Monarch 9403 Users Manual Packet Reference

9825 to the manual bf5caa82-17e6-4370-a7c5-23a6db041b59

2015-02-09

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Monarch
Printers

TC9800PM Rev. DD 3/02 ©1996 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

✦

9403 ®

✦

9825

✦

9850

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, 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.
©1998 Paxar Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form by any means, without the prior written permission of
Paxar Corporation.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

CANADIAN D.O.C. WARNING
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Réglement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicte par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Trademarks
Monarch, 9403, 9820, and 9830 are registered trademarks of Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
Monarch, 1464, 1465, 917, 918, 926, 928, 9800, 9805, 9835, 9840, and 9850 are trademarks of Monarch
Marking Systems, Inc.
Paxar is a trademark of Paxar Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.
CG Triumvirate and CG Triumvirate Bold are trademarks of AGFA Corporation.
Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain
jurisdictions.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Paxar Corporation
170 Monarch Lane
Miamisburg, OH 45342

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
GETTING STARTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Creating an MPCLII Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Daily Startup Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Starting with a Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Determining Format Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Determining the Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Drawing Rough Sketches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Using Supply Layout Grids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Considering Field Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Considering Fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Interchanging Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Using the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Filling in the Format Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
CONFIGURING THE PRINTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Setting Communication Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using Parallel Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using MPCLII Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
MPCLII Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Standard Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Using Online Configuration Packets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Configuration Packet Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Configuration Syntax Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Making Print Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Defining the System Setup Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Defining the Supply Setup Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
i

Defining the Print Control Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Control Characters Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Communication Settings Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Backfeed Control Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Considerations When Using Backfeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Memory Configuration Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Current Buffer Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About Memory Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Worksheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buffer Allocation Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts . . . . . . .
Using Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling Immediate Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sending Immediate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearing Packets from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Flash Upload Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uploading Format Header Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-12
2-13
2-14
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-20
2-21
2-23
2-24
2-26
2-26
2-27
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-30
2-31
2-35
2-36
2-37

DEFINING FIELDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Defining the Format Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Defining Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Defining Bar Code Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Defining Non-Printable Text Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Defining Constant Text Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Defining Line Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Line Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Defining Box Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27

ii

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Applying Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Combining Field Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Option 1 (Fixed Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Option 3 (Data Entry Templates) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Option 4 (Copy Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Merging Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Option 30 (Padding Data) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Sample Use for Padding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Option 42 (Price Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Option 50 (Bar Code Density) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Option 61 (Reimage Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Using Check Digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Sum of Products Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Sum of Digits Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
CREATING GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Overview of Compliance Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designing Compliance Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-2
5-3
5-3
5-4

iii

Designing Bitmapped Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Using the Hex Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Using the Run Length Encoding Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Determining How to Store the Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Using Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Using Non-volatile RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Using Volatile RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Using Temporary Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Creating a Graphic Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Positioning the Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Defining the Graphic Header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Creating Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Creating Next-Bitmap Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Creating Duplicate Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Sample Compliance Graphic Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Sample Hex Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Sample Run Length Graphic Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Placing the Graphic in a Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Defining the Graphic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Sample Compliance Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Sample Bitmap Graphic Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
PRINTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Defining the Batch Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Batch Control Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Batch Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Special Characters in Batch Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merged or Sub-Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incrementing Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iv

6-3
6-4
6-6
6-6
6-7
6-7

9850 Special Printing Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
9850 Serial Bar Code Printing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Downloading Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Sequential Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Batch Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Batch Quantity Zero Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Modifying Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Optional Entry Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Creating DOS Batch Files for Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
STATUS POLLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Inquiry Request (ENQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Inquiry Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Job Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Job Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 1 Codes) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table (Status 2 Codes) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Status Polling Considerations for Script Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
DIAGNOSTICS AND ERRORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Printing a Test Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reading a Test Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
If You Receive an Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
If the PC and Printer Aren’t Communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Calling Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Additional Diagnostics Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Reading an Error Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Communication Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Data Formatting Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Machine Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
v

PRINTER OPTIMIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Reducing Imaging Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
General Format Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
SAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Sample UPCA Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Sample MaxiCode Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3
Mode 0 (Obsolete) Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Mode 2 Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Mode 3 Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Sample Data Matrix Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Square Data Matrix Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Rectangular Data Matrix Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Sample Quick Response Packets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Entering Batch Data for QR Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9
QR Code Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10
Structured Append Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10
Structured Append QR Code Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11
Sample Compliance Packet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12
Sample Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15
Sample Data Entry Format Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17
FONTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
EFF Swiss Bold Font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paxar Font 70 and Font 71 Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAFTA Font 72 and Font 73 Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bitmap Font Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi

B-4
B-4
B-5
B-5

Monospaced Font Magnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Using 203 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Using 300 DPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Proportional Font Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10
Scalable/TrueType® Font Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
Format Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
Downloading TrueType Fonts (9825/9850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Using Asian (Double-Byte) TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
Double-Byte Bitmap Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
Double-Byte TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Character Mapping Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Sample Asian (Double-Byte) Font Format and Batch . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24
Licensing Your Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24
Using Font Numbers in Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-26
SYMBOL SETS/CODE PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Using Code 128 Function Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Entering Extended Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Using International Character Sets/Code Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Internal Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
ANSI Symbol Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Bold Character Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
OCRA Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Code Page 100 (Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Code Page 101 (Wingdings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Code Page 850 (Latin 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
Code Page 852 (Latin 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
Code Page 855 (Russian) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
vii

Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
Code Page 1253 (Greek) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11
Code Page 1254 (Turkish). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12
Code Page 1256 (Arabic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12
Code Page 1257 (Baltic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13
ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14
Binary to Hex Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17
Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-18
Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-19
Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . C-20
Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21
ON (Black) Dots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21
OFF (White Dots) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21
FORMAT DESIGN TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Online Configuration Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Batch Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Check Digit Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4
PRINTER DIFFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Printer Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1464/1465 Printer/Applicator Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Configuration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Status Polling Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

E-1
E-3
E-4
E-4

1

G E T T I N G S TA R T E D
Before you read this manual, review the printer information in the
Operator’s Handbook or Operating Instructions. 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:
N

9403® (V. 1.0 or greater)

N

9825 (V. 1.0 or greater)

N

9850 (V. 1.0 or greater)

If you are designing formats for a Monarch® 1464 or 1465 printer
applicator, follow the 9850 printer information provided in this manual.
However, there are a few differences. See Appendix E, "Printer
Differences" for 1464/1465 specific information, along with a description of
each printer’s features.

About This Manual
You do not need to be a programmer to use this manual, but you
must be familiar with creating text files and using basic MS-DOS®
commands. This chapter describes how to
N

create and download a sample MPCLII packet.

N

use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet.

N

categorize data into field types and select fonts to use in
your format.

See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for a list of available fonts for your
printer. See Chapter 4, "Defining Field Options," for a list of available
options for your printer.

Getting Started 1-1

B e f o r e Yo u B e g i n
1. Connect the printer to the host. Refer to the Quick Reference
or Operator’s Handbook for more information.
2. Load supplies in the printer. Refer to the Quick Reference or
Operator’s Handbook 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 2, "Configuring the Printer,"
for more information.
5. Design your format. See "Starting with a Design" for more
information.
6. Download your format to the printer. See Chapter 6,
"Printing," for more information.

Creating an MPCLII Format Packet
A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are
printed on the label. The printer requires this information in a
special form, using Monarch Printer Control Language II (MPCL).
This section describes how to create a sample MPCLII format
packet.
Make sure supplies are loaded, the printer is connected to the
host and is ready to receive data. Refer to the Quick Reference
or Operator’s Handbook for more information.
For detailed information about the format header, text, constant
text, and bar code fields, see Chapter 3, "Defining Fields." For
information about batch packets, see Chapter 6, "Printing."
1. Type the following format header, in any text editor:
{F,25,A,R,M,508,508,"FMT-25" p

1-2 Getting Started

2. Type the following constant text field:
C,250,80,0,1,1,1,W,C,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING:",0 p
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. Save your file as SAMPLE.FMT.
9. Type MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1 at the DOS prompt if you are
using serial communications. This sets the communication
parameters at your host. These communication parameters
must match those at your printer. See "Setting
Communication Parameters," in Chapter 2, or your host’s
documentation for more information.

Getting Started 1-3

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 }

See "Starting with a Design" to design your format and Chapter 3,
"Defining Fields" to create text, bar code, and line fields.

Daily Startup Procedures
You may want to design a checklist for operators to follow each
day. Here are a few suggested items: Turn on the printer and
host, make sure ribbon and supplies are loaded, make sure
communication parameters are set, and download packets from
the host to the printer.
You may want to keep records of supplies that have been printed.
A good way to do this is to design a print log for operators to
complete at the end of the day. Here are some suggestions for
types of information to include in a print log: date, operator’s
name, format name, supply size, quantity printed, evaluation of
print quality, and problems/comments.
Keep backup copies of your format, batch data, check digit, and
graphic packets.

1-4 Getting Started

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. See
"Determining Format Contents" for more information.
2. Determine your label size. Labels are available from Monarch
in a wide variety of sizes. Your application and the amount of
data you need to print determines the supply size. Contact
your Account Manager or Technical Support for more
information.
3. Draw a rough sketch of your label. You may want to draw
several variations to see what works best. See "Drawing
Rough Sketches" for more information.
4. Identify the field types that appear on your label. See
"Considering Field Types" for more information.
5. Decide which fonts you want to use. See "Considering Fonts"
for more information.
6. Fill out your Format Worksheet. See "Using the Format
Worksheet" for more information.
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 3, "Defining Fields," for more
information.
8. Download your format packet to the printer. See Chapter 6,
"Printing," for more information.

Getting Started 1-5

Determining Format Contents
Before you lay out your format, you need to make a few
decisions. For example: How large is your supply, which fonts do
you want to use, do you want to include a bar code, and do you
want to include graphics?

Determining the Print Area
The "bottom" is the edge that exits the printer first. The 0,0 point
is at the bottom left corner of the label. For the 9403 printer, the
print area begins 0.10 inches from the left edge of the supply. For
the 9800 series printers, the print area is in the center of the
label. Check the table to determine the maximum print area.
Printer
9403

Unit of Measure

Maximum Supply Size
(Width x Length)

Maximum Print Area
(Width x Length)

English (1/100 in)

200 x 600

200 x 600

Metric (1/10mm)

508 x 1524

508 x 1524

Dots (1/203 dots)

406 x 1218

406 x 1218

9825/
9850

English

425 x 1750

400 x 1600

Metric

1080 x 4445

1016 x 4064

Dots

863 x 3553

812 x 3248

9850
with
optional
300 dpi

English

425 x 1750

400 x 1600

Metric

1080 x 4445

1524 x 4064

Dots

1275 x 5250

1200 x 4800

When designing formats, keep in mind the following non-print
zones for the 9403 printer:
Bottom
Left

.035 inches at the beginning of the label.
.10 inches from the left edge of the label.

The following non-print zones are recommended for the 9800
series printers:
All Supplies
All Supplies

1-6 Getting Started

.050 inches on either edge of the label.
.020 inches at the end of the label.

If using the optional verifier, allow a minimum no-scan zone at the
top of the label of 1.3" (33 mm) for speeds 6.0 ips or less; 1.8"
(46 mm) for 8.0 ips; and 2.2" (56 mm) for 10.0 ips.
Use the following formulas to convert inches to dots and metric:
Dots = inches x 203 (or 300 dots per inch)
Metric (1/10mm) = inches x 254
English (1/100 inch) = 100 x (dots/203) or (dots/300)
Dots = Metric (1/10 mm) x 799/1000 (or 1181/1000)
300 dpi depends on your printer.

Drawing Rough Sketches
After you decide what information you want to print, sketch how
you want the information to appear on the label. Note any areas
that are preprinted on the label, such as a logo.
As soon as you know what information to include
on the label, and you have a rough sketch, you
can use a supply layout grid to help you layout
and size your label. If you do not want to use a
grid, go to "Considering Field Types" to choose
what information you want on your label.

Getting Started 1-7

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:
N

English

203

1523

The English grid, shown to the
right, is measured in 1/100
inches.
N

Metric
The Metric grid is measured in
1/10 millimeters (mm).

N

Graphic
The printer uses dots to print
images on a label. The
printhead has 203 dots per inch
(dpi) or an optional 300 dots per
inch printhead depending on
your printer.

2400
2250

1421

2100

1320

1950

1218

1800

1117

1650

1015

1500

914

1350

812

1200

711

1050

609

900

508

750

406

600

305

450

203

300

102

150

0.0

203
300

0.0
0.0

102

203

305

406

508

609

711

0.0

150

300

450

600

750

900

1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100

812 853

Choose English or Metric units when designing formats to use
with different printers. English or Metric units allow more direct
use of formats on printers with different density printheads.
If you want to use supply layout grids, a copy of each is in
Appendix D, "Format Design Tools."

1-8 Getting Started

300

Supply Layout (dpi)

1624

C o n s i d e r i n g F i e l d Ty p e s
After you select a supply size, the next step in designing a format
is to decide what information you want to print on the label. For
example, you may want to print your company name, price of an
item, and a bar code that combines information from other places.
Everything you want to print falls into one of the following
categories.
Field Type

Description

Examples

Text

Contains letters, numbers, or
symbols you want to print.

item number, item description,
department number, price, date

Non-Printable
Text

Holds 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.

item or serial numbers, zip codes,
information you don’t want to
have visible to customers

Constant Text

Prints fixed characters that print
without changing.

company name, company address

Line or Box

Highlights or separates items.

line marking out the regular price,
border around the supply

Graphic

Contains a bitmap image or a
compliance label overlay.

logos

All of the above field types except graphics
are discussed in Chapter 3. See Chapter 5,
"Creating Graphics," for information on
including graphics in your format.

Considering Fonts
When working with fonts, you have three considerations: font
appearance, font size (scalable or bitmapped), and font spacing
(monospaced or proportional).
The TrueType® scalable font, EFF Swiss Bold (font 50) is
standard on the 9825 and 9850 printers. It is not available for the
9403 printer. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for samples of each font.

Getting Started 1-9

Interchanging Packets
You can use an MPCLII format that was designed for another
MPCLII printer on a 9800 series printer. However, the format may
appear smaller (fields will be shorter), because most of the 9800
series printers use a 203 dpi printhead. The 9850 printer has an
optional 300 dpi printhead.

U s i n g t h e F o r m a t Wo r k s h e e t
The Format Worksheet is divided into sections that list the field
types. Each section has boxes to fill in with parameters that
define your format. A format worksheet is included in Appendix
D, "Format Design Tools."

F i l l i n g i n t h e Fo r m a t Wo r k s h e e t
Decide what type of field to use on your label.
1. Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.
2. Define the Format Header.
3. Define all non-printable text fields before you define the ones
you want to print. See "Defining Non-Printable Text Fields" in
Chapter 3 for more information.
4. Define options as you require them. See Chapter 4, "Defining
Field Options" for more information.

1-10 Getting Started

CONFIGURING THE PRINTER

2

This chapter discusses how to
N

set communication parameters.

N

upload the printer’s configuration or font information.

N

configure the printer using online configuration packets.

N

use immediate commands to control the printer’s operation
at any time.
Some parameters may not be available on each printer.
See Appendix E, "Printer Differences," for a list of
differences between all the printers.

Configuring the Printer 2-1

Setting Communication Parameters
Use the following information if you are using serial
communications. See "Using Parallel Communications" for
information about parallel communications.
Not all printers have a parallel port.
The communication parameters at the printer must match those at
the host, or you will not be able to communicate.
You can use the communication settings packet to set
communication parameters for your printer.
On MS-DOS computers, you can use the MODE command to set
communication values on your PC.
For example
MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1
This command sets your host to these communication values:
9600 baud, no parity, an 8 bit word length, 1 stop bit.

Using Parallel Communications
If your printer supports parallel communications, the parallel port
is IEEE-1284 or Centronics® mode. You can set which mode to
use through the control panel. Refer to the Quick Reference or
Operator’s Handbook for control panel information. The
communication settings are automatically configured for you.
There are no operator settings required.
We recommend waiting at least two seconds (or longer) when
switching between the serial and parallel ports to send data,
because data may be lost. Be careful when using print spoolers,
because data transmission occurs in the background of the
operating system. This makes data transmission completion
difficult to determine when switching between ports.

2-2 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:
{

start of header

}

end of header

p

field separator (Use hex 7C for this character.
Depending on the code page selected, this
character may appear differently.)

,

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. Do not
embed comments within a quoted string.
ENQ and immediate commands are always
processed, even if they are included within
grave accents Grave accents are also used
to reject mainframe data.

These MPCL characters are the default. See "Defining the
Control Characters Packet" to change these characters.

Standard Syntax Guidelines
When creating MPCLII packets:
N

Begin each packet with a start of header ({).

N

End each packet with an end of header (}).

Configuring the Printer 2-3

N

Define no more than 1000 fields (100 fields for 9403) in a
format. Each p indicates one field. However, options are not
counted as fields. The actual number of fields a format can
have may be less, because the number of fields is limited by
the available memory.

N

The field number 0 to 999 (99 for the 9403) must be unique.
Monarch recommends starting at 1, instead of 0.

N

Do not use a field number more than once per format.

N

Define all fields in the order you want to image/print them.
The printer does not print in field number order.

N

Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).

N

End each field with a Field Separator ( p ).

N

Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or
phrases within quotation marks.

N

Include all parameters for a field unless documented as
optional.

N

Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they
apply.

N

Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.

N

Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be
used in any combination except as noted with each definition.
When using multiple options on the 9403 printer, remember
that options are processed in the order they are received.

N

Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider
fields than monospaced fonts. For variable field data, use a
letter "W" to determine the maximum field size.

N

Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing
character in a character string. However, a carriage return or
line break after each p makes your formats easier to read.
T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p

N

Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.

2-4 Configuring the Printer

N

Indenting options improves readability of your formats.
T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
R,42,1 p

N

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.

U si n g O n l i n e C o n f i g u ra t i o n Pa cke t s
Use online configuration packets to change the printer settings.
You can send an individual packet or a packet that contains all
eight online configuration packets. You can supply all parameters
for each packet. Leave the parameters blank that you do not
need to change. For example,
{ I,A,,,,1 p } prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online
System Setup parameters.
Make a copy of the online configuration worksheet in Appendix D,
"Format Design Tools," and save the original. Packets A-M are
listed on the worksheet.
When you turn off the printer, all the information in the online
configuration packets is saved and used when the printer is
turned back on. After you change printer configurations, you
must resend the format, batch, or graphic to the printer before the
changes take effect.

Configuration Pa cket Header
Always include an I, immediately after the left bracket { and
before the packet identifier (A, B, C, etc.). The I parameter
identifies the data stream as a configuration packet.

Configuring the Printer 2-5

Include the I parameter with each packet if
you are sending them individually. Include it
only at the beginning of a data stream if you
are sending multiple packets.
This is the syntax to use when you create online configuration
packets:
Syntax
{
I,
1 to 8 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
G, parameter 1...parameter
M, parameter 1...parameter
}

Start of Header
Configuration Header
5
5
5
3
9
5
4
4

p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p

System Setup
Supply Setup
Print Control
Monetary Formatting
Control Characters
Communication Settings
Backfeed Control
Memory Configuration
End of Header

Syntax for single packet
{
I,
A, parameter 1...parameter 5
}

Start of Header
Configuration Packet Identifier
System Setup
End of Header

You can also add a configuration to non-volatile RAM or specify
units for supply, print, margin, and cut positions. If you use the
optional parameters with the I packet, any online configuration
packets following the split vertical bar ( p ) must specify distances
using the selected units. However, the test labels display the
units in dots, even if you entered them in English or Metrics units.
Syntax

{header,ID#,action,device p }

1. header

Constant I.

2. ID#

ID. Use 0.

2-6 Configuring the Printer

3. action

A
U

4. device

Storage Device. Options:
M
Memory
N
Nonvolatile RAM
R
Volatile RAM

5. units

Units. (Optional parameter.) Options:
E
English
M
Metric
G
Dots

Example

Add configuration.
Upload User Configuration.

{I,0,A,N,E p
C,0,25,0,0,0 p }

Adds a configuration to non-volatile RAM and specifies English
units. It also uses the default contrast, moves print 0.25 inches
closer to the bottom of the supply and does not change the
margin adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the
default printhead width.
If you do not use the optional parameters, the syntax for the
online configuration packets does not change. For example,
{I,C,0,50,0,0,0 p }

uses the default contrast, moves print 50 dots (0.25) inches
closer to the bottom of the supply and does not change the
margin adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the
default printhead width.
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,2,1,0,0,0 p
C,0,0,0,0,0,0 p
D,1,0,2 p
E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126","","~013~010"
F,3,1,0,0,1 p
G,0,65,65 p
M,R,8725,1345,N,2535,615 p
M,R,R,300 p

p

Configuring the Printer 2-7

M,T,R,20 p
M,I,R,3300 p
M,D,N,1280 p
M,F,N,640 p
M,V,R,3740 p

The parameters for each packet (A-M) are displayed. In the first
line that begins with M, 8725 is the total volatile memory
available, 1345 is the memory used in volatile RAM. 2535 is the
total non-volatile memory available, 615 is the memory used in
non-volatile RAM. The remaining lines beginning with M list the
buffer sizes in 1/10K for the Receive, Transmit, Image,
Downloadable Fonts, Formats, and Scalable Fonts Buffers.

Configuration Syntax Guidelines
When creating a printer configuration packet:
N

Follow the "Standard Syntax Guidelines" listed at the
beginning of this chapter.

N

Begin a packet with the configuration header (I).

N

Download multiple configuration packets within one packet or
download a single configuration packet.

N

Include the first five ANSI codes, at a minimum, in the control
characters packet.

N

If you change any of the online configuration packets, resend
the format packet to the printer, so the configuration changes
take effect.

N

Make sure the communication settings at the host match those
at the printer.

N

Send configuration packets once per session (each time the
printer is turned off and then back on), not with every format
or batch packet.

2-8 Configuring the Printer

Making Print Adjustments
You can adjust where the printer prints on your supply by
adjusting the supply, print, or margin positions. However, keep in
mind the following:
N

Supply adjustments across the width of your supply, such as
the margin position, are based in dots- either 203 dpi or 300
dpi, depending on your printhead density.

N

Supply adjustments for the length of your supply, such as
supply position or print adjustment, are always measured in
1/203 of an inch, regardless of your printhead density.

D ef i n i n g t h e S ys t em S e t u p Pa cke t
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
A1. A

{I,A,powup_mode,language,sep_on,slash_zero,
symbol_set p}
System Setup Packet

A2. powup_mode Online Mode. Options:
0
online mode (default)
1
offline mode (9403/9850)
A3. language

Display Language. Options
0
English (default)
1
French
2
German
3
Spanish

A4. sep_on

Batch Separators. Options:
0
Does not print a separator (default)
1
Prints a separator
2
Double-length separator- prints 2 tags (9850)
NOTE: Do not use batch separators with continuous
(non-indexed) supply. If using a stacker, the batch
separator is 3.66 inches long.

Configuring the Printer 2-9

A5. slash_zero

Slash Zero. Options:
0
Print a standard zero (default)
1
Print a zero with a slash through it

A6. symbol_set

Symbol Set. Options:
0
Internal/ Monarch (default)
1
ANSI
2
Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.)
3
Code Page 850 (Latin 1)
4
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
5
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
6
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
7
Code Page 1253 (Greek)
8
Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
9
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
10
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
11
Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
12
Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese)
13
DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
14
DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
15
DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
16
DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
17
Wingdings
18
Macintosh
19
UNICODE
20
BIG5
21
GB2312
22
SJIS (Shift JIS) to SJIS (Code Page 932, Japanese)
23
GB2312 to GB2312 (Code Page 936, Simplified Chinese)
24
BIG5 to BIG5 (Code Page 950, Traditional Chinese)
25
KSC5601 to KSC5601 (Code Page 949, Korean)
NOTE: The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and
DOS Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The
scalable font does not support Code Page 1256
(Arabic). See Appendix C for more information.
Code pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be
used with downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable.
Code Pages 932, 936, and 950 may only be used
with downloaded Double-byte fonts. TrueType fonts
are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all
code pages may not be supported in a given font.

Example

{I,A,0,0,1,1,0 p }

Powers up the printer in the online mode, displays prompts in
English, prints a separator after each batch, prints zeros with
slashes through them, and uses the internal symbol set.

2-10 Configuring the Printer

D ef i n i n g t h e S u p p l y S e t u p Pa cke t
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 supply
1
Die Cut/edge aperture supply (default)
2
Continuous (non-indexed) supply (9825/9850)
3
Center Aperture supply (9850)
Must use with printer applicator
NOTE: You must use continuous supply in continuous mode.
Do not use continuous supply with extended
backfeed or 94x5 emulation. If your aperture supply
has holes on the edge, use 1. If your aperture supply
has holes in the center, use 3.

B3. ribbon_on

Ribbon. Options:
0
Ribbon not installed (default for 9403)
1
Ribbon installed (default for 9825/9850)
2
High Energy Ribbon installed (9850)
You must use a print speed of 2.5 IPS with the high energy
ribbon. Serial bar codes cannot be printed using the high
energy ribbon. Settings for ribbon and supply type must
match the supplies loaded in the printer; otherwise, an error
occurs. To clear the error, turn off the printer and change the
configuration packet. Turn on the printer and resend the
packet.

B4. feed_mode

Feed Mode. Options:
0
Continuous operation (default)
1
On-demand mode

B5. supply_posn -300 to 300 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default. Adjusts the
machine to print at the vertical 0,0 point on the supply. This
adjustment accounts for mechanical tolerances from machine
to machine. The supply position adjustment only needs to be
made on the initial machine setup. Adjust the supply position
if formats do not start at the 0,0 point on the supply. Increase
the supply position to move print up, decrease to move print
down on the label. To verify the 0,0 point, print a test label.
See "Printing a Test Label" in Chapter 8 for more information.

Configuring the Printer 2-11

You can not change the supply position while the printer is
active. Changing the supply position will affect the print
position, dispense position, and backfeed distance. Once the
supply position is set, use the print control packet and
backfeed control packet to adjust printing and the dispense
position.
B6. cut_posn

Example

-300 to 300 in 1/203 inch. Use 0 for 9403/9825. Adjusts
where the tag is cut. The printer adjusts the cut position
according to the black marks on the supply. You may need to
adjust for aperture supplies. Increase to move the cut up,
decrease to move the cut down.

{I,B,0,0,1,10,50 p }

Indicates black mark and thermal direct stock has been loaded,
causes the printer to operate in on-demand mode, feeds the
supply approximately .05 inches up before printing the format on
each label (10/203 inches), and feeds the supply .25 inches
(50/203 inches) before cutting.

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 p }

C1. C

Print Control Packet

C2. contrast

-390 to 156. 0 is the default.

C3. print_adj

-99 to 99 in 1/203 inch. 0 is the default. Adjusts where data
prints vertically on the supply. Increase the print position to
move print up, decrease to move print down.

C4. margin_adj

-99 to 99 in 1/203 inch (or 1/300 inch for 9850 printer). 0 is
the default. Adjusts where data prints horizontally on the
supply. Increase the margin position to move print to the
right, decrease to move print to the left. Margin and print
position are format adjustments. They will not affect the
supply position, dispense position, or backfeed distance.

2-12 Configuring the Printer

C5. speed_adj

Print speed in inches per second (ips). Options:
0
20
25
40
60
80
100
120

Default (formats with serial bar codes automatically
print at 2.5 ips)
2.0 ips (only speed for 9403)
2.5 ips (default for serial bar codes)
4.0 ips
6.0 ips (default for 9825/9850)
8.0 ips (9850)
10.0 ips (9850 with 203 dpi)
12.0 ips (9850 with 203 dpi)

NOTE: Serial bar codes with an 8-dot narrow element do not
automatically print at 2.5 ips. Serial bar codes
printed at speeds greater than 2.5 ips may not scan
properly. However, the 9850 printer can print 203 dpi
serial bar codes with narrow elements of 3 dots (or
greater) at 4.0 ips. You must use a print speed of 2.5
ips with the high energy ribbon. See "9850 Special
Printing Considerations," in Chapter 6 for more
information.
C6. ph_width

Example

Width of the printhead in dots. Use 0 for these printers.

{I,C,0,-20,-10,0,0 p }

Uses the default contrast, moves print 0.1 inch closer to the
bottom of the supply (20/203 inches) and .05 inch to the left on
the supply (10/203 inches), prints at six inches per second, and
uses the default printhead width.

Defining the Monetar y Formatting Packet
The monetary formatting packet (D) selects the monetary symbols
to print for a price field. Use the monetary formatting packet to
select primary and secondary monetary symbols, and designate
the number of digits to appear at the right of a decimal.
Syntax
D1. D

{I,D,cur_sym,secondary,decimals p }
Monetary Formatting Packet

Configuring the Printer 2-13

D2. cur_sym

Currency Symbol. Options:
0
No symbol
1
USA ($, Dollar- default)
2
UK (£, Pound)
3
Japan (¥, Yen)
4
Germany (1, Deutsche Mark)
5
France (F, Franc)
6
Spain (P, Peseta)
7
Italy (L., Lira)
8
Sweden (Kr, Krona)
9
Finland (2, Markka)
10
Austria (6, Shilling)
11
India (Rs, Rupee)
12
Russian (3, Ruble)
13
Korean (4, Won)
14
Thai (5, Baht)
15
Chinese (¥, Yuan)
16
Euro-Dollar (c)
NOTE: To use these symbols, select the internal symbol set.

D3. secondary

Secondary Sign. Options:
0
No secondary sign (default)
1
Print secondary sign
NOTE: Secondary symbols only print if you designate at
least one decimal place.

D4. decimals

Example

Number of digits to the right of the decimal. Options:
0
No digits
1
One digit
2
Two digits (default)
3
Three digits

{I,D,1,1,2 p }

Prints the dollar sign, uses a secondary symbol, and places two
digits to the right of the decimal.

D ef i n i n g t h e Co n t r o l Ch a ra cte rs Pa cke t
Use the control characters packet (E) to change the MPCLII
control characters, enable and disable the immediate commands,
and change the default terminator character for job requests and
ENQ’s.

2-14 Configuring the Printer

Changes take effect with the first character following the end of
header character } of the configuration packet. Each control
character must be unique and cannot appear anywhere else in
your packet, except within quotation marks. You can customize
the trailer characters to work with your host.
Wait two seconds for the new characters to
take effect before sending packets using the
new characters.
Use the following syntax for the control characters packet. Notice
all but the first parameter are within quotation marks.
Syntax

{I,E,"ANSI_cd","string1","string2" p }

E1. E

Control Characters Packet

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- use hex 7C)
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 (~094) is
normally used.

NOTE: "ANSI_cd" includes seven separate parameters. The
first five parameters are required. The other
parameters are optional.
E3. "string 1"

Terminator for status requests and ENQ requests. Up to any 3
characters in the 0 to 255 decimal range. The default is
"013". Sending "" disables this sequence.

E4. "string 2"

Terminator for job requests and data uploads. Up to any 3
characters in the 0 to 255 decimal range. The default is none.
Sending "" disables this sequence.

Configuring the Printer 2-15

After you change these parameters, all packets, including any
future configuration packets, must use the new control characters.
Monarch recommends using the tilde and ASCII character code
sequence when sending this packet multiple times. Also, set the
packet delimiters to characters within the 21 hex to 7E hex range.
You must send the control characters packet to enable the
immediate commands. An immediate command will execute
immediately, even if it is embedded within quotation marks, and
all data following the command in the string will be ignored.
{I,E,"~123~063~034~124~125~126~094" p }

Example

Changes the parameter separator character from , to ?. The
other control characters remain unchanged. It also enables the
immediate commands by defining the ^ symbol as the command
identifier.

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. If you forget what the control
characters were changed to, print a test label. (The test label
lists the current control characters.) See "Printing a Test Label,"
in Chapter 8 for more information.

2-16 Configuring the Printer

Defining the Communication Settings Packet
Use the communication settings packet (F) to set the baud rate,
word length, stop bits, parity, and flow control for serial
communications. To set parallel communications, see "Using
Parallel Communications."
Changing the communication settings takes approximately two
seconds. Communications sent during this interval will be lost.
Make sure the host communication values match the values on
the printer and the host is capable of communicating at the speed
you select for the printer.
Do not add any characters, such as a
carriage return/line feed, in your
communication settings packet or
communications errors may occur.
Syntax

{I,F,baud,word_length,stop_bits,parity,
flow_control p }

F1. F

Communication Settings Packet

F2. baud

Baud Rate. Options:
0 1200
2 4800
4 19200
6 57600 (9850)

1
3
5
7

2400
9600 (default)
38400
115200 (9850)

NOTE: The 9403 printer does not support 38400 baud or
greater.
F3. word_length

Word Length. Options:
0
7-bit word length
1
8-bit word length (default)

F4. stop_bits

Stop Bits. Options:
0
1-stop bit (default)
1
2-stop bits

F5. parity

Parity. Options:
0
None (default)
1
ODD parity
2
EVEN parity

Configuring the Printer 2-17

F6. flow_control

Flow Control. Options:
0
None
1
DTR (default)

2
3

(CTS)
XON/XOFF

NOTE: If you use the DOS COPY command to download
your formats, set "Flow Control" to DTR (not
XON/XOFF).

Example

{I,F,3,1,0,0,1 p }

Uses 9600 baud, an 8-bit word length, one stop bit, no parity, and
the DTR mode.

D ef i n i n g t h e Ba ck f ee d Co n t r o l Pa cke t
Use the backfeed control packet (G) to enable or disable the
backfeed option, set the dispense position and the backfeed
distance. Backfeed works by advancing each printed label to the
desired dispense position. Once that label is removed, the next
label to be printed is backed up underneath the printhead. In
continuous mode, only the last label in the batch is advanced to
the dispense position. You may need to adjust the dispense
position to allow labels to be removed, die cut labels to be
removed easily, or to prevent them from falling off.
Extended backfeed is available on the 9850 printer with a knife
installed. Extended backfeed feeds a tag far enough out to be cut
and backfeeds the next tag to the printhead line. You can not
change the backfeed distance while the printer is active.
Extended backfeed eliminates printed tags
being left between the printhead and knife.
Extended backfeed does not work with
non-indexed (continuous) supply/mode.
Do not use backfeed (normal or extended) with supplies less than
0.75 inches. We recommend using 0.5-inch gap supplies in peel
mode when backfeed is disabled.

2-18 Configuring the Printer

The 9403 printer does not support the backfeed packet. The
dispense position and backfeed distance are optional parameters
and do not have to be specified. However, they allow for greater
precision when positioning the supply.
Syntax

{I,G,action,dis_pos,bkfd_dis p }

G1. G

Backfeed Control Packet

G2. action

Action. Options:
0
disable backfeed (default)
1
enable backfeed (use on any printer without a knife)
2
enable extended backfeed (use on 9850 printer with
a knife installed)

G3. dis_pos

Dispense Position. Adjusts the stopping point of the label. 50
to 200 dots (default 65 dots). Use 95 dots for the printer
applicator.

G4. bkfd_dis

Backfeed Distance. Amount to move label backwards. 10 to
200 dots (default 65 dots). Use 95 dots for the printer
applicator. Cannot be greater than the dispense position.
The backfeed distance should equal the dispense position.
An exception is if you are tearing instead of peeling. Then,
the backfeed distance must be 30 dots (.150 inches) less than
the dispense position. However, you will have a 30 dot
non-print zone on your supply. The 30-dot difference
accounts for improper tearing of butt cut supplies, because
you do not want any exposed adhesive under the printhead.

Example

{I,G,2 p }

Enables extended backfeed and cuts any tags remaining between
the knife and printhead and moves the supply backwards so the
next tag is underneath the printhead. Using cut mode 4, you do
not have to press FEED (FEED/CUT) to cut the last tag.
Example

{I,G,1,50,10 p }

Enables backfeed and sets the dispense position to 0.25 inches
(50/203) and the backfeed distance to 0.05 inches (10/203).

Configuring the Printer 2-19

Special Considerations When Using Backfeed
Make a note of the following items:
N

Be careful when tearing supplies, because the adhesive can
adhere to the printhead or platen roller.

N

Backfeed affects each label in the on-demand mode or the
first and last label of the batch in continuous mode.

N

When backfeed is enabled and multiple batches are sent, the
printer may not backfeed between each batch.

N

Backfeed should only be used when you need to advance
labels to the desired dispense point.

N

Backfeed does not interfere with the supply, print, or margin
positions you have set.

N

If the supply inter-label gap is not between .07 inch to .15 inch
(14 to 30 dots), you must adjust the dispense position and
backfeed distance accordingly.

See the following graphic for a representation of the following
adjustments: dispense position, backfeed distance, supply
position, print position, and margin position.

Contact Technical Support if you have problems adjusting where
the format prints on the supply.

2-20 Configuring the Printer

Defining the Memor y 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

2.5

25

153

1530

229.5

2295

Each buffer’s allocated memory remains in effect until that buffer
is reallocated. For this reason, you may want to reallocate all the
buffers when reallocating any buffer. If you reallocate more
memory than you have available, you will receive an error.
Syntax

{I,M,buffer,device,buffer_size p }

M1. M

Memory Configuration Packet

M2. buffer

Buffer type:
D
F
I
R
T
V

Downloadable Fonts
Format
Image
Receive
Transmit
Scalable (vector) Fonts (9825/9850)

Configuring the Printer 2-21

M3. device

Storage type:
N
R

Non-volatile RAM
Volatile RAM

NOTE: You cannot reallocate flash memory.
M4. buffer size

Buffer size in 1/10K ranges. See the following table for
ranges.

{I,M,I,R,1530 p }

Example

Stores the image buffer in volatile RAM and allocates 153K for it.
The following table lists the configured buffer sizes and min-max
values for your printer. The printer’s configuration is stored in
non-volatile RAM and retained when you turn off the printer. The
maximum value for each buffer is listed; however, the sum of all
the buffers cannot exceed the maximum available memory of the
printer.
Buffer

Type

9403

9825*

9850

Transmit

Vol.

1K
(.5K- 4K)

2K
(.5K- 4K)

2K
(.5K- 4K)

Receive

Vol.

8K
(2K- 32K)

8K
(2K- 64K)

8K
(2K- 64K)

Image

Vol.

67K
(41.5K- 124K)

330K
(41.5K- 640K)

585K
(38.5K-

Downld. Fonts

NVol.

NA

Vol.

20K
(8K- 32K)

64K
(8K- 640K)
NA

120K
(8K- 1024K)
NA

Scalable Fonts

Vol.

NA

64K
(32K-640K)

384K
(0K-1024K)

Formats

NVol.

NA

Vol.

32K
(16K- 64K)

64K
(16K- 640K)
NA

128K
(16K- 1024K)
NA

NA

cannot
reallocate

cannot
reallocate

cannot
reallocate

Internal

6144K)

* The 9825 printer does not have non-volatile RAM; however, you can store formats and
fonts in flash memory.

2-22 Configuring the Printer

Use the following table to see how much memory is available to
reallocate.
RAM*

9403

9825

9850

Volatile RAM

256K

1 Meg

8 Meg

Non-volatile RAM

NA

NA

512K

* You cannot reallocate more memory than what is available, or you will receive an error.

Checking Current Buffer Sizes
Send a configuration upload packet to check the sizes of your
current buffers. See "Configuration Packet Header" for more
information. After you check your current buffer sizes you can
begin reallocating memory.
If you want to increase your image buffer and you will not be
using scalable fonts, add that memory into your image buffer.
Example

{I,M,R,R,20 p
M,T,R,10 p
M,D,N,80 p
M,V,R,160 p
M,I,N,3200 p }

Receive buffer
2K
Transmit buffer
1K
Downloadable fonts
8K
Scalable fonts buffer 16K
Image buffer
320K

Make sure memory is available before adding memory to a buffer.
In the above example, if the image buffer (M,I,N,3200) was
defined before the downloadable fonts and scalable fonts buffers
(M,D,N,80 and M,V,R,160) were defined, an error would have
occurred.

Configuring the Printer 2-23

About Memory Buffers
Transmit Buffer

Used to send ENQ, job, and upload
responses. 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. This buffer must be allocated as
volatile (R) RAM.

Image Buffer

Used to image the current format. The 9825
and 9850 printers support two 4-inch by
8-inch buffers. You can create an image up
to 16 inches long without reallocating
memory. The Image Buffer is cleared after a
printer reset, even if it is stored in non-volatile
RAM.
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

2-24 Configuring the Printer

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. Use the following formula to
calculate the required format buffer size:

Linecount x 50/1024
Linecount is the number of lines in your
format packet including the format header
and all the options.
The result of the above calculation is in
kilobytes.
On the 9825 and 9850 printers, formats
remain in memory when you turn off the
printer.
Downloadable
Fonts Buffer

Used to store downloaded soft (bitmapped or
TrueType) fonts. To determine the size of
your downloadable fonts, send a font packet.
For TrueType fonts, the file size, in bytes, is
the minimum amount needed in this buffer.
See "Using the Font Packet" for more
information.

Scalable (Vector)
Fonts Buffer

Used to image the scalable or downloaded
(TrueType or bitmapped) 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/TrueType fonts. This buffer
must be allocated as volatile (R) RAM.
The printer does not print the fonts if there is
not enough memory in this buffer to image
them.
Not all printers support the scalable font.

Configuring the Printer 2-25

B u f f e r Wo r k s h e e t

BUFFER SIZE

DEVICE

HEADER

BUFFER

Make copies of this page to use as a buffer worksheet.

DOWN LOADABLE
FONTS BUFFER

M D

maximum of 2295

FORMAT
BUFFER

M F

maximum of 2295

IMAGE
BUFFER

M I

maximum of 2295

RECEIVE
BUFFER

M R R

maximum of 320

TRANSMIT
BUFFER

M T R

maximum of 40

SCALABLE
FONTS BUFFER

M V R

maximum of 1280

Buffer Allocation Considerations
Keep these items in mind when allocating memory.
N

Do not allocate more memory than what is available.

N

Free memory from one buffer before you add it to another
buffer.

N

Reallocate all the buffers if you need to reallocate any buffer.

N

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. For
example, if you send
{I,M,R,N,20 p
M,T,N,60 p
...}
the printer ignores the entire packet, because the second line

2-26 Configuring the Printer

allocates 6K for the transmit buffer, and 4K is the maximum for
that buffer. If you define a buffer size that exceeds the
maximum value, an error occurs. However, no information is
lost.
N

Whenever the printer accepts a memory configuration packet,
it takes effect immediately, causing a printer reset. Any
information contained in the buffers is lost. Resend your
formats, batches, graphics, or fonts to the printer.

N

If you remap your image buffer, make sure the length and
width specified in your format header are not too large for the
current image buffer. In other words, if you remap for a 4 x 4
inch label, you cannot print a 4 x 6 inch label without receiving
an error, until you change your format header or increase your
image buffer.

M e m o r y C o n s i d e r a t i o n s w i t h D o w n l o a d e d Tr u e Ty p e
Fonts
N

Downloaded TrueType fonts are only available on the 9825 and
9850 printers.

N

The size of the TrueType font file, in bytes, is the minimum
amount of memory you must have available in the
downloadable fonts buffer.

N

The scalable (vector) fonts buffer is used to image the
downloaded fonts (TrueType or bitmapped). If you are using
several downloaded TrueType fonts, you may need 100K or
more in this buffer. The printer does not print the fonts if there
is not enough memory in the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

N

To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you must
reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable
(vector) fonts buffer.

N

Font storage is limited on the 9825 printer, because there is no
extended memory available.

Configuring the Printer 2-27

Using Immediate Commands
Immediate commands affect printer operation as soon as the
printer receives them, even if they are included within a packet or
used inside quotation marks.
You can use immediate commands to change immediate
command or status polling control characters, reset the printer, or
cancel and repeat batches.

Enabling Immediate Commands
When the printer is first turned on, these commands are not
available. To use these commands, you must first send the
control characters packet and define the immediate command
control character. The immediate command control character is
saved in non-volatile RAM and therefore not lost after you turn off
the printer. Once the immediate command control character is
defined, the immediate commands are enabled.

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

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.
Example

^CB

Immediately cancels the batch currently printing. This example
assumes that the defined immediate command control character
is the caret (^).

2-28 Configuring the Printer

Command

Parameter

^CA

Cancels all the batches in the queue.

^CB

Cancels only the current batch being printed.

^DD or
^DCd

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.

^EA

Aborts an error condition. This command is the same as pressing CLEAR
(ESCAPE/CLEAR) to clear an error. May need to be sent multiple times.
Use ^RB to reprint batch.
CAUTION: Command causes the current batch to stop and the
condition that caused the error to remain uncorrected.

^ER

Resets the error. This command is the same as pressing FEED
(FEED/CUT) to acknowledge an error. Normal operation will resume.

^FD

Feeds a label when printer is idle. Simulates the operation of pressing
FEED (FEED/CUT) and dispenses the next label if printer is in the
on-demand mode. NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

^FF1

Formats flash memory (either in the 9825/9850 printer or the 9850 optional
SIMM board)

^FF2

Returns the amount (in bytes) of the available flash memory.

^GD

Disables conversion of formats designed in 203 dpi density dot units to 300
dpi density.

^GE

Enables the conversion of formats designed in 203 dpi dot units (not
English or Metric) to 300 dpi.

^ID or ^ICd Disables the Immediate Command feature by turning off the Immediate
Command escape character. Sets the Immediate Command escape
character to the ASCII value given by the d parameter. The value can be
any ASCII character.
^MC

Returns the customer ID or RPQ version to the host. (00 to 99)

^MD

Returns the printhead dot density to the host. 00 = 203 dpi

^MI

Returns the customer ID or RPQ revision level to the host. (00 to 99)

^MM

Returns the model number to the host. 11 = M9403
17 = 9825

^MP

Returns the prototype number to the host. (00 to 99)

^MR

Returns the revision number to the host. (00 to 99)

^MV

Returns the version number to the host. (00 to 99)

^PR

Resets the printer. This command takes five seconds to complete and then
the printer is ready to receive data. It has the same effect as turning off
and then turning on the printer.
NOTE: Command should be used only when the printer is not printing.

01 = 300 dpi

16 = M9850

Configuring the Printer 2-29

Command

Parameter

^RB

Repeats the last printed batch, printing the same number of labels as
specified in the original batch. This command does not work if using batch
separators.
NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

^RS

Resynchronizes supply when supply roll is changed.
NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

^SD or
^SCd

Disables the status polling feature by turning off the status polling control
character. Sets the status polling control character to the ASCII value
given by the d parameter. The value of d can be any ASCII character.

^SFa

Loads script with host response (9825/9850)

^SFb

Loads script without host response (9825/9850).

^SFc

Enables script (9825/9850).

^SFd

Disables script (9825/9850).

^SFe

Uploads script version information (9825/9850).

^SFf

Deletes script (9825/9850).

^SFg

Turns on ENQ status polling before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

^SFh

Turns off ENQ status polling before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

^SFi

Turns on immediate commands before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

^SFj

Turns off immediate commands before it reaches the script (9825/9850).

^TP

Prints a test label set. NOTE: Printer ignores this command if printing.

The table represents the defined immediate command control
character as ^ and the defined status polling control character as
d. You may define these characters to suit your needs.
To use the immediate command control
character or the status polling character
within your data, use the tilde sequence.

Clearing Packets from Memor y
You may want to remove packets from the printer to increase
memory storage capacity or if the formats/fonts/graphics are no
longer needed. In some cases, turning the printer off may clear
the packets from memory. If not, send a format clear packet.

2-30 Configuring the Printer

Syntax

{header,packet#,action,device p }

1. header

Identifies
A
F
G
W

2. packet#

Identification number of the packet to clear (1-999) or font
number (0-9999). 0 is for all formats, fonts, or graphics.

3. action

Enter C to clear the packet.

4. device

Storage device. Options:
N
R

Example

the packet. Options:
Check Digit Scheme
Format
Graphic (9825 V1.0 or greater)
Font

Nonvolatile RAM
Volatile RAM

{F,1,C,R p }

Clears Format #1 from volatile RAM.

U si n g t h e Fo n t Pa cke t
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.
Syntax

{W,font#,action,device p }

W1. W

Writable Font Header.

W2. font#

Font number from 0-9999.
0 is for all fonts. 1 - 5 digits is the font number.
Example: 11 is the standard printer font,
CG Triumvirate.

Configuring the Printer 2-31

W3. action

Action. Options:
A
C
H
M

Adds the specified font.
Clears all or specified fonts, except ones in ROM.
Uploads font size information.
Uploads font memory usage information.

NOTE: C does not clear (erase) fonts saved in the 9825 or
9850 printer’s flash memory or on the optional SIMM
board. You must format flash memory to erase fonts
from the printer’s flash memory or the SIIMM board.
However, when you format flash memory, ALL fonts
saved in the printer’s flash memory or SIMM board
are deleted.
W4. device

Device. Options:
F
R
Z

Flash (9825/9850)
Volatile RAM
All devices (use for upload).

If you are creating fonts, you need to have font data included with
this packet. Software is available to create the font data and
packet. Call Technical Support for more information.
Example

{W,0,M,R p }

Selects all fonts and checks the memory usage in RAM. The
printer returns the following to the host:
{W,0,M,R p
Number of bytes free, Number of bytes used p }
Example

{W,0,H,Z p }

Selects all fonts and uploads the font size information for any
downloaded fonts.

2-32 Configuring the Printer

The printer returns the following to the host:
Font Name
{W,0,H,Z p
0,1,0,"Standard",0,0,0,21,33,21,33,5,1 p
Symbol Set 0,1,1,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
Spacing
Type 0,1,437,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
0,1,850,"CGTriBd9",1,0,7,25,31,10,15,0,1 p
Baseline
0,2,0,"Reduced",0,0,0,10,21,10,21,2,1 p
Cell Width
0,2,1,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
Cell Height
0,2,437,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
Nominal
Width
0,2,850,"CGTriumv6",1,0,8,27,34,11,17,0,1 p
Nominal Height
0,3,0,"Bold",0,0,0,36,51,36,51,5,1 p
0,4,0,"OCRA",0,0,0,19,36,19,36,5,1 p
Inter-Character Gap
0,5,0,"HR1",0,0,0,18,30,18,30,3,1 p
0,6,0,"HR2",0,0,0,26,24,26,24,2,1 p
0,10,0,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p Printhead Density
0,10,1,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,10,437,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,10,850,"CGTriBd9",1,0,10,37,45,15,22,0,1 p
0,11,0,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,11,1,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,11,437,"CGTriumv6",1,0,6,21,26,8,13,0,1 p
0,15,0,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,1,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,437,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,15,850,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,16,0,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,16,1,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,16,437,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,16,850,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,17,0,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,1,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,437,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,17,850,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,18,0,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,1,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,437,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,18,850,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,510,0,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,1,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,437,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
0,510,850,"CGTriumv7",1,0,9,33,40,13,22,0,1 p
Font Style

Configuring the Printer 2-33

0,511,0,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,1,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,437,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,511,850,"CGTriumv9",1,0,12,44,54,17,28,0,1 p
0,512,0,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,512,1,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1 p
0,512,437,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1
0,512,850,"CGTriumv11",1,0,15,54,66,22,35,0,1
0,513,0,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,513,1,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1 p
0,513,437,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1
0,513,850,"CGTriumv15",1,0,19,73,88,30,46,0,1
0,70,0,"Paxar15",0,0,10,48,66,34,66,5,1 p
0,71,0,"Paxar18",0,0,13,50,77,41,77,7,1 p
0,72,0,"Nafta15",1,0,6,32,66,32,66,0,1 p
0,73,0,"Nafta18",1,0,8,33,77,33,77,0,1 p
0,50,0,"CGTriBd",1,1,92248,0 p }

p
p
p
p

This example shows the fonts for the 9850
printer. Fonts 510, 511, 512, and 513 are the
same as fonts 15, 16, 17, and 18.
Spacing

Monospaced (0) or proportional (1).

Type

Bitmapped (0) or scalable (1).

Baseline

Bottom of the font.

Cell Width

Horizontal number of dots to contain the
widest character.

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.

2-34 Configuring the Printer

Printhead Density

Displays whether a 203 (0) dpi or 300 (1) dpi
printhead is used.
The scalable font (font 50) is not available for
all printers and it does not display which
printhead (203 dpi or 300 dpi) is used.

U si n g t h e F l as h Up l o a d Pa cke t
Use the flash upload packet to check the contents of flash
memory.
You can only use this packet on 9403 Version
2.0 (or greater) printers.
Syntax

{header,packet#,action p }

1. header

Identifies
A
F
G

2. packet#

Identification number of the packet. Use 0 to upload all
packets.

3. action

Enter H to upload flash information.

Example

the packet. Options:
Check Digit Scheme
Format
Graphic

{F,0,H p }

Selects all the formats in flash memory and uploads the
information.
The printer returns the following to the host:
{1,A,F,E,200,200,"FMT1" p
5,A,F,E,400,200,"FMT5" p }

Configuring the Printer 2-35

Format 1 was added to flash memory and uses English units. The
supply length was two inches and the supply width was two
inches. The format name was "FMT1." Format 5 was added to
flash memory and uses English units. The supply length was four
inches and the supply width was two inches. The format name
was "FMT5."
Example

{G,0,H p }

Selects all the graphics in flash memory and uploads the
information.
The printer returns the following to the host:
{10,A,F,G,812,406,"Wire" p
99,A,F,G,350,406,"Logo" p }
Graphic 10 was added to flash memory and uses Graphic units.
The supply length was 812 dots and the supply width was 406
dots. The format name was "Wire." Graphic 99 was added to
flash memory and uses Graphic units. The supply length was 350
dots and the supply width was 406 dots. The format name was
"Logo."
If no packets are stored in flash memory, empty brackets {} are
returned to the host.

Flash Considerations
Note the following items when storing formats, graphics, or check
digits in flash:
N

Packets with the same number should not be added to flash
memory. If two packets with the same number are stored in
flash, only the last packet sent can be used. For example, if
you send the following packets to flash memory, only the
"Textiles" format can be used.
{F,10,A,F,E,300,200,"UPC"p
p}
{F,10,A,F,E,300,200,"Textiles"p
p}

2-36 Configuring the Printer

Flash
Selector

N

Clear flash memory if you encounter problems storing packets.
Flash must be cleared through the 9403 printer’s menu.

N

Individual packets cannot be cleared from flash memory.
Clearing flash erases all packets stored in flash memory (with
"F" selector); however, clearing flash does not erase any
packets loaded by Service.

N

Flash cannot be reallocated.

Uploading Format Header Information
You can upload format header information from the formats in
memory to check the supply length and width for each format.
You can use this packet on the 9825 or 9850 printers, because
formats remain in memory when you turn off these printers.
Syntax

{header,format#,action,device p }

F1. header

Format Header

F2. format#

Format number from 0-999. 0 is for all formats in memory.

F3. action

Action. Options:
A
Adds the specified format
C
Clears the specified format
H
Uploads format header information

F4. device

Device. Options:
R
Volatile RAM
Z
All devices (use for upload)

Example

{F,0,H,Z p }

Selects all formats in memory and returns the following:
{F,0,H,Z p
Fmt_1,406,406 p
Fmt_10,324,406 p
Fmt_15,812,812 p
Fmt_20,305,609 p
Fmt_25,1218,406 p }
Displays the format number, supply length and supply width (in
dots) for each format in memory.

Configuring the Printer 2-37

Example

{F,1,H,Z p }

Selects format1 and returns the following to the host:
{F,1,H,Z p
Fmt_1,406,406 p }
Displays the supply length and supply width (in dots) for format1.

2-38 Configuring the Printer

DEFINING FIELDS

3

This chapter provides a reference for defining
N

the format header

N

text, constant text, and non-printable text fields

N

bar code fields

N

line and box fields.

Defining Fields 3-1

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#

Number from 0-999 (0-99 for 9403) to identify the format.

F3. action

Enter A to add a new format to the printer.

F4. device

Format storage device. Options:
F Flash (9403/9825)
N Non-volatile RAM
R Volatile RAM

F5. measure

Unit of measure: E (English), M (Metric), or G (Graphic Dots).
See the following table.
Printer
9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Supply Length

Supply Width

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

75-600
191-1524
152-1218
50-1750
127-4445
102-3552
32-1200
82-3048
65-3600

75-200
191-508
152-406
75-400
191-1016
152-812
75-400
191-1016
152-1200

F6. length

Supply length in selected units. Measure supply from the top
of one black mark to the top of the next black mark. Use the
previous table for values.

F7. width

Supply width, from left to right, in selected units. Use the
previous table for values.

F8. "name"

Format name (optional), 0-8 characters, enclose within
quotation marks.

Example

{F,1,A,R,E,300,200,"TEXTILES" p

Adds Format 1 ("TEXTILES") to the printer. It uses a three inch
long by two inch wide label.

3-2 Defining Fields

D e f i n i n g Te x t F i e l d s
Create a separate definition for each text field. If text falls on two
lines, each line of text requires a separate definition.
Syntax

T,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,
gap,font,hgt mag,wid mag,color,alignment,
char rot,field rot,sym set p

T1. T

Text Field.

T2. field#

Unique number from 0-999 (0-99 for 9403) to identify this field.

T3. # of char

Maximum number of printed characters is 0-2710 (0-100 for
9403) in the field.

T4. fix/var

Fixed or variable length field. Options:
Fixed length
F
Variable length
V

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.

3 (RIGHT)

2 (BOTTOM)
0 (TOP)

Balanced

1 (LEFT)

1 (LEFT)

3 (RIGHT)

3 (RIGHT)

2 (BOTTOM)

Left/Center/Right-Justified

0 (TOP)

2 (BOTTOM)

1 (LEFT)

0 (TOP)

End-Justified

For proportionally spaced fonts, distance
from bottom of print area to baseline of
characters in field.

Defining Fields 3-3

Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

T6. column

Distance from the left edge of the print area to the pivot point
to find the column location. Use the previous table for values.

T7. gap

Number of dots between characters 203
dpi (or 300 dpi for 9850 printer). 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.
Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your
field width. Default spacing:
Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate

T8. font

Style of font. Options:
1
2
3
4
5
6

3-4 Defining Fields

3 dots
1 dot
3 dots
3 dots
varies with each letter
varies with each letter

Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
HR1
HR2

10
11
15
16
17
18
50

CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate
7 pt. CG Triumvirate
9 pt. CG Triumvirate
11 pt. CG Triumvirate
15 pt. CG Triumvirate
EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType Scalable)

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only.
The 9403 supports fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.
The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does
not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C for
more information.
T9. hgt mag

Height magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded
TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally
spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher
magnifications. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more
information about fonts.

T10. wid mag

Width magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded
TrueType fonts). 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: To use large point sizes (greater than 60 point), you
must reconfigure memory and increase the size of
the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

T11. color

Options for standard printer fonts:
B
Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
D/R/W Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
O
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal
Options for the Scalable Font:
A/N
B/O
D/W
E/S
F/T

Transparent, Normal, Black, Bold
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
Transparent, Italics, Black, Bold
Transparent, Italics, Black, Normal

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:
Transparent
Opaque

The overlay field (text or constant text) does
not block out (or "erase") existing fields.
The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")
existing fields.

Line field
blocked out by
opaque field
using attribute B

Line field not
blocked out by
transparent field
using attribute O

Defining Fields 3-5

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration
when using field color attributes, because fields are imaged in
the order they are received. 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. alignment

Options:
L
C
R
B
E
Use L, B,

T13. char rot

Align on left side of field.
Center text within field (monospaced fonts only)
Align on right side of field (monospaced fonts only)
Align at midpoint of field
Align at endpoint of the field
or E for any font.

Character rotation. The field or supply does not rotate, only
the characters do. Options:
0
1
2
3

Top of character points
(Use for scalable font)
Top of character points
Top of character points
Top of character points

to top of field
to left of field
to bottom of field
to right of field

NOTE: Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not
support character rotation.
T14. field rot

Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just
the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which
varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of
field is the pivot point. Options:
0
1
2
3

3-6 Defining Fields

Top
Top
Top
Top

of
of
of
of

field
field
field
field

points
points
points
points

to
to
to
to

top of supply
left of supply
bottom of supply
right of supply

T15. sym set

Symbol set. Options:
0
1
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
437
850
852
855
857
860
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258

Internal Symbol Set
ANSI Symbol Set
Macintosh
Wingdings
UNICODE (user input) for particular mapping
BIG5 (user input) for UNICODE mapping
GB2312 (user input) for UNICODE mapping
SJIS (user input) for UNICODE mapping
Code Page 932 (Japanese Shift-JIS)
GB2312 (user input) for GB23212 mapping
Code Page 936 (Simplified Chinese)
BIG5 (user input) for BIG5 mapping
Code Page 950 (Traditional Chinese)
DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
DOS Code Page 850 (International)
DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
Code Page 1253 (Greek)
Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese)

The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does
not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C,
"Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information. Code
pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be used with
downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable font. Code Pages
932, 936, and 950 may only be used with downloaded
Double-byte fonts. TrueType fonts are designed to be
regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not be
supported in a given font.

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. There is no
additional gap between characters, and the Standard font is used
without any additional magnification. The printing is black on
white and centered. No field or character rotation is used.
Defining Fields 3-7

The internal symbol set is used.

Defining Bar Code Fields
Each bar code field requires a separate definition.
Syntax

B,field#,# of char,fix/var,row,column,
font,density,height,text,alignment,
field rot p

B1. B

Bar Code Field.

B2. field#

Unique number from 0-999 (0-99 for 9403) to identify this field.

B3. # of char

Maximum number of characters. If the bar code uses a check
digit, allow an extra character for the check digit. The actual
maximum number of characters is limited by the size of the
label and bar code density. Range: 0-2710 (0-100 for 9403).
Data Matrix can use up to 2710 numeric characters or 2335
alphanumeric characters. Quick Response (QR Code) can
use 299-2710 characters. See Appendix A, "Samples" for
more information.

B4. fix/var

Fixed (F) or variable (V) length field.
Bar Code

Number of Characters

Fixed or
Variable

UPCA

12

F

UPCA+2

14

F

UPCA+5

17

F

UPCA+Price CD

12

F

UPCE

7

F

UPCE+2

9

F

UPCE+5

12

F

EAN8

8

F

EAN8+2

10

F

EAN8+5

13

F

EAN13

13

F

EAN13+2

15

F

EAN13+5

18

F

13

F

9 or 11

F

EAN13+Price CD
POSTNET

3-8 Defining Fields

Bar Code

Number of Characters

Fixed or
Variable

0 to 2710

V

0 to 2710

V

Interleaved 2 of 5
or
Interleaved I 2 of 5 with
Barrier Bar
Code 39 or MOD43
Codabar (NW7)

depends on application

F or V

Code 128

0 to 2710

V

Code 16K

0 to 2710

V

Code 93

0 to 2710

V

0 to 14

F or V

MSI
PDF417

0 to 2710

V

0 to 93 (alphanumeric)
0 to 128 (numeric)

V

0 to 2335 (alphanumeric)
0 to 2710 (numeric)

V

1167 to 2710 (numeric)
707 to 2710 (alphanumeric)

V

MaxiCode*
Data Matrix*
Quick Response*

* For the 9403 printer, use the 2D bar codes online. For more information about
MaxiCode, Data Matrix, and Quick Response, see Appendix A, "Samples."

B5. row

Distance from bottom of the print area to the pivot point of the
field. The pivot point varies, depending on how the field is
justified. Pivot points:

Left/Center/Right-Justified Fields

Balanced Fields

End-Justified Fields

Defining Fields 3-9

Remember to include text or numbers
that may appear with the bar code for
the row measurement.

Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

B6. column

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot
point. Use the previous table for values.

NOTE: Allow a minimum of 1/10 inch
between the scan edge of bar
code and label edges or other data.
If using the optional verifier, allow a minimum of 1.3
inches (33 mm) between the bar code and the top of
the label. See "Determining the Print Area" in
Chapter 1 for more information.

3-10 Defining Fields

B7. font

Bar code. Options:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
23
31
32
33
35
36
40
41
44
50

B8. density

UPCA
UPCE
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 39 (no check digit)
Codabar
EAN8
EAN13
Code 128
MSI
UPCA +2
UPCA +5
UPCE +2
UPCE +5
EAN8 +2
EAN8 +5
EAN13 +2
EAN13 +5
POSTNET
Code 93
Code 16K
PDF417
MaxiCode
Data Matrix (ECC-200)
Quick Response
Code 39 (MOD 43 check digit)
UPCA & Price CD
EAN13 & Price CD
Interleaved 2 of 5 with Barrier Bar

Bar code density. Use the following table for the bar code
density.

Defining Fields 3-11

203 DPI Barcode Densities
Bar code
Type
UPCA +2/+5
Price CD
UPCE
+2/+5
EAN8
+2/+5
EAN13+2/+5
Price CD
Interleaved
2 of 5
or I2of5
with Barrier
Bar

(Code 39 or
MOD43
(Extended
Code 39)

Codabar
(NW7)

Code 128 or
Code 16 K

Density
Selector

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

2
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
1
2
3

76%
114%
76%
114%
76%
114%
76%
114%
1.1
2.1
3.2

2/9.9
3/14.8
2/9.9
3/14.8
2/9.9
3/14.8
2/9.9
3/14.8
21/103.4
12/59.1
7/34.5

1.0:1

4
5
6

4.2
5.6
6.3

6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7

1:2.5
1:3.0
1:2.5

7
8
9

7.5
8.8
9.6

3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8

1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0

10
11
12

11.2
11.0
12.7

2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9

1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5

13
1
2
3
4
6
7
11
12
20

14.5
1.4
1.7
3.5
4.2
6.3
7.0
3.9
12.7
3.0

2/9.9
10/49.3
8/39.4
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9
2/9.9
4/19.7
1/4.9
5/24.6

1:2.0
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.2

2
3
4
5
7
8
9
20
4
6
8

2.1
3.0
4.6
5.1
8.4
9.2
10.1
3.5/7.0
4.4/8.7
5.8/11.7
8.7/17.5

8/39.4
6/29.6
4/19.7
4/19.7
2/9.9
2/9.9
2/9.9
5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.0
N/A

1.0:1
1.0:1
1.0:1
1:3.0
1:2.5
1:3.0

Data
Length

Appearance
Codes
Available

Char
Set

11 or 12
14/17
6 or 7
9/12
7 or 8
10/13
12 or 13
15/18
0 to 2710

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8

0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8

0 to 9

8

0 to 9

0 to 2710

8

SPACE
$%*+-./
0 to 9
A to Z

0 to 26

8

$+-./
0 to 9
a to d

0 to 2710

8

00H to 7FH

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9

NOTE: The start (*) and stop (+) characters are automatically added for Code 39. Code 39,
density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density is intended for special
U.S.P.S. ACT-tag applications only. Synthetic supplies are recommended to produce
scannable bar codes.

3-12 Defining Fields

Bar code
Type

Density
Selector

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

Data
Length

Appearance
Codes
Available

Char Set

CODE 93

3
4
5
7
10

3.7
4.5
5.6
7.5
11.2

6/29.6
5/24.6
4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

N/A

0 to 2710

8

00H to
7FH

MSI

4
5
7

4.2
5.6
7.2

4/19.7
3/14.8
2/9.9

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.5

0 to 14

8

0 to 9

Bar code
Type

Density
Selector

POSTNET

0 (fixed at
4.3 cpi)

24/118.2

10/49.3

4/19.7 (5
dot gap)

0,5,6,9 or
11

8

0 to 9

MaxiCode

7

N/A

N/A

N/A

99

8

00H to
FFH

Element
Width
(dot/mils)

Row Height
(dots/mils)

2/9.8
2/9.8
2/9.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
3/14.8
4/19.7
4/19.7
4/19.7

2/9.8
4/19.7
6/29.6
3/14.8
6/29.6
9/44.3
4/19.7
8/39.4
12/59.1

Bar code
Type
PDF417

Density
Selector
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Bar Code
Type

Density
Selector

Quick Response
(QR Code) Models 1 and 2

0

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

Aspect
Ratio
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3

Data
Length

Data
Length
0 to 2709

Appearance
Codes
Available

Appearance
Codes
Available
8

Char Set

Char Set

00H to
FFH

Data Length
Model 1: 0-1167 Numeric; 0-707
Alphanumeric; 0-486 (8-Bit); 0-299 Kanji
Model 2: 0-2710 Numeric; Alphanumeric and
8-Bit; 0-1817 Kanji

NOTE: Values in bold indicate the default.

Defining Fields 3-13

203 DPI Barcode Densities
Bar Code

Data Matrix
Square
symbols

Size
Row x Col.

10 x 10
12 x 12
14 x 14
16 x 16
18 x 18
20 x 20
22 x 22
24 x 24
26 x 26
32 x 32
36 x 36
40 x 40
44 x 44
48 x 48
52 x 52
64 x 64
72 x 72
80 x 80
88 x 88
96 x 96
104 x 104
120 x 120
132 x 132
144 x 144

Density
Selector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Max. Data
Length
Num. X
Alphanum.
6x3
10 x 6
16 x 10
24 x 16
36 x 25
44 x 31
60 x 43
72 x 52
88 x 64
124 x 91
172 x 127
228 x 169
288 x 214
348 x 259
408 x 304
560 x 418
736 x 550
912 x 682
1152 x 862
1392 x 1042
1632 x 1222
2100 x 1573
2608 x 1954
2710 x 2335

App
Code

8

Char
Set

00H to FFH

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)
Bar Code

Data Matrix
Rectangular
symbols

Size
Row x Col.

8 x 18
8 x 32
12 x 26
12 x 36
16 x 36
16 x 48

Density
Selector

25
26
27
28
29
30

Max. Data
Length
Num. X
Alphanum.
10
20
32
44
64
98

x
x
x
x
x
x

6
13
22
31
46
72

App
Code

8

Char
Set

00H to FFH

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

NOTE: For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9825 and 9850 printers support printing
an X-dimension of 13 mils or greater (3 dots @203 dpi). If you use a
denser bar code, make sure the bar code scans in your particular
application. Monarch "premium" supplies and increasing the print
contrast are recommended for denser bar codes. Depending on your
application, additional densities are available.

3-14 Defining Fields

300 DPI Barcode Densities
Bar code
Type
UPCA +2/+5
Price CD
UPCE
+2/+5
EAN8
+2/+5
EAN13+2/+5
Price CD
Interleaved
2 of 5
or I2of5
with Barrier
Bar

Density
Selector

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

2
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
1
2
3

77%
103%
77%
103%
77%
103%
77%
103%
1.1
2.1
3.3

3/10
4/13.3
3/10
4/13.3
3/10
4/13.3
3/10
4/13.3
31/103.4
18/60.1
10/33.4

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:3.0

4
5
6

4.2
5.6
6.2

9/30.0
6/20.0
6/20.0

1:2.4
1:3.0
1:2.5

7
8
9

8.3
9.4
9.9

4/13.3
4/13.3
4/13.3

1:3.0
1:2.5
1:2.3

10
11
12

11.1
11.1
13.0

3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0

1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.3

13
1
2
3
4
6
7
11
12
20
Codabar
2
(NW7)
3
4
5
7
8
9
Code 128 or 4
Code 16 K
6
8
20

14.3
1.4
1.7
3.4
4.7
6.2
7.1
3.8
11.5
3.1
2.3
3.4
5.0
5.6
9.1
10.4
11.1
4.5
6.8
9.1
3.9

3/10.0
15/50.0
12/40/0
6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0
3/10.0
6/20.0
2/6.7
7/23.4
12/40.0
9/30.0
6/20.0
6/20.0
3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0
6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0
7/23.4

1:2.0
1:2.5
1:2.3
1:2.5
1:3.0
1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.3
1:3.0
1:2.4
1:2.5
1:2.0
1:3.0
1:2.3
1:2.0
N/A

(Code 39 or
MOD43
(Extended
Code 39)

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.0

Data
Length
11 or 12
14/17
6 or 7
9/12
7 or 8
10/13
12 or 13
15/18
0 to 2710

Appearance
Codes
Available

Char
Set

1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9
1, 5, 6, 7 or 8 0 to 9
1, 5, 6,7 or 8

0 to 9

1, 5, 6,7 or 8

0 to 9

8

0 to 9

0 to 2710

8

SPACE
$%*+-./
0 to 9
A to Z

0 to 2710

8

$+-./
0 to 9
a to d

0 to 2710

8

00H to 7FH

NOTE: The start (*) and stop (+) characters are automatically added for Code 39. Code 39,
density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density is intended for special U.S.P.S.
ACT-tag applications only. Synthetic supplies are recommended to produce scannable
bar codes.

Defining Fields 3-15

Bar code
Type

Density
Selector

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

Data
Length

Appearance
Codes
Available

Char Set

CODE 93

3
4
5
7
10

3.7
4.8
5.6
8.3
11.1

9/30.0
7/23.4
6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0

N/A

0 to 2710

8

00H to
7FH

MSI

4
5
7

4.2
6.2
7.5

6/20.0
4/13.3
3/10.0

1:2.0
1:2.0
1:2.3

0 to 2710

8

0 to 9

Bar code
Type

Density
Selector

POSTNET

0 (fixed at
4.2 cpi)

24/118.2

15/50.0

6/20.0 (5
dot gap)

0,5,6,9 or
11

8

0 to 9

MaxiCode

7

N/A

N/A

N/A

99

8

00H to
FFH

Element
Width
(dot/mils)

Row Height
(dots/mils)

3/10.0
3/10.0
3/10.0
4/13.3
4/13.3
4/13.3
6/20.0
6/20.0
6/20.0

3/10.0
6/20.0
9/30.0
4/13.3
9/30.0
12/40.0
6/20.0
12/40.0
18/60.0

Bar code
Type
PDF417

Density
Selector
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Density
(% or cpi)

Narrow
Element
(dots/mils)

Bar Code
Type

Density
Selector

Quick Response
(QR Code) Models 1 and 2

0

Narrow to
Wide Ratio

Aspect
Ratio
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3
1:1
1:2
1:3

Data
Length
0 to 2709

Appearance
Codes
Available

Appearance
Codes
Available
8

Char Set

Char Set

00H to
FFH

Data Length
Model 1: 0-1167 Numeric; 0-707
Alphanumeric; 0-486 (8-Bit); 0-299 Kanji
Model 2: 0-2710 Numeric; Alphanumeric and
8-Bit; 0-1817 Kanji

NOTE: Values in bold indicate the default.

3-16 Defining Fields

Data
Length

Bar Code

Data Matrix
Square
symbols

Size
Row x Col.

10 x 10
12 x 12
14 x 14
16 x 16
18 x 18
20 x 20
22 x 22
24 x 24
26 x 26
32 x 32
36 x 36
40 x 40
44 x 44
48 x 48
52 x 52
64 x 64
72 x 72
80 x 80
88 x 88
96 x 96
104 x 104
120 x 120
132 x 132
144 x 144

Density
Selector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Max. Data
Length
Num. X
Alphanum.
6x3
10 x 6
16 x 10
24 x 16
36 x 25
44 x 31
60 x 43
72 x 52
88 x 64
124 x 91
172 x 127
228 x 169
288 x 214
348 x 259
408 x 304
560 x 418
736 x 550
912 x 682
1152 x 862
1392 x 1042
1632 x 1222
2100 x 1573
2608 x 1954
2710 x 2335

App
Code

8

Char
Set

00H to FFH

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

Bar Code

Data Matrix
Rectangular
symbols

Size
Row x Col.

8 x 18
8 x 32
12 x 26
12 x 36
16 x 36
16 x 48

Density
Selector

25
26
27
28
29
30

Max. Data
Length
Num. X
Alphanum.
10
20
32
44
64
98

x
x
x
x
x
x

6
13
22
31
46
72

App
Code

8

Char
Set

00H to FFH

0 default (bar code size automatically determined by data)

NOTE: For the Data Matrix symbol, the 9825 and 9850 printers support printing
an X-dimension of 13 mils or greater (3 dots @203 dpi). If you use a
denser bar code, make sure the bar code scans in your particular
application. Monarch "premium" supplies and increasing the print
contrast are recommended for denser bar codes. Depending on your
application, additional densities are available.

Defining Fields 3-17

B9. height

Bar code height, in 1/100 inches, 1/10 mm, or dots. Minimum
values:
English
Metric
203 Dots
300 Dots

19
48
38
57

POSTNET, PDF417, and MaxiCode bar codes have a fixed
height. Always use 0 for these bar codes.
For Data Matrix and QR Code, the printer determines the size
of the symbol, but the user’s scanner determines the
functional size (minimum height) of the symbol. Small Data
Matrix and QR Codes may not be scannable. The Data Matrix
and QR Code’s height depends on the number entered for this
parameter. For example, if you select 80, the symbol could be
smaller than 0.80," but it will not be greater than the amount
specified in this parameter. The symbol arranges the data
according to rows and columns within the specified height.
NOTE: If using the optional verifier, allow the following
minimum bar code heights: 0.35" (English) for 4.0
ips; 0.50" (English) for 6.0 ips; 0.70" (English) for 8.0
ips; 0.95" (English) for 10.0 ips.
B10. text

Appearance of text with bar code. For UPC and EAN only use
0-7. For all others, use 8, except where noted. Options:
0
1
2
3
5
6
7
8

Default
MaxiCode Mode 0 (obsolete)
QR Code Model 2
No check digit or number system
QR Code Model 1
MaxiCode Mode 2 (Numeric Postal Code)
QR Code Model 2
MaxiCode Mode 3 (Alphanumeric Postal Code)
Number system at bottom, no check digit
Check digit at bottom, no number system
Check digit and number system at bottom
No text, bar code only
MaxiCode (autodetect modes 0, 2, or 3)

NOTE: Data Matrix must use 8.
B11. alignment

3-18 Defining Fields

Choose L, R, C, B or E to align the bar code data correctly in
the field. B centers variable width bar codes, which may not
allow pad-character centering (Code 128, Code 39, etc.) E
right justifies variable width bar codes. MaxiCode, Data
Matrix, and QR Code must use L.

B12. field rot

Field rotation. Field rotation rotates the whole field, not just
the characters. Rotation is affected by the pivot point, which
varies depending on how text is justified. Lower left corner of
field is the pivot point. Options:
0
1
2
3

Top of field points to
(Use for Maxicode)
Top of field points to
Top of field points to
Top of field points to

top of supply
left of supply
bottom of supply
right of supply

NOTE: Serial bar codes with an 8-dot narrow element do not
automatically print at 2.5 IPS. Serial bar codes
printed at speeds greater than 2.5 IPS may not scan
properly.

Example

B,3,12,V,150,40,1,2,80,7,L,0 p

Defines a bar code field (field #3) with 12 characters of variable
length starting at row 150, column 40. A UPCA bar code with a
density of 2 and a height of 80 is used. The check digit and
number system are shown at the bottom. The bar code is left
aligned without any field rotation.

D e f i n i n g N o n - P r i n t a b l e Te x t F i e l d s
Non-printable text fields allow you to enter data without printing it
in its entered form. Typically, non-printable fields "hold" data that
later combines with other fields to form a merged field. Define
non-printable text fields before you define the field where the
information prints.
When you copy this field into another field, the maximum number
of characters for the final field is 2710 (or 0-100 for 9403). 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. For example, you may want to copy data
from this field into another field. See "Option 4 Copy Data" in
Chapter 4 for more information.

Defining Fields 3-19

In the following example, data is entered into four non-printable
fields and merged to form field 5, and is then printed as a bar
code. See "Merging Fields" in Chapter 4 for more information.
Field
1
2
3
4
5

Data
20374
339
8
15
20374339815

Field Type
Non-printable
Non-printable
Non-printable
Non-printable
Bar Code

Each non-printable text field requires a separate definition.
Syntax

D,field#,# of char p

D1. D

Non-Printable Text Field.

D2. field#

Unique number from 0-999 (0-99 for 9403) assigned to this
field.

D3. # of char

Maximum number of characters in this field: 0-2710 or (0-100
for 9403).

Example

D,4,20 p

Defines a non-printable text field (field #4) with a maximum of 20
characters.

D e f i n i n g C o n s t a n t Te x t F i e l d s
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 1000 fields or 100 for
9403 printer per format). The characters in this field cannot be
changed by batch data. Field options do not apply to constant
text fields. Mark the pivot point of your field. This will vary,
depending on how your field is justified.

3-20 Defining Fields

Syntax

C,row,column,gap,font,hgt mag,
wid mag,color,alignment,char rot,
field rot,"fixed char",sym set p

C1. C

Constant Text Field.

C2. row

For monospaced fonts, distance from bottom of print area to
the pivot point. For proportionally spaced fonts, distance from
bottom of print area to baseline of characters in the field.
(Bottom exits the printer first.)
Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

C3. column

Distance from the lower left edge of the print area to the pivot
point. Use the previous table for values.

C4. gap

Number of dots between characters. Range: 0-99 dots.
Any number other than 0 or the default number affects your
field width. Default spacing:
Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCRA-like
CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate

C5. font

3 dots
1 dot
3 dots
3 dots
varies with each letter
varies with each letter

Style of font. Options:
1 Standard
10
2 Reduced
11
3 Bold
15
4 OCRA-like
16
5 HR1
17
6 HR2
18
50

CG Triumvirate Bold
CG Triumvirate
7 pt. CG Triumvirate
9 pt. CG Triumvirate
11 pt. CG Triumvirate
15 pt. CG Triumvirate
EFF Swiss Bold (TrueType Scalable)

Defining Fields 3-21

Or a valid downloaded font selector number.
Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only.
The 9403 supports fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.
The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. See Appendix C for
more information.
C6. hgt mag

Height magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded
TrueType fonts). Use a magnifier of 1 with proportionally
spaced fonts, because characters lose smoothness at higher
magnifications. See Appendix B, "Fonts," for more
information about fonts.

C7. wid mag

Width magnifier, 1-7 times (4-255 for scalable/downloaded
TrueType fonts). 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: To use larger point sizes (greater than 60), you must
reconfigure memory and increase the size of the
scalable (vector) fonts buffer.

C8. color

Options for standard printer fonts:
B
D/R/W
O

Opaque, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal

Options for the Scalable Font:
A/N
B/O
D/W
E/S
F/T

Transparent, Normal, Black, Bold
Transparent, Normal, Black, Normal
Opaque, Normal, White, Normal
Transparent, Italics, Black, Bold
Transparent, Italics, Black, Normal

There are two types of field color overlay attributes:
Transparent
Opaque

3-22 Defining Fields

The overlay field (text or constant text) does
not block out (or "erase") existing fields.
The overlay field blocks out (or "erases")
existing fields.

Field placement in the packet is an important consideration
when using field color attributes, because fields are imaged in
the order they are received. 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.
C9. alignment

Alignment of constant text in the field. Options:
L
B
E

Align on left side of field.
Align at midpoint of field
Align at end of field.

Use L, B, or E for any font.
C10. char rot

Character rotation. Options:
0
1
2
3

Top of character points
(Use for scalable font.)
Top of character points
Top of character points
Top of character points

to top of field
to left of field
to bottom of field
to right of field

NOTE: Font 50 and downloaded TrueType fonts do not
support character rotation.
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 (100
for 9403) characters. Enclose in quotation marks.

Defining Fields 3-23

C13. sym set

Symbol set. Options:
0
1
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
437
850
852
855
857
860
1250
1251
1252
1253
1254
1255
1256
1257
1258

Internal Symbol Set
ANSI Symbol Set
Macintosh
Wingdings
UNICODE (user input) for particular mapping
BIG5 (user input) for UNICODE mapping
GB2312 (user input) for UNICODE mapping
SJIS (user input) for UNICODE mapping
Code Page 932 (Japanese Shift-JIS)
GB2312 (user input) for GB23212 mapping
Code Page 936 (Simplified Chinese)
BIG5 (user input) for BIG5 mapping
Code Page 950 (Traditional Chinese)
DOS Code Page 437 (Domestic)
DOS Code Page 850 (International)
DOS Code Page 852 (Latin 2)
DOS Code Page 855 (Russian)
DOS Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)
DOS Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2)
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1)
Code Page 1253 (Greek)
Code Page 1254 (Turkish)
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)
Code Page 1257 (Baltic)
Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese)

The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS
Code Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does
not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic). See Appendix C,
"Symbol Sets/ Code Pages" for more information. Code
pages 852-860 and 1250-1258 may only be used with
downloaded TrueType fonts or the scalable font. Code Pages
932, 936, and 950 may only be used with downloaded
Double-byte fonts. TrueType fonts are designed to be
regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not be
supported in a given font.

Example

C,30,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MADE IN USA",0 p

Defines a constant text field starting at row 30, column 10. It
does not have any additional inter-character gap. The Standard
font is used without any additional magnification. The printing is
black on white and left justified. No field or character rotation is

3-24 Defining Fields

used. "MADE IN USA" is printed in this field. The internal symbol
set is used.

Defining Line Fields
Use lines to form borders and mark out original prices. Define
each line 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 1000 fields or 100 for 9403 printer per format). You
can define any line length and a thickness up to 99 dots, as long
as the solid black print does not exceed 30 percent of any given
square inch of the label.

L i n e Ty p e s
You can create horizontal and vertical lines. Define lines as
Segments

Choose starting point and ending point.

Vectors

Choose starting point, angle, and length of
line.

Syntax

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:
Segment. Choose starting
S
point and ending point.
Vector. Choose starting
V
point, angle, and length.

L3. row

Distance from bottom of print area to
the starting point.

Defining Fields 3-25

Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

L4. column

Distance from left edge of the print area
to line origin. Use the previous table for
values.

L5. angle/
end row

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. Ranges same
as column above. On vertical lines, this
value must match parameter L4.
If Using Vectors
Length of the line in selected units. Use the previous table for
values.

3-26 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. 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.

Defining Box Fields
Use boxes to form borders or highlight items of interest. Define
each box 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 1000 fields or 100 for 9403 printer per
format). You can define any line length and a thickness up to 99
dots, as long as the solid black print does not exceed 30 percent
of any given square inch of the label.

Defining Fields 3-27

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.

Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

Q3. column

Distance from left edge of print area to
lower left corner of box.
Use the previous table for values.

Q4. end row

Distance from bottom of print area to
upper right corner of box.
Ranges same as row.

Q5. end col

Distance from left edge of print area
to upper right corner of box. Ranges
same as column.

3-28 Defining Fields

Q6. thickness

Using the chart below for reference, write the desired line
thickness (1 to 99) in box Q6. Measured in dots.
NOTE: Boxes fill inward, so make sure your boxes do not
overwrite other fields.

Q7. "pattern"

Example

Line pattern. Enter "".

Q,240,30,270,150,3,"" p

Defines a box field starting at row 240, column 30. It ends at row
270, column 150. It has a thickness of 3 dots.

Defining Fields 3-29

3-30 Defining Fields

DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS

4

This chapter provides a reference for defining
N

field options in formats

N

check digit packets.
When using multiple options on the 9403 printer,
remember that options are processed in the
order they are received.

Defining Field Options 4-1

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.

Combining Field Options
You can use more than one option with most fields. For example,
you can use Option 4 to copy data from another field, and then
use Option 30 to pad the field. When you use multiple options for
the same field, you must place the options in the order you want
to apply them to your format.
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. Refer to 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. option#

Option number:
1
2
3
4
5

4-2 Defining Field Options

Define fixed characters
Data type restrictions (9403/9850)
Data entry template (9403/9850
Copy data from previous field
Define data entry sources (9403/9850)

20
30
31
42
50
51
52
60
61

Define data entry prompts (9403/9850)
Pad data to left or right with specified character
Generate check digit
Format as a price field
Define bar code densities
Define security and truncation of PDF417 bar codes
Define width or length of PDF417 bar codes
Define incrementing or decrementing field
Reimage fields

R3. parameter(s) Varies per option. See the following option descriptions.

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. Any spaces in the phrase are fixed
characters. Range: 0 - 2710 (or 0 - 100 for 9403)
NOTE: Underscore characters are stripped out and the data
is compressed if no data is supplied by the batch and
the field length is variable.

Example

R,1,"_ _ _%$_ _ _ _ _" p

Uses fixed characters (%$) in positions four and five.
positions are variable.
Example

The other

R,1,"MONARCH" p

"MONARCH" appears as a fixed field in this example.
To fill in the non-fixed portion of the field, see "Defining Batch
Data Fields" in Chapter 6. As an alternative, you can apply
Option 4 to copy data into the non-fixed character positions.

Defining Field Options 4-3

O p t i o n 2 ( D a t a Ty p e R e s t r i c t i o n s )
This option restricts the data type for a particular field. You can
use Options 2 or 3 only once per field. Do not use with Option 3
(Data Entry Templates).
Option 2 is only available on the 9403 and
9850 printers. You must use the Monarch
917 keypad with the 9850 printer for offline
data entry.
If you do batch entry only in the batch packet, you do not need to
apply Options 2 and 3. Use these options only for offline batch
entry.
R,2,char_code p

Syntax
R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 2

Option 2.

R3. char code

Character
1
2
3
4
5
6

type for the field. Options:
Numeric only (0..9)
Letters only (A..Z,a..z)
Symbols only (printable characters other than letters
or numbers)
Letters and numbers only
Numbers and symbols only
Letters and symbols only

Spaces are permitted in all categories. You can also use a
combination of any two (letter, numbers, or symbols)
character types.

A use for this option is a quantity field, where
the operator could enter only numeric data.
Example

R,2,2 p

Restricts the field data to letters only (A-Z or a-z).

4-4 Defining Field Options

O p t i o n 3 ( D a t a E n t r y Te m p l a t e s )
This option provides more specific restrictions than Option 2.
This option can be used to select certain letters (such as A
through F or the numbers 1 through 4) from a character set. You
can also use this option to create a template of allowable
characters for a field. Do not use with Option 2 (Data Type
Restrictions).
Use this option only for offline batch entry. You can define a
template up to 30 characters long, but the printer only displays 16
characters at a time. The character template must contain the
same number of characters as the field.
Option 3 is only available on the 9403 and
9850 printers. You must use the 917 keypad
with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.
Syntax

R,3,code,chars p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 3

Option 3.

R3. code

Data types. Options
Defines a specific set of characters for the entire
S
field. The string length does not have to match the
field length. Maximum is 30 characters.
Creates a template of allowable data types by placing
T
character indicators in each character position. The
number of characters in the string must match the
length of the field.
NOTE: A sample use for this option is a field on a patient
record containing blood type. Acceptable characters
would be A, B, O, +, or -.

R4. chars

Characters to include in a field or a specific template. Must
be enclosed within quotation marks. Indicators can be
any printable character
*
any digit 0-9
#
any letter a-z, A-Z
@
no user input for this position (for fixed data or
copied data)

Defining Field Options 4-5

Example

R,3,S,"ABC1234567890" p

Restricts the field data to letters A, B, and C, and all digits.
Example

R,3,T,"***#_ _ _ _" p

Creates a template that allows any printable character in
positions 1, 2, and 3; digits in position 4; and reserves positions 5
through 8 for fixed or copied data.
Example

R,3,T,"####_ _ _ _" p

Creates a template that allows digits only in positions 1-4, and
reserves positions 5 through 8 for fixed or copied data.

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.
The maximum number of characters defined in box T3 or B3 must
allow for the number of characters you will place in the field,
including any price, check digit, or fixed characters inserted by
the printer. The maximum number of characters in the field into
which data is copied cannot exceed 2710 (or 100 for the 9403
printer) or the maximum number of characters permitted by the
bar code.
When copying from more than one field, copy
into the destination field from left to right.
Syntax

R,4,src fld,src start,# to copy,dest
start,copy code p

R1. R

Field Option Header.

R2. 4

Option 4.

4-6 Defining Field Options

R3. src fld

Field number from which data is copied. Range: 0 to 999
(or 0 to 99 for 9403)

R4. src start

Position number in the source field of the first character to be
copied. Character positions are numbered 1 to 2710
(or 1 to 100 for 9403), starting from the left.

R5. # to copy

Number of characters to copy. Range: 1 to 2710 (or 1 to 100
for 9403).

R6. dest start

Position number where copied characters are to begin printing
in the destination field. Range: 1 to 2710
(or 1 to 100 for 9403).

R7. copy code

Copy Method.
1

Copy field as is (including price symbols,
pad characters, check digits, etc.).

2

Copy unformatted data (without price characters,
pad characters, etc.).

R,4,3,1,3,1,1 p

Example

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. Data from these fields is merged to form field 5, and is
then printed as a bar code.
Field
1
2
3
4
5

Data

Field Type

203
339
8
BLUE
2033398BLUE

Non-printable
Non-printable
Text
Text
Bar Code
Defining Field Options 4-7

To create this sequence:
1. Define fields 1, 2, 3, and 4.
2. Define field 5 as a bar code. Allow enough characters in the
bar code field to hold all the copied characters.
3. Apply Option 4 to field 5 once for every source field.

Sub-Fields
You can copy a segment of data from one field into a new
location, called a sub-field. For example, extract part of the data
in a bar code and display it in text form in a sub-field. Then, use
the copy data option.

Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources)
Defines how data is entered into a field. If the field holds all fixed
characters or copied data only, you can eliminate the operator
prompt. Use Option 5 only once per field. You must use the 917
keypad with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.
Option 5 is required for offline data entry on
the 9403 and 9850 printers.
Syntax

R,5,code p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 5

Option 5.

R3. code

Input code for the data in the field. Options:
Keypad
K
No user input for this field
N

Example

R,5,K p

Allows data to be entered from the keypad.
Example
4-8 Defining Field Options

R,5,N p

Eliminates the user prompt for this field. Data is either fixed or
copied from another source.

Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts)
This option defines the operator prompt and it is not
recommended on fields filled entirely by fixed characters or
copied data. This option must be defined before Option 5, or the
prompt will not display during data entry. You must use the
Monarch 917 keypad with the 9850 printer for offline data entry.
Option 20 is only available on the 9403 and
9850 printers.
Syntax

R,20,"prompt" p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 20

Option 20.

R3. "prompt"

Displays the exact phrase you want to prompt the operator.
Must be enclosed within quotations. The prompt should be 15
characters or fewer.

Example

R,20,"Order Number" p

Displays the prompt "Order Number" for the operator when this
field is imaged.

O p t i o n 30 ( Pa d d i n g Da t a)
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

Defining Field Options 4-9

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 30

Option 30.

R3. L/R

Indicates type of padding
L
R

R4. "character"

Pad field on left side
Pad field on right side

Pad character must be within the 0 - 255 decimal range and
enclosed inside quotation marks.
NOTE: Do not use on fixed length fields.

Example

R,30,L,"X" p

Pads data with an "X" on the left side of the field.

Sample Use for Padding
If you have a variable length bar code that you want to occupy a
fixed amount of space on the supply, use pad characters. If the
maximum number of characters in the bar code is 15, but the
batch record only has 10 characters, the padding option fills the
remainder of the field with pad characters.

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,
or Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit) bar code.
Syntax

R,31,gen/ver,check digit # p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 31

Option 31.

R3. gen/ver

Enter G to generate a check digit.

R4. check digit # Specifies a check digit scheme. Enter a number that
identifies a check digit scheme that has been defined. For
more information, see "Using Check Digits." Range: 1 - 10.

Example
4-10 Defining Field Options

R,31,G,5 p

Generates a check digit using the previously defined check digit
scheme 5.

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

Option Header.

R2. 42

Option 42.

R3. appearance
code

Enter 1 to print price field in standard notation, as defined by
country setting.
Use the monetary formatting packet to select monetary
notations and symbols by country setting. See "Defining the
Monetary Formatting Packet" for more information.
See Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/Code Pages," to make sure
the monetary symbol you want to use is printable in the font
selected for this field. For monetary symbols other than the
dollar sign, use the internal symbol set.

Example

R,42,1 p

Uses a price field that prints the monetary symbol and notations
as defined in the monetary formatting packet.

Defining Field Options 4-11

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.
Bar codes produced using Option 50 may not be scannable.
Code 39, density 12, produces a one-dot narrow bar. This density
is intended for special U.S.P.S. ACT-tag applications only.
Synthetic supplies are recommended to produce scannable bar
codes.
The additional character gap, narrow space, and wide space
parameters are valid only with Code 39 and Codabar. If these
parameters are specified for any other bar codes, they will be
ignored by the printer. Do not use Option 50 with fixed density
bar codes.
Syntax

R,50,narrow,wide,gap,nar_space,
wide_space p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 50

Option 50.

R3. narrow

Dot width of the narrow element. Range: 1-99.

R4. wide

Dot width of the wide element. Range: 1-99.

R5. gap

Additional dot space between characters. Enter a value of 1
to 99. (Code 39 and Codabar only.)

R6. nar_space

Additional dot width of the narrow bar code space. (Code 39
and Codabar only). Range: 1- 99.

R7. wide_space

Additional dot width of the wide bar code space. (Code 39
and Codabar only). Range: 1- 99.

Example

4-12 Defining Field Options

R,50,4,8,4,4,8 p

Creates a custom bar code density with a narrow element of 4
dots, a wide element of 8 dots, a gap of 4 dots, 4 additional dot
widths for the narrow bar code space, 8 additional dot widths for
the wide bar code space (if this is a Code 39 or Codabar bar
code).

O p t i o n 5 1 ( P D F 4 1 7 S e c u r i t y / Tr u n c a t i o n )
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. This option
can appear only once per PDF417 field, in any order, following the
bar code field.
As the security level is increased, so is the size of your PDF417
bar code. For each level increased, the bar code will double in
size.
Syntax

R,51,security,stand/default p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 51

Indicates Option 51.

R3. security

Security level ranges from 0-8 (0 is the default).
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.

R4. stand/def

Truncation selector. Valid values:
S
T

Example

(default) a standard PDF417 bar code
truncated

R,51,2,S p

Defines a security level of 2 for a standard PDF417 bar code.

Defining Field Options 4-13

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. You can only use this option
once per PDF417 bar code field.
Syntax

R,52,row/column,dimension p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 52

Indicates Option 52.

R3. row/column

Indicates if you are defining the number of rows or columns.
R
C

Row
Column

If you specify rows, the bar code expands in columns,
or vice versa.
R4. dimension

The number of rows or columns defined for the bar code. The
default is 4. Valid values:
3-90 for rows
1-30 for columns

Example

R,52,C,10 p

Defines the column width of 10, which expands the PDF417 bar
code length by 10.

4-14 Defining Field Options

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. Do not use with Option 42 (price
field).
Syntax

R,60,I/D,amount,l pos,r pos p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 60

Option 60.

R3. I/D

I
D

incrementing field
decrementing field

R4. amount

Amount to increase or decrease. Range: 0- 999.

R5. l pos

Leftmost position in inc/dec portion of field. If this value is not
entered, the default value 1 is used. Range: 0 2710
(1 - 100 for 9403).

R6. r pos

Rightmost position in inc/dec portion of field. If this value is
not used, the entire field length is used as the default.
Range: 0 - 2710 (1 - 100 for 9403).

Example

R,60,I,5,1,6 p

Increments a field by 5 each time the field is printed. The field
increments beginning with the first left position and ending with
the sixth position.

Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence
There are two ways to enter the first number in the incrementing
sequence. You can use batch data or use Option 1 to define the
first number as a fixed character.The first number in the sequence
must contain the same amount of digits as the highest number to be
counted. For example, to count the numbers 1 to 999, the first
number in the sequence must be entered as 001.
Defining Field Options 4-15

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. However, the new field data may require a
larger area than the previous field did. In some cases,
neighboring fields that do not change (constant fields) may be
covered with white space from the changing field’s (variable
fields) area. Use this option to reimage the constant field, or it
may appear broken.
The most common use for this option is with
incrementing fields on your label, because
they may cover a constant field.
Syntax

R,61 p

R1. R

Option Header.

R2. 61

Option 61.

Example

R,61 p

Reimages the constant field that appears next to a variable field.

Re-Image ON

Re-Image OFF

In the above example, Option 61 was applied to the bar code field
to keep the incrementing field (Box #) from blocking out the bar
code field.
4-16 Defining Field Options

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. You
can use check digits with text or bar code fields. Check digit
calculations are performed on numeric data only.
Do not use check digits with price fields. Do not define a check
digit scheme for these bar codes, because they have predefined
check digits: UPC, EAN, Code 39 (with the MOD43 check digit),
and Code 93.
Syntax

{A,selector,action,device,modulus,
fld_length,D/P,"weights" p }

A1. A

Check Digit Header.

A2. selector

Assign a number from 1-10 to this check digit formula.

A3. action

Adds a check digit scheme. Enter A.

A4. device

Device. Options:
F
R

Flash (9403/9825)
Volatile RAM

NOTE: Check digits stored in flash are saved when the
printer is turned off.
A5. modulus

Number from 2-11. The modulus is used to divide the sum of
products or the sum of digits.

A6. fld_length

The maximum number of characters the field will contain.
Range: 0 - 2710 (0 - 100 for 9403).

A7. D/P

Algorithm. The algorithm determines how the check digit is
calculated. Options:
D
P

sum of digits
sum of products

Defining Field Options 4-17

A8. "weights"

String of digits used for calculation. A weight string is a group
of two or more numbers that is applied to a field. The number
of digits in this string should equal the number in fld_length.
Enclose in quotation marks. Range: 0 - 2710 (0 - 100 for
9403).

{A,1,A,R,10,5,P,"65432" p }

Example

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. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in
the weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at
the right-most position of the field. Remember, a weight
string must contain at least two different numbers. This
example has a weight string
of 1,2,3,4.
field:

5

2

3

2

4

5

2

1

9

weight string:

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:
field:

5

2

3

2

4

5

2

1

9

weight string:

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

20

2

6

6 16

5

4

3 36

products:

4-18 Defining Field Options

3. Next, the product of each digit is added together. This is the
sum of the products.
20 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 16 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 36 = 98
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. Weights are applied to each digit, starting with the last digit in
the weight string. They are applied right to left, beginning at
the right-most position of the field. Remember, a weight
string must contain at least two different numbers. This
example has a weight string
of 1,2,3,4.
field:

5

2

3

2

4

5

2

1

9

weight string:

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

Defining Field Options 4-19

2. Each digit in the field is multiplied by the weight assigned to it:
field:

5

2

3

2

4

5

2

1

9

weight string:

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

20

2

6

6 16

5

4

3 36

products:

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.
10 - 4 = 6

4-20 Defining Field Options

5

C R E AT I N G G R A P H I C S
This chapter provides information on how to
N

map out the graphic image using the hexadecimal (hex) or
run length method.

N

create a graphic packet using a graphic header, bitmap,
duplicate, next-bitmap, text, constant text, line, and box
Fields.

N

place a graphic image into a format.

You can use graphic packets to create compliance labels or
bitmapped images. To include a graphic packet within your format,
your format must contain a graphic field. See "Placing the
Graphic in a Format," for more information.

Creating Graphics 5-1

Overview of Compliance Labels
You can create compliance labels by using a graphic packet for
the fixed fields and a format packet for the variable fields of your
compliance label. The fixed fields of a compliance label are
composed of text, lines, or boxes, which are repeated on each
label. The variable fields are composed of text, bar codes, and
order information, which changes with each label. Using a
graphic packet for the fixed fields saves time, because the printer
does not have to image all the lines or boxes each time the
compliance label is printed.
Also, using a graphic packet for a compliance label reduces the
number of fields in your format. Formats have a maximum
number of fields per packet (0-999 or 0-99 for 9403). However,
you can bypass that requirement by placing your compliance
layout in a graphic packet. When you process your formats, you
only need one line in the format packet to reference the graphic
packet.
The following example shows how to reference a graphic packet
from within a format packet.
{
F,1,A,R,E,400,400,"RDCI" p
G,57,0,0,0,0 p
C,40,10,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"To:",0p
B,2,13,V,310,30,8,4,50,8,L,0 p
}

start of header
format header
reference to graphic packet
constant text field
bar code field
end of header

Once you have your compliance label format set, all you need to
do is add the variable sections (bar codes, addresses, and order
information) to the format packet.
To see a sample compliance label graphic packet, see "Sample
Compliance Graphic Packet." To see a sample compliance label
using a graphic packet within a format, see "Sample Compliance
Label."

5-2 Creating Graphics

Overview of Bitmapped Images
A printed image is formed through a series of dots. Each square
on the grid below represents a dot on the printhead. The graphic
image is created by blackening dots in a specific pattern. You
can print varying shades of gray according to the concentration of
dots on the image. When the dots are printed together, the end
result is a graphic image.

Determining a Method
You can use one of two methods to map out your graphic image:
Hex Method

The dot sequences are segmented into binary
numbers, and then converted to hex numbers.
A graphic using gray-scaling, several slanted
lines, or several vertical lines typically
translates more efficiently with hex
representation.

Run Length
Encoding Method

The dot sequences are segmented into black
and white strings within a row. The total
count of each white string is converted to a
lower-case letter, corresponding to numeric
value. The total count of each black string is
converted to an uppercase letter,
corresponding to numeric value. This method
can reduce imaging time for graphics that
contain repetitive rows of dots. A graphic
with horizontal lines or very few
white-to-black borders typically translates
more efficiently with run length encoding.
Creating Graphics 5-3

The most efficient encoding method depends on how complicated
your graphic image is and whether or not imaging time is a
concern. You may want to experiment with both encoding
methods to get optimal performance.

Designing Compliance Labels
To use a graphic packet to design your compliance label:
1. Decide which fields are fixed (constant text, lines, boxes) and
which fields are variable (addresses and shipping
information).
2. Design your compliance label as you would any other format.

Designing Bitmapped Images
Once you determine the encoding method to use, you can begin
mapping out your graphic image.
The image that you map must be an upside
down mirror image of the final result.

Special Considerations
Solid black print cannot exceed 30% of any given square inch of
the supply. If the black print exceeds this limit, you may lose data
or damage the printhead.

5-4 Creating Graphics

In the first label, the large "M" logo and thick black line exceed
the allowed black to white print ratio. In the second label, the
large "M" logo does not exceed the black to white print ratio.
2 inches
Exceeds
Limit

Exceeds
Limit

2 inches
0.5"

0.5"

Does not
exceed
limit

Does not
exceed
limit

Using the Hex Method
The following steps explain how to derive a hex character string
from a bitmapped graphic.
Each square on the grid represents a dot. A black square
indicates the dot is ON, and a white square indicates the dot is
OFF. A sequence of binary numbers, called a bit pattern or
bitmap, determines what dots are on and off. The numbers "0"
and "1" are used for this purpose. The number "1" turns a dot on
and "0" turns a dot off.

Creating Graphics 5-5

1. Assign 1 to every black square and 0 to every white square.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000000000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111000000000000000000000000001111111110000000000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001111110000000000000
00000000000000000000000000000011110000000000000000111111111111111111111111110000000000000001111000000000
00000000000000000000000001111100001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111110000
00000000000000000000000110000011111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111000001100
00000000000000000000000110001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111111111111000000000000000000011111111111111111111111111111110
00000000000000000000000111111111111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111111111100
00000000000000000000000001111111100000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000011111111110000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000000000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000010000000000000000000011111110000000000000000000111111111111111111100000000000000000001111111000000
00000011000000000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000000111000000
00000001111000000000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110000111000000
00000000111000000000000000000011111111111111000000000000000000000000000000000000011111111111111000000000
00000000111111000000000000011100000000111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111100000001111000000
00000000111111100000000000000000001111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110001111000000

2. Section off the grid in columns of eight. If any rows are not
divisible by 8, add enough 0’s to complete a column.
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000010
00000011
00000001
00000000
00000000
00000000

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
11100000
11100000
11111100
11111110

5-6 Creating Graphics

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000011
01111100
10000011
10001111
11111111
11111111
11111111
01111111
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011100
00000000

00000000
00000001
00111110
11000000
00111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
10000000
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
00000011
00111111

00000000
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
11111111
11111111

00111111
11000000
00000000
00111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111000
00000000
00000111
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11110000
00001111
00000000
11110000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

00000000
11111000
00000111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
01111111
00000000
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
11111110
11111111

00000000
00000000
11100000
00011110
11100001
11111110
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00111111
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00000011
11100011

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
11110000
00001100
11111110
11111110
11111110
11111100
11110000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000

3. One row at a time, convert each group of eight binary digits to
hex values, using the binary to hex conversion chart found in
Appendix C.
starting at position 49 ...
00111111
11111111
11111111
11110000

=
=
=
=

3F
FF
FF
F0

4. Write the hex values for each row as a continuous string.
row 1, position 49 = 03FFFFFF00000
All hex numbers must be two digits. For
example, write hex 0 as 00, or hex E as 0E.
5. Repeat steps 3 through 4 for each row on the grid.
6. Insert the hex values in syntax format.

Using the Run Length Encoding Method
The following steps explain how to derive a run length character
string from a bitmapped graphic.
Each square on the grid represents a dot. A black square
indicates the dot is ON, and a white square indicates the dot is
OFF.
For visual clarity, the following example
shows "1" to indicate when a square is ON,
and "0" to indicate when a square is OFF.
You do not have to convert your dots when
using the run length method.

Creating Graphics 5-7

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000010
00000011
00000001
00000000
00000000
00000000

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
11100000
11100000
11111100
11111110

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000001
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000011
01111100
10000011
10001111
11111111
11111111
11111111
01111111
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011111
00011100
00000000
00000011
00011100
00000000

00000000
00000001
00111110
11000000
00111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
10000000
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
11000000
00000011
00111111
11111111
00000011
00111111

00000000
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11110000
11111111
11111111

00111111
11000000
00000000
00111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111000
00000000
00000111
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

11110000
00001111
00000000
11110000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
00000000
11111111
11111111
00000000
11111111
11111111

00000000
11111000
00001111
00000000
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
01111111
00000000
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
00000000
11111110
11111111
01111111
11111110
11111111

00000000
00000000
11000000
00011110
11100001
11111110
11111111
11111111
11111111
11111111
00111111
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00011111
00000001
11100001
11111110
00000011
11100011

00000000
00000000
00000000
00000000
11110000
00001100
11111110
11111110
11111110
11111100
11110000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000
11000000
00000000
11000000
11000000

1. Count the number of consecutive OFF or ON dots in a row.
Write the number of consecutive dots in sequence for the first
row on the grid. Write "ON" or "OFF" after each number to
indicate ON or OFF dots.
(row 1, position 50) 26 on
(row 2, position 39) 11 on, 26 off, 9 on
(row 3, position 34) 5 on, 45 off, 6 on.
2. Replace each number you have written with its corresponding
code from the Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart provided in
Appendix C, "Symbol Sets/Code Pages." Be sure to use
CAPITAL letters for black dots and lower-case letters for white
dots.
26 on (Z)
11 on (K), 26 off (z), 9 on (I)
.
.
If the number is greater than 26, write z, followed by the letter
corresponding to the amount over 26. For example, to represent
45 off dots, write zs.
5 on (E), 45 off (zs), 6 on (F)
.
.
3. Write the letter codes in sequence, uninterrupted, for each
row.
5-8 Creating Graphics

(row
(row
(row
(row
.
.

1,position
2,position
3,position
4,position

50)
39)
34)
30)

Z
KzI
EzsF
DpZoD

If the end of the line specifies OFF dots
(lower-case letters), the ending lower-case
letters can be omitted. For example, uZFu
can be written as uZF.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each row on the grid.
5. Insert the code values in syntax format.

Determining How to Store the Image
Once you have mapped out your graphic image, determine how
you want to store it. You have several options:
N

Flash

N

Non-volatile RAM

N

Volatile RAM

N

Temporary Storage

Using Flash
Flash memory is only available on the 9403 and 9825 printers.
You can use flash memory when the graphic image is used by
several formats, because you only have to send the graphic
image once. This eliminates the need to send the graphic image
repeatedly. See "Placing the Graphic in a Format," for more
information about using the graphic packet in a format.
Graphics stored in flash memory are saved
when the printer is turned off. Refer to the
Operator’s Handbook to clear flash memory.
Creating Graphics 5-9

Using Non-volatile RAM
You can save graphics to non-volatile RAM on the 9850 printer.
Graphics are saved when you turn off the printer. You can
remove graphics from memory if necessary by sending a clear
packet. See "Clearing Packets from Memory" in Chapter 2 for
more information.

U s i n g Vo l a t i l e R A M
You should use RAM when the graphic image is used by several
formats, because you only have to send the graphic image once.
This eliminates the need to send the graphic image repeatedly.
See "Placing the Graphic in a Format," for more information about
using the graphic packet in a format. Graphics smaller than
approximately 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch can be stored in printer RAM
and referenced by the graphic ID number.
Graphics are stored in the format buffer and
remain there until another graphic packet is
sent or the printer is turned off.

U s i n g Te m p o r a r y S t o r a g e
You should use temporary storage when the graphic image is
used only in one format or your graphic image is very large.
Graphic data in temporary storage is held in the image buffer until
the graphic is printed and then it is cleared from memory.
Temporary graphics are also cleared from memory when you send
a new batch or update batch. You can use the same graphic
image multiple times on a format. Send the graphic image to the
printer after the format to which it applies.
If a graphic is stored in temporary storage, do not place a graphic
field in the format. This will cause an error. Instead, position the
graphic image by using the row and column locations in the
graphic packet header. Image memory (temporary storage) will
accept a graphic packet 1218 rows long with 811 dots per row.

5-10 Creating Graphics

C re ati n g a Gr ap h i c Pa cke t
Your graphic packet can contain:
N

bitmapped fields (for bitmapped images)

N

constant text fields

N

lines

N

boxes

Images using hex representation or run length encoding are
bitmapped images. See "Designing Bitmapped Images," to
design your bitmapped image.
Once you design your graphic image, you are ready to define a
graphic packet. This packet generates the graphic image you use
in a format.

Positioning the Graphic Image
This section explains how to position the graphic image within a
graphic packet header, a field of a graphic packet, or within a
format.
Within the Graphic Packet Header
When you are using RAM, the row and column parameters in the
graphic header are usually 0,0, because placement is controlled
by the graphic field in your format. This is especially true when
designing a compliance label overlay.
When you are using temporary storage, these parameters control
the placement of the graphic image on the supply.

Creating Graphics 5-11

The area enclosed within the dotted lines
represents the graphic image starting at
0,0 (as defined in the graphic header).

If you want a fixed amount of white space
around your graphic image, use
something other than 0 for row and/ or
column.
The area enclosed within the dotted lines
represents the graphic image starting at
0,0 with a fixed amount of white space
(10,10) around the graphic image.
Within the Field
The row and column parameters in a
bitmap, constant text, line, or box field
control where an individual field or
bitmapped row begins in relation to the
coordinates defined in the graphic header.
The bottom of the triangle in this example
represents the first field of the graphic
packet starting at 10,0.

5-12 Creating Graphics

Within a Format
When you define the graphic field within your format, the row and
column parameters represent where on the format to place the
graphic image.
If you are doing a compliance label, these numbers are usually
0,0, because your compliance label covers the entire supply. See
"Placing the Graphic in a Format," for a sample compliance label.
If you are placing a graphic (a
logo, for example) within a
certain area on your supply,
enter the starting position
(bottom left corner) of the
graphic image.
This label shows the triangle
"logo" beginning (the bottom left
corner) at 400,75 as defined in
the graphic field.

Defining the Graphic Header
Every graphic packet must contain a graphic header. This is the
first thing you enter. It identifies and provides important
measurement and formatting information for the graphic. Bitmap,
duplicate, next-bitmap, constant text, line, and box fields follow
the graphic header, if they are used.
Syntax

{G,graphID,action,device,units,row,col,
mode,"name" p

G1. G

Graphic Header.

G2. graphID

Unique number from 0 to 999 (0 to 99 for 9403) to identify the
graphic image.

Creating Graphics 5-13

G3. action

Enter A to add the graphic to the printer.

G4. device

Graphic storage device. Options:
F Flash (9403/9825)
N Non-volatile RAM
R Volatile RAM
T Temporary storage
NOTE: Graphics stored in flash are saved when the printer is
turned off.

G5. units

Unit of measure. For bitmapped graphics, G (dots) is the only
valid option.

G6. row

Distance between the bottom of the graphic image area and
the first bitmap line. This is usually 0, unless you want a fixed
amount of white space around the graphic image. See
"Positioning the Graphic Image," for more information.
Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

G7. column

Distance between the left edge of the graphic image area and
the left edge of first bitmap line. This is usually 0, unless you
want a fixed amount of white space around the graphic image.
See "Positioning the Graphic Image," for more information.
Use the previous table for values.

G8. mode

Imaging mode. Enter 0.

G9. "name"

Graphic name (optional), 0-8 characters, enclose within
quotation marks.

Example

{G,99,A,R,G,0,0,0,"99Wire" p

Adds a graphic image identified by number 99 to volatile RAM.
The graphic uses dot measurement. The image will be placed
according to the row and column parameters in the graphic field.
The imaging mode is 0 and the image is called 99Wire.
5-14 Creating Graphics

Creating Bitmap Fields
This defines one row of dots, starting at a specific row and
column within the graphic image. Each unique row of dots
requires a bitmap field. A bitmap field can later be repeated by
using a duplicate field.
Syntax

B,row,column,algorithm,"data" p

B1. B

Bitmap Field.

B2. row

Distance (in dots) from the graphic image’s bottom margin to
the bitmap line.
Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

B3. column

Distance (in dots) from the graphic image’s left edge to the
bitmap line. Use the previous table for values.

B4. algorithm

Coding method for bitmap data:
H Hex Representation
R Run Length Encoding

B5. data

Character string made up of hex or run length encoding. Do
not put spaces or any other character between the numbers.
Range: 0 - 2710 (0 - 100 for 9403).

Example

{B,39,56,H,"3FFFFFF0" p

Defines a bitmapped graphic field. The image begins 39 dots
from the bottom and 56 dots from the left edge of the graphic
area. Hex representation is used.

Creating Graphics 5-15

Creating Next-Bitmap Fields
This field uses the previous field’s row and column locations. It
allows you to use the bitmap or duplicate field data without having
to recalculate row and column locations. This field represents
one row of dots on the image.
Syntax

N,adjdir,adjamt,algorithm,"data" p

N1. N

Next-Bitmap Field.

N2. adjdir

Increments or decrements the row count. Inserts the
duplicate line after or before the current row.
0 Increments (inserts after)
1 Decrements (inserts before)
For example:
B,50,35,R,"GsSsG" p
N,0,R,"DpZoD" p
prints a next-bitmap field on row 51 at column 35.

N3. adjamt

Amount of row adjustment in dot rows. Using 0 overwrites the
same line. Range: 0 - 999 (0 - 99 for 9403).

N4. algorithm

Coding method for bitmap data:
H Hex Representation
R Run Length Encoding

N5. "data"

Character string made up of hex or run length encoding. Do
not put spaces or any other character between the hex
numbers or run length code letters. Range: 0 - 2710 (0 - 100
for 9403).

Example

B,39,56,H,"3FFFFFF0" p
N,0,1,H,"000000E00000" p

Defines a next-bitmap graphic field beginning on row 40. The row
count increments by 1. Hex representation is used.

5-16 Creating Graphics

Creating Duplicate Fields
If a line of data is identical to a previous bitmap or next-bitmap
field, the duplicate field allows you to repeat the dot sequence
without retyping the data. A duplicate field represents one row of
dots on the image. Duplicate fields are useful when you have a
graphic with a lot of repetition.
Syntax

D,adjdir,adjamt,count p

D1. D

Duplicate Field.

D2. adjdir

Increments or decrements the row count. Inserts the
duplicate line after or before the current row.
0 Increments (inserts after)
1 Decrements (inserts before)
For example:
B,50,35,R,"GsSsG" p
D,0,20,2 p
inserts row 50 again at row 70 and row 90. Rows
70 and 90 do not have to be defined later.

D3. adjamt

Amount of row adjustment in dot rows. Range: 0 - 999
(0 - 99 for 9403). The above example adjusts the duplicate
field to image on row 70 and 90 (adding 20 to the current row
count).

D4. count

Number of times to duplicate the line. Range: 0 - 999
(0 - 99 for 9403).

Example

B,117,24,H,"03FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC" p
D,0,1,2 p

Defines a duplicate field that is imaged after the bitmap line. This
field duplicates the preceding bitmap line twice (at row 118 and
119).
You can use constant text, line, or box fields in a graphic packet
to create a compliance label overlay. See Chapter 3, "Defining
Fields," for more information about these fields.

Creating Graphics 5-17

Sample Compliance Graphic Packet
A sample compliance graphic packet is shown below.
{G,57,A,R,E,0,0,0,"OVERLAY" p
L,V,500,155,90,85,3 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,560,10,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"FROM:",0 p
C,560,160,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"CARRIER:",0 p
C,529,160,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"PRO NUMBER:",0 p
C,511,160,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"B/L NUMBER:",0 p
C,472,10,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,"TO:",0 p
C,387,10,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"SHIP TO POSTAL CODE",0 p
C,391,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"APPOINTMENT NUMBER:",0 p
C,358,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"ORDER TYPE:",0 p
C,327,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"ITEM:",0 p
C,190,8,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"UPC SHIPPING CONTAINER CODE",0 p
C,548,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MONARCH MARKING SYSTEMS",0 p
C,538,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"170 MONARCH LANE",0 p
C,528,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"P.O. BOX 608",0 p
C,518,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"DAYTON, OHIO 45401",0 p
C,462,313,0,2,4,3,B,L,0,0,"#",0 p }

The sample compliance label
overlay was created with this
packet, using the format provided
in "Placing the Graphic in a
Format."

5-18 Creating Graphics

Sample Hex Graphic Packet
{G,99,A,R,G,0,0,0,"99WIRE"
B,39,48,H,"3FFFFFF0" p
B,40,32,H,"01FFC000000FF8" p
B,41,32,H,"3E00000000000FC0" p
B,42,24,H,"03C0003FFFFFF0000F" p
B,43,24,H,"7C3FFFFFFFFFFFFFE1F0" p
B,44,16,H,"0183FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF06" p
B,45,16,H,"018FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE" p
B,46,16,H,"01FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE" p
B,47,16,H,"01FFFFFF80001FFFFFFFFE" p
B,48,16,H,"01FFFFF0000000007FFFFC" p
B,49,24,H,"7F800007FFFF00003FF0" p
B,50,24,H,"1FC00007FFFF00001FC0" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,51,24,H,"1C03FFFFFFFFFFFE01C0" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,52,32,H,"3FFFFFFFFFFFFFE1C0" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,53,24,H,"03FFF0000000007FFE" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,70,0,H,"0400001FC00007FFFF00001FC0" p
B,71,0,H,"0600001C03FFFFFFFFFFFE01C0" p
B,72,0,H,"030000003FFFFFFFFFFFFFE1C0" p
B,73,0,H,"01000003FFF0000000007FFE" p
B,74,8,H,"FC001C03FFFFFFFFFFFE00C0" p
B,75,8,H,"FE00003FFFFFFFFFFFFFE0C0" p
B,76,8,H,"1FF803FFF0000000007FFE" p
B,77,8,H,"0FFFCFFC00000000000001C0" p
B,78,16,H,"FFDF000FFFFFFFFF8003C0" p
B,79,16,H,"7FFFC00007FFFF00001FC0" p
B,80,24,H,"1C03FFFFFFFFFFFE01C0" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,81,32,H,"3FFFFFFFFFFFFFE1C0" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,82,24,H,"03FFF0000000007FFE" p
D,0,4,3 p
B,83,24,H,"1FC00007FFFF00001FC0" p
D,0,4,3 p
B,98,24,H,"03FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF0" p
B,99,24,H,"07FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC" p
B,100,24,H,"1FF9FFFFFFFFFFFFFF" p
B,101,24,H,"3FFE0007FFFF8000FF80" p
B,102,24,H,"391E0027FFFF803FFFC0" p
B,103,24,H,"1C7FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC0" p
B,104,24,H,"1FC1FFFFFFFFFFFF1FC0" p

Creating Graphics 5-19

B,105,24,H,"0FFDFFFFFFFFFFE0FF" p
B,106,24,H,"FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF8" p
B,107,32,H,"3FFFFFFFFFFFFFE0" p
B,108,32,H,"03FFFFFFFFFFFF" p
B,109,48,H,"07FFFF80" p
D,0,1,2 p
B,111,48,H,"FFFFFFFF" p
B,112,32,H,"FFFF00000000FFE0" p
B,113,24,H,"078000FFFFFFFF001F" p
B,114,24,H,"78FFFFFFFFFFFFFFE060" p
B,115,16,H,"0187FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC18"
B,116,16,H,"027FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF2"
B,117,16,H,"03FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC"
D,0,1,2 p
B,120,16,H,"01FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF8"
B,121,24,H,"FEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFE0" p
B,122,24,H,"07FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFC" p
B,123,32,H,"FFFFFFFFFFFFFFC0" p
B,124,32,H,"01FFFFFFFFFFF8" p }

p
p
p
p

Sample Run L ength Graphic Packet
{G,99,A,R,G,0,0,0,"99WIRE" p
B,39,50,R,"Z" p
B,40,39,R,"KzI" p
B,41,34,R,"EzsF" p
B,42,30,R,"DpZoD" p
B,43,25,R,"EdZZEdE" p
B,44,23,R,"BeZZMeB" p
B,45,23,R,"BcZZW" p
B,46,23,R,"ZZZA" p
B,47,23,R,"ZDsZE" p
B,48,24,"TzkU" p
B,49,25,"HtRqJ" p
B,50,27,"GsSsG" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,51,27,"ChZWgC" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,52,34,R,"ZZEdC" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,53,30,R,"NzkN" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,70,5,R,"AuGsSsG" p
B,71,5,R,"BtChZWgC" p
B,72,6,R,"DxZZEdC" p
B,73,7,R,"CtNzkN" p

5-20 Creating Graphics

B,74,8,R,"FmChZWhC" p
B,75,8,R,"GsZZEdC" p
B,76,11,R,"JiNzkN" p
B,77,12,R,"NbJzzeC" p
B,78,16,R,"JaElZKmD"
B,79,17,R,"QsSsG" p
B,80,27,R,"ChZWgC" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,81,34,R,"ZZEdC" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,82,30,R,"NzkN" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,83,27,R,"GsSsG" p
D,0,4,4 p
B,98,30,R,"ZZJ" p
B,99,29,R,"ZZM" p
B,100,27,R,"JbZZE" p
B,101,26,R,"MnToI" p
B,102,26,R,"CbHnTiP"
B,103,27,R,"CcZZC" p
B,104,27,R,"GeZWcG" p
B,105,28,R,"JaZReH" p
B,106,32,R,"ZZI" p
B,107,34,R,"ZZE" p
B,108,38,R,"ZQ" p
B,109,53,R,"T" p
D,0,1,2 p
B,111,48,R,"ZF" p
B,112,33,R,"PzfK" p
B,113,29,R,"CpZBoE" p
B,114,25,R,"DcZZGfB"
B,115,23,R,"BdZZMeB"
B,116,22,R,"AbZZVbA"
B,117,22,R,"ZZZB" p
D,0,1,2 p
B,120,23,R,"ZZZ" p
B,121,25,R,"ZZV" p
B,122,29,R,"ZZM" p
B,123,32,R,"ZZF" p
B,124,39,R,"ZT" p }

p

p

p
p
p

Creating Graphics 5-21

Placing the Graphic in a Format
The graphic image may be a bitmapped graphic or a compliance
label overlay.
To include a graphic within a format:
1. Design the graphic image as shown in "Designing Bitmapped
Images."
2. If you are using RAM, place a graphic field in the format file to
reference the graphic. See the following section, "Defining
the Graphic Field," for more information.
If you are using temporary storage, you do
not need a graphic field in your format to
reference the graphic image.
3. Download all the necessary packets (check digit, format, etc.).
4. Send the graphic file to the printer, if you have not already
done so. See "Creating a Graphic Packet," for more
information.

Defining the Graphic Field
The graphic field in a format references the graphic image by the
graphID in the graphic header.
This field is required only if the graphic
will be stored in RAM.
Syntax

G,graphID,row,col,mode,rotation p

G1. G

Graphic Field.

G2. graphID

Unique number from 0 to 999 (0 to 99 for 9403) to identify the
graphic image.

5-22 Creating Graphics

G3. row

Distance between the bottom of the print area on the supply to
the bottom of the graphic image. Measured in selected units.
Printer

9403
9825/
9850
9850

Unit of Measure

Row or
End Row

Column or
End Column

English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
203 dpi Dots
English (1/100 inch)
Metric (1/10 mm)
300 dpi Dots

0-599
0-1523
0-1217
0-1599
0-4063
0-3247
0-1199
0-3047
0-3599

0-199
0-507
0-405
0-399
0-1015
0-811
0-399
0-1015
0-1199

The row specified in the constant text, bitmap, line, or box
field is added to the row value above to determine the actual
position in the format.
G4. column

Distance between the left edge of the print area on the supply
and the left edge of the graphic. Measured in selected units.
Use the previous table for values. The column specified in
the constant text, bitmap, line, or box field is added to the col
value above to determine the actual position in the format.

G5. mode

Imaging mode. Enter 0.

G6. rotation

The orientation of the graphic on the supply. Enter 0.

Example

G,57,0,0,0,0 p

Defines a graphic field that is identified by the number 57. The
image begins at 0,0. The imaging mode is 0 and there is no
rotation.

Sample Compliance Label
This sample format packet uses the graphic packet in "Creating a
Graphic Packet."
{F,1,A,R,E,600,400,"RDCI" p
G,57,0,0,0,0 p
T,1,15,V,529,252,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,2,15,V,511,252,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
B,3,13,V,311,28,8,4,50,8,L,0 p
B,4,14,V,17,60,50,5,110,8,L,0 p
T,5,30,V,161,080,0,3,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 p

Creating Graphics 5-23

T,6,15,V,467,40,4,1,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,7,10,V,462,330,6,2,4,3,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,8,20,V,545,160,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,9,30,V,446,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,10,30,V,426,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,11,30,V,406,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,12,20,V,368,270,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,13,5,V,335,270,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,14,15,V,304,270,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,15,15,V,366,65,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
R,1,"(420) " p }

Sample Batch Packet
{B,1,N,1 p
1,"123456789" p
2,"987654321" 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." p
10,"DAYTON, OH 45401-0608" p
11," " p
12,"999991-001" p
13,"AR" p
14,"999-999999-99" p
15,"32678" p }

5-24 Creating Graphics

Sample Bitmap Graphic Image
The following format shows the graphic packets (hex and run
length) in a sample format.
{F,2,A,R,E,400,400,"FMT2" p
G,99,227,35,0,0 p
Q,240,15,300,125,10," " p
T,1,5,V,285,137,0,10,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,2,5,V,255,137,0,10,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,3,15,V,180,25,0,10,1,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,4,15,V,121,35,0,1,3,1,B,L,0,0,0 p
L,S,94,15,94,235,10," " p
B,5,12,F,50,65,1,2,40,1,L,0 p }

Sample Batch Packet
{B,2,N,1 p
1,"Pat’s" p
2,"Parts" p
3,"3/8 inch Wire" p
4,"3.55/8 Pack" p
5,"345911871209" p }

Creating Graphics 5-25

5-26 Creating Graphics

PRINTING

6

This chapter describes how to
N

download files to the printer

N

define the batch header, batch control, and batch data files

N

modify formats

N

create DOS batch files.

This chapter also lists some special printing considerations.

Printing 6-1

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 packet (M)
2. Configuration packets (A-G)
3. Any of the following:
✦

Check digit packets (see Chapter 4)

✦

Format packets (see Chapter 3)

✦

Graphic packets (see Chapter 5)

4. Batch data (see "Defining the Batch Header")
To download from a PC:
1. Check that the PC and the printer are connected.
2. Check that communications have been established between
the PC and the printer.
3. Send the communication settings packet to select the
printer’s communication settings. See "Defining the
Communication Settings Packet" in Chapter 2 for more
information (only used for serial communication). If you
change the printer’s communication settings, make sure they
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.

6-2 Printing

If you use the COPY command to download your formats, set flow
control to DTR (not XON/XOFF). Also, do not use the MS-DOS
prompt from inside Windows, because you will get a framing error.
Refer to the Operator’s Handbook or Keypad Operating
Instructions for offline data entry and more printing information.

Defining the Batch Header
Batch data is the actual information printed on the supply. Batch
data fills in the format’s text, bar code, and non-printable text
fields.
A batch packet contains three parts:
batch header

identifies the format and how many labels to
print.

batch control

defines the print job.

batch data
(optional)

defines the actual information printed on the
label.

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: 0-999 (0-99 for 9403) to use.

B3. N/U

Controls how image is generated.
N
U

New. Erase image and re-image all fields using
online data. Any missing fields will be blank.
Update last image with 1 or more fields.
All other fields remain the same as the last
queued batch.

Printing 6-3

B4. quantity

Quantity to print (0-32000).
NOTE: Using 0 pre-images the field to reduce the imaging
time for labels. See "Batch Quantity Zero Method"
for more information.

Example

{B,1,N,1 p

Defines a batch header that uses format #1 and reimages all
fields using the online data. One label is printed with this batch.

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

E3. batch_sep

Continuous Feed (default)
On-demand

Batch Separator (striped label in between batches). Options:
0
1
2

Does not print a separator (default)
Prints a separator
Double-length separator- prints 2 tags (9850)

NOTE: Do not use batch separators with continuous
(non-indexed) supply. If using a stacker, the batch
separator is always 3.66 inches long.
E4. print_mult

Number of tags with the same image. 0 is the default.
1 to 999

E5. multi_part

Number of identical parts on one tag. 0 is the default.
1 to 5

6-4 Printing

E6. cut_type

Enables or disables the knife. Options:
0
1
2
3
4

Does not cut (default)
Cuts before first tag, cuts each tag, and cuts after
last tag. (9850)
Cuts before first tag, cuts after batch. Cuts in strips,
not each tag. (9850)
Cuts before first tag, cuts each tag, cuts after the last
tag and feeds one or two tags past the printhead when
it cuts the last tag in the last batch. (9850)
Does not cut before the first tag in a batch, but cuts
between each tag and after the last tag in the batch.
Press Feed to feed the last tag out far enough to be
cut. The last tag is queued to be cut once it reaches
the knife. (9850)

NOTE: If you choose cut after batch or last tag in last batch,
the last tag in the batch is cut. However, there may
be one or two tags left between the printhead and the
knife, because the knife is two-and-a-half inches
away from the printhead.
E7. cut_mult

Number of tags to print before cutting. A cut multiple of one
cuts after each tag. The range is 0 to 32,000. 0 is the default.
The cut multiple is a multiple of the print quantity. If the cut
multiple is three and the print quantity is 16, then five sets of
three tags and one set of one tag is produced.
NOTE: The last tag in the batch is always cut, regardless of
the multiple.
Only the 9850 printer supports an optional knife,
which must be purchased separately.

Example

E,0,1,4,2,1,4 p

Defines a batch control field. Continuous feed mode is used
and a separator prints between batches. Four tags have the
same image and there are two identical parts on one tag. The
knife cuts after every four tags.

Printing 6-5

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.
Syntax

field#,"data string" p
C,"continuation" p

field#

Identifies the text, bar code, or non-printable text field in
which to insert the following data. Range: 0 - 999
(0 - 99 for 9403).

"data string"

Provides the actual information to appear in fields. Enclose in
quotation marks. Range: 0 - 2710 (0 - 100 for 9403).

C

Identifies information to be appended to the data string. (This
parameter is optional.)

"continuation"

Provides the actual information to be added to the batch
packet. Enclose in quotation marks. Use this option to break
up longer fields. (This parameter is optional.)

Example

1,"Size 12" p
2,"" p
3,"Blue" p
C,"and this would be appended." p

Defines a batch data field. "Size 12" prints in field #1, a blank
line appears in field #2, "Blue and this would be appended" prints
in field #3.

Using Special Characters in Batch Data
There are two ways to specify special characters in batch data:

6-6 Printing

N

Place a tilde (~) before the character

N

Use a tilde with the decimal ASCII equivalent

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.
Sample Batch Data with Special Characters
{B,1,N,1 p

Decimal Character

What Prints

1,"123~034456789" p

~034 is "

123"456789

2,"~094983~‘126LG4451" p

~094 is ^
~126 is ~

^983~‘LG4451

Merged or Sub-Fields
If a field is completely filled by data copied from other fields, use
quotation marks without spaces between them for the "data
string" parameter.

Incrementing Fields
In incrementing fields, the first number in the sequence must
contain the same number of digits as the highest number to be
counted. For example, to increment the numbers in a field from 1
to 999, enter the starting number in the batch as 001.

9850 Special Printing Considerations
Keep in mind the following special printing considerations when
using a 9850 printer.

Printing 6-7

Print
Speed

Printing

2.5/4.0/6.0 ips
8.0 ips
10.0 ips
12.0 ips

direct
transfer
direct
transfer
direct
transfer
direct
transfer

Printhead
Density

Knife

Peel Mode

203/300 dpi

supported

supported

203/300 dpi

not supported

supported

203 dpi only

not supported

not supported

203 dpi only

not supported

not supported

* The 9850 minimum label feed length is 0.75 inches using 8, 10, or 12 ips printing. 94x5
emulation is not supported using 300 dpi. The maximum supply and image length with
the optional 300 dpi printhead is 12.0 inches (305 mm). The recommended print speed
using the optional verifier is 6.0 ips. Contact your Monarch Representative for supply
requirements in high temperature and high humidity environments.

9850 Serial Bar Code Printing Information
Keep in mind the following serial bar code printing information
when using a 9850 printer.
Print
Speed

Printhead
Density

Minimum Bar Code Narrow
Element

2.5 ips
4.0 ips
6.0/8.0/10.0 ips

203/300 dpi
203 dpi
203 dpi

less than 3 dots
3 dots
4 dots or more

Downloading Methods
Depending on your application, you can download the format and
batch data using one of three methods: sequential method, batch
method, batch quantity zero method.

Sequential Method
Using the sequential method, you send all your format and batch
data at one time. Use this method when your application does
not require operator intervention to input data. All data is sent
down at one time, and the printer then images each field. As
soon as the last field is imaged, your labels begin to print.

6-8 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.
Example

{Format}
{Batch Packet}
{Batch Packet}

Batch Quantity Zero Method
You may use the batch quantity zero method when your
application requires operator intervention to enter data. While the
operator is entering data, the previous field is sent with a batch
quantity of zero. The printer images the field, but does not print
it. After the operator enters the data for the last field, the batch
quantity can be specified. The last remaining field is imaged, and
the label prints almost immediately. To use the batch quantity
zero method:
1. Send the format and a batch header in one file. The first time
you send the batch header, use the parameter N (new batch),
and the parameter 0 for (zero quantity). This ensures the
label is properly positioned.
The printer images constant text, line, and box fields, but
does not print them.
2. Input data for each field, and send it with a batch header
using the parameter U (batch update) and a quantity of zero.
When the printer receives the data, it immediately images the
field, but does not print it.
At this time, the printer is imaging all associated fields,
including fields that copy from other fields.
Printing 6-9

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 9 for an example using
the batch quantity zero method.

Modif ying Formats
The optional entry method is a quick way to modify your format
fields, check digit fields, and configuration packets.

Optional Entry Method
This method enables you to reset only the parameters you want to
change. Commas act as placeholders for unchanged parameters.
The optional entry method reduces file size and increases the
speed at which files are sent to the printer.

Creating DOS Batch Files for Downloading
If you are downloading from an MS-DOS system, you can create
batch files to set communication values and download formats. It
is a good idea to create a subdirectory to hold your format files.
Here is a DOS batch file that sets a serial port, changes to a
subdirectory, and downloads a check digit file, format file, and
batch data file.
MODE COM1: 9600,N,8,1,P
CD\MONARCH
COPY LABEL1.CDS COM1
COPY LABEL1.FMT COM1
COPY LABEL1.BCH COM1

Refer to your DOS manual for more information on creating batch
files.

6-10 Printing

7

S TAT U S P O L L I N G
This chapter explains how to use status polling.
There are two types of Status Polling:
N

Inquiry Request--information about the readiness of the printer.

N

Job Request--information about the current (or last received) job
downloaded to the printer.

Status Polling 7-1

Inquir y Request (ENQ)
An ENQ character acts as a request for printer status information.
You can send an ENQ in front of, in the middle of, or immediately
following any packet downloaded to the printer. An ENQ is a
command that can be executed as part of a packet or sent on its
own (using a communications program). An ENQ is processed
immediately. The ENQ character is user defined.
The ENQ character does not appear as a
visible character; however, we are
representing the
ENQ character as E .

Inquir y Response
Printer status is returned to the host in a 3-byte (3-character)
sequence. The first byte is the non-printable user-defined ENQ
character, which is not visible on the response. The second and
third bytes are printer status codes. See the ENQ Reference
Tables for the meaning of bytes 2 and 3.
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.

7-2 Status Polling

The following graphics can be used as a quick reference for the
Status of Byte #2 and Byte #3. Byte #1 is the non-printable
user-defined ENQ character.

Status Polling 7-3

E N Q R e f e r e n c e Ta b l e - B y t e # 2
Char

@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
‘

Const.
OFF

Const.
ON

Comp.
Failure

Corr.
Error

Online
Data
Error

Busy

Active

Online

Bit 7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Bit 6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1

Bit 4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

Bit 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

Bit 2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0

Bit 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0

Bit 0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0

A "1" indicates the bit is turned on. A "0"
indicates the bit is off.

7-4 Status Polling

E N Q R e f e r e n c e Ta b l e - B y t e # 2 ( c o n t i n u e d )
Char

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
|
}
~
Dec 127

Const.
OFF

Const.
ON

Comp.
Failure

Corr.
Error

Online
Data
Error

Busy

Active

Online

Bit 7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Bit 6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 2
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

Bit 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1

Bit 0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

A "1" indicates the bit is turned on. A "0"
indicates the bit is off.

Status Polling 7-5

E N Q R e f e r e n c e Ta b l e - B y t e # 3
Char

@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
‘

Const.
OFF

Const.
ON

Low
Battery

Format
Error

Bit 7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Bit 6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1

Bit 4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

Waiting Ribbon
to
Fault
Dispense
Label
Bit 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0

Stock
Fault

Online
Error

Bit 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0

Bit 0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0

Bit 2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0

A "1" indicates the bit is turned on. A "0"
indicates the bit is off.

7-6 Status Polling

E N Q R e f e r e n c e Ta b l e - B y t e # 3 ( c o n t i n u e d )
Char

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
|
}
~
Dec 127

Const.
OFF

Const.
ON

Low
Battery

Format
Error

Bit 7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Bit 6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Bit 4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Waiting Ribbon
to
Fault
Dispense
Label
Bit 3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Stock
Fault

Online
Error

Bit 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1

Bit 0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

Bit 2
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

A "1" indicates the bit is turned on. A "0"
indicates the bit is off.

Status Polling 7-7

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. You can send two levels of Job Requests:
N

Numeric Error Codes Only (0, 1, or 2)

N

Verbose (3 or 4)

Syntax
Field Type

{J,#}
Valid Options

Description

Identifier

J

Job Status Request

request#

0
1
2
3
4

Returns ASCII coded strings or
numeric error codes

Example

Returns error number
Returns number of labels printed in batch

{J,3}

The job response may not be immediate. If the printer has an
error (out of supplies, ribbon problem, etc.), is in pause mode, or
has insufficient memory, correct the problem and then resend the
job request. If the problem is not corrected, no response is
returned. If a formatting error has occurred, the job request will
return the status. The printer must first interpret the format and
batch data before returning the response.
You may need to press ENTER or FEED/CUT,
depending on your printer before the job
response is returned.
To clear an error, press ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending
on your printer. An ENQ can also clear errors numbered less than
500. Once the error is corrected, a job request can be sent. The
printer cannot accept another job request until the error is
resolved.

7-8 Status Polling

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.

Status2

These are errors in the syntax of the MPCL
data stream. Printing does not stop, but the
information may not print properly. These
errors are numbered greater than 24 on the
"Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table," later in
this chapter.

FMT-1/BCH-2

The format or batch number is returned.

Here is an example of a response returned to a J 0, 1, 2 request:
{J,8,0,"FMT-1","BCH-2"}
Indicates that a portion of the format extends off the tag in format
1, batch 2. Refer to the "Job Status 0, 1, 2 Response Table" later
in this chapter for brief explanations for J, 0, 1, 2 requests. In the
above example, refer to error 8 for an explanation.

Status Polling 7-9

The following syntax is the response for a Job 3 request. You
may need to press ENTER or FEED/CUT, depending on your
printer before the job response is returned.
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 8,
"Diagnostics and Errors."

Example

{J,"2,612",}

2 is the field number where an error was found. 612 is the error
number, indicating that data is missing or does not match the
format definition for that field.
Error numbers found in Status1 B, always
have a value equal to or greater than 500.
These are considered very serious errors.
"Status2 A,B,C,D,E" contains the packet type, field type, field
number, parameter, and error number.
Status2
A- Packet Type

7-10 Status Polling

represents the MPCLII packet that the error
occurred on. The packet could be Format (F),
Batch (B), Check Digit (A), Graphic (G), or
Font (W).

Status2
B- Field Type

represents the MPCLII field that the error
occurred on. If the packet has no fields,
Status2 A will be replicated. If the error
occurs before the field is identified a question
mark is sent. Since the batch data is
variable, a D is sent to indicate data.

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 8, "Diagnostics
and Errors."

"FMT-1/BCH-2"

The format or batch number is returned.

If more than one error occurred then only the
most serious error will be acknowledged.
{J,"","F,B,4,6,33","FMT-1","BCH-2"}
Indicates that an error occurred on a bar code (B) field within a
format (F) packet. The bar code field is the fourth (4) field in the
packet. The error occurred in the sixth (6) parameter of the field.
Error number 33 means the bar code density is invalid.
To clear an error, press ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending
on your printer. An ENQ can also clear errors numbered less than
500. Once the error is corrected, a job request can be sent. The
printer cannot accept another job request until the error is
resolved.

Status Polling 7-11

The following syntax is the response for a Job 4 request.
Syntax

{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.

Example

{J,8,25,"FMT-3","Bch-2"}

8 out of 25 tags or labels have been printed from format number 3.
Use a Job Request 4 when printing in the on-demand mode with a
large number of tags or labels from a single batch. A Job
Request 4 may not be accurate if tags or labels are printed in
continuous mode, because of the response time involved. A Job
Request 4 is not useful in single ticket batches (printing 1 of 1) or
multiple single ticket batches.
A batch has to be printing when you send the
job request. You cannot use this job
request on batches printing formats with
incrementing fields.

7-12 Status Polling

J o b S t a t u s 0 , 1 , 2 R e s p o n s e Ta b l e ( S t a t u s 1 C o d e s )
Number

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

Receive parity error

17

Receive framing error

18

Receive buffer full

19

Label waiting

21

Bad dots (verifier detected a failure)

23

Low battery

24

Memory configuration packet error

Numbers 25 through 50 are
not currently in use.

Status Polling 7-13

J o b S t a t u s 0 , 1 , 2 R e s p o n s e Ta b l e ( S t a t u s 2 C o d e s )
Number
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
80
81
82
83
84

7-14 Status Polling

Meaning
Invalid command
Invalid separator value
Graphic not found
Format for batch not found
Quantity/Multiples out-of-range
Name descriptor too long
Invalid cut value
Invalid number-of-parts value
Invalid orientation value
Invalid thickness value
Invalid text field
Invalid bar code field
Data string too long
Invalid data field
Row greater than stock length
Row greater than format length
Column greater than printhead width
Column greater than format width
Invalid label length
Invalid label width
Invalid increment/decrement value
Identifier out-of-range
No field to create format
Stop location of a line is out of range
Syntax error
Can’t use offline format for online batch
Can’t queue graphic batch
Can’t store online format
Can’t queue online batch
Can’t queue online clear command

Status Polling Considerations for Script Mode
This information only applies to 9825 and 9850 printers running
scripts.
The following table shows the effects of the I Packet and the
9825 or 9850 printer’s front panel on status polling and immediate
commands.
I Packet Printer
Configuration
Packet
(inside the script or
sent online to the
printer)
Status Polling

Immediate
Commands

While Running in Script Mode ONLY
(set through printer’s front panel)
Disabled

Enabled

OFF (status polling
not enabled by I
packet)

OFF (status polling
not enabled through
printer’s front panel)

OFF (status polling
enabled through
printer’s front panel)

ON (status polling
enabled by I packet)

OFF (status polling
not enabled through
printer’s front panel)

ON (status polling
enabled through
printer’s front panel)

OFF (immediate
commands not
enabled by I packet)

OFF (immediate
commands not
enabled through
printer’s front panel)

OFF (immediate
commands enabled
through printer’s
front panel)

ON (immediate
commands enabled
by I packet)

OFF (immediate
commands not
enabled through
printer’s front panel)

ON (immediate
commands enabled
through printer’s
front panel)

If status polling and immediate commands are NOT enabled
through the I Packet, enabling status polling and immediate
commands at the printer’s front panel has NO effect.

Status Polling 7-15

7-16 Status Polling

DIAGNOSTICS AND ERRORS

8

This chapter explains how to
N

print a test label

N

reset the printer

N

call Technical Support.

Before you call Service, print a test label. The label contains
information to help Service diagnose mechanical and setup
problems.
This chapter also provides explanations of your printer’s errors.
The errors are classified by type and are listed in order. If you
have trouble loading supplies or performing maintenance, refer to
the Operator’s Handbook.
Some errors numbered 400-438 and 500-574 are internal software
errors. Errors numbered 703-758 are supply errors. Follow the
directions provided with the error description to correct the
problem. Errors numbered 900-999 are Hard Printer Failures. If
you cannot clear an error, turn off the printer, wait several seconds
and then turn on the printer. Call Technical Support if you receive
any error message not listed in this chapter.
To clear a data error, press ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR,
depending on your printer. If a formatting error occurs, the label
prints; but data may be missing. Correct the format or batch and
resend them to the printer. If a data error occurs, press
FEED/CUT to queue and print an error label.
An error label is not available on
the 9403 printer.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-1

P r i n t i n g a Te s t L a b e l
1. From the User Diagnostics menu, press the right arrow until
you see
USER DIAG
Test Label
2. Press ENTER (ENTER/PAUSE). The 9825 and 9850 printers
print the test labels shown below.
On the 9403 printer, you will see
Print Quantity?
[1/999]: +1
3. Type the quantity of test labels you want to print.
Press ENTER. You will see

The test label shows the model number, software version, total
number of inches printed, voltage, print contrast, printhead
resistance, code page, MPCL control characters, ENQ and RS232
characters.

8-2 Diagnostics and Errors

R e a d i n g a Te s t L a b e l
The 9825/9850 first label shows the printer’s configuration by
packet (A-M). See Chapter 2, "Configuring the Printer," for more
information. The lines beginning with M show the printer’s
memory allocation, which can be changed. The units for supply
position, etc. are displayed in dots, even if you entered them in
English or Metric units.
The second label shows the model number, software version, total
number of inches printed, number of inches printed by current
printhead, voltage, print contrast, printhead resistance, number of
bad dots, and installed options (see the following table). The test
label for the 9850 printer shows an inch count for the high energy
ribbon. The one-dot rule line at the bottom of the test label
indicates the vertical 0,0 point.
Installed Options

Description

C

Cutter (Knife)

M

256K memory expansion

P

Peel mode

R

RS-232 option (Keypad)

S

Stacker

V

Verifier

I f Yo u R e c e i v e a n E r r o r M e s s a g e
Any time you receive a message that is not described in this
manual, or the recommended action does not solve the problem,
call Technical Support. Some errors are the result of
communication problems. In this case, reset your printer and
reboot your computer. If you change any of the online
configuration packets, resend the format packet to the printer, so
the configuration changes take effect.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-3

If the PC and Printer Aren’t Communicating
If your PC is having trouble communicating with your printer,
follow these steps:
N

Check any messages that occur at the printer and at the
computer. See the following error message listing in this
chapter for more information.

N

Make sure you are using the correct printer cable.

N

Make sure the cable is plugged into the correct port on the
computer.

N

Compare your printer’s communications settings (especially
flow control) with the settings on your PC. Your printer and
PC communications should match. Print a test label to identify
the printer’s communication settings.

N

Make sure the printer is online (ready to receive data).

If all of the above are correct, reset your printer. Try the function
again. If you still can’t establish communications, call Technical
Support.
Resetting Printers
Sometimes, the printer receives mixed signals and loses its ability
to communicate. If this happens, reset the printer and attempt
communication again. To reset the printer, turn off the printer,
wait 15 seconds, and turn it back on.
When you turn off the printer, all the information set through the
online configuration packets (A-M) is saved. See the sections in
Chapter 2, "Configuring the Printer," for more information about
each packet.

8-4 Diagnostics and Errors

C a l l i n g Te c h n i c a l S u p p o r t
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. Your problem may be corrected
simply by changing the communication settings.
5. List any changes that have recently been made to the system.
Try to record what you did when the problem occurred.
6. Reset your printer. For information on resetting your printer,
see "Resetting Printers."
7. Reboot your computer. Refer to your computer
documentation for specific instructions.
8. Print a test label, see "Printing a Test Label."
Have the following information ready before you call: computer
brand name and model, version of DOS, Monarch printer model,
other peripheral devices on your system, support agreement,
contract number, or invoice information, customer number, and
printer serial number.

Additional Diagnostics Information
For detailed printer diagnostics information, refer to the Quick
Reference or Operator’s Handbook. See Chapter 7, "Status
Polling," for information on requesting printer and job status. See
the following error message listing in this chapter for more
information.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-5

Reading an Error L abel
An error label queues and prints on the 9825/9850 printers when
you press FEED/CUT after a data error (0-499) occurs. An error
label is not available on the 9403 printer. The error label
contains the packet type, field type, line number, and error
number. The packet and field type return the first letter after the {
or p . A "?" is returned if the letter cannot be determined. The
line number refers to which line in the packet the error occurs.
The error number is the three-digit error code. Use this
information to correct the format, batch, font, check digit, graphic,
or online configuration packet.

The first label shows an error in line 8, which is a constant text
field within the format packet. The error number is 18.
The second label shows an error in line 1 of the batch packet.
The error number is 101.

Data Errors
Errors 001 to 499 are data errors. These errors are returned in
response to a J,3 request. See Chapter 7, "Status Polling," for
more information. A data error indicates that incorrect data was
received from the host, causing the printer to ignore the entire
print job. After checking the packet and correcting the problem,
transmit the print job again.
The following is a list of data errors. These errors occur because
data in the format, batch, check digit, font, or graphic packet is
invalid.

8-6 Diagnostics and Errors

Error
Code

Description

001

Packet ID number must be 1 to 999.

002

Name must be 1 to 8 characters inside quotes or a
printer-assigned name ("").

003

Action must be A (add) or C (clear).

004

Supply length is invalid. See "Defining the Format
Header" in Chapter 3 for valid lengths.

005

Supply width is invalid. See "Defining the Format
Header" in Chapter 3 for valid widths.

006

Storage device must be F (Flash), R (volatile RAM), or
T (temporary for graphics).

007

Unit of measure must be E (English), M (Metric), or G
(Dots). See "Defining the Format Header" in Chapter 3
for information.

010

Field ID number is outside the range 0 to 999 or 0 to 99
depending on your printer.

011

Field length exceeds 2710 or 100 depending on your
printer.

012

Row field position is greater than the maximum stock
dimension. See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for
valid row lengths.

013

Column field position is greater than the maximum stock
dimension. See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for
valid column widths.

014

Font style must be 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, or
50. See "Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 or Appendix
B, "Fonts," for more information.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-7

015

Character rotation must be 0 (0 degree), 1 (90 degree),
2 (180 degree), or 3 (270 degree). See "Defining Text
Fields" in Chapter 3 for information.

016

Field rotation must be 0 (0 degree), 1 (90 degree), 2
(180 degree), or 3 (270 degree). See "Defining Text
Fields" in Chapter 3 for information.

017

Field restriction must be V (variable) or F (fixed).

018

Code page selection defined in the field must be 0
(Internal), 1 (ANSI), 100 (Macintosh), 101 (Wingdings),
102 (UNICODE), 103 (BIG5 for UNICODE), 104
(GB2312 for UNICODE), 105 (SJIS for UNICODE), 106
(GB2312), 107 (BIG5), 437 (DOS Page 437), 850 (DOS
Page 850), 852 (Latin 2), 855 (Russian), 857 (Turkish),
860 (Portuguese), 1250 (Latin 2), 1251 (Cyrillic), 1252
(Latin 1), 1253 (Greek), 1254 (Turkish), 1255 (Hebrew),
1256 (Arabic), 1257 (Baltic), or 1258 (Vietnamese).

020

Vertical magnification must be 1 to 7 or 4 to 255 for the
scalable or downloaded TrueType fonts.

021

Horizontal magnification must be 1 to 7 or 4 to 255 for
the scalable or downloaded TrueType fonts.

022

Color must be A, B, D, E, F, N, O, R, S, T, or W. See
"Defining Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for more information.

023

Intercharacter gap must be 0 to 99 dots.

024

Field justification must be B (balanced), C (centered), E
(end), L (left), or R (right). See "Defining Text Fields" in
Chapter 3 for more information.

025

String length is outside the range 0 to 2710 or 0 to 100
depending on your printer.

030

Bar code height must be at least 19 (English), 48
(Metric), 38 (203 Dots), 57 (300 Dots), or is not within
the supply dimensions.

8-8 Diagnostics and Errors

031

Human readable option must be
0
1
5
6
7
8

default
no CD or NS
NS at bottom, no CD
CD at bottom, no NS
CD and NS at bottom
no text

032

Bar code type is invalid. See "Defining Bar Code
Fields" in Chapter 3 for valid options.

033

Bar code density is invalid. See "Defining Bar Code
Fields" in Chapter 3 for the bar code density chart.

040

Line thickness must be 0 to 99 dots.

041

Line direction must be 0, 90, 180, or 270.

042

End row is invalid. Line segment or box end row is
defined outside of printable area.

043

End column is invalid. Line segment or box end column
is defined outside of printable area.

044

Dot pattern for line or box must be "".

045

Line length is defined beyond the maximum length.
See "Defining Line Fields" in Chapter 3 for valid lengths.

046

Line type must be S (segment) or V (vector).

051

Imaging mode in the graphic header must be 0.

101

The format referenced by batch is not in memory.

102

Print quantity is outside the range 0 to 32000.

104

Batch mode must be N (new) or U (update).

105

Batch separator must be 0 (Off), 1 (On), 2 (Double) in
the batch control field.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-9

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

Cut type is outside the range 0 to 4.

200

Option number must be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 30, 31, 42, 50,
51, 52, 60, or 61.

201

Copy length is outside the range 0 to 2710 or 0 to 100
depending on your printer.

202

Copy start position must be 1 to 2710 or 1 to 100
depending on your printer.

203

Destination start position must be 1 to 2710 or 1 to 100
depending on your printer.

204

Source field must be 0 to 999 or 0 to 99 depending on
your printer.

205

Copy type must be 1 (copy after rules) or 2 (copy
before rules).

206

Increment/Decrement selection must be I (increment) or
D (decrement).

207

Incrementing start position must be 0 to 2710 or 0 to
100 depending on your printer.

208

Incrementing end position must be 0 to 2710 or 0 to 100
depending on your printer.

209

The incrementing amount must be 0 to 999.

210

Security value for a PDF417 bar code must be 0 to 8.
Correct the value and resend the format to the printer.

8-10 Diagnostics and Errors

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.

213

Dimension must be 1 to 30 for a column or 3 to 90 for a
row on a PDF417 bar code.

214

Truncation code must be S (standard) or T (truncated
bar code).

215

Aspect code must be C (columns) or R (rows).

216

Option definition must be S (set) or T (template).

217

Input device device must be D (Default), H (Host), K
(Keyboard), N (None), or S (Scanner).

218

Pad direction must be L (from left) or R (from right).

219

Pad character is outside the range 0 to 255.

220

Check digit selection must be G to generate check digit.

221

Primary or secondary price format is outside the range
1 to 16.

222

Data type restriction is outside the range of 1 to 6.

223

Option is not valid for the field.

224

Bar code Intercharacter gap must be 0 to 99 dots.
(This is also known as the additional character gap
when using Option 50, Defining Bar Code Densities.)

251

Power up mode must be 0 (online) or 1 (offline).

252

Language selection must be 0 (English), 1 (French), 2
(German), 3 (Spanish).

253

Batch separator code must be 0 (off), 1 (on), or 2
(Double) in the System Setup Packet.
Diagnostics and Errors 8-11

254

Slash zero selection must be 0 (standard zero) or 1
(slash zero).

255

Supply type must be 0 (black mark), 1 (die cut), 2
(non-indexed), or 3 (aperture).

256

Ribbon selection must be 0 (direct), 1 (transfer) or 2
(High Energy).

257

Feed mode must be 0 (continuous) or 1 (on-demand).

258

Supply position is outside the range. See "Defining the
Supply Setup Packet" in Chapter 2 for more information.

259

Contrast adjustment must be -390 to 156 dots.

260

Print adjustment must be -99 to 99 dots.

261

Margin adjustment must be -99 to 99 dots.

262

Speed adjustment must be 0 (default), 20 (2.0 ips), 25
(2.5 ips), 40 (4.0 ips), 60 (6.0 ips), 80 (8.0 ips), or 10
(10.0 ips).

263

Primary monetary symbol is invalid. See "Defining the
Monetary Formatting Packet" in Chapter 2 for more
information.

264

Secondary symbol selection must be 0 (none) or 1
(print secondary sign).

265

Monetary decimal places must be 0 to 3.

266

Character string length in the control characters packet
must be 5 (MPCL control characters) or 7 (ENQ/IMD
command character).

267

Baud rate selection must be 0 (1200), 1 (2400), 2
(4800), 3 (9600), 4 (19200), 5 (38400), 6 (57600), or 7
(115200). Resend the communication settings packet
or check the DIP switch settings.

8-12 Diagnostics and Errors

268

Word length selection must be 0 (7 bits), or 1 (8 bits).
Resend the communication settings packet or check the
DIP switch settings.

269

Stop bits selection must be 0 (1 bit), or 1 (2 bits).
Resend the communication settings packet or check the
DIP switch settings.

270

Parity selection must be 0 (none), 1 (odd), or 2 (even).
Resend the communication settings packet or check the
DIP switch settings.

271

Flow control selection must be 0 (none), 1 (DTR), 2
(CTS/RTS), or 3 (XON/XOFF). Resend the
communication settings packet or check the DIP switch
settings.

272

Internal code page selection must be 0 (Internal), 1
(ANSI), 2 (DOS 437), 3 (DOS 850), 4 (1250- Latin 2), 5
(1251- Cyrillic), 6 (1252- Latin 1), 7 (1253- Greek), 8
(1254- Turkish), 9 (1255- Hebrew), 10 (1256- Arabic), 11
(1257- Baltic), 12 (1258- Vietnamese), 13 (852- Latin 2),
14 (855- Russian), 15 (857- IBM Turkish), 16 (860- DOS
Portuguese), 17 (Wingdings), 18 (Macintosh), 19
(UNICODE), 20 (BIG5), 21 (GB), 22 (SJIS to SJIS), 23
(GB to GB), 24 (BIG5 to BIG5), or 25 (KSC to KSC).

273

Cut adjustment must be -300 to 300 dots.

282

RS232 Trailer string is too long. Use a maximum of 3
characters.

283

ENQ Trailer string is too long. Use a maximum of 3
characters.

284

The buffer type must be T (Transmit), R (Receive), I
(Image), F (Format), or D (Downloadable Fonts).

285

The storage device type in the memory configuration
packet must be N (non-volatile RAM) or R (volatile
RAM).

Diagnostics and Errors 8-13

286

The buffer size is invalid.

287

The printhead width must be 0.

288

The battery voltage must be 0 (15-volt battery) or 1
(12-volt battery).

289

The printer address specified in the communication
settings packet must use exactly six characters.

290

Action must be 0 (disable) or 1 (enable) for the
backfeed control packet or the printer is active.

291

Dispense position must be 50 to 200 dots and the
backfeed distance is greater than the dispense position
or the printer is active.

292

Backfeed distance must be 10 to 200 dots or the printer
is active.

310

Check digit scheme number must be 1 to 10.

311

Modulus must be 2 to 11.

314

Check digit algorithm must be D (sum of digits) or P
(sum of products).

325

Duplicating direction must be 0 (insert after) or 1 (insert
before) in duplicate fields for graphics.

327

Amount of row adjustment must be 0 to 999 (0 to 99
depending on your printer) dots in duplicate fields for
graphics.

328

Duplicate count must be 0 to 999 (0 to 99 depending on
your printer).

340

Bitmap line encoding must be H (hex) or R (run length).

350

Font selector must be 1 to 9999.

351

Font data length must be 68 to 16384.

8-14 Diagnostics and Errors

352

Insufficient font memory is available for the downloaded
font.

380

Job request is outside the range 0 to 4.

400

The character immediately following { is invalid.

402

Field separator is not in the expected location.

403

Field separator was not found.

404

The number or string that is currently being processed
is too long.

405

Too many fields exist in the format. You cannot have
more than 1000 (or 100 depending on your printer)
fields in the format. Lines, boxes, and constant text
fields count as fields.

409

The printer memory is full. Delete unnecessary formats
or graphics from memory. If you are using a graphic file
that is very large, consider using another mapping
method (such as run length encoding) to reduce the
required memory.

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). Communication settings:
Baud rate
Word length
Stop bits
Parity
Flow control
410

1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400
7 or 8
1 or 2
Odd, Even, None
None, XON/XOFF, DTR, CTS

Parity on the printer does not match the parity on the
host. Check the parity setting under SETUP options.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-15

411

Framing error. The printer cannot communicate with the
host. Make sure the host is turned on, communication
cables are connected correctly, port settings are correct,
and communications are active. Check the baud rate,
word length, and stop bits to make sure they match those
at the host. Do not toggle between Microsoft® Windows®
and MS-DOS, while using the COPY command, or you
will receive a framing error. Exit Windows before using
the COPY command. Re-transmit the data.

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.

415

The buffer size you defined exceeds the total available
in your machine.

416

Flash/PC board error. Call Technical Support.

417

Flash memory is full. Clear flash through the printer’s
menu. Resend the format, graphic, and check digit
packets. If the error reappears, call Technical Support.

420

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

421

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

422

Duplicate internal name. Call Technical Support.

423

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

424

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

8-16 Diagnostics and Errors

425

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

426

Internal software list error. Call Technical Support.

427

Format name is invalid. Valid name is 1 - 8 characters
inside quotes or "" for a printer-assigned name. Press
ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending on your printer
and try to continue. If the error reappears, call Technical
Support.

428

Batch name is invalid or graphic not found. Press
ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending on your
printer and try to continue. If the error reappears, call
Technical Support.

429

A field number appears more than once in a format.

430

The format uses a graphic file that cannot be found.

433

The batch references a field number that does not exist
in the format.

497

An error occurred during the loop back test on the
parallel port. Call Service.

499

An error occurred during the loop back test on the serial
port. Call Service.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-17

Data Formatting Failures
Formatting errors indicate that a field will print incorrectly. After
you have checked the data stream and corrected the data,
retransmit the format and batch.
For errors 571-622, the batch will still print,
but the field, font, bar code, or density may
be incomplete, missing or contain
incorrect data.
571

UPC or EAN bar code data length is invalid. The bar
code data length in the batch does not fit the format.

572

A copy field, padded field, or incrementing field length
is invalid. The field length in the batch does not fit the
format or the field contains blanks. Or, the fixed length
field does not contain the specified number of
characters.

573

Price field length is invalid. The price field length in the
batch does not fit the format or the field contains blanks.

574

No CD scheme or room for CD. The CD scheme in the
batch does not fit the format or the field contains blanks.

575

The graphic included in your format could not be found.
Resend the graphic packet. If the error persists, call
Technical Support.

600

The printer could not image the batch, because the
batch was refused. Call Technical Support.

601

An error occurred while imaging the batch. Resend the
format, batch, font, and/or any graphic packets. If the
error persists, call Technical Support.

603

The batch was not found while imaging. Resend the
batch packet. If the error persists, call Technical
Support.

8-18 Diagnostics and Errors

611

Font, bar code or density is invalid. The font, bar code
or density in the batch does not fit the format.

612

The data in this line of the batch is either missing or
does not match the format.

613

Reference point off tag.

614

Portion of field off tag. There may be an invalid
character in the packet. Make sure you did not enter O
for Ø.

615

Bar code width is greater than 16 inches or the number
of keywords for your PDF 417 bar code exceeds 928.
Decrease the density or shorten the amount of data to
print the bar code.

616

A bad dot falls on a bar code and the dot cannot be
shifted. A gray box is printed instead of the bar code.
However, 2D bar codes still print on the 9825/9850
printers when bad dots are present within the bar code
field.

618

Magnification must be 1 to 7 or 4 to 255 for the scalable
font.

619

The JIS (16-bit) code for Kanji is invalid.

620

Font and printhead dot density mismatch. A 300 dpi
font is specified in the format, but a 203 dpi printhead is
used in the printer or vice-versa. Check the font or
change the printhead to correct the error.

621

An error occurred opening the TrueType font file. Select
a different font to download. If the error message
persists, call Technical Support.

622

Not enough memory to create the downloaded TrueType
characters in the scalable (vector) fonts buffer.
Reconfigure the printer’s memory and increase the
scalable (vector) fonts buffer. Resend the font, format,
and batch packet after reconfiguring the memory. See
Diagnostics and Errors 8-19

"Reconfiguring Memory" for more information. If the
error message persists, call Technical Support.

Machine Faults
These errors occur when there is a problem with the printer.
703

The printer sensed a calibration of different-sized black
marks. Make sure the correct supply is loaded.

704

Printer has not sensed a supply mark within the
specified number of inches or out of supplies.
Check the
✦

supply tracking

✦

supply marks

✦

black mark sensor position

✦

supply roll for binding.

Press ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending on your
printer. If the error continues to appear, change the
supply.
750

Printhead is overheated. Turn off the printer to let the
printhead cool. If the error persists, call Technical
Support.

751

Printer did not sense a black mark when expected.
For errors 751-753, Check the
✦

supply tracking

✦

supply marks

✦

black mark sensor position

✦

supply roll for binding.

Press ENTER or ESCAPE/CLEAR, depending on your
printer and try to continue printing. If the error
continues to appear, change the supply.
8-20 Diagnostics and Errors

752

Printer sensed a mark in the wrong place.

753

Printer sensed a mark that is too long.

754

Printer has a ribbon problem. Check the ribbon for a
jam or remove any slack by turning the take-up reel
clockwise. Load a new ribbon.

755

Printhead is open. Close the printhead before
continuing. If the error persists, call Technical Support.

756

The printer is out of supplies. Load supplies.

757

Load supplies. The calibrated supply length differs by
plus or minus .25 inches from the format. Press
ESCAPE, FEED/CUT, or the up arrow (9403) to print
on the current supply or load new supply and press
ENTER/PAUSE.

758

Check supply. Either the supply is not seen or the
on-demand sensor is broken. Check for a label jam.
Clear the supply path or reload supplies. This error
may occur if you remove a label too quickly in
on-demand mode. The printer does not recalibrate
after this error.

759

Knife is not moving. Call Technical Support.

760

Knife jam. Call Technical Support.

761

The stacker is full or jammed. Empty the stacker or
clear the jam before continuing. The printer does not
recalibrate after this error.

762

Low battery. Recharge the battery.

763

Waiting to dispense label. Press ENTER or FEED/CUT,
depending on your printer.

764

Verifier failure. Check the verifier by referring to your
verifier’s manual. The printer does not recalibrate after
this error. Call Technical Support.
Diagnostics and Errors 8-21

765

The printhead has less than 8 bad dots (4 dots for
9403/9850 printers). The printer can shift bar code
fields to avoid bad dots. You may need to press
ESCAPE/CLEAR to continue printing. Print a test label
to confirm the number of bad dots.

768

Printhead has more than 30 bad dots (10 dots for
9403/9850 printers) or is not connected. Make sure the
printhead is connected.

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. Turn off the printer.
Wait 15 seconds and turn it back on. Resend the
packets. If the problem continues, call Technical
Support.

792

The printer is not initialized. Call Technical Support.

793

The printer job queue is full. Turn off the printer. Wait
15 seconds and turn it back on. Resend the packets. If
the problem continues, call Technical Support.

850

Invalid script packet or not enough flash memory for the
script. The script download failed. Format flash
memory and download the script using the COPY
command from DOS or the ADK2 software.

851

Invalid lookup table or not enough flash memory for the
script. The lookup table download failed. Check the
data in the lookup table. Format flash memory and
download the script using the COPY command from
DOS or the ADK2 software.

8-22 Diagnostics and Errors

852

Invalid buffer definition packet or not enough flash
memory for the script. One or more of the following
buffers were invalid: input buffer, temporary buffer,
lookup buffer, printer, or array buffer. Check the buffer
definitions. Format flash memory and download the
script using the COPY command from DOS or the ADK2
software.

853

Invalid version string or not enough flash memory for
the script. The version information in the APPVERSION
command is missing or invalid. Make sure the
information is enclosed in double quotation marks.
Format flash memory and download the script using the
COPY command from DOS or the ADK2 software.

854

Invalid table (string and numeric) data or not enough
flash memory for the script. Check the data. Format
flash memory and download the script using the COPY
command from DOS or the ADK2 software.

855

Invalid start/clear command. The script is missing the
start or clear command {S space}.

856

Invalid quit command. The script is missing the quit
command
{Q space}.

857

Illegal command in the script. Your script may include
commands that have been removed from the ADK2
scripting language.

858

Check sum error. Each packet has a four-digit
checksum at the beginning of the packet. Compile the
script again using the ADK2 software.

859

Script download buffer overflow. The image buffer is
used as the SCRATCH buffer. Increase the size of the
image buffer.

900

RAM test failure.

901

ROM/EPROM checksum failure.
Diagnostics and Errors 8-23

902

Software timer failure.

903

Software interrupt failure.

905

Illegal interrupt.

906

Non-maskable interrupt. Check format packet for font
clear or format clear packets.

907

Low RAM error.

908

Non Volatile RAM checksum failure.

909

RAM corrupted.

910

Warm restart.

911

Version string mismatch.

Errors numbered 900-911 occur when you turn on the printer.
They may indicate a circuit board failure. Errors numbered
930-940 are errors that may occur during the loading of flash
memory. Errors numbered 950-999 indicate a circuit board
failure. Call Technical Support if you receive any of these
messages.
When a HARD failure (errors 900-999) occurs on the printer, the
printer displays WARNING or POWER DOWN on the top line of
the keypad display.
If this happens, record the displayed message and turn off the
printer. If the problem reoccurs when you turn the printer on
again, call Technical Support.
If the problem does not reoccur after you turn your printer on
again, reset your printer’s SETUP options. Retransmit your
packets.

8-24 Diagnostics and Errors

Printer
Display

Description

WARNING
RAM Test Failure

RAM check failed on power up. 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.

POWER DOWN
Low System RAM

Not enough RAM for system. Reset your
SETUP options. Transmit your packets
again.

POWER DOWN
Illegal Intr#

Illegal interrupt occurred.

POWER DOWN
NMI Received

Non-maskable interrupt occurred. Reset
your SETUP options. Transmit your
packets again.

POWER DOWN
Low Appl RAM

Not enough RAM for application. Reset
your SETUP options. Transmit your
packets again.

POWER DOWN
NVRAM Sum Fail

RAM checksum test failed. Reset your
SETUP options. Transmit your packets
again.

POWER DOWN
RAM Corrupt

Item storage RAM failed. Reset your
SETUP options. Transmit your packets
again.

Diagnostics and Errors 8-25

8-26 Diagnostics and Errors

9

P R I N T E R O P T I M I Z AT I O N
This chapter provides information on how to improve your printer’s
performance by
N

adjusting the print quality

N

reducing the imaging time for printing

N

providing general tips and hints for designing formats.

This printer uses "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. When a field changes that particular boundary
box is cleared and the new field data is imaged. However, the new
field data may require a larger boundary box than the previous
field did. In some cases, neighboring fields that do not change
may be covered with white space from the changing field’s
boundary box. To prevent existing fields from being covered by a
changing field, see "Option 61 (Reimage Field)" in Chapter 4.
Smart imaging is automatically disabled on formats with
a Data Matrix bar code.

Adjusting the Print Quality
Many factors affect print quality: type of supplies, print speed,
print contrast, and the type of printer’s application. This printer
supports both thermal transfer and thermal direct supplies. The
type of supply should match the printer’s application.
N

If you want to print at high speeds, you should use
premium supplies. Using premium supplies reduces
smudged images, hard to read labels, and faded print.
Supply type, print speed, and print contrast work together
to improve the print quality of labels. Contact your
Monarch Representative for more information.
Printer Optimization 9-1

N

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.

N

If the print quality is too light or too dark, adjust the print
contrast. The correct contrast setting is important because it
effects how well your bar codes scan and how long the
printhead lasts.
Be sure to check the print quality of bar codes with a bar code
verifier or scanner. If you do not have a verifier or scanner,
check the bar code visually. A bar code that is IN SPEC will
have complete bars and clear spaces. Small alphanumeric
characters will look complete. A bar code that is IN SPEC
may not look as good as one that is too dark, but it will have
the highest scan rate.

Dark

IN SPEC

Light

For highest scan rates, make sure there is
adequate white space before and after the
bar code. Also, a darker bar code does not
mean it will scan better.

9-2 Printer Optimization

N

When designing formats, keep in mind the following non-print
zones on the 9403 printer.
Top and Bottom
.035 inches
Left and Right Edges
.10 inches

The following non-print zones are recommended for the 9800
series printers:
All Supplies
All Supplies

.050 inches on either edge of the label.
.020 inches at the end of the label.

If using the optional verifier, allow a minimum no-scan zone at the
top of the label of 1.3" (33 mm) for speeds 6.0 ips or less; 1.8"
(46 mm) for 8.0 ips; and 2.2" (56 mm) for 10.0 ips.

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.
N

If the formats use the same check digit scheme, you only need
to send the check digit scheme once.

N

Send formats once and use the batch update field to change
information on the label. Using a batch update field reduces
the imaging time, because only the fields that change are
imaged. All other fields remain the same as the last queued
batch.

N

Use the batch quantity zero method when your application
requires operator intervention to enter data. While the
operator is entering data, the previous field is sent with a
batch quantity of zero. The printer images the field, but does
not print it. After the operator enters the data for the last field,
the batch quantity can be specified. The last remaining field is
imaged, and the label prints almost immediately.

Printer Optimization 9-3

To pre-image a label:
1. Send the format and a batch header in one file. The first time
you send the batch header, use the parameter N (new batch),
and the parameter 0 for (zero quantity).
Example

{B,1,N,0 p }

The printer images constant text, line, box, and graphic fields, but
does not print them.
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.
{B,1,U,0 p
3,"BROADWAY" p }
{B,1,U,0 p
4,"555 WEST OAK AVE." p }

4. For the last field, input data and send it with the quantity of
labels you want printed. When the printer receives input for
the last field, it immediately prints the labels.
Example

9-4 Printer Optimization

{B,1,U,10 p
5,"DAYTON, OHIO" p }

Increasing Throughput
Reducing the imaging time increases throughput. You can also
increase the baud rate to increase the transmission time and
increase throughput. Make sure the communication settings at
the printer match those at the host. Using a baud rate of 19200 is
almost twice as fast as 9600 baud. Using a baud rate of 38400 is
almost twice as fast as 19200 baud.

General Format Tips and Hints
The following tips and hints are helpful to keep in mind when
designing MPCLII formats.
With Formats
N

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. The optional entry method reduces file size and
increases the speed at which files are sent to the printer.

With Packets
N

Leave parameters blank that you do not need to change when
sending online configuration packets. For example,
{I,A,,,,1 p } prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent
online system setup parameters.

Printer Optimization 9-5

You can group fields with similar parameters. For example
T,1,10,V,250,50,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0 p
T,2,15,,,75 p
T,3,,,,100 p

The first text field sets all the parameters for that field. The
second text field’s number of characters and column location
changes from what was defined in the first field. In the third text
field, only the column location is changed. This method can be
used on bar code and constant text fields as well.
You should understand the basics of each
field before using this method.
After you modify any fields or parameters with the optional entry
method, resend the format, batch, or configuration packet to the
printer.
With Bar Codes
N

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.

With Fields
N

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.

N

Check for trailing spaces in text or constant text fields if you
receive a "field off tag" error. An easy way to see trailing
spaces is to print the field in the reverse font.

N

Make sure if you magnify a field, it does not go off the label or
cover another field. Magnifying a field increases the distance
between the printed character and the edge of the cell.

9-6 Printer Optimization

A

SAMPLES
This appendix contains sample formats. You can customize any of
these formats to meet your needs.

Samples A-1

S a mp l e U P C A Fo rma t Pa cke t
{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 }

A-2 Samples

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, 1, 2, and 3. Contact Monarch for
information about additional MaxiCode modes.
Mode

Description

0

Obsolete

1

Obsolete

2

Structured Message

3

Structured Message

You can select which mode to use in the bar code field or allow
the printer to auto-select the mode (0, 2, or 3) based on your
data. See "Defining a Bar Code Field" for more information.
MaxiCode automatically pads data with the "!" character.
MaxiCode does not support
the NULL character.
Modes 2 and 3 are defined by the way the postal code, class of
service, and country code fields are arranged. (The postal code,
class of service, and country code are required fields.) Begin
with the message header, then the primary data (15 characters),
followed by the secondary message (up to 78 characters). Or,
begin with the primary data, then the message header, followed
by the secondary data. If the postal code data characters are all
numeric then the MaxiCode symbol is set to Mode 2. If the
characters are alphanumeric, or only contain ASCII characters 65
to 90, then the MaxiCode symbol is set to Mode 3.

Samples A-3

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. Use these updated format and batch packets
with the following firmware:
N

9403

1.0 or greater

N

9825

1.0 or greater

N

9850

1.0 or greater

Mode 0 (Obsolete) Sample
{F,1,A,R,E,0600,0400,"MAXICODE" p
B,1,99,V,050,150,33,7,0,8,L,0 p }
{B,1,N,1 p
1,"450660000" p
C,"001" p
C,"840" p
C,"[)~030" p
C,"01~02996" p
C,"1Z12345678~029" p
C,"UPSN~029" p
C,"12345A~029" p
C,"070~029" p
C,"~029" p
C,"1/1~029" p
C,"15~029" p
C,"Y~029" p
C,"60 SADDLEBROOK CT.~029" p
C,"DAYTON~029" p
C,"OH~030" p
C,"~004" p }

A-4 Samples

MaxiCode bar code (33)
Batch header
Postal code- zip code
(This field determines Mode)
Country code
Class of service
Message header
Transportation header
Tracking number
Origin carrier SCAC
UPS shipper number
Julian day of pickup
Shipment ID (empty)
Package count
Weight (lb.)
Address validation
Street address (empty)
City (empty)
State
EOT

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 }

MaxiCode bar-code (33)
Message header
Transportation header
Postal Code
(This field determines Mode)
Country code
Class of service
Tracking number
Origin carrier SCAC
UPS shipper number
Julian day of pickup
Shipment ID (empty)
Package count
Weight (lb.)
Address validation
Street address (empty)
City (empty)
State
EOT

Samples A-5

Mode 3 Sample
{F,1,A,R,E,400,400,"MAXI_M3" 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,"M5E1G45~029" p
C,"124~029" p
C,"066~029" p
C,"1Z12345679~029" 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,"TORONTO~029" p
C,"ON~030" p
C,"~004" p }

A-6 Samples

MaxiCode bar-code (33)
Message header
Transportation header
Postal Code
(This field determines Mode)
Country code
Class of service
Tracking number
Origin carrier SCAC
UPS shipper number
Julian day of pickup
Shipment ID (empty)
Package count
Weight (lb.)
Address validation
Street address (empty)
City (empty)
State
EOT

Sample Data Matrix Packets
Data Matrix (ECC-200) is a two-dimensional bar code which is
made up of square modules arranged within a perimeter finder
pattern. There are 24 square symbol sizes available ranging from
10 rows by 10 columns to 144 rows by 144 columns. There are
six rectangular symbol sizes available ranging from 8 rows by 8
columns to 16 rows by 48 columns. The symbol size is data
dependent. Data Matrix automatically pads data.
The Data Matrix bar code is only available on the 9825 and 9850
printers.
Make sure you do not overlay other fields when designing your
Data Matrix symbol. Smart imaging is automatically disabled on
formats with a Data Matrix bar code. You should also allow a 3 or
4 dot "quiet zone" (blank space around the bar code’s perimeter)
for scanning. See "Defining a Bar Code Field" for more
information.

S q u ar e D ata M a tri x Pa cket
{F,36,A,R,E,400,400,"DTMTRX1" p
B,1,50,V,50,100,35,0,100,8,L,0 p }
{B,36,N,1 p
1,"1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST" p }

This example prints a one-inch wide by one-inch tall (100) square
Data Matrix symbol using the default density (0) without any field
rotation (0).

Re ctangular Data Matrix Packet
{F,36,A,R,E,400,400,"DTMTRX2" p
B,1,400,V,100,200,35,29,50,8,L,1 p }
{B,36,N,1 p
1,"1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST" p }

Samples A-7

This example prints a one-inch by a half-inch tall (50) rectangular
16 rows by 36 columns (density 29) Data Matrix symbol rotated
90 (1).

S a mp l e Q u i ck Res p o n se Pa cke t s
Quick Response (QR Code) is a two-dimensional bar code, which
is made up of square modules arranged in an overall square
pattern. A unique finder pattern is located at three corners of the
symbol. Four levels of error correction are available, along with a
wide range of symbol sizes. The 9850 and 9825 printers support
both models of QR Code:
N

Model 1 is the original specification.

N

Model 2 is an enhanced form that includes additional features.

The maximum number of characters depends on the type of
characters entered for the batch data and differs for the two
models of QR Code.
Data Type

Model1

Model2

Numeric data

1167

2710

Alphanumeric data

707

2710

8-Bit data

486

2710

Kanji data

299

1817

QR Code can accommodate Japanese Kana and Kanji characters
and has a variety of applications, including marking spark plugs,
radiators, printed circuit boards, and test tubes. Refer to the AIM
International Symbology Specification for more details about data
requirements.

A-8 Samples

Entering Batch Data for QR Code
QR Code requires certain parameters at the beginning of all batch
data.
Syntax
error_cor

"error_cor mask# data_input, char"
Level of error correction. Some damaged bar codes may still
be scannable if the error correction is high enough. Options:
H
Ultra high reliability level
Q
High reliability level
M
Standard level
L
High density level
NOTE: As you increase the error correction level, the
maximum number of characters (in the field)
decreases.

mask#

Mask number. Undefined. Leave blank or use 0.

data_input

Type of data input. Options:
A
Automatic
M
Manual

char

Type of characters. Options:
A
Alphanumeric
B
Binary
K
Kanji
N
Numeric
NOTE: In binary mode, the number of characters must be
represented by the 4-digit number in decimal.

Example

1,"HM,N0123456789012345" p }

Defines the following batch data for the QR Code: The error
correction level is H, which provides very high reliability. Leave
the mask number blank. The data input mode is Manual. The
type of characters are Numeric and the data is
0123456789012345.

Samples A-9

QR Code Packet
{F,1,A,R,E,200,200,"QRCODE" p
B,1,200,V,50,50,36,0,100,2,B,0 p }
{B,1,N,1 p
1,"HM,N0123456789012345" p }

Structured Append Mode
QR Code offers a mode called structured append (or
concatenated) that allows you to collect data from multiple QR
Code symbols and use that data elsewhere. For example, the
components of a sub-assembly can have individual QR Codes
and the QR Code for the entire assembly contains all the data
from the individual codes. This mode also requires certain
parameters at the beginning of all batch data.
Syntax

"mode_id code# #of_div parity, error_cor
mask# data_input char"

mode_id

Mode identifier. Use D to indicate the structured append (or
concatenated) mode.

code#

Code number of the individual symbol in the concatenated set.
You must use a two-digit number in decimal.

#of_div

Total number of symbols in this concatenated set. You must
use a two-digit number in decimal.

parity

Parity byte. You must use a two-digit number in hexadecimal.
There is no standard parity byte.

error_cor

Level of error correction. Some damaged bar codes may still
be scannable if the error correction is high enough. Options:
H
Ultra high reliability level
Q
High reliability level
M
Standard level
L
High density level
NOTE: As you increase the error correction level, the
maximum number of characters (in the field)
decreases.

mask#

A-10 Samples

Mask number. Undefined. Leave blank or use 0.

data_input

Type of data input. Options:
A
Automatic
M
Manual

char

Type of characters. Options:
A
Alphanumeric
B
Binary
K
Kanji
N
Numeric
NOTE: In binary mode, the number of characters must be
represented by the 4-digit number in decimal.

Example

1,"D0205E9,Q0A," p
C,"B006qrcode," p }

Defines the structured append mode (D) for QR Code. This is
symbol (02) of a concatenated set containing (05) symbols. The
parity byte is E9. The error correction level is Q, which provides
a high reliability. Use 0 for the mask number. The data input
mode is Automatic. The type of characters are binary (B) and
there will be six (06) data characters (qrcode).

Structured Append QR Code Packet
{F,2,A,R,E,200,200,"QRCODE2" p
B,1,200,V,50,50,36,0,100,2,B,0 p }
{B,2,N,1 p
1,"D0202E9,Q0A" p
C,"0123456789ABCD+__âôû~129~064~159~252~224~064" p }

Samples A-11

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,391,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"APPOINTMENT NUMBER:",0 p
C,358,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"ORDER TYPE:",0 p
C,327,250,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"ITEM:",0 p
C,190,8,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"UPC SHIPPING CONTAINER CODE",0 p
C,557,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MONARCH",0 p
C,547,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"170 MONARCH LANE",0 p
C,537,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"P.O. BOX 608",0 p
C,527,6,0,2,1,1,B,L,0,0,"DAYTON, OHIO 45401",0 p
C,462,313,0,2,4,3,B,L,0,0,"#",0 p
T,1,15,V,529,220,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,2,15,V,511,220,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
B,3,13,V,311,28,8,4,50,8,L,0 p
B,4,14,V,17,60,50,5,130,8,L,0 p
T,5,30,V,161,080,0,3,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,6,15,V,467,40,4,1,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,7,10,V,462,330,6,2,4,3,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,8,20,V,549,124,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,9,30,V,446,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,10,30,V,426,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,11,30,V,406,40,4,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,12,20,V,368,255,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,13,5,V,335,270,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,14,15,V,304,270,0,2,3,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
T,15,15,V,366,65,0,2,2,2,B,L,0,0,0 p
R,1,"(420) " p
T,16,27,V,270,10,0,3,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
T,17,27,V,240,10,0,3,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
R,1,"WELCOMES GUEST # " p
T,18,27,V,210,10,0,3,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p }

A-12 Samples

Sample Batch Packet
{B,1,N,1 p
1,"1234567890" p
2,"0987654321" p
3,"~20142032678" 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." p
10,"DAYTON, OH 45401-0608" p
11,"" p
12,"08292 123456-123" p
13,"AR" p
14,"999-999999-99" p
15,"32678" p
16,"WYSIWYG" p
17,"99999" p
18,"TO A PRODUCT DEMO" p }

Samples A-13

A-14 Samples

Sample Format Packet
{F,5,A,R,G,576,768,"1HDREC1" p
L,S,19,39,499,39,38,"" p
L,S,19,93,499,93,15,"" p
L,S,19,124,499,124,15,"" p
L,S,19,155,499,155,38,"" p
C,461,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"PO NUMBER
",1 p
C,426,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"STORE
" p
C,391,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"CTNS SHOPPED" p
C,357,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"CTNS RECVD " p
C,320,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"CARRIER
" p
C,259,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"FRT BILL # " p
C,196,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"FRT TERMS
" p
C,159,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"KEYREC#
" p
C,125,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"FRT CLAIM # " p
C,090,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"RECVD BY
" p
C,056,232,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"DATE RECVD " p
C,461,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,426,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,391,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,357,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,320,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,259,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,196,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,159,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,125,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,090,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
C,056,445,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,":" p
T,01,08,V,461,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,02,08,V,426,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,03,08,V,391,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,04,08,V,357,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,05,18,V,290,289,0,1,1,1,B,R,0,0 p
T,06,12,V,230,395,0,1,1,1,B,R,0,0 p
T,07,08,V,196,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,08,08,V,159,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,09,08,V,125,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,10,08,V,090,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,11,08,V,056,458,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0 p
T,12,11,V,259,762,0,1,2,2,B,B,0,1 p
R,1,"*_________*" p
B,13,09,V,259,720,4,4,145,8,B,1 p
R,4,12,2,9,1,1 p
R,50,3,8 p }

Samples A-15

Sample Zero 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 }

A-16 Samples

Sample Data Entr y Format Packet
This packet for the 9403, 9835, or 9840 printers use Options 5
(Data Entry Sources) and 20 (Data Entry Prompts). After the
printer receives the format packet, the operator can go into Batch
Entry Mode at the printer and enter the batch data.
{F,1,A,R,E,300,200,"TEXTILES" p
T,1,10,V,250,50,0,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 p
R,20,"PART NUMBER:" p
R,5,K p
B,2,12,V,150,40,1,2,80,7,L,0 p
R,20,"UPC NUMBER:" p
R,5,K p
D,3,20 p
R,20,"FIBER#1:" p
R,5,K p
D,4,3 p
R,20,"PERCENTAGE:" p
R,5,K p
T,5,30,V,80,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 p
R,1,"
%
" p
R,4,3,1,20,5,1 p
R,4,4,1,3,1,1 p
R,5,N p
D,6,20 p
R,20,"FIBER #2:" p
R,5,K p
D,7,3 p
R,20,"PERCENTAGE:" p
R,5,K p
T,8,30,V,65,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 p
R,1,"
%
" p
R,4,6,1,20,5,1 p
R,4,7,1,3,1,1 p
R,5,N p
C,30,10,0,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MADE IN USA",0 p
L,S,110,30,110,150,10," " p
Q,240,30,270,150,3," " p }

Depending on the operator-entered batch data, a label similar to
this one prints.

Samples A-17

A-18 Samples

B

FONTS
Monarch® printers support two types of fonts: Bitmapped
(traditional printer fonts such as Standard and Reduced) and
Scalable/TrueType (Font 50). This appendix gives a brief overview
of each type of font and how your printer interprets fonts. It also
shows examples of the fonts loaded in your printer.
Number

Font Size and
Appearance

Type of Spacing

# of Dots Between
Characters

1

Standard

Monospaced

3 (203 dpi) 5 (300 dpi)

2

Reduced

Monospaced

1 (203 dpi) 2 (300 dpi)

3

Bold

Monospaced

3 (203 dpi) 5 (300 dpi)

4

OCRA-like

Monospaced

3 (203 dpi) 5 (300 dpi)

5*

HR1

Monospaced

2 (203 dpi) 3 (300 dpi)

6

HR2

Monospaced

1 (203 dpi) 2 (300 dpi)

10

CG Triumvirate Bold
(9 pt. at 203 DPI)
(8 pt. at 300 DPI)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

11

CG Triumvirate (6 pt.)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

15

7 pt. CG Triumvirate

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

16

9 pt. CG Triumvirate

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

17

11 pt. CG Triumvirate

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

18

15 pt. CG Triumvirate

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

50

EFF Swiss Bold

Scalable

varies w/ each letter

70

Paxar (15 pt.)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

71

Paxar (18 pt.)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

72

NAFTA (15 pt.)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

73

NAFTA (18 pt.)

Proportional

varies w/ each letter

* Fonts 5 and 6 are for numeric data only. The 9403 printer supports only fonts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 10, and 11. The CG Triumvirate fonts support only ANSI and DOS Code Page 437 and
850 Symbol Sets. The scalable font does not support Code Page 1256 (Arabic).
The Euro-dollar symbol at position ~192 is only available in the Standard, Reduced,
and Bold fonts.

Fonts B-1

These samples were printed using the Internal Symbol set.

B-2 Fonts

Standard Font

Reduced Font

Bold Font

OCRA-like Font

These samples were printed using Code Page 437.
CG Triumvirate Bold Font

CG Triumvirate Font

CG Triumvirate Font (9pt.)

Fonts B-3

EFF Swiss Bold Font

Paxar Font 70 and Font 71 Characters
32

34

35

36

37

38

39

!



#

$

%

&

$

(

)

*

+

,

-

.

/

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

=

>

?

@

;

<

9

:

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

40
48
56

64
72
80

B-4 Fonts

33
41

49
57

65
73
81

42

50
58

66

74
82

43

51
59

67

75
83

44

52
60

68

76
84

45

53
61

69

77
85

46

54
62

70

78
86

47

55
63

71

79
87

N A F TA F o n t 7 2 a n d F o n t 7 3 C h a r a c t e r s
32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39













n

	












































"

#

$

%

&

'

(

)

*

+

,

-

.

/

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

:

;

<

=

>

?

@



$

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

I

J

K

L

M

40
48
56

64
72
80
88
96

104

H

41
49
57
65
73
81
89
97

105

42

50
58
66

74
82
90
98

106

43

51
59

67

75
83
91
99

107

44

52
60

68

76
84
92

100

108

45

53
61

69

77
85
93

101

109

46

54
62

70

78
86
94

102

47

55
63

!
71

79
87
95

103

Bitmap Font Information
The Monarch bitmap fonts are either monospaced (fixed width) or
proportional (variable width). Use monospaced fonts for price
fields and data you want to list in a column. With proportionally
spaced fonts, you may be able to place more characters on a line.
However, you may need to experiment with these fonts and adjust
field measurements in your format. The bitmapped fonts (either
monospaced or proportional) appear jagged when magnified.

Fonts B-5

Monospaced Font Magnification
Monospaced characters occupy the same amount of space within
a magnification. Use monospaced fonts for price fields and data
you want to list in a column. 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.
This table includes the default (3 dots for Standard, 1 dot for
Reduced, 3 dots for Bold) spacing.

Using 203 DPI
Width Mag.
Units
1x

7x

1/100 in.
1/10 mm
Dots
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
Dots

Standard
Character
Width
Sample
8.37
21.26
!
17
49.75
126.37
'
101

Reduced
Character
Width
Sample
3.9
9.9
(
8
24.63
62.56
.
50

Bold
Character
Width
Sample
13.3
33.78
27
84.24
214
171

/

5

Using 300 DPI
Width Mag.
Units
1x

7x

1/100 in.
1/10 mm
Dots
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
Dots

Standard

Reduced

Character
Width
Sample
8.7
22
26
!
50.7
128.7
'
152

Character
Width
Sample
4
10.2
(
12
25
63.5
.
75

Bold
Character
Width
Sample
13.7
34.7
41
85.7
217.6
257

/

5

Only the 1x width can be scanned with the OCRA-like font. Using
a printhead with 203 dpi, the character widths are as follows: 7.9
(English), 20.1 (Metric), and 16 (Dots).

B-6 Fonts

To calculate other font widths, multiply the font dots (14 dots for
Standard, 7 dots for Reduced, 24 dots for Bold) by the
magnification and add the default spacing (3 dots for Standard, 1
dot for Reduced, 3 dots for Bold) between characters.
Example
14 (Standard font dots) x 5 (magnification) = 70 + 3 (default
spacing between characters). There are 73 dots in the Standard
font at 5x.
203 DPI Height Magnification
1x

7x

1/100 in.

10.8

K

75.9

1/10 mm

27.4

192.8

dots

22

154

Reduced

n

t

Standard

Q

1/100 in.

6.9

48.28

1/10 mm

17.5

122.6

dots

14

98

Fonts B-7

u {

Bold
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

16.7

117.24

42.4

297.8

34

238

OCRA-like (1x only)
1/100 in.

11.8

1/10 mm

30

dots

24

|

300 DPI Height Magnification

Standard

B-8 Fonts

1x

7x

K

Q

1/100 in.

11

77

1/10 mm

28

195.6

dots

33

231

Reduced
1/100 in.

n
7

49

1/10 mm

17.8

124.5

dots

21

147

t

300 DPI Height Magnification

u {

Bold
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

18.7

130.7

47.4

332

56

392

OCRA-like (1x only)
1/100 in.

12

1/10 mm

30.5

dots

36

|

Fonts B-9

Proportional Font Magnification
Each character in a proportionally spaced font is a different width.
You may be able to place more characters on a line using
proportionally spaced fonts. You may want to experiment with
these fonts and adjust field measurements in your format as
needed. The following tables provide height and width
magnification of sample characters.

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e B o l d ( 9 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1.48

6.4

10.8

1/10 mm

3.76

16.26

27.4

Dots
1/100 in.

3
10.3

1/10 mm

26.2

203 Dots

21

6

13
44.8

22
75.9

=

114

<

91

D

192.8

C

154

J

To calculate other font widths, multiply the font dots (3 dots for
Minimum, 13 dots for Average, 22 dots for Maximum) by the
magnification.
Example
13 (Average font dots) x 5 (magnification) = 65 dots in an average
letter of the CG Triumvirate Bold font at 5x.

Height Magnification 203 DPI

CG Triumvirate Bold
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

B-10 Fonts

1x

7x

`

f

8.87
22.5
18

56
158
126

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e B o l d ( 9 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1.5

8

11

1/10 mm

3.8

20.3

28

Dots

4.5

1/100 in.

10.5

56

77

1/10 mm

26.7

142.2

195.6

203 Dots

31.5

6

=

24

<

168

D

33

C

231

J

Height Magnification 300 DPI

CG Triumvirate Bold
1/100 in.

1x

7x

`

f

27

189

9

1/10 mm

63

22.9

dots

160.2

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 6 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

.99

2.96

5.9

1/10 mm

2.51

7.52

15

Dots

2

1/100 in.

6.9

20.7

41.4

1/10 mm

17.5

52.6

105.2

Dots

14

6

<

6

42

R

X

12

84

Y

_

Fonts B-11

Height Maginfication 203 DPI

1/100 in.

g

5.9

m

1/10 mm

14.99

105.1

dots

12

84

CG Triumvirate

41.38

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 6 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1

3

6

1/10 mm

2.54

7.62

15.2

Dots

3

1/100 in.

7

21

42

1/10 mm

17.8

53.3

106.7

Dots

21

6

<

9

63

18

R

X

Height Maginfication 203 DPI

1/100 in.

g

6.7

m

1/10 mm

16.9

118.5

dots

20

140

CG Triumvirate

B-12 Fonts

46.7

126

Y

_

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 7 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

.99

2.96

5.9

1/10 mm

2.51

7.52

15

Dots

2

6

12

1/100 in.

6.9

20.7

41.4

1/10 mm

17.5

52.6

105.2

Dots

14

42

84

Height Magnification 203 DPI
1x

7x

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.

8.87

56

1/10 mm

22.5

158

dots

18

126

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 7 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1

3

7.3

1/10 mm

2.54

7.62

18.6

Dots

3

9

22

1/100 in.

9

21

51.3

1/10 mm

22.9

53.3

130.4

Dots

27

63

154

Fonts B-13

Height Magnification 300 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

1x

7x

9
22.9
27

63
160.2
189

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 9 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

1/100 in.

.99

2.96

5.9

1/10 mm

2.51

7.52

15

Dots
1/100 in.

2
6.9

6
20.7

12
41.4

1/10 mm

17.5

52.6

105.2

Dots

14

42

84

Height Magnification 203 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

B-14 Fonts

Maximum

1x

7x

8.87
22.5
18

68
172.7
138

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 9 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1.3

4.7

9.6

1/10 mm

3.4

11.8

24.5

Dots
1/100 in.

4
9.3

14
32.7

29
67.7

1/10 mm

23.7

83

171.8

Dots

28

98

203

Height Magnification 300 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

1x

7x

10.7
27.1
32

74.7
189.6
224

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 1 1 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

.99

2.96

5.9

1/10 mm

2.51

7.52

15

Dots
1/100 in.

2
6.9

6
20.7

12
41.4

1/10 mm

17.5

52.6

105.2

Dots

14

42

84

Fonts B-15

Height Magnification 203 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

1x

7x

8.87
22.5
18

68
172.7
138

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 1 1 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

1.7

5.3

10.7

1/10 mm

4.2

13.5

27.1

Dots
1/100 in.

5
11.7

16
37.3

32
74.7

1/10 mm

29.6

94.8

189.6

Dots

35

112

224

Height Magnification 300 DPI

B-16 Fonts

1x

7x

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm

11.7
29.6

81.7
207.4

dots

35

245

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 1 5 p t . ) 2 0 3 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

.99

2.96

5.9

1/10 mm

2.51

7.52

15

Dots
1/100 in.

2
6.9

6
20.7

12
41.4

1/10 mm

17.5

52.6

105.2

Dots

14

42

84

Height Magnification 203 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

1x

7x

8.87
22.5
18

68
172.7
138

Fonts B-17

C G Tr i u m v i r a t e ( 1 5 p t . ) 3 0 0 D P I
Width Mag.
1x

7x

Minimum

Average

Maximum

1/100 in.

2

7.6

15.7

1/10 mm

5.1

19.4

39.8

Dots
1/100 in.

6
14

23
53.7

47
47

1/10 mm

35.5

136.3

119.4

Dots

42

161

141

Height Magnification 300 DPI

CG Triumvirate
1/100 in.
1/10 mm
dots

B-18 Fonts

1x

7x

17.7
44.8
53

8123.7
314.1
371

S c a l a b l e / Tr u e Ty p e ® F o n t I n f o r m a t i o n
The scalable font characters print smoothly, without the jagged
edges you may see when bitmapped fonts are magnified.
Scalable/TrueType fonts are proportionally spaced (field width
varies with each letter).

Format Considerations
When defining formats with scalable/TrueType fonts, keep the
following in mind:
N

While field rotation can be set to any value (0-3), character
rotation must be set to 0.

N

The slashed zero is not available.

N

The minimum point size for all scalable/TrueType fonts is 4.

N

The maximum point size for Font 50- EFF Swiss Bold and
downloadable TrueType fonts is 255.

N

Field color (O-transparent overlay) allows closer field
placement (fields can overlap) without the loss of data.

N

To use large point sizes (greater than 60), you must
reconfigure memory and increase the size of the scalable
(vector) fonts buffer.

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. If height and width magnification are not set to the same
point size, the printed characters look tall and thin or short and
thick, which allows for greater flexibility in the appearance of the
font.
The scalable font (font 50) is not available on
the 9403 printer.

Fonts B-19

The 72 point CG Triumvirate Bold sample shows the one inch cell
size.
6pt

Sample

10pt

Sample

24pt Sample

48pt
72pt

B-20 Fonts

Sample

Sample

1"

D o w n l o a d i n g Tr u e Ty p e F o n t s ( 9 8 2 5 / 9 8 5 0 )
The printers can also accept downloaded TrueType fonts. The
MONARCH® MPCL Toolbox (Font Utility) is available on our
Web site and converts TrueType fonts to Hex or Run-Length
encoding for the printer. Previously, the printers could accept a
TrueType bitmap font that was converted to a bitmapped file using
the Font Utility. However, you were limited to a particular
character set and specific point size.
When downloading a TrueType font, you download the entire font.
You cannot specify a subset (particular characters or point size)
of the font. This allows you to print a variety of Code Pages with
International (Turkish, Latin, Spanish, etc.) characters. TrueType
fonts are designed to be regionally specific; therefore, all code
pages may not be supported in a given font.
These font files are large and may image slower than bitmap
fonts. The size of the font file, in bytes, is the minimum amount
of memory you must have available for fonts in the printer’s
downloadable fonts buffer.
You may need to reconfigure the printer’s memory to use
downloaded TrueType fonts. After reconfiguring memory, resend
the font, format, and batch packets. See "Defining the Memory
Configuration Packet" in Chapter 2 for more information. Also,
Chapter 2 lists some special considerations when defining
memory for downloaded TrueType fonts.

Fonts B-21

U s i n g A s i a n ( D o u b l e - B y t e ) Tr u e Ty p e F o n t s
Previously, Monarch printers supported downloadable fonts, but
with limited code pages. Characters are represented by character
code pages. These fonts are designed to be regionally specific;
therefore, all code pages may not be supported in a given font.
For example, using Code Page 1252 (Latin 1), index 192
(represented as ~192 in an MPCL batch packet) prints this
character, À. The 9850 printer previously supported single-byte
character sets, which provided 255 different characters.
However, the 9850 printer now supports printing double-byte
character sets, which provide over 65,000 characters.
Double-byte character sets are typically used in Asian (Far East)
countries. Code pages, such as 932 (Japanese Shift JIS) are
available. Each code page contains several thousand characters.
To access these characters in an MPCL batch packet, you need to
pick a specific code page and a specific type of font encoding.
One standard font encoding is Unicode. Unicode is a double-byte
(16-bit) encoding that includes many characters used throughout
the world. Each Unicode index refers to a particular character,
just like the index in a code page. Other double-byte font
encodings exist for specific characters, such as BIG5 (Traditional
Chinese), GB2312 (Simplified Chinese) and SJIS (Japanese
Shift-JIS).

Double-Byte Bitmap Fonts
Double-byte bitmap fonts, like single-byte bitmap fonts, are
smaller and may image faster than TrueType fonts. When you
create a double-byte bitmap font, you must specify a particular
point size and code page. The batch data character mapping
must match the code page of the font. For example, a BIG5
bitmap font must use BIG5 batch data.

B-22 Fonts

D o u b l e - B y t e Tr u e Ty p e F o n t s
Asian TrueType font files are large and may image slower than
bitmap fonts. The size of the font file, in bytes, is the minimum
amount of memory you must have available for fonts in the
printer’s downloadable fonts buffer. Due to the size of these files,
you must store these fonts in the optional 8-Meg SIMM board.

Character Mapping Overview
The printer can accept TrueType fonts in UNICODE, BIG5,
GB2312, SJIS, or KSC5601 character mapping. Based on your
data and code page selection, the printer determines the type of
encoding (UNICODE, BIG5, GB2312, SJIS, or KSC5601) to use.

Character Mapping

Code Page
use in text or constant text fields

Batch Data*

TrueType Font
Encoding

UNICODE

BIG5

102

UNICODE

SJIS

102

UNICODE

KSC5601

102

UNICODE

GB2312

102

UNICODE

UNICODE

102

BIG5

UNICODE

103

GB2312

UNICODE

104

SJIS

SJIS

105 Code Page 932 (Japanese Shift-JIS)

GB2312

GB2312

106 Code Page 936 (Simplified Chinese)

BIG5

BIG5

107 - Code Page 950 (Traditional Chinese)

* Characters in batch data must be entered based on their UNICODE, BIG5, etc. ID.

Fonts B-23

Sample Asian (Double-Byte) Font Format and Batch
{F,3,A,R,E,140,400,"EXAMPLE" p
T,1,40,V,50,0,0,1003,48,48,B,L,0,0,103 p }
{B,3,U,1 p
1,"~177~065~177~066~177~067" p }
This example prints these three characters with BIG5 batch data
of ~177~065, ~177~066, and ~177~067. Refer to
www.microsoft.com for a listing of the characters in each code
page. For example, search on a particular code page, such as
"codepage 936" and view the characters for that code page.

L i c e n s i n g Yo u r F o n t s
Monarch provides you with tools to create and download
double-byte/TrueType fonts. However, it is your responsibility to
license the fonts you purchase and download to your Monarch®
printer. Contact your font supplier for licensing information.
Additional fonts that are compatible with the 9850 printer can be
purchased from:
The Electronic Font Foundry
11 Silwood Road
Ascot
SL5 OPY
England
(0)1344 875 201
www.eff.co.uk

B-24 Fonts

Korean, Chinese, and Japanese fonts can be purchased from:
Dynalab Inc.
2055 Gateway Place
Suite 400
San Jose, CA 95110
408-490-4224
www.dynalab.com

Using Font Numbers in Formats
Use the following font numbers in your format when designating
new fonts.
1 - 49

Resident fonts (bitmapped only)

50 - 99

Resident fonts (scalable only)

100 - 499

Customer-generated RAM fonts (bitmapped)

500 - 999

Monarch’s optional ROM fonts (bitmapped
and scalable)

1000 - 8999

Monarch’s optional RAM fonts (bitmapped)

9000 - 9999

Monarch’s optional RAM fonts (scalable only)
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.

Fonts B-25

L ocating the Font Number in a Font Packet
If you are creating font packets, the font number is the second
parameter in the packet. Software is available to create the font
data and packet. Call Technical Support for more information.
Example

{W,200,A,N,68 p
font data p
font data p }

Font Number

Use this number in T8 or in C5. See "Defining Text Fields" or
"Defining Constant Text Fields" in Chapter 3 for more information.
Example

Font Number
T,1,10,V,30,10,0,200,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 p
C,50,30,0,200,1,1,B,L,0,0,"MONARCH",0 p
Font Number

Defines a text and constant text field using the downloaded
(#200) font.

B-26 Fonts

S Y M B O L S E T S / C O D E PA G E S

C

This appendix contains a listing of the symbol sets, code pages,
and extended character sets the printers support.
Use the charts in this appendix to convert dot sequences from the
image dot pattern to codes you can use in the fields. Use the
Binary to Hex Conversion Chart to convert Binary dot sequences
to Hexadecimal numbers for bitmap files. Use the Dot to Run
Length Encoding Chart to convert dot sequences to alphabetic
characters for bitmap files.

Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages
The printers support these symbol sets and code pages: Internal,
ANSI, Bold, OCRA Character Set, DOS Code Page 437 and 850.
Additional Code Pages are supported with downloaded TrueType
or Double-byte fonts.
The printer defaults to the internal symbol set. See "Defining the
System Setup Packet" in Chapter 2 to change the symbol set.
The CG Triumvirate fonts support only the ANSI and DOS Code
Page 437 and 850 Symbol Sets. These fonts print a slashed zero
when using the ANSI symbol set. However, the scalable font does
not print a slashed zero or support Code Page 1256 (Arabic).
Internal

Use this symbol set to print international monetary
symbols, the trademark () symbol, and for
formats that may be used on other MPCLII
printers.

ANSI

Use this symbol set with proportionally spaced
fonts.

DOS Code
Pages 437 or 850

Use this symbol set for extended and international
characters with proportionally spaced fonts.

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-1

Using Code 128 Function Codes
This table lists the characters for Bar Code 128 function codes.
These functions are used with scanners.
Code

Function Code

~201

F1

~202

F2

~203

F3

~204

F4

Entering Extended Characters
When using extended characters in your batch data file, type a
tilde in front of the three-digit code. For example, if you want to
include the character Ä in a text field using the Internal Symbol
Set, type:
1,"~142" p

U si n g I n t e rn a t i o n al C h ar ac t er S ets / C o d e Pa g es
Code pages 100, 101, 852-860, and 1250-1258 may only be used
with downloaded TrueType fonts. TrueType fonts are designed to
be regionally specific; therefore, all code pages may not be
supported in a given font. Font 50 does not support Code Pages
101 (Wingdings), 1255 (Hebrew), 1256 (Arabic), or 1258
(Vietnamese). For example, to print Hebrew characters, you need
to find a font (such as Arial) that supports Hebrew characters;
convert, and then download the font to your printer. Make sure
the correct Code Page for Hebrew characters is selected. The
character sets (100 and greater) were printed using Arial or a
similar downloaded TrueType font. 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-2 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

The Euro-dollar symbol at position ~192 is only available in the
Standard, Reduced, and Bold fonts.
Additional code pages (932, 936, and 950) are available when
using downloaded Asian double-byte TrueType fonts. Each of
these Asian code pages contain thousands of characters, which
are not represented in this manual.

Internal Symbol Set

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-3

ANSI Symbol Set

Bold Character Set

C-4 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

OCRA Character Set

Code Page 100 (Macintosh)

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-5

Code Page 101 (Wingdings)

Code Page 437 (L atin U.S.)

C-6 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Code Page 850 (L atin 1)

Code Page 852 (L atin 2)

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-7

Code Page 855 (Russian)

C o d e P a g e 8 5 7 ( I B M Tu r k i s h )

C-8 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese)

Code Page 1250 (L atin 2)

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-9

Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic)

Code Page 1252 (L atin 1)

C-10 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Code Page 1253 (Greek)

C o d e P a g e 1 2 5 4 ( Tu r k i s h )

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-11

Code Page 1255 (Hebrew)

Code Page 1256 (Arabic)

C-12 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Code Page 1257 (Baltic)

Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese)

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-13

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.

Hex

Decimal

NUL

00

0

DC2

12

18

SOH

01

1

DC3

13

19

STX

02

2

DC4

14

20

ETX

03

3

NAK

15

21

EOT

04

4

SYN

16

22

ENQ

05

5

ETB

17

23

ACK

06

6

CAN

18

24

BEL

07

7

EM

19

25

Backspace

08

8

SUB

1A

26

Tab

09

9

Escape

1B

27

linefeed

0A

10

cursor right

1C

28

home

0B

11

cursor left

1D

29

form feed

0C

12

cursor up

1E

30

carriage
return

0D

13

cursor down

1F

31

SO

0E

14

space

20

32

SI

0F

15

!

21

33

DLE

10

16

"

22

34

DC1

11

17

#

23

35

C-14 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued)
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

.

2E

46

E

45

69

/

2F

47

F

46

70

0

30

48

G

47

71

1

31

49

H

48

72

2

32

50

I

49

73

3

33

51

J

4A

74

4

34

52

K

4B

75

5

35

53

L

4C

76

6

36

54

M

4D

77

7

37

55

N

4E

78

8

38

56

O

4F

79

9

39

57

P

50

80

:

3A

58

Q

51

81

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-15

ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued)
Char.

Hex

Decimal

Char.

Hex

Decimal

R

52

82

i

69

105

S

53

83

j

6A

106

T

54

84

k

6B

107

U

55

85

l

6C

108

V

56

86

m

6D

109

W

57

87

n

6E

110

X

58

88

o

6F

111

Y

59

89

p

70

112

Z

5A

90

q

71

113

[

5B

91

r

72

114

\

5C

92

s

73

115

]

5D

93

t

74

116

^

5E

94

u

75

117

_

5F

95

v

76

118

‘

60

96

w

77

119

a

61

97

x

78

120

b

62

98

y

79

121

c

63

99

z

7A

122

d

64

100

{

7B

123

e

65

101

p

7C

124

f

66

102

}

7D

125

g

67

103

~

7E

126

h

68

104

delete

7F

127

C-16 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Binar y to Hex Conversion Chart
Binary

Hex

Binary

Hex

00000000
00000001
00000010
00000011
00000100
00000101
00000110
00000111
00001000
00001001
00001010
00001011
00001100
00001101
00001110
00001111
00010000
00010001
00010010
00010011
00010100
00010101
00010110
00010111
00011000
00011001
00011010
00011011
00011100
00011101
00011110
00011111

00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F

00100000
00100001
00100010
00100011
00100100
00100101
00100110
00100111
00101000
00101001
00101010
00101011
00101100
00101101
00101110
00101111
00110000
00110001
00110010
00110011
00110100
00110101
00110110
00110111
00111000
00111001
00111010
00111011
00111100
00111101
00111110
00111111

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-17

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued)
Binary

Hex

Binary

Hex

01000000
01000001
01000010
01000011
01000100
01000101
01000110
01000111
01001000
01001001
01001010
01001011
01001100
01001101
01001110
01001111
01010000
01010001
01010010
01010011
01010100
01010101
01010110
01010111
01011000
01011001
01011010
01011011
01011100
01011101
01011110
01011111

40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F

01100000
01100001
01100010
01100011
01100100
01100101
01100110
01100111
01101000
01101001
01101010
01101011
01101100
01101101
01101110
01101111
01110000
01110001
01110010
01110011
01110100
01110101
01110110
01110111
01111000
01111001
01111010
01111011
01111100
01111101
01111110
01111111

60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F

C-18 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued)
Binary

Hex

Binary

Hex

10000000
10000001
10000010
10000011
10000100
10000101
10000110
10000111
10001000
10001001
10001010
10001011
10001100
10001101
10001110
10001111
10010000
10010001
10010010
10010011
10010100
10010101
10010110
10010111
10011000
10011001
10011010
10011011
10011100
10011101
10011110
10011111

80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
8A
8B
8C
8D
8E
8F
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
9A
9B
9C
9D
9E
9F

10100000
10100001
10100010
10100011
10100100
10100101
10100110
10100111
10101000
10101001
10101010
10101011
10101100
10101101
10101110
10101111
10110000
10110001
10110010
10110011
10110100
10110101
10110110
10110111
10111000
10111001
10111010
10111011
10111100
10111101
10111110
10111111

A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
AA
AB
AC
AD
AE
AF
B0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
BA
BB
BC
BD
BC
BF

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-19

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart (continued)
Binary

Hex

Binary

Hex

11000000
11000001
11000010
11000011
11000100
11000101
11000110
11000111
11001000
11001001
11001010
11001011
11001100
11001101
11001110
11001111
11010000
11010001
11010010
11010011
11010100
11010101
11010110
11010111
11011000
11011001
11011010
11011011
11011100
11011101
11011110
11011111

C0
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9
CA
CB
CC
CD
CE
CF
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
DA
DB
DC
DD
DE
DF

11100000
11100001
11100010
11100011
11100100
11100101
11100110
11100111
11101000
11101001
11101010
11101011
11101100
11101101
11101110
11101111
11110000
11110001
11110010
11110011
11110100
11110101
11110110
11110111
11111000
11111001
11111010
11111011
11111100
11111101
11111110
11111111

E0
E1
E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
EA
EB
EC
ED
EE
EF
F0
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
FA
FB
FC
FD
FE
FF

C-20 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart
ON (Black) Dots
# of Dots

Code

# of Dots

Code

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

# of Dots

Code

# of Dots

Code

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

OFF (White Dots)

Symbol Sets/Code Pages C-21

C-22 Symbol Sets/Code Pages

D

F O R M AT D E S I G N T O O L S
Use copies of these worksheets and grids to create formats, batch
data, and check digit schemes. You may want to keep copies of
the completed forms for your records:
N

Online Configuration Worksheet

N

Batch Worksheet

N

Check Digit Worksheet

N

Supply Layout Grids (Inches, Metric, Dots)

N

Format Worksheet

N

Format Sample Worksheet

Format Design Tools D-1

BACK FEED
DISTANCE

DISPENSE
POSITION

The 9403 printer does not support backfeed.
M

HEADER

JOB
REQUEST

STATUS
REQUEST

HEADER

SYMBOL SET

SLASH ZERO

SEPARATOR

LANGUAGE

POWERUP MODE

PRINTHD WIDTH

SPEED ADJUST

MARGIN ADJUST

PRINT ADJUST

CONTRAST

HEADER

PRINT
CONTROL

CUT POSN

SUPPLY POSN

FEED MODE

RIBBON ON

SUPPLY TYPE

HEADER

SUPPLY
SETUP

C

BUFFER SIZE

DEVICE

BUFFER

IMMED.
COMMAND

DATA
ESCAPE

END OF
TRANSMISSION

FIELD
SEPARATOR

CHAR. STRING

PARAMETER
SEPARATOR

HEADER

SYSTEM
SETUP

B

BUFFER
ALLOCATION

G
ACTION

START OF
HEADER

HEADER

CONTROL
CHARACTERS

DECIMALS

SECONDARY

A

HEADER

BACK FEED
CONTROL

FLOW CONTROL

PARITY

CURRENCY
SYMBOL

ONLINE
HEADER

I

STOP BITS

WORD LENGTH

BAUD

HEADER

F
HEADER

MONETARY
FORMATTING

D

COMMUNICATION
SETUP

O n l i n e C o n f i g u r a t i o n Wo r k s h e e t

0

E

BATCH
DATA

B4 QUANTITY

FIELD # DATA

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

E

DATA

E7 CUT-MULT

E6 CUT-TYPE

E5 MULTI-PART

E4 PRINT-MULT

E3 BATCH-SEP

E2 FEED-MODE

E1 HEADER

BATCH
CONTROL

B

BATCH
CONTINUATION

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
B3 NEW / UPDATE

B2 FORMAT #

B1 HEADER

BATCH
HEADER

B a t c h Wo r k s h e e t

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

C h e c k D i g i t Wo r k s h e e t

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

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

6.5

7.0

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

100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 178

192

Supply Layout
(dpi)

203

1536

1624

1440

1523

1344

1421

1248

1320

1152

1218

1056

1117

960

1015

864

914

768

812

672

711

576

609

480

508

384

406

288

305

192

203

96

102

0.0

0.0

192
203

0.0

96

192

288

384

480

576

672

768 806

0.0

102

203

305

406

508

609

711

812 853

203

300

Supply Layout (dpi)

1624

2400

1523

2250

1421

2100

1320

1950

1218

1800

1117

1650

1015

1500

914

1350

812

1200

711

1050

609

900

508

750

406

600

305

450

203

300

102

150

0.0

0.0

203
300

0.0

102

203

305

406

508

609

711

0.0

150

300

450

600

750

900

1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100

812 853

LINES

G
G
G
G

R2 CODE #

R
R
R
R
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 #

42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42

R3 APP CODE

R1 HEADER

Price Field

R1 HEADER

PDF417
Aspect Ratio

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R6 R POS

OPTION #52

R2 CODE #

Pad Data

R5 L POS

OPTION #30

R4 AMOUNT

OPTION #51

30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

R3 I /D

PDF417 Security /
Truncation

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R3 L / R

Data Entry
Prompts

R4 CHARACTER

OPTION #20

Data Entry
Source

R2 CODE #

OPTION #5

Copy Data
from Previous Field

R2 CODE #

OPTION #4

Data Entry
Templates

R1 HEADER

OPTION #3

Data Type
Restrictions

R1 HEADER

20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

R3 PROMPT

OPTION #2

R4 DIMENSION
NUMBER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R3 ROW /COLUMN

R1 HEADER
R2 CODE #

R3 CODE

R1 HEADER
R2 CODE #

R7 COPY CODE

R6 DEST. START

R5 # TO COPY

R4 SRC START

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

R2 CODE #

R2 CODE #
R3 SRC FIELD

R1 HEADER

R4 CHARACTER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R1 HEADER

R4 STANDARD
/DEFAULT

R3 SECURITY LEVEL

R1 HEADER

R7 ADDITIONAL
WIDE SPACE

Bar Code Densities

R7 COPY CODE

OPTION #50

Define
Check Digit

R6 DEST. START

R6 ADDITIONAL
NAR. SPACE

OPTION #31

R5 # TO COPY

R5 ADDITIONAL
CHAR. GAP

R2 CODE #

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

G6 ROTATION

4
4
4
4

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

G5 MODE

R
R
R
R

R4 SRC START

OPTION #1

R3 SRC FIELD

R2 CODE #

Fixed Characters

G4 COLUMN

50
50
50
50

R3 CODE

R1 HEADER

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

R4 DOT WIDTH
WIDE ELEMENT

R2 CODE #
R3 CHAR CODE

R1 HEADER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R1 HEADER

R2 CODE #

R
R
R
R

R3 DOT WIDTH
NAR. ELEMENT

R1 HEADER

R4 CHECK DIGIT #

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

G3 ROW

31
31
31
31

R3 GEN/VER

R
R
R
R

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

G2 GRAPH ID

1
1
1
1

R1 HEADER

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R2 CODE #

OPTION #1

G1 HEADER

R
R
R
R

R2 CODE #

Pad Data

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

30
30
30
30

R3 L / R

R
R
R
R

R4 CHARACTER

OPTION #30

Q7 PATTERN

R2 CODE #

R2 CODE #

Copy Data
from Previous Field

R1 HEADER

OPTION #4

Q6 THICKNESS

D
D
D
D

R1 HEADER

R1 HEADER

T15 SYM. SET

T14 FIELD ROT.

T13 CHAR. ROT.

T12 ALIGNMENT

T11 COLOR

T10 WID. MAG.

T9 HGT. MAG.

T8 FONT

T7 GAP

T6 COLUMN

T5 ROW

T4 FIX/VAR

T3 # OF CHAR.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

D3 # OF CHAR.

R7 COPY CODE

R6 DEST. START

R5 # TO COPY

R4 SRC START

T1 HEADER
T2 FIELD #

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

D2 FIELD #

4
4
4
4

D1 HEADER

R
R
R
R

Q5 END
COLUMN

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
NON PRINTABLE
TEXT FIELDS

OPTION #1

Q4 END ROW

R2 CODE #

Fixed Characters

R3 SRC FIELD

R1 HEADER

TEXT
FIELDS

R8 NAME.
("IN QUOTES")

F7 WIDTH

F6 LENGTH

F5 MEASURE

F4 DEVICE

F3 ACTION

F2 FORMAT #

F1 HEADER

T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T

GRAPHICS
FIELDS

Q
Q
Q
Q
Q3 COLUMN

C13 SYM. SET

1
1
1
1

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R
R
R
R

Q2 ROW

C12 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R2 CODE #

B12 FIELD ROT.

B11 ALIGNMENT

B10 TEXT

B9 HEIGHT

B8 DENSITY

B7 FONT

B6 COLUMN

B5 ROW

R1 HEADER

B
B
B
B

Q1 HEADER

L8 PATTERN

C11 FIELD ROT.

C10 CHAR. ROT.

C9 ALIGNMENT

C8 COLOR

C7 WID. MAG.

C6 HGT. MAG.

C5 FONT

C4 GAP

C3 COLUMN

B4 FIX/VAR

B3 # OF CHAR.

B2 FIELD #

B1 HEADER

FORMAT
HEADER

R

L7 THICKNESS

L6 LENGTH/
END COL.

L5 ANGLE/
END ROW

L4 COLUMN

L3 ROW

C2 ROW

C1 HEADER

BAR CODE
FIELDS
F

BOXES

L
L
L
L
L2 TYPE

L1 HEADER

CONSTANT TEXT
FIELDS

Fixed Characters

OPTION
#61
Reimage
Field

Reimage
Field

OPTION
#61

OPTION #4

Copy Data
from Previous Field

FORMAT
WORKSHEET

Format Name

Format #

Date

Supply Size

Supply Type

Customer Name

Software Version
TCMPCL2FW Rev. A 9/97

LINES

G
G
G
G

R2 CODE #

R
R
R
R
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 #

42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42

R3 APP CODE

R1 HEADER

Price Field

R1 HEADER

PDF417
Aspect Ratio

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R6 R POS

OPTION #52

R2 CODE #

Pad Data

R5 L POS

OPTION #30

R4 AMOUNT

OPTION #51

30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

R3 I /D

PDF417 Security /
Truncation

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R3 L / R

Data Entry
Prompts

R4 CHARACTER

OPTION #20

Data Entry
Source

R2 CODE #

OPTION #5

Copy Data
from Previous Field

R2 CODE #

OPTION #4

Data Entry
Templates

R1 HEADER

OPTION #3

Data Type
Restrictions

R1 HEADER

20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

R3 PROMPT

OPTION #2

R4 DIMENSION
NUMBER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R3 ROW /COLUMN

R1 HEADER
R2 CODE #

R3 CODE

R1 HEADER
R2 CODE #

R7 COPY CODE

R6 DEST. START

R5 # TO COPY

R4 SRC START

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

R2 CODE #

R2 CODE #
R3 SRC FIELD

R1 HEADER

R4 CHARACTER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R1 HEADER

R4 STANDARD
/DEFAULT

R3 SECURITY LEVEL

R1 HEADER

R7 ADDITIONAL
WIDE SPACE

Bar Code Densities

R7 COPY CODE

OPTION #50

Define
Check Digit

R6 DEST. START

R6 ADDITIONAL
NAR. SPACE

OPTION #31

R5 # TO COPY

R5 ADDITIONAL
CHAR. GAP

R2 CODE #

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

G6 ROTATION

4
4
4
4

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

G5 MODE

R
R
R
R

R4 SRC START

OPTION #1

R3 SRC FIELD

R2 CODE #

Fixed Characters

G4 COLUMN

50
50
50
50

R3 CODE

R1 HEADER

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

R4 DOT WIDTH
WIDE ELEMENT

R2 CODE #
R3 CHAR CODE

R1 HEADER

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R1 HEADER

R2 CODE #

R
R
R
R

R3 DOT WIDTH
NAR. ELEMENT

R1 HEADER

R4 CHECK DIGIT #

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

G3 ROW

31
31
31
31

R3 GEN/VER

R
R
R
R

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

G2 GRAPH ID

1
1
1
1

R1 HEADER

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R2 CODE #

OPTION #1

G1 HEADER

R
R
R
R

R2 CODE #

Pad Data

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

30
30
30
30

R3 L / R

R
R
R
R

R4 CHARACTER

OPTION #30

Q7 PATTERN

R2 CODE #

R2 CODE #

Copy Data
from Previous Field

R1 HEADER

OPTION #4

Q6 THICKNESS

D
D
D

R1 HEADER

R1 HEADER

T15 SYM. SET

T14 FIELD ROT.

T13 CHAR. ROT.

T12 ALIGNMENT

T11 COLOR

T10 WID. MAG.

T9 HGT. MAG.

T8 FONT

T7 GAP

T6 COLUMN

T5 ROW

T4 FIX/VAR

T3 # OF CHAR.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

D3 # OF CHAR.

R7 COPY CODE

R6 DEST. START

R5 # TO COPY

R4 SRC START

T1 HEADER
T2 FIELD #

R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R

D2 FIELD #

4
4
4
4

D1 HEADER

R
R
R
R

Q5 END
COLUMN

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
NON PRINTABLE
TEXT FIELDS

OPTION #1

Q4 END ROW

R2 CODE #

Fixed Characters

R3 SRC FIELD

R1 HEADER

TEXT
FIELDS

R8 NAME.
("IN QUOTES")

F7 WIDTH

F6 LENGTH

F5 MEASURE

F4 DEVICE

F3 ACTION

F2 FORMAT #

F1 HEADER

T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T

GRAPHICS
FIELDS

Q
Q
Q
Q
Q3 COLUMN

C13 SYM. SET

1
1
1
1

R3 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R
R
R
R

Q2 ROW

C12 FIXED CHAR.
("IN QUOTES")

R2 CODE #

B12 FIELD ROT.

B11 ALIGNMENT

B10 TEXT

B9 HEIGHT

B8 DENSITY

B7 FONT

B6 COLUMN

B5 ROW

R1 HEADER

B
B
B
B

Q1 HEADER

L8 PATTERN

C11 FIELD ROT.

C10 CHAR. ROT.

C9 ALIGNMENT

C8 COLOR

C7 WID. MAG.

C6 HGT. MAG.

C5 FONT

C4 GAP

C3 COLUMN

B4 FIX/VAR

B3 # OF CHAR.

B2 FIELD #

B1 HEADER

FORMAT
HEADER

R

L7 THICKNESS

L6 LENGTH/
END COL.

L5 ANGLE/
END ROW

L4 COLUMN

L3 ROW

C2 ROW

C1 HEADER

BAR CODE
FIELDS
F

BOXES

L
L
L
L
L2 TYPE

L1 HEADER

CONSTANT TEXT
FIELDS

Fixed Characters

OPTION
#61
Reimage
Field

Reimage
Field

OPTION
#61

OPTION #4

Copy Data
from Previous Field

(SAMPLE)
FORMAT
WORKSHEET

Format Name

Format #

Date

Supply Size

Supply Type

Customer Name

Software Version
TCMPCL2FW Rev. A 9/97

E

PRINTER DIFFERENCES
Here are the major features and differences between each printer.
Specific 1464/1465 printer applicator information is listed. Earlier
printer versions may not support all features.

Printer Comparison
Feature
Printhead
Density DPI
(dots per inch)
Print speed IPS
(inches per
second)
Maximum print
area
Non-Print Zone

Location of Print
Area
Supply Width
Supply Length
Power Up Mode

9403 Printer
203 DPI

9825 Printer
203 DPI

9850 Printer
203 DPI
300 DPI (optional)

2.0 IPS

2.5, 4.0, or 6.0 IPS

2.0" x 6.0"

4.0" x 16.0"

2.5, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0
IPS
12.0 IPS (optional)
4.0" x 16.0"

.035" at the
beginning and .10"
from the left edge

Recommended: all
supplies - .05" on
either edge and .02" at
the end
Butt cut supplies - .15"
at the beginning
Center

Recommended: all
supplies - .05" on
either edge and .02" at
the end
Butt cut supplies - .15"
at the beginning
Center

.75" x 4.25"
.50" x 17.5"
Online

.75" x 4.25"
.32" x 17.5"
Online/Offline

On demand/
Continuous/
Peel Mode (optional)
Labels or Perforated
Tags
Edge Aperture/
Black mark/Die cut/
Continuous

On demand/
Continuous/
Peel Mode (optional)
Labels or Tags

Left

Feed Mode

.75" x 2.5"
.75" x 9.0"
Online/
Offline
Continuous

Supplies

Tags or Labels

Supply Type

Black mark
Die cut

Aperture/
Black mark/Die cut/
Continuous

Printer Differences E-1

Feature
Keypad

Display
Serial Port
Speed

9403 Printer
21 keys for offline data
entry

9850 Printer
Feed/Cut
Enter/Pause
Escape/Clear buttons
Offline data entry with
optional 917 keypad
2-line 16 characters per 2-line 16 characters per 2-line 16 characters per
line
line
line
1200/2400/4800/9600
1200/2400/4800/9600
1200/2400/4800/9600/
/19200 Baud
/19200/38400 Baud
19200/38400/57600/
115200 Baud
0-99
0-999
0-999

Field Number
Range
Batch
Yes
Separator
High Energy
No
Ribbon
Standard Fonts Standard/Reduced/Bold
OCRA/CG Triumvirate
Bold 9 pt/CG
Triumvirate 6 pt
Scalable Font
Standard
Downloadable
Fonts
Memory
Allocation
RAM
Storage on
Power-down
Extended
Memory
2D bar codes
Parallel Port

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Standard/Reduced/Bold
OCRA/CG Triumvirate
Bold 9 pt/CG
Triumvirate 6, 7, 9, 11,
or 15 pt
Yes
(EFF Swiss Bold)
Yes

Standard/Reduced/Bold
OCRA/CG Triumvirate
Bold 9 pt/CG
Triumvirate 6, 7, 9, 11,
or 15 pt
Yes
(EFF Swiss Bold)
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

256K
512K (Flash)
512K (Flash)

4 Meg
2 Meg (Flash)
512K (Flash)

No

No

16 Meg
4 Meg (Flash)
512K (Battery-backed
RAM)
Yes

MaxiCode/PDF417
POSTNET

MaxiCode/PDF417
POSTNET/Data
Matrix/Quick Response
IEEE-1284 or
Centronics Mode
No
Yes
No

No

No

94x5 Emulation No
Backfeed
No
Offline Batch
Yes
Entry

E-2 Printer Differences

9825 Printer
Feed/Cut
Enter/Pause
Escape/Clear buttons

MaxiCode/PDF417
POSTNET/Data
Matrix/Quick Response
IEEE-1284 or
Centronics Mode
Yes
Yes
Yes
with optional keypad

Feature
9403 Printer
Status Polling
Yes
Immediate Commands Yes
Test Label
Single label for
printer setup
Ethernet Print Server

No

External Knife
Stacker
Verifier
External Rewind
Tear Bar
12 IPS
300 DPI

No
No
No
No
No
No
No

9825 Printer
Yes
Yes
Two labels for user
and printer
configuration
Yes- supports IPX
(NetWare), TCP/IP,
L AT, AppleTalk, and
NetBios/NetBEUI.
No
No
No
Yes
Yes (optional)
No
No

9850 Printer
Yes
Yes
Two labels for user
and printer
configuration
Yes- supports IPX
(NetWare), TCP/IP,
L AT, AppleTalk, and
NetBios/NetBEUI.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (optional)
Yes (optional)
Yes (optional)

1464/1465 Printer/Applicator Information
When designing formats for the Printer Applicators, use the 9850
specifications with these changes:
N

1464 Supply Widths: 2.0" to 4.25" (51 mm to 108 mm)
1465 Supply Widths: 1.5" to 4.25" (38 mm to 108 mm)

N

Supply Lengths: 0.75" to 8.0" (19 mm to 203 mm)

N

Supply Thickness: 2.3 to 7.9 mils (0.058mm to 0.2 mm)

N

1464 Maximum Roll Outside Diameter: 10.0" (254 mm)
1465 Maximum Roll Outside Diameter: 16.0" (406 mm)

N

1464 Minimum Roll Inside Diameter: 3.0" (76 mm)
1465 Minimum Roll Inside Diameter: 4.0" (102 mm)

Printer Differences E-3

Also, keep in mind the following:
N

The Printer Applicators are released for 110-volt sales only.

N

You can use thermal direct printing (no ribbon) or thermal
transfer printing (with ribbon).

N

The Printer Applicators do not support continuous
(non-indexed) supplies.

Printer Configuration Information
The default configuration packet settings are:
The supply type must be center aperture (3).
{I,A,0,0,0,0,0 p
Backfeed must be enabled (1). The dispense
B,3,1,1,0,0 p
position when and backfeed distances must be set to
C,0,0,0,0,0,0 p
95 dots using 1/8-inch gap supplies.
D,1,0,2 p
E,{,,,", p ~,--,--,Od/Oa p
F,1,1,0,0,3 p
G,1,95,95 p }

Status Polling Information
ENQ Response

Meaning

??

Powerup

A@

Online/Ready to receive data after label
has been applied

C@

Label is printing

CH

Label is printed

SB

Out of supplies

SD

Out of ribbon

E-4 Printer Differences

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. If you
change the point size, you have changed the font.
Magnifying these fonts causes some jaggedness to
occur.

Buffer

Storage area in the printer’s memory that holds specific
data (images, formats, etc).

Field

Can be text, bar codes, lines, boxes, constant, or
non-printable text. It is the result of a field definition.

Field Definition

Any string of parameters that pertain to one field. A
field definition begins with a field identifier (such as T,
B, D, C, etc.).
T,1,10,V,250,50,0,1,1,1,B,C,0 p

Field Parameters

Parameters that apply to a field and are separated by
commas. (In the above example, B is a field element
for Black print on a white background.)

Format

Layout or design for your printed label.

Format Header

First line of a format, immediately following the start of
packet ({). A format header must begin with F, followed
by various header elements.
{F,1,A,R,E,600,400,"Fmt-1" p

Monospaced Fonts All characters have the same width and are easy to
center justify. (Standard, bold, and reduced are
monospaced.)
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. This line always begins with R and must
immediately follow the field it applies to.

Packet
{B,1,N,1 p
2,"Monarch" p }

Any string of characters within ({ }).

Pre-image

A way to optimize the printer, because it images the
fields while data is collected. After the last field is
imaged, the label prints almost immediately.

Proportionally
Spaced Fonts

All characters have different widths and are difficult to
center justify (CG Triumvirate fonts).

Soft (Downloaded) Reside in the printer’s RAM. They can be erased or
Fonts
overwritten.
Volatile RAM

Contains information that is LOST on power-down.

INDEX
A
adding custom fonts 2-31
adjustm ents, print 2-9
algorithm ,in sum of digits 4-19
algorithm ,in sum of products 4-18
alignm ent,bar code 3-18
allocating
m em ory 2-21

B
backfeed
packet syntax 2-18
backing up 1-4
bar code
defining aspect ratios 4-14
P D F 417 options 4-14
bar code alignm ent 3-18
bar code density
syntax 4-12
bar codes
character lengths 3-8
custom izing density 4-12
defining 3-8
defining densities 4-12
determ ining distance from left/right
3-10, 3-21
determ ining distance from top/bottom
3-9
generating check digits 4-10
justification 3-18
list of types 3-11
m odifying height 3-18
placing hum an readables 9-6
rotating 3-19
selecting a density 3-11
selecting hum an readables 3-18

batch
canceling printing 2-28
clearing data from m em ory 2-30
dow nloading sam ple 6-2
overview of packet 6-3
sam ple A -13
batch control field
defining 6-4
syntax 6-4
sam ple 6-4
batch data field
defining 6-6
syntax 6-6
containing increm enting fields 6-7
sam ple 6-6
using entered/copied data 6-7
batch header
syntax 6-3
defining 6-3
sam ple 6-3
using zero quantities 9-3
batch m ethod of dow nloading
explained 6-9
batch quantity zero
dow nloading explained 6-9
syntax A -15
batch quantity, defined 6-3
baud rate selection 2-17
bitm ap
defining fields 5-15
defining next fields 5-16
defining the header 5-13
hexadecim al chart C -17
hexadecim al m ethod 5-3, 5-5
overview 5-3
run length chart C -21
run length m ethod 5-3, 5-7
storing the im age 5-9
black to w hite print ratio 5-4

Index 1

custom izing a schem e 4-16
generating 4-10
boxes
defining 3-27
determ ining distance from left/right 3-28
determ ining distance from top/bottom
3-28
buffer
scalable font 2-25
buffer selection 2-21
buffer size selection 2-21

C
calling technical support 8-5
changing
backfeed control 2-18
bar code density 4-12
com m unication settings 2-17
m em ory configuration 2-21
packet control characters 2-14
security level of P D F 417 4-13 - 4-14
character rotation
in constant text field 3-23
in text field 3-6
characters
fixed using option 1 4-3
m agnifying font size B -6
num ber of in bar code 3-8
num ber of in non-printable field 3-20
num ber of in text 3-3
padding 4-9
placem ent of hum an readables 9-6
chart
hexadecim al conversion C -17
run length conversion C -21
check digit option
syntax 4-10
check digit schem es
syntax 4-17 - 4-18
using sum of digits 4-19
using sum of products 4-18
check digit w orksheet D -3
check digits
clearing schem e from m em ory 2-30

2 Index

checking
E N Q trailer characters 8-2
E N Q /IM D characters 8-2
job status 7-8
packet control characters 8-2
printer status 7-2
R S 232 trailer characters 8-2
clearing packets 2-30
code pages C -1
100 table C -5
101 table C -6
1251 table C -10
1252 table C -11
1258 table C -13
437 and 850 C -1
437 table C -6
850 table C -7
entering C -2
International characters 2-10
selecting C -1
color options of text 3-5, 3-22
com m unication
checklist for trouble 8-4
list of errors 8-14
packet syntax 2-17
resetting printer 8-4
using a m ode com m and 2-2
com patibility
considering unit of m easure 1-8
com pliance
form at sam ple A -12
com pliance label
including in a field 5-22
including in a form at 5-4
overlays, defining 5-10
overview 5-2
com pliance label overlay
sam ple 5-18
com pliance label overlay sam ple 5-24
configuration
types of 2-2
uploaded from printer 2-6

configuration packets
backfeed control packet G 2-18
com m unication settings packet F 2-17
guidelines 2-8
header 2-5
m em ory configuration packet M 2-21
m onetary form atting packet D 2-13
overview 2-5
packet control characters packet E 2-14
print control packet C 2-12
sam ple 2-6
supply setup packet B 2-11
system setup packet A 2-9
constant text fields
character rotation 3-23
color attributes 3-22
defining 3-20
determ ining distance from top/bottom
3-21
font options 3-21
justification 3-23
m odifying character height 3-22
m odifying character spacing 3-21
m odifying character w idth 3-22
rotating 3-23
sam ple 3-20, 3-24
control characters
factory defaults 2-3
resetting 2-16
selecting 2-14
syntax 2-14
copy com m and
sam ple 6-2
copy data
in partial form 4-8
m erging fields 4-7
source field 4-6
syntax 4-6
copying data, using option 4 4-6
creating
D O S batch files 6-10
C yrillic characters C -10

D
daily checklist 1-4
data
copy option 4 4-6
deciding on a field type 1-9
entry prom pts option 20 4-8
entry sources option 5 4-8
entry tem plates option 3 4-5
fixed option 1 4-3
for batch 6-6
list of errors 8-6
padding option 30 4-9
picking a font 1-9
setting the starting increm ent 6-7
type restrictions option 2 4-4
data entry
sam ple A -17
data entry prom pts
defining as option 20 4-8
data entry sources
defining as option 5 4-8
data entry tem plates
defining as option 3 4-5
data error
label 8-6
data stream
exam ples A -3
M axicode A -3
data type restrictions
defining as option 2 4-4
decim al point selection 2-13
decrem enting fields
fixing the first num ber 4-15
syntax 4-15
using option 60 4-15
defining
backfeed control packet G 2-18
bar code type 3-11
bar codes 3-8
batch control field 6-4

Index 3

batch data field 6-6
batch header 6-3
bitm ap fields 5-15
boxes 3-27
check digit schem e w /sod 4-19
check digit schem e w /sop 4-18
com m unication settings packet F 2-17
com pliance label overlays 5-10
configuration header 2-5
constant text fields 3-20
duplicate fields 5-17
flash upload packet 2-35
font upload packet 2-31
graphic header 5-13
lines 3-25
m em ory configuration packet M 2-21
m onetary form atting packet D 2-13
next-bitm ap fields 5-16
non-printable fields 3-19
packet control characters packet E 2-14
print control packet C 2-12
supply setup packet B 2-11
system setup packet A 2-9
text fields 3-3
density
using option 50 to custom ize 4-12
design tools
about the grid 1-8
check digit w orksheet D -3
form at w orksheet D -1
online configuration w orksheet D -2
w orksheet overview 1-10
designing a form at 1-5
draw ing a sketch 1-7
field type considerations 1-9
filling in w orksheets 1-10
font considerations 1-9
print area 1-6
using grids 1-8
w orksheet overview 1-10
determ ining form at content 1-6
device selection 2-21
diagnostics
list of com m unication errors 8-14
list of data errors 8-6

4 Index

list of data form at errors 8-18
list of m achine fault errors 8-19
other resources 8-5
printing test label 8-2
resetting printers 8-4
direction of
bar code field 3-19
constant text character 3-23
constant text field 3-23
of lines 3-26
text character 3-6
text field 3-6
disable backfeed 2-18
D O S batch files
creating 6-10
double-byte fonts B -22
dow nloadable fonts
buffer 2-25
dow nloading
batch m ethod 6-9
batch quantity zero m ethod 6-9
m ethods 6-8
m odified field param eters 6-10
order packets should be received 6-2
overview 6-1
sam ple 6-2
sequential m ethod 6-8
to the printer (overview ) 6-10

E
enable backfeed 2-18
enabling im m ediate com m ands 2-28
ENQ
printing existing config 8-2
reference table for byte 2 7-3
reference table of byte 3 7-6
requesting status 7-2
R esponse 7-2
entering
partial field param eters 6-10
erasing packets 2-30
error
label 8-6
errors

com m unication 8-14
data, description of 8-6
display 8-25
form at 8-18
how to reset printers 8-4
m achine faults 8-19

F
feed m ode selection 6-4
field
bitm ap, defining 5-15
duplicate,defining 5-17
graphic, defining 5-22
next-bitm ap, defining 5-16
options 4-14
field options
brief list of 4-2
calculating check digits 4-10
copy data 4-6
custom ized bar code density 4-12
data entry prom pts 4-8
data entry sources 4-8
data entry tem plates 4-5
data type restrictions 4-4
fixed data 4-3
increm enting/decrem enting fields 4-15
ordering 4-2
overview 4-2
padding data 4-9
price field 4-10
reim aging 4-15
restrictions 4-2
security/truncation for P D F 417 4-13
using m ultiple 4-2
w idth/length for P D F417 4-14
fields
bar code rotation 3-19
batch control syntax 6-4
batch data syntax 6-6
constant text rotation 3-23
deciding a type 1-9
finding trailing spaces 9-6
font considerations 1-9
padding 4-9

picking a font 1-9
repeating param eters 9-5
setting the starting increm ent 6-7
text field rotation 3-6
types briefly described 1-9
using a w orksheet 1-10
using data entry/copied fields 6-7
fixed data
defining as option 1 4-3
in constant text field 3-23
in text field 3-3
syntax 4-3 - 4-5, 4-8 - 4-9
flash
storing im ages 5-9
flash m em ory 2-35
flash upload packet
defining 2-35
flow control selection 2-17
font
legal inform ation B -24
overview 1-9
scalable B -19
TrueType 2-10, 3-4, 3-22, B -1, B -21,
B -24, C -2
font packets
clearing from m em ory 2-30
font upload packet
defining 2-31
fonts
available for constant text fields 3-21
available for text fields 3-4
double-byte B -22
m onospaced m agnification B -6
optim izing 9-5
proportional m agnification B -10
form at
buffer 2-25
scalable font B -19
TrueType font B -19
form at w orksheet D -1
overview 1-10
form ats
clearing from m em ory 2-30
decisions to m ake 1-6
defining bar codes 3-8

Index 5

defining boxes 3-27
defining constant text fields 3-20
defining lines 3-25
defining non-printable fields 3-19
defining text fields 3-3
defining the header 3-2
designing 1-5 - 1-7
determ ining content 1-6
dow nloading sam ple 6-2
field types described briefly 1-9
filling in w orksheets 1-10
font considerations 1-9
m odifying partial param eters 6-10
referenced in batch packet 6-3
sam ple 1-2, A -2
sam ple of com pliance A -12
using grids 1-8
form atting errors
list of 8-18

G
generating check digits w ith option 31
4-10
graphic
defining bitm ap fields 5-15
defining duplicate fields 5-17
defining next-bitm ap fields 5-16
defining the header 5-13
field, defining 5-22
hexadecim al chart C -17
hexadecim al m ethod 5-3, 5-5
including in a form at 5-22
overview of bitm ap 5-3
run length chart C -21
run length m ethod 5-3, 5-7
storing the im age 5-9
graphic im age
including 5-22
graphic packets
clearing from m em ory 2-30
grid
overview 1-8

6 Index

H
help, getting 8-5
hex graphic packet
sam ple 5-19
hum an readable characters
placem ent considerations 9-6
selecting for a bar code 3-18

I
im age buffer 2-24
im aging
repeating param eters 9-5
using zero batch headers 9-3
im aging tim e
w hen to use scalable fonts 9-5
IM D
printing existing config 8-2
im m ediate com m ands
enabling 2-28
sending 2-28
table 2-28
w hen to use 2-28
including
com pliance label, in a form at 5-22
graphic im age 5-22
increm enting fields
fixing the first num ber 4-15
in batch data 6-7
restrictions 4-2
syntax 4-15
using option 60 4-15
inform ation
printing 6-7
inquiry request
explanation of 7-2
inquiry response
explanation of 7-2
International code pages 2-10

J
job request
syntax 7-8
job response
explanation of 7-9
syntax for 0-2 7-9
syntax for 3 7-10
syntax for 4 7-12
job status
explanation of response 7-9
requesting 7-8
table 7-13
justification
of bar code 3-18
of constant text fields 3-23
of text field 3-6

L
label
error 8-6
language, printer 2-9
Latin characters C -6 - C -7, C -11
layout
decisions to m ake 1-6
designing a label 1-5
grid 1-8
print area 1-6
rough sketches 1-7
length
of a bar code field 3-8
of a non-printable field 3-20
of a text field 3-3
lines
defining 3-25
defining as segm ent 3-25
defining as vectors 3-25
determ ining distance from left/right 3-26
determ ining distance from top/bottom
3-25
thickness 3-27

M
m achine errors
list of 8-19
m agnification
considerations 9-6
of m onospaced fonts B -6
of proportional fonts B -10
m apping
m ethod, hexadecim al 5-3, 5-5
m ethod, run length 5-3, 5-7
m argin adjustm ent selection 2-12
M axicode
data stream A -3
M axiC ode inform ation A -3
m easurem ent
on a grid 1-8
using m ultiple printer types 1-8
m em ory
allocating 2-21
clearing packets 2-30
packet syntax 2-21
storing im ages in flash 5-9
storing im ages in R A M 5-10
uploading flash 2-35
using flash 2-35
m em ory buffer
dow nloadable fonts 2-25
form at 2-25
im age 2-24
receive 2-24
scalable font 2-25
transm it 2-24
m erging
copied data 4-7
fields w ith option 4 4-6
m ode com m and sam ple 2-2
m odulus
description of check digit calc 4-17
in sum of digits 4-19
in sum of products 4-18
m onetary
decim al selection 2-13
form atting syntax 2-13

Index 7

list of options 2-14
sym bol selection 2-13
sym bol setting 2-13
using price form atting 4-10
m onospaced fonts, m agnification of B -6

N
non-printable fields
defining 3-19
sam ple 3-20

O
online configuration w orksheet D -2
online m ode selection 2-9
opaque overlay
explanation 3-5
optim izing
com patibility for m ultiple printers 1-8
print quality 9-1
print speed 9-1
repeating field param eters 9-5
using zero batch quantities 9-3
optional entry
to m odify partial field param eters 6-10
options
field 4-14
options,field 4-12
brief list of 4-2
calculating check digits 4-10
copy data 4-6
custom ized bar code density 4-12
data entry prom pts 4-8
data entry sources 4-8
data entry tem plates 4-5
data type restrictions 4-4
fixed data 4-3
general overview 4-2
increm enting/decrem enting fields 4-15
ordering 4-2
padding data 4-9
price form atting 4-10
reim aging 4-15

8 Index

restrictions 4-2
security/truncation for P D F 417 4-13
using m ultiple 4-2
w idth/length for P D F417 4-14
overlays
defining com pliance label 5-10

P
packet
error 8-6
packet A
syntax 2-9
packet B
syntax 2-11
packet C
syntax 2-12
packet control characters
factory defaults 2-3
printing existing config 8-2
resetting 2-16
selecting new 2-14
syntax 2-14
packet D
syntax 2-13
packet E
syntax 2-14
packet F
syntax 2-17
packet G
syntax 2-18
packet M
syntax 2-21
packets
batch 6-3
check digit schem e 4-16
clearing from m em ory 2-30
configuration 2-5
configuration upload 2-6
guidelines 2-3
padding data 4-9
syntax 4-9
parallel com m unication 2-2
param eters
for batch control field 6-4

for batch data field 6-6
for batch header 6-3
m odifying partial 6-10
repeating 9-5
parity selection 2-17
P D F417 bar codes
security/truncation 4-13
w idth/length 4-14
placing
hum an readables 9-6
point size B -19
polling for status
overview 7-1
positioning
graphic im age in a field 5-12
graphic im age in a form at 5-13
graphic im age in a packet 5-11
price fields
form atting option 4-10
m onetary form atting 2-13
restrictions w ith check digits 4-10
restrictions w ith increm enting 4-2
syntax 4-11
print adjustm ents 2-9
print area 1-6
print contrast/vert adjustm ent selection
2-12
print control
in batch control field 6-4
syntax 2-12
printer configuration
backfeed control packet G 2-18
com m unication settings packet F 2-17
header 2-5
m em ory configuration packet M 2-21
m onetary form atting packet D 2-13
packet C 2-12
packet control characters packet E 2-14
packet guidelines 2-8
packet overview 2-5
packet sam ple 2-6
supply setup packet B 2-11
system setup packet A 2-9
upload syntax 2-6
printer differences E -1

printer status
explanation of response 7-2
overview 7-1
requesting 7-2
syntax 7-2
printers
com m unication checklist 8-4
com m unication errors 8-14
data errors 8-6
data form atting errors 8-18
m achine fault errors 8-19
resetting 8-4
w ays to configure 2-2
printhead
unit of m easure com patibility 1-8
printing
black to w hite ratio 5-4
canceling 2-28
considerations 6-7
horiz adjustm ent 2-9
inform ation 6-7
ordering packets to dow nload 6-2
overview 6-1
test label 8-2
vert adjustm ent 2-9
problem
running out of printer m em ory 2-30
problem s
check digit m iscalculated 4-10
com m unication checklist 8-4
dpi varies w ith printer 1-8
fram ing error w hile dow nloading 6-2
getting technical support 8-5
hum an readables cut off 9-6
im age tim e and changing data 9-5
im age tim e and unchanging data 9-3
im aging tim e and repeating field
param eters 9-5
incorrect sym bols print 3-24
invalid packet syntax 2-3
list of com m unication errors 410-413
8-14
list of data errors 001-499 8-6
list of form at errors 571-614 8-18
list of m achine fault errors 700-793 8-19

Index 9

m issing/overlapping due to m agnification
9-6
no check digit generated 4-10
off tag errors 9-6
other resources 8-5
poor print quality 9-1
procedures
backing up 1-4
daily checklist 1-4
print logs 1-4
program m ing conventions 2-3
proportional fonts, m agnification of B -10

R
RAM
storing im ages 5-10
receive buffer 2-24
reim aging, using option 61 4-15
requesting job status
explanation of 7-8
requesting printer status
explanation of 7-2
overview 7-1
resetting packet control characters 2-16
resetting printers 8-4
response
to job request 0-2 7-9
to job request 3 7-10
to job request 4 7-12
ribbon selection 2-11
rotating
bar codes 3-19
constant text characters 3-23
constant text fields 3-23
text characters 3-6
text fields 3-6
rough sketches 1-7
R S 232 trailer characters
printing existing config 8-2
run length graphic packet
sam ple 5-20

S
10 Index

sam ple
(fixed) data field 4-3
backfeed control packet G 2-18
bar code density option 4-12
batch control field 6-4
batch data field 6-6
batch header 6-3
batch m ethod dow nloading 6-9
batch packet A -13
calculate check digit option 4-10
check digit schem e packet 4-17 - 4-18
com m unication settings packet F 2-17
com pliance form ats A -12
com pliance label 5-24
com pliance label overlay 5-18
configuration packet 2-6
copy field 4-7
data entry form at A -17
font packet 2-33
font, bold style B -8 - B -9
font, O C R A style B -8 - B -9
font, standard style B -7 - B -8
form at A -2
form at header 3-2
hex graphic packet 5-19
im m ediate com m and 2-28
increm enting/decrem enting field option
4-15
inquiry response 7-2
job request 7-8
job response 0-2 7-9
job response 3 7-10
job response 4 7-12
m em ory configuration packet F 2-21
m ode com m and 2-2
m onetary form atting packet D 2-13
m onospaced font m agnification B -6
packet control characters packet E 2-14
padding data 4-10
price field option 4-11
print control packet C 2-12
printer configuration uploaded 2-7
proportional font m agnification B -10
run length graphic packet 5-20
sequential m ethod dow nloading 6-9

supply setup packet B 2-11
system setup packet A 2-9
text field 3-3
zero batch packet A -15
scalable font 3-5, 3-22, B -19
buffer 2-25
form ats B -19
schem es
custom izing check digits 4-16
security/truncation
using option 51 4-13
segm ents
defining 3-25
selecting bar code type 3-11
selector, check digit
description of 4-17
sending im m ediate com m ands 2-28
sequential dow nloading
explained 6-8
serial com m unication 2-2
setting
backfeed distance 2-18
battery voltage 2-12
baud rate 2-17
dispense position 2-18
feed m ode 2-11
flow control 2-17
form at num ber 3-2
language 2-9
m argin position 2-12
m onetary sym bol 2-13
num ber of decim al places 2-13
online m ode 2-9
parallel com m unication 2-2
parity 2-17
print contrast 2-12
print position 2-12
print speed 2-12
printhead w idth 2-12
ribbon 2-11
serial com m unication 2-2
stop bits 2-17
supply size 3-2
supply type/position 2-11
unit of m easure 3-2

w ord length 2-17
size of
m onospaced fonts B -6
proportaional fonts B -10
sm art im aging 9-1
source field, of copy data 4-6
speed adjustm ent selection 2-12
standard fonts, list of B -1
status polling
overview 7-1
stop bits selection 2-17
storage device 5-9 - 5-10
storing
im ages 5-9
im ages in flash 5-9
im ages in R A M 5-10
sum of digits calculation 4-19
sum of products calculation 4-18
supply
about the layout grid 1-8
m easurem ent on a grid 1-8
type/position selection 2-11
supply setup
syntax 2-11
supply type/position selection 2-12
sym bol set C -1
A N S I C -1
entering C -2
Internal table C -3
options 3-7
selecting C -1
sym bols
m onetary 4-10
syntax
backfeed control packet G 2-18
com m unication settings packet F 2-17
constant text field 3-20, 3-24
flash upload packet 2-35
font upload packet 2-31
form at header 3-2
m em ory configuration packet M 2-21
m onetary form atting packet D 2-13
non-printable field 3-20
packet control characters packet E 2-14
print control packet C 2-12

Index 11

printer configuration upload 2-6
supply setup packet B 2-11
system setup packet A 2-9
system setup
syntax 2-9

T
table
bar code lengths 3-8
E N Q reference byte 2 7-3
E N Q reference byte 3 7-6
fixed/variable bar codes 3-8
hexadecim al conversion C -17
im m ediate com m ands 2-28
job status 0-2 7-13
run length conversion C -21
technical support 8-5
test label
list of inform ation 8-3
printing 8-2
text fields
character rotation 3-6
color attributes 3-5
defining 3-3
determ ining distance from left/right 3-4
determ ining distance from top/bottom
3-3
font options 3-4
justification 3-6
m odifying character height 3-5
m odifying character spacing 3-4
m odifying character w idth 3-5
rotating 3-6
syntax 3-3
thickness
line 3-27
trailing spaces
finding 9-6
transm it buffer 2-24
transparent overlay
explanation 3-5
troubleshooting 8-6
TrueType font 2-10, 3-4, 3-22, B -1,
B -19, B -21, B -24, C -2

12 Index

form at B -19
types of fields
brief description 1-9

U
unit of m easure
setting 3-2
unsuccessful com m unication 8-4
uploading
configuration 2-6
flash packet 2-35
font packet 2-31

V
variable length
padding for 4-10
vector fonts buffer 2-25
vectors
defining 3-25
V ietnam ese characters C -13
voltage selection 2-12

W
w idth/length
using option 52 4-14
w ord length selection 2-17
w orksheet
check digit D -3
filling in 1-10
form at D -1
online configuration D -2
overview 1-10

Fournitures et assistance en Suisse:

GOMARO s.a. - La Rosaire 5 - CH 1123 Aclens - Suisse
Tel: 021 869 97 70 - Fax: 021 869 96 02
http://www.gomaro.ch



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Create Date                     : 2002:01:28 09:07:49
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 4.0 for Windows
Creator                         : PSCRIPT.DRV Version 4.0
Title                           : Packet Reference Manual
Modify Date                     : 2004:08:17 10:00:36+02:00
Page Count                      : 287
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Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
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