Microcom 224 Operator's Manual
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Microcom 224 Operator's Manual

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MODEL 224 / 424
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PART NUMBER 880027-0141
Revised: September 16, 2013 CPC
Copyright © 2013 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.

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  • Page 1 MODEL 224 / 424 DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL PART NUMBER 880027-0141 Revised: September 16, 2013 CPC Copyright © 2013 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
  • Page 3 For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice. Liability Disclaimer Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this product.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS........4-1 Control Characters ....................4-1 LDS Design Exercises ..................4-1 4.2.1 PC Connection (Serial) ................. 4-1 4.2.2 Format Creation.................... 4-2 Label Design: An Overview.................. 4-3 Label Header ....................... 4-4 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 6 Software Switch #2 ................5-6 5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3 ................5-7 5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4 ................5-8 5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5 ................5-9 5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6 ................5-11 5.2.1.7 Software Switch #7 ................5-17 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 7 CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS........... 6-1 FLASH Data Types ....................6-1 RAM Data Types....................6-1 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility........6-1 6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure ....... 6-2 Graphic Download Methods................. 6-3 6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads.............. 6-3 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 8 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36 ................8-6 8.1.13 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37 ................8-7 8.1.14 MaxiCode, TCI 38 ..................8-7 8.1.15 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40..........8-9 8.1.16 Code 128 (Manual Compression), TCI 41........... 8-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 9 10.5 Cleaning the Drive Roller ................... 10-6 10.6 Exterior Cleaning ....................10-6 CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING ............. 11-1 11.1 Troubleshooting Tips..................11-1 INDEX ....................... 12-1 General Index ......................12-1 List of Figures ......................12-7 List of Tables ......................12-9 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 10 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 ..................13-27 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 11 This manual covers both the 224 and 424 printers. The primary difference in the two printers is print width. The 224 uses a 2.1 inch (53mm) print head and the 424 uses a 4.1 inch (104mm) print head. Both printers are offered with a standard resolution of either 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) or an optional 300 dpi (12 dots/mm).

  • Page 12: Ii 224/424 Operator's Manual -

    224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

    Print Resolution 300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot) Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.) 224 - 203DPI = 2.1” (53 mm) Maximum Print Width 424 - 203DPI = 4.098” (104 mm) Maximum Print Length 50” (1,270 mm) with 203 dpi...

  • Page 14: Media Specifications

    Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types. **NOTE: The 224 printer’s media path has a maximum width of 2.5” while the actual printable width is 2.1” for the 203 DPI print head.

  • Page 15: Chapter 2: Features And Options

     UPC-A  PDF-417  UPC-E  Maxicode.  EAN 8  Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and  EAN 13 270 º.  UCC/EAN 128  Postnet  Expandable in height and width. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 16: Special Features

     Cutter – Full and partial  Label Present Detector (LPD) reflective sensor with indicator light and adjustable range  10/100BASE-T Ethernet communications port  Catch Tray  External label roll rack (8” O.D. max)  Cleaning kit 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 17: Typical Printer Accessories

    Corporation Service Department. Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories 3.2 Connecting the Printer The printer’s may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose machines using the available communications ports described in the following sections. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 18: Ac Power Connection

    3.2.1 Printer Power The 224/424 printer has a universal auto-sensing internal power supply that operates in the 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range. The three-prong female end of the power cord plugs into the mating connector located on the back of the printer.

  • Page 19: Cable Configurations

    The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable, which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE.

  • Page 20: Usb Communication Interface

    ^D115 command and will be reported on the Statistics Label. 3.3 Loading Media The easy- to-release print head makes loading media into the Model 224/424 printer an easy process. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media.

  • Page 21: Print Button And Status Indicator Light

    The Print Button and the Status Indicator Light are used to identify and perform many functions. This section provides a description to familiarize you with the basic function of the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 22: Print Button Description

    Press & hold the Print Button while the printer is IDLE to advance Feeding labels label media. The printer will continue advancing label media until (Line feed) the Print Button is released. Table 3-2 Print Button Description 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 23: Status Indicator Light Description

    If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label, c) Holding the button depressed: Form Feed labels until the button is released. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 24: Halted Mode: Red

    The printer will use the factory default parameters until the printer has been reset using a soft reset or by cycling power. The printer will then return to the configuration shown on the Status Label. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 25: Status Label (Examples)

    STOCK OUT VALUE: 100 STOCK OUT VALUE: 100 PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A PRINTER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A BOOTLOADER CODE REV: 02.12.050719A CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212 CODE ASSY PN. 071001-0212 Figure 3-6 Status Label (Examples) 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 26 Getting Started Chapter 3 3-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 27: Chapter 4: Designing Labels Using Lds

    COM1:9600,n,8,1,p) command before copying the files to the port. Create a text file, enter “^D3” <CR> (carriage return) and save it as “D3.txt”. Send the file to the printer by either using the DOS COPY (C:\>copy d3.txt com1) command or by using a terminal program. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 28: Hyperterminal™ Window Example

    The LDS programming language uses thermal dots as the unit of measure. All commands and parameters, unless noted otherwise, should be entered using dots. The 224 and 424 printers may be fitted with either a standard density 203dpi head, or a higher density 300dpi print head.

  • Page 29: Label Design: An Overview

    The command ^D57<CR> on the first line informs the printer that a format is coming and causes the printer to enter the format entry mode. The next line is the header information that sets the label size and other pertinent information. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 30: Label Header

    Dot or pixel size varies depending upon the print resolution of the print head. Two print resolutions are currently available for the 224 and 424 printers (203 DPI and 300 DPI). The dot size of a 203 dots per inch head (8 dots/mm) is 0.0049”. The dot size of a 300 dots per inch head (12 dots/mm) is 0.0032”.

  • Page 31: Header Elements

    Thermal Printing Solutions 3.0” or 900 Dots 012345 X beginning This is the Gap Value origin; 1,1 .125” or 40 Dots Y beginning 4.266” or 1280 Dots (Total Print Head Dots) Figure 4-3 Header Elements 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 32: Valid Lsx Values

    The DPS parameter is used to set the printing speed for the printer. Refer to Table 4-2 for the list of print speeds, DPS values, and corresponding inches per second values. To print at greater speeds, change the DPS value to a lower setting as shown on Table 4-2. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 33: Dps Values

    This parameter selects the method the printer uses for detecting registration marks on the different media types. The Model 224 and 424 printers have both upper (transmissive) and lower (reflective) gap detectors as standard equipment. The following sections discuss the LCB settings for the different media types.

  • Page 34: Continuous Media (Setting = 2)

    HFM, LSX, LSY, WEB, GAP, DPS, LCB, AGD, , OFX, OFY This parameter is used to specify the number of steps (thermal dots) to advance the media after a registration mark has been detected. This parameter is required to properly register 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 35: Dot To Gap Parameters

    SPG = 12 D2G (468) = The Dot to Gap distance for a 203 DPI 424 printer (Table 4-3). LSY (203) = The height of the printable area; 1" x 203 DPI = 203 dots. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 36: Ofx (Offset X Direction)

    (“,”). A carriage return must follow each format field for proper operation to occur. The values entered must be positive integers for all of the parameters of the format field. 4-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 37: Label Format Field Elements

    A TSN of “2” accesses the second line of data, and so forth. The text data is the text that follows the “^D2<CR>” command in the label’s layout. A graphic image field must point to a text string that contains at least one character. The maximum value for a TSN is 65536. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-11...

  • Page 38: Xb (X Beginning Coordinate)

    All of the TCI values used by the 224/424 printer are listed in Table 4-4 below. For example, a TCI of “1” for the text string data “012345” would print the text “012345” while a TCI of “15” would produce an “Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol”.

  • Page 39: Tci Values

    The CGN parameter is a numeric entry that determines the representation and size of embedded font and bar codes as well as the memory location of graphic images that have been selected by the TCI parameter. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-13...

  • Page 40: Cgn-Embedded Fonts

    Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts The Model 224 and 424 printers provide seven resident Helvetica style embedded fonts that can be selected using the CGN when text is selected by the appropriate TCI value. Embedded Bitmapped Fonts POINT...

  • Page 41: Embedded Bar Codes

    See Chapter 8 for more detailed information on designing label formats using bar code symbols. Some bar codes do not require a CGN value and should be omitted by entering the comma delimiter. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-15...

  • Page 42: Cgn-Bar Code Symbologies

    This parameter defines the justification of the format field on the label. Left Justified above the base-line Right Justified above the base-line Left Justified below the base-line Right Justified below the base-line Centered above the base-line Centered below the base-line 4-16 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 43: Fo & Fj Character Starting Positions

    Multiplying a text string will not multiply the spacing between characters. This element may be used to properly space the characters to create the desired printed effect. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-17...

  • Page 44: Tsp (Text Starting Position)

    An example of two lines drawn on a label is shown in Figure 4-5. This 3 x 3” label was designed for a 424 printer with a 300 DPI print head. ^D57 <CR> 2,1280,900,19,38,7,0,1,385,0,0 <CR> 1,340,750,,6,,,,600,25,,,,,0 <CR> 1,627,150,,6,,,,25,600,,,,,0 <CR> ^D56 <CR> ^D2 <CR> Line <CR> ^D3 <CR> Figure 4-5 Line Draw Sample 4-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 45: Label Format Line Draw

    “Line” was used in the example to clearly define the label format fields that contain line values. However, it could have simply been one character such as a period “.” XB (X Beginning Coordinate) The X and Y coordinates determine the start of the line draw. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-19...

  • Page 46: 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. 4-20 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 47: Reverse Video Sample

    It is possible to create a reverse video effect with barcodes using this method. ^D57 5,1280,900,0,0,7,2,0,1,0,0 1,640,700,8,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 2,640,591,11,1,5,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 3,640,465,26,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 4,640,350,6,1,3,0,4,2,2,,,,,8 4,640,50,6,16,3,,4,5,150,,,,,1 ^D56 Microcom Corporation Thermal Printing Solutions 012345 Figure 4-8 Auto Reverse Video Sample 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 4-21...
  • Page 48 Designing Labels Using LDS Chapter 4 4-22 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 49: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 50 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 51: Stl Status 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 52 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 53: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 54: Software Switch #2

    >RESTARTED< message for the first enquiry ONLY, to denote the reset condition and then >READY< with following enquiries. 1 = Enable (>RESTARTED< on first inquiry then >READY<) 0 = Disable (Always responds with >READY<) 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 55: Software Switch #3

    1 (active LOW) will report the >INPUT 1< message if no reflection is detected. A setting of 0 (active HIGH) will report the >INPUT 1< message if a reflection is detected. 1 = Send >INPUT 1< active LOW 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 56: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 57: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 58 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 5-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 59: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-11...

  • Page 60: Compatibility Fonts

    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. 5-12 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 61 (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 4 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-13...
  • Page 62 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. 5-14 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 63 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 64 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. 5-16 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 65: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-17...

  • Page 66: 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” 5-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 67 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-19...

  • Page 68: 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) 5-20 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 69: Set Serial Port Source Command (Volatile - ^D109)

    This command sets which serial port will be used the next time the printer is turned ON. The 224/424 printer has three serial data ports on the rear panel: RS-232, USB, or Ethernet. Only 1 port can be active at any given time. The D108 command sets how the printer selects the active serial port the next time the printer is powered ON.

  • Page 70: Change Setup

    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). 5-22 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 71: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-23...

  • Page 72: Printhead Sizes - D78

    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. 5-24 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 73 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-25...

  • Page 74: 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. 5-26 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 75: 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] 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-27...

  • Page 76: 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%. 5-28 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 77: Slice Buffer Size And Set Starting Slice Number Commands

    The printer will update and write the configuration to flash on normal power downs. This command may be used to start using certain non-volatile system parameters (head parameter and soft switch commands). 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-29...

  • Page 78: Registration Commands

    Automatically sets the reflective threshold value. Set the Transmissive Dot2Gap Value: 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 5-30 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 79: Transmissive Dot2Gap Values

    ^D47 is set to the proper setting for the media being used. When using media that contains a blackline for the registration mark, first execute the ^A1^D47<CR> command sequence before issuing the auto-size command or the results may be invalid. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-31...

  • Page 80: 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 81: Autoload Media Commands

    The printer will advance a blank label, based on the current or last processed label, before starting to print properly registered labels. These are the steps for AutoLoad + FF: 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-33...

  • Page 82: Autoload + Top-Of-Form

    AutoLoad + FF. Soft switch #5, bit #3 selects the type of TOF sensor. The TOF may a REFLECTIVE style, or it may use a TRANSMISSIVE sensor for more accurate sensing. 5-34 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 83 Media is advanced until the leading edge is detected by the “Top Of Form” sensor, b) Media is then retracted to position the leading edge of stock to the correct starting location. This command is useful when using the AutoLoad + Top of Form command. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-35...

  • Page 84: Printing Commands

    ^D73 command. The batch of labels is printed once a ^D3 command is executed; therefore the ^D75 command must be issued before the ^D3 command. The only difference between this command 5-36 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 85: Label Header Parameter Override Commands

    ^D56 command or just prior to the ^D3 command. Refer to Section 5.6.1 for additional information regarding the use of the ^D75 command and the serial number functions. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-37...
  • Page 86 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> 5-38 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 87: 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: 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-39...
  • Page 88 ^D64 command. The following is an example of the ^D61, ^D63, and ^D64 commands: 5-40 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 89: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-41...

  • Page 90: 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. 5-42 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 91: 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 operations. Most of the dispensing commands require that the printer is configured with an optional Label Present Detector. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-43...

  • Page 92: Tag/Tear Operation

    Inches cannot be reset by the user. Printer Statistics: Print Statistics to the serial port Print Statistics on a label Clear the Printed Labels variable in the statistics Clear the Printed Inches variable in the statistics 5-44 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 93: Memory Commands

    Clear User RAM: This command clears all the downloaded fonts and graphics that have been stored in RAM. This command does not affect fonts and graphics that have been downloaded and stored into the FONT flash memory. Use the ^D17 to erase FONT flash memory. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-45...
  • Page 94 This command is used to display the amount of FONT/GRAPHICS FLASH memory available in bytes in the form >xxxxxxx< where xxxxxxx is the number of available bytes. xxyy 127 Save FONTS to RAM. (See Chapter 7, Downloadable Fonts) 5-46 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 95 FONT download file. The ^Axxyy tells the printer the overall size of the file according to this format: xx = the number of additional 64KB sectors in the FONT file set 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-47...
  • Page 96 1. Create the special FONT download file with FLASH set as the memory destination, 2. Send the file to the printer using a standard communications program set for 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. 5-48 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 97 Valid values for Axx are 1 to 128. Label FORMATS are saved into FLASH Slots 1 to 128. This command causes the printer to send a previously loaded FORMAT file out the communications port to the HOST. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-49...

  • Page 98: Printer Code Update

    Sending a ^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 5-50 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 99: Miscellaneous Commands

    Chapter 5 Printer Commands inoperable. Please contact your Microcom Corporation Representative for more information. 5.14 Miscellaneous Commands Command Send Printer Status: (Equivalent ^E) Load Control Code Recognition Status: Enable control code recognition Disable control code recognition Verbose Mode: Disable Verbose Mode...
  • Page 100 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 5-52 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 101 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 5-53...

  • Page 102: 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 5-54 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 103: Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics

    Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics The 224 and 424 printers allow the user to download their own GRAPHICS and store the GRAPHICS in either non-volatile FLASH memory, or in volatile RAM memory. 6.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS.

  • Page 104: Bmp2Mic.exe Graphic Conversion Utility Procedure

    Note: Jet.bmp is used as an example for the <infile>. Enter your own GRAPHIC name in its place. You may name the <outfile> anything you wish as long it is less than 8 characters. An extension is not necessary. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 105: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 106: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 107: Binary Compression Algorithm

    255 copies) totaling 1024 bytes of “FF” HEX. The next “FF” HEX byte adds another and the 6B HEX adds 107 additional copies for a total of 1132 FF HEX bytes. (4 X 256)+1+107 = 1132 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 108: Ascii-Hex Conversions

    “30” HEX. This results in the two bytes “36” HEX and “3C” HEX. This conversion results in a file size that is twice as big as the source, the data can now be transmitted over a 7-bit data connection. Figure 6-1 ASCII-HEX Conversions 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 109: Graphic Image Data Format

    Label first_char_data the beginning of the graphic image data Word char_height height of this character’s bitmap in dots 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 110: Downloadable Graphics Commands

    Deletes the graphics in slot #XX 106* 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 111: Flash Data Types

    Chapter 7: Downloadable Fonts The 224 and 424 printers allow the user to download their own fonts and store the fonts in either volatile RAM memory, or non-volatile FLASH memory. 7.1 FLASH Data Types The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data: 1) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS and GRAPHICS, using TCI #7.

  • Page 112: Sfp2Mic.exe Program

    2. Follow the on screen instructions and note the slot number where the image is saved. The 224 and 424 printers use the same font structure as the Model 412 printer. Select the Model 412 printer when converting fonts for the 224 and 424 printers.

  • Page 113: Save Compressed Font To Ram (D127)

    <Image Data> is the compressed binary image. 7.4.2 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 114: Save Fonts To Flash (^D135)

    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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 115: Font Structure

    The following font structure is offered to programmers who wish to use their own programs to convert fonts. The font structure consists of a set of data structures and location offsets to those structures. All data is stored in binary form. Multi-byte values are stored “least 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 116 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 117: Downloadable Font Command Summary

    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 118 Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 119: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 120: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 121 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 122: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 123: Gs1 Databar Stacked Omni-Directional 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 124: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 125 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 1 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 126 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 127: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 128: Code128 Special Function Access

    C the user must send the appropriate code (#n) to return to either subset A or B. ABC#3012345#5abc The “#5” 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 8-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 129: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-11...
  • Page 130 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. 8-12 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 131: 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 #1 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-13...

  • Page 132: 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. 8-14 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 133 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 24 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-15...

  • Page 134: 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 8-16 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 135: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-17...

  • Page 136: Ascii Codeword Values

    ^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 ^\) 8-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 137: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-19...

  • Page 138: 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. 8-20 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 139: 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: 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-21...

  • Page 140: 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 8-22 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 141 331(***) 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-23...
  • Page 142 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 8-24 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 143: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-25...

  • Page 144: 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> 8-26 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 145: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 8-27...
  • Page 146 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> 8-28 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 147: Chapter 9 Code Page Switching

    The 224and 424 printers provide 15 standard code pages. Please note that the printer implements the codes from 32 up. Code numbers below 32 are printed using the 224 and 424’s standard letters. These are the Code Pages that are implemented in the printer: 1.

  • Page 148: Code Pages

    The Default Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0000. Figure 9-1 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Default Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-1 Code Page - Default 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 149: Danish Code Page

    The Danish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0001. Figure 9-2 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Danish Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-2 Code Page - Danish 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 150: Code Page

    424 printer set to use the 860 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSPortuguese. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-3 Code Page - 860 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 151: Spanish Code Page

    The Spanish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0011. Figure 9-4 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Spanish Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-4 Code Page - Spanish 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 152: 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 Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-5 Code Page - 850 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 153: German Code Page

    The German Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0101. Figure 9-6 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the German Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-6 Code Page - German 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 154: Code Page

    424 printer set to use the 865 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSNordic. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-7 Code Page - 865 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 155: Swiss Code Page

    The Swiss Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 0111. Figure 9-8 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Swiss Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-8 Code Page - Swiss 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 156: Code Page

    This code page is also known as DOSLatin2 (Eastern Europe). Latin2 covers the languages of Central and Eastern Europe: Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Croatian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Sorbian. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-9 Code Page - 852 9-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 157: French Code Page

    The French Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1001. Figure 9-10 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the French Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-10 Code Page - French 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 9-11...

  • Page 158: Code Page

    424 printer set to use the 863 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSCanadaF. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-11 Code Page - 863 9-12 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 159: Swedish Code Page

    The Swedish Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1011. Figure 9-12 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Swedish Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-12 Code Page - Swedish 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 9-13...

  • Page 160: Code Page

    SW4:(5-8) = 1100. Figure 9-13 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the 437 Code Page. This code page is also known as DOSLatinUS. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-13 Code Page - 437 9-14 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 161: Italian Code Page

    The Italian Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1101. Figure 9-14 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the Italian Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-14 Code Page - Italian 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 9-15...

  • Page 162: British Code Page

    The British Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1110. Figure 9-15 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the British Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-15 Code Page - British 9-16 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 163: Usa Code Page

    The USA Code Page is selected when SW4:(5-8) = 1111. Figure 9-16 below is an actual printout from a 424 printer set to use the USA Code Page. Refer to Chapter 5 for more details on SW4 settings. Figure 9-16 Code Page – USA 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 9-17...
  • Page 164 Code Switching Chapter 9 9-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 165: 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 166 Thermal cleaning cards should not be used more than three times each, and extremely dirty cards should be disposed of immediately. CAUTION: Never touch or clean the print head with any abrasive solvents and/or with metal or sharp objects. Figure 10-1 Inserting the Thermal Cleaning Card 10-2 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 167 Chapter 10 Printer Maintenance Figure 10-2 Thermal Card Removal Figure 10-3 Removing the Top Cover 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 10-3...

  • Page 168: Internal Cleaning

    6. When finished, latch the Print Head completely and reinstall the Top Cover and media. 7. Turn the printer power “ON.” 10-4 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 169: Print Head Maintenance

    6. The Drive Roller, Peel Edge, and other basic internal cleaning may also be performed at this time, see the appropriate sections for more information. 7. Latch the Print Head completely and reinstall the Top Cover and media. 8. Turn the power to the printer “ON.” 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 10-5...

  • Page 170: Cleaning The Drive Roller

    The use of any mild, non-abrasive general purpose cleaner with a lint-free cloth may be used to clean the exterior surfaces. This cleaning should be performed on an as needed basis. 10-6 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 171: Chapter 11: Troubleshooting

     After pressing the print button, the indicator 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 11-1...
  • Page 172  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. 11-2 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 173: Index

    ^D22 Software Switch #2 ........................5-6, 13-7 ^D23 Software Switch #3 ........................5-7, 13-7 ^D24 Software Switch #4 ........................5-8, 13-8 ^D25 Software Switch #5 ....................5-9, 13-8, 13-9, 13-10 ^D26 Software Switch #6 ......................5-11, 5-17, 5-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 12-1...
  • Page 174 ^D93 Load Control Code Recognition Status ..................5-51, 13-13 ^D94 Set Slice Buffer Size........................5-29, 13-14 ^D95 Load Advance/Retract Distance..............5-43, 5-44, 5-51, 13-14, 13-19 ^D96 Load Advance Delay ................... 5-43, 5-44, 5-51, 13-14, 13-19 ^D97 Tag/Tear Dispense Mode....................5-43, 5-44, 13-14 12-2 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 175 Italian................................9-15 Spanish ................................. 9-5 Swedish............................... 9-13 Swiss ................................9-9 USA ................................9-17 Communication RS-232C Serial ............................. 3-3 Compression Algorithm ............................. 6-5 Connections Communication Interfaces ..........................3-1 Continuous media............................13-23 Control Codes...........................5-1, 8-9, 8-10, 8-11 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 12-3...
  • Page 176 Isopropyl Alcohol ............................10-2, 10-5 Label Format Fields ............................4-10 AN................................4-18 CC ..............................4-12, 4-18 CGN................................4-13 CMX..............................4-16, 4-17 CMY..............................4-16, 4-17 CS................................4-17 FJ ................................4-16 FO...............................4-16, 4-17 TCI..............................4-12, 4-13 TSN ................................4-11 TSP................................4-18 XB................................4-12 12-4 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 177 PDF-417 Symbol ............................ 8-11, 8-12 Peel Edge ............................10-1, 10-5, 10-6 Platen ................................13-24 Print Button..............................3-5, 3-7 Print Length ............................... Print Resolution ..............................Print Speed................................ Print Type ................................Print Width ................................. Printer Commands............................. 5-1 Auto-Size..............................5-31 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 12-5...
  • Page 178 Statistics Label (Examples) ..........................3-9 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 12-6 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 179: List Of Figures

    PDF-417 Sample Format #2 ..................8-14 Intelligent Mail Barcode bars ..................8-20 Bar Code Rotations ....................8-27 UPC-A Text/Extended Bars..................8-28 Code Page - Default....................9-2 Code Page - Danish ....................9-3 Code Page - 860 ......................9-4 Code Page - Spanish ....................9-5 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 12-7...
  • Page 180 Code Page – USA ....................9-17 Inserting the Thermal Cleaning Card..............10-2 Thermal Card Removal..................10-3 Removing the Top Cover..................10-3 Unlatching the Print Head..................10-4 Internal Cleaning ....................10-5 Print head Thermal Elements ................10-6 12-8 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 181: List Of Tables

    Code128 Special Function Access.................8-10 PDF-417 Error Correction Level ................8-13 Data Matrix Configuration Parameters ..............8-16 Data Matrix Encoding Schemes ................8-17 ASCII Codeword Values..................8-18 Intelligent Mail Barcode Structure................8-20 UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ................8-25 Human Readable/Extended Bars TCI’s..............8-27 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 12-9...
  • Page 182 Recommended Maintenance Schedule ..............10-1 12-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 183: 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 184 13-2 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 185 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 186 13-4 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 187: 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-5...
  • Page 188 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) 13-6 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 189: Enquiry Responses

    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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-7...
  • Page 190 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 13-8 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 191 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-9...
  • Page 192 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. 13-10 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 193 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-11...
  • Page 194 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 13-12 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 195 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-13...
  • Page 196 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. 13-14 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 197 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 198 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. 13-16 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 199 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-17...
  • Page 200 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 13-18 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 201 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-19...
  • Page 202 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 13-20 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...
  • Page 203 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 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-21...
  • Page 204 13-22 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 205: 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. 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-23...
  • Page 206 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 207 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). 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141 13-25...
  • Page 208 13-26 224/424 Operator’s Manual - 880027-0141...

  • Page 209: Appendix D: User Notes

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