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Tharo Systems Apollo Programming Manual

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Tharo Systems, Inc
2866 Nationwide Parkway
P.O. Box 798
Brunswick, Ohio 44212-0798
Phone: (330)273-4408
Fax: (330)225-0099
Email: techsupport@tharo.com
http://www.tharo.com
Apollo
Programming Guide
May 2000
Copyright © Tharo Systems, Inc.
cab-Produkttechnik GmbH
Postfach 19 04
Haid-und-Neu-Straße 7 D-76131 Karlsruhe
Telefon:0721 / 66 26-00
Telefax: 0721 / 66 26-259
Email: cab_gmbh@csi.com
http://www.cabgmbh.com
D-76007 Karlsruhe

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  • Page 1 Apollo Programming Guide May 2000 Copyright © Tharo Systems, Inc. Tharo Systems, Inc cab-Produkttechnik GmbH 2866 Nationwide Parkway Postfach 19 04 D-76007 Karlsruhe P.O. Box 798 Haid-und-Neu-Straße 7 D-76131 Karlsruhe Brunswick, Ohio 44212-0798 Phone: (330)273-4408 Telefon:0721 / 66 26-00 Fax: (330)225-0099 Telefax: 0721 / 66 26-259 Email: techsupport@tharo.com...
  • Page 2 Copyright and Trademark Notices © 2000 by Tharo Systems, Inc. It is illegal to photocopy this manual or any portion of its content for any means or purpose without the publisher's permission. Fines of up to $10,000 may be imposed for violation.
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  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents _________________________________________________________________ Command Overview.................... 1 Command / Data Types................. 1 Command Syntax................... 1 Command List ....................2 Immediate Commands ................2 ESC Sequence Commands ..............3 Label Format Commands ................ 4 Special Content Fields ................5 Print Orientation / Home Position for Commands ........8 __________________________________________________________________ Immediate Commands ..................
  • Page 5 Table of Contents Bar Code Field Definition (cont.) 2 of 5 Interleaved ..................30 Code 128 ....................32 EAN-13/JAN-13..................34 EAN-8/JAN-8 .....................35 HIBC......................36 Codabar .....................37 MSI Plessey ....................38 Add-On 2 ....................39 Add-On 5 ....................40 Code 93......................41 Postnet......................42 UCC128/EAN128 ..................43 FIM ......................45 Maxicode....................46 DataMatrix....................48 Plessey.......................51 UPC-E0 ......................51 PDF417......................52...
  • Page 6 Table of Contents _________________________________________________________________ Special Content Fields ..................85 Field Calculations and Comparisons ............92 __________________________________________________________________ Appendix A - Tables and Lists................94 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers..............94 [U: ] Command - Common Control Codes ..........96 __________________________________________________________________ Appendix B - Coding Examples ................97 Text File Label Coding Example ..............97 QBASIC Program Label Coding Example ..........100 ESC Command Demonstration..............101 Memory Card - QBASIC Programs and Text Files - Summary....103...
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  • Page 8: Command Overview

    Command / Data Types There are three basic types of commands used on the Apollo printer, and one special type of data. Each of the following are described in separate sections of this manual: Immediate Commands are a single lower case letter. They perform a variety of printer functions.

  • Page 9: Command List

    Command List Immediate Commands Description Page ; comment Comment line Start ASCII dump Direct cut d type;name Downloads data e type;name Erase data Formfeed l name Change language/country m unit Set measuring unit p status Pause printer Query free memory q i;name Query image availability Query memory type...
  • Page 10 Command List ESC Sequence / Network Commands Description Page ESC ESC Replaces ESC in binary data ESC ! ESC ! Hard reset ESC ? Request for free memory. ESC * Activate all network printers ESC A - ESC Z Activates individual network printer ESC c Cancel Job ESC p0...

  • Page 11: Label Format Commands

    Command List Label Format Commands Description Page ; comment Comment line A [NO] n Amount of labels (end job/print) B [:name;] x, y, r, type, . . ,size,data Barcode field definition C cnt[,disp1[,disp2]] Set cutter parameters Set cutter to end-of-job D x,y Global Object Offset E DBF;name...

  • Page 12: Special Content Fields

    Command List Special Content Fields Description Page [?:{H},{Default},{F},{D},{Lx},{Mx},{R}] Operator Prompt Line [C:fill{,base}] Set zero fill character [DATE] Print date [DAY02] Print 2-digit day (01-31) [DBF:keyfield,keyvalue,entryfield] Database Field [DOFY] Print numeric day (1-366) [H12] Print hour in 12-hr form (1-12) [H24] Print hour in 24-hr form (1-24) [H012] Print hour in 12-hr form (01-12)
  • Page 13 Command List Special Content Fields Description Page [wday3] Print 3-character weekday name [WLOG] Write to log file [WTMP] Write to serial file [XM] Print am or pm indication [YY] Print 2-digit year (00-99) [YYYY] Print 4-digit year (ie.1998) ===================================================================================== Command Overview...
  • Page 14 Command List Special Content Fields/ Description Page Field Calculations and Comparisons [+:oper1,oper2. . ,operx] [-:oper1,oper2] Subtract [*:oper1,oper2. . ,operx] Multiply [/ :oper1,oper2] Divide [%: oper1,oper2] Modulo [<: oper1,oper2] Less than [>: oper1,oper2] Greater than [=: oper1,oper2] Equal [&:oper1,oper2] Logical And [|:oper1,oper2] Logical Or [D:m,n]...

  • Page 15: Print Orientation / Home Position For Commands

    Print Orientation / Home Position for Commands It is important to understand print orientation and home position before attempting to use label format commands. Orientation refers to where the top of the label is found for layout purposes. Home Position refers to the top-left corner of the label. The figure below shows the Apollo printer and the Home positions that are possible.

  • Page 16: Immediate Commands

    ; - Comment Line The ; identifies a comment line. A comment may be placed anywhere within the command set, on a line by itself. The printer ignores comment lines. Command Format / Usage: ; comments <CR> Marks this line as a comment Start ASCII Dump The a command places the printer in ASCII dump mode.

  • Page 17: Download Data

    Download Data The d command accomplishes downloading of data files to the Apollo. Most often, it may be used to download graphics or additional fonts. The option [SAVE] will download and simultaneously create a copy on the PCMCIA memory card. There are two methods shown below for including the data with the command.
  • Page 18 Download Data C . data C . = Method 1 for delineating data. Data is in binary format, enclosed with ESC. (escape dot, which is an ASCII character 27, followed by ASCII character 46) at the start and end. For this method to work, any single ESC characters found in the data must be replaced by double escapes, ESCESC, prior to download.

  • Page 19: Erase Data

    Erase Data The e command will erase various types of data, for example fonts and graphics, from the printer’s memory. The e command does not erase data from the PCMCIA memory card. See the M - Memory Card Access to delete files from the memory card. Command Format: e type;...

  • Page 20: Change Language/Country

    Change Language/Country The l command changes the language and country settings. Country affects the date formats and currency. Using the l command does not affect the language displayed on the LCD panel of the printer. To change the language of the printer’s front panel prompts, you must select the ‘Country’...

  • Page 21: Set Measuring Unit

    Set Measuring Unit The m command specifies the unit of measure in effect for all following label format commands. The Apollo’s default unit of measure depends on the Country assignment from the front panel setup. For country US, default measuring unit is inches. For all other countries, default measuring unit is millimeters.

  • Page 22: Query Printer

    Query Printer The q command provides a way to query the printer and obtain various types of information. The command has different formats depending on the information desired. Command Formats / Usage: q d; name<CR> database inquiry. Asks the printer if the database (DBF) file called "name"...

  • Page 23: Set Date/Time

    Set Date/Time The s command sets the printer’s date and time to the value specified. Command Format: s datetime <CR> Where: s = Set date/time command. datetime = A string value representing the date and time in the format of yymmddhhmmss.

  • Page 24: Set Peripheral Signal Bits

    Set Peripheral Signal Bits The x commands set the signal bits for the peripheral connector on the front of the Apollo (output pins). This makes possible the control of a peripheral device, which is usually other than a standard cutter or applicator. The four bits available for use on the connector may be used individually or as a group.

  • Page 25: Slashed Zero Selection

    Slashed Zero Selection The z command selects the style of zero to be printed in label text, whether it should appear with a slash (/), or not. This command can only effect internal bitmapped fonts, and will have no effect on internal outline or downloaded outline fonts. Command Format: z option <CR>...

  • Page 26: Esc Sequence / Network Commands

    ESC Sequence / Network Commands The ESC sequences that follow affect the printer’s status, and are immediately executed when received by the printer. When printers are networked, every network printer listens on the bus and waits for its' commands. These commands are most often used when a program (QBASIC, C, etc.) is issuing the commands to the printer.
  • Page 27 ESC Sequence / Network Commands ESC s Printer status inquiry, will return a response as follows: XYNNNNNNZ where: On-line (Y=yes, N=no) Type of error: -................ No error a.......Applicator error – upper position b....... Applicator error – lower position c.....Applicator error – vacuum plate empty d......

  • Page 28: Label Format Commands

    ESC ESC Use as a replacement for single ESC in binary data while remaining transparent to networks. Amount of Labels The A command specifies the amount of labels to be printed. It is used to end a label definition. It may be sent as often as necessary to reprint the last label sent to the Apollo. Usage: A [NO] n | [?] | [?,R] | [$DBF] <CR>...
  • Page 29 Amount of Labels (Cont.) This sample Apollo code illustrates the usefulness of the [$DBF] switch. The database “shipping” on the memory card has 450 records, sequentially numbered from 0001 to 0450. The text field memdbfld is assigned a sequentially incrementing number by [SER:0001]. database field D1 loads the data from the specified record number defined by memdbfld and the A [$DBF] causes exactly 450 records to print.

  • Page 30: Bar Code Field Definition

    Bar Code Field Definition The B command is used to place a bar code field in the current label format. Currently, there are twenty-two (22) symbologies plus two "add-on" symbologies supported by Apollo. Depending on the symbology chosen, the parameters used within the command will vary.

  • Page 31: Code 39

    Bar Code Field Definition type= The bar code symbology type selected. Symbology type is specified as either the full bar code name or a single letter short code as shown in the table below. When using the full bar code name, the Apollo extracts only characters and digits from the named type, so UPC-A, UPC A and UPCA have the same result.
  • Page 32 Bar Code Field Definition size = Represents the bar height and width in a bar code. For Ratio bar codes, size is defined as height, narrow eleme nt, ratio. For Non-Ratio bar codes, size is defined as height, narrow element or as SCx for UPC/EAN bar codes. (See Symbology Type table with ‘type’...
  • Page 33 Bar Code Field Definition +options = Options depend on the symbology being used. With the individual symbology descriptions on the following pages, appropriate options are shown with each. Options available include: +MODxx= Allows addition of Check Digits to the symbology: MOD10 Numeric data only, MOD11...
  • Page 34 Bar Code Field Definition The following label shows the x and y coordinates in relation to the Home position when it is located in the top left corner of the label. The bar codes on the following label are each positioned x=2.00 and y=1.30. The rotations shown are at 0, 90, 180 and 270.
  • Page 35 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: CODE 39 (Code 3 of 9) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, CODE39, [+WSize,] [+XHRI, ] height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: Code 3 of 9 is a variable-length alphanumeric code. Valid characters uppercase letters A-Z, digits 0-9 and the special characters - .
  • Page 36 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: UPC-A Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, UPCA, [+WSize, ] [+XHRI] [+NOCHECK,] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UPC-A is a fixed-length of 12, numeric-only bar code. The Apollo accepts the first eleven digits of data with the command, then automatically calculates and appends a Mod 10 check digit as the twelfth digit.
  • Page 37 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: UPC-E Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, UPCE, [+WSize] [+BARS] [+XHRI] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UPC-E is a fixed-length of eight, numeric-only bar code. The Apollo accepts seven digits with the command, where the first must be a zero, then automatically calculates and appends a check digit as the eighth.
  • Page 38 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: 2 OF 5 INTERLEAVED Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, 2OF5INTERLEAVED, [+MODxx,] [+WSize,] [+BARS,] ..height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: Interleaved 2 of 5 is a variable-length numeric-only bar code. This symbology encodes numbers in pairs, so if an odd number of numeric characters is sent, a leading zero will be added to the data encoded in the bar code.
  • Page 39 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: CODE 128 Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, CODE128, [+MODxx,] [+WSize, ] [+BARS] ..height,narrow; [U:codeset character] data <CR> Description: Code 128 is a variable-length code that includes all of the 128 standard ASCII characters. The Apollo automatically calculates and appends the mandatory mod 103 check digit.
  • Page 40 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: CODE 128 Short Code: Examples: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 B:bar1;1.00,0.30,0,CODE128,.6,.015;[U:CODEA]ABC123 B:bar2;1.00,1.00,0,CODE128,.6,.015;[U:CODEB]ABCxyz123 B:bar2;1.00,1.70,0,CODE128+MOD10,.6,.015;[U:CODEC]123456 ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 41 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: EAN-13/JAN-13 European/Japanese Article Numbering) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, EAN13, [+WSize, ] [+BARS,] [+NOCHECK,] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: EAN/JAN 13 is a fixed-length of 13, numeric-only bar code. The Apollo accepts 12 data characters with the command, then automatically calculates and appends the check digit as the thirteenth.
  • Page 42 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: EAN-8, JAN-8 (European/Japanese Article Numbering) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, EAN8, [+WSize, ] [+BARS,] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: EAN/JAN 8 is a fixed-length of 8, numeric-only bar code. The Apollo accepts 7 data characters with the command, then automatically calculates and appends the check digit as the eighth.
  • Page 43 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, HIBC, [+WSize,] [+BARS,] height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: The Health Industry Bar Code is a variable-length alphanumeric bar code. It is a variation of Code 3 of 9 with mod 43 check digit.
  • Page 44 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: CODABAR Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, CODABAR, [+MOD16,] [+WSize,] [+BARS,] ..height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: Codabar is a variable-length bar code that can encode 16 different characters, including digits 0- 9 and the special characters - .
  • Page 45 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: MSI (MSI Plessey) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, MSI, [+MODxx,] [+WSize,] [ +BARS, ] ..height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: MSI bar code is a variant of the Plessey bar code, which is a variable-length numeric only bar code.
  • Page 46 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: ADD-ON2 (UPC/EAN Addendum 2) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, ADDON2, [+BARS, ] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UPC/EAN Addendum 2 is a fixed-length numeric-only bar code addendum. This bar code is normally used in conjunction with symbologies UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13 and frequently represents the two-digit month of a periodical publication (i.e.
  • Page 47 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: ADD-ON5 (UPC/EAN Addendum 5) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, ADDON5 [+BARS, ] height,narrow ; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UPC/EAN Addendum 5 is a fixed-length numeric-only bar code addendum. This bar code is normally used in conjunction with symbologies UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13 and frequently represents the price of a publication (i.e.
  • Page 48 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: CODE 93 Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r,CODE93,[+WSize,][+BARS,][+XHRI, ] height,narrow; data <CR> Description: Code 93 is a variable-length alphanumeric bar code, which can encode all 128 ASCII characters including lower case and control characters. Special two-character sequences are used to designate some characters.
  • Page 49 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: POSTNET (U.S. Postal Service) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, POSTNET, [+Wsize,]; data <CR> Description: Postnet is used by the United States Post Service to encode zip codes. Any length string of data can be used, although it is usually a nine digit zip code (zip + 4) followed by the check digit value.

  • Page 50: Ucc128/Ean128

    Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: UCC128/EAN128 Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, UCC128, [+WSize, +BARS,] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UCC/EAN128 is a unique version of Code 128 used to encode serialized shipping container information.
  • Page 51 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: UCC128/EAN128 Short Code: Examples: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 B:UCCEAN128;1.0,0.15,0,EAN128,0.6,0.013;(00)345678901234567890 B:UCC2;1.0,0.85,0,UCC128,0.6,0.013;(00)345678901234567890 B:UCC3;1.0,1.55,0,Q,0.6,0.013;(00)345678901234567890 ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...

  • Page 52: Fim

    Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: FIM (Facing Identification Mark) Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, FIM, [+WSize,] [+BARS,] height,narrow; data <CR> Description: Facing Identification Mark is a 9 position bar/no-bar pattern. The F IM patterns are used by business mailers on preprinted mailing pieces for compatibility with various United States Postal Service automatic sorting systems.

  • Page 53: Maxicode

    Mode 2 and Mode 3. The data following the header is a two digit year, 5 or 9 digit zip code, 3 digit country code, 3 digit service code and a message. Example: [U:ANSI_TM]98442120798,840,024,Tharo Systems, Inc. ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 54 Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: MAXICODE Short Code: Examples: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 H 5.2,0,T B:MAXICODE;4.00,2.30,0,MAXICODE+MODE2;442120798,840,123,Parcel for Tharo Systems, Inc. B:MAXICODE;4.00,1.20,0,MAXICODE+MODE3;ABC123,840,123,Parcel for International Zip Code B:MAXICODE;1.50,2.30,0,MAXICODE+MODE4;Parcel for Tharo Systems, Inc. B:MAXICODE;1.50,1.20,0,MAXICODE+MODE6;Parcel for Tharo Systems, Inc.(Reader Only) ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...

  • Page 55: Datamatrix

    Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: DATAMATRIX Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, DATAMATRIX [+RECT],Height; data <CR> Description: DataMatrix is a variable size two-dimensional bar code symbology capable of encoding a number of different character sets, including all 128 ASCII characters. Every DataMatrix symbol consists of an array of data cells within a distinct perimeter pattern.
  • Page 56 The number of all symbols together. Value range is 1 to 16. id1 and id2 = A value between 1 and 254 which must be identical on all symbols. Examples: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 B:BAR1;1.50,0.50,0,DATAMATRIX,.04;Tharo Systems, Inc. B:BAR2;1.50,1.75,0,W+RECT,.04;Tharo Systems, Inc. ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...

  • Page 57: Plessey

    Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: PLESSEY Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, PLESSEY, [+WSize,] [+BARS,] height,narrow,ratio; data <CR> Description: Plessey bar code is a variable length non-self checking symbology that can encode the digits 0-9 and letters A -F. This symbology is not in widespread use, and is usually seen only in older library and grocery applications.

  • Page 58: Upc-E0

    Bar Code Field Definition Bar Code Name: UPC-E0 Short Code: Command: B [:name;] x, y, r, UPCE0, [+WSize] [+BARS] [+XHRI] height,narrow; data <CR> { or SCx } Description: UPC-E0 is a fixed-length of eight, numeric-only bar code. The Apollo accepts 11 or 12 digits with the command, where the first digit must be a zero.

  • Page 59: Pdf417

    Carriage return/line feed can be inserted into the text by using Unicode [U:13][U:10] or given as HEX values [U:$0D] [U:$0A]. Examples: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 B:BAR1; 0.75,0.30,0,PDF417+EL0,0.05,.011,.26;THARO SYSTEMS INC[U:13][U:10]2866 NATIONWIDE PKWY[U:13][U:10]BRUNSWICK OH 44212 B:PDF417;0.75,1.00,0,Z+EL5,0.05,.011,.66;THARO SYSTEMS INC[U:CR][U:LF]2866 NATIONWIDE PKWY[U:CR][U:LF]BRUNSWICK OH 44212 =====================================================================================...

  • Page 60: Cutter Parameters

    Cutter Parameters The C command sets the cutter parameters. Cutting can be set specifically by counting labels, with or without additional displacements, or the ‘end’ of the current job can be selected. Usage: C cnt [,disp1 [,disp2]] <CR> C e <CR> Where: 'cnt' = A number of labels after which the cutter should cut.

  • Page 61: Global Object Offset

    Global Object Offset The D command moves the origin of all objects on a label the specified values. This command is useful if you change from one label size to another, and need to center the data on the new label without changing the values of each object.

  • Page 62: Define Files

    Define Files The E command defines database, serial and log files for use on the PCMCIA memory card. Note: See Appendix B for sample programs and text files demonstrating E commands. E DBF;name <CR> This command must be added to formats that access fields from a database. Where: name = Specifies the name of the database on the PCMCIA memory card.

  • Page 63: Font Number

    Font Number The F command allows assignment of an optional, alternate number for a font. This alternate font number can simplify use, make formats easier to read, and provide a simple way to replace the font throughout an entire format. With this command, the font identifier would be changed on this single command, instead of in each individual text format command.

  • Page 64: Graphic Field Definition

    Graphic Field Definition The G command specifies a graphic field definition statement to add a line, rectangle or ellipse field to the current label format. Usage G [:name;] x, y, r; type:type options [,shade options] [,outline options] <CR> Where: G = Graphic field definition command. [:name;] = Optional parameter.
  • Page 65 Graphic Field Definition Graphic Type: C - Circle Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, C: radius1 [,radius2 [,width] ] [,shade options] [,outline options] Type Options: radius1 = Radius of circle in inches or millimeters, or horizontal radius (in relation to rotation 0) if ellipse.
  • Page 66 Graphic Field Definition Graphic Type: L - Line Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, L: length, width [,start [,end] ] [,shade options] [,outline options] Type Options: length = Length of the line in inches or millimeters. width = Width of the line in inches or millimeters. start = Type of line start (s=squared (default), r=rounded, a=arrowed).
  • Page 67 Graphic Field Definition Graphic Type: L - Line Examples: The following example shows the different line ends available. S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 G 1.40,0.50,.0;L:1.50,0.08,a,a G 1.40,1.00,.0;L:1.50,0.08,s,a G 1.40,1.50,.0;L:1.50,0.08,r,r G 1.40,2.00,.0;L:1.50,0.08 ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 68 Graphic Field Definition Graphic Type: R - Rectangle Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, R: hor,ver [,horw [,verw] ] [,fill option] [,shade options] [,outline] Type Options: hor = Horizontal length of the rectangle in inches or millimeters. ver = Vertical length of the rectangle in inches or millimeters. horw = Width of horizontal lines in inches or millimeters.

  • Page 69: Fill

    Graphic Field Definition Graphic Option: Fill Fill provides for the filling of all graphic objects with a specified pattern or dot density. Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, type:type options, [F:name] [shade] [outline] Fill Parameters: F: = Fill parameter. name = Name of the fill pattern desired from the following: 0%, 6%, 12%, 25%, 38%, 50%, 100% (for dot density)

  • Page 70: Shade

    Graphic Field Definition Graphic Option: Shade Shade provides for the gradient filling of all graphic objects. Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, type:type options, [S:percent1[,percent2[,direction]] [outline Shade Parameters: S: = Shade parameter. percent1 = Beginning value of darkness, as a percent of black. percent2 = Ending value of darkness, as a percent of black.

  • Page 71: Outline

    Graphic Field Definition Graphic Option: Outline Outline prints a one dot outline around any filled graphic object. Command: G [:name;] x, y, r, type:type options [shade options] [O] Parameter: [O] = Outline is to be applied to this filled object. Note: The outline parameter must be coded in brackets [ ].

  • Page 72: Heat, Speed, Method Of Printing

    Heat, Speed, Method of Printing The H command defines the speed, heat and method of printing to be used for the current label. Usage: H speed [,heat] [,method] [,ribbon] <CR> Where: speed = Specified in inches or millimeters per second (depending on current measuring unit).

  • Page 73: Image Field Definition

    Image Field Definition The I command is used to place a graphic image field in the current label format. The graphic image must have been previously downloaded (see Immediate Command “d” and Appendix B for information on downloading graphics). Usage I [:name;] x, y, r [,mx,my] ;imagename <CR>...

  • Page 74: Job Start

    Job Start The J command starts a new label definition job by setting all parameters to their default values. Usage: J [comment] <CR> Where: Job start command. comment = Optional parameter. Text which describes the label job. This text may be printed on the printer’s LCD while selecting a label from memory card, giving a better idea of the label than 8 byte DOS-type filenames.

  • Page 75: Memory Card Access

    Memory Card Access The M commands provide access to the memory card for listing its' contents, and for deleting, formatting, loading, and storing data. Note: See Appendix B for sample programs and text files demonstrating M commands. Command Formats: For the following Memory commands, where type is shown, specify the file type as: FMT - Media format definition (Label size, heat, speed, method, etc.
  • Page 76 Memory Card Access (Cont.) Command Formats: M f; name<CR> formats a memory card with the correct file system. RAM cards are formatted using a FAT file system. Flash cards will be formatted using the Flash File 2.0 system. where: name = The name to be assigned to the memory card, up to 8 characters. Example: M f;myfiles Formats the card and names it 'myfiles'.
  • Page 77 Memory Card Access (Cont.) Command Formats: M s type; name<CR> stores data on the memory card. Command is used to start and end store operation. where: type = As specified above. name The datafile name following DOS conventions, i.e., 8 character name. When storing a label, this command is also used at the end of the label data stream to stop the store process.

  • Page 78: Set Print Options

    Set Print Options The O command provides a variety of options to be used while printing a label. Usage: O [M,][R,][S,][T,][N,][U,][p] <CR> Where: Print Options command. M activates the Mirrored image effect in printing. R causes the Home position for the label to be Rotated by 180 degrees. Without this command, Home is at the bottom right of the l a bel, as viewed from the front of the printer.

  • Page 79: Set Peel-Off Mode

    Set Peel-Off Mode The P command sets the printer in peel-off mode, which causes it to pause after each label is printed, allowing the labels to be peeled off individually. An error will occur if a present sensor is not attached to the printer. Usage: P [disp] <CR>...

  • Page 80: Replace Field Contents

    Replace Field Contents The R command provides for replacing the contents of a field, without recoding an entire label command set to include the new value. This option would be very useful where the user did not want to retransmit the entire label, only the fields that change. This option does work with graphics, but with limitations.

  • Page 81: Set Label Size

    Set Label Size The S command provides for definition of the label size in length and width, characteristics and repetition. Usage: S [type;] xo, yo, length, dy, wide [,dx ,col] [;name] <CR> Where: S = Set label size command. Type; = Optional parameter. Specifies the type of labels from: e for continuous (endless) media with no die cuts.

  • Page 82: Text Field Definition

    Text Field Definition The T command is used for text field definition, to add a text field to the current label format. The text may be printed in any rotation, but most often text is printed in one of four rotations: 0, 90, 180 or 270 degrees.
  • Page 83 Text Field Definition font = The number of the font used, which provides selection of the style for printing the text string. Either one of the printer’s own internal character sets or a downloaded font can be used. To obtain the information contained in the Font file, perform a printer self test (see Immediate Command “t”).
  • Page 84 Text Field Definition effects = Optional parameters. Describes special effects to be applied to the characters. Depending on the font not all effects may be available. The following effects are available for most fonts: bold slanted italic negative (reverse print) underlined light slanted left...

  • Page 85: Internal Fonts

    Text Field Definition Internal Fonts The following are examples of the Apollo’s internal bitmapped fonts. Character sets labeled 2x 2y are shown doubled in size for better readability. ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 86 T - Text Field Definition Internal Fonts The following are examples of the Apollo’s internal smooth (scaleable) fonts. ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 87 Text Field Definition Internal Fonts The following shows two of Apollo’s scaleable fonts in point sizes from 6 to 36. ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...

  • Page 88: Examples

    Text Field Definition Examples: This example shows four different bitmapped fonts with text rotated in four different orientations. H 5.2,0,T,R0 S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.6,4.26 T:PEAR;.45,.50,.0,-3,x6,y6;PEAR T:BANANA;.22,2.43,90.0,-2,x6,y6;BANANA T:ORANGE;1.98,.05,270.0,596,.60,h.4;ORANGE T:APPLE;1.73,2.3,180.0,-1,x6,y6;APPLE ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 89 Text Field Definition Examples: The following example demonstrates some of the special effects available with the Apollo’s internal bitmapped fonts: S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 T:F0O5;0.5,0.20,0.0,-3,x2,y2;Font -3 T:F0O4;0.5,0.55,0.0,-3,x2,y2,u;Font -3 Underline T:F0O1;0.5,0.90,0.0,-3,x2,y2,o;Font -3 Outline T:F0O3;0.5,1.25,0.0,-3,x2,y2,g;Font -3 Gray T:F0O2;0.5,1.60,0.0,-3,x2,y2,s;Font -3 Slanted T:F0O7;0.5,1.95,0.0,-3,x2,y2,n;Font -3 Reverse T:F0O6;0.5,2.30,0.0,-3,x2,y2,s,u,o,n;Font -3 Effects Combined ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...
  • Page 90 Text Field Definition The following demonstrates some of the special effects available with the Apollo’s internal scaleable fonts. S l1;.0,.0,2.5,2.5,4.26 T:F0O1;.50,0.30,.0,3,PT 10;Swiss T:F0O2;.50,0.50,.0,5,PT 10;Swiss Bold T:F0O3;.50,0.65,.0,3,PT 10,u;Swiss Underline T:F0O4;.50,0.85,.0,3,PT 10,s;Swiss Slanted T:F0O5;.50,1.02,.0,3,PT 10,n;Swiss Reverse T:F0O6;.50,1.22,.0,5,PT 10,s,u,n;Swiss Effects Combined ===================================================================================== Label Format Commands...

  • Page 91: Synchronous Peripheral Signal Settings

    Synchronous Peripheral Signal Settings The X command provides for synchronous setting of signals to the peripheral connector on the front of the printer. These signals may be used to switch simple mechanical devices or enable bar code verifiers. This is similar to the Immediate Command “x”, which sets signals, with the addition of control over exactly when the signal is set, which is the synchronous component of this command.

  • Page 92: Special Content Fields

    Special Content Fields Special Content Fields provide predefined values which are used to insert data into label format commands. They also provide special data manipulation functions useful in label format commands. When Special Content Fields are coded, each field is enclosed in brackets, [ ].
  • Page 93 Special Content Fields [?:{Headline},{Default},{Frequency},{D}|{J},{Lx},{Mx},{R}] Special content field to place a prompt on the LCD panel for either keyboard or keypad entry. Headline: The text appearing on the LCD display Default: The default value assigned to this field Frequency: The frequency of the value to be entered D | J: The Delete will remove any previous input.
  • Page 94 [C:fill{,base}] Set replacement character fill for leading zero digits. Optional base is counting system for serialized fields (default: 10). Values for base that are supported include from base 2 through base 36. The character fill can be used with [DATE] and [ODATE] to allow a leading zero for single digit months.
  • Page 95 Special Content Fields [WEEK], [DOFY], [WDAY] Prints numeric values for week of the year (1-53), day of the year (1-366) and day of the week , weekday (1-7). Example: [DOFY] Produces 034 for February 3 Example: [WDAY] Produces 4 for Thursday [ODATE:+ddd{,+mm}{,+yy}] Prints the date with an offset of dd-days, and/or mm-months, and/or yy-years (i.e.
  • Page 96 Special Content Fields [TIME] Prints actual time in the format of the defined country (see ‘I - Change Language’ command). Example: [TIME] Produces 14:30:00 pm for 2:30 pm. [H24], [H12], or [H024], [H012], [MIN], [SEC], [XM] Prints actual time in 12 or 24 hour format, including minutes, seconds and am/pm as specified (using XM parameter).
  • Page 97 Special Content Fields [U:x] Inserts Unicode character x into text or barcodes. x may be any of the following: Decimal value Hex value (indicated by a '$') ASCII control code symbolic name Code 128 control code name Any standard Unicode characters may be inserted with this command. For a list of standard ASCII Control Codes and Code 128 Control Code names, see Appendix A.
  • Page 98 Special Content Fields [name,m{,n}] Inserts a substring from previously defined field "name" into text (see the :name; parameter in Label Format commands B and T). m represents the first character position to be copied. n is the number of characters to be copied, if not all remaining characters. With this field, parts of previously defined fields can be used again without recoding the values.

  • Page 99: Field Calculations And Comparisons

    Field Calculations and Comparisons Text fields that have previously been assigned a name can be further manipulated using calculations, comparisons and concatenation. In most cases, the operations shown below can use a combination of previously defined fields and literal values for their operands. Simple calculations may be done with field contents by placing arithmetic symbols before field names or values (see [:name;] in Label Format commands B and T).
  • Page 100 Field Calculations and Comparisons The appearance of the result from a calculation may be additionally affected using the following options: [D:m,n] Set number of digits to print. m = digits (default is infinite) and n = fractional digits (default of 2). Example: [/:10,3] [D:4,3] Produces 3.333 [P:name,mn{o}]...
  • Page 101 Appendix A - Tables and Lists UCC/EAN Application Identifiers The three AIs in italics are not part of the American National Standard ANSI/UCC4—1995: UCC/EAN-128 Application Identifier Standard, June 1995 because these AIs had not been approved by the UCC at the time this standard was submitted to ANSI.
  • Page 102 347 (***) Depth, Thickness, Height or 3rd Dimension, Inches, Logistics n4+n6 348 (***) Depth, Thickness, Height or 3rd Dimension, Feet, Logistics n4+n6 349 (***) Depth, Thickness, Height or 3rd Dimension, Yards, Logistics n4+n6 ===================================================================================== Appendix A...
  • Page 103 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers (cont.) 350 (***) Area, Square Inches n4+n6 351 (***) Area, Square Feet n4+n6 352 (***) Area, Square Yards n4+n6 353 (***) Area, Square Inches, Logistics n4+n6 354 (***) Area, Square Feet, Logistics n4+n6 355 (***) Area, Square Yards, Logistics n4+n6 356 (***) Net Weight, Troy Ounce...

  • Page 104: Appendix A - Tables And Lists

    Appendix A - Tables and Lists [U: ] Command - Common Control Codes Decimal Hexadecimal ASCII Control Value Value Code Equivalent Code 128 Control Code Names FNC1 FNC2 FNC3 FNC4 CODEA CODEB CODEC ===================================================================================== Appendix A...

  • Page 105: Appendix B - Coding Examples

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Text File Label Coding Example The following sample code is in the form of a text file and can be created with any text editor. It produces the label shown on the following page. This code is available on the sample diskette provided with this manual.
  • Page 106 ; Define the company text field rotated 270 degrees using the Swiss 721 scalable font with a ; font height of .08 inches. T:COMPANY;0.02,0.40,270,3,0.08,h0.08;THARO SYSTEMS, INC. BRUNSWICK, OH 44212 330-273-4408 ; Define the 2983104E text field rotated 270 degrees using the Swiss 721 scalable font with a ;...
  • Page 107 Appendix B - Coding Examples Text File Label Coding Example ; Define a line with a length of 4.00 inches and a thickness of .02 inches G 0.90,0.01,270;L:4.00,0.02 ; Define a line with a length of 4.00 inches and a thickness of .02 inches G 1.70,0.01,270;L:4.00,0.02 ;...

  • Page 108: Qbasic Program Label Coding Example

    Appendix B - Coding Examples QBASIC Program Label Coding Example The following QBASIC program shows how to download a graphic image with the "d" command, then use the graphic image with the 'I' command to create a label. The label printed from this example is on the next page.
  • Page 109 Appendix B - Coding Examples QBASIC Program Label Coding Example PRINT #1, "J FISHFOOD" 'Begin fishfood label PRINT #1, "H 5.2,0,T,R0" 'Print speed 5.2 in/sec., temp nominal ' thermal transfer, ribbon saver off. PRINT #1, "O R" 'Reverse orientation. PRINT #1, "Sl1;0,0,4.0,4.1,4.00;4x4 format" 'Use the see-through gap sensor with a ' 4 by 4 inch label size.

  • Page 110: Esc Command Demonstration

    Appendix B - Coding Examples ESC Command Demonstration - QBASIC Program The following code is available on the sample diskette provided with this manual. '*** ESCDEMO.BAS *** '*** Demonstrate ESC commands *** ' The following program demonstrates two of the ESC commands, the free memory command ' (ESC?) and the printer status command (ESCs).

  • Page 111: Memory Card - Qbasic Programs And Text Files - Summary

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - QBASIC Programs and Text Files - Summary The following pages contain a series of examples demonstrating commands associated with PCMCIA Memory Card use. These coding examples, along wi th all others included in this Appendix, are available on the sample diskette shipped with this manual.
  • Page 112 Store Label 2 - Store an additional label on the card. Load Label Formats and Print - This text file demonstrates one method for retrieving labels stored on the card. Store Label - Store a label on the memory card that accesses the database for variable input.

  • Page 113: Memory Card - Front Panel Access

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Front Panel Access A label command set that has previously been stored on a memory card can be accessed or recalled using the following process: Press ONL to take the printer Off-line. Press CAN to display start of Label List.

  • Page 114: Memory Card - Format, Display Info/Directory

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Format, Display Info/Directory - QBASIC Program '*** MEMDIR.BAS *** '***Memory Card commands - Format Card and/or Display Info and Directory*** DECLARE SUB LOOK () ' Declaration of subroutine CLS : CLOSE ' Clear screen & Close all open files OPEN "COM1:9600,N,8,1"...

  • Page 115: Memory Card - Store Font

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Font - QBASIC Program '*** MEMFONT.BAS *** '***Store Font on Memory Card*** 'The following program downloads a font from the Windows directory to 'the Apollo's internal memory, then stores the downloaded font on the 'optional Memory Card currently inserted in the printer's PCMCIA slot.

  • Page 116: Memory Card - Store Image

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Image - QBASIC Program '*** MEMIMAGE.BAS *** '***Store Image on Memory Card*** 'The following program downloads an image file from a diskette to 'the Apollo's internal memory, then stores the downloaded image on the 'optional Memory Card currently inserted in the printer's PCMCIA slot.

  • Page 117: Memory Card - Store Label

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Label - Database File ***MEMDBF.BAS*** '***Store Database on Memory Card*** 'The following program downloads a dBASE database file from the sample 'diskette to the Apollo printer and saving a copy on the optional Memory 'Card currently inserted in the printer's PCMCIA slot.
  • Page 118 Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Label - Serial File ***MEMTMP.BAS*** '***Store Serial File on Memory Card*** 'The following program downloads an ASCII serial file from the sample 'diskette to the Apollo printer and saving a copy on the optional Memory 'Card currently inserted in the printer's PCMCIA slot.
  • Page 119 Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Label - Text File ; ***MEMLABEL.TXT*** ; The following label command set will be stored on the Memory Card. ; Store the format on the memory card as a LBL saved as ‘FIREXTNG’ M s LBL;FIREXTNG ;...

  • Page 120: Memory Card - Store Label 2

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Store Label 2 - Text File ; ***MEMLBL2.TXT*** ; ***Store Label on Memory Card - Example 2*** ; The following label command set will be stored on the Memory Card ; Save format to memory card as a LBL call GRAPHICS M s LBL;GRAPHICS ;...

  • Page 121: Memory Card - Load Label Formats And Print

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Load Label Formats and Print - Text File ; *** MEMLOAD1.TXT *** ; ***Load Formats from Memory Card and Print Labels*** ; Load the firextng label into the printer’s memory M l lbl;firextng ;...

  • Page 122: Memory Card - Print From Database

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Print from Database - Text File ;*** DBLABEL.TXT *** ;*** Store label on Memory Card accessing the UPC.DBF database ; The following label will be stored on the Memory Card as a LBL file named DATABASE. ;...

  • Page 123: Memory Card - Load Label Formats And Print

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Load Label Formats and Print from Database - Text File ; ***MEMLOAD2.TXT*** ; ***Load Formats from Memory Card and Print Labels*** ; This example loads the label DATABASE from the memory card, then ;...

  • Page 124: Memory Card - Operator Prompt

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Operator Prompt Example - Text File ;*** WPLABEL.TXT *** ;*** Store label on Memory Card with prompted fields for label information. It is best to use the optional keyboard with this example. ;...
  • Page 125 Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Operator Prompt Example - Text File ; Define a text field to print ‘Content’ and the value of the WEIGHT field, followed by ‘lbs’ ; using Swiss 721 typeface with a point size of 10. T 2.2,1.8,0,3,pt10;Content: [WEIGHT] lbs.
  • Page 126 Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Load Label Format with Operator Prompt Fields - Text File ; ***MEMLOAD3.TXT*** ; ***Load Formats from Memory Card and Print Labels*** ; This example loads the label WPLABEL from the memory card, then ;...
  • Page 127 R TEXT4;Good until: ; Replace the TEXT5 field with today’s date plus 3 years. R TEXT5;[ODATE:+0,+0,+3] ; Replace the TEXT6 field with Tharo Systems, Inc. R TEXT6;Tharo Systems, Inc. ; Print 2 labels. The following label is produced from the example above:...

  • Page 128: Memory Card - Incrementing Number From Operator Prompt

    Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Incrementing Number from Operator Prompt - Text File ; *** SERIAL.TXT *** ; This example demonstrates incrementing an operator ; prompted line. The format is saved to the PCMCIA memory card. ; Save the format to the memory card as serial. M s LBL;serial ;...
  • Page 129 Appendix B - Coding Examples Memory Card - Increment Serial Number from Serial File - Text File ; *** SERFILE.TXT *** ; This example demonstrates reading a value from a serial file, ; incrementing the number and saving the value back to the serial file ;...

  • Page 130: Rs485 Network Card

    Appendix B - Coding Examples RS485 Network Card The program for checking status and printing a test label with Apollo printers and the RS485 network card is included on the program diskette. Due to the length and complexity of the program, it is not listed in the programming manual.
  • Page 131 This page intentionally left blank ===================================================================================== Appendix B...
  • Page 132 Amount of Labels Command ..................21, 22 ......................43 Application Identifiers ..........................92 arithmetic ASCII Dump Command ......................9 Bar Code Field Definition Command ................23–52 Bar Code Symbology 2 of 5 Interleaved......................31 ADD-ON2 .........................39 ADD-ON5 .........................40 CODABAR ........................37 Code 128........................32, 33 Code 3 of 9 ........................28 Code 93 ..........................41 DataMatrix .........................

  • Page 133: Index

    circle ..........................57, 58 Code 128 Control Code Names ..................96 Coding Examples Memory Card - Format, Info, Directory................106 Memory Card - Front Panel Access ................105 Memory Card - Increment Serial Number from Serial File ........121 Memory Card - Incrementing Number from Operator Prompt........120 Memory Card - Load Format and Print ...............113 Memory Card - Load Format and Print from Database ..........115 Memory Card - Load Format and Print Operator Prompt Fields ......118...
  • Page 134 end of job..........................21 Erase Data Command .......................12 ESC Sequence Commands ................1, 3, 19–20 ............................62 fill ..........................62 fill pattern Firmware Version Command ....................16 ..................10, 15, 56, 68, 75, 76, 77, 103 font Font Number Command .....................56 Formfeed Command ......................12 Global Object Offset......................54 Graphic Field Definition Command ................57–64 ............................65 heat...
  • Page 135 Language/Country Change Command ................13 ............................1 .........................9, 52, 57, 59, 60 line ........................14 measuring unit Measuring Unit Command ....................14 memory available ......................15, 19 ..............15, 67, 68, 69, 70, 103–13, 103, 105 memory card Memory Card Access Command.................68, 69, 70 ..........................71 mirror image ........................71 negative image...
  • Page 136 ......................... 57, 61 rectangle Replace Field Contents Command...................73 ...........................1, 17, 19 reset Reset Printer Command.....................15 .........................65 ribbon saving ......................8, 23, 71, 75, 81 rotate rotation......................23, 57, 66, 71, 75 ..................15, 76, 77, 79, 80, 83 scaleable fonts Self-Test Command ......................16 ..........................1, 75 semicolon ..........................

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