Hex Dump Mode - Datamax M-Class Operator's Manual

7.2 Hex Dump Mode

The Hex Dump Mode is a useful tool for diagnosing problems, including communication and DPL™ syntax errors, allowing
a comparison of input strings (sent by host) to output data (received by printer). To decode this information, the Class
Series Programmer's Manual is an essential reference. This output can be used for debugging the label format. In addition,
by repeatedly sending a format, this mode can uncover handshaking problems (if they exist). Handshaking problems are
identified by sections of missing data in the character string.
Non-display printers:
To print the Hex Dump Label:
With the printer on, loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide) and ribbon (if printing with thermal transfer media), press
and hold the button while turning the printer on. Continue holding the button until the light turns
STOP
FEED FEED
off. Now, all data received by the printer will be output in hexadecimal code, along with the printable ASCII equivalents, as
shown below. To exit Hex Dump Mode simply turn the printer off and then back on.
Display printers:
To print the Hex Dump Label:
To begin, go to the Diagnostics menu and enable Hex Dump Mode; see Section 5.1.7. Exit the menu and save the changes.
Now, 'HEX DUMP MODE' will be indicated by the display and all data sent to the printer will now be output in
hexadecimal code, along with the printable ASCII equivalents, as shown below.
The figure below is a sample Hex Dump Label. After sending a label format to the printer, the hex code output will be
immediate. As a final note, many software programs use bit mapping to construct the label, making diagnosis difficult.
Contact Datamax Technical Support with any questions.
Note: To return to Ready Mode, re-enter the Diagnostics Menu and disable the Hex Dump Mode, exit the menu, then save the
changes.
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