Microcom 322M - Manual (Page 46)

Printer Commands Chapter 6
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322M Operator’s Manual
^D Command Mode: Used to issue commands to the printer. This command is
normally preceded by the ^A sequence. The ^D commands must be terminated with
a carriage return or another command sequence (^A9^D73^D3<CR> is the same as
^A9^D73<CR> and ^D3<CR>).
^E
Printer Enquiry: When issued, this command is used to attain the current status or
operational
state of the printer. The “^E” does not require a carriage return and is the
equivalent to the “^D5<CR>” command sequence. If Binary Compression is enabled
(default setting) the ^E and ^D5 commands will not function and five NULL characters
(HEX 00) are required to get the printer’s status. See section 6.2 for additional
information regarding the printer enquires.
^M
Terminate Text or Data String: This command is the equivalent of the carriage
return character and is used to terminate commands and format lines.
^H
DEL: This control code is used to delete the last printable character when
communicating to the printer through a keyboard via a terminal. The ^H is the
equivalent of the “Backspace” key on the keyboard.
^K
Print Test Pattern: Used to generate a test pattern which consists of a series of
diagonal lines. The pattern is helpful in determining the condition of the thermal dots
on the print head. The ^K code is the equivalent of the “^D12 <CR>” command
sequence.
^L
Form Feed: Used to feed one blank form based on the previous format configuration
parameters. This command is the equivalent of the “^D12 <CR>” command
sequence.
^Q
XON: Instructs the printer to send data or resume sending data.
^S
XOFF: Instructs the printer to stop sending data.
6.2 Printer Enquires
It is important for the host computer to know the status of the printer as labels are being
produced. This facilitates security in the system and flags electrical, mechanical, and
functional error conditions. Enquires also aid the system designer in adjusting the pace of
the printer with that of the operator.
The printer is capable of returning responses to enquires in three different ways depending
on how the machine is programmed (see software dip switch #1, ^D21 command). The text
equivalent response returns a defining word, giving the current stat of the printer. The “^”
equivalent returns the ASCII “^” response followed by the defining alpha character. The
control code equivalent returns the actual control code.
The printer will send to the host one of the following responses listed in Table 13 in
response to a series of 5 NULL characters or the “Ctrl+E” and/or “^D5<CR>” if binary
compression is disabled (refer to soft switch #3 position 7, ^D23 command).