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Microcom 238B Operator's Manual

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MODEL 238B
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART NUMBER 880053-0101
Revised: September 28, 2016 CPC
Copyright © 2016 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.

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  • Page 1 MODEL 238B DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER 880053-0101 Revised: September 28, 2016 CPC Copyright © 2016 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
  • 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 LDS Design Exercises ..................4-1 4.2.1 PC Connection (USB) ................... 4-1 4.2.2 Format Creation .................... 4-2 Label Design: An Overview .................. 4-3 Label Header ....................... 4-4 4.4.1 HFM (Number of Fields in Layout) ..............4-5 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 6 5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3 ..................5-7 5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4 ..................5-8 5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5 ..................5-9 5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6 .................. 5-11 5.2.1.7 Software Switch #7 .................. 5-12 5.2.1.8 Software Switch #8 .................. 5-13 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 7 LDS Mode Stats - <*D29> ................5-48 5.14.3 ROW/COLUMN COMMAND - <RC10,330> ..........5-48 5.14.4 ROTATION COMMAND ................5-48 5.14.5 HEIGHT/WIDTH COMMAND - <HW2,3> ........... 5-49 5.14.6 FONT SIZE COMMAND ................5-49 5.14.7 BOXSIZE COMMAND - <BS21,34> ............5-49 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 8 EAN13 SUPPLEMENT ................5-56 5.14.44 CODE 39 SUPPLEMENT ............... 5-56 5.14.45 USS-CODABAR SUPPLEMENT ............. 5-57 5.14.46 CODE 128 SUPPLEMENT ..............5-57 CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS ........... 6-1 FLASH Data Types ....................6-1 RAM Data Types ....................6-1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 9 GS1 Databar Limited ................8-5 8.1.11.6 GS1 Databar Expanded ................. 8-5 8.1.11.7 How to Print an GS1 Databar Barcode ..........8-5 8.1.12 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36 ................8-6 8.1.13 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37 ................8-7 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 10 10.3 Thermal Printer Card ..................10-2 10.4 Internal Cleaning ....................10-4 10.5 Print head Maintenance ..................10-5 10.6 Cleaning the Drive Roller ................... 10-6 10.7 Exterior Cleaning ....................10-7 CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING ............11-1 11.1 Troubleshooting Tips ..................11-1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 11 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 ........................13-23 Appendix D: User Notes ..................13-27 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 13 Introduction The Model 238B printer is a battery powered thermal ticketing printer that is designed to provide worry free printing of up to 4000 tickets on a single charge. The printer features on internal ticket tray that is capable of holding a 2” high 2-up stack of credit card sized media (approx.
  • Page 14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 15 1.2 Printing Specifications Print Type Direct Thermal Print Resolution 300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot) Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203mm/sec.) Maximum Print Width 2.24” (57mm) Maximum Print Length 20” (508mm) Table 1-2 Printing Specifications 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 16 Use only a Microcom-approved battery charger. 1.6 Shipping Specifications The 238B contains an internal lithium-ion battery (see Section 1.4). The printer may require special packaging and handling for shipping due to the battery. Contact your freight carrier before shipping this unit to determine if special packaging and handling are required.
  • Page 17 · 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 18 · Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or custom fixed guide brackets · Mobile cart mounting tray · External reflective sensor · USB Type A to Mini-USB Type B interface cable · Cleaning kit 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 19: Typical Printer Accessories

    CD, and battery charger. Your shipment may contain different items. The foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped at a later time. Additional shipping materials can be ordered by contacting the Microcom Corporation Service Department.

  • Page 20: Power Switch

    Mini-USB Type B connection. 3.2.1 Printer Power The 238B is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery pack that is rated at 22.2V 5.2Ah 115.44Wh. The long life battery provides the ability to print up to 4000 standard sized tickets per battery charge.

  • Page 21: 3.3 Loading Media

    A Mini USB 2.0 compatible connector is provided on the printer. The USB port operates as a virtual serial communications port and requires the installation of the Microcom Corporation supplied USB driver for proper operation. The USB cable must be connected to a host PC that is already powered on before the printer is turned on.

  • Page 22: Print Button Description

    Press & hold the Print Button while the printer is IDLE to advance Feeding labels label media. The printer will continue advancing label media until (Line feed) the Print Button is released. Table 3-1 Print Button Description 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 23: Status Indicator Light Description

    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: Line Feed until the button is released. Solid GREEN Printer is ready to receive commands/formats. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 24 The printer will use the factory default parameters until the printer has been reset using a soft reset or by cycling power. The printer will then return to the configuration shown on the Status Label. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 25 (^D32). These are the only ways to get out of the DIAGNOSTICS mode. 3.5.4.2 Statistics Label The Statistics Label may be printed either by entering the DIAGNOSTICS Mode or sending the Printing Statistics Command. Figure 3-5 Status Label (Examples) 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 26 Getting Started Chapter 3 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 27 COM1:9600,n,8,1,p) command before copying the files to the port. Create a text file, enter “^D3” <CR> (carriage return) and save it as “D3.txt”. Send the file to the printer by either using the DOS COPY (C:\>copy d3.txt com1) command or by using a terminal program. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 28: Hyperterminal™ Window Example

    “^” (the character generated when you press the “Shift” key and the “6”) plus the alpha character. See Chapter 5 for additional information regarding control codes and printer commands. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 29 Below is a sample label format created for the Model 238B configured with a 300 DPI printhead. We will refer to this format as we break down the steps and components to produce the format.
  • Page 30 While the maximum number of dots in the horizontal or “X” direction is limited by print head size, it is virtually unlimited in the vertical or “Y” direction. Vertical dot rows are “stepped” by the drive roller motor. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 31: Valid Lsx Values

    These are the LSX values that should be used for proper print registration with various print heads: Print Width Dots/Inch # of Dots (LSX Value) 2.21” (56.13 mm) 2.24” (56.91 mm) Table 4-1 Valid LSX Values 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 32: Dps Values

    Labels per minute can be calculated by the equation below: IPS x 60 seconds Labels per Minute Label Height PRINT SPEED MM PER INCHES PER INCHES PER DPS VALUE SECOND SECOND MINUTE 203.2 177.8 152.4 127.0 101.6 76.2 50.8 Table 4-2 DPS Values 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 33 This method is the preferred method for detecting media containing a black line and should be used whenever possible. Note: The detector in the upper sensor is still used to detect a “paper out” condition. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 34: Dot To Gap Parameters

    Die-cut Media: A 203 DPI printer being used with 2" x 1" media containing a .125" die-cut gap. The SPG would be calculated as follows: SPG = (D2G + LSY - DRM) mod (LSY + SBL) 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 35 Print speed (DPS) of 4 = 6 inches per second. LCB of 0 for die-cut labels. AGD of 1 step. SPG of 272 for proper placement of the next label. No X offset. No Y offset. <CR> A carriage return must follow the header. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 36: Label Format Field Elements

    “0”. The X coordinates increase in size from the left to right. An XB of 300 would place the field one inch from the left side of the print head. Any offsets required for media that is 4-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 37 Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Code 39 Symbol Text with UPC-E Checksum and Extended Bars Added EAN-13 Symbol EAN-8 Symbol Text with EAN-13 Checksum and Extended Bars Added Text with EAN-8 Checksum and Extended Bars Added 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 4-11...

  • Page 38: Tci Values

    The Model 238 printers provide Helvetica style fonts that may be selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value. POINT FONT TYPE VALUE SIZE Swiss™721 Bold Swiss™721 Normal Swiss™721 Normal Swiss™721 Normal 4-12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 39 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 Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 4-13...

  • Page 40: Cgn-Embedded Fonts

    0123 I 2 of 5 0123 0123 UPC / EAN * 40 % 0123 UPC Readable * 40 % 0123 Code 128 & UCC / EAN 128 * 40 % 0123 0123 Codabar 0123 4-14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 41: Cgn-Bar Code Symbologies

    3 – Right justified below the base-line 4 – Centered on the Y axis, right of X coordinate 5 – Centered on the Y axis, left of the X coordinate Table 4-7 FO & FJ Character Starting Positions 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 4-15...
  • Page 42 A setting of “3” will print both fixed/non-proportional character spacing and reversed text. Proportional Character Spacing Reverse Video Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing and Reverse Video True Reverse Video: Character cell = BLACK, Character = WHITE 4-16 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 43: Line Draw Sample

    CC (Character Count) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position. TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) The TCI is always set to a “6” for line draw. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 4-17...
  • Page 44 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. 4-18 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 45: Reverse Video Sample

    It is possible to create a reverse video effect with barcodes using this method. ^D57 5,1280,900,0,0,7,2,0,1,0,0 1,640,700,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 2,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 3,640,465,26,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 4,640,350,6,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 4,640,50,6,16,3,,4,5,150,,,,,1 ^D56 Microcom Corporation Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 Figure 4-7 Auto Reverse Video Sample 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 4-19...
  • Page 46 Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 4-20 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 47 “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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 48 This command is used to request the printer’s status and is very similar to the ^E command. The biggest difference between this command and the ^E is that when printers are 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 49 If the STL Emulation (Switch Bank #6 bit 2; D26 command) is enabled, the printer will report STL type responses instead of the normal LDS status responses. The STL mode continues to follow the Text and/or Byte mode rule above but will only Display the Decimal codes. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 50 Printer entered and recovered from a >BROWNOUT RECOVERY< brownout power condition Timeout failure occurred using the D149 >FAIL TIMEOUT< Image Print Mode Incorrect size of the image was received >FAIL SIZE< using the D149 Image Print Mode 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 51 Enquiry Response: This determines what the printer will send back in response to an enquiry command. 00 = Control Codes 10 = Text Equivalent Control Codes: This position sets how the printer handles incoming control codes. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 52 1 = Enable (>RESTARTED< on first inquiry then >READY<) 0 = Disable (Always responds with >READY<) Button Use: If set to a “1”, the printer will disable the Print Button. 1 = Disable 0 = Enable 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 53 1 (active LOW) will report the >INPUT 1< message if no reflection is detected. A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the >INPUT 1< message if a reflection is detected. 1 = Send >INPUT 1< active LOW 0 = Send >INPUT 1< active HIGH 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 54 Change SW4: Software Switch #4. ^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number) Position: Slashed Zeros: If enabled, the printer will print a slash through the embedded zero (“0”) characters. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 55 Chapter 5 Printer Commands External Print Request: (Call Microcom for more information.) 1 = Enable 0 = Disable Stock Out function: Enable this function to get a >LOW STOCK< message when the printer runs out of stock. When this is disabled, the printer will not report stock out conditions.
  • Page 56 Type of AutoLoad: This bit determines whether the AutoLoad function uses the Top-Of-Form sensor (TOF), or if it uses the Form Feed technique. 1 = AutoLoad + TOF 0 = AutoLoad + FF Reserved 5-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 57 TOF at normal speed. The timer is then reset and starts to count down once again. The default time interval is set to 4 hours or 144400 seconds. The interval may be adjusted by using the D156 command. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-11...
  • Page 58 D158 command. The error will be acknowledged at the end of printing. This will work with all media (continuous, black line, and gap). 1 = Enable Finish Mode 0 = Disable Finish Mode 5-12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 59 1320. It is this changed value that will be reported (^D148) and used as blsy. The tables are based on ticketing industry stock sizes off: 2” 2½” 3” 3¼” 3½” 4” 4½” 5” 5½” 5 5/8” 6” 6½” 7” 11 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-13...
  • Page 60 To see all of the table and user values enter ^A0^D170 [CR] Using one of these smart autosize modes gives the user single dot accuracy in using Boca autosize to find blsy. Reserved 5-14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 61 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) 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-15...
  • Page 62 This command MUST be sent AFTER the dot density (dpi) is set with the ^D79 command. The only valid entries for XX are the numbers in the “# of Dots” column in the table above. 5-16 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 63: Printhead Sizes - D78

    2. The Host then sends the printer the ^D149 command followed by the raw image size that has been converted by the bmp2mic rev 1.02 or later. Please note that the size is only terminated with a [CR] and the [LF] is not included. Example: ^D149[CR][LF]size[CR] 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-17...
  • Page 64 Contrast Limit: This command is used to set the contrast limit of the printer. The command uses the same contrast values of the D36 command. When this command is set, the printer will ignore all contrast settings that are above the limit command. 5-18 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 65 GAP threshold value (0-255) at which the printer detects gap and/or blow-hole registration marks. The default is set to a value of 30 and should work for most media types. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-19...

  • Page 66: Transmissive Dot2Gap Values

    This is the distance of the reflective sensor, which detects blackline registration marks, to the dot row. This distance is set at the factory and is typically not needed to be changed. The reflective Dot2gap distances represent the physical characteristics of the printer models. 5-20 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 67: Reflective Dot2Gap Values

    ^D90 and ^D91 settings. When using this mode, the media is manually moved through the printer. This is also referred to as “silent tick-tick” mode. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-21...
  • Page 68 This command is a specialty media handling command that works when the correct media is used. Please contact your Microcom Corporation representative if you have any questions regarding the use of this command. When enabled the printer will autoload...
  • Page 69 Below is an example of a format that is being saved into memory that is used as an autoload template and sent to the printer as part of the printer’s configuration. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-23...
  • Page 70 “RED,” and if the queried, the printer will report a “>TOF ERROR< or 0x1F depending on the response mode of the printer. To clear the error, press the print button. Another TOF may then be attempted. 5-24 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 71 Since commands are processed in the order they are received, this is typically the last command in the format file. This command is equivalent to the “^C” control code. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-25...
  • Page 72 ^D2 and before the print command. Clears Commands 41 through 51 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value. Load Label Width in dots (LSX): The ^Axx specifies the value. 5-26 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 73 Load Increment/Decrement Step Value: The single serial number functions increment or decrement by this value. ^Axx is the amount of increment or decrement. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to 0. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-27...
  • Page 74 (^A1^D84), load the step value of 5 (^A5^D85) and then print three serialized labels (^A3^D75). The printed result would be “20” for the first label, “15” for the second label, and “10” for the third or last label. 5-28 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 75 ^D62 command is sent. The following is an example of Pre=padded text: ^D57<CR> 3,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> 1,300,500,7,1,5<CR> 2,300,400,7,1,5<CR> 3,300,300,7,1,5<CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> A<CR> B<CR> C<CR> ^D62<CR> 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-29...
  • Page 76 ^D64 command. The following is an example of the ^D61, ^D63, and ^D64 commands: ^A0^D64<CR> (Clears any old settings) ^D57<CR> 6,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> 1,300,300,20,1,4<CR> 2,300,250,20,1,4<CR> 3,300,200,20,1,4<CR> 4,300,150,20,1,4<CR> 5,300,100,20,1,4<CR> 6,300,50,20,1,4<CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> Protected Field<CR> 5-30 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 77 Kiosk Cutter Advance/Retract Distance Command: The valid range is from 0 to 1000 with the recommended distance of 150. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-31...
  • Page 78 Example #2: If the Full Cut Interval is set to a value of 5 and the Partial Cut Interval is set to a value of 1, the printer will partial cut after labels 1 through 4 and full cut after label 5. COMMAND 5-32 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 79 Once the label is taken, the label media retracts and allows proper registration of the next label print. COMMAND Tag/Tear Operation: Disable Tag/Tear operation. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-33...
  • Page 80 RAM and FLASH memory. 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 5-34 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 81 Save ASCII Fonts to RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory file # (CGN #) the FONT will use (1-255). This command should be used with an ASCII-HEX file that contains only printable characters less than 80 HEX. These FONTS 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-35...
  • Page 82 How to Save a Label FORMAT to FLASH: 1) Create the FORMAT file with ^Axx^D130 at the top to tell the printer to store into FLASH Slot #xx. 5-36 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 83 00 signals the printer to get ready for a multi-sector FONT download. Each subsequent download contains a header with the xx field decremented by 1. The last download file has a header field xx = 00. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-37...
  • Page 84 ^A0 deletes all FONTS from RAM ^Axx deletes the FONT stored in RAM Slot #xx Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the RAM memory Slot #xx that will be cleared. 5-38 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 85 This command is equivalent to sending: ^A0^D134 (clears all GRAPHICS), ^A0^D137 (clears all FONTS). Label FORMATS stored in user FLASH memory are NOT erased by this command. Use the ^D131 command to erase label FORMATS stored in FLASH memory. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-39...
  • Page 86 ^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. 5.12...
  • Page 87 This command sets the feed speed that is used for the D153 and D154 commands. 8.0 ips (inches per second) 7.5 ips 7.0 ips 6.5 ips 6.0 ips 5.5 ips 5.0 ips 4.5 ips 4.0 ips 3.5 ips 3.0 ips 2.5 ips 2.0 ips 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-41...
  • Page 88 This command is a volatile command with a default of 0. The ^A1^D145 command lists the current setting under the Post Takeup Time. 25 msec 5-42 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 89: Sensor Status Byte Definitions

    (Standard Ticket Language) mode is a label design language which allows the user or host system to specify text and barcode fields on a label, as well as providing rudimentary printer operating mode control (e.g. cutter operation). STL emulation is intended to support 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-43...
  • Page 90 Print Downloadable Font <SF#> Print Resident Logo <LO#> CRT Messages Enable/Disable <ME><MD> Multiple Ticket Mode Enable/Disable <me><md> Purge Printer <PP> Parking Ticket <PT><pt> Delete Parking Ticket <dpt> Single Buffer Mode <sb> Multiple Buffer Mode <mb> 5-44 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 91: Fgl21 Features Not Supported By Stl Emulation

    Normally, the stock type is configured by the factory. However, the stock class and width may be changed using configuration dipswitches. For the Standard and Cinema stock classes, the printer performs automatic length calculation on power-up. Wristband and Magnetic tickets are fixed length and require no automatic sizing. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-45...
  • Page 92 ^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number) Position: Power-ON Format Type: 1 = Power-ON label is selected by SW2: 6, 7, and 8 6,7,8 Power-up Format:. 001 = STL custom status label saved in File 1 5-46 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 93 The STL RMAX and CMAX values are calculated by multiplying the stock width and length in inches by the DPI value (203 for a 203 DPI printer and 300 for a 300 DPI printer). 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-47...
  • Page 94 Facing in the direction of rotation, all characters build down and to the right of their starting points. <NR> No rotation <RR> Rotate right (+90) <RU> Rotate upside down (+180) <RL> Rotate left (+270 or - 90) 5-48 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 95 If no number is sent, the printer uses the default value of 7. Therefore, exactly 7 graphics bytes must follow a command of just <G>. The bytes are sent one after the other without any intervening commas! 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-49...
  • Page 96 A= N (for three of nine) A= F (for interleaved two of five) A= C (for uss-codabar) A= O (for code 128) B= P (for picket-fence) B= L (for ladder ) # and string vary as detailed below 5-50 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 97 5.14.17 TRANSPARENT MODE OFF COMMAND - <n> This command terminates the printer's transparent mode and returns it to normal operation. 5.14.18 STATUS COMMANDS The status enabled function must be set to activate these commands. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-51...
  • Page 98 The following sequence <LT4><BX10,10> would produce a box 10 dots long by 10 dots wide with a line thickness of 4 dots. Note that the thickness of a box grows 5-52 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 99 5.14.31 CASH DRAW A COMMAND - <DA> This command generates a 50 ms pulse to open the A cash draw. 5.14.32 CASH DRAW B COMMAND - <DB> This command generates a 50 ms pulse to open the B cash draw. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-53...
  • Page 100 This is the normal print command. The printer will cut the ticket after printing if it has a cutter. 5.14.39 PRINT / NO CUT TICKET - <q> This is the normal print/no cut command. The printer will not cut the ticket after printing even if it has a cutter. 5-54 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 101 A typical data stream for printing UPC picket fence bar code with interpretation is as follows "<RC0,70><X2><BI><UP5>J501234K567890L" EAN8 - This code is really an 8 digit UPC code. A typical EAN8 ladder code follows: "<RC0,70><X2><UL5>J1234K5678L" 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-55...
  • Page 102 (*) on both sides. The letter N is used to select the three of nine bar code. Note: this bar code can be printed in either a 2:1 or 3:1 wide to narrow ratio. The following are 2:1 ratio commands (the default value). 5-56 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 103 This would result in a 3 unit wide bar code starting on row 0, column 70. No interpretation is printed. A typical expanded picket fence code 128 would be as follows: "<RC0,10><X2><OP5><BI>^CODE128^" This code starts at row 0, column 10. The interpretation is included. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 5-57...
  • Page 104 Printer Commands Chapter 5 5-58 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 105 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 106 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 107 6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 108 GRAPHIC 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 109 255 copies) totaling 1024 bytes of “FF” HEX. The next “FF” HEX byte adds another and the 6B HEX adds 107 additional copies for a total of 1132 FF HEX bytes. (4 X 256)+1+107 = 1132 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 110: Ascii-Hex Conversions

    “30” HEX. This results in the two bytes “36” HEX and “3C” HEX. This conversion results in a file size that is twice as big as the source, the data can now be transmitted over a 7-bit data connection. Figure 6-1 ASCII-HEX Conversions 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 111 Label first_char_data the beginning of the graphic image data Word char_height height of this character’s bitmap in dots 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 112 Deletes the graphics in slot #XX 106* 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 113 CGN refers to the memory slot location of the downloaded font. Nonvolatile fonts are accessed thru TCI “7”. The following section details the process required to convert and download fonts to the printer. The conversion utility “FONTCV16.exe” may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 114 7-bit data connections. The uncompressed (^D104) is usable on either 7 or 8-bit connections and is more flexible but encodes using ASCII-HEX. This results in a much larger file size. Microcom Corporation recommends the use of the compressed format when possible.
  • Page 115 <Rotation> is an 8-bit integer, 0 for an upright font and 1 for a 90-degree rotated image. <Count> is a 32-bit integer, least significant byte first. This is the number of bytes that the image uses. <Image Data> is the graphic image data that has been converted to ASCII-HEX. ASCII-HEX Conversion 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 116 Since this is an arbitrary number picked by the user, it is possible to create two separate FONT files with the same CGN #. In fact, many FONT files could be created using the same CGN #. For the 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 117 Word widest_char Width of graphic image in dots Byte default_spacing Default spacing, usually 0 Byte byte_width Width of graphic image in bytes Byte first_char 20 HEX Byte last_char 20 HEX Byte default_char 20 HEX 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 118 80 HEX. This command supports GRAPHICS over 64KB. Load GRAPHIC or FONT 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 119 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 120: 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 121 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 122: Gs1 Databar Truncated Sample

    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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 123: Gs1 Databar Stacked Omni-Directional 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 124: 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. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 125 Zip Code - 9 digits The data string associated with a MaxiCode field shall be formatted according to the Mode selected (2-6). Mode 2 Mode 2 may have either of the following formats: Format 1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 126 Table 15, and occupy only one character in the encoded string. Mode 6 Mode 6 may encode any string up to 93 characters. Control characters are specified in Table 15 on the next page, and occupy only one character in the encoded string. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 127: Maxicode Control Code Equivalents

    The printer will automatically choose the most efficient subset and insert the appropriate special function code listed in Table 16. It is possible to force a subset change by inserting the appropriate code while in automatic 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 128: Code128 Special Function Access

    C the user must send the appropriate code (#n) to return to either subset A or B. ABC#3012345#5abc The “#5” The “#3” code, printer code, while while in defaults to in subset B, subset C, subset B switches to switches subset C. Figure 8-8 Code 128 Subset Switching 8-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 129 The PDF-417 format command (^D77) is used to load the data as well as formatting instructions for the bar code and is placed on the first line of the format. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-11...
  • Page 130 This parameter is used to adjust the aspect ratio of the PDF-417 symbology. The value is entered in ratio format (height: width) and has a default value of 2:1. A carriage return character must be used to terminate this field. 8-12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 131: 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> 2,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285<CR> Text string 1,190,300,1,46<CR> 2,190,200,11,1,5<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> P<CR> Text string<CR> ^D3<CR> Figure 8-9 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-13...

  • Page 132: Sample Format #2

    The D164 command is used to receive and process the Datamatrix barcode with the elements discussed below. Once the Datamatrix barcode data is entered and processed, the barcode image may be placed using the normal format field by using a TCI of 47. 8-14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 133 Rotation - 1 0 = 0 degree rotation 1 = 180 degree counter clockwise rotation. 2 = 90 degree counter clockwise rotation. 3 = 270 degree counter clockwise rotation. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-15...

  • Page 134: 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. 8-16 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 135: Data Matrix Encoding Schemes

    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. Edifact Encoding Scheme 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-17...

  • Page 136: Ascii Codeword Values

    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. 8-18 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 137 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-19...

  • Page 138: Intelligent Mail Barcode Bars

    Special Services Tracking Code Customer Identifier 567094 Sequence Number 987654321 Routing Code Delivery Point ZIP Code 0, 5, 9, or 11 01234567891 Table 8-8 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure Complete data string from above: 0123456709498765432101234567891 01234567094987654321-01234567891 8-20 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 139 1 = 180 degree counter clockwise rotation. 2 = 90 degree counter clockwise rotation. 3 = 270 degree counter clockwise rotation. The second set of ASCII digits contains a valid planet code string with a <CR> as a 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-21...
  • Page 140 3 alphabetic characters (fixed length) 3 numeric characters (fixed length) 3 alphanumeric characters (fixed length) a..3 3 alphabetic characters (variable length) n..3 3 numeric characters (variable length) 8-22 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 141 325(***) Width, Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Feet n4+n6 326(***) Width, Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Yards n4+n6 327(***) Depth Thickness, Height or 3 Dimension, Inches n4+n6 328(***) Depth Thickness, Height or 3 Dimension, Feet n4+n6 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-23...
  • Page 142 360(***) Volume, Quarts n4+n6 361(***) Volume, Gallons n4+n6 362(***) Gross Volume, Quarts n4+n6 363(***) Gross Volume, Gallons n4+n6 364(***) Volume, Cubic Inches n4+n6 365(***) Volume, Cubic Feet n4+n6 366(***) Volume, Cubic Yards n4+n6 8-24 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 143: Ucc/Ean Application Identifiers

    Mutually Agreed, Between Trading Partners or FACT n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Internal-Carriers n2+an..30 Internal-Carriers n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Intra-Company (Internal) n2+an..30 Internal n2+an..30 Table 8-9 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-25...
  • Page 144 ^D193 <---------------------------------Start of Aztec Data 0 <----------------------------------------Size 0 <----------------------------------------Minimum error correction 0 <----------------------------------------Mode :0123456789^\<---------------------- Data to encode ^D57 2,672,300,19,38,7,0,1,287,0,0 1,336,100,10,52,,0,4,10,10 <---------- Multiplier (10, 10); TCI 52 1,336,25,11,7,10,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 Aztec NOTE: MULTIPLYING THE BARCODE GENERATED. 8-26 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 145: Aztec Size Values

    19x19 23x23 27x27 31x31 37x37 41x41 45x45 49x49 53x53 57x57 61x61 67x67 71x71 75x75 79x79 83x83 87x87 91x91 95x95 101x101 105x105 109x109 113x113 117x117 121x121 125x125 131x131 135x135 139x139 Table 8-10 Aztec Size Values 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-27...

  • Page 146: Aztec Minimum Error Correction

    The D194 command is used to receive and process the QR Code barcode with the elements discussed below. Once the QR Code barcode data is entered and processed, the barcode image may be placed using the normal format field by using a TCI of 53. 8-28 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 147 Aztec. The overall size of the barcode is controlled by the Size and by the formats X and Y multiplier values. Size Value Auto 21x21 25x25 29x29 33x33 37x37 41x41 45x45 49x49 53x53 57x57 61x61 65x65 69x69 73x73 77x77 81x81 85x85 89x89 93x93 97x97 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-29...
  • Page 148 0 generates a standard Aztec while a setting of 2 would use the GS1 specification. Please note that if the GS1 is used, the application identifiers should be entered with brackets, Example: [21]123. Modes Standard Reserved GS1* Table 8-15 QR Code Modes 8-30 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 149 Rotated Bar Code Program Sample, see Figure 26: ^D57<CR> 5,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR> 1,300,500,5,16,2,0,,2,100<CR> 1,300,400,5,16,2,1,,2,100<CR> 1,300,300,5,16,2,2,,100,2<CR> 1,300,300,5,16,2,3,,100,100<CR> 2,288,300,9,1,5,0,4<CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> 12345<CR> ROTATIONS<CR> ^D3<CR> 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-31...

  • Page 150: Bar Code Rotations

    Text with MSI 1 Checksum added Text with MSI 2 Checksum added Text with UPC-A Checksum and Extended Bars added Text with UPC-A with Extended Bars added EAN128 Table 8-16 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s 8-32 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 151 Sample Format: ^D57<CR> 4,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0<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> 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 8-33...
  • Page 152 Bar Codes Chapter 8 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 153: Code Page - 865

    2. Code Page 850 10. French 3. Code Page 852 11. Italian 4. Code Page 860 12. Danish 5. Code Page 863 13. Spanish 6. Code Page 865 14. Swedish 7. USA 15. Swiss 8. British 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 154 Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.1 Code Pages The Default Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 0000. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 155: Code Page - Danish

    Code Page Switching 9.3.2 Danish Code Page The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 0001. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-2 Code Page – Danish 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 156 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 DOSPortuguese. Figure 9-3 Code Page - 860 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 157: 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 Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 158 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 159: Code Page - German

    Code Page Switching 9.3.6 German Code Page The German Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 0101. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-6 Code Page - German 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 160 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 DOSNordic. Figure 9-7 Code Page - 865 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 161: Code Page - Swiss

    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. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100...
  • Page 162 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 163 Code Page Switching 9.3.10 French Code Page The French Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 1001. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-10 Code Page - French 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100 9-11...
  • Page 164 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 DOSCanadaF. Figure 9-11 Code Page - 863 9-12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 165: Code Page - 437

    The 437 Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 1100. This code page is also known as DOSLatinUS. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100 9-13...
  • Page 166 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 167 Code Page Switching 9.3.14 Italian Code Page The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 1101. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100 9-15...
  • Page 168 Chapter 9 9.3.15 British Code Page The British Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 1110. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-15 Code Page - British 9-16 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...

  • Page 169: Code Page - Usa

    Code Page Switching 9.3.16 USA Code Page The USA Code Page is selected when SW4 :( 5-8) = 1111. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100 9-17...
  • Page 170 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 171 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 172: Removing The Top Cover

    The necessary cleaning materials can be purchased through Microcom Corporation by contacting your sales representative and ordering the Cleaning Kit, part # 040005-0000. The Print Head should be cleaned after every roll of media or after every 512 feet (3200 tag which is a typical stack of tag or fanfold media).
  • Page 173 Thermal cleaning cards should not be used more than three times each, and extremely dirty cards should be disposed of immediately. CAUTION: Never touch or clean the print head with any abrasive solvents and/or with metal or sharp objects. Figure 10-2 Inserting the Thermal Cleaning Card 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 10-3...

  • Page 174: Internal Cleaning

    6. When finished, latch the Print Head completely and reinstall the Top Cover and media. 7. Turn the printer power “ON.” 10-4 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 175 Print Head. Allow for the alcohol to evaporate then repeat if necessary. 6. The Drive Roller, Peel Edge, and other basic internal cleaning may also be performed at this time, see the appropriate sections for more information. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 10-5...
  • Page 176 The Drive Roller should be cleaned after every roll or 512 feet of media: 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the printer power “OFF.” 3. Remove the Top Cover from the printer. 10-6 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 177 The use of any mild, non-abrasive general purpose cleaner with a lint-free cloth may be used to clean the exterior surfaces. This cleaning should be performed on an as needed basis. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 10-7...
  • Page 178 Printer Maintenance Chapter 10 10-8 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 179 ü Remove the tag, the light should turn green if a tag/tear mode is enabled ü If you were updated code when this occurred, try to load code in a second time. ü Contact your Service Representative. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 11-1...
  • Page 180 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 181 ^D24 Software Switch #4 ........................... 5-8, 13-8 ^D25 Software Switch #5 ...................... 5-9, 13-8, 13-9, 13-10 ^D26 Software Switch #6 ........................5-11, 5-12, 5-13 ^D29 Printer Statistics..........................5-34, 13-10 ^D3 Print Command ..........................5-25, 13-6 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0100 12-1...
  • Page 182 ^D93 Load Control Code Recognition Status .................... 5-40, 13-13 ^D94 Set Slice Buffer Size ..........................13-14 ^D95 Load Advance/Retract Distance ................ 5-33, 5-34, 5-41, 13-14, 13-19 ^D96 Load Advance Delay ..................5-33, 5-34, 5-41, 13-14, 13-19 12-2 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 183 Danish ................................9-3 Default ................................9-2 Frence ................................9-11 German................................9-7 Italian ................................9-15 Spanish ................................9-5 Swedish ................................ 9-13 Swiss ................................9-9 USA ................................9-17 Compression Algorithm ............................6-5 Connections Communication Interfaces ..........................3-2 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 12-3...
  • Page 184 CC ............................... 4-11, 4-16 CGN ................................4-12 CMX ..............................4-15, 4-16 CMY ..............................4-15, 4-16 CS ................................4-16 FJ ................................4-15 FO ............................... 4-15, 4-16 TCI ............................... 4-11, 4-12 TSN ................................4-10 TSP ................................4-16 12-4 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 185 Peel Edge ............................10-1, 10-5, 10-7 Platen ................................13-24 Print Button ..............................3-4, 3-5 Print Length ................................. 1-1 Print Resolution ..............................1-1 Print Speed ................................1-1 Print Type ................................1-1 Print Width ................................1-1 Printer Commands ............................... 5-1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 12-5...
  • Page 186 Tag stock ................................. 13-25 Temperature ................................ 1-1 Thermal Printer Card ............................10-2 TXD ................................. 13-25 Unpacking ................................3-1 UPC-A Symbol ..............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol ............................8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB ................................. 13-25 Warranty ................................13-1 12-6 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 187 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 12-7...

  • Page 188: Table Of Contents

    Code Page - Default ....................9-2 Code Page – Danish ....................9-3 Code Page - 860 ..................... 9-4 Code Page - Spanish ....................9-5 Code Page - 850 ..................... 9-6 Code Page - German ....................9-7 12-8 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 189 Code Page – USA ....................9-17 Removing the Top Cover ..................10-2 Inserting the Thermal Cleaning Card ..............10-3 Thermal Card Removal ..................10-4 Internal Cleaning ....................10-5 Print head Thermal Elements ................. 10-6 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 12-9...
  • Page 190 Data Matrix Encoding Schemes ................8-17 ASCII Codeword Values ..................8-18 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure ................8-20 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ................8-25 Aztec Size Values ....................8-27 Aztec Minimum Error Correction ................8-28 Aztec Modes ......................8-28 12-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 191 Aztec Size Values ....................8-30 QR Code Minimum Error Correction ..............8-30 QR Code Modes ..................... 8-30 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s ..............8-32 Recommended Maintenance Schedule ..............10-1 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 12-11...
  • Page 192 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 193 13-2 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 194 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 195 13-4 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 196 After issuing this command, the media will retract the ^D95 distance and the printers normal communication will return. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-5...
  • Page 197 Print Test Pattern: (Equivalent to ^K). Print Blank Label: (Equivalent to ^L). Set Bits Per Second: The 238B uses a parallel based USB device so setting the serial baud rate does not have any effect. The machine will run as fast as possible.
  • Page 198 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-7...
  • Page 199 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 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 200 Standard Ticket Cinema Ticket Wristbands Select STL Stock Width (Inches): 1.00 1.328 2.00 2.125 2.50 2.75 3.25 4.00 1 = Disable System Parameter Saving; 0 = Enable 1 = Enable Finish Mode; 0 = Disable 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-9...
  • Page 201 Same as ^A2^D39, but prints the values on a label, instead of on the screen. Diagnostic Mode (Tick-Tick) Diagnostic Silent Mode (Tick-Tick) Clears Commands 41 through 51 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value. 13-10 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 202 Mark Text Starting Position: The ^Axx designates which text field to start entering new data. Pre-Padded Text: This command is sent after the text that is to appear at the beginning of each field. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-11...
  • Page 203 Set print head dots/inch (dpi). This command sets the dot density of the print head. This command MUST be sent BEFORE the # of Dots is set with the ^D78 command. 203 DPI 300 DPI 13-12 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 204 Set Starting Slice Number: This command adjusts the number of dot rows that the printer will generate before the printer starts to print. Load Control Code Recognition Status: Enable control code recognition Disable control code recognition 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-13...
  • Page 205 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. 13-14 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 206 1-255 Value of X deletes the graphics in slot #X 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 207 Milliseconds, that the printer waits after detecting that media has been put into the printer before it starts feeding it in. Top Of Form Command: This command causes the printer to perform a Top-of-Form. This command requires a LPD sensor to be installed on the printer. 13-16 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 208 The <ESC> (^[ or 0x1B) instructs the printer the end of file download and acts as the command terminator. The number of additional 64KB sectors needed to save the graphic file. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-17...
  • Page 209 The command may be sent along with the ^A1^D143 command and is typically only sent when the configuration actually changes. 13-18 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 210 Feed Reverse Distance: This command will move the motor in the reverse direction by the X amount, specified in dots. Set Feed Speed: Sets the feed speed used with the D153 and D154 commands. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-19...
  • Page 211 14400 or 4 hours. The valid range is from 2 to 65536. 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 13-20 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 212 Enter Autoheader User Mode: See the ^D28 command for more details. Enter Telnet Pass-Through Mode on Xport Ethernet device Generate Planet Code Barcode: Refer to Chapter 8 for more details. Generate Aztec Barcode: Refer to Chapter 8 for more details. 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-21...
  • Page 213 COMMAND Generate QR Code Barcode: Refer to Chapter 8 for more details. 13-22 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
  • Page 214 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 215 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 216 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). 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101 13-25...
  • Page 217 13-26 238B Operator’s Manual - 880053-0101...
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