Print Speed Limits; Page Size And Barcode Limits; Minimum Code Height; Data Matrix Complexity - Printronix Auto ID T8204 User Manual

There are several factors which contribute to successful bar code validation, including printer speed,
on-demand print settings, calibration, and ambient light. The following sections describe how to ensure
your ODV-2D validator is scanning and reporting properly.

Print Speed Limits

The print speed limits of 2-8 IPS are based on steady paper motion and the ability of the ODV-2D camera
system to gather and process the data effectively in real-time. If your application is not acting reliably, there
are several possible factors including the reflectivity of the media and/or ambient light. Users should
decrease the print speed in these situations to see if this improves performance.
NOTE: The speed is limited to 8 IPS for picket fence and 6 IPS for ladder and 2-D barcodes. The speed
will be automatically reduced depending on the label content and remain there.

Page Size and Barcode Limits

The camera system of the ODV-2D gathers an entire label image during processing and is limited to 24"
labels in Media > Image > Label Length due to memory and overhead requirements. In addition, no more
than 50 codes can be processed in each label.

Minimum Code Height

The barcode height of 1D codes must be at least 0.10 inches. This is required to get the necessary area to
do a proper ISO validation. The print speed is not a limiting factor in this requirement.

Data Matrix Complexity

While the ODV-2D is capable of run-time analysis of complex barcodes, there are limitations based on the
size of the minimum element combined with the level of data. Barcodes below are examples of 10-mil
barcodes that are extremely complex and therefore may not read well for all medias, speeds, and print
intensities.

On-Demand Printing

For each bar code to be successfully validated, the entire bar code must pass completely under the beam,
even when the printer is set up for on-demand printing. In cases where the bar code is close to the bottom
of a label and the printer is in an on-demand printing mode, the printer automatically pushes the label past
the scanning beam. Once the bar code is validated, the printer retracts the label back to be cut or torn off.
Because the printer must push out and then retract labels in on-demand printing modes, the extra
movements slow the printing process. You can avoid this by adjusting the form so that the bar code
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