MONARCH PRINTER CONTROL LANGUAGE II Packet Reference Manual TCMPCL2PR Rev. BA 06/00 ©2001 Paxar Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only warranty on which the customer can rely. Monarch reserves the right to make changes in the product and the programs and their availability at any time and without notice. Although Monarch has made every effort to provide complete and accurate information in this manual, Monarch shall not be liable for any omissions or inaccuracies. Any update will be incorporated in a later edition of this manual. 1994 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
Table of Contents Chapter 1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Overview of Printer Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating an MPCLII Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daily Startup Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Defining the Supply Setup Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Defining the Print Control Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Defining the Control Characters Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Resetting Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Defining the Communication Settings Packet . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Defining the Memory Configuration Packet. . . . . .
Table of Contents Defining Box Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Chapter 5. Defining Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Applying Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Combining Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Option 1 (Fixed Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Option 4 (Copy Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Downloading Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sequential Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Batch Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Batch Quantity Zero Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modifying Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional Entry Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating DOS Batch Files for Downloading . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Chapter 10. Printer Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 Adjusting the Print Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reducing Imaging Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Format Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advanced Use of the Optional Entry Method . . . . . . . . . . Standard Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optimized Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting a Symbol Set or Code Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting the Internal Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting the ANSI Symbol Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting the 437 or 850 Code Page . . . . . . . . . . . Entering Extended Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1. Getting Started This manual provides the necessary information to design, write and print a Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCLII) format. The following printers support this type of format: ✦ 9494 (V. 1.0 or greater) ✦ 9490 (V. 3.0 or greater) ✦ 9446 (V. 5.2 or greater) ✦ 1460 (V. 3.0 or greater) This chapter ✦ describes the significant differences between the four printers. ✦ creates a sample MPCLII packet. ✦ shows how to download a sample packet.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Overview of Printer Differences –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– While all four of these printers are very similar, some differences in operation and available options exist. Feature 1-2 9494 9490 9446 1460 Maximum print speed 2.0 IPS 2.0 IPS 10.0 IPS 7.0 IPS Maximum print area 4.0 in. x 6.0 in. 4.0 in. x 6.0 in. 4.0 in. x 8.0 in. 4.0 in. x 8.0 in. Location of Print Area Center Center Left Left Supply Width 2.0 in. x 4.0 in. 2.0 in. x 4.0 in. 1.2 in.
Chapter 1. Getting Started Before You Begin –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1. Connect the printer to the host. Refer to your printer’s documentation for more information. 2. Load supplies in the printer. Refer to your printer’s documentation for more information. 3. Turn on the printer. 4. Set the communication parameters and configure the printer. The communication parameters at the printer must match those at the host. See Chapter 3, "Configuring the Printer," for more information. 5.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 3. Type the following bar code field: B,1,12,F,110,115,1,2,120,5,L,0 p 4. Type the following text field: T,2,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p } You have created a format packet for your MPCLII printer. Now, a batch packet must be created before you can print the format. 5. Type the following batch header, after the text field line: {B,25,N,1 p 6. Type the following bar code data: 1,"12345678901" p 7. Type the following text field data: 2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p } 8.
Chapter 1. Getting Started 10. Type COPY SAMPLE.FMT COM1. The following 2 inch by 2 inch label prints: { F,25,A,R,M,508,508,"Fmt 25" p C,250,80,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING" p B,1,12,F,110,115,1,2,120,5,L,0 p T,2,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0 p } Sample Batch Packet { B,25,N,1 p 1,"12345678901" p 2,"DAYTON, OHIO" p } Daily Startup Procedures –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You may want to design a checklist for operators to follow each day.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 1-6
Chapter 2. Designing a Format This chapter describes how to ✦ determine what kind of information to use in your format. ✦ use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet. ✦ categorize data into field types. ✦ select fonts to use in your format. Starting with a Design––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Before you create a format packet, you must design your label. There are several steps to designing a custom label: 1. Decide which fields should appear on your label.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual At this point, you are ready to send your design to the printer. To do this: 7. Create a format packet, based on how you filled out your worksheet. See Chapter 4, "Defining Fields," for more information. 8. Download your format packet to the printer. See Chapter 6, "Printing," for more information. Determining Format Contents –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Before you lay out your format, you need to make a few decisions.
Chapter 2. Designing a Format The following table lists the non-print zones for each printer. Printer n Top Bottom Left Right 9490/9494 .04 inches 1.01 mm 7.7 dots .16 - .19 inches 4.1 - 4.8 mm 31 - 36.5 dots .05 - .11 inches 1.3 - 2.8 mm 9.6 - 21.1 dots .05 - .11 inches 1.3 - 2.8 mm 9.6 - 21.1 dots 9446/1460 none none .06 inches 1.5 mm 11.5 dots .14 inches 3.6 mm 26.9 dots The standard supply length for the 9490 and 9494 printers is six inches.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Using Supply Layout Grids –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A supply layout grid contains measurement markers. These markers help you accurately position information on your label. Decide whether you want to design formats using English, Metric, or Dot measurements. Choose from the following grids: ✦ English Supply Layout (Inches) 8.0 7.5 The English grid, shown to the right, is measured in 1/100 inches. 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 ✦ Metric 5.0 4.
Chapter 2. Designing a Format Field Type n Description Examples Text Contains letters, numbers, or symbols you want to print. item number, item description, department number, price, date Non-Printable Text Holds batch data for use later, such as for merging into another field. The printer does not print non-printable text fields. city, state, and zip code to be included in a bar code Bar Code Used for printing bar codes that can be scanned.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Choosing the appropriate font appearance is up to the user. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for samples of each font. Choosing the appropriate font size and spacing depends on how much space is available on your supply. Monospaced characters occupy the same amount of space within a magnification, making it easy to predict the field size. Use monospaced fonts for price fields and data you want to list in a column.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer This chapter discusses how to ✦ set communication parameters. ✦ configure the printer using online configuration packets. ✦ use immediate commands to control the printer’s operation at any time. ✦ upload the printer’s configuration or font information. Setting Communication Parameters ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The communication parameters at the printer must match those at the host, or you will not be able to communicate.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Using Autobaud n ✦ Do Not send any data to the printer before using autobaud. ✦ Autobaud is only available on the 9494 and 9490 printers. You can use the autobaud feature to automatically set the printer’s baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits to match the host’s. To use autobaud, you must: 1. Power up the host first and then turn on the printer. Autobaud only works during the initial power up. Wait 2 to 5 seconds. 2.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Using MPCLII Conventions –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Here are some guidelines to follow when using MPCLII. MPCLII Punctuation Use the following symbols when creating MPCLII packets: n { start of header } end of header p field separator , parameter separator "ABC" Quotation marks enclose character strings. Empty quotes ("") identify null strings or unused fields. ‘comment‘ Grave accents enclose comments. Any data enclosed in grave accents is ignored.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 3-4 ✦ The field number (0 to 99) must be unique. Monarch recommends starting at 1, instead of 0. ✦ Do not use a field number more than once per format. ✦ Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them. ✦ Separate all parameters with a parameter separator (,). ✦ End each field with a field separator ( p ). ✦ Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or phrases within quotation marks.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer ✦ Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted string to send function codes or extended characters or send the 8-bit ASCII code. You can modify formats and fields with the optional entry method. See "Optional Entry Method" in Chapter 6 for more information. Using Online Configuration Packets ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use online configuration packets to change the printer settings.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual This is the syntax to use when you create online configuration packets: Syntax { I, 1 to 7 optional packets A, parameter 1...parameter B, parameter 1...parameter C, parameter 1...parameter D, parameter 1...parameter E, parameter 1...parameter F, parameter 1...parameter M, paramater 1...
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Defining the System Setup Packet ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the system setup packet (A) to select the power up mode, display language, print separators between batches, print a "slashed zero," and select the symbol set. Syntax {I,A,powup_mode,language,sep_on,slash_zero symbol_set p} A1. A System Setup Packet A2. powup_mode Online Mode. Options: 0 online mode 1 offline mode (9494/9446/1460) A3. language Display Language.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Defining the Supply Setup Packet ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the supply setup packet (B) to select supply type, ribbon, feed mode, supply position, and cut position. Syntax {I,B,supply_type,ribbon_on,feed_mode, supply_posn,cut_posn p} B1. B Supply Setup Packet B2. supply_type Supply Type. Options: 0 Black mark stock 1 Die Cut/aperature stock (9446/1460) 2 Non Indexed stock (9494) B3.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Defining the Print Control Packet ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the print control packet (C) to set the contrast, print, and margin adjustment, print speed, and printhead width. Syntax {I,C,contrast,print_adj,margin_adjust, speed_adj,ph_width,bat_voltage p } C1. C Print Control Packet C2. contrast -390 to 156. 0 is the default. C3. print_adj -99 to 99 in 1/192 inch. 0 is the default. Adjusts where data prints vertically on the supply.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Example {I,C,0,-20,-10,0,768,1 p } Uses the default contrast, moves print .1 inch closer to the bottom of the supply (20/192 inches) and .05 inch to the left on the supply (10/192 inches), prints at six inches per second, sets the printhead width to 4 inches, and uses a 12-volt battery (only for the 9490 printer). Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet ––––––––––––––––––––– The monetary formatting packet (D) selects the monetary symbols to print for a price field.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer D4. decimals Number of digits to the right of the decimal. Options: 0 No digits 1 One digit 2 Two digits (default) 3 Three digits The defaults listed above are the defaults for all printers. Example {I,D,1,1,2 p } Prints the dollar sign, uses a secondary symbol, and places two digits to the right of the decimal.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual E2. "ANSI_cd" ~123 ~044 ~034 ~124 ~125 ~126 def. ch. Start of header { (left bracket) Parameter , (comma) separator Quoted strings " (quotes) Field separator (pipe sign) p End of header } (right bracket) Data escape ~~ (double tilde) character (optional) Immediate command character (optional). Up to any 3 characters in the 0 to 255 decimal range. The character must be defined before this command can be used. The caret (^) is normally used.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Resetting Control Characters You can change the characters in the previous example back to their original settings by downloading this packet: {I?E?"~123~044~034~124~125~126~094" p } Notice that the parameter separator is ? in this packet. This is the parameter separator that was set before this packet. Once the packet is received by the printer, the new parameter separator (a comma, in this case) is valid. Be careful when using this feature.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual F5. parity Parity. Options: 0 None (default for all printers) 1 ODD parity 2 EVEN parity F6. flow_control Flow Control. Options: 0 None 1 DTR (default for all printers) 2 CTS 3 XON/XOFF NOTE: If you use the DOS COPY command to download your formats, set "Flow Control" to DTR (not XON/XOFF). F6. pr_address Example Printer’s address. Only valid on the 9490 printer used with the Mobile Printing Station.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Defining the Memory Configuration Packet––––––––––––––––––––– Use the memory configuration packet (M) to customize the size of your printer’s buffers, which gives you greater flexibility in your formats. Memory must be allocated in 1/2K increments. The memory configuration packet does not accept decimals, so enter whole numbers. Multiply the amount to reallocate (in K) by 10. For example, To reallocate (in K) Enter this amount 1 10 1.5 15 2 20 2.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual M4. buffer size Buffer size in 1/10K ranges 5 - 40 20 - 320 385 - 2295 160 - 2295 80 - 2295 0 - 1280 Transmit Receive Image Format Downloadable Fonts Scalable Fonts Buffer size with Optional RAM in 1/10K ranges 5 - 40 20 - 320 385 - 2560 160 - 5120 80 - 5120 0 - 1280 Example Transmit Receive Image Format Downloadable Fonts Scalable Fonts {I,M,I,R,1530 p } Stores the image buffer in volatile RAM and allocates 153K for it.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer ✦ Buffers must total 256K, or 512K if the Optional RAM is present. ✦ "Optional RAM Buffer Sizes" lists the minimum and maximum values for each buffer using the Optional RAM. Checking Current Buffer Sizes Send a configuration upload packet to check the sizes of your current buffers. See "Using Configuration Upload Packet" for more information. After you check your current buffer sizes you can begin reallocating memory.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual About Memory Buffers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– n 3-18 Transmit Buffer Used to send ENQ, job, and upload responses. A minimum of 5 is required. The maximum is 40. This buffer must be allocated as volatile (R) RAM. Receive Buffer Used to save data received from the host before it is processed by the printer. Changing this buffer size affects the amount of data the printer can receive without using flow control. A minimum of 20 is required. The maximum is 320.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Use the formula below to calculate the required image buffer size. 19.13K x Length Length is the length of your label in inches. Example 19.13K x 6 = 114.78K (Multiply by 10 and round up.) 114.78K x 10 = 1147.8 1147.8 = 1150 Enter 1150 for your Image buffer. Format Buffer Used to store formats, batch data, and graphics. A minimum of 160 is required. The maximum is 2295.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Scalable (Vector) Fonts Buffer Used to image the scalable font characters. Increasing this buffer size allows more characters to be saved in cache memory, so the characters do not have to be re-built the next time they are printed. Use 0 if you are not using scalable fonts. The maximum is 1280. This buffer must be allocated as volatile (R) RAM. Buffer Worksheet Make copies of this page to use as a buffer worksheet.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Buffer Allocation Considerations Keep these items in mind when allocating memory. ✦ Do Not allocate more memory than what is available. ✦ Free memory from one buffer before you add it to another buffer. ✦ Reallocate all the buffers if you need to reallocate any buffer. ✦ Send all buffer (re)allocations in one packet. The printer evaluates each individual buffer allocation separately. If one buffer allocation is invalid, the entire packet is invalid.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Optional RAM Buffer Sizes If you have purchased the 256K Optional RAM for your printer, the following table lists the minimum and maximum values for each buffer. Buffer Transmit Min - Max (in K) .5 - 4 Receive 2 - 32 Image 38.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Sending Immediate Commands Immediate commands consist of a three- or four-character sequence you can send in a packet or embed in your application. Each command must be sent separately. Syntax n Example control character_immediate command The printer can accept only one immediate command at a time. Sending a command before the previous one is completed can result in an error. ^CB Immediately cancels the batch currently printing.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Command ^ADxxxxxx Parameter Selects the 9490 printer whose ASCII address is xxxxxx. ^CA Cancels all the batches in the queue. ^CB Cancels only the current batch being printed. ^DD or ^DCd ^EA Disables the MPCL data escape character (the tilde) and inhibits MPCL from acting on ANY data escape sequence from the host. Sets the MPCL data escape character to the ASCII value given by the d parameter. The value can be any ASCII character. Aborts an error condition.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer n To use the immediate command control character or the status polling character within your data, use the tilde sequence. Clearing Packets from Memory ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You may want to remove packets from the printer to increase memory storage capacity or if the formats/fonts are no longer needed. For the 9490 and 9494 printers, turning off the printer clears the packets from memory. For all printers, send a format clear packet.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Using the Font Packet ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You can use a font packet to add or clear downloaded fonts from memory, upload your font buffer, or upload the cell size information for a particular font. The font packet is useful when you are downloading fonts. If you are using downloaded fonts, the font number and the number of bytes each downloaded font uses is listed. This packet does not list the number of bytes the standard printer fonts use.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Example {W,0,H,Z p } Selects all fonts and uploads the font size information for any downloaded fonts.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Cell Height Vertical number of dots to contain the tallest character. Nominal Width Average width for lower-case letters. Nominal Height Average height for lower-case letters. Inter-Character Gap Default spacing between characters in monospaced fonts. Using Configuration Upload Packet ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the configuration upload packet to upload your printer’s configuration. Syntax 3-28 {header,ID#,action,device p } 1. header Constant I. 2. ID# ID.
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer Example {I,0,U,N p } Uploads the printer configuration from nonvolatile RAM and returns the following to the host. A,0,0,0,0,0 p B,1,1,0,0,0 p C,0,0,0,0,768 p D,1,0,2 p E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126","","~013~010" F,1,1,0,0,1 p M,R,2110,200,N,2560,220 p M,R,N,20 p M,T,N,10 p M,I,N,1530 p M,D,N,20 p M,F,N,320 p M,V,N,0 p } p The parameters for each packet (A-F & M) are displayed.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Defaults ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For the System Setup Packet (A), all the printers use these defaults: Parameter Default Description Identifier A System Setup Packet online_mode 0 Online mode language 0 English sep_on 0 Do not print separator slash_zero 0 Print a standard zero symbol_set 0 Internal Symbol Set For the 9494 printer Parameter Default Description Identifier B Supply Setup Packet supply_type 0 Black Mark sto
Chapter 3. Configuring the Printer For the 9490 printer Parameter Default Description Identifier B Supply Setup Packet supply_type 0 Black Mark stock loaded ribbon_on 1 Ribbon installed (transfer supply) feed_mode 0 On demand operation supply_posn 0 Supply position in 1/192 inches cut_posn 0 Cut position in 1/192 inches The defaults for the print control, monetary formatting, control characters, and communication settings packets are listed earlier in this chapter.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual For the 1460 printer Parameter Default Description Identifier B Supply Setup Packet supply_type 1 Die Cut stock loaded ribbon_on 1 Ribbon installed (transfer supply) feed_mode 1 On-Demand operation supply_posn 0 Supply position in 1/192 inches cut_posn 0 Cut position in 1/192 inches The defaults for the print control, monetary formatting, control characters, and communication settings packets are listed earlier in this chapter.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields This chapter provides a reference for defining ✦ the format header ✦ text, constant text, and non-printable text fields ✦ bar code fields ✦ line and box fields. Defining the Format Header –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A Format Header begins a format file. Syntax {F,format#,action,device,measure,length, width,"name" p F1. F Format Header. F2. format# Unique number from 0-99 to identify the format. F3. action Enter A to add a new format to the printer. F4.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9494/9490 ranges: English Metric Dots 100 - 600 254 - 1524 192 - 1152 9446/1460 ranges: English Metric Dots 075 - 800 191 - 2033 144 - 1536 NOTE: The ranges above are based on a standard memory configuration. You can create longer labels if you purchase the Optional RAM and reallocate memory to increase your image buffer size. See "Defining the Memory Configuration Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. F7. width Supply width, from left to right, in selected units.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields T5. row For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to the pivot point. The pivot point varies depending on how text is justified. 1 (LEFT) 2 (BOTTOM) Left/Center/Right-Justified 3 (RIGHT) 3 (RIGHT) 1 (LEFT) 0 (TOP) Balanced 2 (BOTTOM) 2 (BOTTOM) 0 (TOP) 3 (RIGHT) 1 (LEFT) 0 (TOP) End-Justified For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to baseline of characters in field.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual T6. column Distance from the left edge of the print area to the pivot point is the column location. Ranges: English Metric Dots T7. gap 0 - 399 0 - 1015 0 - 767 Number of dots between characters (192 dots per inch). Range: 0-99. NOTE: For monospaced fonts, the additional spacing is added to the existing inter-character gap. This is also true for proportionally spaced fonts, but remember that the inter-character gap varies with character combinations.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields T10. wid mag Width magnifier, 1-7 (times) or 4-90 points for the scalable font. If using the scalable font on the 9490 printer, the range is 4-200 points. Proportionally spaced fonts do not have a set width. To estimate the size of your field, use the letter "W" for the widest field or an "L" for an average width field. Find your selected font and the desired width in Appendix B, "Fonts." NOTE: You may need to reconfigure the printer’s memory to accommodate large point sizes.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Field placement in the packet is an important consideration when using field color attributes. If a line field is defined before the overlay (text or constant text) field, the line field is blocked out by the overlay field, depending on the overlay field’s color attribute. If a line field is defined after the overlay field, the line field is not blocked out by the overlay field, regardless of the overlay field’s color attribute. T12.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields T15. sym set Symbol set. Options: 0 1 437 850 Internal Symbol Set ANSI Symbol Set DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic) DOS Code Page 850 (International) NOTE: The CG Triumvirate fonts and Font #50 support only the ANSI and DOS Code 437 and 850 Page Symbol Sets. See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/Code Pages" for more information. Example T,2,10,V,250,50,0,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p Defines a text field (field #2) with a variable length of up to 10 characters. The field begins at row 250, column 50.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual B4. fix/var Fixed (F) or variable (V) length field.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields B5. row Distance from bottom of the print area to the pivot point of the field. The pivot point varies, depeding on how the field is justified. Pivot points: Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields End-Justified Fields Balanced Fields Remember to include text or numbers that may appear with the bar code for the row measurement.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual B6. column Distance to the lower left corner of the field from the left edge of print area. Ranges: English Metric Dots 0 - 399 0 - 1015 0 - 767 NOTE: Allow a minimum of 1/10 inch between the scan edge of bar code and label edges or other data. 4-10 B7. font Bar code.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields Barcode Type UPCA +2/+5 Price CD UPCE +2/+5 EAN8 +2/+5 EAN13 +2/+5 Price CD Interleaved 2 of 5 or I 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar Code 39 or MOD 43 (Extended Code 39 supported) Codabar (NW7) Code 93 Density Selector Density (% or cpi) 2 4 80% 120% Narrow Narrow to Element Wide (dots/mils) Ratio 2/10.4 N/A 3/15.6 2 4 2 4 2 4 80% 120% 80% 120% 80% 120% 2/10.4 3/15.6 2/10.4 3/15.6 2/10.4 3/15.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Barcode Type Density Selector Density (% or cpi) Narrow Element (dots/mils) Code 128 or 20 4 3.5/7.0 4.4/8.7 5/26.0 4/20.8 CODE 16K 6 8 4 5 7 5.8/11.7 8.7/17.5 4.0 5.3 6.9 3/15.6 2/10.4 4/20.8 3/15.6 2/10.4 MSI Barcode Type POSTNET Density Selector 0 (fixed at 4.3 cpi) Barcode Type Density Selector Narrow toWide Ratio 10/52.1 Element Row Width Height (dots/mils) (dots/mils) Appearance Codes Available Char Set N/A 0 to 2710 8 00H to 7FH 1:2.0 1:2.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields B10. text Appearance of text with bar code. For UPC and EAN only use 0-7. For all others, use 8. Options: Default 0 No check digit or number system 1 Number system at bottom, no check digit 5 Check digit at bottom, no number system 6 Check digit and number system at bottom 7 No text, bar code only 8 B11. alignment Choose L, R, C, B or E to align the bar code data correctly in the field.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual When you copy this field into another field, the maximum number of characters for the final field is 2710. Allow only as many characters as you need, because extra characters use up space. Also, if you are copying into a bar code field, the maximum number of characters in the destination bar code is determined by the bar code specification (UPCA-12, EAN-13, etc.). You need to apply field options to manipulate the text entered in this field.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields Defining Constant Text Fields ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A constant text field is a set of fixed characters that prints on all labels. Define each constant text field separately. This field is not assigned a field number, but is counted as a field (keep this in mind, as the printer allows a maximum of 100 fields per format). The characters in this field cannot be changed by batch data. Field options do not apply to constant text fields.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual C3. column Distance to lower left corner of field, from left edge of print area. Ranges: English Metric Dots 0 - 399 0 - 1015 0 - 767 C4. gap Number of dots between characters. Range: 0-99. C5. font Style of font. Options: 1 2 3 50 Standard OCRA-like 4 Reduced CG Triumvirate Bold 10 Bold CG Triumvirate 11 CG Triumvirate Bold (scalable) NOTE: If you have purchased optional fonts, refer to the Optional Fonts manual for valid selectors.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields Options for the Scalable Font: A B E F N O S T Opaque, Normal, Black, Bold Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal Opaque, Italics, Black, Bold Opaque, Italics, Black, Normal Transparent, Normal, Black, Bold Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal Transparent, Italics, Black, Bold Transparent, Italics, Black, Normal NOTE: Solid black print cannot exceed 20% (for the 9490 printer) or 30% (for the 9494/9446/1460 printers) on any given square inch of the label.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual C11. field rot Field rotation. Lower left corner of field is the pivot point. Options: 0 1 2 3 Top Top Top Top of of of of overlay overlay overlay overlay points points points points to to to to top of supply left of supply bottom of supply right of supply NOTE: Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which varies depending on how text is justified. C12. "fixed char" Fixed characters to appear in the field. Maximum 2710 characters. Enclose in quotation marks. C13.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields Line Types You can create horizontal and vertical lines. There are two ways to define lines. Syntax Segments You choose the starting point and ending point. Vectors You choose the starting point, the angle, and the length of the line. L,type,row,column,angle/end row,length/ end col,thickness,"pattern" p L1. L Line Field. L2. type Type of line. Only vertical and horizontal lines are supported. Options: L3. row S Segment. You choose the starting point and ending point.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual L4. column Distance from left edge of the print area to line origin. Ranges: English Metric Dots L5. angle/ end row 0 - 399 0 - 1015 0 - 767 If Using Segments Row location of ending point. Measure from bottom of print area. Ranges same as row above. On horizontal lines, this value must match item L3. If Using Vectors Angle of line. Options: 0, 90, 180, or 270. L6. length/ end col If Using Segments Column location of end point. Measure from left edge of print area.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields L7. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line thickness (1 to 99) in box L7. Measured in dots. NOTE: Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to the right on vertical lines. L8. "pattern" Example Line pattern. Only one pattern is supported on these printers. Enter "". L,S,110,30,110,150,10,"" p Defines a horizontal line field as a segment starting at row 110, column 30 and ending at row 110, column 150. The line thickness is 10 dots.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Syntax Q,row,column,end row,end col,thickness, "pattern" p Q1. Q Box (Quadrilateral) Field. Q2. row Distance from bottom of print area to lower left corner of box. 9490/9494 ranges: English Metric Dots 9446/1460 ranges: 0 - 599 0 - 1523 0 - 1151 English Metric Dots 0 - 799 0 - 2031 0 - 1535 NOTE: The ranges above are based on a standard memory configuration.
Chapter 4. Defining Fields Q5. end col Distance from left edge of print area to upper right corner of box. Ranges same as column. Q6. thickness Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line thickness (1 to 99) in box Q6. Measure in dots. NOTE: Line thickness fills upward on horizontal lines, or to the right on vertical lines. Q7. "pattern" Example Line pattern. Only one pattern is supported on these printers. Enter "".
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Chapter 5. Defining Field Options This chapter provides a reference for defining ✦ field options in formats ✦ check digit packets. Applying Field Options –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Field options further define text, bar code, and non-printable text fields. The text, constant text, or bar code field must be previously defined before you can apply any field option to it. Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Restrictions Some options cannot be used together. For example, incrementing (Option 60) and price field (Option 42) options cannot be applied to the same field. See the following sections addressing individual options for specific combinations to avoid. Option 4 (copy a field) is the only option that can be repeated for a single field. Example R,1,3,1,3,1,1 p Syntax R,option#,parameter...parameter p R1. R Indicates field option header. R2.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Option 1 (Fixed Data) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Fixed data is information (a company name or store number) you want to print on all labels. You can define fixed characters for an entire field or for part of a field. Syntax R,1,"fixed char" p R1. R Option Header. R2. 1 Option 1. R3. fixed char Characters to insert. Enclose in quotation marks. If you are defining fixed characters for part of a field, place underscores (_) in non-fixed positions.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Option 4 (Copy Data) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You can create a field that uses data from another field. This is useful for creating merged fields or sub-fields. You can copy the information from multiple fields into one field by applying the copy procedure more than once. Copy data is the only option you can apply to a field more than once.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Copies data from field #3, starting at the first position and copying three characters. In the destination field, the information is placed in position 1 and copied as formatted data. Merging Fields You can copy data to merge the contents of fields. Use the copy data option as many times as necessary to copy all the appropriate fields into the merged field. In the following example, two text and two non-printable fields are shown.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Option 30 (Padding Data) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You can add characters to one side of a field to "pad" the field. Padding allows you to fill in the remaining spaces when the entered data does not fill an entire field. If a variable length field is not completely filled with batch data, this option fills the remaining positions in the field with the character designated by Option 30. Syntax R,30,L/R,"character" p R1. R Field Option Header. R2. 30 Option 30.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The printer generates a check digit if you apply Option 31 to the field. You cannot use this option if the field contains a UPC, EAN, Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit), Maxicode, or POSTNET bar code. Syntax R,31,gen/ver,check digit # p R1. R Field Option Header. R2. 31 Option 31. R3. gen/ver Enter G to generate a check digit. R4. check digit # Specifies a check digit scheme.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Option 42 (Price Field) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You can apply options that will insert monetary symbols automatically. Do not use this option with Option 31 (define a check digit) or Option 60 (increment or decrement a field). This option is not recommended for bar codes. When determining the maximum number of characters, add the maximum number of digits and the monetary symbols. Syntax R,42,appearance code p R1. R Field Option Header. R2. 42 Option 42.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Option 50 (Bar Code Density)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You can apply this option to bar code fields when you want to create custom densities. When you apply this option, it overrides the density value in the bar code field. When using this option, set the density parameter in your bar code field to the default value. You can only use this option once for each bar code field. This option overrides the density selected in the bar code field.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation)––––––––––––––––––––––– You can define a security level and choose whether or not to truncate a PDF417 bar code. Higher security levels add data to a bar code, improving scan reliability. Some damaged bar codes may still be scannable if the security level is high enough. You can use this option to create standard PDF417 bar codes or use the truncated option to create a narrower bar code.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– This option defines the image width or length of a PDF417 bar code. If you define a fixed number of columns (width), the bar code expands in length. If you define a fixed number of rows (length), the bar code expands in width. Column value does not include start/stop or left/right indicator columns. If this option does not immediately follow the PDF417 bar code field, the default settings are used.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields)–––––––––––––––––– You may have an application, such as serial numbers, in which you need a numeric field to increment (increase in value) or decrement (decrease in value) on successive tickets within a single batch. Incrementing or decrementing can be applied to numeric data only. If you have a field that includes letters and digits, apply incrementing or decrementing to only the portion of the field that contains digits.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Option 61 (Reimage Field) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– This option redraws (reimages) a constant field when you have a constant field next to a variable field on your label. It can be used on text, constant text, bar code, line, or box fields. These printers do not redraw an area if the field data does not change. When a field changes, that area is cleared and the new field data is imaged.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Using Check Digits ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Check digits are typically used to ensure that a text or bar code field scans correctly. If you apply Option 31, the printer calculates a check digit. A check digit scheme determines how the printer calculates a check digit. When you define a check digit scheme, you assign a number to identify it. This number is later entered in box R4 when you apply Option 31 to a field.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options Example {A,1,A,R,10,5,P,"65432" p } Adds check digit scheme number 1 to the printer’s memory. The modulus is 10, the maximum number of characters in the field is 5. The check digit is calculated by using the Sum of Products and the string of digits used in the calculation is "65432." Sum of Products Calculation This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Products to calculate a check digit for this data: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9 1.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 4. Divide the sum of the products by the modulus (10 in this case), only to the whole number. The balance is called the remainder. 9 10 98 90 8 5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus. The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check digit is 2. 10 - 8 = 2 Sum of Digits Calculation This is an example of how the printer uses Sum of Digits to calculate a check digit for this data: 5 2 3 2 4 5 2 1 9 1.
Chapter 5. Defining Field Options 3. Next, the digits of the products are added together. Two-digit products are treated as two separate digits. This is the sum of the digits. 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 44 4. Divide the sum of the digits by the modulus (10 in this case), only to the whole number. The balance is called the remainder. 4 10 44 40 4 5. Subtract the remainder from the modulus. The result becomes the check digit. In this case, the check digit is 6.
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Chapter 6. Printing This chapter describes how to ✦ download files to the printer ✦ define the batch header, batch control, and batch data files ✦ modify formats ✦ create DOS batch files. Turn on the printer and make sure it is ready to receive data before you download. See your host’s documentation, system administrator, or "Downloading Methods" for information on ways to download. When downloading, send your packets in this order: 1. Memory configuration packets (M) 2.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 3. Send the communication settings packet to select the printer’s communication settings. See "Defining the Communication Settings Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. Make sure the settings match those at the host before sending any packets to the printer. 4. Type this command at the DOS prompt: COPY LABEL1.FMT COM1 Transmits a file called "LABEL1.FMT" to COM1. COPY LABEL1.BCH COM1 Transmits a batch called "LABEL1.BCH" to COM1.
Chapter 6. Printing A batch header begins the file. It tells which format the batch uses and how many labels to print. To record batch data, make a copy of the worksheet in Appendix D, "Format Design Tools." Syntax {B,format#,N/U,quantity p B1. B Batch Header. B2. format# Format number (0-99) to use. B3. N/U Controls how image is generated. B4. quantity N New. Erase image and re-image all fields using online data. Any missing fields will be blank. U Update last image with 1 or more fields.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Defining the Batch Control Field–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The batch header must precede this field. The batch control field defines the print job and applies only to the batch that immediately follows. Syntax E,feed_mode,batch_sep,print_mult, multi_part,cut_type,cut_mult p E1. E Batch Control Field. E2. feed_mode Feed Mode. Options: 0 1 2 E3. batch_sep Batch Separator (striped label in between batches). Options: 0 1 E4.
Chapter 6. Printing Defining Batch Data Fields ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Batch data fields should be sent in field number order. Use continuation fields for large amounts of data. If you are using N (New) in the batch header, you must list all fields with your data in sequence. If you are using U, you need to list only those fields and data that changes from the last printed batch.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual For example, you can use "" or ~034 to print the " character in your batch data. Use ~~ to print the ~ character in your batch data; otherwise, the tilde characters is ignored. You can also use ~XXX where XXX is the decimal equivalent or an unprintable character.
Chapter 6. Printing Example {Format} {Batch Packet} Batch Method This is similar to the sequential method, but it is used when you want to send multiple batches. All data for the first batch is sent at one time, and the printer then images each field. As soon as the last field for the first batch is imaged, labels begin to print. This process is repeated for each subsequent batch.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 3. Repeat step 2 for each field except the last one. 4. For the last field, input data and send a batch header with the quantity of labels you want printed. When the printer receives input for the last field, it immediately prints the labels. See "Reducing Imaging Time" in Chapter 10 for an example using the batch quantity zero method.
Chapter 7. Status Polling This chapter explains how to use status polling. There are two types of Status Polling: ✦ Inquiry Request--information about the readiness of the printer. ✦ Job Request--information about the current (or last received) job downloaded to the printer. Inquiry Request (ENQ) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– An ENQ character acts as a request for printer status information.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Example: E AB The status codes (A and B in this case) are ASCII equivalents to the hexadecimal bits that represent the various types of status responses. This response indicates that the printer is online (Character A) and that there is a stock fault (Character B). Example: E ?? Indicates that this is the first ENQ response since the printer was turned on. Send another ENQ immediately to receive the printer’s status. Example: E @@ Indicates the printer is offline.
Chapter 7. Status Polling ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 Char Const. OFF Const. ON Comp. Failure Corr.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 (continued) Char Const. OFF Const. ON Comp. Failure Corr.
Chapter 7. Status Polling ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 Char Const. OFF Const.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 (continued) Char Const. OFF Const.
Chapter 7. Status Polling Job Request –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A Job Request returns status information about the most recently processed print job. You can send a job request after an ENQ or batch.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Job Response The Job Response varies, depending on the type of request sent to the printer. The following syntax is the response for a Job 0, 1,or 2 request. Syntax {J,Status1,Status2,"FMT-1","BCH-2"} Status1 These errors stop the print job. Examples include out of stock, supply faults, or data formatting errors. These errors are numbered less than 24 on the "Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table," later in this chapter.
Chapter 7. Status Polling The following syntax is the response for a Job 3 request. Syntax {J,"Status1 A,B","Status2 A,B,C,D,E","FMT-1","BCH-2"} "Status1 A,B" Status1 A contains the field number, in the format or batch, where an error was found. If the error is not in the format or batch, a "0" is returned. Status1 B contains an error number, which represents the actual printer error. The error numbers can be found in Chapter 9, "Errors.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual n Status2 C- Field Number represents the field number within each packet. The packet header is the first field and each subsequent field is indicated by the field separator. Status2 D- Parameter represents the parameter within the field that the error occurred. The numbering begins after the field identifier. Status2 E- Error Number is the error that coincides with the error numbers presented in Chapter 9, "Errors.
Chapter 7. Status Polling The following syntax is the response for a Job 4 request. Syntax Example {J,printed,total,"FMT-1","BCH-2"} printed the number of tags or labels already printed in the batch. total the total number of tags or labels to be printed in the current batch. "FMT-1/BCH-2" The format or batch number is returned. {J,8,25,"FMT-3","Bch-2"} 8 out of 25 tags or labels have been printed from format number 3.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 1 Codes) Number n 7-12 Meaning 0 No error 1 Stacker fault 2 Supply problem 4 Hot printhead 5 Printhead open 6 Insufficient memory 7 Ribbon problem 8 Field ## extends off tag 9 Field ## has a bad font/bar code 10 Field ## contains invalid data 11 Field ## has a graphic missing 12 Invalid communication channel 13 Invalid file type 14 All communication channels are busy 15 Receive overrun error 16 Receiv
Chapter 7.
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Chapter 8. Diagnostics This chapter explains how to ✦ print a test label ✦ reset the printer ✦ call Technical Support. Before you call Service, print a test label. The label contains information to help Service diagnose mechanical and setup problems. Printing a Test Label –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– n Before printing a test label, disconnect your printer from the host. Using the 9494 or 9490 printer To print a test label, hold the trigger down and turn the printer on.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual n You can also use an immediate command to print a test label, see Chapter 3, "Configuring the Printer," for more information. Using a 9446 or 1460 printer Use your arrow keys to scroll through the main menu until you see Diagnostics. Press E . Enter the password: P P P E . Press R until you see Test Label. Press E twice. The test label looks like this: The ENQ and RS232 characters are displayed in Hexadecimal.
Chapter 8. Diagnostics n ✦ ENQ trailer characters ✦ RS232 trailer characters (these are the trailers for all communications, except an ENQ.) The ENQ/IMD, MPCL, and RS232 trailer characters can be user defined through the control characters packet. See "Defining the Control Characters Packet," in Chapter 3 for more information. ✦ Code page (symbol set) ✦ Print contrast ✦ Printhead information (printhead rank or resistance in ohms.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 4. The data stream prints out automatically when there is enough data to fill one label. Press the trigger to print any remaining data on another label.
Chapter 8. Diagnostics If the PC and Printer Aren’t Communicating If your PC is having trouble communicating with your printer, follow these steps: ✦ Check any messages that occur at the printer and at the computer. See Chapter 9, "Errors," for information about the specific error messages you may receive. ✦ Make sure you are using the correct printer cable. ✦ Make sure the cable is plugged into the correct port on the computer.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual n When you turn off the printer, wait two seconds before turning it back on. Calling Technical Support Technical support representatives are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Follow these steps before you call: 1. Make sure your PC and printer are properly connected. 2. Record any error messages that occurred. 3. Try to recreate the problem, if you can. 4. Check your port settings.
Chapter 9. Errors This chapter provides explanations of your printer’s errors. The errors are classified by type and are listed in order from 001 to 765, followed by the unnumbered errors. Some errors numbered 400-438 and 500-574 are internal software errors. If you have trouble loading supplies or performing maintenance, refer to your printer’s documentation. If you have a problem you cannot solve, contact Technical Support. n To clear an error, press the trigger or press E.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-2 Error Code Description 004 Supply length is invalid. See "Defining the Format Header" in Chapter 4 for valid lengths. 005 Supply width is invalid. See "Defining the Format Header" in Chapter 4 for valid widths. 006 Storage device is defined as something other than R. 007 Unit of measure must be E, M, or G. See "Defining the Format Header" in Chapter 4 for information about valid measurements. 010 Field ID number is outside the range 0 to 999.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 018 Code page selection must be 0 (Internal), 1 (ANSI), 2 (DOS 437), or 3 (DOS 850). 020 Vertical magnification must be 1 to 7 or 4 to 90 (point size) for the scalable font. 021 Horizontal magnification must be 1 to 7 or 4 to 90 (point size) for the scalable font. 022 Color is defined as something other than A, B, D, E, F, N, O, R, S, T or W. See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 4 for more information about the valid color choices.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-4 Error Code Description 031 Human readable option must be 0 not UPCA or EAN 1 no CD or NS 5 NS at bottom, no CD 6 CD at bottom, no NS 7 CD and NS at bottom 8 no text See "Defining Bar Code Fields" in Chapter 4 for the bar code density chart. 032 Bar code type is invalid. See "Defining Bar Code Fields" in Chapter 4 for valid options. 033 Bar code density is invalid. See "Defining Bar Code Fields" in Chapter 4 for the bar code density chart.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 102 Print quantity is outside the range 1 to 32000. 104 Batch mode must be N (new) or U (update). See "Defining the Batch Header" in Chapter 6 for more information. 105 Batch separator must be 0 (off) or 1 (on). 106 Print multiple is outside the range 1 to 999. 107 Cut multiple is outside the range 0 to 999. Only valid for printers with a knife. 108 Multiple part supply is outside the range 1 to 5. 109 Reserved for knife usage.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Error Code Description 210 Security value for a PDF417 bar code must be 0 to 8. Correct the value and resend the format to the printer. 211 Narrow element value is less than 1 or greater than 99. Correct the value and resend the format to the printer. 212 Wide element value is less than 1 or greater than 99. Correct the value and resend the format to the printer.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 222 Data type restriction is outside the range of 1 to 6. 223 Option is not valid for the field. 224 Bar code Inter-Character Gap must be 1 to 99 in printer dots. (This is also known as the Additional Character Gap when using Option 50, Defining Bar Code Densities.) 251 Online/offline power up mode must be 0 (online) or 1 (offline). (0 is the only valid option for the 9490 printer.) See "Defining the System Setup Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-8 Error Code Description 257 Feed mode must be 0 (continuous), 1 (on-demand), or 2 (rewind). (1 is the only valid option for the 1460 printer.) See "Defining the System Setup Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. 258 Supply position is outside the range. See Chapter 5, "Configuring the Printer," for more information. 259 Contrast adjustment must be -390 to 156. 260 Print adjustment must be -99 to 99. 261 Margin adjustment must be -99 to 99.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 267 Baud rate selection must be 0 (1200), 1 (2400), 2 (4800), 3 (9600) or 4 (19200). Resend the communication settings packet. 268 Word length selection must be 0 (7 bits), or 1 (8 bits). Resend the communication settings packet. 269 Stop bits selection must be 0 (1 bit), or 1 (2 bits). Resend the communication settings packet. 270 Parity selection must be 0 (none), 1 (odd), or 2 (even). Resend the communication settings packet.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-10 Error Code Description 285 The storage device type must be N (non-volatile RAM) or R (volatile RAM). See "Defining the Memory Configuration Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. 286 The buffer size is invalid. See "Defining the Memory Configuration Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. 287 The printhead width must be 230 to 768 dots. 288 Battery voltage must be 0 (15-volt battery) or 1 (12-volt battery).
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description/Action 380 Job request is outside the range 0 to 4. 400 The character immediately following { is invalid. 401 Internal software failure. Call Technical Support. 402 Field separator is not in the expected location. 403 Field separator was not found. 405 Too many fields exist in the format. You cannot have more than 100 fields in the format. Lines, boxes, and constant text fields count as fields. 409 The printer memory is full.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Communication Failures––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Errors 410 to 413 are usually caused by a hardware failure, by an incorrect SETUP option or by the host ignoring flow control (XON/OFF, CTS/RTS or DTR). n 9-12 The valid communication settings are shown below.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 412 There is a problem with flow control between the printer and the host. Make sure the printer and the host flow control settings match (both are DTR or both are XON/XOFF). If the error persists, call Technical Support. 413 Online receive queue is full. Check your printer’s XON/XOFF or DTR SETUP values to be sure there isn’t a flow control problem. 414 The Internal keyboard buffer is full or you need a new keypad. Call Technical Support.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-14 Error Code Description 424 Item in use. Record the error, then press the feed button and try to continue. If the error reappears, call Technical Support. 425 Item already checked out. Record the error, then press the feed button and try to continue. If the error reappears, call Technical Support. 426 Item not checked out. Record the error, then press the feed button and try to continue. If the error reappears, call Technical Support. 427 Format name is invalid.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 435 Internal software error caused by a downloaded task that already exists. Turn off the printer. Wait two seconds and turn it back on. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 499 An error occurred during the loop back test on the serial port. Call Technical Support. Data Formatting Failures –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Formatting errors indicate that a field will print incorrectly.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-16 Error Code Description 575 The graphic included in your format could not be found. 600 Imaging error because the batch was refused. Resend the batch. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 601 An error occurred while the batch was imaging. Resend the batch. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 602 The batch was not found during imaging. Resend the batch. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 611 Font, bar code or density is invalid.
Chapter 9. Errors 619 The JIS (16-bit) code for Kanji is invalid. Machine Faults ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Errors 700 to 765 occur when there is a problem with the printer. Error Code Description 700 An error is pending and the printer cannot continue with the batch. Press the trigger or E and try to continue printing. If the error continues to appear, call Technical Support. 701 Printer received a command that it cannot execute while it is running.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual n Error Code Description 705 Invalid batch received. Press the trigger or E to clear the error. Check the batch data. Resend the batch. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 750 Printhead is overheated. Turn the printer off to let the printhead cool. If the error persists, call Technical Support. 751 Printer did not sense a black mark when expected.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 757 Load Supplies. The calibrated supply length differs by plus or minus .25 inches from the format. Press R to display the format name. Press e to print on the current supply or load new supply and press E. 758 Check Supply. Either the on demand sensor is broken, the supply is not seen, or you have a continuous unit set to on demand mode. Adjust the on demand sensor so it is over a white area on the supply, or set the unit to continuous mode.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Error Code Description 770 The print motor is not ready. Call Technical Support. 771 The format specified by the application was not found. Reload your application and format, and try again. If the problem continues, call Technical Support. 790 Wait until the printer is idle (no batch waiting to print or not receiving data) before you send any packets. This error may occur when you try to print a test label if the printer is busy. 791 The printer has an error pending.
Chapter 9. Errors Error Code Description 905 Illegal interrupt. 906 Non-maskable interrupt. 907 Low RAM error. 908 Non Volatile RAM checksum failure. 909 RAM corrupted. 910 Warm restart. 911 Version string mismatch. 931 An error occurred writing to flash memory. Repeat the flashing procedure. 932 An error occurred writing to RAM. A problem occurred when the resident loader loaded the transient loader into RAM. Repeat the flashing procedure. 933 Communication parity error.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Error Code Description 937 Invalid ASCII hex data in record. The file you downloaded is invalid. Verify the file’s integrity and reflash the printer. 938 Invalid checksum. The checksum for the message’s data was incorrect. Verify the cable connection and the communication settings and repeat the flashing procedure. 939 Invalid record count. A communications error occurred during the flashing procedure.
Chapter 9. Errors n These error messages will only appear on the printers with an LCD display (9446 and 1460). Printer Display Description WARNING RAM Test Failure RAM check failed on power up. All formats, batches, graphics, and SETUP data are lost. Reset your SETUP options. Transmit your packets again. POWER DOWN ROM Sum Failure ROM checksum test failed. POWER DOWN Timer Failure Timer test failed. POWER DOWN Intr Test Failure Interrupt test failed.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 9-24 Printer Display Description POWER DOWN NVRAM Sum Fail RAM checksum test failed. All formats, batches, graphics, and SETUP data are lost. Reset your SETUP options. Transmit your packets again. POWER DOWN RAM Corrupt Item storage RAM failed. All formats, batches, graphics, and SETUP data are lost. Reset your SETUP options. Transmit your packets again.
Chapter 10. Printer Optimization This chapter provides information on how to improve your printer’s performance by ✦ adjusting the print quality ✦ reducing the imaging time for printing ✦ providing general tips and hints for designing formats. These printers use "smart imaging" to image and print fields on supplies. Smart imaging remembers the exact boundaries and locations of each field and places a boundary box (white space) around each field.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual ✦ Select the print speed based on desired throughput and print quality. If print quality is more important, reduce the print speed, because a lower print speed increases the print quality of labels. If throughput is more important, increase the print speed as high as it will go to give you the needed print performance. See "Increasing Throughput" for more information. ✦ If the print quality is too light or too dark, adjust the print contrast.
Chapter 10. Printer Optimization Reducing Imaging Time –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Imaging time is the time it takes the printer to image the data for the first label after the printer receives the format and batch packet. There are several ways to reduce the imaging time: send formats and configurations once, use a batch quantity of zero, or update batch fields. ✦ If the formats use the same check digit scheme, you only need to send the check digit scheme once.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 2. Input data for each field, and send it with a batch header using the parameter U (update) and a quantity of zero. When the printer receives the data, it immediately images the field, but does not print it. Example {B,1,U,0 p 1,"RODGER DIST CTR" p } {B,1,U,0 p 2,"8292" p } At this time, the printer is imaging all associated fields, including fields that copy from other fields. 3. Repeat step 2 for each field except the last one.
Chapter 10. Printer Optimization General Format Tips and Hints ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The following tips and hints are helpful to keep in mind when designing MPCLII formats. With Formats ✦ If you want to modify your format fields, check digit fields, and configuration commands, use the optional entry method. This method enables you to reset only the parameters you want to change. Commas act as placeholders for unchanged parameters.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual With Bar Codes ✦ Be careful when rotating or placing a UPC/EAN bar code with human readable characters, because the bottom reference point is at the bottom of the bars, not at the bottom of the human readable characters. ✦ Data that remains the same for each label should be in a constant text field. Data that varies for each label should be in a text field.
Chapter 10. Printer Optimization To use the optional entry method on a format packet: 1. Create the format. 2. Group the fields with the same parameters. 3. Send the format packet to the printer.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual 10-8
Appendix A. Samples This appendix contains sample formats and labels. You can customize any of these formats and labels to meet your needs.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Sample MaxiCode Packets ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MaxiCode is a two-dimensional bar code developed by UPS (United Parcel Service, Inc.). Data must be defined in a specific way for UPS. Refer to the Guide to Bar Coding with UPS or the AIM MaxiCode Specification for more details about data requirements. The printers support Modes 0, 2, and 3: Mode n A-2 Description Printer 0 Obsolete 9446 printer version 5.5 or greater (high speed 9446 printer version 6.
Appendix A. Samples If you receive an error 612, check your MaxiCode data. You may have not correctly structured or left out one of the three required fields (postal code, class of service, and country code) or the "~029" character.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Mode 2 Sample {F,1,A,R,E,400,400,"MAXI_M2" p B,1,99,V,040,140,33,7,0,8,L,0 p } {B,1,N,1 p 1,"[)>~030" p C,"01~02996" p C,"068100000~029" p C,"840~029" p C,"001~029" p C,"1Z12345675~029" p C,"UPSN~029" p C,"12345E~029" p C,"089~029" p C,"~029" p C,"1/1~029" p C,"10~029" p C,"Y~029" p C,"~029" p C,"~029" p C,"CT~030" p C,"~004" p } A-4 MaxiCode bar-code (33) Message header Transportation header Postal Code (This field determines Mode) Country code Class of service Tracking nu
Appendix A.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Sample Compliance Packet––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– { F,1,A,R,E,600,400,"RDCI" p L,V,500,115,90,85,3 p L,V,298,245,90,102,3 p L,V,500,2,0,390,3 p L,V,400,2,0,390,3 p L,V,298,2,0,390,3 p L,V,200,2,0,390,5 p C,568,8,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"FROM:",0 p C,568,125,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"CARRIER:",0 p C,529,124,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"PRO NUMBER:",0 p C,511,125,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"B/L NUMBER:",0 p C,472,8,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"TO:",0 p C,387,8,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"(420) SHIP TO POSTAL CODE",0 p C,391,250,0
Appendix A. Samples Sample Batch Packet { B,1,N,1 p 1,"1234567890" p 2,"0987654321" p 3,"~42032678" p 4,"10028028662854" p 5,"1 00 28028 66285 4" p 6,"RODGER DIST CTR" p 7,"8292" p 8,"BROADWAY" p 9,"555 WEST OAK AVE.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual A-8
Appendix A.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Sample Batch Packet { B,5,N,0 p } { B,5,U,1 p 1,"6005710" p 2,"106" p 3,"3" p 4,"3" p 5,"ALLIED FREIGHT1234" p 6,"123456789012" p 7,"P" p 8,"10650337" p 9,"0" p 10,"VIC" p 11,"1/6/94" p 12,"106503378" p } {I,E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126" p } A-10
Appendix A.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual A-12
Appendix B. Fonts This appendix contains information you need to work with fonts. Standard Fonts ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The 9490 printer comes with these fonts loaded in ROM: Number n Font Size and Appearance Type of Spacing 1 Standard Monospaced 2 Reduced Monospaced 3 Bold Monospaced 4 OCRA-like Monospaced 10 CG Triumvirate Bold (9 pt.) Proportional 11 CG Triumvirate (6 pt.) Proportional 50 CG Triumvirate (4-200 pt.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual B-2 Standard Font Reduced Font Bold Font OCRA-like Font
Appendix B.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Monospaced Font Magnification–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Decide how wide and tall you want the characters to appear on the labels. The following two tables show the width and height of each of the monospaced fonts after magnification. Width Mag. Units 1x Character Width Sample 1/100 in. 8.85 4.17 14.06 1/10 mm 22.49 10.58 33.72 17 ! 1/100 in. 16.15 Dots 31 15 67.47 ) 39.06 29.10 99.22 45 # 1/100 in. 30.73 59 22 * 15.10 29 1 75 55.56 38.
Appendix B. Fonts Font Magnification 1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x K L M N O P Q Standard 1/100 in. 11.4 22.8 34.2 45.6 57.0 68.4 79.8 1/10 mm 29.1 58.2 87.3 116.4 145.5 174.6 203.7 dots 22 44 66 88 110 132 154 Reduced n o p q r s t 1/100 in. 7.3 14.6 21.9 29.2 36.5 43.8 51.1 1/10 mm 18.5 37.0 55.5 74.0 92.5 110.0 129.5 dots 14 28 42 56 70 84 98 uvwxyz{ Bold 1/100 in. 1/10 mm dots 17.7 35.4 53.1 70.8 88.5 106.2 124 44.9 89.8 134.7 179.6 224.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Proportional Font Magnification ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Each character in a proportionally spaced font is a different height and width. Therefore, field height and width vary depending on the characters used. For optimal field placement, you may want to experiment by printing your label and then adjusting field measurements in your format as needed. The following tables provide height and width magnification of sample characters. CG Triumvirate Bold (9 pt.) Width Mag.
Appendix B. Fonts CG Triumvirate (6 pt.) Width Mag. 1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x Minimum Average Maximum 1/100 in. 1.04 3.13 6.25 1/10 mm 2.65 7.94 15.88 Dots 2 1/100 in. 2.08 6.25 12.50 1/10 mm 5.29 15.88 31.75 Dots 4 1/100 in. 3.13 9.38 18.75 1/10 mm 7.94 23.81 47.63 Dots 6 1/100 in. 4.17 12.5 25.00 1/10 mm 10.58 31.75 63.50 Dots 8 1/100 in. 5.21 15.63 31.25 1/10 mm 13.23 39.69 79.38 Dots 10 1/100 in. 6.25 18.75 37.50 1/10 mm 15.88 47.63 95.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Font Magnification 1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x CG Triumvirate Bold (9 pt.) 1/100 in. ` 9.38 a 18.75 bc def 30.21 37.50 46.88 62.50 71.88 1/10 mm 23.81 47.63 76.73 95.25 119.06 158.75 182.56 dots 18 36 58 72 90 120 138 h 1/100 in. g 6.25 12.50 i j k l m 18.75 25.00 31.25 37.50 43.75 1/10 mm 15.88 31.75 47.63 63.50 79.38 95.25 111.13 dots 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 CG Triumvirate (6 pt.
Appendix B. Fonts The height and width magnification are defined in point size. 72 points = one inch. One inch = cell size. The cell size is the built-in space around the individual characters of the scalable font. The minimum point size is 4 and the maximum point size is 90. The maximum point size for the scalable font using the 9490 printer is 200 point.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Additional Fonts ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Optional and downloadable fonts are available for these printers. For more information, contact your Sales Representative. Using Font Numbers in Formats –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the following font numbers in your format when designating new fonts. If you use a font number that is not a standard font for your printer, make sure the font has been installed in the printer.
Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages This appendix contains a listing of the symbol sets and code pages the printer supports. The extended characters available within these symbol sets and code pages are also listed.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Selecting a Symbol Set or Code Page –––––––––––––––––––––––––– These printers default to the Internal symbol set. You can select a different symbol set. See "Defining the System Setup Packet" in Chapter 3 for more information. Selecting the Internal Symbol Set Use this symbol set when you want to: use the international monetary symbols, create formats that may be used on other MPCLII- based printers, print the trademark symbol (Standard font only).
Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages Internal Symbol Set ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Code Char. Code Char. Code Char. 128 Ç 151 ù 174 « 129 ü 152 ÿ 175 » 130 é 153 Ö 176 n 131 â 154 Ü 177 $ 132 ä 155 ¢ 178 £ 133 à 156 £ 179 ¥ 134 å 157 ¥ 180 135 ç 158 Pt 181 F 136 ê 159 ƒ 182 P 137 ë 160 á 183 L.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual ANSI Symbol Set ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To determine the character code, add the column number and row number for the character. For example, to produce the ÿ character, you would press Alt 255 (column 15 + row 240). C-4 n designates non-printing characters.
Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages Bold Character Set –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– These are the printable characters using the Bold font. Code Char. Code Char. Code Char. 33 ! 60 < 87 W 34 " 61 = 88 X 35 # 62 > 89 Y 36 $ 63 ? 90 Z 37 % 64 @ 91 [ 38 & 65 A 92 \ 39 ’ 66 B 93 ] 40 ( 67 C 94 ^ 41 ) 68 D 95 _ 42 * 69 E 112 p 43 + 70 F 155 ¢ 44 , 71 G 171 1/2 45 - 72 H 177 $ 46 .
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual OCRA Character Set –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– These are the printable characters using the OCRA font. C-6 Code Char. Code Char. Code Char. 34 " 67 C 90 Z 36 $ 68 D 91 [ 37 % 69 E 92 \ 43 + 70 F 93 ] 44 ¬ 71 G 94 ^ 45 - 72 H 95 _ 46 .
Appendix C.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Code Page 850 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C-8
Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart ––––––––––––––––––––––– Use the chart below to translate the characters printed on your test label. The chart lists ASCII characters and their hexadecimal and decimal equivalents. Char. Hex Decimal Char.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) C-10 Char. Hex Decimal Char. Hex Decimal $ 24 36 ; 3B 59 % 25 37 < 3C 60 & 26 38 = 3D 61 ’ 27 39 > 3E 62 ( 28 40 ? 3F 63 ) 29 41 @ 40 64 * 2A 42 A 41 65 + 2B 43 B 42 66 , 2C 44 C 43 67 - 2D 45 D 44 68 .
Appendix C. Symbol Sets/Code Pages ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) Char. Hex Decimal Char.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual C-12
Appendix D. Format Design Tools Use copies of these worksheets and grids to create formats, batch data, and check digit schemes.
FLOW CONTROL PARITY STOP BITS WORD LENGTH D M HEADER JOB REQUEST STATUS REQUEST SUPPLY WIDTH SPEED ADJUST MARGIN ADJUST PRINT ADJUST CONTRAST HEADER C IMMED. COMMAND CUT POSN SUPPLY POSN FEED MODE RIBBON ON SUPPLY TYPE PRINT CONTROL 0 DATA ESCAPE END OF TRANSMISSION BUFFER SIZE BUFFER DEVICE E FIELD SEPARATOR B HEADER CHAR.
BATCH CONTINUATION BATCH DATA B FIELD # DATA C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C DATA E7 CUT-MULT E5 MULTI-PART E6 CUT-TYPE E E4 PRINT-MULT E3 BATCH-SEP E2 FEED-MODE E1 HEADER B4 QUANTITY B3 NEW / UPDATE B2 FORMAT # B1 HEADER Batch Worksheet –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 0 0
A A1 HEADER A A A1 HEADER R A1 HEADER A5 MODULUS A6 LENGTH A7 ALGORITHM A6 LENGTH A7 ALGORITHM A6 LENGTH A7 ALGORITHM A7 ALGORITHM A4 DEVICE A3 ACTION A2 SELECTOR # WEIGHTS A8 A6 LENGTH R A5 MODULUS R WEIGHTS A8 A5 MODULUS A4 DEVICE A3 ACTION A2 SELECTOR # R WEIGHTS A8 A5 MODULUS A4 DEVICE A3 ACTION A2 SELECTOR # A A4 DEVICE A3 ACTION A2 SELECTOR # A1 HEADER Check Digit Worksheet –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEIGHTS A8
Supply Layout (Inches) 8.0 7.5 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.
Supply Layout (Metric) 203 200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 107
Supply Layout (Dots) 1536 1440 1344 1248 1152 1056 960 864 768 672 576 480 384 288 192 96 0.0 0.
LINES G G G G R2 CODE # 51 51 51 51 R R R R 52 52 52 52 R R R R 60 60 60 60 Incrementing Data R2 CODE # 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 R R R R 61 61 61 61 R3 INPUT ( ) R R R R R R R R R R3 INPUT ( ) OPTION #60 R1 HEADER OPTION #42 R2 CODE # Price Field R1 HEADER 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 R3 APP CODE R1 HEADER R R R R R R R R R R6 R POS PDF417 Aspect Ratio R2 CODE # Pad Data R5 L POS OPTION #52 R4 CHARACTER OPTION #30 R4 AMOUNT 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 R3 I /D R R R R R R R R R
LINES G G G G R2 CODE # 51 51 51 51 R R R R 52 52 52 52 Copy Data from Previous Field R R R R 60 60 60 60 Incrementing Data R2 CODE # 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 61 R R R R 61 61 61 61 R3 INPUT ( ) R R R R R R R R R R3 INPUT ( ) OPTION #60 R1 HEADER OPTION #42 R2 CODE # Price Field R1 HEADER 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 R3 APP CODE R1 HEADER R R R R R R R R R R6 R POS PDF417 Aspect Ratio R2 CODE # Pad Data R5 L POS OPTION #52 R4 CHARACTER OPTION #30 R4 AMOUNT 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 3
Appendix E. Addressing a 9490 Printer This appendix describes how to print supplies from a 9490 printer used with the Monarch® 9476 Mobile Printing Station. The Station allows multiple printers to share a common communication cable. To use an individual printer on the Station, you must ✦ Define a unique address for each printer. ✦ Select a printer. ✦ Send format and batch packets to the selected printer.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual F7. pr_address Example Printer’s address. Can be any six-byte string in the 0 to 255 decimal range enclosed by quotes. We recommend setting the printer’s address to the printable alphanumeric ASCII values (0-9; A-Z; a-z). This avoids any conflict with the control characters (ENQ, parameter separators, etc.) and is easily interpreted.
Appendix E. Addressing a 9490 Printer Step 2. Select a Printer Select a specific printer by sending this immediate command: ^ADxxxxxx, where ^ is the defined immediate command character, and xxxxxx is the printer’s address in ASCII. See "Using Immediate Commands," in Chapter 3 for more information. To read the hexadecimal address found on the test label, convert it to the ASCII equivalent.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual C7. bat_voltage n Example Selects the battery voltage. Options: 0 15-volt battery 1 12-volt battery The printer’s LED does not flash after receiving this packet. To check if the battery voltage changed, print a test label. The selected printer remains active until a different printer is selected or you turn the printer off.
Appendix E. Addressing a 9490 Printer Returning to Addressed Mode To change the printer from non-addressed mode to addressed mode: 1. Define the printer’s address by sending the communication settings packet. After a printer has been addressed, immediate commands are automatically enabled with the caret (^) as the immediate command character. 2. Select the printer by sending the immediate command, ^ADxxxxxx. 3. Send format and batch packets to the printer.
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual Troubleshooting –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– If you have a problem with the printer that you cannot correct, call Service. See your printer’s documentation for more troubleshooting information. Problem E-6 Action Printer indicates a low battery when fully charged. Make sure the battery voltage is set to the correct level. Change the voltage from 15 volts to 12 volts. Printer in addressed mode does not accept packets.
Glossary Batch Data 2,"Monarch" p Defines the actual information (as fields within { }) printed on the label. Batch Control E,0,1,4,2 p Defines the print job (as a field). Batch Header {B,1,N,1} First line of a batch, immediately following ({). Identifies the format and batch quantity. Batch Packet {B,1,N,1 p 2,"Monarch" p } Contains a batch header and the batch data. Enclosed within { }. Bitmapped Fonts Reside in the printer’s RAM or in a ROM chip.
Format Header First line of a format, immediately following the start of packet ({). A format header must begin with F. {F,1,A,R,E,600,400,"Fmt-1" p Monospaced Fonts Characters have the same width and are easy to center justify. (Standard, Bold, and Reduced fonts.) Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) Contains information that is SAVED on power-down. Option R,4,6,1,3,1 p Any line within a format that applies special formatting to a field.
Index A ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– adding custom fonts 3-26 addressing 9490 printer E-1, E-3, E-5 algorithm,in sum of digits 5-16 algorithm,in sum of products 5-15 allocating memory 3-15 B ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– backing up 1-5 bar code defining aspect ratios 5-11 field 2-6 PDF417 options 5-11 bar code density syntax 5-9 bar codes character lengths 4-8 customizing density 5-9 defining 4-7 defining densities 5-9 determining distance from top/bottom 4-9 generating check digits 5-7 placing human read
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual characters fixed using option 1 5-3 number of in bar code 4-7 number of in non-printable field 4-14 number of in text 4-2 padding 5-6 placement of human readables 10-6 check digit worksheet D-4 check digit option syntax 5-7 check digit schemes syntax 5-14 - 5-15 using sum of digits 5-16 using sum of products 5-15 check digits clearing scheme from memory 3-25 customizing a scheme 5-14 generating 5-7 checking ENQ trailer characters 8-1 ENQ/IMD characters 8-1 job status 7-7 pack
Index D ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– daily checklist 1-5 data copy option 4 5-4 fixed option 1 5-3 for batch 6-5 padding option 30 5-6 setting the starting increment 6-6 data dump 8-3 data stream examples A-1 examples A-2, A-6 - A-7, A-9 - A-11 Maxicode A-2 decimal point selection 3-10 decrementing fields fixing the first number 5-12 syntax 5-12 using option 60 5-12 default supply setup packet 3-30 - 3-32 system setup packet 3-30 - 3-32 defining bar codes 4-7 batch control field 6-4 batch data field 6-5 b
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual errors 7-13 about 9-1 communication 9-11 - 9-13 data 9-1 - 9-10 data format failure 9-15 display 9-23 - 9-24 machine faults 9-16 - 9-22 F ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– feed mode selection 6-4 field examples 2-6 options 5-11 types 2-6 field color attributes 4-16 field options brief list of 5-2 calculating check digits 5-7 copy data 5-4 customized bar code density 5-9 fixed data 5-3 incrementing/decrementing fields 5-12 ordering 5-1 overview 5-1 padding data 5-6 price field 5-
Index G ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– generating check digits with option 31 5-7 graphic packets clearing from memory 3-25 grid overview 2-4 H ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– human readable characters placement considerations 10-6 I –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– image buffer 3-18 imaging repeating parameters 10-5 using zero batch headers 10-3 imaging time when to use scalable fonts 10-5 IMD printing existing config 8-1 immediate commands enabling 3-22 sending 3-23 table 3-24 when to use 3-22 incrementing
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual measurement on a grid 2-4 memory allocating 3-15 clearing packets 3-25 packet syntax 3-15 memory buffer downloadable fonts 3-19 format 3-19 image 3-18 receive 3-18 scalable font 3-20 transmit 3-18 merging copied data 5-5 fields with option 4 5-4 mode command sample 3-1 modulus description of check digit calc in sum of digits 5-16 in sum of products 5-15 monetary decimal selection 3-10 formatting syntax 3-10 list of options 3-10 symbol selection 3-10 symbol setting 3-10 using
Index packet F syntax 3-13 packet M syntax 3-15 packets batch 6-2 check digit scheme 5-14 clearing from memory 3-25 configuration 3-5 configuration upload 3-28 guidelines 3-3 padding data 5-6 syntax 5-6 parameters for batch control field 6-4 for batch data field 6-5 for batch header 6-3 modifying partial 6-8 repeating 10-5 parity selection 3-13 placing human readables 10-6 point size B-9 polling for status overview 7-1 price fields formatting option 5-8 monetary formatting 3-10 restrictions with check digi
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual R ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– receive buffer 3-18 reimaging, using option 61 5-13 removing 9490 printer’s address E-1, E-3, E-5 requesting job status explanation of 7-7 requesting printer status explanation of 7-1 overview 7-1 resetting packet control characters 3-13 response to job request 0-2 7-8 to job request 3 7-9 to job request 4 7-11 ribbon selection 3-8 rotating constant text characters 4-17 constant text fields 4-18 text characters 4-6 text fields 4-6 rough sketche
Index number of decimal places 3-10 online mode 3-7 parity 3-13 print contrast 3-9 print position 3-9 print speed 3-9 printhead width 3-9 ribbon 3-8 serial communication 3-1 stop bits 3-13 supply size 4-1 supply type/position 3-8 unit of measure 4-1 word length 3-13 smart imaging 10-1 soft fonts B-1 - B-2 source field, of copy data 5-4 speed adjustment selection 3-9 status polling overview 7-1 stop bits selection 3-13 sum of digits calculation 5-16 sum of products calculation 5-15 supply about the layout g
MPCLII Packet Reference Manual thickness line 4-21 trailing spaces finding 10-6 transmit buffer 3-18 transparent overlay explanation 4-5, 4-17 U ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– unit of measure setting 4-1 uploading configuration 3-28 V ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– variable length padding for 5-6 vector fonts buffer 3-20 vectors defining 4-19 voltage selection 3-9 W––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– word length selection 3-13 worksheet batch D-4 check digit D-4 format 2-6, D-1 online configuration D-2 Index
For supplies, service, or assistance call: TOLL FREE: 1-800-543-6650 (In the U.S.A.) 1-800-263-4650 (In Canada) INTERNET ADDRESS: www.monarch.com Published by the Technical Communications Department. Printed in U.S.A.
