Genicom 3600 - Manual (Page 82)

3600 Printer Maintenance Manual
4-12
Communications Problems
If a printer is not receiving downloaded data, consider the causes and solutions
in this section.
Symptom Possible Causes Solution
Printer does not
communicate with the
host. Serial port is incorrectly
configured. Make sure the printer’s serial port settings
match those of the host. Print a software test
configuration label to check the serial port
settings.
Disconnected, damaged, or
incorrect I/O cable. Check the connections at both ends. Replace the
cable if necessary.
Any loss of data can cause printing errors or missing data. The 3600 printer is a
serial ASCII device that communicates with the host through an ASCII serial
communications port. The two devices communicate through the use of
hardware and software protocols (handshaking). The printer utilizes both
forms of handshaking simultaneously when the printer’s input buffer is full.
Consider this process when troubleshooting.
Hardware handshaking uses pins 11 or 20 of the RS-232 interface to control
data flow. When the printer is using Intermec “Standard” protocol, pin 11 and
20 are held high when the printer is ready to receive data. The pins are held
low when the printer is in one of the following conditions:
•
Buffer full
• Ribbon fault
•
No label stock
• Label at strip pin
The 3600 printer uses XON/XOFF protocol for software handshaking. When
the input buffer is full, the printer transmits an XOFF character. This character
alerts the host to the fact that the printer buffer is full and cannot receive any
more data. When the printer is ready to receive more data, it sends the XON
character.