Receive Buffer; Data Transmission; General Configuration - SATO CL408 Programming Reference Manual

Unit 6: Bi-Directional Communications
INTRODUCTION
Bi-Directional communications is a two-way communications protocol between the host and the printer enabling
the host to monitor and control the printer's operational status. The Bi-Com 5 protocol only works in the Multi-Job
Buffer mode.

GENERAL CONFIGURATION

Refer to Appendix: Reference Table 40 for printer configuration commands.
SERIAL INTERFACE
For this protocol to function properly with an RS232C Interface, pin 6 (DTR) and pin 5 (CTS) must be held high by
the host. To ensure these pins are always in the correct state is to tie pin 20 (DTR) to pin 6 (DSR) and pin 4 (RTS)
to pin 5 (CTS) at the printer end on the cable.

RECEIVE BUFFER

This protocol controls information such as reception, print, and cancelation for every item. When the buffer is near
full, an error will occur informing the host that either there is not enough memory remaining or that the item quantity
has been exhausted.
To release the receive buffer one of those conditions must be remedied.

DATA TRANSMISSION

Data transmissions must be preceded with STX (HEX 02H) and be followed by ETX (HEX 03H) to function.The
string must also include the item number or an error will occur. An error will also occur if an incorrect item number
is identiifed. BCC must follow <ESC>Z if the BCC function is enabled.
Print Data
<STX><ESC>A<ESC>{ID 00000}{Print Data}<ESC>Z<ESC>BCC<ETX>
Status Request
<STX>SOH{ENQ}00000<ETX>
6-2
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