Enquiry Responses - Microcom 424 Operator's Manual

Chapter 5
using binary compression, the 5 NULLs method should be used to request
status instead of the ^E command.
5 NULLS + 02: 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 02 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command is used to cancel
pending jobs/commands and to remotely clear errors returning the printer to
an idle >READY< state. If the condition causing the original error condition
still exists, sending new jobs will cause the printer to go back into an error
condition. This command simply provides the ability to remotely clear error
conditions and return the printer to a state that allows normal communication.
5 NULLS + 0F: 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 0F are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command instructs the
printer to exit the temporary binary mode switch. If a printer has been
configured to use binary compression mode using the soft switch command
(D23 - SW3 bit 7), the 5 NULLs +0F method will be ignored when issued.
0F + 5 NULLS: 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; 0F 00 00 00 00 00 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command provides a
temporary switch into binary compression mode without having to have the
printer configured for binary compression (D23 -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).
5.1.1

Enquiry Responses

It is important for the host computer to know the status of the printer as labels are being
produced. This facilitates security in the system and flags electrical, mechanical, and
functional error conditions. Enquiries also aid the system designer in adjusting the pace of
the printer with that of the operator.
The printer returns enquiry responses to the host in two different modes depending on how
Software Switch#1 is configured.
Text Mode: The response is sent to the host as text as shown in Table 5-1. The strings
are sent out the active communication port with a CR LF separating each one. The end of
the response is terminated with an extra CR LF.
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 FFh character.
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Printer Commands
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