Page 1 MODEL 428T DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER: 880037-0141 September 16, 2013 CPC Copyright © 2013 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
Clear >LOW STOCK< error ..............3-38 3.13.2.2 Clear error with “single button error clear” ........... 3-38 3.13.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >LOW STOCK< .......... 3-38 3.13.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER ..........3-38 3.13.4 Diagnostic Mode ..................3-39 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 6 4.6.12 TSP (Text Starting Position)................ 4-18 4.6.13 ,,, (Reserved Spaces) ................4-18 4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number)................. 4-18 Line Draw 4-19 Reverse Video 4-21 4.8.1 Black Box Reverse Video................4-21 4.8.2 Auto Reverse Video ..................4-22 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 7 5.9.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command ..........5-50 5.9.3 Volatile Cutter Operation................5-50 5.9.4 Cutter Hold-off..................... 5-52 5.10 Dispensing Commands 5-52 5.10.1 Tag/Tear Operation..................5-52 5.10.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation..............5-53 5.10.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Advance Delay......5-53 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 8 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21....... 8-3 8.1.8 Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI 24..............8-3 8.1.9 Modified Plessey (MSI 2), TCI 25..............8-3 8.1.10 Modified Plessey (MSI 3), TCI 26..............8-3 8.1.11 GS1 Databar, TCI 35 ..................8-3 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 9 9.3.15 British Code Page ..................9-16 9.3.16 USA Code Page..................9-17 CHAPTER 10 PRINTER MAINTENANCE 10-1 10.1 Maintenance Schedule 10-1 10.2 Thermal Printer Cleaning Card 10-1 10.3 Internal Cleaning 10-3 10.4 Print Head Maintenance 10-4 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 10 General Index 12-1 List of Figures 12-7 List of Tables 12-11 APPENDIX 13-1 Appendix A: Limited Warranty 13-1 Appendix B: RMA Procedure 13-3 Appendix C: ^D Command Summary 13-5 Glossary 13-23 Appendix D: User Notes 13-27 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 11 Introduction The Model 428T printer has been designed to provide solutions for the ticketing industry. The printer uses the same reliable print mechanism found in the Model 428M printer. The lockable printer box not only houses the media but protects your ticketing investment as well.
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Page 13: Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.) 203 DPI = 4.098” (104.10mm); 832 dots Maximum Print Width 300 DPI = 4.252” (108 mm); 1,280 dots Maximum Print Length 50” (1,270 mm) Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm) Table 1-2 Printing Specifications 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 14: Table 1-3 Media Specifications
*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. Table 1-3 Media Specifications 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 15: Chapter 2: Features And Options
Features and Options 2.1 Fonts  7 (203 DPI) smooth bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts from 6pt to 14pt.  TrueType® font capability using Microcom Corporation utility program.  19 downloadable standard font set.  All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width.
Page 16: Special Features
 Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter  Centronics Parallel Port  Ethernet Port  Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly  Low Paper Sensor Assembly  Wristband Option  Paper Supply Holders  Media Catch Trays  Cleaning kit 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
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 428T and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain different items.
Page 18: Figure 3-2 Printer Rear Panel
If XON/XOFF handshaking is used, the only signals that the printer requires are the RXD, TXD, and GND signals. If the hardware handshaking is used, then the CTS and RTS signals are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would require them. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 19: Table 3-1 Rs-232 Cable Configurations
RS-232 Cable Configurations USB Communication Interface The 428T printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order to communicate with the printer, the USB driver must be installed on the host computer. This may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com/drivers.htm. The Windows combined...
Page 20 Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. If already connected, disconnect USB and then reconnect the USB. The FTDI USB device should now recognize and install. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 21: Parallel Communication Interface
192.168.200.3, a NET mask of 255.255.255.0, and a local port of 9100. 3.6.1 Device Installer After starting the Device Installer software, you will see a screen similar to the picture below. Select the Search button to search for the XPORT device. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 22 Select Assign a specific IP address and select Next. This screen allows you to assign the IP Address and the Subnet Mask. You will need to obtain these two items from your network administrator and select Next. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 23 Prolific USB to Serial driver must be installed. The process below shows how to configure the Ethernet port using Hyperterminal. Connect to the printer using a Serial or USB connection. Install media/paper into the printer. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 24 Turn the printer ON with the print button pressed and held in. Release the button after the printer starts to feed media. Open a Hyperterminal session and type TEST for the name, select OK. Select the COM port that you are using to communicate and then select OK. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 25 You should see information from the printer reported to the screen if communicating properly. Type a ^A1^D108 followed by the Enter key to change the active port to Ethernet. Power cycle the printer and the unit should be configured for Ethernet operation. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 26: Cash Drawer Option
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 27: Figure 3-5 Selecting The Windows Printer Driver
3. After the driver has been installed, you may configure it for your applications use by going to the “Printers and Faxes” folder. You should see the driver that was just installed. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-11...
Page 28 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. 3-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 29 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 30 The “Unprintable Area” at the bottom of this window should always be set to “0.00”. Figure 3-9 Printing Preferences Menu 6. Select the “Advanced Setup” tab to finish configuring the printer driver. Figure 3-10 Advanced Setup Menu 3-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 31: Advanced Windows Driver Features
3.9.2 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-15...
Page 32: Stock Types
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 3-12 Stocks Dialog Box 3-16 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 33: Custom Commands
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 3-13 Custom Commands Tab 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-17...
Page 34: Import/Export Settings
Please note that the drivers should be installed before connecting the printer and turning it on. The first step would be to execute the MICPrinter installer (MICPrinter-Setup.exe) to install the utility onto your system. The first screen will be similar to: 3-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 35 Chapter 3 Getting Started Click the Next button to continue. You will see a screen similar to this showing the progress of the installation. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-19...
Page 36 Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. The FTDI USB device should try to install. If it is unable to install, please manually install the by following the example below. Select YES to install the communications driver. 3-20 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 37 The Micoption GUI may now be configured for the printer being used. You may access the Micoptions GUI from either the PRINTERS and FAXES folder and select Micprinter\Properties\Advanced Options\Setup Printer or START button\Programs\Micoptions\Micoptions. Micprinter listed under the Printers and Faxes folder. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-21...
Page 38 Select the COMM port communication port. that the USB # that the FTDI device This should be disabled device is is connected to. if using the command detected on. line. 3-22 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 39 Export the form to save the setup and select Import to use an existing setup. Media and Error monitors and the printer ability to insert commands configurations or files into the data stream. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-23...
Page 40 The Detect Hardware button is used to read settings from the printer. When the Autodetect is enabled, the driver will communicate to the printer and automatically set the Internal Parameters section. 3-24 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 41 The Internal Parameters section is set based on the printer being used. Please use the table below to determine the proper values if the Autodetect and AutoCalc and not checked. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-25...
Page 42 300 dpi 424M 1280 203 dpi 424 300 dpi 424 1280 203 dpi 428T, TC, TM Black line 300 dpi 428T, TC, TM Black line 1280 203 dpi 428T, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow-hole, Continuous 300 dpi 428T, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow-hole,...
Page 43 To create a new form, check the “Create a new form” check box, fill in the Form name, Form description and remember to press Save Form to save it! After you have created the appropriate forms you need. Press OK Double click on the MICPrinter and you should see: 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-27...
Page 44 If we were printing any files they would be listed here. From the Printer drop down menu select Properties. The properties pages are displayed. The appropriate form size for the media we are using with the printer is set within this screen. Select Printing Preferences. 3-28 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 45 Press OK once finished Select the Paper Size (form size) being used. Select the Print Resolution of the printer under the Print Quality. Press the OK to continue. Now we return to the MICPrinter Properties page. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-29...
Page 46 MICPrint Configuration utility -p<communication_port> - Send the communication port to the printer directly over-riding registry and configuration file -d<working_directory> - Directory for use with temporary files 3-30 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 47 0 - success -1 - unable to open image file -2 - unknown image file type -3 - unable to allocate memory -4, -9, -10, -12, -13. -31 - unknown error -5 - unsupported image resolution 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-31...
Page 48 IF ERRORLEVEL -8 GOTO LabelN08 IF ERRORLEVEL -9 GOTO LabelN09 IF ERRORLEVEL -10 GOTO LabelN10 IF ERRORLEVEL -11 GOTO LabelN11 IF ERRORLEVEL -12 GOTO LabelN12 IF ERRORLEVEL -13 GOTO LabelN13 IF ERRORLEVEL -14 GOTO LabelN14 3-32 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 49 :LabelN05 echo UNSUPPORTED IMAGE RESOLUTION GOTO END :LabelN06 echo ERROR OPENING OUTPUT FILE GOTO END :LabelN08 echo ERROR OPENING BINARY OUTPUT FILE GOTO END :LabelN09 echo UNKNOWN ERROR GOTO END :LabelN10 echo UNKNOWN ERROR 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-33...
Page 50 LOW STOCK PRIOR TO PRINTING GOTO END :LabelN30 echo LOW STOCK DETECTED POST PRINTING GOTO END :LabelN40 echo PRE-PRINT COMMAND STRING ERROR GOTO END :LabelN41 echo PRE PRINT COMMAND FILE ERROR GOTO END 3-34 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 51: Loading Media
For more details on this feature, please refer to Chapter 5, Autoload Commands. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-35...
Page 52: Figure 3-15 Loading Media
This section provides a description to familiarize you with the basic function of the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light. Status Light Print Button Figure 3-16 Print Button and Status Indicator Light 3-36 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 53: Table 3-2 Print Button Description
Power Spike or low voltage on the AC line. (The printer will remain in this mode until the condition is removed and the printer power is cycled.) Flashing Amber Printer is PAUSED, Table 3-3 Status Indicator Light Description 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-37...
Page 54: Printer Modes
There are several ways that the operator can control the output of the printer. The printer will display either solid or flashing AMBER depending upon the mode of operation. Also, the printer will display a solid AMBER during a FLASH update operation. 3-38 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 55: Entering Diagnostic Mode
(^D32). These are the only ways to get out of the DIAGNOSTICS mode. 3.13.4.2 Statistics Label The Statistics Label may be printed either by entering the DIAGNOSTICS Mode or sending the Printing Statistics Command. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-39...
Page 56: Figure 3-17 Status Label (Examples)
The sensor is set to the maximum detection at the factory. This pot may be used to decrease sensor range to avoid false reflections from stationary objects such as a cutter. 3-40 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 57 Chapter 3 Getting Started The TOF Sensor is located in front of TOF sensor when the cutter assembly the cutter assembly is not installed. Figure 3-18 TOF (Top-Of-Form) Sensor 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-41...
Page 58: Media Roll Holder Option
Insert the alignment tabs into the slots and slide upwards to position. The thumbscrews are then tightened Thumbscrews Roller holder storage mounting location when fanfold media is used. Figure 3-19 Rolled Media Holder 3-42 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 59: Wristband Media Adapter Option
Wristband Guide Loosen locking nut and slide guide into place and retighten into place Insert into media guide making sure that it is flush against the green media guide Figure 3-20 Wristband Media Adapter 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 3-43...
Page 60 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-44 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 61: Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using Lds
Items required: 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 (printer) connectors. A VT-100 terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal™.
Page 62: Format Creation
“Shift” key and the “6”) plus the alpha character. See Chapter 5 for additional information regarding control codes and printer commands. There are some special features offered by the printer that assist in label design. For example, the auto-size command (^A2^D39 <CR>) provides most of the header format 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 63: Label Design: An Overview
The next line is the header information that sets the label size and other pertinent information. The next five lines are layout and configuration for each data field in the format. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 64: Label Header
For example, a 4” X 6” label printed with a 300 DPI print head would be 1200 (4 X 300 dots in the horizontal or “X” direction, and 1800 (6 X 300) dots in the “Y” direction. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 65: Hfm (Number Of Fields In Layout)
HFM parameter, they will be ignored and will not print. The HFM was set to a value of 5 in the format used to create the sample in Figure 4-2. This 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 66: Lsx (Print Head Size X)
Generally, better print quality is achieved by printing at lower speeds, however this is also dependent on the media and contrast settings as well. Labels per minute can be calculated by the equation below: IPS x 60 seconds Labels per Minute Label Height 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 67: Lcb (Label Control Byte)
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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 68: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 69 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 70: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 71: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-11...
Page 72: Tsn (Text String Number)
Table 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. 4-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 73: Table 4-3 Tci Values
Codabar Symbol Code 93 Symbol PDF-417 Symbol Datamatrix Symbol Intelligent Mail Barcode Planetcode Symbol UCC/EAN 128 Symbol Text with EAN 128 Information * Human Readable - Refer to Chapter 8 Table 4-3 TCI Values 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-13...
Page 74: Cgn (Character Generator Number)
Downloadable fonts must be stored in two separate directions; 0 and 90 degrees. This means that the 0 degree fonts should be used with 0 and 180 degree rotations while the 90 degree fonts used with 90 and 270 degree rotations in order to achieve correct printing. 4-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 75 Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree Swiss™721 Bold 0 degree Swiss™721 Bold 90 degree OCR-A Normal 0 degree OCR-A Normal 90 degree 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-15...
Page 76 Code 128 & UCC / EAN 128 * 40 % 0123 0123 Codabar 0123 0123 Code 93 0123 AS-10 0123 0123 0123 Maxicode (CGN = Mode) 0123 0123 0123 MSI (Modified Plessey) 0123 Table4-6 CGN—Bar Code Symbologies 4-16 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 77: Fo (Field Orientation)
3 – Right justified below the base-line 4 – Centered on the Y axis, right of X coordinate 5 – Centered on the Y axis, left of the X coordinate Table 4-7 FO & FJ Character Starting Positions 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-17...
Page 78: Cmx (Character Multiplier X Direction)
AN parameter is set to a value of “2”, the character spacing will be fixed / non-proportional. A setting of “3” will print both fixed/non-proportional character spacing and reversed text. Proportional Character Spacing Reverse Video 4-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 79: Line Draw
This is a list of the first label format field element mnemonics for the sample label in Figure 4-5: TSN, XB, YB, CC, TCI, CGN, FO, FJ, CMX, CMY, CS, TSP, , , AN 1, 340, 712, 600, , , , 0 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-19...
Page 80 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 81: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 4-21...
Page 82: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 83: Chapter 5 Printer Commands
“control B” is shorter, it is easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general it is better to use the ^D2 command sequence inside a file or program to assist in trouble-shooting the format. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 84 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 85: Enquiry Responses
If the STL Emulation (Switch Bank #6 bit 2; D26 command) is enabled, the printer will report STL type responses instead of the normal LDS status responses. The STL mode continues to follow the Text and/or Byte mode rule above but will only Display the Decimal codes. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-11...
Page 86: Table 5-1 Stl Status Responses
Printer entered and recovered from a >BROWNOUT RECOVERY< brownout power condition Timeout failure occurred using the D149 >FAIL TIMEOUT< Image Print Mode Incorrect size of the image was received >FAIL SIZE< using the D149 Image Print Mode 5-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 87: Printer Configuration Commands
Enquiry Response: This determines what the printer will send back in response to an enquiry command. 00 = Control Codes 10 = Text Equivalent Control Codes: This position sets how the printer handles incoming control codes. 1 = Ignore Incoming Control Codes 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-13...
Page 88: Software Switch #2
1 = Enable (>RESTARTED< on first inquiry then >READY<) 0 = Disable (Always responds with >READY<) Button Use: If set to a “1”, the printer will disable the Print Button. 1 = Disable 0 = Enable 5-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 89: Software Switch #3
A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the >INPUT 1< message if a reflection is detected. 1 = Send >INPUT 1< active LOW 0 = Send >INPUT 1< active HIGH 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-15...
Page 90: Software Switch #4
Change SW4: Software Switch #4. ^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number) Position: Slashed Zeros: If enabled, the printer will print a slash through the embedded zero (“0”) characters. 1 = Enable 0 = Disable 5-16 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 91: Software Switch #5
^AB12345678 (each bit is represented by a numeric position number) Position: 1 Single Button Press Error Clear: If enabled, error conditions are cleared with a single press of the print button after reloading the printer with more media. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-17...
Page 92 0 = Disable AutoLoad Type of AutoLoad: This bit determines whether the AutoLoad function uses the Top-Of-Form sensor (TOF), or if it uses the Form Feed technique. 1 = AutoLoad + TOF 0 = AutoLoad + FF 5-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 93: Software Switch #6
This message will only be reported if media is not detected by the internal sensors following a power on, reboot command (^D143), and/or restart (^D32) commands. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-19...
Page 94 The 48-466 graphic structure is used when the emulation command is enabled and discussed in greater detail the 48-466 Operators manual. c) The ^D59 command allows format slots 121 to 128 to be overwritten to when the emulation command is enabled. 5-20 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 95 (24VDC) and may be independently controlled. The ^D150 command is used to report the current status of the inputs. When issued, the printer will send the host the current status of the 4 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-21...
Page 96 The outputs are entered in as a HEX value that is equal to a binary number with the outputs in the following order; 4321. Command Syntax: ^D68<CR>0n<CR> n = the hex value from 0 to F. 5-22 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 97 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 98 TOF at normal speed. The timer is then reset and starts to count down once again. The default time interval is set to 4 hours or 144400 seconds. The interval may be adjusted by using the D156 command. 5-24 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 99: Software Switch #7
D158 command. The error will be acknowledged at the end of printing. This will work with all media (continuous, black line, and gap). 1 = Enable Finish Mode 0 = Disable Finish Mode 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-25...
Page 100: Software Switch #8
1320. It is this changed value that will be reported (^D148) and used as blsy. The tables are based on ticketing industry stock sizes off: 2” 2½” 3” 3¼” 3½” 4” 4½” 5” 5½” 5 5/8” 6” 6½” 7” 11” 5-26 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 101 To see all of the table and user values enter ^A0^D170 [CR] Using one of these smart autosize modes gives the user single dot accuracy in using Boca autosize to find blsy. Reserved 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-27...
Page 102: Communication Port Configuration
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) 5-28 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 103: Set Serial Port Source Command (Non-Volatile- ^D108)
The ^D171 command is used to open a Telnet session with the Ethernet (Xport Device) port to gain access to its configuration settings. The Ethernet port is set to an IP Address of 192.168.200.3 and Net Mask of 255.255.255.0 on port 9100 by default at the factory. If this 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-29...
Page 104 The unit prompts for the number of host bits to be entered, then calculates the netmask, which displays in standard decimal-dot notation when the saved parameters are displayed (for example, 8 = 255.255.255.0). 5-30 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 105: Print Head Size Commands
This command MUST be sent AFTER the dot density (dpi) is set with the ^D79 command. The only valid entries for XX are the numbers in the “# of Dots” column in the table above. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-31...
Page 106: General Purpose I/O
The printer sends a byte of status data to its Ethernet interface using the same data format, and will only send the data when there is a change in status. The 5-32 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 107 Note that the binary data entry mode is shown in these 2 commands. The user must set the “xxxxxxx” values to agree with current settings in order to avoid changing any of the other settings in Soft Switch #5. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-33...
Page 108: Specialized Print Modes
To ABORT the job, whether printing or not, send a high- going pulse on the ABORT input line. After the label prints or aborts, the printer will return to its normal non-sync mode of operation. 5-34 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 109: Usb Image Print Mode
This format only needs to be sent one time after the unit has powered on. The >RESTARTED< status message could be used to indicate when this needs to be sent or simply send it each time a print is desired. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-35...
Page 110: Contrast Adjustment Commands
This command is useful for adjusting contrast for specific label formats where different label media is used on a single printer. The command can be entered into specific label formats rather than affecting print contrast on all label formats. 5-36 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 111: Adjust Contrast Base (Non-Volatile - ^D36)
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. Even though the software attempts to maximize the 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-37...
Page 112: Registration Commands
This value is calibrated at the factory and should not require adjustment unless the transmissive sensor has been replaced. Auto Set Threshold: This command will cause the printer to scroll 1350 dots, 5-38 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 113: Auto-Size Commands
The auto-size command attempts to automatically calculate important format values for the label header including LSY, GAP, AGD, SPG, ^D90, and the ^D91 values. The printer feeds a sample of labels through the GAP sensors and takes an average of the values it 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-39...
Page 114: 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 115: Autoload Media Commands
TOF sensor or a Form Feed. There are two types of AutoLoad: AutoLoad + Form Feed AutoLoad + Top-of-Form. Refer to Section 5.2.1.5 for details on how Soft Switch #5 (^D25) controls the AutoLoad function. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-41...
Page 116: Autoload + Form Feed
Basically, the printer powers up and processes the format and is awaiting a print request before executing the stored label. When using this as an autoload template, the 5-42 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 117: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-43...
Page 118: Printing Commands
^D75 (Load Label Count) to allow duplicate copies to be made within a batch of labels. 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>) 5-44 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 119: Label Header Parameter Override Commands
Load the Number of Steps to Activate Gap Detector (AGD): The ^Axx specifies the value in Dot Rows. 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-45...
Page 120: 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. 5-46 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 121: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-47...
Page 122 ^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 5-48 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 123: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-49...
Page 124: Kiosk Cutter Commands
The ^D95 command is also used with the ^D99 command to adjust the advance distance to the cutter blades and then retract to the home position (dot row one). The ^D99 command will assume a default ^D95 value of 155. 5-50 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 125 Load Advance Delay: The ^Axx specifies the amount time, in milliseconds, that the printer will delay the repositioning or retraction of the media. For Example, “^A1000^D96 <CR>” would delay for a period of one second. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-51...
Page 126: Cutter Hold-Off
COMMAND Tag/Tear Operation: Disable Tag/Tear operation. Advance after every print. Advance after copies count. Advance when idle. (Does not use LPD - retracts stock at next sent label format.) 5-52 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 127: Peel-And-Dispense Operation
Formats are retained even after power has been cycled when stored in FLASH memory. Formats stored in RAM will be lost when the printer is turned “OFF.” 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-53...
Page 128 80 HEX. These FONTS are “extended non-compressed”, meaning that they can be greater than 64KB in size. This command supports fonts greater than 64KB. Delete Graphics from RAM ^A0 deletes ALL graphics from RAM. 5-54 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 129 How to Save a Label FORMAT to FLASH: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-55...
Page 130 00 signals the printer to get ready for a multi-sector FONT download. Each subsequent download contains a header with the xx field decremented by 1. The last download file has a header field xx = 00. 5-56 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 131 ^A0 deletes all FONTS from RAM ^Axx deletes the FONT stored in RAM Slot #xx Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the RAM memory Slot #xx that will be cleared. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-57...
Page 132 FLASH memory. Clear all User GRAPHIC and FONT FLASH. This command erases the user FONTS and GRAPHICS in FLASH memory. This command is equivalent to sending: ^A0^D134 (clears all GRAPHICS), ^A0^D137 (clears all FONTS). 5-58 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 133: 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 134 This command sets the feed speed that is used for the D153 and D154 commands. 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 5-60 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 135 This command is a volatile command with a default of 0. The ^A1^D145 command lists the current setting under the Post Takeup Time. 25 msec 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0140 5-61...
Page 136: Table 5-7 Sensor Status Byte Definitions
0 = No Stock Detected Transmissive 1 = No Stock Detected Registration Sensor 0 = Stock Detected Reflective 1 = No Stock Detected Registration Sensor 0 = Stock Detected Table 5-7 Sensor Status Byte Definitions 5-62 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 137: Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics
Select an open slot number for storage. Use ^D119 to determine which slots are open. 5) Limit The maximum print width (in dots). Use ^D29 to determine print head size. 6) Destination Use “0” for FLASH and “1” for RAM. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 138: Bmp2Mic.exe Graphic Conversion Utility Procedure
You may name the <outfile> anything you wish as long it is less than 8 characters. An extension is not necessary. 3. Conversion is complete. Converted GRAPHIC file is ready to download to printer. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 139: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 140: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 141: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 142: Graphic Image Data Format
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 143 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 144: 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 145: Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts
TCI must be set to an “8” for volatile downloadable fonts and the CGN refers to the memory slot location of the downloaded font. Nonvolatile fonts are accessed thru TCI “7”. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 146: Sfp2Mic.exe Program
7-bit data connections. The uncompressed (^D104) is usable on either 7 or 8-bit connections and is more flexible but encodes using ASCII-HEX. This results in a much larger file size. Microcom Corporation recommends the use of the compressed format when possible.
Page 147: Save Compressed Font To Ram (D127)
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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 148: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 149: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 150: Downloadable Font Command Summary
7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphics: 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 151 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 152 Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 153: 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 154: Universal Product Code (Upc-E, Send 6 Digits), Tci 14
(“*”) 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 155: European Article Numbering System 13 (Ean-13), Tci 20
Databar has been identified to solve problems in the grocery industry and in healthcare, where items are too small to allow for older barcode symbology. The printer should have binary compression disabled before using GS1 Databar. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 156: Gs1 Databar Omni-Directional
The barcode contains a separator pattern, containing no data, which has a height equal to 3 times the X dimension. This symbology may be scanned omni-directionally. This symbology does not allow for human readable text with the barcode. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 157: Gs1 Databar Limited
These are the 7 parameters that MUST follow the ^D114 command: 1) Type of GS1 Databar barcode 2) Multiplier 3) Segments per row 4) X undercut 5) Y undercut 6) Separator Height 7) Data to be encoded 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 158: Postnet (Zip+4), Tci 36
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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 159: Postnet (Zip+6), Tci 37
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 160 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 161: Code 128 (Automatic Compression), Tci 40
128 ASCII character set along with special control codes. This bar code uses automatic compression. The printer will automatically choose the most efficient subset and insert the appropriate special function code listed in Table 16. It is 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 162: Code 128 (Manual Compression), Tci 41
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 8-8 Code 128 Subset Switching 8-10 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 163: Codabar (Rationalized), Tci 42
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> 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-11...
Page 164 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. 8-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 165: Figure 8-9 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 8-9 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-13...
Page 166: Datamatrix, Tci 47
The sample below shows how to generate a data matrix symbol: ^D164 <---------------------------------Start of Datamatrix Data 0 <----------------------------------------Width 0 <----------------------------------------Height 1 <----------------------------------------Rotation A <----------------------------------------Encoding 0123456789^\<----------------------- Data to encode ^D57 2,1280,900,,,10,0,1,250 1,300,300,1,47,,,,10,10 <---------- Multiplier (10, 10); TCI 47 2,300,230,11,1,5 ^D56 8-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 167 40 x 40 44 x 44 48 x 48 52 x 52 64 x 64 72 x 72 80 x 80 88 x 88 1152 96 x 96 1392 1042 104 x 104 1632 1222 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-15...
Page 168 ACSII values 0 – 127 Extended ASCII values 128-255 C- C40 Primarily Uppercase Alphanumeric 5.33 T- Text Primarily Lowercase Alphanumeric 5.33 B- Base256 All byte values 0 – 255 X- X12 Similar to C40 5.33 8-16 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 169 ASCII data (ASCII value +1) Pad Character 130 - 229 2 digit data 00 – 99 (Numeric Value + 130) Latch to C40 Encoding Scheme Latch to Base256 Encoding Scheme FNC1 Structured Append Reader Programming 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-17...
Page 170: Intelligent Mail Barcode, Tci 48
Once the Intelligent Mail barcode data is entered and processed, the barcode image may be placed using the normal format field by using a TCI of 48. EXAMPLE: ^D166 01234567094987654321-01234567891<---- Intelligent Mail Barcode data ^D57 1,832,2000,0,0,08,2,1,,0,0 1,400,400,1,48 <------------------------------------ Placement information ^D56 8-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 171: Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode Bars
Special Services The Special Services field is a 3-digit field that identifies the type of service. Customer Identifier The Customer Identifier field is a 6-digit number identifying the mailer. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-19...
Page 172: Planet Code, Tci 49
10. Once the planet code barcode data is entered and processed, the barcode image can be placed using the normal format field by using a TCI of 49. 8-20 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 173: Ucc/Ean 128, Tci 50
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-21...
Page 174 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 8-22 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 175 365(***) 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-23...
Page 176 “#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. 8-24 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 177: Ucc/Ean Text Information, Tci 51
On some bar codes that allow spacing to be adjusted, spacing may be increased from the default and not reduced to a smaller spacing. 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> 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-25...
Page 178: Bar Code Human Readable Text
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 8-10 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s 8-26 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 179: 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> 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 8-27...
Page 180 Bar Codes Chapter 8 8-28 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 181: Character Sets
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 182: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 183: Danish Code Page
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 184: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 185: Spanish Code Page
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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 186 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 187: German Code Page
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 188: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 189: Swiss Code Page
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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 190 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 191: French Code Page
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 9-11...
Page 192: 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 193: Swedish Code Page
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 Latin US. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 9-13...
Page 194 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 195: Italian Code Page
Code Page Switching 9.3.14 Italian Code Page The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4 :(5-8) = 1101 Refer to the ^D24 command description for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 9-15...
Page 196: British Code Page
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 197: Usa Code Page
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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 9-17...
Page 198 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 199: 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 200: Figure 10-1 Releasing The Printhead Assembly
2. Dampen both sides, on one end, of the cleaning card with isopropyl alcohol or use a pre-moistened cleaning card. 3. Release the printhead assembly to insert the cleaning card under the printhead. Figure 10-1 Releasing the Printhead Assembly Figure 10-2 Rotate the Printhead Assembly to the Open Position 10-2 428T Operator’s Manual- 880037-0141...
Page 201: Internal Cleaning
3. Release the printhead assembly and rotate to the open position. 4. The exposed Drive Roller, Printhead, and Paper Path may be cleaned using a cotton swab or lint-free wiping rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 10-3...
Page 202: Print Head Maintenance
CAUTION: Isopropyl Alcohol or other approved non-Abrasive solution 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. 10-4 428T Operator’s Manual- 880037-0141...
Page 203: Figure 10-5 Cleaning The Print Head
The printhead dot row should be cleaned to Cutter or Tear removal remove any screw is mounted in the contaminates that may center below the impact print quality. assembly. Figure 10-6 Releasing the Print Mechanism 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 10-5...
Page 204: Figure 10-7 Cutter Or Tear Assembly Mounting Screw
Squeeze the tabs together on both sides and lift the roller out of the printer. Figure 10-8 Removing the Platen 10-6 428T Operator’s Manual- 880037-0141...
Page 205: Figure 10-9 Cutter Or Tear Assembly Mounting Hook
The heavy spring pressure is typically used on media that is over 2” wide. The spring pressure is not intended to overcome print quality issues. If light print is detected, please adjust your printer’s contrast setting (^D36) and/or verify that the thermal coating on the media is sufficient. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 10-7...
Page 206: Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting
Printer Maintenance Chapter 10 Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting Figure 10-11 Wide Media Heavy Spring Setting 10-8 428T Operator’s Manual- 880037-0141...
Page 207: Troubleshooting Tips
 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 11-1...
Page 208  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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 209: General Index
^D26 Software Switch #6 ......................5-19, 5-25, 5-26 ^D29 Printer Statistics ........................5-53, 12-10 ^D3 Print Command ..........................5-44, 12-6 ^D32 Reset Printer ..........................5-37, 12-10 ^D33 Display Model and Revision Number ..................5-53, 12-10 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-1...
Page 210 ^D96 Load Advance Delay ................... 5-51, 5-53, 5-60, 12-14, 12-19 ^D97 Tag/Tear Dispense Mode......................5-52, 12-14 ^D98 Peel-n-Dispense Mode......................5-53, 12-14 ^D99 Cutter Control ..........................5-50, 12-14 Agency Approvals.............................. Alphanumeric..............................12-23 Application Identifiers........................8-21, 8-24, 8-25 ASCII Graphic or FONT to RAM (^D104) ......................7-3 12-2 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 211 Control Codes...........................5-9, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11 Conversion Utilities............................7-2 CTS ................................12-23 Cutter ................................12-23 Data Bits ................................Data Matrix Symbol ........................8-15, 8-16, 8-17 DCD ................................12-23 DCE ................................12-23 Die-cut media ..............................12-23 Direct Thermal ............................... 12-23 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-3...
Page 212 GAP ..........................4-6, 5-45, 12-11, 12-13 HFM............................4-5, 5-45, 12-10 LCB............................ 4-7, 4-8, 5-45, 12-11 LSX................................4-6 LSY............................ 4-6, 4-8, 5-45, 12-11 OFX ............................4-10, 5-45, 12-11 OFY ............................4-10, 5-46, 12-11 SPG ........................... 4-7, 4-8, 5-45, 12-11 12-4 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 213: Limited Warranty
Memory ............................... 5-53 Printing ................................ 5-44 Serial Numbers ............................5-46 Text String ............................5-31, 5-47 Printer Depth ..............................Printer Enquires............................... 5-11 Printer Height..............................Printer Weight..............................Printer Width..............................Printhead ............................12-23, 12-25 Return Material Authorization.......................... 12-3 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-5...
Page 214 Printing ................................1-1 SRAM ..............................1-1, 12-25 Tag stock ............................... 12-25 Temperature ..............................Thermal Printer Card ............................10-2 Troubleshooting ............................... 11-1 TXD................................12-25 Unpacking................................3-1 UPC-A Symbol..............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol.............................8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB................................12-25 Warranty ................................12-1 12-6 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 215: List Of Figures
Label Format Line Draw ..............4-20 Figure 4-7 Reverse Video Sample...............4-22 Figure 4-8 Auto Reverse Video Sample ..............4-22 Figure 6-1 ASCII-HEX Conversions ..............6-6 Figure 8-1 GS1 Databar Omni-Directional.............8-4 Figure 8-2 GS1 Databar Truncated Sample ............8-4 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-7...
Page 216 Figure 10-3 Remove the Cleaning Card ............... 10-3 Figure 10-4 Internal Cleaning ................10-4 Figure 10-5 Cleaning the Print Head ..............10-5 Figure 10-6 Releasing the Print Mechanism ............10-5 Figure 10-7 Cutter or Tear Assembly Mounting Screw ......... 10-6 12-8 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 217 Figure 10-8 Removing the Platen................10-6 Figure 10-9 Cutter or Tear Assembly Mounting Hook ...........10-7 Figure 10-10 Narrow Media Light Spring Setting..........10-8 Figure 10-11 Wide Media Heavy Spring Setting..........10-8 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-9...
Page 218 12-10 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 219 Data Matrix Encoding Schemes ............8-17 Table 8-7 ASCII Codeword Values..............8-18 Table 8-8 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure ............8-19 Table 8-9 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ............8-24 Table 8-10 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s..........8-26 Table 10-1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule..........10-1 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 12-11...
Page 220 12-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 221 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 222 13-2 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 223 Shipping Charges: The return of printers and/or materials to Microcom Corporation for repair should be returned freight and insurance prepaid. Microcom Corporation will pay the return shipping charges (standard ground service) on all warranty repairs; expedited services will be paid at the customer’s expense.
Page 224 13-4 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 225 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-5...
Page 226 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) 13-6 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 227 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 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-7...
Page 228 1 = Button is TOF; 0 = Button is Defined by SW#2 bit4 1 = Enable AutoLoad; 0 = Disable 1 = AutoLoad+TOF; 0 = Autoload+FF 1 = Enable Status Byte Mode; 0 = Disable 13-8 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 229 Standard Ticket Cinema Ticket Wristbands Select STL Stock Width (Inches): 1.00 1.328 2.00 2.125 2.50 2.75 3.25 4.00 1 = Disable System Parameter Saving; 0 = Enable 1 = Enable Finish Mode; 0 = Disable 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-9...
Page 230 Same as ^A2^D39, but prints the values on a label, instead of on the screen. Diagnostic Mode (Tick-Tick) Diagnostic Silent Mode (Tick-Tick) Clears Commands 41 through 51 Load Number of Fields in Layout (HFM): The ^Axx specifies the value. 13-10 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 231 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. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-11...
Page 232 Set print head dots/inch (dpi). This command sets the dot density of the print head. This command MUST be sent BEFORE the # of Dots is set with the ^D78 command. 203 DPI 300 DPI 13-12 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 233 Set Starting Slice Number: This command adjusts the number of dot rows that the printer will generate before the printer starts to print. Load Control Code Recognition Status: Enable control code recognition Disable control code recognition 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-13...
Page 234 RAM. 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 additional reporting. 13-14 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 235 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. xxyy 107 Save Compressed GRAPHICS to RAM: The special ^Axxyy^D107 code is put at the beginning of the GRAPHIC download file by the bit map converter program.
Page 236 Home Cutter: This command will return the cutter gear to the home or open position when issued. Only available of the X28 Series of printer’s. Display Memory Allocation: This command shows how all of the RAM and flash memory is being used. 13-16 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 237 Issuing a “0” for the ^A value causing the printer to delete all flash graphics. The ^A value is used to select the memory slot or CGN # that will be deleted. The valid values for Axx are 0 to 255. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-17...
Page 238 1 above and also saves a second set of configuration parameters into the first backup position. If the printer powers on and does not detect a configuration, it will first search the first backup position and restore the 13-18 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 239 USB Port at higher Baud rates. Feed Forward Distance: Moves motor in the forward direction by the X amount specified in dots. Feed Reverse Distance: This command will move the motor in the reverse 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-19...
Page 240 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 13-20 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 241 300dpi x24m 203dpi 224/424 300dpi 224/424 Generate 4-State Intelligent Mail Barcode Enter Autoheader User Mode: See the ^D28 command for more details. Enter Telnet Pass-Through Mode on Xport Ethernet device Generate Planet Code Barcode 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-21...
Page 242 13-22 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141...
Page 243 PC that the printer is powered up. Used in conjunction with DTR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal. DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) - The terminal or computer end of an RS-232 serial communication link. Serial ports on computers are typically configured as DTE. 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-23...
Page 244 DCE end of an RS-232 link. Used in conjunction with DSR. Microcom Corporation does not use this signal. Ethernet - A fast and capable serial interface used by many networks for connecting host computers to various peripherals.
Page 245 1M bits/second. (Hardly used at all anymore). 2) USB 1.1 transfers at 12M bits/second. (The 324 & 424 printers use this). 3) USB 2.0 transfers at 480M bits/second. (All newer PC’s use this). 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-25...
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Page 247 _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 428T Operator’s Manual - 880037-0141 13-27...
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Microcom 428T Operator's Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

Chapter 2: Features and Options

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using Lds

Chapter 5 Printer Commands

Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics

Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts

Chapter 8: Bar Codes

Chapter 9 Code

Chapter 10 Printer Maintenance

List of Figures

Quick Links

Chapters

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Summary of Contents for Microcom 428T