Paxar 9474 Users Manual Corel Ventura 9474PMCV.CHP

9474 to the manual 04abc459-39eb-4a8b-856f-ca1a6baf534a

: Paxar Paxar-9474-Users-Manual-517389 paxar-9474-users-manual-517389 paxar pdf

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 96

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

Monarch
9474 Printer

TC9474PM 1/98 ©1998 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only
warranty on which the customer can rely. Monarch reserves the right to make
changes in the product, 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.
©1997 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. 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 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
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 is a registered trademark of Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
920, 924, 925 and 9474 are trademarks of Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.
Monarch Marking Systems
P.O. Box 608
Dayton, Ohio 45401

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Input Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Communication Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

MESSAGE STRUCTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Creating Online Data Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Transmitting Online Data Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Error Notification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Data Transmission Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Incorrect Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Monetary Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Programming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Standard Syntax Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Standard Syntax Guidelines for Batches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Format Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Format Header Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Text Field Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Bar Code Field Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Line Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Batch Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Batch Header Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Entering Print Data for Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

i

Using Multiple Batches with One Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Using Previously Defined Print Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Batch Separators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
USING GRAPHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Defining Graphic Image Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Placing the Image in a Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clear Image Buffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compressing the Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-2
4-5
4-6
4-8
4-8
4-8

QUICK REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Text Font Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotated Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Width (in Dots) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parallel Character Width (in Dots). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bar Code Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bar Code Densities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Code 128 Function Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASCII Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printable Characters by Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English/Metric Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-1
5-1
5-2
5-2
5-2
5-3
5-3
5-4
5-4
5-5
5-6
5-6
5-7
5-8
5-9

ERROR MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Diagnostic Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Startup Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Operation Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

ii

Printer Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
General Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
General Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Communication Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Offline Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Data Entry or Test Print Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Format Entry Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Online Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Online Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Online Communication Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
SAMPLE DATA STREAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Formats, Text and Bar Code Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Format Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Batch Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Format Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Batch Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphic Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Format Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Batch Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compressed Graphic Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Compressed Graphic Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Format Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Batch Data Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A-2
A-2
A-2
A-3
A-3
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-5
A-6
A-6
A-6
A-6

CODE 128 INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Bar Code Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quiet Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Function Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128 Bar Code Character Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B-2
B-4
B-5
B-6

iii

iv

1

INTRODUCTION
This manual tells you how to enter online formats and batch data
for downloading to a Monarch® 9474 printer.
Refer to your Operator’s Handbook for general setup and
maintenance procedures, an explanation of data entry and batch
control for offline printing, and about creating and entering offline
formats.

Introduction 1-1

The 9474 printer can receive print data online from a host.
During online communication, the host treats the printer as an
RS-232 type printer. For the printer to communicate online, you
will need an RS-232 cable. For mainframe communication, you
may need a protocol converter.
Transmitting data from the host requires communication controls.
See Chapter 2, "Communication Requirements" for more
information.
Three types of data can be transmitted:
Format data

The user-designed layout for online formats.
These formats are used by online batches for
printing.
These online formats can also be used
offline. However, formats created offline
cannot be used online.

Batch data

Contains the format number and actual data
to be printed on the supply. Batch data is
downloaded to the printer and combined with
a format stored in the printer.

Graphic data

Contains the actual pixel data which forms a
graphic image.

Format, batch, and graphic data are stored
when you turn the power off.
Format and graphic data may be sent at any time.
Since batch data is combined with a format for printing, the format
and graphic data for a batch must reside in the printer before
sending the batch.
Each data type has its own data stream structure. See Chapter 3,
"Message Structures" for more information.
1-2 Introduction

2

C O M M U N I C AT I O N
REQUIREMENTS
To enable communications between the printer and the computer,
the printer communications setup must match the setup for the
host. The options are:
N

Baud rate

N

Parity

N

Data flow control

N

Data bits

N

Stop bits

All online data uses the ASCII (American Standard Code for
Information Interchange) character code for interpretation of bits
as characters.

Communication Requirements 2-1

Input Characteristics
Below are the input characteristics for communications. The
defaults are shown in bold print.
N

Asynchronous

N

Full duplex

N

Selectable options:

Baud rate
Parity
Data flow
Data bits
Stop bits

110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600
No parity, Odd, Even
Xon/Xoff, Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
Seven (7) or eight (8)
One (1) or two (2)

Modify these communication settings on your printer as necessary
to match the settings on your host. See "Setting Communication
Values" for more information.
There are three main buffers: batch, format, and graphic. The
printer also has a 1024 byte input buffer which holds data until it
is processed into the respective buffer(s).

Data Flow Control
The printer uses Xon/Xoff or data terminal ready (DTR) for data
flow control. DTR flow control is usually required if you are using
an IBM-PC, unless the PC has a special Xon-Xoff program.
In DTR mode, the printer activates DTR when the printer can
accept more data from the host and deactivates when the
printer’s receive buffer is nearly full. In Xon/Xoff Mode, the
printer sends the Xon character when the printer can accept more
data and sends Xoff when the printer buffer is nearly full.
In either mode, once the printer has indicated that its buffer is
nearly full (by sending Xoff or deactivating DTR), up to 134
additional characters may be accepted without losing any data.

2-2 Communication Requirements

The printer does not require any hardware or software signals
from the host system in order to operate.
Flow control characters can be changed
offline through the Printer Configuration mode.
The total number of formats, batches, and graphics is only limited
by the amount of memory available.

S e t t i n g C o m m u n i c a t i o n Va l u e s
To set the communication parameters, follow the instructions
below. For more information on operating the printer, refer to the
Operator’s Handbook.
1. From the main menu, press d to display Printer
Configuration. Press e . You’ll see
Enter password: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Enter the 1-8 character password and press e .
When you first receive the printer, the
password is MANAGER or ONLINE.
2. You’ll see the Configuration Options menu.
Select Config Option:
Define Check Digit Schemes
Press d until you see Host Port Configuration. Press e
to select this option. With each parameter, you can enter a
new selection, or just press e to keep the value that is
displayed.

Communication Requirements 2-3

3. You’ll see the Host Option menu and the first online
parameter.
Select Baud Rate:
2400
Press d or u until you see the baud rate you need, then
press e . You’ll see
Enter Parity: N
N)one, O)dd or E)ven
4. Select the parity you need and press e . You’ll see
Enter Word Length [7-8]: 8

5. Select the word length you need and press e . You’ll see
Enter Stop Bits [1-2]: 1

6. Select the stop bits you need and press e . You’ll see
Enter Start (XON) character:
17
7. Enter a number from 1-127 for XON flow control, or 128 for
DTR flow control. You’ll see
Enter Stop (XOFF) character:
19
8. Enter a number from 1-127 for XOFF flow control, or 128 for
DTR flow control.

2-4 Communication Requirements

If you select DTR control (128) as the XON character, the
printer automatically sets 128 (DTR control) for the XOFF
character.
The Start and Stop characters must be set at 128 (DTR flow
control) for IBM PC equipment.
You’ll see the Configuration Options menu. Press 1 to exit
to the main menu.

Cable Interface
The printer accepts standard RS-232C electrical signal
transmissions when it is connected to a DB-25S connector
configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). For correct
operation, use all defined pins.
For PC null modems, plug the RS-232 cable into:
N

A serial (RS-232) port on the host or protocol converter

N

The 25-pin RS-232 connector on your printer. Refer to your
Operator’s Handbook for more information.

The RS-232C cable interface is set up as a terminal device (DTE):
Pin

Description

3
5
6

Received Data
Clear to Send
Data Set Ready

Input

2
4
20

Transmitted data
Request to send
Data Terminal Ready

Output

1

Protective ground

Ground

7

Signal ground

All other pins are open.

Communication Requirements 2-5

The cable interface for PC null modems is shown below.
9474

PC

FG
TD
RD
RTS
CTS

1
2
3
4
5

1
2
3
4
5

FG
TD
RD
RTS
CTS

DSR
CD
DTR
SG

6
8
20
7

6

DSR
8
DTR
SG

2-6 Communication Requirements

20
7

CD

MESSAGE STRUCTURES
This chapter has information and message structures for
N

Formats

N

Batch Data

Graphic image data is discussed in Chapter 4, "Using Graphics."

Message Structures 3-1

3

Creating Online Data Streams
Create data streams for your 9474 printer using a standard text
editor, such as EDLIN or TSO.
If you use a word processor to create data streams, make sure to
save the file in text-only or unformatted mode.

Tr a n s m i t t i n g O n l i n e D a t a S t r e a m s
Your printer must be in Online Mode before it will accept data
from your computer.
N

Select Online from the Select Operating Mode menu.

N

Press e . You’ll see
Online Mode Ready:

Your printer is now ready to accept data.
Send data to the printer just as you would send any print data to a
printer from your computer.
For example, if you have a file named FORMAT1.DAT on an
MS-DOS system, you could send the data to your printer with
these commands:
MODE COM1:2400,N,8,1,P
MODE LPT1:=COM1
PRINT FORMAT1.DAT
This set of commands would send the file FORMAT1.DAT to a
printer connected to COM1 of an MS-DOS computer.
Format and graphic structures can be sent at any time.
Formats or graphics used by batch data must be sent before the
batch data referencing them. Any batch sent without a previously
defined format is ignored, generating an error.
3-2 Message Structures

Error Notification
Data handling and error checking are resident in the printer. If an
error in transmission occurs, an error is displayed on the printer
keypad display. However, no message is sent to the host and
processing continues until the end of the transmission.
Certain errors may put the printer in offline mode. See Chapter 6,
"Error Messages," for a list of possible messages.

D a t a Tr a n s m i s s i o n E r r o r s
The printer displays errors that occur during data
transmission. Printer fault errors stop the machine, which will
not resume printing until the operator corrects the error
condition. All these messages take the system offline.

Incorrect Data Errors
The printer pauses when it receives incorrect data from the
host. During the pause, it displays a message and beeps.
After ten seconds, or when the operator presses e, the
printer resumes operation. Normally, the printer loses the
data that caused the error.
If the host or the communications line goes down during
transmission, the printer displays the message
Waiting for command terminator.
Press F1 to abort download.
If you press 1 , the batch or format data that was being sent will
be lost and must be retransmitted.

Message Structures 3-3

Monetary Symbols
The default monetary symbols are the U.S. dollar and cents. The
ASCII characters $ (24 hex) and ^ (5E hex) represent the dollar
and cent symbols.
If you change your printer settings to use international pricing
symbols, these characters will then represent the new symbols.
For monetary selections that don’t have a cent equivalent, the ^
character is changed to a space.
In EBCDIC-based systems a ^ is not
available. Use ~94 to print a cent sign.

Commands
The following command characters are used in 9474 online data
streams.
Command
Character

Hex
Value

Description

{

7B

Open brace. Command LEADIN character

,

2C

Comma. Inter-field separator (IFS)

;

3B

Semicolon. Beginning of string character

p

7C

Split vertical bar. Command inter-record
separator (IRS)

}

7D

Close brace. Command TERMINATOR
character

3-4 Message Structures

Programming Conventions
All online commands from the host follow these rules.
N

All data after the TERMINATOR character ( } ) and before the
next LEADIN character ( { ) is ignored.

N

The hex values 7B, 7C and 7D are reserved as command
delimiters. All data of a value less than 20 hex and greater
than 7E hex is ignored.

N

All data strings (batch data, compressed bit-map images or
format data) begin with a semi-colon (3BH) and end with a
TERMINATOR or inter-record separator (IRS or p (7C hex)).

N

All space characters, except string definitions, are ignored.

N

All strings must be less than 100 characters.

Standard Syntax Guidelines
N

A format header must be the first record in your format.

N

Begin the format name with the beginning of string
character (;).

N

Begin a record with a LEADIN character ({).

N

Make sure the length and width in these records match your
supply length and width. Remember, these numbers are in
tenths of millimeters, so 500 equals 50 millimeters or 5
centimeters.

N

Make sure the row and column locations in the text, bar code,
or line records are less than the supply length and width.

N

Allow enough space to hold all the characters in the field, the
bar code height, or the line end point without running off the
supply.

N

Field definitions may be sent in any order, regardless of field
location. The last field carries priority over previous fields and
overwrites the previous fields if they overlap when printed.

Message Structures 3-5

N

To print human readable characters for Code 39, Interleaved 2
of 5, Codabar, Code 128 and MSI bar codes, create a
separate text field. However, using this method with UPC or
EAN bar codes may not correctly print the bar code.

N

A new format with the same ID number as a previously defined
format overwrites the old format. However, the old format is
not overwritten until all batches queued to use the old format
are completed.

N

End records with a record separator ( p ).

N

End the last record in your format with a terminator
character (}).

Standard Syntax Guidelines for Batches
Read the standard syntax guidelines and note the additional items
for batches.
N

A batch header must be the first record in your batch.

N

For a batch header record or batch data, make sure the
number in the first parameter matches the number of the
format you are using.

N

If you choose auto-naming (the printer assigns a batch name),
make sure there are no characters or spaces between the
beginning of string character (;) and the record separator ( p ).

N

If the field is an incrementing field, you can enter any type of
characters; however, only the numeric data increments.

N

Send the correct format to the printer before sending the
batch. Batch data without a defined format generates an error.

3-6 Message Structures

Format Data
Format data contains the following:
N

Format identification number and name

N

Supply size

N

Online field definitions for text, bar code, line and graphic fields

The following offline format elements are not supported online:
N

Merged fields

N

Sub-fields

N

Time or date fields

N

User-defined check digits

N

Fixed characters

N

Alphanumeric distinction

N

Fixed or variable length

N

Price fields

You must supply these elements if you need them in your program.
The message structure used to transmit online format data is
shown below, followed by an example.
{FORMAT ID, LENGTH, WIDTH; FORMAT_NAME p
TEXT FIELD, INCREMENT FLAG, INCREMENT VALUE, ROW,
COLUMN, MULTIPLE, TEXT FONT,
CHARACTER ROTATION, FIELD ROTATION, COLOR p
BARCODE FIELD, INCREMENT FLAG, INCREMENT VALUE,
ROW, COLUMN, DENSITY,BAR CODE FONT,
FIELD ROTATION, HEIGHT, READABLE CHARACTERS p
LINE FIELD, ROW, COLUMN, DIRECTION, STOP,
THICKNESS p
GRAPHIC FIELD, ROW, COLUMN p
.
.}

Message Structures 3-7

Example
This example has three text fields and one bar code field.
{F1,0558,0507;ONLINE p
T00,I,000,0475,0050,1,1,0,0,B p
T01,I,000,0406,0050,1,1,0,0,B p
T02,I,000,0017,0253,1,1,0,0,B p
B00,I,000,0124,0093,1,1,0,0177,1 p }

The format header record (beginning with the Format ID) must
always be the first record in a format data stream.
Spaces can be used in the data stream.
However, if used in a string following a
semi-colon, they will be treated as printable
characters.

Format Header Record
The format header record is constructed as shown below.
Syntax

{F##,LENGTH,WIDTH;FORMAT NAME p

Field
F##

Contents
Must begin with the letter ’F’ to represent the beginning of a
format data stream.
The F is followed by a one or two digit number as the format ID
Values:

0-99

Example: F23 = Format number 23
LENGTH

One to four digits to define the supply length in tenths of
millimeters.
Values:

191-2032 (19.1 to 203.2 mm
or 0.75 to 8.0 inches)

Examples: 200 = 20mm
201 = 20.1mm
WIDTH

3-8 Message Structures

One to four digits to define the width of the supply in tenths of
millimeters (across the printhead).
Values:

191-1078 (0.75 to 4.25 inches)

;FORMAT_NAME One to eight-character name assigned by the user. It can
contain any ASCII alphanumeric character, including slash (/),
hyphen (-), space ( ), dollar sign ($), or decimal point (.).
The Format Name is a character string, so it is preceded by a
semicolon (;).

Example

{F23, 500, 200;TEXTILES p

The format number is F23, the supply length is 50 millimeters, the
supply width is 20 millimeters, and the format is named
"TEXTILES."

Te x t F i e l d R e c o r d
The text field record is constructed as shown below:
Syntax
Field
T##

T##,IFLAG,IVALUE,ROW,COL,MAG,TFONT,C-ROT,
F-ROT,COLOR p

Contents
Must begin with the letter ‘T’ for a text field.
The T is followed by one or two digits for the field number.
There can be up to 100 fields per format, in any combination
of text, barcode, line, or graphic fields.
Values:

IFLAG

0-99

You can set numeric fields to increase or decrease in value as
each ticket is printed.
This parameter consists of one character to define the field as
incremented, decremented, or constant.
Values:

I = Increment
D = Decrement

Message Structures 3-9

If the field does not change, define IFLAG as ‘I’ and set
IVALUE to zero (0).
NOTE: Do not select incrementing on fields that contain a
check digit.
IVALUE

One to three digits to define the amount by which the value in
the field increases or decreases as each ticket is printed. If
the field does not change, define IFLAG as ‘I’ and set IVALUE
to zero (0).
Values:

0-999

NOTE: The first number in the count sequence must contain
the same number 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.
ROW

One to four digits to define the row location of the field on the
supply. This is the distance from the the guide edge zero
point at the bottom of the supply and the bottom of the field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the bottom of
the supply. The bottom of the supply is the edge that exits the
printer first.
This value is measured in tenths of millimeters (TOMMS) and
must be less than the maximum length of the supply.
Values:

COL

0-2032

One to four digits to define the column location of the field on
the supply. This is the distance from the guide edge zero
point at the left edge of the supply and the left edge of the
field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the left edge of
the supply.
The unit of measurement is tenths of millimeters. The range
must be less than the maximum width of the supply.
Values:

MAG

0-1016 (0 to 4 inches)

One to two digits as the magnification factor for the font of
text fields.
Values:

3-10 Message Structures

1 - 10

Font magnifications creating greater than 30% black print on a
format may result in lower print quality.
TFONT

One digit as the font for the TEXT field. See Chapter 5,
"Quick References," for font samples.
Values:

C-ROT

0
1
2
3

=
=
=
=

top
top
top
top

of
of
of
of

field
field
field
field

toward
toward
toward
toward

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

One character to define the color of a text field.
Values:

Example

0 = tops of characters toward top of field
1 = tops of characters toward left of field

Field rotation. The direction of the field with respect to the
supply.
Values:

COLOR

Standard
Reduced
Bold
OCR-A
UPC HR1
UPC HR2

Character rotation. The direction characters point with
respect to the field.
Values:

F-ROT

1
2
3
5
6
7

B = Black characters (42H)
W = White characters on black (57H)

T05,I,0,230,30,1,1,0,0,B p

The text field number is T05, the field does not change value with
successive tickets (IFLAG = I, increment value = 0). The field
begins 23 millimeters from the bottom and 3 millimeters from the
left edge of the print area. The font appears at normal size
(magnification = 1) and the Standard font is used (1). The tops of
characters point to the top of the field (character rotation = 0) and
the top of the field points to the top of the supply (rotation = 0).
Characters appear in Black.

Message Structures 3-11

Bar Code Field Record
The bar code field record is constructed as shown below.
Syntax

B##,IFLAG,IVALUE,ROW,COL,DENSITY,BFONT,
F-ROT,HEIGHT,HR p

Field
BARCODE

Contents
Must be the letter ‘B’ for a bar code field.
The B is followed by one or two digits for the field number.
There can be up to 100 fields per format, in any combination
of text, barcode, line, or graphic fields.
Values:

IFLAG

0-99

You can set numeric fields to increase or decrease in value as
each ticket is printed.
This parameter consists of one character to define the field as
incremented, decremented, or constant.
Values:

I = Increment
D = Decrement

If the field does not change, define IFLAG as ‘I’ and set
IVALUE to zero (0).
NOTE: Do not select incrementing on UPC or EAN bar codes
or fields that contain a check digit.
IVALUE

One to three digits to define the amount by which the value in
the field increases or decreases as each ticket is printed. If
the field does not change, define IFLAG as ‘I’ and set IVALUE
to zero (0).
NOTE: The first number in the count sequence must contain
the same number 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.
Values:

ROW

0-999

One to four digits to define the row location of the field on the
supply. This is the distance from the guide edge zero point at
the bottom of the supply and the bottom of the field.

3-12 Message Structures

The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the bottom of
the supply. The bottom of the supply is the edge that exits the
printer first.
This value is measured in tenths of millimeters (TOMMS) and
must be less than the maximum length of the supply.
Values:

0-2032

NOTE: The minimum row location for serial bar code fields is
23 (0.09 inches)
COL

One to four digits to define the column location of the field on
the supply. This is the distance from the guide edge zero
point at the left edge of the supply and the left edge of the
field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the left edge of
the supply.
The unit of measurement is tenths of millimeters. The range
must be less than the maximum width of the supply.
Values:

DENSITY

0-1016 (0 to 4 inches)

One digit for the bar code density for Interleaved 2 of 5, Code
128, MSI, Code 39, and UPC/EAN bar codes.
Values:

1-5

Some bar codes do not support all 5 values.
For the actual densities for these values, see Chapter 5,
"Quick References."
BFONT

One digit indicating which bar code font to use.
Values:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

UPC-A
UPC-E
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 39
Codabar
EAN-8
EAN-13
Code 128
MSI
UPC/EAN+2
UPC/EAN+5

Message Structures 3-13

F-ROT

Field rotation. The direction of the field with respect to the
supply.
Values:

HEIGHT

=
=
=
=

top
top
top
top

of
of
of
of

field
field
field
field

toward
toward
toward
toward

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

One to four digits for the bar code height in tenths of
millimeters. The value should be less than the length or width
of the supply.
Values:

HR

0
1
2
3

50-2032 (5.1 to 203.2 mm or 0.2 to 8.0 inches)

(Human readable characters) One digit for the location of
human readable characters printed with a UPC or EAN bar
code. If no value is given, no human readable characters are
printed.
Values:

0 = No human readable characters printed
1 = Human readable printed above the bar code
2 = Human readable printed below the bar code

NOTE: Always use the HR parameter to generate the human
readable text for a UPC or EAN bar code. If you
manually insert human readable text, the barcode
may not print accurately.

Example

B11,I,1,70,30,1,4,0,120,0 p

The bar code field number is B11, the field increases by 1 with
successive tickets (IFLAG = I, increment value = 1). The field
begins 7 millimeters from the bottom and 3 millimeters from the
left edge of the print area. The bar code density is 6.63
characters per inch (density = 1, code 39), and Code 39 (4) is
used. The top of the field points to the top of the supply (rotation
= 0). The height of the bar code is 12 millimeters and no human
readable characters appear with this bar code (0).
The following special restrictions apply to online bar codes:
UPCA

3-14 Message Structures

You must send a leading zero, 11 digits of
data and a check digit (13 digits total).

UPCE

The printer automatically prints a leading zero
for this bar code. You must send data and a
check digit (7 digits total).

EAN13

You must send 12 digits of data and a check
digit (13 digits total).

EAN8

You must send 7 digits of data and a check
digit (8 digits total).
NOTE: If the check digit is incorrect or omitted from a
UPC or EAN bar code, the printer will
automatically place the correct check digit in
the bar code.

I 2 of 5

This bar code has no check digit. The printer
automatically prints the start and stop
characters, so only the data must be sent.
The length of the data is variable. If the data
has an odd number of digits, add a leading
zero to make the length even.

Code 39

The start and stop characters must be placed
at the beginning and end of the data before it
is sent to the printer. The start and stop
character is an asterisk (*). The length of the
data is variable.

Codabar

The start and stop characters must be placed
at the beginning and end of the data before it
is sent to the printer. The start and stop
characters are a combination of lowercase a,
b, c, or d. The length of this data is variable.

Code 128

You can send characters for Function Codes
1-4 as fixed data when defining a code 128
field and as batch data when printing.
To send the Function Codes, use a tilde (~)
followed by a three digit ASCII code as shown
in the following table.

Message Structures 3-15

For example, to print a string of bar code data
with function code F2 as the fourth character...
123(F2)5678
send this string of characters...
123~1295678
ASCII Code

Function Code

~134

F1

~129

F2

~128

F3

~132

F4

Two additional bar codes are supported as extensions to both
UPC and EAN bar codes.
+2

Send exactly two digits for this bar code.

+5

Send exactly six digits (a five-digit bar code and a
one-digit check digit).

Line Field
The message structure below transmits a line field. This data
stream defines the bit map to form a graphic line field. Use the
line field to emphasize data by printing a line or box.
You can have up to 100 line images. The line record can be
placed in a format data stream anywhere following the format
header record. Lines are counted as fields, just like text or bar
code fields. When determining the number of fields in your
format, count each line as a separate field.
Syntax

L##, ROW, COLUMN, DIRECTION, STOP,
THICKNESS p

3-16 Message Structures

Field
L##

Contents
Must begin with the letter ’L’ for a line field.
The L is followed by one or two digits for the field number.
There can be up to 100 fields per format, in any combination
of text, barcode, line, or graphic fields.
Values:

ROW

0-99

One to four digits to define the row location of the field on the
supply. This is the distance from the the guide edge zero
point at the bottom of the supply and the bottom of the field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the bottom of
the supply. The bottom of the supply is the edge that exits the
printer first.
This value is measured in tenths of millimeters (TOMMS) and
must be less than the maximum length of the supply.
Values:

COLUMN

0-2032

One to four digits to define the column location of the field on
the supply. This is the distance from the guide edge zero
point at the left edge of the supply and the left edge of the
field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the left edge of
the supply.
The unit of measurement is tenths of millimeters. The range
must be less than the maximum width of the supply.
Values:

DIRECTION

One digit to define the direction of the line.
Values:

STOP

0 = Vertical
1 = Horizontal

One to four digits to define the stop position (Row or Column,
dependent on the DIRECTION setting) for the line.
Values:

THICKNESS

0-1016 (0 to 4 inches)

1-2032

One or two digits for the line thickness in dots. 1 dot = 1/192
inch
Values:

1-15

Message Structures 3-17

Example

L22,400,100,1,190,5 p

The line field number is L22, the line begins 40 millimeters from
the bottom and 10 millimeters from the left edge of the print area.
The line is horizontal (direction = 1) and ends 19 millimeters from
the left edge of the supply. The line is 5 dots thick.
Example
This example draws a simple 1-inch box starting at row 50 and
column 50 on a 2" x 2.5" tag, as shown below.
Format
{F1,635,508;BOX p
L0,50,50,0,304,3 p
L1,50,50,1,304,3 p
L2,50,304,0,304,3 p
L3,304,50,1,316,3 p }

Batch
{B1,1,0,1,1,1,C;BOX.TEST p }

Note that line L3 is longer than the other 3 lines to complete the
box in the upper right corner.

3-18 Message Structures

Batch Data
The batch data stream contains:
N

Batch information:
- format number (layout for the print image)
- print quantity
- supply definition
- item description (batch name)

N

Print image:
- field numbers
- data to be printed in each field

The message structure used to provide the printed data for an
online format is shown below. An example follows.
{B##,QUANTITY,CUT,REP,PARTS,0,MODE;BATCH_NAME
T##;(..print data..) p
B##;(..print data..) p
.
.
.}

p

Batch Header Record
The batch header is the first record in the batch data stream.
Syntax
Field
B##

{B##,QUANTITY,CUT,REP,PARTS,0,MODE;
BATCH_NAME p

Contents
Must begin with the letter ’B’ to begin a batch data stream.
The B is followed by the one or two digit number that matches
the format number. This is the number at the beginning of the
format record.
Values:

QUANTITY

One to four digits for the quantity to print in a given batch.
Values:

CUT/TAKEUP

0-99

1-9999

On printers with a knife:

Message Structures 3-19

One digit to control how tickets are cut.
Values:

0 = no cut
1 = cut each ticket in the batch (except last ticket)
2 = cut each ticket in the batch (including
last ticket in batch)
3 = cut between batches

NOTE: Do not use option 2 if your supply is less than 4
inches long (1016 tomms) or more than 8 inches long
(2032 tomms)
When using option 2, the first 0.7 inches of the supply cannot
be used for printing.
On non-knife printers:
On a 9474 with no knife, this parameter controls the backing
paper takeup, instead of the knife.
Values:
REP

One to four digits for the supply repetition for cutting, and
increment/decrement field.
Values:

PARTS

0 = print tags with no backing paper.
1 = print labels and take up the backing paper.

1-9999

One digit for the number of parts across the supply.
Values:

1-5

RESERVED

Enter 0.

MODE

One character to define the mode of printing, or batch
separator.
Values:

0 = separator off.
1 = double length separator (use for 924 or 925
stacker). 3 mm extra length tag on 920 stacker.
2 = normal length separator with 3 mm black stripe.
3 = 3 mm extra length tag with 6 mm stripe.

NOTE: If using value 0,1, 2, or 3, do not use a separate
batch separator packet.

3-20 Message Structures

C = Continuous
D = On Demand
If you enter D (On Demand) in the MODE field on a printer
with a knife, the value will default to C (Continuous).
;BATCH_NAME

One to eight characters for the name of the batch. A priority
batch name must begin with a decimal. For example:
.SOCKS12.
Each batch should have a unique name, or you can omit the
name for automatic batch naming. If multiple batches are
sent with the same name, all batches are stored with the
same name. If you omit the batch name, the printer will
generate unique names which begin with the letters "AUTO"
and end with a 4-digit number. The 4-digit number is an
increment and can have a value from 1-9999 (example:
AUTO1354, where 1354 equals the increment).

Example

{B11,200,2,5,2,0,3; p

The batch prints data using format 11 and prints 200 tickets. The
printer cuts after each ticket is printed, including the last ticket (2)
and each ticket will print 5 times. This is a two-part ticket. The
format prints 2 times horizontally across each ticket. A
double-length separator prints between batches (3). The batch
name is automatically assigned by the printer, because there are
no characters between the semi-colon and the record separator.

Entering Print Data for Fields
Enter the data to print in each field after the batch header record
as shown.
Syntax

{B##,QUANTITY,CUT,REP,PARTS,0,MODE;
BATCH_NAME p
T##;print data.. p
B##;print data.. p
.
.
.}

Message Structures 3-21

T##

The number of the text field to print (enter the number in place
of ##).

B##

The number of the bar code field to print (enter the field
number in place of ##).

;print data p

Enter the data you want to print in this field.
This character string begins with a semi-colon (;) and can be
1 to 100 characters long. Place a record separator ( p ) at the
end of this string.
If there is a text field you don’t want to use, enter that field
number and a semi-colon with no print data.

Example
This example contains data to print the label shown below.
{B1,0012,1,01,1,0,C;PTEST
T00;TEST FORMAT1 p
T01;S/N 97464B p
T02;$12.34 p
B00;0012345678905 p }

p

The batch prints the phrase
"TEST FORMAT 1" in text field
T00, "S/N 97464B" in text field T01, "$12.34" in text field T02,
and "0012345678905" in bar code field B00.
If consecutive batch data streams use the same format, send only
the changed data fields. See the following section, "Using
Previously Defined Print Data."

3-22 Message Structures

Using Multiple Batches with One Format
You can send multiple batches for any format previously loaded
into the printer. To do so, send the format to the printer, then
send as many batches as you want to print data on that format.
This allows you to send multiple batches without sending a new
format with each batch.

Using Previously Defined Print Data
When sending multiple batches for one format, you can "re-use"
your print data. On consecutive batches, the data in a field does
not change, omit that field from the later batch.
When you leave out any field number that was specified in the
preceding batch, the data used in the preceding batch will print on
following batches until new field data is entered.
For example, batch 1 below prints a date in text field T01. Since
batch 1 and batch 2 are printed on the same day, batch 2 can
leave out field T01. Since T01 was defined in the preceding
batch, it will automatically print in batch 2.
Batch 1:

Batch 2:

{ B12,1,0,1,1,0,C; p
T01;12/31/90 p
T02;Stock #43768
T03;100’ Hose }

{ B12,1,0,1,1,0,C; p
T02;Stock #52014
T03;Sprinkler }

If two fields overlap, do NOT use this feature.
If fields overlap, you must send the format
before each batch.

Message Structures 3-23

Batch Separators
This command selects the use of batch separators. A batch
separator is a tag with a wide black line across the top or a
double length tag and is last tag in a batch. Your Operator’s
Handbook shows the type of batch separator used by your printer.
When printing online, add 1 to your batch quantity. The batch
separator does not add a tag to the total number of tags in a
batch. (In offline operation a batch separator increases the batch
count by one tag.)
The command structure is shown below, followed by an example.
If using this batch separator packet, make
sure the batch header "MODE" value is set to
C.
Syntax

{ S TYPE }

Field

Contents

S

Must be the letter ‘S’ to identify the batch separator selection.

TYPE

A single digit to turn the batch separator selection on or off.
The resulting separator depends on the type of stacker you
are using.

3-24 Message Structures

Values 0, 1, 2, or 3 as shown in the table below.

Stacker Type

none

920

924/925

{S0}

No separator

No separator

No separator

{S1}

Double length tag
with no stripe

3 mm extra length
tag with 6 mm stripe

Double length tag
with no stripe

{S2}

Normal length tag
with 3 mm stripe

Normal length tag
with 3 mm stripe

Normal length tag
with 3 mm stripe

{S3}

3 mm extra length
tag with
6 mm stripe

3 mm extra length
tag with 6 mm stripe

3 mm extra length
tag with 6 mm
stripe

Data Stream

Format data stream.
{F 12,
T1, I,
T2, I,
T3, I,
T4, I,
T5, I,

560, 508;SMALL2IN
0, 300, 50, 1, 1,
0, 200, 50, 1, 1,
0, 150, 50, 1, 1,
0, 100, 50, 1, 1,
0, 050, 50, 1, 1,

p
0,
0,
0,
0,
0,

0,
0,
0,
0,
0,

B
B
B
B
B

p
p
p
p
p }

Batch data stream.
{S0}
{B 12, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, C;SMALL2IN p
T1;Separators off. p
T2;Line 2. p
T3;Line 3. p
T4;Line 4. p
T5;Line 5. p }

Message Structures 3-25

Turn batch separator on; print another batch.
{S1}
{B 12, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, C;SEP.ON p
T1;Separators on. p
T2;Line 2. p
T3;Line 3. p
T4;Line 4. p
T5;Line 5. p }

Turn batch separator off.
{S0}

3-26 Message Structures

4

USING GRAPHICS
There are two stages to printing a graphic:
N

Create the data stream for the graphic image

N

Place the image into a format.

To print a format with a graphic image, transmit data to the printer
in this order:
Graphic data stream to define the graphic image
Format data stream that references the graphic image
Batch data to print the format.

Using Graphics 4-1

Defining Graphic Image Data
Graphic images are created by a series of dots printed in a
specific pattern. This pattern results from a process of turning
dots "ON" or "OFF" on the printhead.
We will use the terms "black dots" to describe a dot that is ON,
and "white dots" for a dot that is OFF.
This section describes how to build a data stream to create this
pattern with your printer.
This example shows
how black dots and
white dots form an
image of the letter A.

Row 3
Row 2
Row 1

To create a data stream for this image, start with the bottom row.
Count the number of white dots and black dots, in order of
appearance in each row.
For example, rows 1 through 4 (at the bottom) in the image above
have these dot counts:
Row 1:

4 White, 8 Black, 19 White, 8 Black, 4 White

Row 2:

4 White, 8 Black, 19 White, 8 Black, 4 White

Row 3:

4 White, 8 Black, 19 White, 8 Black, 4 White

Row 4:

5 White, 7 Black, 19 White, 7 Black, 5 White

4-2 Using Graphics

The data stream uses letters to identify dot counts.
N

CAPITAL letters represent black dots.

N

lowercase letters represent white dots.

Using the chart below, the data stream for row 1 would be:
Dot count:
Row 1:

4 White, 8 Black, 19 White, 8 Black, 4 White

Data Stream:
dHsHd p
(4 white = d, 8 black = H, 19 white = s)
Use multiple letter codes to indicate strings of same-color dots.
For example: 30 black dots = ZD
9 white dots = ccc
Coding Chart
Black Dots

#dots

Code

# dots

White Dots

Code

# dots

Code

# dots

Code

1

A

14

N

1

a

14

n

2

B

15

O

2

b

15

o

3

C

16

P

3

c

16

p

4

D

17

Q

4

d

17

q

5

E

18

R

5

e

18

r

6

F

19

S

6

f

19

s

7

G

20

T

7

g

20

t

8

H

21

U

8

h

21

u

9

I

22

V

9

i

22

v

10

J

23

W

10

j

23

w

11

K

24

X

11

k

24

x

12

L

25

Y

12

l

25

y

13

M

26

Z

13

m

26

z

The graphic data stream contains a graphic header record
followed by data streams for each row of dots in the image.

Using Graphics 4-3

Syntax
{G##,0,0,0,0 p
;...dot codes... p
;...dot codes... p
;...dot codes... p
.
.
.}

Field
G##

Contents
Must begin with the letter ’G’ to identify this as a graphic data
stream.
The G is followed by a one or two digit number to identify the
graphic image. Later you will use this number to insert the
graphic into a format.
Values:

0-99

NOTE: If this graphic is used in offline batch entry, the printer
assigns a name of GPH## where ## is the ID number
assigned here.
ROW

Enter 0.

COLUMN

Enter 0.

LINES

Enter 0.

DOTS

Enter 0.

;dot codes

The first row of dot codes corresponds to the bottom row of
dots in the image. Essentially, this means you are building
the graphic image upside down in the data stream.
Note that since this record is a character string, it begins with
a semi-colon (;). You can place up to 100 characters in each
row.
Do not put any spaces in the dot code character string.

4-4 Using Graphics

Example
This graphic data stream
generates the letter A from the
grid earlier in this section. The
format and batch data streams to
print a sample tag follow the
graphic data stream.
The graphic is assigned a number
of 1 and it is 46 dots tall.
The graphic data stream uses the
same guidelines for structure and
syntax as the format data stream
does. See "Standard Syntax
Guidelines" in Chapter 3 for more
information.

{G1,0,0,0,0 p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;eGsGe p
;eHqHe p
;fGqGf p
;fHoHf p
;fHoHf p
;gGoGg p
;gHmHg p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;iFMFi p
;iFMFi p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;kHgHk p
;kHgHk p
;lGgGl p
;lHeHl p
;lHeHl p
;mGeGm p
;mGeGm p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;oFcFo p
;oGaGo p
;pFaFp p
;pFAFp p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;rDADr p
;rDADr p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;tBABt p
;tBABt p
;uCu p
;uCu p
;uCu p
;vAv p }

Using Graphics 4-5

Placing the Image in a Format
The message structure below places a graphic field in a format.
You can have up to 100 graphic images. The graphic record can
be placed in a format data stream anywhere following the format
header record.
Graphics are counted as fields, just like text or bar code fields.
When determining the number of fields in your format, count each
graphic as a separate field.
G##, ROW, COLUMN p

Syntax

If graphic fields overlap with other fields in the data stream, the
last field in the data stream will dominate.
Field
G##

Contents
Must begin with the letter ’G’ for a graphic field.
The G is followed by one or two digits for the graphic number.
Enter the number you assigned to the graphic in the graphic
data stream.
Values:

ROW

0-99

One to four digits to define the row location of the graphic on
the supply. This is the distance from the the guide edge zero
point at the bottom of the supply and the bottom of the field.
The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the bottom of
the supply. The bottom of the supply is the edge that exits the
printer first.
This value is measured in tenths of millimeters (TOMMS) and
must be less than the maximum length of the supply.
Values:

COLUMN

0-2032

One to four digits to define the column location of the field on
the supply. This is the distance from the guide edge zero
point at the left edge of the supply and the left edge of the
field.

4-6 Using Graphics

The zero point is 1.5 mm or 0.060 inches from the left edge of
the supply.
The unit of measurement is tenths of millimeters. The range
must be less than the maximum width of the supply.
Values:

0-1016 (0 to 4 inches)

The following format data stream uses the graphic data defined
earlier in this chapter. The graphic is inserted 20 mm from the
bottom and 20 mm from the left edge of the supply.
{F11,550,507;LETTER-A p
G1,200,200 p
T0,I,0,400,100,1,1,0,0,B p }

The following batch data stream prints the following tag:
{B11,1,1,1,1,0,C;LETTER-A p
T0;LETTER-A GRAPHIC p }

Example

G1,100,40 p

The graphic number 1 is inserted into the format 10 millimeters
from the bottom and 4 millimeters from the left edge of the print
area.

Using Graphics 4-7

Clear Image Buffer
This command clears all or selective graphics from the image
buffer. Once graphic data is sent to the printer, that graphic stays
in memory until a clear image buffer command is sent.
Syntax

{ C## }

Field

Contents

C

Must be the letter ‘C’ to identify the clear image buffer
command.

##

This optional parameter specifies a particular graphic to be
cleared from memory. It must match the number assigned in
the graphic data stream. If omitted, ALL graphics in memory
will be deleted.

Example

{C} Clears all graphics from the printer.
{C4} Clears only graphic number 4.

Compressing the Data Stream
Image data usually consists of a large amount of repetitive data.
Therefore, the printer uses a data compression algorithm for the
graphic message structure. Here’s how it works.
1. Any image is defined as a matrix of cells.
2. Each row of the matrix consists of a series of consecutive ON
(black) or OFF (white) cells. The range is 1-26, represented
by adding either a hex 40 (black) or hex 60 (white). Cells that
print black are represented by the upper case letters ‘A’
through ‘Z’ in the file sent to the printer. Cells that print white
are represented by the lowercase letters ‘a’ through ‘z’ in the
file. Consecutive cells greater than 26 require multiple letters.
Example:

4-8 Using Graphics

39 consecutive white cells are represented by
the letters ‘zm’ (i.e. ‘z’ produces 26 white
cells followed by ‘m’ or 13 more white cells).

3. Each row of the matrix is terminated by the command
inter-record separator, split vertical bar ( p ). However, the last
row of the matrix ends with the TERMINATOR command,
closed brace (}).
4. In addition to compressing consecutive cells, repetitive lines
of compressed row data can be combined. For example, if
twelve rows have the same data (;zm), a number can be
added at the beginning of the line to repeat the line (;12zm).
5. The following example shows how you can compress the
"Letter A" data stream. The long version is on the left. The
compressed version of the same data stream is on the right.

Using Graphics 4-9

Long Version
{G1,0,0,0,0 p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;eGsGe p
;eHqHe p
;fGqGf p
;fHoHf p
;fHoHf p
;gGoGg p
;gHmHg p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;iFMFi p
;iFMFi p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;kHgHk p
;kHgHk p
;lGgGl p
;lHeHl p
;lHeHl p
;mGeGm p
;mGeGm p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;oFcFo p
;oGaGo p
;pFaFp p
;pFAFp p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;rDADr p
;rDADr p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;tBABt p
;tBABt p
;uCu p
;uCu p
;uCu p
;vAv p }

4-10 Using Graphics

Compressed Version
{G1,0,0,0,0 p
;3dHsHd p
;eGsGe p
;eHqHe p
;fGqGf p
;2fHoHf p
;gGoGg p
;gHmHg p
;3hGMGh p
;2iFMFi p
;3jEMEj p
;2kHgHk p
;lGgGl p
;2lHeHl p
;2mGeGm p
;3nGcGn p
;oFcFo p
;oGaGo p
;pFaFp p
;pFAFp p
;3qEAEq p
;2rDADr p
;3sCACs p
;2tBABt p
;3uCu p
;vAv p
}

5

QUICK REFERENCES
Te x t F o n t S i z e s
The 9474 fonts are selected in Printer Configuration in offline
mode only. Be sure the fonts selected at the printer are
compatible with the format and batch data you are downloading.

Fonts
The 9474 fonts are proportional (each character takes only as
much space as it needs). Uppercase I is the narrowest character
and results in the most characters per inch. Uppercase M is the
widest and results in the fewest characters per inch. In the
following table uppercase I was used to calculate the most
characters per inch. Uppercase M was used to calculate the
fewest characters per inch.
If you rotate the characters (with the top of the characters toward
the left or right side of the stock) you will get the characters per
inch shown in the table labeled "Rotated Characters."

Quick References 5-1

Parallel Characters
Value/Font

Characters/Inch
I

M

Character
Height (in.)

1/Standard

21.3

12.0

0.10

2/Reduced

64.0

24.0

0.07

3/Bold

19.2

7.1

0.20

5/OCR-A

10.1

10.1

0.10

6/UPC HR1

19.2

13.7

0.10

7/UPC HR2

32.0

19.2

0.08

Rotated Characters
Font

Characters/Inch

Standard

10

Reduced

14

Bold

5

OCR-A

10

Character Width (in Dots)
The dots per character is the same for all characters. The
examples below show the difference between parallel characters
and serial characters.

Parallel Characters

5-2 Quick References

Serial Characters

Parallel Character Width (in Dots)
The following table shows the character width in dots. Uppercase
I is the narrowest character (fewest dots per character).
Uppercase M is the widest character (most dots per character).
Value/Font

Dots Wide

ICG*

I

M

1/Standard

7

14

2/Reduced

2

7

1

3/Bold

7

24

3

5/OCR-A

16

16

3

6/UPC HR1

12

12

2

7/UPC HR2

10

10

1

2

*Inter-character gap

Bar Codes
The table below lists bar code selections and values.
Value

Dots Wide

1

UPC-A

2

UPC-E

3

Interleaved 2 of 5

4

Code 39

5

Codabar

6

EAN-8

7

EAN-13

8

Code 128

9

MSI

10

UPC/EAN+2

11

UPC/EAN+5

Quick References 5-3

Bar Code Densities
The samples below show the difference between parallel and
serial bar codes.

Parallel Bar Code

Serial Bar Code

Bar Code Densities
Value

1

2

3

4
5

Bar Code

Code 39
I 2 of 5
Code 128*
MSI
UPC/EAN
Code 39
I 2 of 5
Code 128*
MSI
UPC/EAN
Code 39
I 2 of 5
Code 128*
MSI
Code 39
I 2 of 5
Code 39

Density (Char/in)

6.63
12.02
8.74 (alphanumeric)
17.48 (numeric only)
6.87
80% standard density
3.32
6.87
5.83 (alphanumeric)
11.66 (numeric only)
5.34
120% standard density
4.01
4.93
4.37 (alphanumeric)
8.74 (numeric only)
4.01
not supported
3.01
6.01

*For more information on Code 128, see Appendix B.

Line Width
5-4 Quick References

The following table shows the horizontal and vertical line widths.

Line Width
Line
Number

Appearance

Inches

MM

1

.005

.13

2

.010

.26

3

.015

.40

4

.021

.53

5

.026

.66

6

.031

.79

7

.036

.92

8

.042

1.06

9

.046

1.16

10

.052

1.32

11

.057

1.44

12

.062

1.57

13

.067

1.70

14

.072

1.82

15

.078

1.98

Quick References 5-5

Special Characters
The following table shows the ASCII code for special characters
available in the standard font.
ASCII Code

Symbol Description

~128

Hashed box

~129

Pound or Lira

~130

Yen

~131

Kronna

~132

Deutsche mark

~133

Markka

~134

Schilling

~135

Half sign

~136

Rupee

Code 128 Function Codes
The following table shows the ASCII code for the Code 128
function codes.
ASCII Code

Function Code

~134

F1

~129

F2

~128

F3

~132

F4

5-6 Quick References

ASCII Characters
The following table shows the characters available in each font.
HR1 and HR2 are human readable fonts for bar codes.
Character
#
$
%
^
&
*
(
)
[
]
‘(grave)
{
}
~
,(comma)
"
—
=
_(underscore)
+
.
/
’(apostrophe)
:
;

?
\
|
0-9
A-Z
a-z

Std

Reduced

yes
yes
yes
yes
¢
yes
yes
yes
yes
[
]
yes
yes
yes
yes

yes
yes
yes
yes
¢
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes

yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes

yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes

OCRA
no
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
∫
¬
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes
no
¥
no
yes
yes
no

Bold

HR1

HR2

no
no
yes
no
¢
no
no
yes
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no

no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no

no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no

no
no
yes
no
no
no
yes
yes
no
yes
no
no
no
no
¥
no
yes
yes
no

no
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
no
no

no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
HN*
no

yes = what you enter is what prints.
no = character does not exist in this font; nothing prints.
*
Uppercase H and N are the only alphabetic characters that print in the Human Readable
fonts. All other characters are numeric.

Printable Characters by Font

Quick References 5-7

Following are the printable characters (not at actual size). Human
Readable 1 and Human Readable 2 are not available offline.

English/Metric Conversion

Standard

Reduced

Bold

OCR-A

Human Readable
(HR1)
5-8 Quick References

Human
Readable (HR2)

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

0.125
0.225
0.325
0.425
0.525
0.625
0.725
0.825
0.925
1.025
1.125
1.225
1.325
1.425
1.525
1.625
1.725
1.825
1.925
2.025
2.125
2.225
2.325
2.425
2.525
2.625
2.725
2.825
2.925
3.025
3.125
3.225
3.325
3.425

31
57
82
108
133
159
184
209
235
260
286
311
336
362
387
413
438
463
489
514
540
565
590
616
641
667
692
717
743
768
794
819
844
869

0.060
0.150
0.250
0.350
0.450
0.550
0.650
0.750
0.850
0.950
1.050
1.150
1.250
1.350
1.450
1.550
1.650
1.750
1.850
1.950
2.050
2.150
2.250
2.350
2.450
2.550
2.650
2.750
2.850
2.950
3.050
3.150
3.250
3.350
3.450

15
38
63
89
114
140
165
191
216
241
267
292
317
343
368
394
419
445
470
495
520
546
571
597
622
648
673
698
724
749
775
800
825
850
876

0.075
0.175
0.275
0.375
0.475
0.575
0.675
0.775
0.875
0.975
1.075
1.175
1.275
1.375
1.475
1.575
1.675
1.775
1.875
1.975
2.075
2.175
2.275
2.375
2.475
2.575
2.675
2.775
2.875
2.975
3.075
3.175
3.275
3.375
3.475

19
44
70
95
121
146
171
197
222
247
273
298
324
349
375
400
425
450
476
502
527
552
578
603
628
654
679
705
730
755
781
806
832
857
882

0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
0.800
0.900
1.000
1.100
1.200
1.300
1.400
1.500
1.600
1.700
1.800
1.900
2.000
2.100
2.200
2.300
2.400
2.500
2.600
2.700
2.800
2.900
3.000
3.100
3.200
3.300
3.400
3.500

25
50
76
101
127
152
178
203
228
254
279
305
330
356
381
406
432
457
483
508
533
558
584
609
635
660
686
711
736
762
787
813
838
863
889

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

Inches

TOMM

3.525
3.625
3.725
3.825
3.925
4.025
4.125
4.225

895
921
946
971
996
1022
1048
1073

3.550
3.650
3.750
3.850
3.950
4.050
4.150
4.250

902
927
952
978
1003
1028
1054
1079

3.575
3.675
3.775
3.875
3.975
4.075
4.175
4.275

908
933
959
984
1009
1035
1060
1086

3.600
3.700
3.800
3.900
4.000
4.100
4.200
4.300

914
939
965
990
1016
1041
1067
1092

Quick References 5-9

4.325
4.425
4.525
4.625
4.725
4.825
4.925
5.025
5.125
5.225
5.325
5.425
5.525
5.625
5.725
5.825
5.925
6.025
6.125
6.225
6.325
6.425

1099
1124
1149
1175
1200
1225
1251
1276
1302
1327
1352
1378
1403
1429
1454
1479
1505
1530
1556
1581
1606
1632

4.350
4.450
4.550
4.650
4.750
4.850
4.950
5.050
5.150
5.250
5.350
5.450
5.550
5.650
5.750
5.850
6.950
6.050
6.150
6.250
6.350
6.450

1105
1130
1156
1181
1206
1232
1257
1283
1308
1333
1359
1384
1409
1435
1460
1486
1511
1537
1562
1588
1613
1638

TOMM = Tenths of millimeters

5-10 Quick References

4.375
4.475
4.575
4.675
4.775
4.875
4.975
5.075
5.175
5.275
5.375
5.475
5.575
5.675
5.775
5.875
5.975
6.075
6.175
6.275
6.375
6.475

1111
1137
1162
1187
1212
1238
1263
1289
1314
1340
1365
1390
1416
1441
1467
1492
1518
1543
1568
1594
1619
1644

4.400
4.500
4.600
4.700
4.800
4.900
5.000
5.100
5.200
5.300
5.400
5.500
5.600
5.700
5.800
5.900
6.000
6.100
6.200
6.300
6.400
6.500

1118
1143
1168
1194
1219
1245
1270
1295
1321
1346
1371
1397
1422
1448
1473
1499
1524
1549
1575
1600
1626
1651

6

ERROR MESSAGES
This chapter provides explanations of your printer’s errors. There
are four types of errors:
N

diagnostic

N

startup

N

operation

N

offline

If you have problems loading supplies or performing maintenance,
refer to the Operator’s Handbook. If you have a problem you can’t
solve, contact your Monarch service representative.
Before you call...
N

Select Version from the main menu and press e . The
screen displays information about the software installed in
your machine.

N

Write down the information and give it to the service
representative when you call.

Error Messages 6-1

Diagnostic Messages
These messages appear if the printer fails internal testing. If the
printer stops at one of these messages, turn the power off. Then
turn it on again. If the problem persists, call Monarch Service.
Message
Error - Turn power off
Wait 10 seconds, then turn on
Head test failure
RAM read/write failure.
ROM checksum failure.

Startup Messages
The printer displays the following messages when you turn the
power on. Messages are listed in the order they appear.
If the printer stops at one of these messages, turn the power off.
Wait at least 10 seconds, then turn it on again. If the problem
persists, call Monarch Service.
Message

Description/Action

Copyright (c) 1988-89
Monarch Marking (Model 94##)

A copyright statement for
the software.

Select Supply Type: B
A)lign, B)lack Mark or D)ie Cut

Press e if you are
using black mark or
aperture supplies.
Type D and press e if
you are using die cut
supplies.
Type A and press e
to calibrate the printer.

6-2 Error Messages

Message

Description/Action

Enter new date: 01/01/89
(MM/DD/YY)

Press e to keep the
date shown or to skip the
prompt.
Enter a new date in the
format shown in
parentheses and
press e .

Service Required: XXX
dayton:(800)231-7700 Press ENTER.

Preventative maintenance
message that is displayed
when the counter reaches
three million inches. This
message is displayed
every time the printer is
powered up until the
counter is reset by a
service technician.

Enter new time: 00:01:04
(HH:MM:SS)

Press e to keep the
time shown or to skip the
prompt.
Type new time and press
e . Enter the time in
the format shown in
parentheses and
press e .

"Head test failure"
message appears.

Check for visible print
problems. Continue
printing or call Service.
If the print problem is in a
bar code, call Monarch
Service. You can check
the quality of your bar
code if you have a bar
code verifier.

Error Messages 6-3

Operation Messages
There are two kinds of operation messages:
N

Error messages

N

Warning messages

The messages use the following formats:
ERROR:
(function)
Error description text.
WARNING:
(function)
Warning message text.
Function indicates the part of the program
where the error originated, such as Batch
Control or Format Entry.
Warning and error messages can be:
Informative
messages

The printer displays an informative message
for several seconds, then resumes operating.
An informative message is usually displayed
for 3 seconds in offline operation and for 10
seconds in online operation.

Or ...
Failure
messages

6-4 Error Messages

The printer displays a failure message and
stops operating until the operator presses
e.

Printer Errors
These messages occur during online or offline operation.

G e n e r a l Wa r n i n g s
These warning messages are listed in alphabetical order.
Message

Description/Action

Demand is not
available.

You tried to change the print mode in Printer
Options. On Demand printing is not available
on a printer with a knife.

Load supply and
press ENTER.

The next batch to print needs a different
supply than what is loaded.
Load the right supply and press e .

Printing suspended While printing, you have selected Batch
until exit.
Control to check the print queue. Printing will
resume when you exit Batch Control.
Unassigned
You turned the printer off before it completed
memory recovered. the task in progress. You see this message
when you turn the printer back on.
Check all stored items (formats, batches,
passwords, graphic files, etc.) for missing or
bad data before continuing.

General Errors
These messages are listed in alphabetical order.
Message

Description/Action

Access denied.

You entered an invalid password.

Error Messages 6-5

Message

Description/Action

Cannot cancel.

You cannot cancel the batch in its current
state. You can only cancel a batch that has a
status of P (Print) or I (Image). (You can use
delete if you want to remove a batch with any
other status.)

Cannot delete.

You cannot delete the batch in its current
state. You can only delete a batch that has a
status of Q (Queue). (You can use cancel if
you want to remove a batch with a P or I
status.)

Duplicate cost
code character.

A character appears more than once in the
Entered Char portion of your cost code.
Type the cost code again, without repeating
any characters.

Field ## bad
font/barcode.

The font or barcode for the field number
shown (##) is not defined properly.
Check the field definition in Format Entry and
correct the field.

Field ## invalid
data.

The data includes characters not available in
the character set specified for this field.
Check the field definition in Format Entry for
the valid font.

Field ## graphic
missing.

You have requested a graphic that is not
available; the file has not been downloaded
from the host.
Download the graphic file and request the
graphic again or request another graphic.

6-6 Error Messages

Message

Description/Action

Field ## extends
off tag.

The field you are defining does not fit on the
tag.
Change the field location, rotation, or font
size so it fits on the tag.

Head open.

The ribbon is improperly positioned.
Reposition the cassette or ribbon loading
device so it is firmly seated. Close the print
head.

Hot head.

The print head is too hot to operate. This is
normally due to continual printing of formats
with a lot of printed data (more than 30% of
the tag contains print).
Let the printer cool before continuing.

Insufficient
memory.

There is not enough memory available for the
item you are trying to store.
Delete formats or batches to free memory.

Knife jam.

The knife is jammed or blocked, or you are
attempting to cut supply that is smaller than
1.2 inches.
Clear the knife, then try to print again. If
supply is too small, press 1 to override the
message and load the correct supply before
attempting to print.

Merge assimilation You have made an error in defining a merge
error.
field.
Enter the merge field again to correct it.
No batches to
examine.

Batch Control is available only when there are
batches in the print queue.
Error Messages 6-7

Message

Description/Action

No formats
available to print.

You cannot enter Data Entry mode until a
format is defined.

Ribbon problem.

The ribbon cassette is depleted or jammed.
The ribbon may be broken. Check the ribbon
and reload or replace it if necessary.

Stacker Fault.

The stacker is full or the stacker track is
jammed. Empty the stacker before trying to
print again.

Supply problem.

There is a problem with the feed mechanism.
Reload the supply if necessary.
The 9474 will also display this
message if the backing paper takup reel is
full, the printer is out of stock, or the stock is
the incorrect size for the format that was
loaded.

Communication Errors
The following errors are caused by communication problems in
the printer.
Message

Description/Action

All comm
channels busy.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Invalid comm
channel.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Invalid file type.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Receive buffer full. The host did not stop transmission after it
received an XOFF character or after DTR
went inactive. Check communication setup at
the host.

6-8 Error Messages

Message

Description/Action

Receive framing
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Receive overrun
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Receive parity
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Offline Messages
D a t a E n t r y o r Te s t P r i n t E r r o r s
The following errors occur during data entry or test printing. The
messages are listed in alphabetical order.
Message

Description/Action

CD verify failed.

You entered an incorrect check digit in a field
that requires a check digit.

Improper field
length.

You are trying to enter an invalid number of
characters in a Fixed or Optional/Fixed field.
A Fixed field requires exactly the number of
characters shown by the dashes on the
screen. An Optional/Fixed field requires
either the exact number of characters shown
by the dashes on the screen, or 0 characters.
Enter the correct number of characters for the
field.

Error Messages 6-9

Message

Description/Action

Invalid cost code
character(s).

You are trying to enter characters in a cost
code field (in Data Entry) that are not defined
in the cost code. Check your data to be sure
it is correct, then enter the data again.

Machine busy.

You are trying to print a test tag, but the print
queue is not empty. The print queue must be
empty to perform a test print. Wait until all
batches have printed, then try again to print
the test tag.

Must be all digits.

You are trying to enter non-numeric
characters in a UPC, I 2 of 5, EAN, or MSI
bar code field. You can only enter numeric
data for these fields. Check your data to be
sure it is correct, then enter the data again.

Must be an even
# of characters.

You are trying to enter an odd number of
characters for an I 2 of 5 bar code field.
Check your bar code data to be sure it is
correct, then enter the data again.

No fields defined.

You are trying to print a test tag, but you have
no fields defined. You must define at least
one field before you can test a format.

Price CD verify
failed.

You entered incorrect data in a UPC or EAN
bar code field. Check your data to be sure it
is correct, then enter the data again.

Typing mismatch.

You are trying to enter data for a Verify field
(you must enter the same data twice), but
your entries do not match. Check your data
to be sure it is correct, then enter the data
again.

6-10 Error Messages

Format Entr y Errors
Message

Description/Action

CD scheme not
defined.

You selected a check digit scheme number in
Format Entry that is not defined. Define the
check digit scheme in Printer Configuration.

Cannot save
format.

You have not completed any field definitions
for this format.

Format in use.
Cannot delete.

You are trying to delete a format used by a
batch that is printing or waiting to print. Be
sure you are trying to delete the right format.
Wait until the batch that uses the format has
printed, then delete the format.

Format in use.
Cannot modify.

You are trying to modify a format used by a
batch that is printing or waiting to print. Be
sure you are trying to modify the right format.
Wait until the batch that uses the format has
printed, then modify the format.

I 2 of 5 requires
even # of digits

You are trying to define the field length for an
I 2 of 5 barcode as an odd number. Define
the field length as an even number of
characters.

Improper field
length.

You are trying to define a field length as
greater than 30 characters or as 0 characters.
All fields must be 1-30 characters (except
merge fields, which may not exceed 26
characters). Re-define the field length
correctly.

Incompatible field
for merge.

You tried to use a line field or a graphic field
in a merged field. You cannot use these field
types as part of a merged field.

Error Messages 6-11

Message

Description/Action

Incompatible field
for sub.

You tried to use a line field or a graphic field
in a subfield. You cannot use these field
types as part of a subfield.

Invalid barcode
height.

You tried to define a bar code height as less
than 0.20 inch. Bar codes must be at least
0.20 inch (5.08 mm or 38 dots) in height.

Invalid field
reference.

You are trying to define a subfield or a
merged field. You have chosen a link with a
field number greater than the subfield or
merged field. Choose a link with a field
number less than the merged field.

Invalid
magnification
value.

You entered a font magnification value that is
outside the valid range of 1-10.

Invalid supply
length

The specified supply length is longer or
shorter than the printer can print.

Invalid supply
width.

The specified supply width is wider or
narrower than the printer can print.

Invalid thickness
value.

You are defining a line field. You entered a
value for the line width that is outside the
valid range of 1-15.

Merge field limit
is 26 chars.

You are trying to define a merged field with a
field length of more than 26 characters.

Scheme # uses
# marked chars.

You are defining a check digit field and you
have selected a check digit scheme (#). The
number of characters you marked is wrong for
the scheme you chose. Be sure you have
selected the right check digit scheme, then
mark the characters again.

6-12 Error Messages

Message

Description/Action

Scheme # uses
# CD(s).

You are defining a check digit field and you
have selected a check digit scheme (#). The
number of characters you marked is wrong for
the scheme you chose. Be sure you have
selected the right check digit scheme, then
mark the check digits again.

Stop location
out of range.

You are defining a line field, and have given a
stop location that is off the tag. Check your
format and enter the correct stop location.

Sub/merge
requires this field.

You are trying to delete a field that is part of a
subfield or a merged field. Be sure you are
trying to delete the right field. Remove the
field you want to delete from the subfield or
merged field. Then try to delete the field
again.

Vertical/Horizontal You entered a field location in Format Entry
out of range.
that is outside the dimensions of the format.
Check the location of the field you are
defining to be sure it fits on the tag, then
enter the location again.

Online Messages
The following messages occur during online communication when
the transmitted data contains errors. To recover from the error,
correct the data, then re-transmit it.

O n l i n e Wa r n i n g s
Message

Description/Action

Column > format
width.

The column definition for a field location is
greater than the format width definition.

Error Messages 6-13

Message

Description/Action

Column > head
width.

The column definition for a field location is
greater than the width of the printhead.

Data string
too long.

The data string length exceeds 30 characters.

Format for batch
not found.

The format for the batch being sent has not
been downloaded.

Graphic not found. The graphic specified for a field has not been
downloaded.
Identifier
out-of-range.

The format, batch, line, or graphic identifiers
are out of range.

Invalid barcode
field.

Insufficient or incorrect data was used to
create a barcode field.

Invalid command.

An unknown command was received.

Invalid cut value.

The cut value is not 0 or 1.

Invalid data field.

A field specified to receive data does not
exist on the format. The batch is not created.

Invalid incr/decr
value.

The increment/decrement value is outside
the valid range of 0-999.

Invalid label length. The specified supply length is longer or
shorter than the printer can print.
Invalid label width

The specified supply width is wider or
narrower than the printer can print.

Invalid number of
parts value.

The number of parts value is outside the valid
range of 1-5.

6-14 Error Messages

Message

Description/Action

Invalid orientation
value.

The line or character orientation value is not
0 or 1.

Invalid separator
value.

The batch separator value is outside the valid
range of 0-3.

Invalid text field.

Insufficient or incorrect data was used to
create a text field.

Invalid thickness
value.

The line thickness value is outside the valid
range of 1-15.

Name descriptor
too long.

The format or batch name is longer than 8
characters.

No field to create
format.

The format you are sending contains no fields.

Qnty/Mult
out-of-range.

The print quantity or print multiple is outside
the valid range of 1-4 digits.

Row > format
length.

The row definition for a field location is
greater than the format length.

Row > stock
length.

The row definition for a field location is
greater than the supply length.

Stop location
out-of-range.

The stop location for a line field is off the tag
or the stop location is the same as the start
location.

Error Messages 6-15

Online Communication Errors
These errors are caused by communication problems between the
host computer and the printer during online operation.
Message

Description/Action

All comm
channels busy.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Invalid comm
channel.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Invalid file type.

Software Error. Call Monarch Service.

Receive buffer full. The host did not stop transmission after it
received an XOFF character or after DTR
went inactive. Check communication setup at
the host.
Receive framing
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Receive overrun
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Receive parity
error.

Host communication protocol doesn’t match
machine. Check communication setup at the
host.

Waiting for
command
terminator. Press
F1 to abort
download.

No data is being received from the host.

6-16 Error Messages

Check to see if the host or the
communications line is down. Press 1 to
discontinue communications (the batch or
format data will be lost and must be
retransmitted).

S A M P L E D ATA S T R E A M S
This appendix contains sample data streams for formats, batches,
and graphics. The illustrations show the tags that are printed from
these data streams.

Sample Data Streams A-1

A

F o r m a t s , Te x t a n d B a r C o d e F i e l d s
This example shows a standard format with three text and one bar
code field.

Sample Format Data Stream
{F1,0550,0507;ONLINE p
T00,I,000,0475,0050,1,1,0,0,B p
T01,I,000,0406,0050,1,1,0,0,B p
T02,I,000,0017,0253,1,1,0,0,B p
B00,I,000,0124,0093,1,1,0,0177,1 p }

Sample Batch Data Stream
{B1,2,3,1,1,0,c;BATCH1 p
T00;TEST FORMAT 1 p
T01;S/N 97464B p
T02;$12.34 p
B00;0012345678905 p }

A-2 Sample Data Streams

Line Fields
This example shows how to use line fields to create a box.

Sample Format Data Stream
{F2,0550,0507;BOX p
L0,50,50,0,304,10 p
L1,50,50,1,304,10 p
L2,50,304,0,304,10 p
L4,304,50,1,316,10 p }

Sample Batch Data Stream
{B2,1,0,1,1,1,C;BOXTEST p }

Sample Data Streams A-3

Graphic Images
This Graphic data stream precedes the format that uses it.
Sample Graphic Data
Stream
{G3,0,0,0,0 p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;dHsHd p
;eGsGe p
;eHqHe p
;fGqGf p
;fHoHf p
;fHoHf p
;gGoGg p
;gHmHg p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;hGMGh p
;iFMFi p
;iFMFi p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;jEMEj p
;kHgHk p
;kHgHk p
;lGgGl p
;lHeHl p
;lHeHl p
;mGeGm p
;mGeGm p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;nGcGn p
;oFcFo p
;oGaGo p
;pFaFp p
;pFAFp p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;qEAEq p
;rDADr p
;rDADr p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;sCACs p
;tBABt p

A-4 Sample Data Streams

Sample Format Data Stream
{F3,0550,0507;GRAPHIC p
T0,I,0,400,100,1,1,0,0,B p
G3,200,200 p }

Sample Batch Data Stream
{B3,1,1,1,1,0,1;LETTER-A p
T0;LETTER A GRAPHIC p }

Sample Data Streams A-5

Compressed Graphic Data
This example shows the same graphic data stream in compressed
format.

Sample Compressed Graphic Data Stream
{G3,0,0,0,0 p
;3dHsHd p
;eGsGe p
;eHqHe p
;fGqGf p
;2fHoHf p
;gGoGg p
;gHmHg p
;3hGMGh p
;2iFMFi p
;3jEMEj p
;2kHgHk p
;lGgGl p
;2lHeHl p
;2mGeGm p
;3nGcGn p
;oFcFo p
;oGaGo p
;pFaFp p
;pFAFp p
;3qEAEq p
;2rDADr p
;3sCACs p
;2tBABt p
;3uCu p
;vAv p }

Sample Format Data Stream
{F3,0550,0507;GRAPHIC p
T0,I,0,400,100,1,1,0,0,B p
G3,200,200 p }

Sample Batch Data Stream
{B3,1,1,1,1,0,1;LETTER-A p
T0;LETTER A GRAPHIC p }

A-6 Sample Data Streams

C O D E 1 2 8 I N F O R M AT I O N
The 128 bar code is divided into 3 character sets (Code A, Code
B, and Code C). Depending on the character set used, the same
bar pattern can be one of three characters. Table 1, at the end of
this appendix, lists the characters in each character set.
Code A

contains upper case letters (A-Z), special
characters, and control characters. Code A
does not have lower case letters.

Code B

contains upper and lower case alphanumeric
characters and special characters. Code B
does not have control characters.

Code C

character set contains pairs of numbers. In
code C, each bar pattern represents a pair of
numbers, ranging from 00 to 99.

When the data contains at least four numbers in a row, 128
switches to code C, then prints one bar pattern for each pair of
numbers. This doubles the numeric data per inch.
Therefore, it may be better to pad numeric data with a zero if it
has an odd number of characters. The bar codes below show the
difference between an odd number of numeric characters and an
even number of numeric characters. Do this only if your system
can ignore leading zeros.
Bar Code 1
Data = 1234567

Bar Code 2
Data = 01234567

Code 128 Information B-1

B

Bar Code 2 is not as wide as Bar Code 1 because all of its
characters are printed with bar symbols from code C.
Only 6 of Bar Code 1’s characters are printed in code C. The
other character has to be printed in code B. Whenever 128
switches from one character set to another, it adds bar patterns
that tell a scanner to switch character sets. These extra bar
patterns cause wider bar codes.

Bar Code Width
The width of a Code 128 bar code is determined this way:
N

If there are four or more numbers in a row, an even number of
them print in code C.

N

If there are four or more numbers in a row with an odd quantity
(e.g., 7 numbers in a row), one of them prints in code B.

N

All other alphanumeric characters are printed in code B.

The printer determines which character set to use based on the
data. No external control of character set selection is required.
For a given quantity of data, the widest bar code will be the one
that switches character set most often. Suppose your data has
14 characters (8 numeric + 6 alphabetic).
The bar code for data arranged like this:
Bar code 1
Data = 1234ABC5678DEF
is wider than data
arranged like this:
Bar code 2
Data = 12345678ABCDEF

B-2 Code 128 Information

Here’s why bar code 1 is wider:
N

The 8 numbers in each example appear in groups of four or
more, and they appear in even-numbered quantities,
therefore, all 8 numbers will use code C.

N

The 6 alphabetic characters will use code B.

Look at the example again. This time, data is underlined when
the character set changes.
The bar code for data arranged like this:
Bar code 1
Data = 1234ABC5678DEF

is wider than data arranged
like this:
Bar code 2
Data = 12345678ABCDEF

This shows that bar code width varies depending on how data is
arranged. Separating numeric and alphabetic characters reduces
the number of character set changes. Fewer character set
changes reduce bar code width.

Code 128 Information B-3

The table below shows the characters per inch for Code 128. The
table shows the values for numeric data, and for alphanumeric
data at each of the three densities available on the printer. The
characters per inch for your bar code will be somewhere between
these two values, depending on the mixture of numeric and
alphabetic characters. For a precise calculation of the width of
your bar code, refer to the specification for the Code 128 bar
code.
Density

Numeric Data

Alpha-numeric Data

1
2
3

17.48
11.66
8.74

8.74
5.83
4.37

Quiet Zone
When you estimate the area you’ll need for the bar code,
remember to add the length of the quiet zone. The quiet zone is
an area of white space required at the beginning and end of each
bar code. The minimum size of the quiet zone is 0.10, or 10
times the width of the narrowest bar code element, whichever is
greater. The tables below show the minimum size of the quiet
zone at each density. For wand scanning, the quiet zone should
be 0.25 to 0.35 inch.
Density

Quiet Zone

1
2
3

0.10 inch
0.15 inch
0.20 inch

B-4 Code 128 Information

Function Codes
Code 128 has four function codes (f1-f4). These special
characters can be entered as:
N

fixed characters when defining a code 128 field (Format Entry)

N

data when printing a batch (Data Entry).

Enter the special 128 function codes as follows:
Press these keys
F2
F2
F2
F2

then
then
then
then

1
2
3
4

to select this
function code
f1
f2
f3
f4

The function code is displayed as F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , or F 4 .

Code 128 Information B-5

128 Bar Code Character Sets
Any of the following characters can be used in online
communication with the printer by sending the character’s
standard decimal value. To enter specific characters from the
keyboard, refer to "Using the Keyboard" in Chapter 4 of the
Operator’s Handbook.
Values listed on the chart are for reference only; they are not
decimal values.

Value

Code
A

Code
B

Code
C

Bar Pattern
B
S
B
S

BS

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

S
!
"
#
$
%
&
’
(
)
*
+
,
.
/
0
1
2
3
4
5
6

SP
!
"
#
$
%
&
’
(
)
*
+
,
.
/
0
1
2
3
4
5
6

00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2

22
22
21
23
22
22
13
12
12
13
12
13
32
32
31
22
22
21
11
32
31
12
12

B-6 Code 128 Information

1
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2

2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
3

2
1
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1

Value
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66

Code
A

Code
B

Code
C

Bar Pattern
B
S
B
S

BS

7
8
9
:
;

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
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
NUL
SOH
STX

?
@
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
[
\
]
^
_
’
a
b

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
4
1
1
1
1

31
22
22
21
12
12
11
23
21
21
23
23
21
13
13
11
13
13
11
33
31
31
23
21
21
21
31
31
13
11
31
23
21
21
13
11
11
11
11
11
24
2
24
21

1
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
2

2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
3
3
1
1
1
2
2
2
4
1
1
1
1
1
1

1
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
3
1
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
1
3
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
1
4
1
2
4
1
4

Code 128 Information B-7

Value
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102

Code
A

Code
B

Code
C

ETX
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS
US
FNC3
FNC2
SHIFT
CODE C
CODE B
FNC 4
FNC1

c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
|
}
~
DEL
FNC3
FNC2
SHIFT
CODE C
FNC4
CODE A
FNC1

67
1
68
1
69
1
70
1
71
1
72
1
73
1
74
1
75
2
76
2
77
4
78
2
79
1
80
1
81
1
82
1
83
1
84
1
85
1
86
4
87
4
88
4
89
2
90
2
91
4
92
1
93
1
94
1
95
1
96
1
97
1
98
4
99
1
CODE B 1 1
CODE A 3 1
FNC1
4
B
S
2
3

STOP

B-8 Code 128 Information

B

Bar Pattern
S
B
S
BS
4
4
1
1
2
2
4
4
4
2
1
4
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
B
3

1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
3
1
4
1
1
1
4
4
4
1
1
1
2
4
2
1
1
1
4
4
1
1
3
1
1
1
S
1

1
2
2
4
1
4
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
3
1
3
1
3
4
1
B
1

22
21
14
12
14
11
12
11
11
14
11
12
11
42
42
41
12
12
11
12
12
11
41
21
21
43
41
41
13
11
13
11
41
1
1
31
SB
12

Index
A
A S C II codes

5-6 - 5-7

B
bar code
densities
5-3 - 5-4
extensions
3-15
hum an readable characters
3-14
restrictions
3-5, 3-15
supported codes 5-3
bar code field record 3-12 - 3-13
exam ple
3-14
bar code field syntax 3-14
bar code record syntax
3-12 - 3-13
batch
m ultiple batch per form at 3-22
print data
3-21
sending data
3-6
using previously defined data
3-22
batch data
1-2, 3-19
batch data syntax
3-21
batch header record 3-19 - 3-20
exam ple
3-21
batch header syntax 3-19 - 3-21
batch separator syntax
3-24
batch separators
3-24
baud rate
2-1
boxes, creating w ith lines
3-18
buffer, input
2-1

C
cable interface
2-5
character codes
5-6 - 5-7
characters,flow control
2-2
code 128

function codes
3-15
restrictions
3-15
code 128, function codes
5-6 - 5-7
coding chart, graphics
4-3
com m and characters 3-4
com m ands
3-4
com m unication requirem ents 2-1
com m unication values, setting
2-3 - 2-4
C onfiguration O ptions m enu 2-3 - 2-4
consecutive batches 3-22
creating data stream s
3-1 - 3-2

D
data bits
2-1
data errors
3-3
data flow control
2-2
data stream
program m ing conventions 3-4
data stream s
creating
3-1
transm itting
3-1 - 3-2
data types
1-2
default settings
2-1
density, bar code
5-3 - 5-4
dot patterns
4-1 - 4-5
D T R 2-2

E
entering print data 3-21
error
m essages
6-1
extended bar codes 3-15

F
flow control
font sizes

2-1 - 2-2
5-1 - 5-3

Index-1

Font, printable characters
5-8
form at
ID num bers
3-5
using graphics
4-6
form at data
1-2
form at header record 3-8
form at syntax
3-8
function codes
5-6 - 5-7
function codes, code 128
3-15

G
graphic data record
exam ple
4-5, 4-7
syntax checklist 4-7
graphic data syntax 4-5, 4-7
graphics
clearing the im age buffer 4-8
coding chart
4-3
com pressing the data stream
4-8
creating the im age
4-1 - 4-3
data stream
4-3
order of transm ission
4-1
placing in a form at
4-6
steps to printing 4-1
syntax
4-4 - 4-6

H
H ost port configuration
2-3 - 2-4
hum an readable characters,bar
codes 3-14

I

L

5-5
5-5
5-5
5-5
3-18
3-18

M
m essages
diagnostic
error
startup
m onetary sym bols
m ultiple batches per

6-2
6-1
6-2
3-4
form at

3-22

O
offline form ats
1-2
O nline
H ost port configuration
online bar codes
special restrictions
online form ats
1-2
order of transm ission 3-5
overlapping fields
3-5

parity 2-1
pricing sym bols
3-4
P rintable characters, font
program m ing conventions

R

line

Index-2

3-16 - 3-18
3-18
3-18
3-16 - 3-18

2-3 - 2-4
3-14

P

input buffer
2-1
input characteristics 2-1
international pricing sym bols 3-4
introduction
1-1

thickness

line field record
exam ple
line field syntax
line record syntax
line w idth
9420/9440
9425
9445
9474
lines
creating boxes
exam ples

5-5

5-8
3-4

restrictions
bar codes
R S -232 interface

using graphics
4-1, 4-3 - 4-6, 4-8
using previously defined data 3-22

3-5, 3-15
2-5

S
sending batch data 3-6
sending data
order
3-5
setting com m unication values
special characters 5-6 - 5-7
special restrictions
online bar codes 3-14
stop bits
2-1
sym bols
5-6 - 5-7
syntax
bar code field
3-12 - 3-14
batch data
3-21
batch header
3-19 - 3-21
batch separator 3-24
form at
3-8
form at header
3-9
graphic data
4-5, 4-7
graphics
4-4 - 4-6, 4-8
line field
3-16 - 3-18
text field
3-9 - 3-11

X
X on/X off

2-2

2-3 - 2-4

T
text field record
3-9 - 3-11
exam ple
3-11
text field syntax
3-11
text fonts
character w idth 5-2
parallel character w idths 5-3
sizes
5-1
text record syntax
3-9 - 3-11
transm ission errors 3-3
transm itting data stream s
3-1 - 3-2
types of data
1-2

U

Index-3

Index-4



---

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.3
Linearized                      : Yes
Create Date                     : 2001:07:09 11:10:23
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 4.0 for Windows
Creator                         : PSCRIPT.DRV Version 4.0
Title                           : Corel Ventura - 9474PMCV.CHP
Modify Date                     : 2001:07:13 08:39:48-04:00
Page Count                      : 96

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools