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Microcom 428M Operator's Manual

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MODEL 428M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 880028-0112
March 24, 2010 CPC
Copyright © 2010 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

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Summary of Contents for Microcom 428M

  • Page 1 MODEL 428M DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER: 880028-0112 March 24, 2010 CPC Copyright © 2010 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America...
  • 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

    Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER ..........3-17 3.7.4 Diagnostic Mode ..................3-17 3.7.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode................3-18 3.7.4.2 Statistics Label.................... 3-18 Sensor Inputs..................... 3-19 CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS........4-1 Control Characters....................4-1 LDS Design Exercises ..................4-1 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...
  • Page 6 Enquiry Responses ..................5-11 Printer Configuration Commands ............... 5-12 5.2.1 Software Switches..................5-13 5.2.1.1 Software Switch #1 ..................5-13 5.2.1.2 Software Switch #2 ..................5-14 5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3 ..................5-15 5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4 ..................5-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 7 CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS..........6-1 FLASH Data Types ....................6-1 RAM Data Types....................6-1 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility........6-1 6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure ....... 6-2 Graphic Download Methods................. 6-3 6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads.............. 6-3 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 8 8.1.18 PDF-417, TCI 46 ................... 8-8 8.1.19 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50 ................8-11 8.1.20 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51 ............8-15 8.1.21 RSS-14, TCI 35................... 8-15 8.1.21.1 RSS-14 Standard................. 8-15 8.1.21.2 RSS-14 Truncated ................8-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 9 Appendix A: Limited Warranty.................. 12-1 Appendix B: RMA Procedure ................... 12-3 Appendix C: ^D Command Summary............... 12-5 Glossary........................12-21 Appendix D: User Notes..................12-25 INDEX......................13-1 General Index ......................13-1 List of Figures ......................13-7 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 10 List of Tables......................13-9 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 11 Introduction The Model 428M printer is purposely built to provide a powerful print engine in a small chassis to accommodate a wide variety of kiosk applications. It is designed with a 4” printhead capable of printing up to 8” per second and is available in 203 or 300 dpi. It incorporates the latest features of the proven LDS software found in earlier Microcom Corporation printers.
  • Page 12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

    General Specifications * NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary based on final configuration. ** NOTE: Higher temperature applications are possible, please contact your Microcom Corporation Sales representative for more information. 1.2 Printing Specifications...

  • Page 14: Table 1-3 Media Specifications

    Maximum Media Width *NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types.

  • Page 15: Chapter 2: Features And Options

     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

     Automatic stock eject on paper-out 2.5 Options  +24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply  300 dpi print head  Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly  Low Paper Sensor Assembly  Rubber Feet  Cleaning kit 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 17: Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories

    After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 428M printer, optional power supply, and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain different items.

  • Page 18: Printer Power

    Chapter 3 3.2 Printer Power Microcom Corporation offers a “desktop” universal power supply as option. Any power supply that conforms to the standard supply specifications listed in Table 3-1 below may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC power supply that operates in the 100-240 VAC;...

  • Page 19: Usb Communication Interface

    Connecting the Power 3.3 USB Communication Interface The 428M printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order to communicate with the printer, the Prolific Technologies USB driver must be installed on the host computer. This may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com/drivers.htm.

  • Page 20: Usb Driver Setup

    7. Double-click the Prolific USB-to-Serial Bridge (ComX) to open the Properties box. Check Port Settings as shown and change to match Figure 3-4 if necessary. 8. Open the terminal emulation program and set Com settings to match the virtual Com port settings. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 21: Figure 3-4 Usb To Virtual Com Port Properties

    A WYSIWYG software package group, Nicelabel, has developed a Windows driver for the Microcom Corporation printer’s. The driver has been optimized to use with the Nicelabel software but may also work for other Windows applications. The driver’s may be downloaded at http://www.nicelabel.com/Downloads/NiceDrivers.

  • Page 22: Figure 3-5 Selecting The Windows Printer Driver

    Getting Started Chapter 3 Figure 3-5 Selecting the Windows Printer Driver After selecting MICROCOM as the printer manufacturer, the printer Model and Printhead resolution should be selected. Figure 3-6 Selecting the Windows Printer Driver Select the printer port that will be used and then select the “Finish” button. Please note that...

  • Page 23: Figure 3-7 Driver Properties Menu

    Hardware and the printer should communicate properly. Please not that the printer needs to be power cycled to exit the diagnostics mode. Select the “Configure Port” button to set the communication parameters to match the printer’s settings. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 24: Figure 3-8 Driver Ports Menu

    6. Select the “Printing Preferences” button located on the “General” tab that is next to the “Print Test Page” button to configure the driver for your application. The “Printing Preferences” represents the Microcom Corporation specific printer properties and should represent the media that your application is using. Failure to configure this section properly will results if misaligned printing or stock errors to occur.

  • Page 25: Figure 3-10 Printing Preferences Menu

    The “Unprintable Area” at the bottom of this window should always be set to “0.00”. Figure 3-10 Printing Preferences Menu 6. Select the “Advanced Setup” tab to finish configuring the printer driver. Figure 3-11 Advanced Setup Menu 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 26: Advanced Windows Driver Features

    3.4.2 Advanced Windows Driver Features The Windows driver also provides additional feature to make the driver as flexible as possible. This section is intended to discuss some of the options in greater detail. 3-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 27: Figure 3-12 Stocks Tab

    Once you select a “New” stock, another dialog box opens and you can specify the parameters for the Stock. The stock type is given a NAME that is used to recall the stock type on the Options tab. Figure 3-13 Stocks Dialog Box 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 3-11...

  • Page 28: Figure 3-14 Custom Commands Tab

    Start Document (data) ^D100 GRAPHIC IMAGE Start Page ^D57 FORMAT HEADER FORMAT PLACEMENT FIELDS ^D56 FORMAT DATA End Page (data) ^D3 - (PRINT) End Page End Document (data) End Document Figure 3-14 Custom Commands Tab 3-12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 29: Figure 3-15 Import/Export Settings Tab

    The driver provides a way to Export or Import the driver configuration file (.drs file). This is helpful in troubleshooting or in helping getting a customer up and running with the proper setup. Figure 3-15 Import/Export Settings Tab 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 3-13...

  • Page 30: Figure 3-16 Loading Media

    Chapter 3 3.5 Loading Media Loading media into the Model 428M printer is 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 31: Figure 3-17 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 3-3 Print Button Description 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 3-15...

  • Page 32: Table 3-4 Status Indicator Light Description

    If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label, c) Holding the button depressed: Line Feed until the button is released. 3-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 33: 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 3-17...

  • Page 34: Figure 3-18 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 3-18 Status Label (Examples) 3-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 35: Figure 3-19 Lpd "Label Present Detector Location

    Soft switch #3, bit #4 (^D23 command). An active state will return an >INPUT 2< response when queried. The maximum pick-up range not adjustable and is set to sense a reflection up to 0.80” from the sensor’s surface. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 3-19...

  • Page 36: Figure 3-20 428M Shown With Optional Pre-Stock Out Assembly

    The maximum pick-up range not adjustable and is set to sense a reflection up to 0.80” from the sensor’s surface. PSO Assembly Configuration PSO Switch (>INPUT 1<) configuration Paper Low Sensor (>INPUT 2<) Assembly Port Figure 3-20 428M Shown with Optional Pre-Stock Out Assembly 3-20 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 37: Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using Lds

    A computer with a Prolific Technologies USB driver installed. (Contact your Microcom Corporation representative for more details.) A USB cable with Type-A (host computer) and Type-B (428M printer) connectors. A VT-100 terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal™. A text editor that does not add formatting characters such as Microsoft® Notepad.

  • Page 38: 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 428M printer is fitted with a 300 dpi head.

  • Page 39: Appendix

    Below is a sample label format created for the Model 428M. We will refer to this format as we break down the steps and components to produce the format. Refer to Figure 4-2 for a printed representation.

  • Page 40: Figure 4-2 3X3 Sample Label

    While the maximum number of dots in the horizontal or “X” direction is limited by print head size, it is virtually unlimited in the vertical or “Y” direction. Vertical dot rows are “stepped” by the drive roller motor. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 41 If the HFM were changed to 4, only the first four format fields would be generated. The HFM value should never be larger that the fields that are actually sent. This would cause the printer to produce corrupt images. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 42: Lsx (Print Head Size X)

    The maximum width of the LSX parameter is determined by the width of the print head. LDS has been specifically designed to accommodate a variety of print head widths. The 428M LSX value should always be set to 1280. 4.4.3...

  • Page 43: Table 4-1 Dps Values

    SPG parameter of the header when the default AGD of “1” is entered in the header. This means that fields that are left blank or text data for the associating format fields are left empty will not print. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 44: Black Line Media (Reflective) (Setting = 3)

    LSY is greater than the D2G parameter value, the D2G value is used. Registration Sensor/Print Head DPI D2G Value Transmissive (GAP) / 203 DPI Reflective (Blackline) / 203 DPI Transmissive (GAP) / 300 DPI Reflective (Blackline) / 300 DPI Table 4-2 Dot to Gap Parameters 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 45 The SPG may also be determined by adding a line at dot row #1 using Line Draw (See Section 4.7) and adjusting the SPG number up and down to get desirable registration with the line printing at the bottom edge of the media. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 46: Ofx (Offset X Direction)

    LCB of 0 for die-cut labels. AGD of 1 step. SPG of 385 for proper placement of the next label. No X offset. No Y offset. <CR> A carriage return must follow the header. 4-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 47: Label Format Fields

    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 Figure 4-4 Label Format Field Elements 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 4-11...

  • Page 48: Tsn (Text String Number)

    All of the TCI values used by the 428M printer are listed in Table 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”...

  • Page 49: Cgn (Character Generator Number)

    The CGN parameter is a numeric entry that determines the representation and size of embedded font and bar codes as well as the memory location of graphic images that have been selected by the TCI parameter. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 4-13...

  • Page 50: Embedded Fonts

    Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts The 428M printer provides seven resident Helvetica style 203 DPI embedded fonts that are selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value. Embedded Bitmapped Fonts POINT...
  • Page 51 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 4-5 CGN - Standard Downloadable Font Set 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 4-15...

  • Page 52: Embedded Bar Codes

    Table 4-6 CGN—Bar Code Symbologies * These Symbols must use the CMX or CMY multipliers by 2 to produce an 80% ratio. ** The “FO” field represents the available Field Orientation or print rotation. 4-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 53: Fo (Field Orientation)

    CMY would be the actual height in thermal dots. For bar codes with a FO of 90 & 270 degree rotation, the CMX would be the actual height in thermal dots while the CMY parameter would be the multiplier. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 4-17...

  • Page 54: Cmy (Character Multiplier Y Direction)

    A setting of “3” will print both fixed/non-proportional character spacing and reversed text. Proportional Character Spacing Reverse Video Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing Fixed / Non-proportional Character Spacing and Reverse Video Auto Reverse Video: Character cell = BLACK, Character = WHITE 4-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 55: Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample

    (commas) without values. An example of two lines drawn on a label is shown in Figure 4-5. This 3 x 3” label was designed for a 428M printer with a 300 DPI print head. ^D57 <CR>...
  • Page 56 CC (Character Count) This element is not used in line draw. No value is necessary, however, a comma needs to be entered to acknowledge the position. TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) The TCI is always set to a “6” for line draw. 4-20 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 57: 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 4-21...

  • Page 58: Auto Reverse Video

    It is possible to create a reverse video effect with barcodes using this method. ^D57 5,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 Microcom 1,640,700,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 2,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 3,640,443,26,1,5,0,4,,,,,,,8 Corporation 4,640,296,6,1,5,0,4,,,,,,,8 4,640,148,6,16,3,,4,3,75,,,,,0 ^D56 Thermal Printing Solutions Microcom Corporation 012345 Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 Figure 4-8 Auto Reverse Video Sample 4-22 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 59: Chapter 5 Printer Commands

    Chapter 5 Printer Commands The model 428M printer has a large and versatile collection of control commands to meet the special needs of the most demanding applications. Most of the commands use the “^D” control sequence, however the printer also recognizes a selected number of other control sequences.
  • Page 60 This command is used to request the printer’s status and is very similar to the ^E command. The biggest difference between this command and the ^E is that when printers are 5-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 61: Enquiry Responses

    Text and/or Byte mode rule above but will only Display the Decimal codes. Byte Mode Text Mode Response Definition Response TICKET ACK OUT OF TICKETS ILLEGAL DATA CUTTER JAM Table 5-1 STL Status Responses 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-11...

  • Page 62: Printer Configuration Commands

    This provides a starting point for re-establishing communication with the printer so that user settings may be sent to the printer. The statistics label printed when the printer entered the DEFAULT MODE reflects current printer settings and not the factory default settings. 5-12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 63: Software Switches

    1 = Enable 0 = Disable Number of Data Bits: Sets the printer’s serial port to use either 7 or 8 data bits. 1 = 8 Data Bits 0 = 7 Data Bits 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-13...

  • Page 64: Software Switch #2

    The printer can be instructed not to load a format at power- up by setting all three switches to 0. 000 = No Power-up Format 001 = ROM or Saved Format File 1 010 = ROM or Saved Format File 2 5-14 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 65: Software Switch #3

    0 = Enable (<|> key functions as <Ctrl> key) Accept “^” for Ctrl: Sets whether the “caret” character will be interpreted the same as the “Ctrl” key. The “caret” character is the <SHIFT> + 6 key. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-15...

  • Page 66: 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 Stock Out function: Enable this function to get a >LOW STOCK<...

  • Page 67: Software Switch #5

    The correct type of sensor is determined by the printer hardware configuration being used. 1 = TOF is TRANSMISSIVE 0 = TOF is REFLECTIVE 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-17...

  • Page 68: Software Switch #6

    This command provides similar functionality of other printer manufacturers that specify exact placement and location of blackline media used for registration. The printer takes in STL commands and internally converts them to LDS command tables. 5-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 69 /180 degree rotation and in 180/270 degree rotation. The odd memory slots denote 0 or 180 degree rotation fonts while the even memory slots denote 90/270 degree rotated fonts. The flash memory slot locations are shown below: 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-19...
  • Page 70 The CS value used in conjunction with the AN set to a 2 to produce a negative kerning effect should be removed and the field defaulted. This is the 11 field defined in the format lines. 5-20 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 71 “ERROR INPUT: 0nH” with the value for “n” equaling the HEX value of the inputs. The inputs equal a binary number with the inputs in the following order; 4321. Command Syntax: ^D151<CR>0n<CR> 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-21...
  • Page 72 NOTE: If the printer is not in the general purpose I/O mode, the inputs status may still be read with the ^D150 command but the outputs cannot be read (or written to) with the ^D69 or ^D68 commands. 5-22 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 73 NOTE: Default power up will disable I/O mode. 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 74: Software Switch #7

    These bits are used to select the width of the stock (in inches) to be used according to the following bit pattern: 000 – 1.00 100 – 1.328 010 – 2 110 – 2.125 001 – 2.5 101 – 2.75 011 – 3.25 111 – 4 5-24 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 75: Communication Port Configuration

    D149 USB image print mode. 110 bps 150 bps 300 bps 600 bps 1200 bps 2400 bps 4800 bps 9600 bps 19200 bps 38400 bps 57600 bps 115200 bps 230400 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-25...

  • Page 76: Set Serial Port Source Command (Volatile - ^D109)

    Power cycle or ^D32 is required before command settings take affect. Note: When using these commands, the ^D79 command MUST be sent prior to the ^D78 5-26 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 77 EXAMPLE #1: How to set the printer for a 640 dot, 300 dpi print head: ^A1^D79<CR> (Sets 300 dpi) ^A640^D78<CR> (Sets 640 dots) EXAMPLE #2: How to set the printer for an 832 dot, 203 dpi print head: ^A0^D79<CR> (Sets 203 dpi) ^A832^D78<CR> (Sets 832 dots) 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-27...

  • Page 78: General Purpose I/O

    Ethernet interface. This status byte is sent whether there is a change of status or not. Status Byte From Printer to Host: Bit # Function when = “1” Function when = “0” 0 (LSB) IN RESET or PRINTING NOT BUSY 5-28 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 79: Synchronous Print Mode

    2) ABORT input line (connector P17, Pin #8) Signal logic levels: The signals are active high and must be between +15Vdc and +24Vdc to be “1”. The signals must drop below +10Vdc to be “0”. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-29...

  • Page 80: Contrast Adjustment Commands

    It is highly recommended that contrast adjustments be maintained at minimum settings to achieve desired print quality. Higher contrast settings will reduce the life of the print head. 5-30 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 81: Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile - ^D35)

    Save and Reboot (Hard Reset): This command instructs the printer to save statistics stored in RAM to non-volatile Flash memory and then actually resets the printer hardware. Issuing this command is the equivalent of turning the 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-31...

  • Page 82: Registration Mark Threshold Commands

    ^D47 is set to the proper setting for the media being used. When using media that contains a blackline for the registration mark, first execute the ^A1^D47<CR> command sequence before issuing the auto-size command or the results may be invalid. 5-32 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 83: Autoheader Commands

    This command is a specialty media handling command that works when the correct media is used. Please contact your Microcom Corporation representative if you have any questions regarding the use of this command. When enabled the printer will autoload...

  • Page 84: Autoload Media

    The printer will automatically begin to turn the drive roller after the stock is sensed by the transmissive sensor. A delay (^D120) may be set from when the stock is first sensed and when the drive roller starts to turn (See Section 5.5.3). The printer will advance 5-34 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 85 When using this as an autoload template, the format does not have to print; it simply needs to load the correct media size to be used as the alignment format. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-35...

  • Page 86: Autoload + Top-Of-Form

    Since this is a volatile command the default setting will be restored every time the printer’s power is cycled “OFF” and “ON.” Example: Have the printer wait 1.25 seconds before feeding paper on AutoLoad. ^A1250^D120 5-36 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 87: Printing Commands

    For example, the following command string will print a total of 150 labels; three copies of each serial number for the 50 different labels. (^A3^D73^A50^D75^D3<CR>) Infinity Print: Prints a batch of labels until the printer is turned off. This 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-37...

  • Page 88: Label Header Parameter Override Commands

    Load the Number of Steps Past Gap (SPG): The ^Axx specifies the value in Dot Rows. Load X Direction Offset (OFX): The ^Axx specifies the value. Load Y Direction Offset (OFY): The ^Axx specifies the value. 5-38 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 89: Serial Number Commands

    Example: A “^A1^D87<CR>” instructs the printer to clear the increment/decrement function of text string number 1 or the first text string. Load Field Number to Increment by 1: The ^Axx specifies which field to increment by one. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-39...

  • Page 90: Text String Commands

    “102” while the second text string is printed as “200”, “199”, and then finally “198”. Text String Commands These commands offer special functions pertaining to the text strings. Some of the special functions would include Pre-padded text and auto-print. 5-40 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 91 ^D64 command. This mode is useful when interfacing to a scale, bar code wand of other limited host that is capable of generating and sending carriage return characters. Clear Previous Text Upon Receiving New Data. When one of more characters 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-41...

  • Page 92: Cutter Configuration Commands

    The ^D115 is a non-volatile command that sets the proper type of cutter installed on the printer being used. This value is reported to the ^D29 statistics label. This command should be used prior to enabling the cutter with the ^D99 or ^D111 commands. 5-42 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 93: Kiosk Cutter Commands

    Note: When doing partial cuts with a LPD, the printer will not proceed until the LPD sees that the label has been taken. Then after a programmable delay, the printer will retract and print the next label. Disable Cutter operation. Enable Full Cut. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-43...
  • Page 94 Home Cutter: When this command is issued, the printer will cycle the cutter gear to determine the location of the gear and position it in the home position. This command is only available on the X28 series printer’s. 5-44 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 95: Cutter Hold-Off

    Advance/Retract Distance: This command is used in conjunction with the tag/tear (^D97), peel-n-dispense (^D98), and cutter (^D99) commands. It is used to adjust the number of steps the printer will advance the media after 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-45...

  • Page 96: View Printer Configuration And Statistics

    The ^Axx selects the memory slot (1- 128) into which the format is to be saved. A format file must be terminated by an ESC (HEX 1B) or “[“(left bracket) character to save the format. 5-46 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 97 Flash Based Fonts/Graphics(TCI=7) - [file number(CGN), banks used, type] [1,1, Graphic]  Slot #1 of FONT flash has a GRAPHIC that takes up 1 bank (64Kbyte) Font/Graphic Flash Memory Banks Available - 119  There are 119 banks of 64KB open. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-47...
  • Page 98 Sample format saved to RAM slot #1: ^A1^D130 ^D57 5,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 Saved Format COMMAND Delete a FORMAT from FLASH. ^A0 deletes all FORMAT files in FLASH ^Axx deletes the FORMAT file stored in FLASH slot (1 – 128) 5-48 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 99 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 maintains a address table that tells where each FONT CGN # is stored in FLASH. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-49...
  • Page 100 Slot #xx is now available in FLASH. The FONT may extend over several slots and the ^D119 will indicate how many slots are used. Process a FLASH FORMAT. ^Axx references the FORMAT file stored in Slot #xx 5-50 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 101 This command clears all user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH memory, and all the downloaded FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. This command is the equivalent to sending: 1) ^D100 (clears all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS and GRAPHICS in RAM. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-51...

  • Page 102: Printer Code Update

    ^A62519^D7 command will update the printer’s bootloader, application, and embedded font set. This process requires some interactivity with the printer and failure to follow the proper process will cause the printer to become inoperable. Please contact your Microcom Corporation Representative for more information. 5.14...
  • Page 103 This image print protocol has a 5 second inter-character timer that starts as soon as the printer sends back the size of the image. If the 5 second times out, the download will fail. The printer will report >FAIL TIMEOUT<, the status 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-53...
  • Page 104 8.0 ips (inches per second) 7.5 ips 7.0 ips 6.5 ips 6.0 ips 5.5 ips 5.0 ips 4.5 ips 4.0 ips 3.5 ips 3.0 ips 2.5 ips 2.0 ips 1.5 ips 1.0 ips 0.5 ips 5-54 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 105 This distance is set at the factory and is typically not needed to be changed. The Dot2gap distances represent the physical characteristics of the printer models. This command is used in 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 5-55...
  • Page 106 After a power up, reports the “running” total of detected Brownouts. Clears the “running” total or volatile brownout count Reports the non-volatile brownout count stored in memory Clears the non-volatile brownout count stored in memory 5-56 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 107: Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics

    Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics The 428M 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) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS.

  • Page 108: 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 109: Graphic Download Methods

    6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers The following sections are provided to developers who wish to create usable GRAPHIC images within their own applications. Commands in the following section are not typically seen for users using Microcom GRAPHIC utilities. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 110: Save Compressed Graphics To Ram (D107)

    GRAPHIC uses, not the number of bytes that will actually be transmitted. Due to compression, the number of bytes transmitted will normally be less than this number. <Image Data> is the compressed binary image. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 111: Binary Compression Algorithm

    (4 X 256)+1+107 = 1132 6.5.4 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104) This command allows graphic and/or font images (fonts must be less than 64KB uncompressed) to be transmitted in ASCII-HEX, thereby allowing all data to pass over 7 or 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 112: Figure 6-1 Ascii-Hex Conversions

    All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored least-significant-byte first. The method illustrated below allows graphic images to span 64KB memory segments. When using graphics over 64KB, the printer will determine the number of 64KB slots 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 113 2d array. The most significant bit of the first byte in each row, prints as the right most dot of the character, and the first row is the bottom row when printed. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 114: 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 115: Flash Data Types

    Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts The 428M 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) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS, using TCI #7.

  • Page 116: Sfp2Mic.exe Program

    2. Follow the on screen instructions and note the slot number where the image is saved. The Model 428M 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 117: Uncompressed Font To Ram (^D104)

    This command allows graphic and/or font images (fonts must be less than 64KB uncompressed) to be transmitted in 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 118: 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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 119: 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 120: Downloadable Font Command Summary

    7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphics: 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 121 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 122 Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 123: Chapter 8: Bar Codes

    UPC-E bar codes do not use inter-character spacing, therefore the character spacing (CS) element must be defaulted. The chart listed in Table 14 illustrates how the 11 digits are reduced to only 6 using the “zero suppression” compression. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 124 (“*”) character, which is reserved for this purpose. This symbology uses 2:1, 3:1, 4:2, 5:2, and 8:3 ratios, which may be selected using the CGN parameter. Although most specifications require a specific inter-character 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 125 Postnet is a numeric-only symbology that is commonly used in postal application to sort mail. The five-digit zip or five-digit zip plus four-digit extension may be used to generate this Postnet (TCI 36) bar code. Example: 12345 or 12345-1234. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 126 Zip Code - 9 digits The data string associated with a MaxiCode field shall be formatted according to the Mode selected (2-6). Mode 2 Mode 2 may have either of the following formats: Format 1 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 127 Table 15, and occupy only one character in the encoded string. Mode 6 Mode 6 may encode any string up to 93 characters. Control characters are specified in Table 15 on the next page, and occupy only one character in the encoded string. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 128 The printer will automatically choose the most efficient subset and insert the appropriate special function code listed in Table 16. It is possible to force a subset change by inserting the appropriate code while in automatic 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 129: Figure 8-1 Code 128 Subset Switching

    C the user must send the appropriate code (#n) to return to either subset A or B. ABC#3012345#5abc The “#5” The “#3” code, printer code, while while in defaults to in subset B, subset C, subset B switches to switches subset C. Figure 8-1 Code 128 Subset Switching 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 130 The following format is used to generate a PDF-417 bar code: ^D77<CR> :Text Data^\ Number_of_Rows<CR> Number_of_Columns<CR> Rotation<CR> ECC_Percent<CR> 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 131 This parameter is used to adjust the aspect ratio of the PDF-417 symbology. The value is entered in ratio format (height: width) and has a default value of 2:1. A carriage return character must be used to terminate this field. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 132: Figure 8-2 Pdf-417 Sample Format #1

    The following format samples show how to generate a PDF-417 bar code: Sample Format #1: ^D77<CR> :PDF-417 bar code data^[ 3<CR> 30<CR> 0<CR> 0<CR> 0<CR> 2:1<CR> ^D57<CR> 2,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285<CR> Text string 1,190,300,1,46<CR> 2,190,200,11,1,5<CR> ^D56<CR> ^D2<CR> P<CR> Text string<CR> ^D3<CR> Figure 8-2 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 8-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 133: Figure 8-3 Pdf-417 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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-11...
  • Page 134 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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 135 365(***) 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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-13...
  • Page 136 “#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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 137: Figure 8-4 Rss-14 Standard Sample

    If less than 14 characters are entered in the “Data To Encode” field, zeroes are padded to the front after the linkage flag. Non-numeric characters are stripped from the “Data To Encode” field. Figure 8-4 RSS-14 Standard Sample 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-15...

  • Page 138: Figure 8-5 Rss-14 Truncated Sample

    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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 139: Figure 8-8 Rss-14 Limited Sample

    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 Omni-directional 5) 4 = RSS-14 Limited 6) 5 = RSS-14 Expanded 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-17...

  • Page 140: Figure 8-10 Rss-14 Sample Label Format

    When 0 and 180 degree bar codes are X multiplied (CMX), the space between characters is also multiplied by the printer internally to maintain the correct ratio. When multiplying bar codes use the default value for the spacing element (SP) in the field format parameters. On 8-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 141 Rotated Bar Code Program Sample, see Figure 26: ^D57<CR> 5,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR> 1,300,500,5,16,2,0,,2,100<CR> 1,300,400,5,16,2,1,,2,100<CR> 1,300,300,5,16,2,2,,100,2<CR> 1,300,300,5,16,2,3,,100,100<CR> 2,288,300,9,1,5,0,4<CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> 12345<CR> ROTATIONS<CR> ^D3<CR> 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-19...

  • Page 142: Figure 8-11 Bar Code Rotations

    Text with MSI 1 Checksum added Text with MSI 2 Checksum added Text with UPC-A Checksum and Extended Bars added Text with UPC-A with Extended Bars added EAN128 Table 8-6 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s 8-20 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 143: Figure 8-12 Upc-A Text/Extended Bars

    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> 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 8-21...
  • Page 144 Bar Codes Chapter 8 8-22 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 145: What Is Code Page Switching?

    2. Code Page 850 3. Code Page 852 4. Code Page 860 5. Code Page 863 6. Code Page 865 7. USA 8. British 9. German 10. French 11. Italian 12. Danish 13. Spanish 14. Swedish 15. Swiss 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 146: Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default

    Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.1 Code Pages The Default Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0000. Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 147: Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish

    Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.2 Danish Code Page The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0001. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 148: Code Page

    Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.3 860 Code Page The 860 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0010 This code page is also known as DOS Portuguese. Figure 9-3 Code Page - 860 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 149: Figure 9-4 Code Page - Spanish

    Albanian, Rhaeto-Romanic, Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Faroese, Icelandic, Irish, Scottish, and English. It covers the entire North American continent, Australia, and much of Africa. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 150 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 151: Figure 9-6 Code Page - German

    Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.6 German Code Page The German Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0101. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-6 Code Page - German 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 152: Code Page

    Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.7 865 Code Page The 865 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0110 This code page is also known as DOS Nordic. Figure 9-7 Code Page - 865 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 153: Figure 9-8 Code Page - Swiss

    The 852 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1000. 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 154 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 155: Figure 9-10 Code Page - French

    Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.10 French Code Page The French Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1001. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-10 Code Page - French 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 9-11...

  • Page 156: Code Page

    Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.11 863 Code Page The 863 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1010 This code page is also known as DOS CanadaF. Figure 9-11 Code Page - 863 9-12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 157: Figure 9-12 Code Page - Swedish

    Code Page 437 is the famous code page used in the original IBM PC. This code page contains lot of box drawing characters and a few foreign letters. The 437 Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1100. This code page is also known as DOS LatinUS. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 9-13...
  • Page 158 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 159: Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian

    Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.14 Italian Code Page The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1101 Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 9-15...

  • Page 160: Figure 9-15 Code Page - British

    Code Switching Chapter 9 9.3.15 British Code Page The British Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1110. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-15 Code Page - British 9-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 161: Figure 9-16 Code Page - Usa

    Chapter 9 Code Page Switching 9.3.16 USA Code Page The USA Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1111. Refer to Section 5.1.2.4 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 9-17...
  • Page 162 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 163: 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 164: Figure 10-1 Inserting Cleaning 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 165: Figure 10-2 Print Head Assembly Removal

    5. The exposed Drive Roller can now be cleaned using a cotton swab or lint-free wiping rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Push Retaining Wire away… …to allow Print Head Pivot Shaft to be pushed “IN” Figure 10-2 Print Head Assembly Removal 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 10-3...

  • Page 166: Figure 10-3 Internal Cleaning

    Allow for the alcohol to evaporate, then repeat if necessary (See Figure 10-4). 3. Reinstall media and run labels to check print quality. 4. If poor print quality persists, print head or other parts may be damaged. 10-4 428M Operator’s Manual- 880028-0112...

  • Page 167: Figure 10-4 Cleaning The Print Head

    Figure 10-4 Cleaning the Print Head 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 10-5...
  • Page 168 Printer Maintenance Chapter 10 10-6 428M Operator’s Manual- 880028-0112...

  • Page 169: 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. 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 11-1...
  • Page 170  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 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...

  • Page 171: Index

    ^D25 Software Switch #5 ....................... 5-17, 12-8, 12-9 ^D26 Software Switch #6 ........................5-18, 5-24 ^D29 Printer Statistics........................5-46, 12-9 ^D3 Print Command........................5-37, 12-6 ^D32 Reset Printer.......................... 5-31, 12-9 ^D33 Display Model and Revision Number..................5-46, 12-9 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222 13-1...
  • Page 172 ^D97 Tag/Tear Dispense Mode..................... 5-45, 12-13 ^D98 Peel-n-Dispense Mode......................5-46, 12-13 ^D99 Cutter Control ........................5-43, 12-14 Agency Approvals............................Alphanumeric............................12-21 Application Identifiers....................... 8-11, 8-14, 8-15 ASCII Graphic or FONT to RAM (^D104) ..................... 7-3 13-2 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...
  • Page 173 Control Codes......................... 5-9, 8-6, 8-7, 8-8 Conversion Utilities ............................7-2 CTS................................. 12-21 Cutter ..............................12-21 Data Bits..............................DCD ................................ 12-21 DCE ................................ 12-21 Die-cut media ............................12-21 Direct Thermal ............................12-21 DOSCanadaF ............................9-12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222 13-3...
  • Page 174 HFM ............................ 4-5, 5-38, 12-10 LCB..........................4-7, 4-8, 5-38, 12-10 LSX ................................. 4-6 LSY ..........................4-6, 4-8, 5-38, 12-10 OFX ..........................4-10, 5-39, 12-10 OFY ..........................4-10, 5-39, 12-10 SPG ..........................4-7, 4-8, 5-39, 12-10 13-4 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...
  • Page 175 GAP ..............................12-13 Memory ..............................5-46 Printing..............................5-37 Serial Numbers............................5-39 Text String............................ 5-26, 5-41 Printer Depth ............................... Printer Enquires............................5-11 Printer Height............................... Printer Weight.............................. Printer Width..............................Printhead............................12-21, 12-23 Return Material Authorization........................12-3 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222 13-5...
  • Page 176 Statistics Label (Examples) ............................3-19 Tag stock..............................12-23 Temperature..............................Thermal Printer Card ..........................10-2 Troubleshooting............................11-1 TXD................................. 12-23 Unpacking ..............................3-1 UPC-A Symbol ............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol ..........................8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB................................. 12-23 Warranty..............................12-1 13-6 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...

  • Page 177: List Of Figures

    Figure 3-17 Print Button and Status Indicator Light ..........3-15 Figure 3-18 Status Label (Examples) ..............3-18 Figure 3-19 LPD “Label Present Detector Location..........3-20 Figure 3-20 428M Shown with Optional Pre-Stock Out Assembly......3-21 Figure 4-1 HyperTerminal™ Window Example............4-2 Figure 4-2 3x3 Sample Label.................4-4 Figure 4-3 Header Elements..................4-5...
  • Page 178 Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA ................9-17 Figure 10-1 Inserting Cleaning Card..............10-2 Figure 10-2 Print Head Assembly Removal ............10-3 Figure 10-3 Internal Cleaning ................10-4 Figure 10-4 Cleaning the Print Head ..............10-5 13-8 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...
  • Page 179 Table 8-2 MaxiCode Control Code Equivalents............8-6 Table 8-3 Code128 Special Function Access............8-7 Table 8-4 PDF-417 Error Correction Level............8-10 Table 8-5 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ............8-14 Table 8-6 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s..........8-20 Table 10-1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule..........10-1 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222 13-9...
  • Page 180 13-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0222...
  • Page 181 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 182 12-2 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 183 Return the defective item(s) for repair to the address listed above, freight and insurance prepaid. Upon receipt of an RMA number, the customer contact will be notified by a Microcom Corporation representative regarding repair charges, at which time the ship method will be determined.
  • Page 184 12-4 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 185 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 NULL’s +0F). 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-5...
  • Page 186 9600 bps 19200 bps 38400 bps 57600 bps 115200 bps 230400 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 460800 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 921600 bps (only used for D149 Image Mode) 12-6 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 187 1 = Disable use of | for control; 0 = Enable 1 = Disable use of ^ for control; 0 = Enable 1 = Enable Binary Compression; 0 = Disable 1 = Enable Detect Blackline on Power-up; 0 = Disable 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-7...
  • Page 188 1 = Enable TOF on Power-up; 0 = Disable 1 = Button is TOF; 0 = Button is Defined by SW#2 bit4 1 = Enable AutoLoad; 0 = Disable 1 = AutoLoad+TOF; Autoload+FF 1 = Enable Status Byte Mode; 0 = Disable 12-8 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 189 Clear the Printed Inches variable in the statistics. Restart Printer: Restores the printer to power-up settings. Also used to set the non-volatile fields in memory. Display Model and Revision Number Adjust Contrast Window: This is the temporary contrast adjustment. The 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-9...
  • Page 190 RAM. Valid values for Axx are A1 to A128. Select Default Power-up Format: Selects the ROM power-up format. The ^Axx selects from the available formats 1 through 8. Select User Defined Layout: Signals the end of the label field definition. 12-10 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 191 Load Label Count: Instructs the printer to print a batch of labels using the serial number functions if enabled. Load Delay Time Between Labels: The ^Axx specifies the delay time in 1/10ths of a second. Maximum value is 650. Load PDF-417 Bar Code Data 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-11...
  • Page 192 Reflective Detection Sensitivity: The ^Axx value sets the point (0-255) at which the printer detects a blackline registration mark using the reflective sensor. The printer’s threshold default is a value of 100 for the reflective 12-12 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 193 Milliseconds, the printer waits before retracting to dot row in cutter and dispense modes. Tag/Tear Dispense Mode: Disables Tag/Tear Mode Advance after every label. Advance after copies count. Advance when idle. Peel-n-Dispense Mode: Disable Peel-n-Dispense Enable Peel-n-Dispense 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-13...
  • Page 194 1-255 Value of X deletes the graphics in slot #X Save ASCII Graphics to RAM: This command is intended for legacy support only. Microcom Corporation recommends using the ^D107 command instead of the ^D106. 12-14 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 195 No cutter Guillotine Rotary Synchronous Print Mode Exit all sync. modes. Enter single sync. mode. Enter continuous sync. mode. Cutter Hold-off: X represents the number of cuts to skip on the first X labels 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-15...
  • Page 196 The <ESC> (^[ or 0x1B) instructs the printer the end of file download and acts as the command terminator. 12-16 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 197 RAM to non-volatile Flash memory and then actually resets the printer hardware. Issuing this command is the equivalent of turning the printer off and back on. This command may be used to start using certain 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-17...
  • Page 198 X amount, specified in dots. Set Feed Speed: Sets the feed speed used with the D153 and D154 commands. 8.0 ips (inches per second) 7.5 ips 7.0 ips 6.5 ips 6.0 ips 12-18 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 199 14400 or 4 hours. The valid range is from 2 to 65536. Takeup Motor Run Time: Only used with custom Takeup PIC code. The value for X represents how long the takeup motor will run, in milliseconds, after printing has stopped. 25 msec 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-19...
  • Page 200 After a power up, reports the “running” total of detected Brownouts. Clears the “running” total or volatile brownout count Reports the non-volatile brownout count stored in memory Clears the non-volatile brownout count stored in memory 12-20 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 201 DSR (Data Set Ready) - A status signal from the printer (DCE) to the host PC (DTE) telling the PC that the printer is powered up. Used in conjunction with DTR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal.
  • Page 202 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 428M 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 203 The slice buffer and serial buffer (10Kbyte) are also in SRAM. This is volatile memory, which means that the information is lost when the printer powers down. The 428M printers use a 512Kbyte SRAM configured as 256K x 16.
  • Page 204 12-24 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112...
  • Page 205 _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 428M Operator’s Manual - 880028-0112 12-25...
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