Microcom 326M User Guide - Manual (Page 13)

326M User’s Guide
1
Introduction
The Models 326M and 426M are high performance, Direct Thermal open frame printers
specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. With an Industrial quality
design and steel construction, these printers provide continuous reliable printing at true high
volume throughput. Economically priced and loaded with features, Models 326M and 426M
reach print speeds up to 6 inches per second using a 32-bit microprocessor. Maintenance
downtime is minimized with the use of a high lift, easy to clean, or replace print head. Both
printers are able to be mounted into custom enclosures using front or bottom mounting.
This manual provides information needed to operate and maintain the 326M and 426M on a
daily basis. The resident Label Design Software II (LDSII) is a powerful and easy-to-use
control language that allows the creation of custom label formats. The software is AS
text based and can be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and other special
purpose machines. The LDSII language uses inches as the default unit of measure but may
be set to use millimeters. All commands and parameters, unless noted otherwise, should
be entered using the selected unit of measure. The conversion values for the printer, using
the standard 203 dpi print head, are 8 dots per millimeter, 203 dots per inch,
or 0.0049” per
dot. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide (part# 880019-0100) for additional information
regarding LDSII programming instructions.
Among many other features, LDSII supports downloadable graphics and fonts, serial
numbering, flexible character spacing, reverse video, resident fonts, and many of the most
popular bar code symbologies. Bitmapped fonts and bar codes may be multiplied in size in
both the X and Y directions while being printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations.
Graphic images and custom designed label formats may also be stored in the
printer’s flash
memory for high-speed access to achieve greater throughput performance.
The printers are capable of printing on most types of labels, pre-printed tickets, fax papers,
and tag stocks or varying thickness. The 326M and 426M are also capable of detecting
registration marks that enable it to print on media that contains die-cut, blow-hole, black-line
sense marks, and continuous media. The printers also provide three different cutter types;
full guillotine, full/partial guillotine, and rotary cutter. These cutter options provide a means
of cutting media of varying thickness to handle even the most demanding applications.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label.
This is not a problem for the 326M and 426M printers, data may be changed without
downloading the same fixed format or fixed data field. This, along with the available serial
communication speeds, increases data access time and productivity. Providing the user
with high performance desired for a low cost.