Axiohm A721 User manual

A721 Multifunction Printer:
Owner’s Guide
7221-D100

A721 Multifunction Printer:
Owner’s Guide
7221-D100
Axiohm
Ithaca, New York

Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Therefore, before using this document, consult
your Axiohm sales representative for information that is applicable and current. Axiohm reserves the right to
improve products as new technology, components, software, and firmware become available.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Axiohm.
Copyright
Copyright © 1997, 1998 by AXIOHM
Ithaca, New York USA
All rights reserved
Printed in USA
Confidential, Unpublished
Property of AXIOHM
Trademarks
AXIOHM is the registered trademark of AXIOHM. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property
of their respective holders.
Important Information to the User
In order to ensure compliance with the Product Safety, FCC and CE marking requirements, you must use the
power supply, power cord, and interface cable which were shipped with this product or which meet the following
parameters:
Power Supply
UL Listed (QQGQ), Class 2 power supply with SELV (Secondary Extra Low Voltage), non-energy hazard output,
limited energy source, input rated 100-240 Vac, 1.5/0.8 A, 50/60 Hz, output rated 24 Vdc, 2.3 A.
Use of this product with a power supply other than the Axiohm power supply will require you to test this power
supply and Axiohm printer for FCC and CE mark certification.
Interface Cable
A shielded (360 degree) interface cable must be used with this product. The shield must be connected to the frame
or earth ground connection or earth ground reference at EACH end of the cable.
Use of a cable other than described here will require that you test this cable with the Axiohm printer and your
system for FCC and CE mark certification.
Power Cord
A UL listed, detachable power cord must be used for this product. For applications where the power supply
module may be mounted on the floor, a power cord with Type SJT marking must be used. For applications
outside the US, power cords which meet the particular country’s certification and application requirements should
be used.
Use of a power cord other than described here may result in a violation of safety certifications which are in force
in the country of use.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
Warning
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Communication Cables
Shielded communication cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the Class A FCC limits.
Information to User
This equipment must be installed and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However,
there is no guarantee that interference to radio communications will not occur in a particular commercial
installation. If this equipment does cause interference, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to contact Axiohm immediately.
The Axiohm company is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized
modification of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than
those specified by Axiohm. The correction of interferences caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
Industry Canada (IC)
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.

Preface
This book is intended as a general guide for operators and supervisors who need to know how to operate the
printer. It is also intended as a technical guide for programmers and system integrators who need to know the
technical information about the printer’s communication; the programming commands that control the printer; and
the character sets and graphics that are available.
Where to Get Additional Information
The following publications contain more information about the A721 printer. Contact your sales representative to
obtain additional copies of this Owner’s Guide or any of the publications listed below.
Title Axiohm Number
A721 Multifunction Printer: Setup Guide 7221-D110
A721 Multifunction Printer: Service Guide 7221-D200

A721 Owner’s Guide Contents
August 1998 v
Contents
Contents v
Chapter 1: About the A721 Printer 1
Features and Options......................................................................................................................................... 1
Receipt Station Features............................................................................................................................. 1
Journal Station Features............................................................................................................................. 1
Slip/Validation Station Features ................................................................................................................ 2
General Features ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Options....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Maintaining and Cleaning the Printer................................................................................................................ 2
Ordering Paper and Supplies............................................................................................................................. 3
Receipt/Journal Paper ................................................................................................................................ 3
Slips and Forms.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Other Supplies............................................................................................................................................ 4
Documentation........................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Operating the Printer 5
Using the Controls............................................................................................................................................. 5
Changing Paper................................................................................................................................................. 6
Changing Receipt Paper............................................................................................................................. 6
Changing Receipt/Journal Paper................................................................................................................ 8
Verifying Checks............................................................................................................................................. 10
Printing on Slips and Checks........................................................................................................................... 11
Validating Slips and Checks............................................................................................................................ 12
Changing the Ribbon Cassette......................................................................................................................... 13
Replacing the Printhead .................................................................................................................................. 14
Removing the Used Printhead.................................................................................................................. 14
Inserting the New Printhead..................................................................................................................... 15
Adjusting the Paper Low Sensor..................................................................................................................... 16
Procedure................................................................................................................................................. 17
Chapter 3: Diagnostics and Print Tests 19
Level 0 Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................... 19
Level 1 Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................... 20
Information About DIP Switch Settings................................................................................................... 20
Switch Entry Mode .................................................................................................................................. 21
Flash Download Mode............................................................................................................................. 31
Data Scope Mode..................................................................................................................................... 32

Contents A721 Owner’s Guide
August 1998
vi
Enabling or Disabling the Cover Open Switch ........................................................................................ 33
Verifying Read of MICR Characters........................................................................................................ 34
Checking MICR Noise Level................................................................................................................... 35
Selecting the Font for the MICR Check Reader....................................................................................... 35
Diagnostic Print Tests..................................................................................................................................... 36
Print Configuration Information............................................................................................................... 36
Continuous Slip Printing.......................................................................................................................... 36
Print Each Character in the ASCII Character Set..................................................................................... 37
General Print Test.................................................................................................................................... 38
Sample of Configuration Printout ............................................................................................................ 39
Adjusting the Printhead Gap.................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 4: When Something Goes Wrong 41
Printer Not Operating...................................................................................................................................... 41
Indicators Showing a Problem ........................................................................................................................ 42
Printer Does Not Feed Receipt/Journal Paper................................................................................................. 42
Carriage and Paper Jams................................................................................................................................. 42
Slips, Forms, or Checks Not Feeding Properly............................................................................................... 43
Slips, Forms, or Checks Skew When Feeding into the Printer........................................................................ 43
Some Dots are Missing ................................................................................................................................... 43
Ribbon Tears or Frays More Quickly Than Expected..................................................................................... 44
Overall Print is Light or Smudged................................................................................................................... 44
Some Dots are Printing Light.......................................................................................................................... 44
Other Serious Problems................................................................................................................................... 45
Getting Service................................................................................................................................................ 45
Chapter 5: Communication 47
Interfaces......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Sending Commands......................................................................................................................................... 47
Using DOS to Send Commands............................................................................................................... 47
Using BASIC to Send Commands ........................................................................................................... 47
RS-232C Interface........................................................................................................................................... 48
RS-232C Interface Protocols ................................................................................................................... 48
RS-232C Interface Connectors ................................................................................................................ 49
Parallel Interface............................................................................................................................................. 52
Parallel Interface Connectors................................................................................................................... 52
Setting Switches.............................................................................................................................................. 54
Chapter 6: A721 ESC/POS Commands 57
List of A721 ESC/POS Commands................................................................................................................. 57
A721 ESC/POS Command Descriptions......................................................................................................... 59
Printer Function Commands..................................................................................................................... 59

A721 Owner’s Guide Contents
August 1998 vii
Print Characteristics Commands.............................................................................................................. 77
Graphics Commands................................................................................................................................ 84
Printer Status Commands......................................................................................................................... 87
Real Time Commands.............................................................................................................................. 95
Bar Code Commands............................................................................................................................. 100
Page Mode............................................................................................................................................. 103
Flash Memory Commands ..................................................................................................................... 109
Chapter 7: Ithaca Peripherals Proprinter Emulation Commands 111
List of Ithaca Peripherals Proprinter Emulation Commands......................................................................... 111
Ithaca Peripherals Proprinter Emulation Command Descriptions................................................................. 113
Printer Function Commands................................................................................................................... 113
Print Characteristics Commands............................................................................................................ 118
Graphics Commands.............................................................................................................................. 122
Cash Drawer Status Commands............................................................................................................. 124
Chapter 8: Axiohm 5021 Printer Emulation Commands 125
List of Axiohm 5021 Emulation Commands................................................................................................. 125
Axiohm 5021 Emulation Command Descriptions......................................................................................... 126
Printer Function Commands................................................................................................................... 126
Print Characteristics Commands............................................................................................................ 132
Printer Status Commands....................................................................................................................... 133
Chapter 9: DH 4700 Emulation Commands 135
List of DH 4700 Emulation Commands........................................................................................................ 135
DH 4700 Command Descriptions ................................................................................................................. 137
Printer Function Commands................................................................................................................... 137
Print Characteristics Commands............................................................................................................ 143
Graphics Commands.............................................................................................................................. 147
Printer Status Commands....................................................................................................................... 149
Chapter 10: Flash Download Commands 151
List of Flash Download Commands.............................................................................................................. 151
Flash Download Command Descriptions...................................................................................................... 152
Chapter 11: MICR Commands and Parsing 159
MICR Commands ......................................................................................................................................... 159
MICR Parsing ............................................................................................................................................... 160
Parsing Parameter String Options.......................................................................................................... 160
Sample Parsing Formats......................................................................................................................... 162
Notes...................................................................................................................................................... 163
Check Serial Number............................................................................................................................. 164

Contents A721 Owner’s Guide
August 1998
viii
Exception Table Entry Format............................................................................................................... 165
Maintaining the Exception Table........................................................................................................... 167
Appendix A: Specifications 169
Printing Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 169
Table 1: Speed and Print Modes............................................................................................................ 169
Table 2: Paper Specifications................................................................................................................. 169
Table 3: Character and Line Specifications ........................................................................................... 170
Print Zones.................................................................................................................................................... 172
Receipt and Journal Print Zones ............................................................................................................ 172
Validation Print Zone............................................................................................................................. 173
Slip Print Zone....................................................................................................................................... 175
Dimensions.................................................................................................................................................... 175
Power Requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 176
Environmental Requirements........................................................................................................................ 176
Reliability...................................................................................................................................................... 176
Character Sets ............................................................................................................................................... 177
Code Page 437 (PC US)......................................................................................................................... 177
Code Page 850 (PC Multilingual).......................................................................................................... 178
Code Page 852 (Eastern European) ....................................................................................................... 179
Code Page 865 (Nordic Languages) ...................................................................................................... 180
Index 181

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 1: About the A721 Printer
August 1998 1
Chapter 1: About the A721 Printer
The A721 printer is a fast, quiet, reliable, and very compact multiple-function printer. It prints receipts and a
journal, validates and prints checks, and prints on a variety of single- or multiple-part slips. An additional option
is the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) check reader with parsing which reads account numbers on
checks for easy verification.
The industry-standard RS-232C and IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel communication interfaces allow the A721
to be connected to any host computer. The A721 provides the following emulations: Epson 370/375 printers
(included in the A721 ESC/POS commands), Ithaca Peripherals Proprinter emulation, Axiohm 5021 printer, and
the DH 4700 printer. These emulations provide easy integration into applications written for these printers and
emulations.
Features and Options
The A721 printer comes with a variety of standard features, and can be configured with several options.
Receipt Station Features
•Standard/compressed pitch (host computer selectable): 10 to 23 characters per inch, 24-66 columns
•Drop in paper loading, requires no spindle
•Paper Status indicator light (LED) (adjustable)
Journal Station Features
•Standard/compressed pitch (host computer selectable): 10 to 23 characters per inch, 24-66 columns
•Automatic paper loading, requires no spindle or threading
•Autograph table

Chapter 2: Operating the Printer A721 Owner’s Guide
2August 1998
Slip/Validation Station Features
•Standard/compressed pitch (host computer selectable): 10 to 23 characters per inch, 24-66 columns
•Up to 14 lines of validation printing (at 7.2 lines per inch) (ESC/POS)
•Printing of slips up to five-parts thick, up to a total thickness of .014 inches (the receipt is included as
one or two of the parts depending if it is one-ply or two-ply)
•Top insertion of validation forms with slip stop
•Side insertion of slips with override of slip stop and automatic alignment of slip
•Front insertion of slips with override of slip stop and automatic alignment of slip
•Slip In indicator light (LED)
General Features
•Industry standard RS-232C communication interface or IEEE 1284 parallel bi-directional
communication interface
•NVRAM (Non-Volatile memory) to store customer configuration and historic data
•Cash drawer connector
•Online LED
Options
•Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) check reader built into the slip station for verifying checks
(includes custom MICR field parsing)
•Remote power supply
•Additional cash drawer driver
•Cover open switch
•Journal lock
Maintaining and Cleaning the Printer
There is no customer maintenance required for the A721 printer. However, you may occasionally clean the
cabinet as needed to remove dust and finger marks. Use any household cleaner designed for plastics, but test it
first on a small, unseen area. The cabinet finish and materials are durable and are resistant to cleaning solutions,
lubricants, fuels, cooking oils, and ultraviolet light.
If the receipt paper bucket is dirty, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth.
Caution: Do not spray or try to clean the printhead or the inside of the printer with any kind of cleaner as this
may damage the printhead or the electronics.

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 1: About the A721 Printer
August 1998 3
Ordering Paper and Supplies
The following section lists the paper and supplies available for order. In addition to paper, slips, and ribbon
cassettes, you can order a new printhead, power supply, cables, cash drawer, and additional documentation.
Receipt/Journal Paper
Ply Diameter (Maximum) Length Width Thickness Core Diameter
One-Ply
(Journal Only) 2.25 inches (57.15 mm) 90 feet (27.4 meters) 3.25 inches (83 mm) 0.0028 inches (0.071 mm) 0.68 inches (17.3 mm)
One-Ply
(Receipt Only) 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) 245 feet (74.7 meters) 3.25 inches (83 mm) 0.0028 inches (0.071 mm) 0.68 inches (17.3 mm)
Two-Ply 3.125 inches
(79.4 mm) 95 feet (28.95 meters) 3.25 inches (83 mm) +/- 10% each ply 0.68 inches (17.3 mm)
The paper must not be attached at the core. You may want to use paper with a colored stripe at the end that
signals the paper is running low. Contact your sales representative to order receipt and journal paper.
Slips and Forms
The A721 printer prints on single- or multiple-part slips in the slip station. Slips must meet the following
requirements (the receipt is included as one or two of the parts depending if it is one-ply or two-ply):
Minimum Slip Size 2.75 inches (69.8 mm) wide by 5.0 inches (127 mm) long
Or
5.0 inches (127 mm) wide by 2.75 inches (69.8 mm) long
Maximum Slip Size 8.5 inches (215.9 mm) wide by 11 inches (279.4 mm) long
Total thickness Single-part slips: 0.003 inches (0.076 mm) (minimum)
Multiple parts: 0.014 inches (0.355 mm) (maximum—includes the receipt)
Number of parts Up to a maximum of five parts (the receipt is included as one or two parts)
Note: If card stock is present, it should be the bottom part. If multiple-part slips are used, the double-strike
mode must be used to ensure that all parts are printed on clearly. Contact your sales representative to order
slips and forms.

Chapter 2: Operating the Printer A721 Owner’s Guide
4August 1998
Other Supplies
Contact your sales representative to order the supplies listed below. The numbers are for reference only. Suppliers
may use different numbers.
Item Type Number
Ribbon Cassettes Purple ribbon cassette
(5 million characters)
Black ribbon cassette
(5 million characters)
006-1052286
006-1052285
Printhead with heatsink 189-1062966
Power supply with attached cable to printer 7221-F301
AC Power cord United States
International (no plug)
United Kingdom
S.E.V.
Australia
International (with plug)
7221-F320
7221-F321
7221-F322
7221-F323
7221-F324
7221-F326
Communication cables (connect to standard
IBM compatible PC)
RS-232C 9-pin to 9-pin
RS-232C 25 pin (host computer) to 9 pin
Parallel 25-pin “D” shell (male) to 25-pin
“D” shell (male)
9.8 ft. (3 meters)
9.8 ft. (3 meters)
9.8 ft. (3 meters)
A141-0007
A141-0008
A141-0010
Cash Drawers
NCR Cash Drawer
M-S Cash Drawer Corp.
APG Cash Drawer
Indiana Cash Drawer
7052-K657 (Switchable for
Drawer 1 or Drawer 2)
EP-125 K Series, EP-127, EP-102
Model 322
Model SLD
Documentation
Contact your sales representative to order the following documentation:
Title Axiohm Number
A721 Multifunction Printer: Owner’s Guide 7221-D100
A721 Multifunction Printer: Setup Guide 7221-D110
A721 Multifunction Printer: Service Guide 7221-D200

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 2: Operating the Printer
August 1998 5
Chapter 2: Operating the Printer
This chapter includes information about operating the printer controls, loading paper and ribbon cassettes,
replacing the printhead, and working with slips, forms, and checks.
Using the Controls
The A721 printer includes the following buttons:
•Paper Feed button used to advance paper.
•Reset button used to initialize the printer.
Caution: Pressing the Reset button initializes the printer, causing any downloaded fonts to be lost.

Chapter 2: Operating the Printer A721 Owner’s Guide
6August 1998
Changing Paper
The A721 features simple paper loading that is quick and efficient, saving both time and paper.
Caution: Do not operate the printer if it runs out of paper. The printer will continue to operate, but data may be
lost and the printhead may be damaged.
Changing Receipt Paper
Note: Use these instructions if you are printing receipts only. If you are printing both receipts and a journal
(record of transactions), or a journal only, see “Changing Receipt/Journal Paper” later in this chapter.
Removing the Old Receipt Paper Roll
3
1
2
Rear
Cover
Clamshell
1. Open the rear cover.
2. Open the clamshell.
3. Remove the used receipt paper roll.

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 2: Operating the Printer
August 1998 7
Loading the New Receipt Paper Roll
1Rear
Cover
Clamshell
2
Slip
Table
1. Drop the new roll into the bucket and pull out several inches.
2. Lay the end of the paper out over the top of the slip table, then close the rear cover and the clamshell.

Chapter 2: Operating the Printer A721 Owner’s Guide
8August 1998
Changing Receipt/Journal Paper
Note: Use these instructions if you are printing both receipts and a journal (record of transactions) or a journal
only. If you are printing receipts only, see “Changing Receipt Paper” earlier in this chapter.
Removing the Printed Journal
Rear
Cover 1Clamshell
2
3
Paper
45
1. Open the rear cover.
2. Tear the paper off below the last journal entry.
3. Open the clamshell.
4. Slide the printed journal off the take-up core and set it in a safe place.
5. Remove the paper core or remainder of the roll.

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 2: Operating the Printer
August 1998 9
Loading the New Receipt/Journal Paper Roll
Paper Feed
Rod
4
1
Clamshell
2
Take-up
Assembly
35
Rear Cover
1. Drop the new receipt/journal roll into the bucket and pull out about 10 inches (25 cm) of paper.
The paper should not extend farther than the back of the printer cabinet.
2. Close the clamshell.
3. Place the end of the journal ply between the halves of the take-up assembly.
If you are printing a journal only, continue with step 4.
If you are printing both receipts and a journal, position the top paper ply so that it extends over the top of
the slip table.
4. Press the paper feed button to wind the paper onto the take-up assembly.
5. Close the rear cover.

Chapter 2: Operating the Printer A721 Owner’s Guide
10 August 1998
Verifying Checks
Follow this procedure to verify checks on printers with the MICR check reader option. The printer’s Magnetic Ink
Character Reader (MICR) check reader reads the magnetic ink characters on the check in order for the host
computer to verify that the check is good.
Note: Verify the check before you validate it. For more information, see “Validating Slips and Checks” later in
this chapter.
¦
PAY TO THE ORDER OF $
DOLLARS
19
MEMO
2001
Check Orientation
MICR
Characters
MICR
Characters
Check
Slip In LED
Paper Feed
Button
Wall
1. Insert the check from the front, face up, with the MICR characters to the right, as shown.
2. Slide the check toward the back of the printer along the right side until it covers both sensors.
The Slip In LED turns on when both sensors are covered, indicating that the check is inserted properly.
The printer reads the magnetic characters on the check.
Note: Do not hold or keep the check from moving during the MICR check reader transaction or the check
numbers will not be read accurately.
3. Follow any instructions from the host computer.
Once the check has been verified, the printer may then print the date, payee, and amount on the check,
depending on the host computer software. For more information, see “Printing on Slips and Checks” on
the next page.
4. Remove the check after it has been fed all the way back out.
5. Follow the instructions from the host computer to finish the transaction, if provided.
6. To validate the check, follow the procedures in “Validating Slips and Checks” later in this chapter.

A721 Owner’s Guide Chapter 2: Operating the Printer
August 1998 11
Printing on Slips and Checks
There are several types of transactions for which you may print on a slip or check. These include some credit card
transactions, merchandise return forms, electronic funds transfers and check printing (printing the date, payee, and
amount on the check).
The A721 can print on slips and forms up to five-parts thick (the receipt is included as one or two of the parts
depending if it is one-ply or two-ply). For more information on the types of slips and forms you can use, see
“Ordering Paper and Supplies” in chapter 1.
Note: Do not use this procedure for validation or check verification. See “Verifying Checks” on the previous
page, and “Validating Slips and Checks” on the next page.
1. Insert the slip/check from the front, placing it on the slip table first, with the side to be printed face up.
See the illustration for an example of how to insert a check. Use the same procedure for any type of slip.
You may also insert the slip/check from the side. In this case, insert the slip/check at an angle with the
side to be printed facing you, and then rotate it until it is vertical. See the illustration.
2. Slide the slip/check to the right until it lines up against the wall.
3. Position the slip/check so that the top is protruding from the top of the printer.
The Slip In LED flashes green. When the slip/check is inserted properly, the Slip In LED is lit steadily.
Depending on your printer setup, the printer may automatically begin printing, or you may have to
perform the action programmed for your printer, such as pressing a particular keyboard key. Follow the
instructions from the host computer.
4. Remove the slip/check once it is fed back out and then follow the instructions from the host computer to
finish the transaction.