Avery Dennison Monarch ADTP1 User manual

TCADTP1PR Rev. AC 12/15
© 2015 Avery Dennison Corp. All rights reserved.
Monarch®Products
PACKET
REFERENCE
MANUAL
TABLETOP PRINTER
1
Printer & Fastener
Solutions

Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only warranty on which the
customer can rely. Avery Dennison Corp. reserves the right to make changes in the product, the
programs, and their availability at any time and without notice. Although Avery Dennison Corp.
has made every effort to provide complete and accurate information in this manual, Avery
Dennison Corp. shall not be liable for any omissions or inaccuracies. Any update will be
incorporated in a later edition of this manual.
2015 Avery Dennison Corp. 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 Avery Dennison Corp.
Trademarks
Monarchand MPCL are trademarks of Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC.
Avery Dennison® is a trademark of Avery Dennison Corp.
EPCglobal, Inc.™and Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) are trademarks of GS1/GS1US

Table of Contents i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED............................................................................................1-1
About This Manual ....................................................................................................1-1
Before You Begin......................................................................................................1-1
Creating an MPCLII Format Packet............................................................................. 1-1
Sample Batch Packet.............................................................................................. 1-2
Designing a Format................................................................................................... 1-2
RFID Format Design Tips........................................................................................ 1-3
Determining the Print Area......................................................................................... 1-4
Non-Print Zones..................................................................................................... 1-4
Using Supply Layout Grids...................................................................................... 1-4
About Field Types ..................................................................................................1-5
Using the Format Worksheet...................................................................................... 1-5
Filling in the Format Worksheet ............................................................................... 1-5
CONFIGURING THE PRINTER.............................................................................2-1
Setting Serial Communication Parameters .................................................................. 2-1
Using MPCLII Conventions ........................................................................................ 2-1
MPCLII Punctuation................................................................................................ 2-1
Standard Syntax Guidelines .................................................................................... 2-2
Using Online Configuration Packets............................................................................ 2-3
Configuration Packet Header................................................................................... 2-3
Configuration Syntax Guidelines.............................................................................. 2-5
Making Print Adjustments .......................................................................................... 2-5
Defining the System Setup Packet.............................................................................. 2-5
Defining the Supply Setup Packet............................................................................... 2-7
Recommended Cutter Operation:............................................................................. 2-9
Defining the Print Control Packet ............................................................................. 2-10
Defining the Monetary Formatting Packet.................................................................. 2-11
Defining the Control Characters Packet .................................................................... 2-12
Resetting Control Characters ................................................................................ 2-13
Using Immediate Commands ................................................................................. 2-13
Enabling Immediate Commands............................................................................. 2-13
Sending Immediate Commands.............................................................................. 2-13
Defining the Communication Settings Packet............................................................. 2-16
Defining the Backfeed Control Packet....................................................................... 2-17
Special Considerations When Using Backfeed ........................................................ 2-17
Defining the Memory Configuration Packet................................................................ 2-18
Checking Current Buffer Sizes............................................................................... 2-19

ii Packet Reference Manual
About Memory Buffers............................................................................................. 2-19
Buffer Worksheet.................................................................................................. 2-20
Buffer Allocation Considerations............................................................................ 2-20
Memory Considerations with Downloaded TrueType Fonts....................................... 2-20
About Flash Memory................................................................................................ 2-21
Formatting Flash Memory...................................................................................... 2-21
Checking Available Flash Memory ......................................................................... 2-21
Flash Memory Guidelines...................................................................................... 2-21
Clearing Packets from Memory................................................................................. 2-22
Defining the Time/Date Packet................................................................................. 2-22
Using the Font Packet ............................................................................................. 2-23
Uploading Format Header Information....................................................................... 2-26
Defining a Network Console Packet.......................................................................... 2-27
Defining a Verifier Configuration Packet ................................................................... 2-28
Defining the RFID Setup Packet............................................................................... 2-29
DEFINING FIELDS ..............................................................................................3-1
Defining the Format Header....................................................................................... 3-1
Defining Text Fields .................................................................................................. 3-2
Defining Bar Code Fields........................................................................................... 3-7
Defining Non-Printable Text Fields ........................................................................... 3-21
Defining Constant Text Fields .................................................................................. 3-22
Defining Line Fields ................................................................................................ 3-26
Line Types........................................................................................................... 3-26
Defining Box Fields ................................................................................................. 3-28
Defining Verifier Fields............................................................................................ 3-29
Defining the RFID Data Field ................................................................................... 3-30
DEFINING FIELD OPTIONS .................................................................................4-1
Applying Field Options .............................................................................................. 4-1
Combining Field Options......................................................................................... 4-1
Restrictions............................................................................................................ 4-1
Using Option 1 (Fixed Data)....................................................................................... 4-2
Using Option 2 (Data Type Restrictions) ..................................................................... 4-2
Using Option 3 (Data Entry Templates)....................................................................... 4-3
Using Option 4 (Copy Data) ....................................................................................... 4-4
Merging Fields .......................................................................................................4-5
Sub-Fields .............................................................................................................4-5
Using Option 5 (Define Data Entry Sources)................................................................ 4-5
Using Option 6 (Upload Field Data) ............................................................................ 4-6

Table of Contents iii
Using Option 7 Print Time/Date.................................................................................. 4-7
Using Option 20 (Define Data Entry Prompts).............................................................. 4-7
Using Option 21 (Define Extended Field Names) ......................................................... 4-8
Using Option 30 (Pad Data) ....................................................................................... 4-8
Sample Use for Padding ......................................................................................... 4-8
Using Option 31 (Calculate Check Digit) ..................................................................... 4-9
Using Option 42 (Price Field)..................................................................................... 4-9
Using Option 50 (Bar Code Density) ......................................................................... 4-10
Using Option 51 (PDF417 Security/Truncation).......................................................... 4-11
Using Option 52 (PDF417 Width/Length)................................................................... 4-11
Using Option 53 (Optional Settings for Aztec) ........................................................... 4-12
Using Option 60 (Incrementing/Decrementing Fields)................................................. 4-13
Fixing the First Number in the Incrementing Sequence............................................ 4-14
Using Option 61 (Re-image Field)............................................................................. 4-14
Using Check Digits.................................................................................................. 4-15
Sum of Products Calculation ................................................................................. 4-16
Sum of Digits Calculation...................................................................................... 4-17
CREATING GRAPHICS........................................................................................5-1
Overview of Bitmapped Images .................................................................................. 5-1
Determining a Method............................................................................................. 5-1
Designing Bitmapped Images..................................................................................... 5-2
Special Considerations ........................................................................................... 5-2
Using the Hex Method............................................................................................. 5-3
Using the Run Length Encoding Method................................................................... 5-4
Determining How to Store the Image .......................................................................... 5-5
Using Flash............................................................................................................ 5-5
Using Volatile RAM................................................................................................. 5-5
Using Temporary Storage........................................................................................ 5-5
Creating a Graphic Packet......................................................................................... 5-6
Positioning the Graphic Image................................................................................. 5-6
Defining the Graphic Header...................................................................................... 5-7
Creating Bitmap Fields .............................................................................................. 5-8
Creating Next-Bitmap Fields ...................................................................................... 5-9
Creating Duplicate Fields........................................................................................... 5-9
Sample Hex Graphic Packet..................................................................................... 5-10
Sample Run Length Graphic Packet.......................................................................... 5-10
Placing the Graphic in a Format ............................................................................... 5-11
Defining the Graphic Field ....................................................................................... 5-12
Sample Bitmap Graphic Image ................................................................................. 5-12

iv Packet Reference Manual
About the Compressed Graphics Packet ................................................................... 5-13
PRINTING...........................................................................................................6-1
Downloading Files..................................................................................................... 6-2
About Batch Packets (Print Jobs) ............................................................................... 6-3
Defining the Batch Header......................................................................................... 6-3
Defining the Batch Control Field................................................................................. 6-4
Recommended Cutter Operation:............................................................................. 6-5
Defining Batch Data Fields ........................................................................................ 6-6
Merged or Sub-Fields ............................................................................................. 6-6
Incrementing Fields ................................................................................................ 6-7
Creating Gen2 RFID Data.......................................................................................... 6-7
Entering Batch Data for QR Code............................................................................. 6-10
Structured Append Mode....................................................................................... 6-11
Structured Append QR Code Packet ...................................................................... 6-11
Using Special Characters in Batch Data.................................................................... 6-12
Sample Batch Data with Special Characters ........................................................... 6-12
Downloading Methods ............................................................................................. 6-12
Sequential Method................................................................................................ 6-12
Batch Method....................................................................................................... 6-12
Batch Quantity Zero Method.................................................................................. 6-13
Modifying Formats................................................................................................... 6-13
Optional Entry Method .......................................................................................... 6-13
Creating Batch Files for Downloading ....................................................................... 6-13
STATUS POLLING ..............................................................................................7-1
Inquiry Request (ENQ) .............................................................................................. 7-1
Inquiry Response ................................................................................................... 7-1
ENQ Reference Table - Byte #2 ................................................................................. 7-2
ENQ Reference Table - Byte #3 ................................................................................. 7-4
Job Request ............................................................................................................. 7-6
Job Response ........................................................................................................ 7-6
Job Status Responses ............................................................................................ 7-8
Status Polling Considerations for Script Mode............................................................. 7-9
DIAGNOSTICS & ERRORS ..................................................................................8-1
Printing a Test Label ................................................................................................. 8-1
Clearing an Error ......................................................................................................8-2
If the PC and Printer Are Not Communicating.............................................................. 8-2
Resetting the Printer ................................................................................................. 8-2
Calling Technical Support.......................................................................................... 8-3

Table of Contents v
Data Errors............................................................................................................ 8-3
Format Errors......................................................................................................... 8-3
Batch Errors...........................................................................................................8-5
Option Errors .........................................................................................................8-5
Online Configuration Errors..................................................................................... 8-6
Check Digit Errors ..................................................................................................8-8
Graphic Errors .......................................................................................................8-8
Communication Errors .......................................................................................... 8-10
Data Formatting Failures ......................................................................................... 8-11
Machine Faults ....................................................................................................... 8-12
RFID Errors............................................................................................................ 8-13
Flash Memory Errors............................................................................................... 8-16
Script Errors........................................................................................................... 8-16
Hard Printer Failure Errors....................................................................................... 8-17
PRINTER OPTIMIZATION ....................................................................................9-1
Adjusting the Print Quality ......................................................................................... 9-1
Reducing Imaging Time............................................................................................. 9-2
General Format Tips and Hints................................................................................... 9-3
SAMPLES .......................................................................................................... A-1
Sample Aztec Packet.................................................................................................A-1
Sample Codabar Packet ............................................................................................A-1
Sample Code 16K Packet ..........................................................................................A-1
Sample Code 39 Packet ............................................................................................A-1
Sample Zero Batch Packet......................................................................................A-2
Sample Code 93 Packet ............................................................................................A-2
Sample Compliance Packet (Code 128 and I 2 of 5 Bar Codes) ....................................A-3
Sample Batch Packet..............................................................................................A-4
Sample Data Matrix Packets ......................................................................................A-4
Square Data Matrix Packet......................................................................................A-4
Rectangular Data Matrix Packet...............................................................................A-4
Sample Data Matrix with Function 1.........................................................................A-5
Sample EAN Packet ..................................................................................................A-5
Sample GS1 DataBar Packets....................................................................................A-5
GS1 DataBar with Function 1 ..................................................................................A-5
GS1 DataBar EAN13 with Composite .......................................................................A-5
GS1 DataBar 14 Stacked Omni Directional...............................................................A-5
GS1 DataBar Expanded with CC..............................................................................A-5
GS1 DataBar Expanded ..........................................................................................A-6

vi Packet Reference Manual
GS1 DataBar Expanded (no composite)....................................................................A-6
Sample Intelligent Mail® Packet.................................................................................A-6
Sample MaxiCode Packets.........................................................................................A-7
Mode 0 (Obsolete) Sample......................................................................................A-8
Mode 2 Sample ......................................................................................................A-9
Mode 3 Sample ....................................................................................................A-10
MaxiCode Compression Sample ............................................................................A-11
Sample MSI Packet................................................................................................. A-12
Sample PDF417 Packet...........................................................................................A-12
Sample POSTNET Packet........................................................................................A-12
Sample Quick Response Packets .............................................................................A-12
Sample QR Code Packet.......................................................................................A-13
Sample QR Code with URL Packet.........................................................................A-13
Structured Append QR Code Packet ......................................................................A-13
Sample UPCA Format Packet...................................................................................A-13
Sample Batch Packet............................................................................................A-13
Sample Data Entry Format Packet (UPCA Bar Code) .................................................A-14
Sample RFID Data Fields ........................................................................................A-15
RFID Data Field with a Copy Option.......................................................................A-15
ASCII HEX...........................................................................................................A-15
ASCII HEX Incrementing Field...............................................................................A-15
SSCC96...............................................................................................................A-16
SGTIN 96.............................................................................................................A-17
Password Lock.....................................................................................................A-18
Permalock and Password Lock ..............................................................................A-18
FONTS............................................................................................................... B-1
PaxarSymbols Font 56 Characters...........................................................................B-4
Paxar Font 70 and Font 71 Characters.....................................................................B-4
NAFTA Font 72 and Font 73 Characters...................................................................B-5
Bitmap Font Information ............................................................................................B-6
Monospaced Font Magnification .................................................................................B-7
Proportional Font Magnification..................................................................................B-7
Scalable Font Information..........................................................................................B-8
TrueType Font Information.........................................................................................B-8
Downloading TrueType Fonts ..................................................................................B-8
Using International Fonts...........................................................................................B-9
Selecting a Symbol Set...........................................................................................B-9
International Font Sample .....................................................................................B-10
Arabic Font Sample ..............................................................................................B-10

Table of Contents vii
Licensing Fonts ......................................................................................................B-10
Locating the Font Number in a Font Packet...............................................................B-10
SYMBOL SETS/CODE PAGES............................................................................ C-1
Supported Symbol Sets and Code Pages ....................................................................C-1
Selecting a Symbol Set or Code Page......................................................................C-1
Using Code 128 Function Codes ................................................................................C-1
Entering Extended Characters....................................................................................C-1
Using International Character Sets/Code Pages........................................................C-2
Internal Symbol Set ................................................................................................C-2
ANSI Symbol Set....................................................................................................C-3
Bold Character Set .................................................................................................C-3
OCRA Character Set...............................................................................................C-4
Code Page 100 (Macintosh) ....................................................................................C-4
Code Page 101 (Wingdings)....................................................................................C-5
Code Page 437 (Latin U.S.).....................................................................................C-5
Code Page 850 (Latin 1) .........................................................................................C-6
Code Page 852 (Latin 2) .........................................................................................C-6
Code Page 855 (Russian) .......................................................................................C-7
Code Page 857 (IBM Turkish)..................................................................................C-7
Code Page 860 (MS-DOS Portuguese).....................................................................C-8
Code Page 1250 (Latin 2) .......................................................................................C-8
Code Page 1251 (Cyrillic) .......................................................................................C-9
Code Page 1252 (Latin 1) .......................................................................................C-9
Code Page 1253 (Greek).......................................................................................C-10
Code Page 1254 (Turkish).....................................................................................C-10
Code Page 1255 (Hebrew) ....................................................................................C-11
Code Page 1256 (Arabic)......................................................................................C-11
Code Page 1257 (Baltic) .......................................................................................C-12
Code Page 1258 (Vietnamese) ..............................................................................C-12
ASCII to Hexadecimal Conversion Chart ...................................................................C-13
Binary to Hex Conversion Chart ...............................................................................C-16
Dot to Run Length Encoding Chart ...........................................................................C-18
ON (Black) Dots ...................................................................................................C-18
Off (White Dots) ...................................................................................................C-18
FORMAT DESIGN TOOLS .................................................................................. D-1
Online Configuration Worksheet.................................................................................D-2
Batch Worksheet.......................................................................................................D-3
Check Digit Worksheet ..............................................................................................D-4

viii Packet Reference Manual
Supply Layout Grids (English)....................................................................................D-5
Supply Layout Grids (Metric)......................................................................................D-6
Supply Layout Grids (Dots) ........................................................................................D-7
Format Worksheet.....................................................................................................D-8
Sample Format Worksheet.........................................................................................D-9
GLOSSARY........................................................................................................G-1
INDEX....................................................................................................................1

Getting Started 1-1
GETTING STARTED
This manual provides the necessary information to design, write and print a
Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCLII) format on the Avery Dennison® Monarch®
Tabletop Printer 1 (ADTP1). Review the printer information in the Operator’s Handbook and
System Administrator’s Guide.
About This Manual
You do not need to be a programmer to use this manual, but you must be familiar with creating
text files and using basic commands. This chapter describes how to
♦create and download a sample MPCLII packet.
♦use the Supply Layout Grid and Format Worksheet.
♦categorize data into field types and select fonts to use in a format.
See “Defining Text Fields” in Chapter 3 for a list of available fonts for the printer. See Chapter 4,
“Defining Field Options,” for a list of available options for the printer.
Before You Begin
1. Connect the printer to the host. Refer to the System Administrator’s Guide for more
information.
2. Load supplies in the printer. Refer to the Operator’s Handbook for more information.
3. Turn on the printer.
4. Set the communication parameters and configure the printer. The communication parameters
at the printer must match those at the host. See Chapter 2, “Configuring the Printer,” for more
information.
5. Design the format. See “Designing a Format” for more information.
6. Download the format to the printer. See Chapter 6, “Printing,” for more information.
Creating an MPCLII Format Packet
A format defines which fields appear and where the fields are printed on the label. The printer
requires this information in a special form, using Monarch® Printer Control Language II (MPCL).
This section describes how to create a sample MPCLII format packet.
Note: MPCLII formats designed for another MPCLII printer such as the 9855® or 9825® printer
can be printed on this printer.
For detailed information about the format header, text, constant text, and bar code fields, see
Chapter 3, "Defining Fields." For information about batch packets, see Chapter 6, “Printing.”
1. Type the following format header in any text editor:
{F,25,A,R,E,200,200,"FMT-25" |
2. Type the following constant text field:
C,140,40,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"SAMPLE FORMAT",0 |
3. Type the following bar code field:
B,1,12,F,85,40,1,2,40,5,L,0 |
4. Type the following text field:
T,2,18,V,50,50,1,1,1,1,B,L,0,0,1 | }
This is an MPCLII format packet. Next, create a batch packet before printing the format.
1

1-2 Packet Reference Manual
5. Type the following batch header, after the text field line:
{B,25,N,1 |
6. Type the following bar code data:
1,"02802811111" |
7. Type the following text field data:
2,"TEXT FIELD" | }
8. Save the file as SAMPLE.FMT.
9. Type MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1 at the Command prompt when using serial communications.
This sets the communication parameters at the host. These communication parameters must
match those at the printer. See “Setting Serial Communication Parameters,” in Chapter 2, or
the host’s documentation for more information.
10.Type COPY SAMPLE.FMT COM1. The following 2 inch by 2 inch
label prints:
{F,25,A,R,E,200,200,"Fmt 25" |
C,140,40,0,1,2,1,W,C,0,0,"SAMPLE FORMAT",0 |
B,1,12,F,85,40,1,2,40,5,L,0 |
T,2,18,V,50,50,1,3,1,1,B,L,0,0,0 | }
Sample Batch Packet
{B,25,N,1 |
1,"02802811111" |
2,"TEXT FIELD" | }
Designing a Format
Before designing a format, answer these questions. How large is the supply, which fonts should
be used, should a bar code be included, what about a graphic? There are several steps to
designing a custom format:
Determine the label size. Labels are available from Avery Dennison in a wide variety of sizes.
The application and the amount of printed data determine the supply size. Contact your Account
Manager or Technical Support for more information.
1. Draw a rough sketch of the label. Note any areas that are preprinted on the label, such as a
logo.
2. Identify the field types that appear on the label. See “About Field Types” for more
information.
3. Decide which fonts to use. When working with fonts, there are three considerations: font
appearance, font size (scalable or bitmapped), and font spacing (monospaced or
proportional). The TrueType® scalable font, EFF Swiss Bold™ (font 50) is standard on the
printers. See Appendix B, “Fonts,” for samples of each font.
4. Fill out the Format Worksheet. See “Using the Format Worksheet” for more information.
At this point, send the design to the printer. To do this:
5. Create a format packet, based on the completed format worksheet. See Chapter 3, “Defining
Fields,” for more information.
6. Download the format packet to the printer. See Chapter 6, “Printing,” for more information.
Keep backup copies of the format, batch data, check digit, and graphic packets.

Getting Started 1-3
RFID Format Design Tips
This section provides some tips about designing formats on large-gap RFID supplies.
Printing over the RFID inlay may cause printing irregularity.
1. Determine the label length. Measure the supply according to the supply type:
♦Die cut
supplies: ♦Measure from the leading edge of one label to the leading edge of the next label accounting for the
die cut gap in the format header.
♦Black mark
supplies: ♦Measure from the top of one black mark to the top of the next black mark.
♦Aperture
supplies: ♦Measure from the top of one aperture hole to the top of the next aperture hole.
Note: The leading edge is the edge of the label that exits the printer first; regardless of how the
format is designed on the label.
Use the Monarch® RFID Printer Setup Utility to configure the printer (read and write
power, position settings, etc.) for the RFID supplies. Find this Web-based utility at
http://www.monarch.com/prnutil/rfidsetup/
2. Enter the label length for parameter f6. length in the format header. See “Defining the
Format Header” for more information.
3. Determine the label width. Measure the width of the printable area of the supply. Do not
include the liner (backing paper) in this dimension.
4. Enter the label width for parameter f7. width in the format header. See “Defining the Format
Header” for more information.
Measure this
distance
Measure this
distance
Do not print
in the gap!
Measure this
distance
Die Cut
Aperture
Black Mark

1-4 Packet Reference Manual
Determining the Print Area
The “bottom” (or leading edge) is the edge that exits the printer first. The 0,0 point is at the
bottom left corner of the label. The print area is center justified.
Unit of
Measure Max. Supply (Wid x Len) Max. Print Area (Wid x Len) Min. Supply (Wid x Len) Min. Print Area (Wid x Len)
English 432 x 1750 409 x 1600 75 x 32 75 x 32
Metric 1080 x 4445 1038 x 4064 191 x 81 191 x 81
Dots (203) 877 x 3553 832 x 3248 152 x 65 152 x 65
Dots (300) 1296 x 3750 1248 x 3600 225 x 96 225 x 96
Note: Longer images can be created by reallocating memory to increase the image buffer. See
"Defining the Memory Configuration Packet" in Chapter 2 for more information.
Non-Print Zones
The following non-print zones are recommended
Left and Right 0.025 inches (0.6mm or 5 dots) on either edge of the label.
Top and Bottom 0.025 inches (0.6mm or 5 dots) on the leading and trailing edge of the label.
The leading edge is the edge of the label that exits the printer first; the trailing edge is the edge
of the label that exits the printer last; regardless of how the format is designed on the label. If
using the optional bar code verifier, allow a minimum no-scan zone on the trailing edge of the
label of 0.5 inch (13 mm). .
Use the following formulas to convert inches to dots and metric:
Dots = inches x 203 (or 300 dots per inch)
Metric (1/10mm) = inches x 254
English (1/100 inch) = 100 x (dots/203) or (dots/300)
Dots = Metric (1/10 mm) x 799/1000 (or 1181/1000)
300 dpi depends on the printer.
Using Supply Layout Grids
A supply layout grid contains measurement markers.
These markers help accurately position information
on the label.
Decide whether to design formats using English, Metric,
or Dot measurements. Choose from the following grids:
English The English grid is measured in 1/100 inches.
Metric The Metric grid is measured in 1/10 millimeters
(mm).
Graphic The printer uses dots to print images on a label.
The printhead has 203 dots per inch (dpi) or an
optional 300 dots per inch printhead.
Choose English or Metric units when designing formats
to use with different printers. English or Metric units
allow more direct use of formats on printers with
different density printheads.
Supply layout grids are in Appendix D, “Format Design
Tools.”

Getting Started 1-5
About Field Types
Decide what information to print on the format from the following categories.
Field Type Description Examples
Text Contains letters, numbers, or symbols. item number, item description,
department number, price, date
Non-
Printable
Text
Holds data for use later, such as for
merging into another field. The printer
does not print non-printable text fields.
city, state, and zip code to be
included in a bar code
Bar Code Used for printing bar codes that can be
scanned. item or serial numbers, zip codes, information not visible to customers
Constant
Text Prints fixed characters that do not change. company name, company address
Line or Box Highlights or separates items. line marking out the regular price,
border around the supply
Graphic Contains a bitmap image or a
compliance label overlay. logos
Verifier Specifies a verifier configuration to use
for each format. Mode 2, mode 19
RFID Contains the RFID data to program into
the RFID inlay. EPC Class 1 Gen2 data
All of the above field types except graphics are discussed in Chapter 3. See Chapter 5,
“Creating Graphics” for information on including graphics in the format.
Using the Format Worksheet
The Format Worksheet is divided into sections that list the field types. Each section has boxes to
fill in with parameters that define a format. A format worksheet is included in Appendix D,
“Format Design Tools.”
Filling in the Format Worksheet
Decide what type of field to use on the label.
1. Make a copy of the Format Worksheet.
2. Define the Format Header. See “Defining the Format Header” in Chapter 3 for more
information.
3. Define all non-printable text fields before defining printable ones. See “Defining Non-
Printable Text Fields” in Chapter 3 for more information.
4. Define options (copy data, pad data, etc.) as needed. See Chapter 4, “Defining Field Options”
for more information.

1-6 Packet Reference Manual

Configuring the Printer 2-1
CONFIGURING THE PRINTER
This chapter discusses how to
♦set communication parameters.
♦upload the printers configuration or font information.
♦configure the printer using online configuration packets.
♦use immediate commands to control the printers operation at any time.
Setting Serial Communication Parameters
For serial communications, the communication settings at the printer must match those at the
host.Use the Communication Settings Packet to set these parameters.
Use the MODE command (from the Command prompt) to set communication values on the PC.
For example
MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1
This command sets the host to these communication values: 9600 baud, no parity, an 8 bit word
length, 1 stop bit.
Using MPCLII Conventions
Here are some guidelines to follow when using MPCLII.
MPCLII Punctuation
Use the following symbols when creating MPCLII packets:
Character Decimal
Value Description
{ (left bracket) 123 start of header
} (right bracket) 125 end of header
| (vertical bar) 124 field separator*
, (comma) 044 parameter separator
"ABC" (quotation
marks) 034 Quotation marks enclose character strings. Empty quotes (" ") identify null strings or unused fields.
‘comment’
(single quotation
marks)
039 Grave accents enclose comments. Any data enclosed in grave
accents is ignored. Do not embed comments within a quoted
string. Grave accents are also used to reject mainframe data.
*The field separator is the split vertical bar (|). The decimal value is 124. To enter this
character, use the Shift key plus the Split Vertical Bar key on the computer’s keyboard.
Depending on the text editor, it may appear as a solid vertical bar or as a split vertical bar.
Note: These MPCL characters are the default.
2

2-2 Packet Reference Manual
Standard Syntax Guidelines
When creating MPCLII packets:
♦Begin each packet with a start of header ({).
♦End each packet with an end of header (}).
♦Define no more than 1000 fields in a format. Each | indicates one field. However, options are
not counted as fields. The actual number of fields a format can have may be less, because the
number of fields is limited by the available memory.
♦The field number (0to 999) must be unique. Start at 1, instead of 0.
♦Do not use a field number more than once per format.
♦Define all fields in the order to image/print them. The printer does not print in field number
order.
♦Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).
♦End each field with a Field Separator (|).
♦Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or phrases within quotation marks.
♦Include all parameters for a field unless documented as optional.
♦Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they apply.
♦Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.
♦Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be used in any combination except
as noted with each definition. Options are processed in the order they are received.
♦Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider fields than monospaced fonts. For
variable field data, use a letter W to determine the maximum field size.
♦Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing character within a field definition.
However, a carriage return or line break after each | makes formats easier to read.
T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
♦Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.
♦Indenting options improves readability of formats.
T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
R,42,1 |
♦Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted string to send function codes or
extended characters or send the 8-bit ASCII code.
Modify formats and fields with the optional entry method. See “Optional Entry Method” in Chapter
6 for more information.

Configuring the Printer 2-3
Using Online Configuration Packets
Use online configuration packets to change the printer’s settings. Send an individual
configuration packet or a single packet containing all the configuration packets. Supply all
parameters for each packet. Leave the parameters blank that do not need to change. For
example,
{I,A,,,,1 | }
prints a slashed zero and uses the last sent online System Setup parameters.
Make a copy of the online configuration worksheet in Appendix D, “Format Design Tools,” and
save the original. Packets A-M are listed on the worksheet.
When turning off the printer, all the information in the online configuration packets is saved and
used when the printer is turned back on. After changing the printer’s configuration, resend the
format, batch, or graphic to the printer before the changes take effect.
Configuration Packet Header
Always include an I, immediately after the left bracket {and before the packet identifier (A, B, C,
etc.). The Iparameter identifies the data stream as a configuration packet.
Note: Include the Iparameter with each packet if sending them individually. Include it only at
the beginning of a data stream if sending multiple packets.
Use this syntax to create online configuration packets:
Syntax
{Start of Header
I,Configuration Header
1 - 9 optional records
A, parameter 1...parameter 5 | System Setup
B, parameter 1...parameter 6 | Supply Setup
C, parameter 1...parameter 7 | Print Control
D, parameter 1...parameter 3 | Monetary Formatting
E, parameter 1...parameter 9 | Control Characters
F, parameter 1...parameter 5 | Communication Settings
G, parameter 1...parameter 3 | Backfeed Control
M, parameter 1...parameter 3 | Memory Configuration
T, parameter 1...parameter 5 | Time/Date
Y, parameter 1 parameter 5 | RFID Setup
}End of Header
Syntax for single packet
{Start of Header
I,Configuration Header
A, parameter 1...parameter 5 | System Setup
}End of Header
Add a configuration to RAM or specify units for supply, print, margin, and cut positions. If using
the optional parameters with the Ipacket, any online configuration packets following the split
vertical bar (|) must specify distances using the selected units. However, the test labels display
the units in dots, even if entered in English or Metrics units.

2-4 Packet Reference Manual
Syntax {header,ID#,action,device | }
1. header Constant I.
2. ID# ID. Use 0.
3. action Action. Options:
AAdd configuration.
UUpload User Configuration.
4. device Storage Device. Use R(Volatile RAM).
5. units Units. (Optional parameter.) Options:
EEnglish
MMetric
GDots
Example {I,0,A,R,E |
C,0,25,0,0,0 | }
Adds a configuration to volatile RAM and specifies English units. It also uses the default contrast,
moves print 0.25 inches closer to the bottom of the supply and does not change the margin
adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the default printhead width.
If optional parameters are not used, the syntax for the online configuration packets does not
change. For example,
{I,C,0,50,0,0,0 | }
uses the default contrast, moves print 50 dots (0.25) inches closer to the bottom of the supply
and does not change the margin adjustment, prints at the default print speed, and uses the
default printhead width.
Example {I,0,U,R | }
Uploads the printer configuration from volatile RAM and returns the following to the host.
A,0,0,0,0,0 |
B,1,1,0,0,0,0,0 |
C,0,0,0,0,0,0 |
D,1,0,2 |
E,"~123~044~034~124~125~126","","~013~010" |
F,3,1,0,0,1 |
G,0,65,65 |
M,R,30715,23995,N,0,0|
M,R,R,0|
M,T,R,0|
M,I,R,3300|
M,D,R,640|
M,F,R,1500|
M,V,R,0|
T,0,0,0,0,0 |
Y,0,1,18,12,1,0,120,220,0,1,0,0 |
The parameters for each packet (A-Y) are displayed. In the first line that begins with M, 30715 is
the total volatile memory available, 23995 is the memory available in volatile RAM. There is no
non-volatile RAM available. The remaining lines beginning with Mlist the buffer sizes in 1/10K for
the Image, Downloadable Fonts, and Formats Buffers.