Microcom 324M Operator's Manual
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Microcom 324M Operator's Manual

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MODEL 324M / 424M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART NUMBER 880026-1001
Revised: August 9, 2011 CPC
Copyright © 2005 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.

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  • Page 1 MODEL 324M / 424M DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER 880026-1001 Revised: August 9, 2011 CPC Copyright © 2005 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: Table Of Contents

    3.5.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >STOCK OUT< ..........3-9 3.5.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER ............ 3-9 3.5.4 Diagnostic Mode ................... 3-9 3.5.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode..............3-10 3.5.4.2 Statistics Label..................3-10 Sensor Inputs..................... 3-11 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 6 Line Draw ......................4-18 Reverse Video....................4-21 4.8.1 Reverse Video..................... 4-21 4.8.2 True Reverse Video ..................4-22 CHAPTER 5 PRINTER COMMANDS ............5-1 Special Printer Control Codes ................5-1 5.1.1 Enquiry Responses ..................5-3 Printer Configuration Commands ................. 5-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...
  • Page 7 5.12 View Printer Configuration and Statistics ............5-38 5.13 Memory Commands................... 5-38 5.14 Printer Code Update ..................5-44 5.15 Miscellaneous Commands ................. 5-45 CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS........... 6-1 FLASH Data Types ....................6-1 RAM Data Types....................6-1 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...
  • Page 8 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40..........8-6 8.1.15 Code 128 (Manual Compression), TCI 41............. 8-7 8.1.16 Codabar (Rationalized), TCI 42..............8-8 8.1.17 Code 93, TCI 43.................... 8-8 8.1.18 PDF-417, TCI 46 ................... 8-8 8.1.19 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50 ................8-11 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...
  • Page 9 10.3 Internal Cleaning....................10-4 10.4 Print Head Maintenance..................10-5 CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING ............. 11-1 11.1 Troubleshooting Tips..................11-1 INDEX ....................... 12-1 General Index ......................12-1 List of Figures ......................12-7 List of Tables ......................12-9 APPENDIX ....................13-1 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...
  • Page 10 Appendix A: Limited Warranty.................. 13-1 Appendix B: ^D Command Summary ............... 13-2 Appendix C: Glossary..................... 13-18 Appendix D: User Notes ..................13-22 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...
  • Page 11 OEM, and specialty applications. The only difference between the two printers is the width of the print head: the 324M has a 3” wide print head, and the 424M has a 4” wide print head. All other features are the same on both printers.
  • Page 12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-1001...

  • Page 13: General Specifications

    300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot) Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.) 324M 203DPI = 3.152” (80.08 mm); 640 dots 324M 300DPI = 3.200” (81.28 mm); 960 dots Maximum Print Width 424M 203DPI = 4.098” (104.10 mm); 832 dots 424M 300DPI = 4.266”...

  • Page 14: Media Specifications

    Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types. **NOTE: The 324M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 3.5” while the actual printable width is 3.15” for the 203 DPI and 3.189” for the 300 DPI print head.

  • Page 15: Fonts

     Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non- volatile FLASH memory.  All BMP files may be converted using a Microcom utility program.  Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.

  • Page 16: Special Features

     Two reflective sensor inputs with indicator lights (Input 1 and Input 2)  Label Present Detector (LPD) reflective sensor with indicator light and adjustable range  Printed Media Presenter (PMP)  10/100BASE-T Ethernet communications port  Remote print button and unit indicator light  Cleaning kit 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 17: Typical Printer Accessories

    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. Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 18: Watt Power Supply, W/O Fan 40°C

    100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4 Amps. The power supply should operate in an “output foldback mode” during an overload situation rather than a shutdown and restart attempt; sometimes referred to as a “Hiccup” mode. Contact your Microcom Corporation representative for any questions regarding power adapter requirements and/or specifications.

  • Page 19: Optional Desktop Power Supply Output

    The factory settings, unless otherwise requested, are set at 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking enabled. The baud rate is user selectable from 110 to 115,200 and uses software XON/XOFF flow control and/or hardware CTS handshaking. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 20: Cable Configurations

    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. The ^D108 command is used to select the USB port and requires a power cycle to take affect.

  • Page 21: Optional Ethernet Communication Interface

    Getting Started 3.2.4 Optional Ethernet Communication Interface The Model 324M and 424M printers provide an optional 10/100BASE-T Ethernet connector on the rear panel of the printer. The ^D108 command is used to select the Ethernet port at power up. 3.2.5 Optional Cutter Interface The printer is fitted with a connector on the rear panel for the optional cutter interface.

  • Page 22: Loading Media

    Chapter 3 3.3 Loading Media The easy- to-release print head makes loading media into the Model 324M/424M printer an easy process. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media. 1. Feed the media into the paper path, located on the back of the printer, until you feel resistance.

  • Page 23: Print Button And Status Indicator Light

    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 3-5 Print Button Description 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 24: Status Indicator Light Description

    2. If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label, 3. Holding the button depressed: Form Feed labels until the button is released. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 25: Halted Mode: Red

    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. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 26: Status Label (Examples)

    STOCK OUT VALUE: 100 STOCK OUT VALUE: 100 PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212 CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212 Figure 3-6 Status Label (Examples) 3-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 27: Sensor Input Ports

    The maximum pick-up range is not adjustable and is set to sense a reflection up to 0.80” from the sensor’s surface. Note: Sensor range will vary depending upon the reflective quality of the printed media stock. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 3-11...
  • Page 28 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 29: Control Characters

    DOS COPY (for example: C:\>COPY FILENAME COM1) command. When using DOS, set the communications port up using the DOS MODE (for example: C:\>MODE 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 30: Format Creation

    The LDS programming language uses thermal dots as the unit of measure. All commands and parameters, unless noted otherwise, should be entered using dots. The 324M and 424M printers may be fitted with either a standard density 203dpi head, or a higher density 300dpi print head.
  • Page 31 012345 <CR> Text data string #4. ^D3 <CR> Print label. The command ^D57<CR> on the first line informs the printer that a format is coming and causes the printer to enter the format entry mode. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 32: Label Header

    The values for header elements requiring measurements are expressed as thermal dots or pixels. Dot or pixel size varies depending upon the print resolution of the print head. Two print resolutions are currently available for the 324M and 424M printers (203 DPI and 300 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 33 Thermal Printing Solutions 3.0” or 900 Dots 012345 X beginning This is the Gap Value origin; 1,1 .125” or 38 Dots Y beginning 4.266” or 1280 Dots (Total Print Head Dots) Figure 4-3 Header Elements 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 34: Valid Lsx Values

    This parameter is used to introduce an offset to accommodate the backing of die-cut media. The label sample (Error! Reference source not found.) WEB measures .0625” or 19 dots. 4.4.5 (GAP Size) HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, , DPS, LCB, AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 35: Dps Values

    SECOND MINUTE 203.2 190.5 177.8 165.1 152.4 139.7 127.0 114.3 101.6 88.9 76.2 63.5 50.8 38.1 Table 4-2 DPS Values 4.4.7 (Label Control Byte) HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, , AGD, SPG, OFX, OFY 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 36 Chapter 4 This parameter selects the method the printer uses for detecting registration marks on the different media types. The Model 324M and 424M printers have both upper (transmissive) and lower (reflective) gap detectors as standard equipment. The following sections discuss the LCB settings for the different media types.

  • Page 37: Dot To Gap Parameters

    A 424M 203 DPI printer being used with 3" x 1" media containing a .125" die-cut gap. The SPG would be calculated as follows: SPG = (D2G + LSY - DRM) mod (LSY + SBL) 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 38: Sample Header

    Print speed (DPS) of 7 = 4.5 inches per second. LCB of 0 for die-cut labels. AGD of 1 step. SPG of 405 for proper placement of the next label. No X offset. No Y offset. 4-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 39: Label Format Fields

    TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, , , AN 1, 640, 650, 8, 1, , , 0 Feed Direction 4” PRINT HEAD Microcom Corporation Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 X beginning This is the origin; 1,1 Y beginning 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-11...

  • Page 40: Label Format Field Elements

    All of the TCI values used by the 324M/424M printer are listed in Table 4-4 below. For example, a TCI of “1” for the text string data “012345” would print the text “012345” while a TCI of “15” would produce an “Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol”.

  • Page 41: Tci Values

    Code 128 Symbol (Full Implementation) Codabar Symbol Code 93 Symbol AS-10 Symbol PDF-417 Symbol UCC/EAN 128 Symbol Text with EAN 128 Information * Human Readable - Refer to Chapter 8 Table 4-4 TCI Values 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-13...

  • Page 42: Cgn-Embedded Fonts

    TCI parameter. 4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts The Model 324M and 424M printers provide seven resident Helvetica style 203 dpi embedded fonts that can be selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value.
  • Page 43 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree OCR-A Normal 0 degree OCR-A Normal 90 degree OCR-B Normal 0 degree OCR-B Normal 90 degree OCR-B Normal 0 degree OCR-B Normal 90 degree Table 4-6 CGN - Standard Downloadable Font Set 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-15...

  • Page 44: Cgn-Bar Code Symbologies

    This parameter defines the rotation of the format field on the label. The point of rotation is determined from the Field Justification parameter. 0 degrees (normal rotation) 180 degrees (upside-down rotation) 270 degrees (right rotation) 90 degrees (left rotation) 4-16 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 45: Fo & Fj Character Starting Positions

    CMX would be the actual height in thermal dots. For bar codes with a FO of 0 & 180 degree rotation, the CMY would be the actual height in thermal dots while the CMX parameter would be the multiplier. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-17...

  • Page 46: Line Draw

    An example of two lines drawn on a label is shown in Error! Reference source not found.. This 3 x 3” label was designed for a 424M printer with a 300 DPI print head. 4-18 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 47 This is a list of the first label format field element mnemonics for the sample label in Error! Reference source not found.: TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, , , AN 1, 340, 750, 600, , , , 0 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-19...
  • Page 48 However, it could have simply been one character such as a period “.” XB (X Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line draw. YB (Y Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line draw. 4-20 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 49: Reverse Video

    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. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 4-21...

  • Page 50: True 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 4-8 True Reverse Video Sample 4-22 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 51: Chapter 5 Printer Commands

    Chapter 5 Printer Commands The model 324M and 424M printers have a large and versatile collection of control commands to meet the special needs of labeling applications. Most of the commands use the "^D" control sequence, however the printer also recognizes a selected number of other control sequences.
  • Page 52 5 NULLS + 01: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the printer even when the printer is configured in binary compression mode. The command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 01 are sent 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 53: Enquiry Responses

    Byte Mode: The response is sent to the host as a hexadecimal number (byte) as shown in Table 5-1. Each string is represented by a single byte with nothing separating them. The end of the response is terminated with a FF character. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 54: Printer Configuration Commands

    115,200 when the printer is in the Diagnostic Mode if the user setting is different. The user set baud rate will resume after a "soft reset" (^D32) or cycling the power to the printer. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 55: Software Switches

    1 = Ignore Incoming Control Codes 0 = Accept Incoming Control Codes Port #1 Parity Selection: Sets the printer port #1 parity for serial communication. 1 = Odd Parity 0 = Even Parity 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 56: Software Switch #2

    Print Button: Defines the function of the Print Button. If set to a "0", the button can be used for feeding labels but the print function is disabled. 1 = Label FEED & PRINT 0 = Label FEED only 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 57: Software Switch #3

    1 = Send >INPUT 1< active LOW 0 = Send >INPUT 1< active HIGH Response After Print: If enabled, an enquiry response will be sent through the serial communications port #1 (COM1) after every print. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 58: Software Switch #4

    Slashed Zeros: If enabled, the printer will print a slash through the embedded zero ("0") characters. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable External Print Request: (Call Microcom for more information.) 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 59: Software Switch #5

    The button must be pressed and held during printing in order to exit the error routine. This is used to reprint the pending job until the print realigns before continuing. 1 = Enable (Single Button Error Clear) 0 = Disable (Reprint and Align) 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 60 0 = AutoLoad + FF General Purpose Mode: If enabled, the printer will enter a special mode of communications using the Ethernet port. 1 = Enable General Purpose Mode 0 = Disable General Purpose Mode 5-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 61: Software Switch #6

    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...

  • Page 62: Emulation Fonts

    48-466 TCI = 1, CGN # X24 Flash Memory Slot 1 and 2 3 and 4 5 and 6 7and 8 9 and 10 11 and 12 13 and 14 15 and 16 Table 5-2 48-466 Emulation Fonts 5-12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 63 Once these changes are made, the resulting data may be sent to a 48- 466 and 424M printer to produce the same printed image in most cases. 1 = Enable 48-466 Emulation Mode 0 = Disable 48-466 Emulation Mode 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-13...
  • Page 64 ^D151<CR>05<CR> command (the <CR> indicates carriage return characters) would be issued. The printer ignores the LF characters, so a <CR+LF> is interpreted as a <CR> as well) would be sent to the printer. 5-14 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 65 A status request will show the active error inputs. This condition will remain until the error is cleared. NOTE: Default power up will disable I/O mode. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-15...
  • Page 66 Chapter 5 The P17 and P21 connectors are 8 pin MTA50 AMP part number #1445350-8 and Microcom Corporation part number 510188-0008. The pin out is as follows (the square pad denotes pin one on the PCB): Connector P17 is the input port.

  • Page 67: Set Communication Port Selection Commands

    Always 0 5.2.3 Set Communication Port Selection Commands The 324M and 424M printers have 3 different serial communication ports on the rear panel: 1) RS-232D 115,200 bits/sec, max. 2) USB 12Mbits/sec 3) Ethernet (option) 10Mbits/sec or 100Mbits/sec Only one of the 3 serial ports can be active at any time, but all 3 cables can be connected to the printer at the same time.

  • Page 68: Contrast Adjustment Commands

    Table 5-2 below lists the default Starting Slice Number for various heads and buffer sizes. This command is used together with the ^D94 command to fully set up the slice buffer function. 5-18 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 69: Starting Slice Number (Dot Row #)

    4.10" 832dot 203dpi 1422 2007 2592 3177 2.10" 640dot 300dpi 1172 1991 2810 3630 4449 3.20" 960dot 300dpi 1244 1756 2268 2780 4.26"1280dot 300dpi 1404 1814 2223 Table 5-4 Slice Buffer Size (dot rows) 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-19...

  • Page 70: Printer Restart / Reboot Commands

    The threshold value may be obtained by using the Auto-Size Label command (^D39). A more in-depth explanation of registration mark sensing and adjusting the threshold value is found in the 324M/424M Service Manual. Command Reflective Detection Threshold: This command is non-volatile and is used to set the reflective or blackline threshold value (0-255) at which the printer detects a blackline used for print registration.

  • Page 71: Auto-Header Commands

    Please contact your Microcom Corporation representative if you have any questions regarding the use of this command. When enabled, the printer will AutoLoad and determine the correct header parameters for all subsequent formats based on the loaded media except for HFM, which is the only parameter that must be included with the format header.

  • Page 72: Advanced Printer Configuration Commands

    5.3.1 Print Head Size Commands The 324M and 424M printers can use a variety of different print head sizes and densities. The ^D78 and ^D79 commands (non-volatile) allow the printer to be setup thru software to drive different print head sizes and densities. Power cycle or ^D32 required before command settings take affect.

  • Page 73: Autoload Media

    (Sets 832 dots) AutoLoad Media The 324M/424M printer provides an easy way for new media to be loaded into the printer thru the use of the AutoLoad function. When this feature is turned ON, the printer will sense the presence of new media as the operator is pushing it into the printer, automatically feeding the media into the printer, and then registering the media using either a TOF sensor or a Form Feed.

  • Page 74: Autoload + Top-Of-Form

    AutoLoad with a TOF sensor prevents the loss of the first label as in AutoLoad + FF. Soft switch #5, bit #3 selects the type of TOF sensor. The TOF may be a reflective or transmissive style sensor. 5-24 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 75: Autoload Commands

    1. Media is advanced until the leading edge is detected by the reflective "Top Of Form" sensor, 2. Media is retracted to place the leading edge of stock under the print head. This command is useful when using the AutoLoad + Top of Form command. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-25...

  • Page 76: General Purpose I/O

    Valid values for “xx” are determined from the “Host to Printer” table above. The printer sends a status byte to the host every few milliseconds thru its Ethernet interface. This status byte is sent whether there is a change of status or not. 5-26 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 77: Synchronous Print Mode

    PRINT control line. A second input control line ABORT allows a pending print job to be terminated. Using this mode allows any label, no matter what size to begin printing IMMEDIATELY using the print input signal. Printing begins 11 microseconds after the rising edge of the PRINT control line. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-27...
  • Page 78 Enter single sync. mode. Enter continuous sync. mode. WARNING! There is NO time-out on this command! Once the printer receives the ^D116 command and is waiting for the PRINT or ABORT pulse, it will wait forever! 5-28 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 79: Printing Commands

    The "^Axxx" specifies the delay time in tenths of a second with a maximum value of 650. For example, "^A10^D76<CR>" would introduce a one second delay between printed labels. This command is typically used in conjunction with the Peel-n-Dispense mode and applicators. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-29...

  • Page 80: Label Header Parameter Override Commands

    The following two commands are valid for both single and multiple serial number functions: COMMAND Clears Commands 86, 88, 89. Disable Serial Number Function: This command disables both single and multiple serial number functions. 5-30 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 81 0. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to A sample format using the single serial number function: ^D57 <CR> 1,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR> 1,280,300,2,1,5 <CR> ^D56 <CR> ^A2^D86 <CR> ^A1^D84 <CR> ^A5^D85 <CR> ^A3^D75 <CR> ^D2 <CR> 20 <CR> ^D3 <CR> 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-31...

  • Page 82: Text String Commands

    Pre-padded Text: This command is used to pre-pad text data. Any data already loaded into a field will be retained if the ^D62 command is sent. 5-32 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 83 ^D3 command to initiate printing. The printer will accept incoming text strings and print the label as soon as the number of strings equal the amount specified by the ^D64 command. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-33...

  • Page 84: Cutter Configuration Commands

    ^D111, the printer prints a job, dispenses the advance distance (See ^D112), and then cuts the media. The media is not retracted until the next format, which helps to prevent paper jams going into the cuter or media wrapping around the platen roller. 5-34 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 85: Kiosk Cutter Advance Distances

    If the cutter is a rotary cutter, it will always cycle in the forward direction to make a full cut. If the cutter is a guillotine cutter, the cycle direction will be determined by the last setting given with a ^D99 command. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-35...
  • Page 86 While the maximum value is 64,000 steps, it is not recommended that the printer advance further than one label size. This may create a paper jam when the label is retracted back into the printer. 5-36 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 87: Cutter Hold-Off

    It requires the optional Label Present Detector (LPD) and Printed Media Presenter (PMP). COMMAND Peel-and-Dispense Operation: Disable Peel-and-Dispense operation. Enable Peel-and-Dispense operation. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-37...

  • Page 88: Load Advance/Retract Distance And Load Advance Delay

    COMMAND Send Format from RAM to Serial Port: The ^Axx specifies the slot number (1-128) where the format file is stored in RAM. 5-38 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 89 The ^Axxyy tells the printer the overall size of the file according to this format: xx = the number of additional 64KB sectors in the GRAPHIC file set yy = CGN # (1-255) 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-39...
  • Page 90 1)Create the FORMAT file with ^Axx^D130 at the top to tell the printer to store into FLASH Slot #xx, 2)Send the file to the printer using a standard communications program. Sample format saved to RAM slot #1: ^A1^D130 ^D57 1,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0 1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 Saved Format 5-40 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 91 FONT from FLASH by using its CGN # and TCI #7(for FLASH). The FONT may be stored anywhere in the printer's FLASH memory; it is NOT restricted to a specific FLASH memory location. The printer 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-41...
  • Page 92 ^A0 deletes all FONTS from FLASH ^Ax deletes the FONT stored in FLASH Slot #x Valid values for Axx are A1 to A255. The user selects the FLASH memory Slot #xx that will be cleared. 5-42 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 93 IMPORTANT NOTE!!! Embedded FONTS and label FORMATS are NOT erased. However, any custom FONTS and GRAPHICS loaded into user FLASH memory at the factory WILL be erased. Please contact Microcom Corporation if you have any doubts about custom GRAPHICS and/or FONTS that may be stored in FLASH memory.

  • Page 94: Printer Code Update

    4. Wait for the 'Sector(s) Erased.' Message dialog to be reported. 5. Send the MCB or boot loader file to the printer. 6. Wait for the "Device programmed successfully' message dialog to be reported. 5-44 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 95: Miscellaneous Commands

    This command is used to generate a list of commands containing a brief description of the LDSI code base that the printer uses. Show all commands. Show current volatile settings. Show current soft switch settings in plain English. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 5-45...
  • Page 96 Feeds the media in reverse at the given speed. The ^Ax is the number of dots to move. Dot Feed Speed. Controls the feed speed of the ^D153 and ^D154 commands. The ^Ax is the DPS value 0 through 13. 5-46 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 97: Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics

    Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics The 324M/424M printer allows the user to download their own GRAPHICS and store the GRAPHICS in either non-volatile FLASH memory, or in volatile RAM memory. 6.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1.

  • Page 98: Bmp2Mic.exe Graphic Conversion Utility Procedure

    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 99: Graphic Download Methods

    8-bit data connection. The printer must be setup to accept downloaded binary compressed files by setting Software Switch #3, position 7 to “1”. Otherwise, the file may be sent to the printer through any active printer port. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 100: 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. 6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107) The following is the format of the ^D107 command when used to store a compressed GRAPHIC image file into RAM.

  • Page 101: Binary Compression Algorithm

    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 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 102: 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 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 103: Graphic Image Data Format

    Label first_char_data the beginning of the graphic image data Word char_height height of this character’s bitmap in dots 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 104: Downloadable Graphics Commands

    Deletes the graphics in slot #XX 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 105: Flash Data Types

    Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts The 324M/24M printer allows the user to download their own fonts and store the fonts in either volatile RAM memory, or non-volatile FLASH memory. 7.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1.

  • Page 106: Sfp2Mic.exe Program

    2. Follow the on screen instructions and note the slot number where the image is saved. The Model 324M/424M printer uses the same font structure as the Model 412 printer. Select the Model 412 printer when converting fonts for the 324/424M printer.

  • Page 107: Save Compressed Font To Ram (D127)

    ASCII-HEX, thereby allowing all data to pass over 7 or 8-bit data connections. This command is usable on data connections that support either 7 or 8-bit data. The following is the format of the ^D104 command when used for a GRAPHIC image file: 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 108: Save Fonts To Flash (^D135)

    FONT download for FLASH memory is coming. The download will be 2 sectors long, and the printer will access the FONT in FLASH memory using CGN #24 and TCI #7. The ^A0124^D135 command will be right at the 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 109: Font Structure

    All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored “least significant byte” first. The printer can store a font of approximately 64KB or less in any one memory slot location. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 110: Downloadable Font Command Summary

    7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphics: COMMAND Clear User RAM: This command clears all downloadable fonts, graphics, and stored label formats. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 111 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 112 Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 113: Chapter 8: Bar Codes

    UPC-E bar codes do not use inter-character spacing, therefore the character spacing (CS) element must be defaulted. Table 8-1 illustrates how the 11 digits are reduced to only 6 using the “zero suppression” compression. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 114: Upc-E Zero Reduction Format

    This symbology uses 2:1, 3:1, 5:2, and 8:3 ratios, which may be selected using the CGN parameter. Although most specifications require a specific inter-character spacing, Code39 will allow custom inter-character spacing as long as the maximum does not exceed the timeout zone of the intended scanning equipment. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 115 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37 Postnet is a numeric-only symbology that is commonly used in postal application to sort mail. The five-digit zip plus six-digit extension may be used to generate this Postnet (TCI 37) bar code. Example: 12345-123456. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 116 "^\", and be formatted according to the Mode selected (2-6). Mode 2 Mode 2 may have either of the following formats: Format 1 [)>#1e01#dYYPPPPPPPPP#1dCCC#1dSSS#1dA..A#1dB..B#1dC..C#1e#04 Where: #1e is the ASCII RS character #1d id the ASCII GS character 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 117 Table 8-2, 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 8-2 and occupy only one character in the encoded string. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 118: Maxicode Control Code Equivalents

    The printer will automatically choose the most efficient subset and insert the appropriate special function code listed in Table 8-3. It is possible to force a subset change by inserting the appropriate code while in automatic 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 119: 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” code, The “#3” while in subset printer code, while C, switches to defaults to in subset B, subset A. subset B switches to subset C. Figure 8-1 Code 128 Subset Switching 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 120 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. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 121 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 1:2. Valid ratios are 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. A carriage return character must be used to terminate this field. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 122: 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^\ 0<CR> 4<CR> 0<CR> 500<CR> 2<CR> 0<CR> ^D57<CR> 2,1280,900,,,7,2,0,1<CR> 1,330,350,1,46,,,,2,3<CR> Text string 2,640,250,11,7,40,,4<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> P<CR> Text string<CR> ^D3<CR> Figure 8-2 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 8-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 123: Sample Format #2

    3 numeric characters (variable length) an..3 3 alphanumeric characters (variable length) Indicates only year and month, DD must be filled with “00” (**) Plus one digit for length indication (***) Plus one digit for decimal point indication 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 8-11...
  • Page 124 Dimension, Feet n4+n6 329(***) Depth Thickness, Height or 3 Dimension, Yards n4+n6 330(***) Gross Weight, Kilograms n4+n6 331(***) Length or 1 Dimension, Meters, Logistics n4+n6 332(***) Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Meters, Logistics n4+n6 8-12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 125 365(***) Volume, Cubic Feet n4+n6 366(***) Volume, Cubic Yards n4+n6 367(***) Gross Volume, Cubic Inches n4+n6 368(***) Gross Volume, Cubic Feet n4+n6 369(***) Gross Volume, Cubic Yards n4+n6 Customer’s Purchase Order Number n3+an..30 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 8-13...

  • Page 126: Ucc/Ean Application Identifiers

    “#6” (pound+6). These characters are translated as the Code 128 “FNC1” character, which is specified by the UCC/EAN 128 symbologies variable-length field terminator. The characters “#6” are only used internally and are not printed. 8-14 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 127: Ucc/Ean Text Information, Tci 51

    The Model 324M and 424M printers support all six different RSS-14 symbologies: 1. RSS-14 2. RSS-14 Truncated 3.

  • Page 128: Rss-14 Truncated

    3 times the X dimension. This symbology may be scanned omni-directionally. This symbology does not allow for human readable text with the barcode. Figure 8-7 RSS-14 Stacked Omni-directional Sample 8-16 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 129: Rss-14 Limited

    1. 0 = RSS-14 (this is the Standard RSS-14 barcode) 2. 1 = RSS-14 Truncated 3. 2 = RSS-14 Stacked 4. 3 = RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional 5. 4 = RSS-14 Limited 6. 5 = RSS-14 Expanded 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 8-17...

  • Page 130: Bar Code Rotation

    (SP) in the field format parameters. On some bar codes that allow spacing to be adjusted, spacing may be increased from the default and not reduced to a smaller spacing. 8-18 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 131: Bar Code Rotations

    Rotated Bar Code Program Sample, see Figure 8-11: ^D57<CR> 5,1280,900,,,7,2,0,1,0,0<CR> 1,640,50,5,16,2,0,4,4,100<CR> 1,640,850,5,16,2,1,4,4,100<CR> 1,230,450,5,16,2,2,4,100,4<CR> 1,1050,450,5,16,2,3,4,100,4<CR> 2,640,425,9,1,5,0,4<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> 12345<CR> ROTATIONS<CR> ^D3<CR> Degrees ROTATIONS Degrees Degrees Degrees Figure 8-11 Bar Code Rotations 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 8-19...

  • Page 132: Human Readable/Extended Bars Tci's

    33) that add the extended bars should default the CGN parameter or enter a value of “1”. The fields may then be multiplied using the CMX and CMY parameters to generate the proper size to match the bar code that the human readable code is intended. The data 8-20 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 133 The first bar code is a complete version while the second bar code illustrates the text/extended code before aligning to the original bar code. 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> 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 8-21...
  • Page 134 Bar Codes Chapter 8 8-22 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 135: Chapter 9 Code Page Switching

     Many graphics characters are used. 9.2 Character Sets To accommodate the use of different languages, the 324M/424M printer provides a number of character sets. The numeric codes sent by the PC to the printer represent different characters depending on which character set is being used by the printer.

  • Page 136: Code Pages

    Code Pages The Default Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0000. Figure 9-1 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Default Code Page. Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 137: Danish Code Page

    Danish Code Page The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0001. Figure 9-2 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Danish Code Page. Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 138: Code Page

    The 860 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0010. Figure 9-3 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 860 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSPortuguese. Figure 9-3 Code Page - 860 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 139: Spanish Code Page

    Spanish Code Page The Spanish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0011. Figure 9-4 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Spanish Code Page. Figure 9-4 Code Page - Spanish 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 140: Code Page

    European languages such as French, Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Portuguese, Italian, 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. Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 141: German Code Page

    German Code Page The German Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0101. Figure 9-6 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the German Code Page. Figure 9-6 Code Page - German 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 142: Code Page

    The 865 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0110. Figure 9-7 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 865 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSNordic. Figure 9-7 Code Page - 865 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 143: Swiss Code Page

    Swiss Code Page The Swiss Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0111. Figure 9-8 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Swiss Code Page. Figure 9-8 Code Page - Swiss 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 144: Code Page

    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. Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 145: French Code Page

    The French Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1001. Figure 9-10 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the French Code Page. Figure 9-10 Code Page - French 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 9-11...

  • Page 146: Code Page

    The 863 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1010. Figure 9-11 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 863 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSCanadaF. Figure 9-11 Code Page - 863 9-12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 147: Swedish Code Page

    The Swedish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1011. Figure 9-12 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Swedish Code Page. Figure 9-12 Code Page - Swedish 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 9-13...

  • Page 148: Code Page

    SW4:(5-8) = 1100. Figure 9-13 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the 437 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSLatinUS. Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 149: Italian Code Page

    The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1101. Figure 9-14 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the Italian Code Page. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 9-15...

  • Page 150: British Code Page

    The British Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1110. Figure 9-15 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the British Code Page. Figure 9-15 Code Page - British 9-16 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 151: Usa Code Page

    The USA Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1111. Figure 9-16 below is an actual printout from a 424M printer set to use the USA Code Page. Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 9-17...
  • Page 152 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 153: Chapter 10 Printer Maintenance

    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 154: Thermal Printer Card

    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 of fanfold media (a typical stack of tag or fanfold media is approximately 3,200 tags).
  • Page 155 Place dampened cleaning card into printer as shown… … then close and latch print head assembly. Figure 10-1 Inserting Cleaning Card Firmly grasp printer… …and slowly pull cleaning card out of printer Figure 10-2 Removing Cleaning Card 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 10-3...

  • Page 156: Internal Cleaning

    (Drive Roller can be rotated by hand.) Clean Peel Edge with lint-free cloth or swabs dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Figure 10-3 Internal Cleaning 10-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 157: Print Head Maintenance

    Figure 10-4 Print head Thermal Elements CAUTION: Isopropyl Alcohol should be used to clean the drive roller. The use of other cleaning solvents or materials is not recommended and may degrade the performance of the drive roller. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 10-5...
  • Page 158 Printer Maintenance Chapter 10 10-6 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 159: Chapter 11: Troubleshooting

     Press the print button; light should turn green and resume printing if the printer has been paused.  Remove the tag, the light should turn green if a tag/tear mode is enabled  Contact your Service Representative. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 11-1...
  • Page 160  The intended memory slot is already occupied.  Verify that the printer is properly configured for the type of download being sent.  Clear memory and attempt download again.  Verify that the format has been created properly. 11-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 161: Index

    ^D153 Dot Feed Forward ........................5-46, 13-16 ^D154 Dot Feed Reverse ........................5-46, 13-17 ^D155 Dot Feed Speed ........................5-46, 13-17 ^D2 Text String Entry ..........................4-4, 13-3 ^D20 Set Baud Rate ..........................5-5, 13-3 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 12-1...
  • Page 162 ^D88 Load Field Number to Increment by 1 ...................5-31, 13-9 ^D89 Load Field Number to Decrement by 1 ..................5-31, 13-9 ^D90 Reflective Detection Threshold .....................5-20, 13-9 ^D91 Gap Detection Sensitivity ......................5-20, 13-9 ^D92 Set Starting Slice Number ......................5-18, 13-9 12-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 163 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 Communication RS-232C Serial ............................. 3-3 Compression Algorithm ............................. 6-5 Connections 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 12-3...
  • Page 164 Inspection ................................3-1 Isopropyl Alcohol ............................10-2, 10-5 Label Format Fields ............................4-11 AN................................4-18 CC ..............................4-12, 4-18 CGN................................4-14 CMX..............................4-16, 4-17 CMY..............................4-16, 4-17 CS................................4-18 FJ 4-17 FO...............................4-16, 4-17 TCI..............................4-12, 4-14 TSN ................................4-12 TSP................................4-18 12-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 165 Print Button..............................3-7, 3-8 Print Length ............................... Print Resolution ..............................Print Speed................................ Print Type ................................Print Width ................................. Printer Commands............................. 5-1 GAP................................13-9 Text String ..............................5-22 Printer Depth ..............................Printer Enquiries ..............................5-3 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 12-5...
  • Page 166 Statistics Label (Examples) ..........................3-10 Tag stock ............................... 13-20 Temperature ..............................Thermal Printer Card ............................10-2 Troubleshooting ............................... 11-1 TXD................................13-20 Unpacking................................3-1 UPC-A Symbol..............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol.............................8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB................................13-20 Warranty ................................13-1 12-6 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 167: List Of Figures

    RSS-14 Stacked Omni-directional Sample.............8-16 RSS-14 Limited Sample ..................8-17 RSS-12 Expanded Sample ..................8-17 RSS-14 Sample Label FORMAT................8-18 Bar Code Rotations ....................8-19 UPC-A Text/Extended Bars..................8-20 Code Page - Default....................9-2 Code Page - Danish ....................9-3 Code Page - 860 ......................9-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 12-7...
  • Page 168 Code Page - Italian....................9-15 Code Page - British ....................9-16 Code Page – USA ....................9-17 Inserting Cleaning Card ..................10-3 Removing Cleaning Card..................10-3 Internal Cleaning ....................10-4 Print head Thermal Elements ................10-5 12-8 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

  • Page 169: List Of Tables

    Kiosk Cutter Advance Distances ................5-35 UPC-E Zero Reduction Format ................8-2 MaxiCode Control Code Equivalents................8-6 Code128 Special Function Access................8-7 PDF-417 Error Correction Level ................8-10 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ................8-14 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s..............8-20 Recommended Maintenance Schedule..............10-1 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 12-9...

  • Page 170: Appendix

    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 171: Appendix B: ^D Command Summary

    SW3 bit 7) mode. This is helpful when placed just before a graphic file. The printer will continue processing the data as binary data until instructed to exit the temporary binary mode (5 NULLs +0F). 13-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 172 ****.)))))) 1 = Disable Parity (NONE) ; 0 = Enable Parity ***.))))))) 1 = Odd Parity ; 0 = Even Parity **.)))))))) 1 = Ignore Control Codes ; 0 = Accept *.)))))))))), .)))))))))),* Enquiry Responses 00 = Control Codes 10 = Text Equivalent 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-3...
  • Page 173 **.)))))))) 1 = Send Enquiry Response after Print ; 0 = Disable *.))))))))) 1 = Active LOW for >INPUT1< ; 0 = Active HIGH .)))))))))) 1 = Disable Extended ASCII ; 0 = Enable 13-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 174 ***.))))))) 1 = Enable button TOF; 0 = Disable **.)))))))) 1 = TOF sensor is transmissive; 0 = TOF is reflective *.))))))))) 1 = Enable >BUTTON PRESSED<; 0 = Disable .)))))))))) 1 = Enable Single Button Press Clear; 0 = Disable 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-5...
  • Page 175 Same as ^A2^D39, but prints the values on a label, instead of on the screen. Diagnostic Mode (Tick-Tick) Clears Commands 41 through 51 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value. Load Label Width in dots (LXS): The ^Axx specifies the value. 13-6 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 176 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. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-7...
  • Page 177 Valid values are A448, A640, A832, A960, and A1280. Set Print head Dot Density: The ^Axx specifies the number of dots/inch available in the print head. Valid values are A0 and A1. 13-8 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 178 Set Starting Slice Number: This command adjusts the number of slices (dot rows) generated before the printer starts moving the label stock. Load Control Code Recognition Status: Enable control code recognition Disable control code recognition 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-9...
  • Page 179 Use the ^D17 to erase FONT flash memory. 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 more detailed reporting. 13-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 180 ^A0 deletes ALL graphics from RAM. ^Ax 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.
  • Page 181 RSS-14 Data Entry Command. The Reduced Space Symbology (RSS-14) barcode is fully supported by the 324M and 424M printers. There are 6 different types of RSS-14 that are supported by the printer: 1) RSS-14 Standard...
  • Page 182 “Top Of Form” sensor, c) media is retracted 0.512” to place the leading edge of stock under the print head. Display Available FLASH memory. This command is used to display how much FONT/GRAPHICs flash memory is available. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-13...
  • Page 183 The ^Axxyy tells the printer the overall size of the file according to this format: xx = the number of additional 64KB sectors in the GRAPHIC file set yy = CGN # (1-255) 13-14 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 184 FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. This command is the equivalent to sending: 1) ^D100 (clears all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM, 2) ^A0^D140 (clears all user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH). 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-15...
  • Page 185 The ^Ax specifies which inputs will cause the error, with the x being a hex number 0 to F. Dot Feed Forward. Feeds the media forward at the given speed. The ^Ax is the number of dots to move. 13-16 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 186 Feeds the media in reverse at the given speed. The ^Ax is the number of dots to move. Dot Feed Speed. Controls the feed speed of the ^D153 and ^D154 commands. The ^Ax is the DPS value 0 through 13. 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-17...

  • Page 187: Appendix C: Glossary

    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. DSR leaves the printer on pin #6 of the RS-232 connector. 13-18 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...
  • Page 188 This is a non-volatile type of memory, which means that the information stored in the memory chip is retained even when the printer power is turned off. The 324M/424M printers use two FLASH memory chips: a CODE flash (256K x 16), and a FONT flash (4M x 16) GND (Signal Ground) - The ground terminal of a power supply’s output, and all points that...
  • Page 189 RXD leaves the printer on pin #2 of the RS-232 connector. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) – High density random access memory that is commonly used to store application code. The 324M & 424M printers do NOT use this type of memory.
  • Page 190 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001 13-21...

  • Page 191: Appendix D: User Notes

    Appendix D: User Notes 13-22 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-1001...

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