Microcom 438 - Manual (Page 49)

Printer Commands Chapter 5
5-2 438 Operator’s Manual - 880052-0100
^C Print: Starts the print cycle or batch. This command is the equivalent of the
“^D3<CR>” command sequence but does not require the carriage return.
Because the “control C” is shorter than the ^D3 command sequence it is
easier to use in direct terminal mode. In general the ^D3 sequence is better to
use inside a format and/or program to assist in trouble-shooting the format.
^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: 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 command will not function.
Five NULL characters (0x00) followed by a SOH (0x01) (00 00 00 00 00 01)
are required to get the printer’s immediate status when configured for binary
compression use. The serialized ^D5 command will continue to function while
in binary compression mode if the printer is idle or not in an error. It is
recommended that the five NULL’s method is used to request printer status as
it functions with a printer in binary compression, binary compression disabled,
or if the printer is in an error condition. See 5.1.1 for additional information
regarding the Printer Enquiries.
^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
Delete: 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 “^D11
<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.
5 NULLS + 01: The 5 NULL method commands are a way to pass commands to the
printer even when the printer in configured in binary compression mode. The
command is sent to the printer as HEX characters; 00 00 00 00 00 01 are sent
to the printer in order to issue the command. This command is used to request
the printer’s status and is very similar to the ^E command. The biggest
difference between this command and the ^E is that when printers are