Page 1 MODEL 438T DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER: 880051-0102 January 3, 2019 CPC Copyright © 2019 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America...
Page 3 For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice. Liability Disclaimer Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this product.
Page 5 3.6.11.2 Media tab - Feed Options ................ 3-24 3.6.12 Printing Preferences - Presenter tab ............3-25 3.6.12.1 Presenter tab - Configuration ..............3-26 3.6.12.2 Configuration - Modes ................3-26 3.6.12.3 Configuration - Advanced ................ 3-27 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 6 4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0) ........... 4-7 4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2) ..............4-7 4.4.7.3 Black Line Media (Reflective) (setting = 3) ............ 4-8 4.4.8 AGD (Activate Gap Detector) ................ 4-8 4.4.9 SPG (Steps Past Gap) .................. 4-8 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 7 General Purpose I/O 5-27 Specialized Print Modes 5-29 5.4.1 Synchronous Print Mode ................5-29 5.4.2 USB Image Print Mode ................5-31 5.4.3 Contrast Adjustment Commands ..............5-32 5.4.3.1 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile - ^D36)..........5-32 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 8 RAM Data Types Using the Font Conversion Utilities 7.3.1 FONTCV16.exe Program ................7-2 7.3.2 Compressed Binary Commands ..............7-2 7.3.2.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127) ............. 7-2 7.3.2.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135) ..........7-3 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 9 What is Code Page Switching? Character Sets Code Pages 9.3.1 Code Pages ....................9-2 9.3.2 Danish Code Page ..................9-3 9.3.3 860 Code Page ..................... 9-4 9.3.4 Spanish Code Page ..................9-5 9.3.5 850 Code Page ..................... 9-5 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 10 General Index 12-1 List of Figures 12-7 List of Tables 12-10 APPENDIX 13-1 Appendix A: Limited Warranty 13-1 Appendix B: RMA Procedure 13-3 Appendix C: ^D Command Summary 13-5 Glossary 13-21 Appendix D: User Notes 13-25 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 11 Introduction The Model 438T printer has been designed to provide solutions for the ticketing industry. The printer uses the same reliable print mechanism found in the Model 428M printer. The lockable printer box not only houses the media but protects your ticketing investment as well.
Page 12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 13 General Specifications * NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary based on final configuration. ** NOTE: Higher temperature applications are possible; please contact your Microcom Corporation Sales representative for more information. 1.2 Printing Specifications...
Page 14: Table 1-3 Media Specifications
Maximum Media Width *NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types.
Page 15 · Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non- volatile FLASH memory. · All BMP files may be converted using a Microcom utility program. · Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
Page 16 · Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter · Ethernet Port (XPORT and Ethernet Option Board) · Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly · Low Paper Sensor Assembly · Wristband Option · Paper Supply Holders · Media Catch Trays · Cleaning kit 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 17: Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories
After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 438T and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain different items.
Page 18: Figure 3-2 Printer Rear Panel
The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable, which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE.
Page 19: Table 3-1 Rs-232 Cable Configurations
RS-232 Cable Configurations USB Communication Interface The 438T printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order to communicate with the printer, the USB driver must be installed on the host computer. This may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com/drivers.htm. The Windows combined...
Page 20 The first option is a legacy option that uses an Xport converter that communicate like an Ethernet connection but on a serial channel inside the printer. This means that the speed is limited to 115200 baud rate. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 21 Chapter 3 Getting Started The second option is available on code version 1.11.32 and later is a Microcom developed solution that provide true Ethernet speeds that is not limited to the 115200 serial cap. The Microcom option board must be installed at the factory and is not intended for field installation.
Page 22 Select Assign a specific IP address and select Next. This screen allows you to assign the IP Address and the Subnet Mask. You will need to obtain these two items from your network administrator and select Next. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 23 Ethernet port selected as the active port. 3.5.2 Microcom Ethernet Option Board The Microcom Ethernet Option Board provides 4 methods of configuring the Ethernet port for usage. Please note that you will need to add the 192.168.200.3 address to your network in order to communicate to the printer via the Web Interface.
Page 24 Once signed in, you will be directed to the configuration page of the application: NOTE: If using the Host name (Microcom) to change the IP Address, you must close the browser and repair the network. To do this, go into Network Connections, click on the Local Test Network, click on the Support tab, and then click the Repair button.
Page 25 The File Upload section of the configuration screen may be used to send commands or files directly to the connected printer. Any feedback sent from the printer will be displayed in the window. Notice the ^D29 command in the Send Command line and the response in the window. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 26 3.5.2.3 Telnet Using Command Prompt – Microcom Ethernet Option Open the Microsoft command line and enter “telnet microcom”. The user name and password by default are both “mic”. The “v” option must be used to save and reboot to save any changes.
Page 27 3.5.2.4 LDS1 Commands – Microcom Ethernet Option The LDS1 commands may also be sent to the printer to configure the Microcom Ethernet Option. The ^D177 command is used to configure the Ethernet option. A basic summary is included below; for more detailed information, please refer to the ^D177 command in Chapter 5.
Page 28 Sending a ^A1^D108 would set the printer to the 2 Port Autoselect between the USB or the XPORT Ethernet port. Sending a ^A5^D108 or ^A6^D108 command would set the printer to either use the Microcom Ethernet Option board or to the 3 Port Auto Select (Serial, USB, or Microcom Ethernet). Qualsoft Windows Driver 3.6.1...
Page 29 Chapter 3 Getting Started 2. Click the “Next” to continue the installation. 3. Wait for the installer to finish setting up the driver files. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-13...
Page 30 4. Select the New install or Uninstall existing driver if already running a Qualsoft version or if installing more than one printer, select the Install another printer model (Copy n). 5. Select the Model number of the printer being installed. 3-14 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 31 Chapter 3 Getting Started 6. Select the communication port that is going to be used with the printer. 7. Select next to start the installation. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-15...
Page 32 This section will explain how to configure the Windows Driver for proper operation. The example below also shows a Microcom Thermal Printer under Unspecified devices. This is the USB driver that is loaded when the printer is powered on and the printer USB port is connected to the printer.
Page 33 This opens the printer properties page. From this screen, Print Test Page may be selected to generate a test page that is sent to the printer. The test page is printed on the media size and type that are specified in the driver preferences. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-17...
Page 34 Getting Started Chapter 3 3.6.4 Printer Properties Page - Ports tab Selecting the Ports tab at the top allows the printer port to be changed if connecting to a different printer communication port. 3-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 35 “About” tab. This shows the driver version number and release date. 3.6.6 Printing Preferences - Print tab The Print tab shows the available options that may be set. Typically, these are already set for proper operation and do not need to be adjusted. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-19...
Page 36 3.6.7 Print tab - Halftone Adjustment The Halftone Adjustment icon opens the dialog windows below. This allows the user to manipulate the image settings that the driver uses to produce images. 3-20 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 37 3.6.9 Print tab - User Commands The User commands tab allows for the user to pass printer commands directly into the data stream. This is typically used for either troubleshooting or custom override commands. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-21...
Page 38 New icon to create a form size that matches your media. 3.6.10.4 Paper tab - Mirror Selecting this option will cause the image to appear like it being observed in a mirror. 3-22 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 39 Continuous setting instructs the printer to ignore registration marks and will move media based on the form size settings. The Blackline setting cause the printer’s reflective sensor to look for a blackline mark and register based on the other Feed options. The Diecut and 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-23...
Page 40 The printer uses its reflective sensor to detect the blackline as the media is passed through the printer and would use its transmissive sensor to detect the blowhole. 3-24 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 41 Check with your printer model operator’s manual to see if a presenter is supported. This tab is ignored on models that do not support the use of a presenter. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-25...
Page 42 This field controls the time that the presenter will present the paper before retracting into the waste bin. 3.6.12.2.2 Configuration - Maximum Present Distance (inch) This is the maximum size that the printer will present when using the enabled mode. This value is in inches. 3-26 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 43 The Disable Status checkbox is used to control whether the Port Monitor Status popup window is displayed or not. This is used to get real time status from the printer while printing via the Windows driver. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-27...
Page 44 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-28 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 45 This will force the driver defaults of the printer model installed. 3.6.15 Status Messages This section describes the Windows compatible Status messages that are displayed in spooler and the Status Monitor feature found on the Modification tab. These messages may 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-29...
Page 46 >HEAD UP< message. 3.6.15.10 PRINTER_STATUS_IO_ACTIVE This message is used to indicate that the optional >INPUT 2< sensor is active. The >INPUT 2< message is the equivalent LDS1 control language printer message that is reported. 3-30 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 47: Figure 3-3 Cash Drawer Pin-Out
For more details on this feature, please refer to Chapter 5, Autoload Commands. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-31...
Page 48 Loading Media Pinch Hazard Figure 3-5 Top Cover Pinch Hazard Caution should be taken when closing the top cover as your finger could become pinched between the printer housing and the top cover when closing. 3-32 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 49 Press & hold the Print Button while the printer is READY to Feeding labels advance label media. The printer will continue advancing label (Line feed) media until the Print Button is released. Table 3-2 Print Button Description 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-33...
Page 50 If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label, c) Holding the button depressed: Form Feed labels until the button is released. 3-34 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 51 Printing Statistics Command. The diagonal line test pattern is also used to show thermal dots that have expired on the printhead. These areas will appear as vertical lines in the test pattern printout. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-35...
Page 52 The sensor is set to the maximum detection at the factory. This pot may be used to decrease sensor range to avoid false reflections from stationary objects such as a cutter. 3-36 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 53 The printer may be configured with an optional media holder for media wound on rolls. The holder is designed to hold media cores of 1.5” or larger and contains media guides intended to help prevent unnecessary unwinding of media. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-37...
Page 54 Rolled Media Holder 3.14 Wristband Media Adapter Option When 1” wide wristband media is being used, the wristband option should be installed. The wristband guide is inserted into the media guide and is locked into place. 3-38 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 55 Wristband Guide Loosen locking nut and slide guide into place and retighten into place Insert into media guide making sure that it is flush against the green media guide Figure 3-10 Wristband Media Adapter 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-39...
Page 56 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-40 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 57 C:\>COPY FILENAME COM1) command. When using DOS, it is a good idea to set the communications port up using the DOS MODE (for example: C:\>MODE COM1:115200, n,8,1, p) command before copying the files to the port. Create a text file, 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 58 203 dpi or a 300 dpi head. The examples contained in this document discuss a 300 dpi printer. The conversion values for the 300dpi print head: Dots/mm Inch/Dot 0.0033 (1/300) EXAMPLE: A label that is 2” in length would be (2 x 300) = 600 dots. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 59 ^D2 <CR> Text data is coming. Microcom <CR> Text data string #1. Corporation <CR> Text data string #2. Thermal Printing Solutions <CR> Text data string #3. 012345 <CR> Text data string #4. ^D3 <CR> Print format. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 60: Figure 4-2 3X3 Sample Label
The label header consists of eleven parameters that control the media layout as well as printer configuration. A comma (,) delimiter is used to separate the parameters and a carriage return is required to terminate the header. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 61 Thermal Printing Solutions 3.0” or 900 Dots 012345 X beginning This is the Gap Value origin; 1,1 .125” or 38 Dots Y beginning 4.266” or 1280 Dots (Total Print Head Dots) Figure 4-3 Header Elements 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 62 DPS value to a lower setting as shown on Table 4-1. Generally, better print quality is achieved by printing at lower speeds, however this is also dependent on the media and contrast settings as well. Labels per minute can be calculated by the equation below: 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 63: Table 4-1 Dps Values
Continuous Media (setting = 2) If the LCB parameter is set to a value of “2”, the printer will not search for a registration mark. The gap detectors are only used for stock out conditions when set for continuous 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 64 This parameter is required to properly register print on each label. The table below lists proper SPG settings for particular printer configurations when the LSY is greater than the D2G parameter value, the D2G value is used. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 65: Table 4-2 Dot To Gap Parameters
The Dot to Gap distance for the transmissive sensor (Table 4-2). LSY (203) = The height of the printable area; 1" x 203 DPI = 203 dots. SBL (25) = The Space Between Labels, or die-cut GAP in this case; 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 66 LCB of 0 for die-cut labels. AGD of 1 step. SPG of 395 for proper placement of the next label. No X offset. No Y offset. <CR> A carriage return must follow the header. 4-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 67 1, 640, 650, 8, 1, , , 0 Feed Direction 4” PRINT HEAD Microcom Corporation Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 X beginning This is the origin; 1,1 Y beginning Figure 4-4 Label Format Field Elements 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-11...
Page 68 Table below. For example, a TCI of “1” for the text string data “012345” would print the text “012345” while a TCI of “15” would produce an “Interleaved 2 of 5” symbol. 4-12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 69: Table 4-3 Tci Values
PDF-417 Symbol Datamatrix Symbol Intelligent Mail Barcode Planetcode Symbol UCC/EAN 128 Symbol Text with EAN 128 Information Aztec Symbol QR Code Symbol * Human Readable - Refer to Chapter 8 Table 4-3 TCI Values 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-13...
Page 70: Table 4-4 Cgn-Embedded Fonts
These fonts are stored in the printer’s non-volatile flash memory and are accessed with a TCI of 7 and the appropriate CGN value. Custom font sets may be loaded into printers at the factory, ask your Microcom Representative for additional information on custom font sets.
Page 71 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree OCR-A Normal 0 degree OCR-A Normal 90 degree 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-15...
Page 72 0123 Table4-6 CGN—Bar Code Symbologies * These Symbols must use the CMX or CMY multipliers by 2 to produce an 80% ratio. ** The “FO” field represents the available Field Orientation or print rotation. 4-16 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 73: Table 4-7 Fo & Fj Character Starting Positions
CMY would be the actual height in thermal dots. For bar codes with a FO of 90 & 270 degree rotation, the CMX would be the actual height in thermal dots while the CMY parameter would be the multiplier. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-17...
Page 74 It is possible to design lines into a label utilizing some of the elements of label format fields. Specifically, a TCI value of “6” enables the line draw function. XB and XY provide a starting 4-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 75: Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample
An example of two lines drawn on a label is shown in Figure 4-5. This 3 x 3” label was designed for a printer with a 300 DPI print head. ^D57 <CR> 2,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,395,0,0 <CR> 1,340,712,,6,,,,600,25,,,,,0 <CR> 1,286,127,,6,,,,25,600,,,,,0 <CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> Line <CR> ^D3 <CR> Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-19...
Page 76 However, it could have simply been one character such as a period “.” XB (X Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line draw. YB (Y Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line draw. 4-20 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 77 Format Fields defining the line draw and the text fields. The size of the box is not defined by the text. Adjustment to the size of the box must be made by adjusting the line draw coordinates. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 4-21...
Page 78 It is possible to create a reverse video effect with barcodes using this method. ^D57 5,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,395,0,0 Microcom 1,640,700,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 2,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 3,640,443,26,1,5,0,4,,,,,,,8 Corporation 4,640,296,6,1,5,0,4,,,,,,,8 4,640,148,6,16,3,,4,3,75,,,,,0 ^D56 Thermal Printing Solutions Microcom Corporation 012345 Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 Figure 4-8 Auto Reverse Video Sample 4-22 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 79 “control B” is shorter, it is easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general, it is better to use the ^D2 command sequence inside a file or program to assist in trouble-shooting the format. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 80 ^E will not function. This means that if the printer is going to be using binary compression, the 5 NULL’s method should be used to request status instead of the ^E command. 5-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 81 Byte Mode: The response is sent to the host as a hexadecimal number (byte) as shown in Table . Each string is represented by a single byte with nothing separating them. The end of the response is terminated with a 0xFF character. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-11...
Page 82 The printer failed to read and verify the FAILED< configuration parameters are present. >ERASE FAILED FOR The flash was unable to erase at the SECTOR n< memory sector noted by the “n” Table 5-1 Enquiry Responses 5-12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 83 Port #1 Parity Enable: Turns printer port #1 parity ON or OFF for serial communication. 1 = Disable Parity (NONE) 0 = Enable Parity Echo: If this feature is enabled, the printer will echo all received characters to the serial port. 1 = Enable 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-13...
Page 84 6,7,8 Power-up Format: These switches work in conjunction with switch location 5 above. They determine which stored format is loaded at power-up. The printer can be instructed not to load a format at power- up by setting all three switches to 0. 5-14 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 85 Accept “|” for Ctrl: Sets whether the “pipe” character will be interpreted the same as the “Ctrl” key. The “pipe” character is the <SHIFT> + \ key. 1 = Disable 0 = Enable (<|> key functions as <Ctrl> key) 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-15...
Page 86 Slashed Zeros: If enabled, the printer will print a slash through the embedded zero (“0”) characters. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable External Print Request: (Call Microcom for more information.) 1 = Enable 0 = Disable Stock Out function: Enable this function to get a >LOW STOCK<...
Page 87 3 Type of Top-Of-Form Sensor: The leading edge of the label stock can be sensed using either a reflective sensor or a transmissive sensor. The correct type of sensor is determined by the printer hardware configuration being used. 1 = TOF is TRANSMISSIVE 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-17...
Page 88 Model 424 printer. This bit will also determine the printer’s response when pin 4 of P17 is active. Reserved Enable Pre-Stock Out feature: This command supports the PSO option and is used to detect stock out errors using an optional sensor 5-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 89 “>IO 0nH< where “n” is a hex number from 0 to F. Example: A status of >IO 05H< would indicate that inputs 1 and 3 are active (24v) and that inputs 2 and 4 are inactive (0v); 05H = 0101(binary). 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-19...
Page 90 ^D68<CR>05<CR> command (the <CR> indicates carriage return characters) would be issued. The printer ignores the LF characters, so a <CR+LF> is interpreted as a <CR> as well) would be sent to the printer. 5-20 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 91 NOTE: Default power up will disable I/O mode. The P17 and P21 connectors are 8 pin MTA50 AMP part number #1445350-8 and Microcom Corporation part number 510188-0008. The pin out is as follows (the square pad denotes pin one on the PCB): Connector P17 is the input port.
Page 92 0 = Enable system parameter saving Finish Mode: When enabled, the printer will finish printing the current label as far as it can after a stock out error. The change will take place after a power 5-22 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 93 When enabled, the printer will report the >LPD STOCK JAM< message if the printer was sent a print job and the LTS did not detect the media exiting the printer. 1 = Enable LTS Jam Detection 0 = Disable LTS Jam Detection 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-23...
Page 94 Auto Select: When the printer powers up, it scans the USB and RS-232 ports and selects the “Active” port. The USB port will be selected if the USB cable is connected between the printer and a PC that is powered “ON.” The RS-232 5-24 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 95 USB port. Microcom Ethernet option board: When the active port is set to a 5, the printer will ignore other ports being plugged into the machine and will only be active on the Microcom Ethernet option board.
Page 96 Set the MAC Address: The MAC address is assigned at the Factory and should not be changed. If the CPU connected to the Ethernet Option Board is replaced, the MAC will need to be set. Contact Microcom Corporation for a valid MAC address if needed.
Page 97 The printer’s Ethernet interface will send the printer status byte to the HOST every few milliseconds. This is the command byte configuration: 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-27...
Page 98 General Purpose mode. The printer will NOT go into General Purpose Mode until a power cycle occurs to cause the data to be stored in FLASH memory. This command is nonvolatile, so once the General Purpose 5-28 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 99 If an external print signal is provided on the General Purpose print input, the printer will begin printing as soon as the image has completed reprocessing plus approximately 10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-29...
Page 100 While in this modem, the printer will re-render the format when the print signal goes away. This mode is intended to print the same format in quick succession and then stop. To exit this mode, the Restart signal should be used as the Abort signal is ignored. 5-30 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 101 RED, and the printer will not respond to any commands until receiving the Image mode clear command. Image Mode Clear command: ETBYKFNR or in hex 45 54 42 59 4b 46 4e 52 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-31...
Page 102 This command may be used to start using certain non-volatile system parameters (head parameter and soft switch commands). Save Backup 1 and Reboot (Hard Reset): This command operates just like option 1 above and also saves a second set of configuration parameters into 5-32 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 103 This is the distance of the transmissive sensor, which detects diecut and blow hole registration marks, to the dot row. This distance is set at the factory and is typically not needed to be changed. The transmissive Dot2gap distances 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-33...
Page 104 When using media that contains a blow-hole, set software switch #4 (^D24 command) for blow-hole detection and then issue the desired auto-size command before issuing the auto- size command or the results may be invalid. 5-34 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 105 1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the user inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller. 2. The printer senses the new media and waits the programmable amount of time set by the ^D120 command (default is 1.5 seconds). 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-35...
Page 106 TRANSMISSIVE sensor for more accurate sensing. These are the steps for AutoLoad with TOF: 1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the operator inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller. 5-36 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 107 TOF sensor. As soon as the sensor sees the paper, the printer stops the forward motion of the paper and begins to move the paper in reverse toward the print head. This 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-37...
Page 108 ^D3 command is executed; therefore, the ^D75 command must be issued before the ^D3 command. The only difference between this command and the ^D73 is the ability to increment and/or decrement sequential numbers in a batch. 5-38 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 109 ^D56 command or just prior to the ^D3 command. Refer to Section 5.6.1 for additional information regarding the use of the ^D75 command and the serial number functions. The following two commands are valid for both single and multiple serial number functions: 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-39...
Page 110 Load Field Number to Decrement by 1: The ^Axx specifies which text string field that will be decremented by one. The printer will not decrement fields beyond 0. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to 5-40 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 111 This is useful for creating variable text fields after a string of fixed text fields. If set to a value of 2, the first line of new text entered following the ^D2 will overwrite line two. If two new text strings are entered, 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-41...
Page 112 The printer may be programmed to enter the mode automatically upon power-up by position 1 of software switch #2 (^D22 command). Enable modes 1 and 2. 5-42 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 113 This value is reported to the ^D29 statistics label. This command should be used prior to enabling the cutter with the ^D99 or ^D111 commands. Command Set Cutter Type No Cutter Guillotine Rotary 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-43...
Page 114 Note: When doing partial cuts with a LPD, the printer will not proceed until the LPD sees that the label has been taken. Then after a programmable delay, the printer will retract and print the next label. Disable Cutter operation. 5-44 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 115 Once the label is taken, the label media retracts and allows proper registration of the next label print. Tag/Tear Operation: Disable Tag/Tear operation. Advance after every print. Advance after copies count. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-45...
Page 116 The printer can store up to 128 FORMAT files into the printer’s volatile RAM memory and another 128 files into non-volatile FLASH memory. Once stored, these files may be loaded from memory rather than having to be sent down thru the serial port. Formats are retained 5-46 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 117 Use the D119 command for more detailed reporting. xxyy 107 Save Compressed GRAPHICS to RAM. (See Chapter 6, Downloadable Graphics) Display Memory Allocation. This command shows how all of the RAM and FLASH memory is being used 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-47...
Page 118 Sample format saved to RAM slot #1: ^A1^D130 ^D57 5,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,395,0,0 1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 Saved Format Delete a FORMAT from FLASH. ^A0 deletes all FORMAT files in FLASH ^Axx deletes the FORMAT file stored in FLASH slot (1 – 128) 5-48 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 119 FLASH). The FONT may be stored anywhere in the printer’s FLASH memory; it is NOT restricted to a specific FLASH memory location. The printer maintains a address table that tells where each FONT CGN # is stored in FLASH. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-49...
Page 120 Slot #xx is now available in FLASH. The FONT may extend over several slots and the ^D119 will indicate how many slots are used. Process a FLASH FORMAT. ^Axx references the FORMAT file stored in Slot #xx 5-50 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 121 This command clears all user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH memory, and all the downloaded FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. This command is the equivalent to sending: 1) ^D100 (clears all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-51...
Page 122 ^A62519^D7 command will update the printer’s bootloader, application, and embedded font set. This process requires some interactivity with the printer and failure to follow the proper process will cause the printer to become inoperable. Please contact your Microcom Corporation Representative for more information. 5.14...
Page 123 The value for X represents how long the takeup motor will run, in milliseconds, after printing has stopped. This command is a volatile command with a default of 0. The ^A1^D145 command lists the current setting under the Post Takeup Time. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-53...
Page 124 Sensor Status Byte: This command is used to report the real time sensor status of all the printer sensors. When the ^D163 command is issued, the printer returns a byte status that is defined below. 5-54 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 125 X value in steps after the main motor starts. The valid range is 0 to 65535 steps. Please note that if a value is selected that exceeds to format LSY, the takeup would not turn on. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 5-55...
Page 126 Printer Commands Chapter 5 5-56 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 127 Select an open slot number for storage. Use ^D119 to determine which slots are open. 5) Limit The maximum print width (in dots). Use ^D29 to determine print head size. 6) Destination Use “0” for FLASH and “1” for RAM. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 128 Press [ENTER] C:\>BMP2MIC.exe 2. Type the conversion utility name and required information at the command prompt. Press [ENTER]. BMP2MIC - Convert BMP Graphic File to Microcom Printer Graphic Rev. 2.01 Copyright 1998-2005 Microcom Corp., Westerville, Ohio Use: BMP2MIC <infile> <outfile> <outtype> <slotnum> <limit> <destination>...
Page 129 Please note that the compressed format is only usable on 8-bit data connections and will NOT function on 7-bit data connections. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 130 The following sections are provided to developers who wish to create usable GRAPHIC images within their own applications. Commands in the following section are not typically seen for users using Microcom GRAPHIC utilities. 6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107) The following is the format of the ^D107 command when used to store a compressed GRAPHIC image file into RAM.
Page 131 “<” character. (i.e. >192690<) Save GRAPHICs or FONTs into RAM Memory without Compression: This command is intended for legacy support only and Microcom Corporation recommends either the ^D104 or ^D107 commands. Fonts must be less than 64KB for this command to function.
Page 132 Downloadable Graphics Chapter 6 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 133 TCI must be set to an “8” for volatile downloadable fonts and the CGN refers to the memory slot location of the downloaded font. Nonvolatile fonts are accessed thru TCI “7”. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 134 FONT uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be transmitted. Due to compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than this number. <Image Data> is the compressed binary image. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 135 The FONT download file may be larger than 64Kbyte. The only limit on the file size is the amount of memory available to hold the file. When the FONT file is created, a specific reference number, called a CGN # is assigned to the file by 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 136 List Memory Bytes Available: The printer will send the “>” character followed by the amount of available bytes and then finally a “<” character. (i.e. >192690<) Save FONTS to RAM. Save a FONT to FLASH. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 137 UPC-E bar codes do not use inter-character spacing, therefore the character spacing (CS) element must be defaulted. The chart listed in Table 14 illustrates how the 11 digits are reduced to only 6 using the “zero suppression” compression. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 138: Table 8-1 Upc-E Zero Reduction Format
(“*”) character, which is reserved for this purpose. This symbology uses 2:1, 3:1, 4:2, 5:2, and 8:3 ratios, which may be selected using the CGN parameter. Although most specifications require a specific inter-character 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 139 Databar has been identified to solve problems in the grocery industry and in healthcare, where items are too small to allow for older barcode symbology. The printer should have binary compression disabled before using GS1 Databar. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 140: Figure 8-1 Gs1 Databar Omni-Directional
The barcode contains a separator pattern, containing no data, which has a height equal to 3 times the X dimension. This symbology may be scanned omni-directionally. This symbology does not allow for human readable text with the barcode. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 141: Figure 8-5 Gs1 Databar Limited Sample
2) Send a label format that calls the GS1 Databar barcode TCI #35. These are the 7 parameters that MUST follow the ^D114 command: 1) Type of GS1 Databar barcode 2) Height 3) reserved 4) reserved 5) reserved 6) Separator Height 7) Data to be encoded 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 142: Figure 8-7 Gs1 Databar Sample Label Format
Postnet is a numeric-only symbology that is commonly used in postal application to sort mail. The five-digit zip or five-digit zip plus four-digit extension may be used to generate this Postnet (TCI 36) bar code. Example: 12345 or 12345-1234. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 143 B if no start code is defined. The printer will also not attempt to compress the data unless subset C is used. Once in subset C the user must send the appropriate code (#n) to return to either subset A or B. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 144 The requirements for generating a PDF-417 symbology are the text data, placement information, size configuration, rotation, aspect ratio, and Error Correcting Code or ECC. The character count (CC) parameter only has to be set to one character that will 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 145 0. This parameter can only be used if the ECC% parameter is set to 0. Refer to Table 17 for the valid ECC_Level values and their equivalent correction code words. A carriage return character must be used to terminate this field. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 146: Figure 8-9 Pdf-417 Sample Format #1
The following format samples show how to generate a PDF-417 bar code: Sample Format #1: ^D77<CR> :PDF-417 bar code data^\ 3<CR> 30<CR> 0<CR> 0<CR> 0<CR> 2:1<CR> ^D57<CR> 2,832,609,,25,6,0,1,264<CR> Text string 1,416,300,1,46,,,4,2,10<CR> 2,416,200,11,1,5,,4<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> P<CR> Text string<CR> ^D3<CR> Figure 8-9 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 8-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 147: Figure 8-10 Pdf-417 Sample Format #2
200 and uses Reed-Solomon error correction. The maximum number of characters supported in the printer is 1000 characters. The D164 command is used to receive and process the Datamatrix barcode with the elements discussed below. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-11...
Page 148 Rotation - 1 0 = 0 degree rotation 1 = 180 degree counter clockwise rotation. 2 = 90 degree counter clockwise rotation. 3 = 270 degree counter clockwise rotation. 8-12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 149: Table 8-5 Data Matrix Configuration Parameters
The printer default is set to “Auto”, which will automatically switch to the most efficient encoding scheme for the data provided. Consult the Aim International Technical Specification for Data Matrix ECC 200 requirements for additional information. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-13...
Page 150 X12 Encoding Scheme X12 encoding scheme is use to encode the standard ANSI X12 electronic data interchange characters, which are compacted three data characters to two codewords in a manner similar to C40 encoding. 8-14 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 151 0 or a 1. To printer the proper barcode, the CGN field must also reflect a 0 or 1 to match the Barcode ID field. The CGN default is a 0 so if only one barcode is present and the Barcode ID is a 0, nothing has to be entered as the CGN. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-15...
Page 152 After The ^D166<CR> is issued, it must be followed by a set of ASCII digits that define a valid string with a <CR> as a terminator. The '-' (dash) may be included only to separate the 8-16 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 153: Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode Bars
This format line is used to place the barcode. The X, Y coordinates, followed by a CC of 1, TCI of 48, and the X and Y multiplier fields to adjust the desired size of the barcode. Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode bars 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-17...
Page 154 The Routing ZIP Code field will accommodate 0, 5, 9 or 11 digit ZIP Code information. Confirm requires a 9- or 11-digit Routing ZIP to serves as "Subscriber ID" for Origin Confirm users. The routing ZIP Code inserted into the 4CB must be registered in the Confirm account. 8-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 155 TCI of 49. Command Syntax: ^D176 Rotation Planet Code String EXAMPLE: ^D176 3 <------------------------------------ Rotation parameter 1234567890123 <---------------- Planet Code data ^D57 1,832,2000,0,0,08,2,1,,0,0 1,400,400,1,49,,,4,12,3 <------- Placement information ^D56 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-19...
Page 156 Expiration Date (Safety) (YYMMDD) n2+n6 Product Variant n2+n2 Serial Number n2+an..20 HIBCC – Quantity, Date, Batch, and Link n2+an..29 23(**) Lot Number (Transitional Use) n3+n..19 Additional Product Identification assigned by the n3+an..30 Manufacturer Secondary Serial Number n3+an..30 8-20 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 157 Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Inches, Logistics n4+n6 345(***) Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Feet, Logistics n4+n6 346(***) Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Yards, Logistics n4+n6 Depth Thickness, Height or 3 Dimension, Inches, 347(***) n4+n6 Logistics 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-21...
Page 158 Direction, and Splices Electronic Serial Number for Cellular Mobile 8002 n4+an..20 Telephones UPC/EAN Number and Serial Number of Returnable 8003 n4+n14+an..16 Asset Coupon Extended Code – Number System Character 8100 n4+n1+n5 and Offer 8-22 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 159 TCI of 51. Do not use the parentheses or spaces when entering the data for an application identifier field. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-23...
Page 160 This parameter is used to set the size the Aztec code to be generated. A value of “0” will generate an automatically scaled Aztec. The overall size of the barcode is controlled by the Size and by the formats X and Y multiplier values. 8-24 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 161 Aztec Size Values Minimum Error Correction- 0 This parameter is used to set the Minimum Error Correction level. This parameter must be set to 0 for Auto if a non-Auto is selected for the size parameter. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-25...
Page 162: Table 8-11 Aztec Minimum Error Correction
The sample below shows how to generate a data matrix symbol: ^D194 <---------------------------------Start of QR Code Data 0 <----------------------------------------Size 0 <----------------------------------------Minimum error correction 0 <----------------------------------------Mode :0123456789^\<---------------------- Data to encode ^D57 2,832,300,,38,6,2,1,285,0,0 1,336,75,1,53,,0,4,10,10 <---------- Multiplier (10, 10); TCI 53 1,336,25,11,7,10,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 QR CODE 8-26 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 163 37x37 41x41 45x45 49x49 53x53 57x57 61x61 65x65 69x69 73x73 77x77 81x81 85x85 89x89 93x93 97x97 101x101 105x105 109x109 113x113 117x117 121x121 125x125 129x129 133x133 137x137 141x141 Auto 21x21 Table 8-12 QR Size Values 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-27...
Page 164 300 dpi print head, 300 should be inserted for the CMX value. ° ° When 90 and 270 -degree bar codes are Y multiplied (CMY), the space between characters is also multiplied by the printer internally to maintain the correct ratio. When 8-28 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 165: Figure 8-12 Bar Code Rotations
For bar codes that do not require extended bars, simply access the data that the bar code is using with a second field that generates a text representation of the data and insert in the desired position. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-29...
Page 166: Figure 8-13 Upc-A Text/Extended Bars
The following is a sample format is used to illustrate the proper use of the human readable code. This format contains the data used in Figure 27 and will print out two bar codes. The 8-30 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 167 Sample Format: ^D57<CR> 4,832,609,,25,7,0,1,264,0,0<CR> 1,200,418,11,12,,,,2,50<CR> 1,178,400,11,32,,,,2,2<CR> 1,200,150,11,12,,,,2,50<CR> 1,178,125,11,32,,,,2,2<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> 01234567890<CR> ^D3<CR> 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 8-31...
Page 168 Bar Codes Chapter 8 8-32 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 169 2. Code Page 850 3. Code Page 852 4. Code Page 860 5. Code Page 863 6. Code Page 865 7. USA 8. British 9. German 10. French 11. Italian 12. Danish 13. Spanish 14. Swedish 15. Swiss 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 170: Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default
Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.1 Code Pages The Default Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 0000. Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 171: Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish
Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.2 Danish Code Page The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 0001. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 172 Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.3 860 Code Page The 860 Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 0010 This code page is also known as DOS Portuguese. Figure 9-3 Code Page - 860 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 173: Figure 9-4 Code Page - Spanish
Albanian, Rhaeto-Romanic, Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Faroese, Icelandic, Irish, Scottish, and English. It covers the entire North American continent, Australia, and much of Africa. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 174 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 175: Figure 9-6 Code Page - German
Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.6 German Code Page The German Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 0101. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-6 Code Page - German 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 176 Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.7 865 Code Page The 865 Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 0110 This code page is also known as DOS Nordic. Figure 9-7 Code Page - 865 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 177: Figure 9-8 Code Page - Swiss
The 852 Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1000. This code page is also known as DOSLatin2 (Eastern Europe). Latin2 covers the languages of Central and Eastern Europe: Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Croatian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Sorbian. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 178 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 179: Figure 9-10 Code Page - French
Code Page Switching 9.3.10 French Code Page The French Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1001. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-10 Code Page - French 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 9-11...
Page 180 Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.11 863 Code Page The 863 Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1010 This code page is also known as DOS CanadaF. Figure 9-11 Code Page - 863 9-12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 181: Figure 9-12 Code Page - Swedish
Code Page 437 is the famous code page used in the original IBM PC. This code page contains lot of box drawing characters and a few foreign letters. The 437 Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1100. This code page is also known as DOS Latin US. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 9-13...
Page 182 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 183: Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian
Code Page Switching 9.3.14 Italian Code Page The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1101 Refer to the ^D24 command description for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 9-15...
Page 184: Figure 9-15 Code Page - British
Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.15 British Code Page The British Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1110. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-15 Code Page - British 9-16 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 185: Figure 9-16 Code Page - Usa
Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.16 USA Code Page The USA Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1111. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 9-17...
Page 186 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 187 It is important to note that the optimum print quality and print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head. A Microcom Corporation approved cleaning kit (part # 040005-0000) is available; contact your sales representative for purchasing information.
Page 188: Figure 10-1 Releasing The Printhead Assembly
2. Dampen both sides, on one end, of the cleaning card with isopropyl alcohol or use a pre-moistened cleaning card. 3. Release the printhead assembly to insert the cleaning card under the printhead. Figure 10-1 Releasing the Printhead Assembly Figure 10-2 Rotate the Printhead Assembly to the Open Position 10-2 438T Operator’s Manual- 880051-0102...
Page 189: Figure 10-3 Remove The Cleaning Card
3. Release the printhead assembly and rotate to the open position. 4. The exposed Drive Roller, Printhead, and Paper Path may be cleaned using a cotton swab or lint-free wiping rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 10-3...
Page 190: Figure 10-4 Internal Cleaning
CAUTION: Isopropyl Alcohol or other approved non-Abrasive solution should be used to clean the drive roller. The use of other cleaning solvents or materials is not recommended and may degrade the performance of the drive roller. 10-4 438T Operator’s Manual- 880051-0102...
Page 191: Figure 10-5 Cleaning The Print Head
The printhead dot row should be cleaned to Cutter or Tear removal remove any screw is mounted in the contaminates that may center below the impact print quality. assembly. Figure 10-6 Releasing the Print Mechanism 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 10-5...
Page 192: Figure 10-7 Cutter Or Tear Assembly Mounting Screw
Squeeze the tabs together on both sides and lift the roller out of the printer. Figure 10-8 Removing the Platen 10-6 438T Operator’s Manual- 880051-0102...
Page 193: Figure 10-9 Cutter Or Tear Assembly Mounting Hook
The heavy spring pressure is typically used on media that is over 2” wide. The spring pressure is not intended to overcome print quality issues. If light print is detected, please adjust your printer’s contrast setting (^D36) and/or verify that the thermal coating on the media is sufficient. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 10-7...
Page 194: Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting
Printer Maintenance Chapter 10 Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting Figure 10-11 Wide Media Heavy Spring Setting 10-8 438T Operator’s Manual- 880051-0102...
Page 195 ü Press the print button; light should turn green and resume printing if the printer has been paused. ü Remove the tag, the light should turn green if a tag/tear mode is enabled ü Contact your Service Representative. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 11-1...
Page 196 ü The intended memory slot is already occupied. ü Verify that the printer is properly configured for the type of download being sent. ü Clear memory and attempt download again. ü Verify that the format has been created properly. 11-2 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 197 ^D40 Clear Commands 41 thru 51 ..................... 5-39, 13-10 ^D41 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM) ................... 5-39, 13-10 ^D42 Load Label Width in dots (LXS) ....................5-39, 13-10 ^D43 Load Label Height in dots (LSY) ....................5-39, 13-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 12-1...
Page 198 Bar Code Symbologies ............................ 4-16 Codabar ................................. 8-8 Code128 automatic compression ........................8-7 Code128 manual compression ........................8-7 Code93 ................................8-8 EAN-13 ................................8-3 EAN-8 ................................8-3 I2of5 ................................8-2 MSI 1 ................................8-3 MSI 2 ................................8-3 12-2 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 199 DOSLatin2 (Eastern Europe) ..........................9-9 DOSLatinUS ..............................9-13 DOSNordic ................................ 9-8 DOSPortuguese ..............................9-4 DPI ................................. 13-21 Drive Roller ............................10-1, 13-21 DSR ................................13-21 DTE ................................13-21 DTR ................................13-22 EAN-13 Symbol ..............................8-3 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 12-3...
Page 200 Maintenance ............................10-1, 10-4 Exterior ................................ 10-1 Interior ................................. 10-3 Printhead ..............................10-4 Schedule .............................. 9-1, 10-1 Thermal Card .............................. 10-1 Media ..............................1-2, 4-7, 4-8 Maximum Thickness ............................1-2 Maximum Width ............................. 1-2 12-4 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 201 Rotary Cutter ..............................13-22 RS-232 ................................13-22 RS-232 signals CTS ................................13-21 DCD................................13-21 DCE ................................13-21 DSR ................................13-21 DTE ................................13-21 DTR ................................13-22 GND ................................13-22 RI 13-22 RTS ................................13-23 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 12-5...
Page 202 Tag stock ............................... 13-23 Temperature ..............................1-1 Thermal Printer Card ............................10-2 Troubleshooting ............................... 11-1 TXD ................................13-23 Unpacking ................................3-1 UPC-A Symbol ..............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol ............................. 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB................................13-23 Warranty ................................13-1 12-6 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 203: Table Of Contents
PDF-417 Sample Format #1 .............. 8-10 Figure 8-10 PDF-417 Sample Format #2 .............. 8-11 Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode bars .............. 8-17 Figure 8-12 Bar Code Rotations ................8-29 Figure 8-13 UPC-A Text/Extended Bars ..............8-30 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 12-7...
Page 204 Figure 10-8 Removing the Platen ................. 10-6 Figure 10-9 Cutter or Tear Assembly Mounting Hook ........... 10-7 Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting ..........10-8 Figure 10-11 Wide Media Heavy Spring Setting ..........10-8 12-8 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 205 Table 8-10 Aztec Size Values ................8-25 Table 8-11 Aztec Minimum Error Correction ............ 8-26 Table 8-12 Aztec Modes ..................8-26 Table 8-13 QR Size Values ................. 8-27 Table 8-14 QR Code Minimum Error Correction ..........8-28 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 12-9...
Page 206 Table 8-15 QR Code Modes ................8-28 Table 8-10 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s ..........8-30 Table 10-1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule ..........10-1 12-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102...
Page 207 Although the user is not required to purchase Microcom Corporation brand supplies, to the extent it is determined that the use of other supplies (such as non-approved label stock, ribbons, and cleaning solutions) shall have caused any defects in the thermal print head for which the warranty claim has been made, the user shall be responsible for Microcom Corporation’s...
Page 208 13-2 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 209 Return the defective item(s) for repair to the address listed above, freight and insurance prepaid. Upon receipt of an RMA number, the customer contact will be notified by a Microcom Corporation representative regarding repair charges, at which time the ship method will be determined.
Page 210 13-4 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 211 After issuing this command, the media will retract the ^D95 distance and the printer’s normal communication will return. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-5...
Page 212 9600 bps 19200 bps 38400 bps 57600 bps 115200 bps 230400 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 460800 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 921600 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 13-6 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 213 1 = Disable use of | for control; 0 = Enable 1 = Disable use of ^ for control; 0 = Enable 1 = Enable Binary Compression; 0 = Disable 1 = Enable Detect Blackline on Power-up; 0 = Disable 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-7...
Page 214 1 = Button is TOF; 0 = Button is Defined by SW#2 bit4 1 = Enable AutoLoad; 0 = Disable 1 = AutoLoad+TOF; 0 = Autoload+FF 1 = Enable Status Byte Mode; 0 = Disable 13-8 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 215 Clear the Printed Labels variable in the statistics. Clear the Printed Inches variable in the statistics. Restart Printer: Restores the printer to power-up settings. Also used to set the non-volatile fields in memory. Display Model and Revision Number 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-9...
Page 216 RAM. Valid values for Axx are A1 to A128. Select Default Power-up Format: Selects the ROM power-up format. The ^Axx selects from the available formats 1 through 8. 13-10 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 217 Load Label Count: Instructs the printer to print a batch of labels using the serial number functions if enabled. Load Delay Time Between Labels: The ^Axx specifies the delay time in 1/10ths of a second. Maximum value is 650. Load PDF-417 Bar Code Data 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-11...
Page 218 The printer’s threshold default is a value of 100 for the reflective sensor. If this value is not set correctly the printer may false sense a registration mark or report an invalid >LOW STOCK< error. 13-12 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 219 RAM. Send User RAM Available: The printer will send the number of free or available bytes to the serial port (i.e. >192480<). Use the D119 command for additional reporting. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-13...
Page 220 COMMAND Save ASCII Graphics to RAM: This command is intended for legacy support only. Microcom Corporation recommends using the ^D107 command instead of the ^D106. xxyy 107 Save Compressed GRAPHICS to RAM: The special ^Axxyy^D107 code is put at the beginning of the GRAPHIC download file by the bit map converter program.
Page 221 The valid range of memory slots is from 1 to 128. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-15...
Page 222 Clear all User FLASH: Instructs the printer to delete all fonts and graphics stored in non-volatile flash memory. Format files stored in flash are not deleted by this command. This command is equivalent to sending a ^A0^D134 and a ^A0^D137 to the printer. 13-16 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 223 The printer’s default distance is set to 1800 and issuing a “0” (^A0^D146) will cause the printer to reset to this value. The maximum setting is 7200 and values above this setting will be ignored. 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-17...
Page 224 1.5 ips 1.0 ips Takeup Motor Run Time: Only used with custom Takeup PIC code. The value for X represents how long the takeup motor will run, in milliseconds, after printing has stopped. 25 msec 13-18 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 225 238 and 338 Series 203dpi 238 and 338 Series 300dpi 438 203pi 438 300dpi 438T Series 203dpi 438T Series 300dpi Generate 4-State Intelligent Mail Barcode Generate Planet Code Barcode 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-19...
Page 226 The range is 0 to 65535. If the delay distance is set to a value greater than the label height, the takeup will not turn on. Generate Aztec Barcode Generate QR Code Barcode 13-20 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101...
Page 227 DSR (Data Set Ready) - A status signal from the printer (DCE) to the host PC (DTE) telling the PC that the printer is powered up. Used in conjunction with DTR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal.
Page 228 DCE end of an RS-232 link. Used in conjunction with DSR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal. Ethernet - A fast and capable serial interface used by many networks for connecting host computers to various peripherals.
Page 229 1M bits/second. (Hardly used at all anymore). 2) USB 1.1 transfers at 12M bits/second. (The 324 & 424 printers use this). 3) USB 2.0 transfers at 480M bits/second. (All newer PC’s use this). 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-23...
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Page 231 _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0101 13-25...
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