Introduction - Intermec EasyCoder E4 Programmer's Reference Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

4
Intermec Direct Protocol is an easy-to-use printer programming
language that has been developed for use with the computer-
controlled direct thermal and thermal transfer printers manufac-
tured by Intermec. The version (v2.10) described in this manual
is only applicable to EasyCoder E4 printers, but is in most
respects compatible to other versions of the Intermec Direct
Protocol, so applications created for other types of EasyCoder
printers can be used on an EasyCoder E4 with few or no
modifi cations.
Intermec Direct Protocol can be used in two ways:
• To create label layouts consisting of fi elds with fi xed or variable
information. A layout can then be selected and provided with
variable input from the host computer in the form of a simple
string of data.
• To send input data and formatting commands as a continuous
string of data directly from the host computer.
In both cases, Intermec Direct Protocol provides a fl exible error
handler, which allows you to compose your own error messages
in any language.
Intermec Direct Protocol has been created with two main types
of application in mind:
• Applications where the end-user requires a simple printer
control program, but needs a versatile error handler.
• Applications which have a comprehensive printer control pro-
gram in the host computer.
Refer to chapter 13 in this manual for lists of the various com-
mands in Intermec Direct Protocol.
EasyCoder E4 Direct Protocol v2.10 – Programmer's Reference Manual