Ithaca PcOS Series 80PLUS Manual

PCOS SERIES 80PLUS POS Thermal Printer
PROGRAMMER’S
GUIDE Rev B
PN: 100-01099

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Change History
Rev B 4/13/99 Page i
Change History
Rev. B
Clarified Table 1
Updated user defined memory commands
Fixed bar code width table
Rev. A Initial Release

Disclaimer PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page ii Rev B 4/13/99
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. However, as product improvements
become available, Ithaca Peripherals will make every effort to provide updated information for the
products described in this publication.
Ithaca Peripherals cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment made by other
manufacturers, and referred to in this publication, do not affect the applicability of information in this
publication.
Copyright
© 1999 Ithaca Peripherals. All rights reserved.
Revision B, April 1999
Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Ithaca Peripherals.
Trademarks
Ithaca PcOS is a registered trademark of Ithaca Peripherals. Ithaca Peripherals is a Transact Technologies
Incorporated Company. Epson and ESC/POS are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Axiohm is a registered trademark of Dardell Technologies. IBM is a registered trademark of the
International Business Machines Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency
Interference Statement
The Series 80PLUS Printer complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with
the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules which are designed to minimize radio frequency interference
during installation; however, there is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur
during any particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on while the radio or television is
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient the radio or television receiving antenna;
•Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver;
•Plug the printer and receiver into different circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult their dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems.
This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Ask for stock
number 004-000-00345-4.

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Canadian Statement
Rev B 4/13/99 Page iii
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference
Statement
The Series 80PLUS Printer does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
UL, CSA, VDE, CE Statement
Ithaca Peripherals’ printers are UL and CSA Listed, VDE Certified, and carry the CE Mark.
Declaration of Conformity
Product name: Thermal Printer
Type name: Series 80PLUS
These printers conform to the following directives and norms:
Directive 89/336/EEC
EN 55022 (1995) /A1 (1995)
EN 50082-1 (1992)
IEC 801-2 (1991)
IEC 801-3 (1984)
IEC 801-4 (1991)
Directive 90/384/EEC
EN 45501: (1992)
EMI and Safety Standards Applied
The following standards are applied only to the printers that are so labeled. (EMC is tested using the
Ithaca Bestec BPA-601-24-1984).
Europe: CE marking
EN55022 (1995)
EN50082-1 (1992)
EN45501 (1992)
Safety standard: TÜV EN 60950 (1992)
North America: EMI: FFC Class A
Safety Standards: UL 1950, 3rd edition (1995)
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 950-95, 3rd edition (1995)

PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page iv Rev B 4/13/99
WARNING: Warnings must be carefully followed to avoid serious bodily injury.
CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid minor injury to yourself or damage to your equipment.
NOTES: Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Table of Contents
Rev B 4/13/99 Page v
Table of Contents
General Information..................................................................................................................................1
Warranty Information.........................................................................................................................1
Warranty Options........................................................................................................................1
Service Information.....................................................................................................................1
What is in this book?..........................................................................................................................1
Who should read this book?.........................................................................................................1
Where can you find more information?........................................................................................1
Contacting Ithaca Peripherals......................................................................................................1
General Description ...........................................................................................................................2
Features.......................................................................................................................................2
Interface Specifications ......................................................................................................................4
Serial...........................................................................................................................................4
Parallel........................................................................................................................................4
Cash Drawer ...............................................................................................................................4
Setting up the Printer................................................................................................................................5
Connecting the Printer and Computer ................................................................................................5
Connecting the Cash Drawer..............................................................................................................6
Connecting the Power Supply.............................................................................................................8
Self-test Mode...........................................................................................................................................9
Description.........................................................................................................................................9
Configuration Ticket..........................................................................................................................9
Print Tickets.......................................................................................................................................9
Configuration Mode................................................................................................................................10
Description.......................................................................................................................................10
Entering Configuration Mode...........................................................................................................10
Configuration Options......................................................................................................................11
Reference Information.............................................................................................................................13
Printing Specifications .....................................................................................................................13
Paper Specifications .........................................................................................................................14
Paper roll (single-ply)................................................................................................................14
Electrical Characteristics..................................................................................................................14
Reliability.........................................................................................................................................14
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................................14
Control Commands.................................................................................................................................15
Control Codes Overview...................................................................................................................15
Nomenclature...................................................................................................................................15
Emulation Modes and Available Commands ....................................................................................16
Standard Emulation...................................................................................................................16
ESC/POS...................................................................................................................................16
IPCL Codes......................................................................................................................................16
Printer Control Codes..............................................................................................................................17
Print/Paper Motion...........................................................................................................................17
Low-level Paper Motion Control................................................................................................17
Horizontal Motion Control...............................................................................................................18
Vertical Motion Control...................................................................................................................20
International Character Sets and Code Pages....................................................................................23
Character Print Control....................................................................................................................27
Character Pitch..........................................................................................................................27
Rotated Fonts ...................................................................................................................................29

Table of Contents PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page vi Rev B 4/13/99
Character Attribute Commands........................................................................................................30
Formatted Print Rotation Commands................................................................................................33
Graphics Mode.................................................................................................................................37
Standard APA Graphics ............................................................................................................37
Extended APA Graphics............................................................................................................38
Graphic Save....................................................................................................................................40
Programming considerations .....................................................................................................40
Bar codes .........................................................................................................................................42
Printer Control.................................................................................................................................44
M50 Compatibility Commands.........................................................................................................47
Printer Status Set/Inquire .................................................................................................................48
Serial Mode Inquire...................................................................................................................48
IEEE 1284 Mode Inquire...........................................................................................................48
Inquire Commands....................................................................................................................49
Dynamic Response Mode...........................................................................................................54
Extended Diagnostic Commands......................................................................................................55
Control Codes Summary by Code.....................................................................................................56
Epson/Axiohm Commands......................................................................................................................59
Emulation Modes.............................................................................................................................59
Supported Commands ......................................................................................................................60
Command Descriptions....................................................................................................................64
Print and Feed Commands.........................................................................................................64
Line Spacing Commands...........................................................................................................66
User Defined Memory Commands.............................................................................................67
Character Commands................................................................................................................73
Panel Button Commands ...........................................................................................................82
Paper Sensor Commands...........................................................................................................82
Print Position Commands..........................................................................................................83
Bit-Image Commands................................................................................................................88
Status Commands......................................................................................................................90
Bar code Commands ........................................................................................................................97
Macro Function Commands.....................................................................................................100
Mechanism Control Commands...............................................................................................102
Miscellaneous Commands .......................................................................................................103
Operator Panel Controls........................................................................................................................107
Cover Open Button.........................................................................................................................107
Paper Feed Button..........................................................................................................................107
Power/Error LED...........................................................................................................................107
Printer State Control Switches...............................................................................................................109
Paper Out Switch ...........................................................................................................................109
Cover Open Switch ........................................................................................................................109
Cutter Position Switch....................................................................................................................109
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................110
Hexadecimal Dump........................................................................................................................110
Appendix A ..........................................................................................................................................111
Communications ............................................................................................................................111
Overview.................................................................................................................................111
Interfaces.................................................................................................................................111
RS-232C Interface...................................................................................................................111
RTS/CTS Protocol...................................................................................................................111
DTR/DSR Protocol..................................................................................................................111
XON/XOFF Protocol...............................................................................................................112
RS-232C Technical Specification ............................................................................................112
Parallel Interface............................................................................................................................114

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Table of Contents
Rev B 4/13/99 Page vii
Parallel Interface Specification (IEEE 1284)............................................................................114
Appendix B...........................................................................................................................................115
Error Code Diagnosis.....................................................................................................................115
Description..............................................................................................................................115
Appendix C...........................................................................................................................................116
ASCII Code Table..........................................................................................................................116
Appendix D ..........................................................................................................................................117
Language Table - Code Page Definitions........................................................................................117
Appendix E...........................................................................................................................................119
Upgrading/Changing Printer Firmware..........................................................................................119
Appendix F...........................................................................................................................................120
Ordering Paper...............................................................................................................................120
Qualified Suppliers for Thermal Paper.....................................................................................120
Ordering Cables.............................................................................................................................120

PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page viii Rev B 4/13/99

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS General Information
Rev B 4/13/99 Page 1
Chapter 1:
General Information
Warranty Information
Warranty Options
The PcOS Series 80PLUS Printer comes with a standard 24-month warranty covering both parts
and labor. An optional warranty, covering both parts and labor for an additional 12 months, may
be purchased separately. For more information concerning the warranty options, please contact
your dealer or the Sales Department at Ithaca Peripherals. See “Contacting Ithaca Peripheral”
below.
Service Information
The printer may be serviced by a dealer, an independent service contractor, or by Ithaca
Peripherals. If the printer is to be serviced by Ithaca Peripherals, a return authorization is
required. Call Technical Support at [phone], and ask for a return authorization.
The printer will need to be packed in the original packing material and box and sent to Ithaca
Peripherals. Information on how to ship the printer will be provided with the return
authorization.
What is in this book?
Who should read this book?
This book is intended for system engineers or system integrators. It contains the information
needed to integrate the Series 80PLUS Printer with a point-of-sale terminal and to program the
terminal to communicate with the printer.
Where can you find more information?
An Operator's Guide is available that describes setup and use of the Series 80PLUS Printer. It
describes basic procedures such as changing paper; printing on a form; and replacing the ribbon
cassette. A Maintenance Manual is also available; however, it is intended for trained, service
technicians.
For information about ordering these books or programs, refer to the next section.
Contacting Ithaca Peripherals
The Sales and Technical Support Departments will be able to help you with most of your
questions.

General Information PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page 2Rev B 4/13/99
Contact the Sales Department to order documentation, receive additional information about the
Series 80PLUS Printer, order supplies, or obtain information about other products by Ithaca
Peripherals.
Contact the Technical Support Department if you would like information about your warranty or
if you need to send a printer in for service.
You can reach the Sales and Technical Support Departments at the following address and phone
or fax numbers.
Ithaca Peripherals
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Main phone [phone]
Sales fax [phone]
Technical Support fax [phone]
Internet Support
Ithaca Peripherals maintains an Internet web site. The address is http://www.ithper.com. On
the technical support page, you will find support information on all of our printers. The
Series 80PLUS support pages offer the latest information. They include the current version
of this manual, program examples, test procedures, programming instructions, and supported
print drivers.
General Description
Features
The Series 80PLUS Printer is a high-quality POS printer that can print on a thermal paper roll.
The printer has the following features.
Printing
•High-speed printing: approximately 31.8 lines/second (1/6 inch feed).
•Low-noise thermal printing
•72-mm/2.83-inch print zone
•Dual cash draw drivers with status
•Centronics parallel IEEE 1284 nibble, byte mode or RS-232C interface
•Configurable receive, and image buffer areas
Software
•Command protocol is based on the Ithaca PcOS Standard.
•Characters can be scaled up to 8 times as large as the standard size.
•Bar code printing is possible by using a command code. Bar codes can be printed in the
vertical direction.
•Repeated operation and copy printing are possible by using graphic save.
•Character font size (13 x 24 font or 10 x 24 font) is used to produce 10, 12, 15, 17, and
20 cpi print.
•All-points-addressable (APA) graphics are supported in ten different resolutions.
•Custom graphic/user save area is located in nonvolatile memory.

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS General Information
Rev B 4/13/99 Page 3
•Self-diagnostics are included.

General Information PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page 4Rev B 4/13/99
Printer Handling
•Paper roll loading is easy.
•An auto-cutter is standard.
•The printer allows easy maintenance for tasks such as head cleaning.
•The built-in interface provides control capability for two cash drawers.
Interface Specifications
Serial
The serial interface is a standard RS-232 interface on a 9-pin D-shell connector. It is defined as a
standard DTE device. A null model cable is required to interface the printer to another DTE
device (a PC). See the serial port description contained in the communications area later in this
manual for more information.
Parallel
The parallel port is a standard 25-pin D-shell as defined in the IEEE 1284-A Standard. See the
parallel port description contained in the communications area later in this manual for more
information.
Cash Drawer
The Series 80PLUS printer supports dual cash drawers with status. The interface will provide
status and 24 VDC up to 1.25 amps to the cash drawer. See the cash drawer interface description
later in this manual.

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Setting up the Printer
Rev B 4/13/99 Page 5
Chapter 2:
Setting up the Printer
Up to four cables can be connected to the printer, providing power, host interface, and cash drawer
support. They attach to the connector panel on the back of the printer, as shown below.
Interface Cash
Drawer 2 Power
Cash
Drawer 1
Figure 1Connector Panel
Connecting the Printer and Computer
You need an appropriate interface cable. The parallel interface requires a straight through 25-pin
connector, with male termination on the printer end, see the interface section for complete pin
definition details. The serial interface requires a DB25- to DB9-pin or DB9- to DB9-pin null modem
crossover cable, with a DB9-pin female terminal on the printer end, and the appropriate gender
connector at the host computer end. See the communication section for complete pin definition
details.
1. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface connector.
2. Tighten the screws on both sides of the cable connector.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the appropriate terminal on the computer.

Setting up the Printer PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page 6Rev B 4/13/99
Connecting the Cash Drawer
The cash drawer option allows up to two cash drawers to be connected to the printer in a system with
a PC that has no connectors for the cash drawer cables.
The cash drawers are operated by software command from the host system through the printer. For
additional information on the printer commands used by the host system to activate the cash drawers,
see “Control Code Library” later in this manual.
1. Plug the cash drawer cables into the connectors on the printer. The connectors are standard
phone connectors.
2. If only one cash drawer is used, plug the cable into the connector labeled 1.
NOTE: The following illustration shows the pin outs for the cash drawer connectors, as viewed from
the rear of the unit. Drawer #2 can be configured to be the same as #1 via jumper J-7.
Drawer 2 Drawer 1 Power Connector
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 2Pin outs for cash drawer connectors

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Setting up the Printer
Rev B 4/13/99 Page 7
Cash Drawer J7 3-4* Pin # Epson/Axiohm
1Frame Ground
2Drawer Drive - (Ground)
3Status Switch +
4Drawer Drive + (24V Switched)
5Drawer Drive - (Ground)
No Connect
1
6Status Switch - (Ground)
1Frame Ground
2No Connect
Drawer Drive - (Ground)
3Status Switch +
4Drawer Drive + (24V Switched)
5Drawer Drive - (Ground)
2
6Status Switch - (Ground)
Table 1
*This jumper is for compatibility with earlier Epson printers. Pins 3-4 are the default configuration
for these jumpers.
WARNING:
Use a drawer that matches the printer’s specification. Using an improper drawer may damage the
drawer as well as the printer.
CAUTION:
Do not connect a telephone line to the drawer kick-out connector; otherwise the printer and the
telephone line may be damaged.

Setting up the Printer PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page 8Rev B 4/13/99
Connecting the Power Supply
Use the optional Ithaca Bestec BPA-601-24-1984 or equivalent power supply for your printer. The
following illustration shows the power cable connector and pin assignments. The power cable
connector is a 3-pin mini-DIN plug and is located in the small cavity under the printer.
Earth Ground
+24 Volt Supply
- 24 Volt Return
Figure 3Power cable connector
WARNING:
Make sure that you use the Ithaca Bestec BPA-601-24-1984 power supply or equivalent. Using an
incorrect power supply may cause fire or electrical shock.
CAUTIONS:
If the power supply’s rated voltage and your outlet’s voltage do not match, contact your dealer for
assistance. Do not plug in the power cord. Otherwise, you may damage the power supply or the
printer.
Make sure that the power supply’s power cord is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
Check the label on the power supply to make sure that the voltage required by the power supply
matches that of your electrical outlet.
Plug in the power supply’s cable as shown below. Notice that the flat side of the plug faces up.
NOTE: To remove the DC cable connector, grasp the connector at the arrow, and pull it straight out.
INSTALLING OR REPLACING THE PAPER ROLL
NOTE: Be sure to use paper rolls that meet specifications.
1. Make sure that the printer is in the idle state.
2. Open the paper roll cover by pressing the cover open button located in the forward corner of the
printer cover.
3. Remove the used paper roll core if there is one.
4. Insert the paper roll with the shiny side facing down.
5. Assure that a small amount of paper extends over the front side of the printer. Then close the
cover until it locks into place.
6. Depress the paper feed button to activate the vertical motor, and toss out the scrap paper. Units
with a cutter will automatically cut the paper off for you, if your printer does not have a
mechanical cutter, simply tear the paper off by pulling it against the printer cover at an angle.

Programmer’s Guide PcOS Series 80PLUS Self-test Mode
Rev B 4/13/99 Page 9
Chapter 3:
Self-test Mode
Description
The Series 80PLUS PcOS thermal printer has the ability to print self-test tickets on power-up upon
command. The self-test prints a variety of information about the printer’s operating settings and
configuration. The information provided by the self-test is listed below.
Configuration Ticket
•Operating system type and version
•Current emulation mode (M50, M80PLUS, Epson TM-T8x, or Axiohm 7193)
•Interface configuration
•Hex-dump mode status (ON/OFF)
•Carriage return control
•Input buffer capacity
•Graphic save RAM buffer capacity
•Nonvolatile EEPROM buffer capacity (bit-image, character set in Epson/Axiohm)
Contents of the EEPROM save buffer (bit-image, character set in Epson/Axiohm)
Start-up macro definition status (YES/NO)
•Additional information
Auto-cutter (Enabled/Disabled)
Print Tickets
The configuration ticket is followed by several print examples that test the various features of the
printer.

Configuration Mode PcOS Series 80PLUS Programmer’s Guide
Page 10 Rev B 4/13/99
Chapter 4:
Configuration Mode
Description
The Series 80PLUS PcOS thermal printer has many options and features that are user configurable.
Unlike most printers that use dip switches to control these settings, the Series 80PLUS Printer has
been equipped with an automated configuration mode. By powering the Series 80PLUS Printer in a
special sequence, it will enter configuration mode. In this mode, the printer’s current settings are
printed one at a time. By pressing the FEED button, the printer cycles through the remaining
available settings for that option. When the setting for the item you desire has been selected, waiting
five seconds will cause the printer to move on to the next option that you can change. When all
options have been exhausted, the Series 80PLUS Printer writes them permanently to its nonvolatile
EEPROM memory and resets itself. See Configuration Options for an ordered list of options and their
associated settings.
Entering Configuration Mode
Follow the steps below to enter the configuration mode:
1. Power the printer off if it is not already off.
2. Open the cover.
3. Power the printer on while holding down the FEED button.
4. Wait until the status LED blinks a cover open condition. (See Appendix B).
5. Release the FEED button.
6. Load the printer with paper if it is not already loaded.
7. Close the cover.
8. The Series 80PLUS Printer will print a few lines of instructions followed by:
Press PAPER FEED to begin
9. If the FEED button is not pressed within five seconds, the printer will exit the configuration
mode without making any changes and reset.
10. If the FEED button is pressed, the printer will start the configuration mode by displaying the first
option and its setting. See Configuration Options for an ordered list of options and their
associated settings.
11. At this time you may,
A) Press the FEED button to cycle through the choices for this option or
B) Wait five seconds to continue to the next option.
12. Repeat Step 11 until the last option has been completed.
13. The Series 80PLUS Printer will print a message indicating it is exiting the configuration mode
and will save the settings exactly as they have been presented/changed.
If the Series 80PLUS Printer is powered off at any time during the configuration mode, no changes
will be saved.
The initial setting displayed with each option reflects the current configuration. If you do not wish to
change a setting, simply wait five seconds to continue to the next option.
The printer does not have to be hooked up to a host computer to use the configuration mode.