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Microcom 428TM Operator's Manual

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MODEL 428TM
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 880042-0141
August 28, 2013 CPC
Copyright © 2013 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

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  • Page 1 MODEL 428TM DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER: 880042-0141 August 28, 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

    3.12.4 Diagnostic Mode ..................3-31 3.12.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode..............3-31 3.12.4.2 Statistics Label..................3-31 3.13 Printer Integration ....................3-32 3.13.1 Environmental Considerations ..............3-33 3.13.2 Printer Mounting Orientations ..............3-33 3.13.3 Media Mounting Considerations..............3-34 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 6 4.6.10 CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction) ............4-18 4.6.11 CS (Character Spacing) ................4-18 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 7 Cutter Configuration Commands................ 5-49 5.9.1 Cutter Type ....................5-49 5.9.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands ................5-49 5.9.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode ..................5-49 5.9.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command ..........5-49 5.9.3 Volatile Cutter Operation................5-50 5.9.4 Cutter Hold-off..................... 5-51 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 8 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2 of 5), TCI 15 ..............8-2 8.1.5 Code 3 of 9 (Code39), TCI 16 ............... 8-2 8.1.6 European Article Numbering System 13 (EAN-13), TCI 20......8-3 8.1.7 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21....... 8-3 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 9 863 Code Page................... 9-12 9.3.12 Swedish Code Page ................... 9-13 9.3.13 437 Code Page................... 9-13 9.3.14 Italian Code Page ..................9-15 9.3.15 British Code Page ..................9-16 9.3.16 USA Code Page..................9-17 CHAPTER 10 PRINTER MAINTENANCE..........10-1 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 10 List of Figures ......................12-7 List of Tables......................12-9 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 11 Introduction The Model 428TM 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.
  • Page 12 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • 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 428TM 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 19: Table 3-1 Rs-232 Cable Configurations

    RS-232 Cable Configurations USB Communication Interface The 428TM 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...
  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 26: Cash Drawer Option

    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: 3-10 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 27 Chapter 3 Getting Started Click the Next button to continue. You will see a screen similar to this showing the progress of the installation. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-11...
  • Page 28 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. 3-12 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 29 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-13...
  • Page 30 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. 3-14 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 31 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-15...
  • Page 32 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. 3-16 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 33 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-17...
  • Page 34 300 dpi 424M 1280 203 dpi 424 300 dpi 424 1280 203 dpi 428TM, TC, TM Black line 300 dpi 428TM, TC, TM Black line 1280 203 dpi 428TM, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow- hole, Continuous 300 dpi 428TM, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow-...
  • Page 35 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: 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-19...
  • Page 36 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. 3-20 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 37 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-21...
  • Page 38 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 3-22 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 39 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-23...
  • Page 40 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 3-24 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 41 :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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-25...
  • Page 42 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 3-26 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 43: Loading Media

    For more details on this feature, please refer to Chapter 5, Autoload Commands. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-27...

  • Page 44: Figure 3-4 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 3-5 Print Button and Status Indicator Light 3-28 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 45: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-29...

  • Page 46: 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. 3-30 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 47: Diagnostic Mode

    (^D32). These are the only ways to get out of the DIAGNOSTICS mode. 3.12.4.2 Statistics Label The Statistics Label may be printed either by entering the DIAGNOSTICS Mode or sending the Printing Statistics Command. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-31...

  • Page 48: Printer Integration

    (roll diameter or stack height).  Operator access for loading, cleaning and service. 3-32 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 49: Figure 3-7 Printer Dimensions

    See the Electrostatic Discharges section later in the guide. 6.85 3.00 8.54 5.37 6.85 5.52 6.85 Figure 3-7 Printer Dimensions 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-33...

  • Page 50: Media Mounting Considerations

    A good rule is to make the spindle at least .05” smaller than the inside diameter of the core. • Leave plenty of access room to load media when designing the area for your roll holder. 3-34 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 51: Designing For Fan-Fold Media

    • Cables that are near the printer, media path, or media should be tied to the kiosk chassis or printer mounting hardware. The operator can accidentally disconnect the printer or other kiosk components when maintaining the kiosk. Cabling must not interfere with the proper 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-35...

  • Page 52: Power Supply Requirements

    Thermal printers have special power requirements to operate correctly and safely within compliance regulation guidelines. To achieve optimum performance, an approved power supply should be used. Power supplies sold by Microcom Corporation have gone through rigorous testing to ensure the proper function of the printer. If a non-Microcom supplied power supply is used with the printer, it must comply with the requirements of that printer.

  • Page 53: Tof Sensor

    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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-37...

  • Page 54: Figure 3-8 Tof (Top-Of-Form) Sensor

    Getting Started Chapter 3 The TOF Sensor is located in front of TOF sensor when the cutter assembly the cutter assembly is not installed. Figure 3-8 TOF (Top-Of-Form) Sensor 3-38 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 55: Figure 3-9 Wristband Media Adapter

    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 3-9 Wristband Media Adapter 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 3-39...
  • Page 56 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-40 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 57: 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 58: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 59: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 60: Figure 4-2 3X3 Sample Label

    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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 61 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 62: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 63: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 64: Table 4-2 Dot To Gap Parameters

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 65 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 66: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 67: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-11...

  • Page 68: Tsn (Text String Number)

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 69: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-13...

  • Page 70: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 71 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-15...

  • Page 72: Embedded Bar Codes

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 73: Table 4-7 Fo & Fj Character Starting Positions

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-17...

  • Page 74: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 75: Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-19...
  • Page 76 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 77: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 4-21...

  • Page 78: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 79: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 80 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 81: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-11...

  • Page 82: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 83: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-13...

  • Page 84: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 85: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-15...

  • Page 86: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 87: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-17...
  • Page 88 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 89: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-19...
  • Page 90 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 91 (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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-21...
  • Page 92 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 93 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 94 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 95: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-25...

  • Page 96: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 97 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-27...

  • Page 98: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 99: Set Serial Port Source Command (Volatile - ^D109)

    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 address in not reachable on your network, you will need to change the IP address to one 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-29...
  • Page 100 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 101: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-31...

  • Page 102: 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 printer’s Ethernet interface will send the printer status byte to the HOST every few milliseconds. 5-32 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 103 Sending the “Enable General Purpose Mode” command will set the printer up to go into General Purpose mode. The printer will NOT go into General Purpose Mode until a power cycle occurs to cause the data to be stored in 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-33...

  • Page 104: Specialized Print Modes

    A 10 millisecond pulse works fine. Continuous sync mode is similar to single sync mode except after the label is printed the printer will immediately begin reprocessing the format to prepare another image for printing. 5-34 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 105: Usb Image Print Mode

    2. The Host then sends the printer the ^D149 command followed by the raw image size that has been converted by the bmp2mic rev 1.02 or later. Please note that the size is only terminated with a [CR] and the [LF] is not included. Example: ^D149[CR][LF]size[CR] 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-35...

  • Page 106: Contrast Adjustment Commands

    Adjust Contrast Base: This non-volatile command is used to skew the entire contrast window (^D35). Contrast settings above 150 reduce the overall life of the printer. This command has a ^A range of 10 to 200%. 5-36 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 107: Slice Buffer Size And Set Starting Slice Number Commands

    This command may be used to start using certain non-volatile system parameters (head parameter and soft switch commands). Save Backup 1 and Reboot (Hard Reset): This command operates just like option 1 above and also saves a second set of configuration parameters into 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-37...

  • Page 108: Registration Commands

    This is the distance of the transmissive sensor, which detects diecut and blow hole registration marks, to the dot row. This distance is set at the factory and is typically not needed to be changed. The transmissive Dot2gap distances 5-38 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 109: Table 5-5 Transmissive Dot2Gap Values

    When using media that contains a blow-hole, set software switch #4 (^D24 command) for blow-hole detection and then issue the desired auto-size command before issuing the auto- size command or the results may be invalid. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-39...

  • Page 110: 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 111: Autoload Media Commands

    1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the user inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller. 2. The printer senses the new media and waits the programmable amount of time set by the ^D120 command (default is 1.5 seconds). 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-41...

  • Page 112: Autoload + Top-Of-Form

    TRANSMISSIVE sensor for more accurate sensing. These are the steps for AutoLoad with TOF: 1. With the head mechanism latched in its normal print position, the operator inserts new media until it stops at the drive roller. 5-42 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 113 TOF sensor. As soon as the sensor sees the paper, the printer stops the forward motion of the paper and begins to move the paper in reverse toward the print head. This 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-43...

  • Page 114: Printing Commands

    ^D3 command. The only difference between this command and the ^D73 is the ability to increment and/or decrement sequential numbers in a batch. XXX 76 Load Delay Time Between Printed Labels: Delays the printing between 5-44 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 115: Label Header Parameter Override Commands

    Refer to Section 5.6.1 for additional information regarding the use of the ^D75 command and the serial number functions. The following two commands are valid for both single and multiple serial number functions: Clears Commands 86, 88, 89. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-45...
  • Page 116 0. Fields that instructs the printer to decrement beyond 0 will be set to A sample format using the single serial number function: ^D57 <CR> 1,575,609,,25,35,0,1,285,0,0 <CR> 1,280,300,2,1,5 <CR> ^D56 <CR> ^A2^D86 <CR> ^A1^D84 <CR> ^A5^D85 <CR> ^A3^D75 <CR> ^D2 <CR> 5-46 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 117: Text String Commands

    Pre-padded Text: This command is used to pre-pad text data. Any data already loaded into a field will be retained if the ^D62 command is sent. The following is an example of Pre=padded text: ^D57<CR> 3,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> 1,300,500,7,1,5<CR> 2,300,400,7,1,5<CR> 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-47...
  • Page 118 ^D64 command. The following is an example of the ^D61, ^D63, and ^D64 commands: ^A0^D64<CR> (Clears any old settings) ^D57<CR> 6,1280,900,,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> 1,300,300,20,1,4<CR> 5-48 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 119: Cutter Configuration Commands

    The printer will report the >TAKE LABEL< message when the LTS detects media and then only >READY< when the form is taken. Kiosk Cutter Mode Disable Kiosk Cutter Mode. Enable Kiosk Cutter Mode. Enable Partial Kiosk cut mode. Enable Full kiosk cut mode. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-49...

  • Page 120: Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command

    1, whenever the copies count is reached. If set to a value greater than 1, the printer will partial cut when that quantity is reached. This command only functions when the Cutter Control (^D99) command is set to allow partial cuts. 5-50 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 121: Cutter Hold-Off

    These dispense commands include Peel-n-Dispense, Tag/Tear, Cutter commands, and optional media handling commands as well. The following commands define these types of 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-51...

  • Page 122: Tag/Tear Operation

    Labels and Inches if they wish to track label usage, print head life, etc. Total Labels and Inches cannot be reset by the user. Printer Statistics: Print Statistics to the serial port Print Statistics on a label 5-52 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 123: Memory Commands

    5,1280,900,20,40,7,0,1,405,0,0 1,640,650,12,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,0 ^D56 Saved Format Clear Single FORMAT Stored in RAM: The ^Axx specifies which memory slot to clear (1-128). This command only functions with FORMAT files and not with downloadable fonts and/or graphics. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-53...
  • Page 124 [43231,41618]  The difference is the amount of memory to process current format. NOTES: RAM GRAPHICS can extend beyond the starting slot # into sequential ones. RAM formats are numbered #1 to #128 (RAM FONTS are limited to 64K in size.) Display Available FONT/GRAPHICS FLASH memory. 5-54 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 125 Valid values for Axx are 1 to 255. The user selects the CGN #xx that will be cleared. The ^D119 command may be used to verify what memory Slot #’s are available in FLASH for storage. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-55...
  • Page 126 The following 3 parameters are included in the FONT file when it is created: 1. Memory destination: RAM or FLASH 2. Memory File #: 1255 (this is the CGN #) 3. Rotation: 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270° 5-56 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 127 NOTE: If the FORMAT file contains a print command, then the label will be printed at the end of this command. Send a FLASH FORMAT to the communications port. ^Axx references the FORMAT file stored in Slot #xx Valid values for Axx are 1 to 128. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-57...
  • Page 128 Hint: Use command ^D119 to confirm that FONTS and GRAPHICS were erased in user FLASH memory, and that all downloaded FORMATS, FONTS, and GRAPHICS were erased in RAM. 5-58 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 129: 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 130 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 5-60 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 131 Sensor Status Byte: This command is used to report the real time sensor status of all the printer sensors. When the ^D163 command is issued, the printer returns a byte status that is defined below. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 5-61...

  • Page 132: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 133: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 134: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 135: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 136: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 137: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 138: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 139 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 140: 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 141: 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”. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 142: 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 143: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 144: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 145: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 146: Downloadable Font Command Summary

    7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary The following commands refer to the use of downloadable fonts and graphics: 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 147 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 148 Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 149: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 150: Table 8-1 Upc-E Zero Reduction Format

    (“*”) 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 151: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 152: Figure 8-1 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 153: Figure 8-5 Gs1 Databar Limited Sample

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 154: Figure 8-7 Gs1 Databar Sample Label Format

    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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 155: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 156 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 157: Table 8-2 Maxicode Control Code Equivalents

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 158: Figure 8-8 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 8-8 Code 128 Subset Switching 8-10 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 159: Codabar (Rationalized), Tci 42

    The PDF-417 format command (^D77) is used to load the data as well as formatting instructions for the bar code and is placed on the first line of the format. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-11...
  • Page 160 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 161: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-13...

  • Page 162: Figure 8-10 Pdf-417 Sample Format #2

    The D164 command is used to receive and process the Datamatrix barcode with the elements discussed below. Once the Datamatrix barcode data is entered and processed, the barcode image may be placed using the normal format field by using a TCI of 47. 8-14 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 163 Numeric Alphanumeric Binary Byte Symbol Size Capacity Capacity Capacity Auto 10 x 10 12 x 12 14 x 14 16 x 16 18 x 18 20 x 20 22 x 22 24 x 24 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-15...

  • Page 164: Table 8-5 Data Matrix Configuration Parameters

    Specification for Data Matrix ECC 200 requirements for additional information. Encoding Bits per Characters Scheme Character Double digit numeric A- ASCII ACSII values 0 – 127 Extended ASCII values 128-255 C- C40 Primarily Uppercase Alphanumeric 5.33 8-16 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 165: Table 8-6 Data Matrix Encoding Schemes

    Edifact Encoding Scheme X12 encoding scheme includes 63 ASCII values (values from 32 to 94) plus an Unlatch character (binary 011111) to return to ASCII encoding. Edifact encoding encodes four data characters in three codewords. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-17...
  • Page 166 ^D164 <---------------------------------Start of Datamatrix Data 0 <----------------------------------------Width 0 <----------------------------------------Height 1 <----------------------------------------Rotation A <----------------------------------------Encoding 1 <----------------------------------------Barcode ID :This is the second datamatrix being printer in this format.^\<---------------------- Data to encode (from the : to ^\) 8-18 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 167: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-19...

  • Page 168: 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. 8-20 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 169: 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. Command Syntax: 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-21...

  • Page 170: Ucc/Ean 128, Tci 50

    Indicates only year and month, DD must be filled with “00” (**) Plus one digit for length indication (***) Plus one digit for decimal point indication Content Format SCC-18 n2+n18 SCC-14 n2+n14 Batch or Lot Number n2+an..20 8-22 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 171 331(***) Length or 1 Dimension, Meters, Logistics n4+n6 332(***) Width Diameter, or 2 Dimension, Meters, Logistics n4+n6 Depth Thickness, Height or 3 Dimension, Meters, 333(***) n4+n6 Logistics 334(***) Area, Square Meters, Logistics n4+n6 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-23...
  • Page 172 Gross Volume, Cubic Feet n4+n6 369(***) Gross Volume, Cubic Yards n4+n6 Customer’s Purchase Order Number n3+an..30 Ship To (Deliver To) Location Code Using EAN-13 n3+n13 Bill To (Invoice To) Location Code Using EAN-13 n3+n13 8-24 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 173: Table 8-9 Ucc/Ean Application Identifiers

    The characters “#6” are only used internally and are not printed. Several Application Identifiers (00, 01, 22, and 8003) specify fields that will have a check digit as part of their data. A character must be included in the check digit place (although it 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-25...

  • Page 174: Ucc/Ean Text Information, Tci 51

    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> 8-26 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 175: Figure 8-12 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 8-10 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 8-27...

  • Page 176: Figure 8-13 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> 8-28 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 177: Chapter 9 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 178: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 179: Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish

    Example: Sending a 0xA8 would produce the Copyright character. 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 180: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 181: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 182 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 183: Figure 9-6 Code Page - German

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 184: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 185: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 186 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 187: Figure 9-10 Code Page - French

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 9-11...

  • Page 188: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 189: 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 Latin US. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 9-13...
  • Page 190 Code Switching Chapter 9 Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 191: Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 9-15...

  • Page 192: Figure 9-15 Code Page - British

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 193: Figure 9-16 Code Page - Usa

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 9-17...
  • Page 194 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 195: 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 196: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual- 880042-0141...

  • Page 197: Figure 10-3 Remove The Cleaning Card

    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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 10-3...

  • Page 198: Figure 10-4 Internal Cleaning

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual- 880042-0141...

  • Page 199: Figure 10-5 Cleaning The Print Head

    1. Slide the black latches towards the center to release the printhead assembly and then rotate to the open position. Figure 10-6 Releasing the Print Mechanism 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 10-5...

  • Page 200: Figure 10-7 Cutter Or Tear Assembly Mounting Screw

    Figure 10-8 Removing the Platen 4. Replace the assembly with a new platen assembly making sure that the bushings snap into the sheet metal. 10-6 428TM Operator’s Manual- 880042-0141...

  • Page 201: 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 10-7...

  • Page 202: 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 428TM Operator’s Manual- 880042-0141...

  • Page 203: Chapter 11: Troubleshooting

     Verify that the media contains some sort of registration mark.  Verify that the printer is received proper formatting instructions.  Verify that nothing is blocking the internal registration mark sensors.  Contact your Service Representative. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 11-1...
  • Page 204  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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 205: Index

    ^D26 Software Switch #6 ......................5-19, 5-25, 5-26 ^D29 Printer Statistics ........................5-52, 13-10 ^D3 Print Command ..........................5-44, 13-6 ^D32 Reset Printer ..........................5-37, 13-10 ^D33 Display Model and Revision Number ..................5-53, 13-10 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 12-1...
  • Page 206 ^D96 Load Advance Delay ................... 5-51, 5-52, 5-59, 13-14, 13-19 ^D97 Tag/Tear Dispense Mode....................5-51, 5-52, 13-14 ^D98 Peel-n-Dispense Mode......................5-52, 13-14 ^D99 Cutter Control ..........................5-50, 13-14 Agency Approvals.............................. Alphanumeric..............................13-23 Application Identifiers..........................8-22, 8-25 ASCII Graphic or FONT to RAM (^D104) ......................7-3 12-2 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 207 Control Codes...........................5-9, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11 Conversion Utilities............................7-2 CTS ................................13-23 Cutter ................................13-23 Data Bits ................................Data Matrix Symbol ........................8-15, 8-16, 8-17 DCD ................................13-23 DCE ................................13-23 Die-cut media ..............................13-23 Direct Thermal ............................... 13-23 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 12-3...
  • Page 208 GAP ..........................4-6, 5-45, 13-11, 13-13 HFM............................4-5, 5-45, 13-10 LCB............................ 4-7, 4-8, 5-45, 13-11 LSX................................4-6 LSY............................ 4-6, 4-8, 5-45, 13-11 OFX ............................4-10, 5-45, 13-11 OFY ............................4-10, 5-45, 13-11 SPG ........................... 4-7, 4-8, 5-45, 13-11 12-4 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 209 Memory ............................... 5-53 Printing ................................ 5-43 Serial Numbers ............................5-45 Text String ............................5-31, 5-47 Printer Depth ..............................Printer Enquires............................... 5-11 Printer Height..............................Printer Weight..............................Printer Width..............................Printhead ............................13-23, 13-25 Return Material Authorization.......................... 13-3 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 12-5...
  • Page 210 Printing ................................1-1 SRAM ..............................1-1, 13-25 Tag stock ............................... 13-25 Temperature ..............................Thermal Printer Card ............................10-2 Troubleshooting ............................... 11-1 TXD................................13-25 Unpacking................................3-1 UPC-A Symbol..............................8-1 UPC-E Symbol.............................8-1, 8-2, 8-3 USB................................13-25 Warranty ................................13-1 12-6 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 211: List Of Figures

    Code 128 Subset Switching ...............8-10 Figure 8-9 PDF-417 Sample Format #1 ..............8-13 Figure 8-10 PDF-417 Sample Format #2 ..............8-14 Figure 8-11 Intelligent Mail Barcode bars ..............8-20 Figure 8-12 Bar Code Rotations................8-27 Figure 8-13 UPC-A Text/Extended Bars..............8-28 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 12-7...
  • Page 212 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 12-8 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 213: List Of Tables

    Data Matrix Encoding Schemes ............8-17 Table 8-7 ASCII Codeword Values..............8-18 Table 8-8 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure ............8-20 Table 8-9 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ............8-25 Table 8-10 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s..........8-27 Table 10-1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule..........10-1 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 12-9...
  • Page 214 12-10 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 215: Appendix

    Although the user is not required to purchase Microcom Corporation brand supplies, to the extent it is determined that the use of other supplies (such as non-approved label stock, ribbons, and cleaning solutions) shall have caused any defects in the thermal print head for which the warranty claim has been made, the user shall be responsible for Microcom Corporation’s...
  • Page 216 13-2 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 217 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 218 13-4 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 219: Appendix C: ^D Command Summary

    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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-5...
  • Page 220 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 221 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-7...
  • Page 222 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 223 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-9...
  • Page 224 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 225 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-11...
  • Page 226 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 227 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-13...
  • Page 228 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 229 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 230 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 231 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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-17...
  • Page 232 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 233 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 direction by the X amount, specified in dots. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-19...
  • Page 234 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...
  • Page 235 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 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-21...
  • Page 236 13-22 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 237: Glossary

    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. 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-23...
  • Page 238 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 239 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). 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-25...
  • Page 240 13-26 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

  • Page 241: Appendix D: User Notes

    _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141 13-27...
  • Page 242 13-28 428TM Operator’s Manual - 880042-0141...

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