Miscellaneous Communication Features; Power-Cycle Recovery; Data Pass-Through; Multidrop Configuration - TransAct Ithaca 90PLUS Series Programmer's Manual

Communications
Miscellaneous

8.5 Miscellaneous Communication Features

8.5.1

Power-cycle Recovery

There are times when the host needs to know if the printer was power cycled. An example would be
changing the receipt tape. It is not necessary to turn the printer off to change the receipt. However, if the
operator does, any information sent to the printer before the power cycle will be lost.
The Series 90PLUS Printer has a flag that is set after a reset. The flag stays set until the host requests a
reset. The [ENQ] <11> command reads the flag. If the command returns power-cycled status, the power has
been reset or power cycled since the last request. All unprinted information has been lost.
If the print operation is critical, it is a good idea to check this flag before and after all transactions. An
alternate approach is to check the flag after every off-line to on-line transition.
Note: If the printer mode was changed by the [ESC] y <2> or <3> command, a power-cycle reset will return
to the power-on default.
8.5.2

Data Pass-through

The Series 90PLUS Printer supports data pass-through (sometimes referred to as display pass-through).
This mode is activated by the print suppress command with the pass-through bit set. In this mode, the
printer can be requested to transmit any data that it receives (pass-through). Here, the printer's inquire
commands are active but of little use. Typically, the printer's transmit data is connected to the next device
in line. Inquire commands have no data path back to the host. If pass-through is to be used, it is a good idea
to deactivate the inquire commands. (Use [ESC] y <6> to do this).
Before pass-through data can be used, it must be activated in the configuration menu, which is the third
selection in the print-suppress/pass option.
All data after, but not including, the print suppress command is pass-through. When deactivated, the print
suppress command is again not pass-through. During pass-through the multidrop commands are active (if
configured).
If a multidrop control command is found in the pass-through data, it will not be passed, and it will be acted
upon. If the printer is deselected during pass-through, the printer will stop passing on the data. When the
printer is readdressed, data pass-through will be active.
8.5.3

Multidrop Configuration

The Series 90PLUS Printer supports a multidrop configuration where up to three printers can be connected
in parallel. Each printer has a different address, "A, B, or C." The printer will not accept any print
information unless it is addressed. Multidrop configuration is only available in serial mode as parallel
printers cannot be connected together.
Page 146
PcOS Series 90PLUS
Rev Q
Programmer's Guide
11/07/05