do not apply to constant text fields.

Determine the height and the maximum width of the characters,

using the tables in Appendix B, "Fonts." If you’re using

proportionally spaced fonts, use the average size of the

characters. Mark the pivot point of your field. This will vary,

depending on how your field is justified.

Syntax

C,row,column,gap,font,hgt mag,

wid mag,color,alignment,char rot,

field rot,"fixed char",sym set p

3-12 Defining Fields

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C1. C

Constant Text Field.

C2. row

For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to

the pivot point. For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from

bottom of print area to baseline of characters in the field.

(Bottom exits the printer first.)

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 365

0 - 927

0 - 701

C3. column

C4. gap

Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot

point.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 183

0 - 465

0 - 352

Number of dots between characters. Range: 0-99.

Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your

field width. Default spacing:

Letter Gothic Bold 6pt.

Letter Gothic Bold 9pt.

All other fonts

1 dot

2 dots

varies with each letter

C5. font

Style of font. Options:

CG Trium Bold

1000 6.5 pt

1001 8 pt

1002 10 pt

1003 12 pt

1004 18 pt

1005 22 pt

CG Trium Bold Cond

1006

1007

1008

1009

1010

1011

6.5 pt

8 pt

10 pt

12 pt

18 pt

22 pt

Letter Gothic Bold

1012 6 pt

1013 9 pt

Reduced

Internal Font

NOTE: Point sizes greater than 12 include only the following

special characters:

0123456789#$%&(),./@DFKLMPS\kprö¢£¥.

All other point sizes use the whole symbol set. This

information may not apply to optional fonts.

C6. hgt mag

Height magnifier, 1-7 (times). Use a magnifier of 1 with

proportionally spaced fonts, because characters lose

smoothness at higher magnifications for all fonts.

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C7. wid mag

C8. color

Width magnifier, 1-7 (times) Proportionally spaced fonts do

not have a set width. To estimate the size of your field, use

the letter "W" for the widest field or an "L" for an average

width field.

Options for standard printer fonts:

Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal

Opaque, Normal, White, Normal

Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Transparent, Normal, White, Normal

Opaque, Normal, White, Normal

NOTE: Solid black print should not exceed 30% on a given

square inch of the label, or the printhead life may be

decreased.

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:

Transparent The overlay field (text or constant text) does

not block out (or "erase") existing fields.

Opaque

The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")

existing fields.

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration

when using field color attributes. If a line field is defined

before the overlay (text or constant text) field, the line field is

blocked out by the overlay field, depending on the overlay

field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined after the overlay

field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field,

regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute.

C9. alignment

Alignment of constant text in the field. Options:

Align on left side of field.

Center text within field (for monospaced fonts only)

Align on right side of field (for monospaced fonts only)

Align at midpoint of field

Align at end of field.

Use L, B, or E for any font.

C10. char rot

Character rotation. Options:

Top of character points to top of field

Top of character points to left of field

Top of character points to bottom of field

Top of character points to right of field

3-14 Defining Fields

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C11. field rot

Field rotation. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point.

Options:

Top of overlay points to top of supply

Top of overlay points to left of supply

Top of overlay points to bottom of supply

Top of overlay points to right of supply

NOTE: Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies

depending on how text is justified.

C12. "fixed char" Fixed characters to appear in the field. Maximum 2710

characters. Enclose in quotation marks.

C13. sym set

Symbol set. Use 1 (ASCII Symbol Set). (0, 437).

See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information.

Example:

C,30,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MADE IN USA",0 p

Defines a constant text field starting at row 30, column 10. It does

not have any additional inter-character gap. The Standard font is

used without any additional magnification. The printing is black on

white and left justified. No field or character rotation is used.

"MADE IN USA" is printed in this field. The internal symbol set is

used.

D e f i n i n g L i n e F i e l d s

Use lines to form borders and mark out original prices. Define

each line separately. This field is not assigned a field number, but

is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a

maximum of 50 fields per format). You can define any line length

and a thickness up to 99 dots, as long as the solid black print does

not exceed 30 percent of any given square inch of the label.

Defining Fields 3-15

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L i n e Ty p e s

You can create horizontal and vertical lines. There are two ways

to define lines.

Segments

Vectors

You choose the starting point and ending point.

You choose the starting point, the angle, and

the length of the line.

Syntax

L,type,row,column,angle/end row,length/

end col,thickness,"pattern" p

L1. L

Line Field.

L2. type

Type of line. Only vertical and horizontal lines are

supported. Options:

Segment. You choose the starting point and

ending point.

Vector. You choose the starting point, angle,

and length.

L3. row

Distance from bottom of print area to the starting point.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 365

0 - 927

0 -701

L4. column

Distance from left edge of the print area to line origin.

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 183

0 - 465

0 - 352

3-16 Defining Fields

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L5. angle/end row If Using Segments:

Row location of ending point. Measure from bottom of print

area. Ranges same as row above. On horizontal lines, this

value must match item L3.

If Using Vectors:

Angle of line. Options: 0, 90,

180, or 270.

L6. length/end col If Using Segments:

Column location of end point. Measure from left edge of print

area. Ranges same as column above. On vertical lines, this

value must match parameter L4.

If Using Vectors:

Length of the line in selected units.

Ranges for horizontal lines:

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 200

0 - 508

0 - 384

Ranges for vertical lines:

English

Metric

Dots

0 - 400

0 - 1016

0 - 768

L7. thickness

Using the chart below for reference, write the line thickness

(1 to 99) in box L7. Measured in dots.

NOTE: Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to

the right on vertical lines.

Defining Fields 3-17

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L8. "pattern"

Line pattern. Enter "".

Example:

L,S,110,30,110,150,10,"" p

Defines a horizontal line field as a segment starting at row 110,

column 30 and ending at row 110, column 150. The line thickness

is 10 dots.

D e f i n i n g B ox F i e l d s

Use boxes to form borders or highlight items of interest. Define

each box field separately. This field is not assigned a field

number, but is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer

allows a maximum of 50 fields per format). You can define any

line length and a thickness up to 99 dots, as long as the solid

black print does not exceed 30 percent of any given square inch of

the label.

Syntax

Q,row,column,end row,end col,thickness,

"pattern" p

Q1. Q

Box (Quadrilateral) Field.

Q2. row

Distance from bottom of print area to lower left corner of box.

English

Metric:

Dots:

0 - 365

0 - 927

0 - 701

Q3. column

Distance from left edge of print area to lower left corner of box.

English

Metric:

Dots:

0 - 183

0 - 465

0 - 352

3-18 Defining Fields

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Q4. end row

Distance from bottom of print area to upper right corner of

box. Ranges same as row.

Q5. end col

Distance from left edge of print area to upper right corner of

box. Ranges same as column.

Q6. thickness

Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line

thickness (1 to 99) in box Q6. Measure in dots.

NOTE: Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to

the right on vertical lines.

Q7. "pattern"

Line pattern. Enter "".

Example:

Q,240,30,270,150,3,"" p

Defines a box field starting at row 240, column 30. It ends at row

270, column 150. It has a thickness of 3 dots.

Defining Fields 3-19

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3-20 Defining Fields

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D E F I N I N G F I E L D O P T I O N S

This chapter provides a reference for defining

field options in formats

check digit packets.

Defining Field Options 4-1

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A p p l y i n g F i e l d O p t i o n s

Field options further define text and bar code fields. The text,

constant text, or bar code field must be previously defined before

you can apply any field option to it. Define options immediately

after the field to which they apply.

C o m b i n i n g F i e l d O p t i o n s

You can use more than one option with most fields. When you use

multiple options for the same field, you must place the options in

the order you want to apply them to your format.

R e s t r i c t i o n s

Some options cannot be used together. See the following sections

addressing individual options for specific combinations to avoid.

Example:

Syntax

R,1,3,1,3,1,1 p

R,option#,parameter...parameter p

R1. R

Indicates field option header.

R2. option#

Option number:

Define fixed characters

Copy data

31 Calculate check digit

50 Define bar code densities

51 Define security and truncation of PDF417 bar codes

52 Define width or length of PDF417 bar codes

R3. parameter(s) Varies per option. See the following option descriptions.

4-2 Defining Field Options

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O p t i o n 1 ( F i xe d D a t a )

Fixed data is information (a company name or store number) you

want to print on all labels. You can define fixed characters for an

entire field or for part of a field.

Syntax

R,1,"fixed char" p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 1

Option 1.

R3. fixed char

Characters to insert. Enclose in quotation marks. If you are

defining fixed characters for part of a field, place underscores

(_) in non-fixed positions. Any spaces in the phrase are fixed

characters. Range: 0 - 2710.

Underscore characters are stripped out and

the data is compressed if no data is supplied

by the batch and the field length is variable.

Example:

R,1,"_ _ _%$_ _ _ _ _" p

Uses fixed characters (%$) in positions four and five. The other

positions are variable.

Example:

R,1,"MONARCH" p

"MONARCH" appears as a fixed field in this example.

Defining Field Options 4-3

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O p t i o n 4 ( C o p y D a t a )

You can create a field that uses data from another field. This is

useful for creating merged fields or sub-fields. You can copy the

information from multiple fields into one field by applying the copy

procedure more than once. Copy data is the only option you can

apply to a field more than once.

The maximum number of characters defined in box T3 or B3 must

allow for the number of characters you will place in the field,

including any price, check digit, or fixed characters inserted by the

printer. The maximum number of characters in the field into which

data is copied cannot exceed 2710 or the maximum number of

characters permitted by the bar code.

When copying from more than one field, copy

into the destination field from left to right.

Syntax

R,4,src fld,src start,# to copy,dest

start,copy code p

R1. R

Field Option Header.

R2. 4

Option 4.

R3. src fld

R4. src start

Field number from which data is copied. Range: 0 to 999

Position number in the source field of the first character to be

copied. Character positions are numbered 1 to 2710, starting

from the left.

R5. # to copy

R6. dest start

Number of characters to copy. Range: 1 to 2710.

Position number where copied characters are to begin printing

in the destination field. Range: 1 to 2710.

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R7. copy code

Copy Method.

Copy field as is (including price symbols,

pad characters, check digits, etc.).

Copy unformatted data (without price characters,

pad characters, etc.).

Example

R,4,3,1,3,1,1 p

Copies data from field #3, starting at the first position and copying

three characters. In the destination field, the information is placed

in position 1 and copied as formatted data.

M e r g i n g F i e l d s

You can copy data to merge the contents of fields. Use the copy

data option as many times as necessary to copy all the

appropriate fields into the merged field.

In the following example, two text and two non-printable fields are

shown. Data from these fields is merged to form field 5, and is

then printed as a bar code.

Field

Data

Field Type

203

Non-printable

Text

339

BLUE

Text

2033398BLUE

Bar Code

To create this sequence:

1. Define fields 1, 2, 3, and 4.

2. Define field 5 as a bar code. Allow enough characters in the

bar code field to hold all the copied characters.

3. Apply Option 4 to field 5 once for every source field.

Defining Field Options 4-5

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S u b - F i e l d s

You can copy a segment of data from one field into a new location,

called a sub-field. For example, extract part of the data in a bar

code and display it in text form in a sub-field. Then, use the copy

data option.

O p t i o n 3 1 ( C a l c u l a t e C h e c k D i g i t )

The printer generates a check digit if you apply Option 31 to the

field. You cannot use this option if the field contains a UPC, EAN,

or Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit) bar code.

Syntax

R,31,gen/ver,check digit # p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 31

Option 31.

R3. gen/ver

Enter G to generate a check digit.

R4. check digit # Specifies a check digit scheme. Enter a number that

identifies a check digit scheme that has been defined. For

more information, see "Using Check Digits." Range: 1 - 10.

Example

R,31,G,5 p

Generates a check digit using the previously defined check digit

scheme 5.

O p t i o n 5 0 ( B a r C o d e D e n s i t y )

You can apply this option to bar code fields when you want to

create custom densities. When you apply this option, it overrides

the density value in the bar code field.

When using this option, set the density parameter in your bar code

field to the default value. You can only use this option once for

each bar code field. This option overrides the density selected in

the bar code field.

4-6 Defining Field Options

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Bar codes produced using Option 50 may not be scannable. The

additional character gap, narrow space, and wide space

parameters are valid only with Code 39 and Codabar. If these

parameters are specified for any other bar codes, they will be

ignored by the printer. Do not use Option 50 with UPC or EAN bar

codes.

Syntax

R,50,narrow,wide,gap,nar_space,wide_space

R1. R

Field Option Header.

R2. 50

Option 50.

R3. narrow

R4. wide

R5. gap

Dot width of the narrow element. Range: 1-99.

Dot width of the wide element. Range: 1-99.

Additional dot space between characters. Enter a value of 1

to 99. (Code 39 and Codabar only.)

R6. nar_space

Additional dot width of the narrow bar code space. (Code 39

and Codabar only). Range: 1- 99.

R7. wide_space Additional dot width of the wide bar code space. (Code 39

and Codabar only). Range: 1- 99.

Example:

R,50,4,8,5,1,1 p

Creates a custom bar code density with a narrow element of 4

dots, a wide element of 8 dots, a gap of 5 dots, and one additional

dot width for the narrow and wide bar code space (if this is a Code

39 or Codabar bar code).

O p t i o n 5 1 ( P D F 4 1 7 S e c u r i t y / Tr u n c a t i o n )

You can define a security level and choose whether or not to

truncate a PDF417 bar code. Higher security levels add data to a

bar code, improving scan reliability. Some damaged bar codes

may still be scannable if the security level is high enough. You

can use this option to create standard PDF417 bar codes or use

the truncated option to create a narrower bar code. This option

can appear only once per PDF417 field, in any order, following the

bar code field.

Defining Field Options 4-7

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As the security level is increased, so is the size of your PDF417

bar code. For each level increased, the bar code will double in

size.

Syntax

R,51,security,stand/default p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 51

Indicates Option 51.

R3. security

Security level ranges from 0-8 (0 is the default).

Higher security levels add data to a bar code, improving scan

reliability. Some damaged bar codes may still be scannable if

the security level is high enough.

R4. stand/def

Truncation selector. Valid values:

(default) a standard PDF417 bar code

truncated

Example

R,51,2,S p

Defines a security level of 2 for a standard PDF417 bar code.

O p t i o n 5 2 ( P D F 4 1 7 W i d t h / L e n g t h )

This option defines the image width or length of a PDF417 bar

code. If you define a fixed number of columns (width), the bar

code expands in length. If you define a fixed number of rows

(length), the bar code expands in width.

Column value does not include start/stop or left/right indicator

columns.

If this option does not immediately follow the PDF417 bar code

field, the default settings are used. You can only use this option

once per PDF417 bar code field.

Syntax

R,52,row/column,dimension p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 52

Indicates Option 52.

4-8 Defining Field Options

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R3. row/column Indicates if you are defining the number of rows or columns.

Row

Column

If you specify rows, the bar code expands in columns,

or vice versa.

R4. dimension

The number of rows or columns defined for the bar code. The

default is 4. Valid values:

3-90 for rows

1-30 for columns

Example:

R,52,C,10 p

Defines the column width of 10, which expands the PDF417 bar

code length by 10.

O p t i o n 6 1 ( Re - i m a g e F i e l d )

If you have a constant field that appears on top of a non-constant

field, apply this option to the constant field. For example, you may

create a tag for an item on sale. The tag shows both the old and

the new prices, but has a line drawn through the old price.

The constant field can be a line, a box, a graphic, or constant text.

This option redraws the constant field when the other field

changes. If you do not use this option, the field may appear

broken.

Syntax

R,61 p

U s i n g C h e c k D i g i t s

Check digits are typically used to ensure that a text or bar code

field scans correctly. If you apply Option 31, the printer calculates

a check digit. A check digit scheme determines how the printer

calculates a check digit. When you define a check digit scheme,

you assign a number to identify it. This number is later entered in

box R4 when you apply Option 31 to a field. You can use check

digits with text or bar code fields. Check digit calculations are

performed on numeric data only.

Defining Field Options 4-9

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Do not use check digits with price fields. Do not define a check

digit scheme for these bar codes, because they have predefined

check digits: UPC, EAN, Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit),

and Code 93.

Syntax

{A,selector,action,device,modulus,

fld_length,D/P,"weights" p }

A1. A

Check Digit Header.

A2. selector

A3. action

A4. device

A5. modulus

Assign a number from 1-10 to this check digit formula.

Adds a check digit scheme. Enter A.

Device. Use R.

Number from 2-11. The modulus is used to divide the sum of

products or the sum of digits.

A6. fld_length

A7. D/P

The maximum number of characters the field will contain.

Range: 0 - 2710.

Algorithm. The algorithm determines how the check digit is

calculated. Options:

sum of digits

sum of products

A8. "weights"

String of digits used for calculation. A weight string is a group

of two or more numbers that is applied to a field. The number

of digits in this string should equal the number in fld_length.

Enclose in quotation marks. Range: 0 - 2710.

Example:

{A,1,A,R,10,5,P,"65432" p }

Adds check digit scheme number 1 to the printer’s memory. The

modulus is 10, the maximum number of characters in the field is 5.

The check digit is calculated by using the Sum of Products and the

string of digits used in the calculation is "65432."

S u m o f P r o d u c t s C a l c u l a t i o n

This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Products to

calculate a check digit for this data:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

4-10 Defining Field Options

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1. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in

the weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at

the right-most position of the field. Remember, a weight string

must contain at least two different numbers. This example has

a weight string of 1,2,3,4:

field:

weight string:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:

field:

weight string:

products:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

20 2 6 6 16 5 4 3 36

3. Next, the product of each digit is added together. This is the

sum of the products.

20 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 16 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 36 = 98

4. Divide the sum of the products by the modulus (10 in this

case), only to the whole number. The balance is called the

remainder.

10 98

5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus.

The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check

digit is 2.

10 - 8 = 2

Defining Field Options 4-11

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S u m o f D i g i t s C a l c u l a t i o n

This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Digits to

calculate a check digit for this data:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

1. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in

the weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at

the right-most position of the field. Remember, a weight string

must contain at least two different numbers. This example has

a weight string of 1,2,3,4:

field:

weight string:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:

field:

weight string:

products:

5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9

4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

20 2 6 6 16 5 4 3 36

3. Next, the digits of the products are added together. Two-digit

products are treated as two separate digits.

This is the sum of the digits.

2 + 0 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 44

4. Divide the sum of the digits by the modulus (10 in this case),

only to the whole number. The balance is called the

remainder.

10 44

4-12 Defining Field Options

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5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus.

The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check

digit is 6.

10 - 4 = 6

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4-14 Defining Field Options

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P R I N T I N G

This chapter describes how to

define the batch header, batch control, and batch data files

create a Print Control Packet.

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D e f i n i n g t h e B a t c h H e a d e r

Batch data is the actual information printed on the supply. Batch

data fills in the format’s text, bar code, and non-printable text

fields.

A batch packet contains three parts:

batch header

identifies the format and how many labels to

print.

batch control

defines the print job.

batch data

(optional)

defines the actual information printed on the

label.

A batch header begins the file. It tells which format the batch uses

and how many labels to print. To record batch data, make a copy

of the worksheet in Appendix D, "Format Design Tools."

Syntax

{B,format#,N/U,quantity p

B1. B

Batch Header.

B2. format#

B3. N/U

Format number (0-999) to use.

Controls how image is generated.

New. Erase image and re-image all fields using

online data. Any missing fields will be blank.

Update last image with 1 or more fields.

All other fields remain the same as the last

queued batch.

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B4. quantity

Quantity to print (0-24).

Using 0 pre-images the field to reduce the

imaging time for labels. See "Batch Quantity

Zero Method" for more information.

Example:

{B,1,N,1 p

Defines a batch header that uses format #1 and reimages all fields

using the online data. One label is printed with this batch.

D e f i n i n g t h e B a t c h C o n t r o l F i e l d

The batch header must precede this field. The batch control field

defines the print job and applies only to the batch that immediately

follows.

Syntax

E,feed_mode,batch_sep,print_mult,

multi_part p

E1. E

Batch Control Field.

E2. feed_mode

Feed Mode. Options:

Continuous Feed (default)

On-Demand

E3. batch_sep

E4. print_mult

E5. multi_part

Batch Separator. Use 0.

Number of tags with the same image. Use 1.

Number of identical parts on one tag. Use 1.

Example:

E,0,0,1,1 p

Defines a batch control field. Continuous feed mode is used and

no separator prints between batches.

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D e f i n i n g B a t c h D a t a F i e l d s

Batch data fields should be sent in field number order. Use

continuation fields for large amounts of data. If you are using N

(New) in the batch header, you must list all fields with your data in

sequence. If you are using U, you need to list only those fields

and data that changes from the last printed batch.

Syntax

field#,"data string" p

C,"continuation" p

field#

Identifies the text, bar code, or non-printable text field in

which to insert the following data. Range: 0 - 999.

"data string"

Provides the actual information to appear in fields. Enclose in

quotation marks. Range: 0 - 2710.

Identifies information to be appended to the data string. (This

parameter is optional.)

"continuation"

Provides the actual information to be added to the batch

packet. Enclose in quotation marks. Use this option to break

up longer fields. (This parameter is optional.)

Example:

1,"Size 12" p

2,"" p

3,"Blue" p

C,"and this would be appended." p

Defines a batch data field. "Size 12" prints in field #1, a blank line

appears in field #2, "Blue and this would be appended" prints in

field #3.

M e r g e d o r S u b - F i e l d s

If a field is completely filled by data copied from other fields, use

quotation marks without spaces between them for the "data string"

parameter.

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D o w n l o a d i n g M e t h o d s

You can use pclOpen or pclWrite to write the packet to the printer,

or you can download the format and batch data using one of three

methods: sequential method, batch method, batch quantity zero

method. Refer to the Programmer Manual for more information.

S e q u e n t i a l M e t h o d

Using the sequential method, you send all your format and batch

data at one time. Use this method when your application does not

require operator intervention to input data. All data is sent down

at one time, and the printer then images each field. As soon as

the last field is imaged, your labels begin to print.

Example:

{Format}

{Batch Packet}

B a t c h M e t h o d

This is similar to the sequential method, but it is used when you

want to send multiple batches. All data for the first batch is sent at

one time, and the printer then images each field. As soon as the

last field for the first batch is imaged, labels begin to print. This

process is repeated for each subsequent batch.

Example:

{Format}

{Batch Packet}

B a t c h Q u a n t i t y Z e r o M e t h o d

You may use the batch quantity zero method when your

application requires operator intervention to enter data. While the

operator is entering data, the previous field is sent with a batch

quantity of zero. The printer images the field, but does not print it.

After the operator enters the data for the last field, the batch

quantity can be specified. The last remaining field is imaged, and

the label prints almost immediately.

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To use the batch quantity zero method:

1. Send the format and a batch header in one file. The first time

you send the batch header, use the parameter N (new batch),

and the parameter 0 for (zero quantity). This ensures the

label is properly positioned.

The printer images constant text, line, and box fields, but does

not print them.

2. Input data for each field, and send it with a batch header using

the parameter U (batch update) and a quantity of zero. When

the printer receives the data, it immediately images the field,

but does not print it.

At this time, the printer is imaging all associated fields,

including fields that copy from other fields.

3. Repeat step 2 for each field except the last one.

4. For the last field, input data and send a batch header with the

quantity of labels you want printed. When the printer receives

input for the last field, it immediately prints the labels. See

"Reducing Imaging Time" in Chapter 8 for an example using

the batch quantity zero method.

D e f i n i n g t h e P r i n t C o n t r o l Pa c ke t

Use the print control packet (C) to set the contrast, print, and

margin adjustment, print speed, and printhead width.

Syntax

{I,C,contrast,print_adj,margin_adjust,

speed_adj,ph_width p }

C1. C

Print Control Packet

C2. contrast

C3. print_adj

-390 to 156. 0 is the default for all printers.

-99 to 99 in 1/192 inch. 0 is the default for all printers.

Adjusts where data prints vertically on the supply. Increase

the print position to move print up, decrease to move print

down.

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C4. margin_adj

C5. speed_adj

-99 to 99 in 1/192 inch. 0 is the default for all printers.

Adjusts where data prints horizontally on the supply. Increase

the margin position to move print to the right, decrease to

move print to the left. Margin and print position are format

adjustments. They will not affect the supply position,

dispense position, or backfeed distance.

Print speed in inches per second (IPS). Options:

Default value

C6. ph_width

Width of the printhead in dots. Use 0 for these printers.

Example

{I,C,0,-20,-10,0,0 p }

Uses the default contrast, moves print 0.1 inch closer to the

bottom of the supply (20/192 inches) and .05 inch to the left on the

supply (10/192 inches), prints at 1.8 inches per second, and uses

the default printhead width.

C l e a r i n g Pa c ke t s f r o m M e m o r y

You may want to remove packets from the printer to increase

memory storage capacity or if the formats/fonts are no longer

needed. In some cases, turning the printer off may clear the

packets from memory. If not, send a format clear packet.

Syntax

{header,packet#,action,device p }

1. header

Identifies the packet. Options:

Check Digit Scheme

Format

Graphic

Font

2. packet#

Identification number of the packet to clear (1-999) or font

number (0-9999). 0 is for all fonts.

3. action

4. device

Enter C to clear the packet.

Storage device. Options:

Nonvolatile RAM

Volatile RAM

Example

{F,1,C,R p }

Clears Format #1 from volatile RAM.

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C R E AT I N G G R A P H I C S

This chapter provides information on how to

map out the graphic image using the hexadecimal (hex) or

run length method.

create a graphic packet using a graphic header, bitmap,

duplicate, next-bitmap, text, constant text, line, and box

Fields.

place a graphic image into a format.

You can use graphic packets to create compliance labels or

bitmapped images. To include a graphic packet within your format,

your format must contain a graphic field. See "Placing the Graphic

in a Format" for more information.

Creating Graphics 6-1

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O v e r v i e w o f B i t m a p p e d I m a g e s

A printed image is formed through a series of dots. Each square

on the grid below represents a dot on the printhead. The graphic

image is created by blackening dots in a specific pattern. You can

print varying shades of gray according to the concentration of dots

on the image. When the dots are printed together, the end result

is a graphic image.

D e t e r m i n i n g a M e t h o d

You can use one of two methods to map out your graphic image:

Hex Method

The dot sequences are segmented into binary

numbers and then converted to hex numbers.

A graphic using gray-scaling, several slanted

lines, or several vertical lines typically

translates more efficiently with hex

representation.

Run Length

The dot sequences are segmented into black

Encoding Method and white strings within a row. The total count

of each white string is converted to a

lower-case letter, corresponding to numeric

value. The total count of each black string is

converted to an uppercase letter,

corresponding to numeric value. This method

can reduce imaging time for graphics that

contain repetitive rows of dots. A graphic with

horizontal lines or very few white-to-black

borders typically translates more efficiently

with run length encoding.

The most efficient encoding method depends on how complicated

your graphic image is and whether or not imaging time is a

concern. You may want to experiment with both encoding methods

to get optimal performance.

6-2 Creating Graphics

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D e s i g n i n g B i t m a p p e d I m a g e s

Once you determine the encoding method to use, you can begin

mapping out your graphic image.

The image that you map must be an upside

down mirror image of the final result.

S p e c i a l C o n s i d e r a t i o n s

Solid black print cannot exceed 30% of any given square inch of

the supply. If the black print exceeds this limit, you may lose data

or damage the printhead.

In the first label, the large "M" logo and thick black line exceed the

allowed black to white print ratio. In the second label, the large

"M" logo does not exceed the black to white print ratio.

2 inches

Exceeds

Limit

0.5"

Doesnot

exceed

limit

Exceeds

Limit

Doesnot

exceed

limit

U s i n g t h e H ex M e t h o d

The following steps explain how to derive a hex character string

from a bitmapped graphic.

Creating Graphics 6-3

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Each square on the grid represents a dot. A black square

indicates the dot is ON, and a white square indicates the dot is

OFF. A sequence of binary numbers, called a bit pattern or

bitmap, determines what dots are on and off. The numbers "0"

and "1" are used for this purpose. The number "1" turns a dot on

and "0" turns a dot off.

1. Assign 1 to every black square and 0 to every white square.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000000000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111000000000000000000000000001111111110000000000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000000001111100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001111110000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000011110000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000001111000000000

00000000000000000000000001111100001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111110000

00000000000000000000000110000011111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111000001100

00000000000000000000000110001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110

00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110

00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111000000000000000000011111111111111111111111111111110

00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111111111100

00000000000000000000000001111111100000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000011111111110000

00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000

00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000

00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000

00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000