Microcom 324M User manual

MODEL 324M / 424M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART NUMBER 880026-1001
Revised: August 9, 2011 CPC
Copyright ©2005 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio –All rights reserved.

Proprietary Statement
This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is
intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described
herein.
Product Enhancements
Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and
quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications
contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom
Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this
product. The exclusion or limitation involving consequential or incidental damage does not
apply to all states; therefore limitation mentioned above may or may not apply.
FCC Compliance Statement
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 instructions contained in this
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
HyperTerminal®and HyperAccess®are trademarks of Hilgraeve Inc.
Centronics® is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.
HP®and LaserJet II®are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Arial®is a registered trademark of The Monotype Corporation.
TrueType®is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows NT®are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.

324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001 i
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................VII
CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS............................................... 1-1
1.1 General Specifications ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Printing Specifications.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Media Specifications ............................................................................................ 1-2
CHAPTER 2: FEATURES AND OPTIONS ................................................ 2-1
2.1 Fonts .................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Graphics............................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Bar codes............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.4 Special Features .................................................................................................. 2-2
2.5 Options................................................................................................................. 2-2
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED............................................................ 3-1
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection.................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Connecting the Printer ......................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Printer Power ................................................................................................ 3-2
3.2.2 RS232 Serial Communication Interface ........................................................ 3-3
3.2.2.1 RS-232 Serial Cables ............................................................................ 3-4
3.2.3 USB Communication Interface...................................................................... 3-4
3.2.4 Optional Ethernet Communication Interface ................................................. 3-5
3.2.5 Optional Cutter Interface............................................................................... 3-5
3.2.6 LPD Sensor Input.......................................................................................... 3-5
3.2.7 Sensor Inputs 1 and 2................................................................................... 3-5
3.2.7.1 Sensor INPUT 1..................................................................................... 3-5
3.2.7.2 Sensor Input 2 ....................................................................................... 3-5
3.3 Loading Media ..................................................................................................... 3-6
3.4 Print Button and Status Indicator Light................................................................. 3-7
3.4.1 Print Button ................................................................................................... 3-7
3.4.2 Status Indicator Light .................................................................................... 3-8
3.5 Printer Modes....................................................................................................... 3-8
3.5.1 Idle Mode: GREEN ...................................................................................... 3-8
3.5.2 Halted Mode: RED ....................................................................................... 3-9
3.5.2.1 Steps to clear the >STOCK OUT< error ............................................... 3-9
3.5.2.2 Steps to clear the >STOCK OUT< error with “E-Z Out function”............ 3-9
3.5.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >STOCK OUT<............................................. 3-9
3.5.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER .................................................... 3-9
3.5.4 Diagnostic Mode ........................................................................................... 3-9
3.5.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode.................................................................... 3-10
3.5.4.2 Statistics Label..................................................................................... 3-10
3.6 Sensor Inputs..................................................................................................... 3-11

ii 324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ......................................4-1
4.1 Control Characters ............................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 LDS Design Exercises.......................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 PC Connection (Serial) ................................................................................. 4-1
4.2.2 Format Creation ............................................................................................ 4-2
4.3 Label Design: An Overview .................................................................................. 4-3
4.4 Label Header........................................................................................................ 4-4
4.4.1 HFM (Number of Fields in Layout) ................................................................ 4-6
4.4.2 LSX (Print Head Size X)................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.3 LSY (Label Size Y)........................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.4 WEB (Web Size) ........................................................................................... 4-6
4.4.5 GAP (GAP Size)............................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.6 DPS (Print Speed)......................................................................................... 4-7
4.4.7 LCB (Label Control Byte) .............................................................................. 4-7
4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0)............................................ 4-8
4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2) .............................................................. 4-8
4.4.7.3 Black Line Media (Reflective) (setting = 3)............................................ 4-8
4.4.8 AGD (Activate Gap Detector)........................................................................ 4-8
4.4.9 SPG (Steps Past Gap) .................................................................................. 4-9
4.4.10 OFX (Offset X Direction) ............................................................................. 4-10
4.4.11 OFY (Offset Y Direction) ............................................................................. 4-10
4.5 Sample Header .................................................................................................. 4-10
4.6 Label Format Fields............................................................................................ 4-11
4.6.1 TSN (Text String Number).......................................................................... 4-12
4.6.2 XB (X Beginning Coordinate) ...................................................................... 4-12
4.6.3 YB (Y Beginning Coordinate) ...................................................................... 4-12
4.6.4 CC (Character Count) ................................................................................. 4-12
4.6.5 TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) .................................................................. 4-12
4.6.6 CGN (Character Generator Number) .......................................................... 4-14
4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts.................................................................................. 4-14
4.6.6.2 Downloadable Fonts and Graphics ...................................................... 4-14
4.6.6.3 Embedded Bar Codes.......................................................................... 4-16
4.6.7 FO (Field Orientation) ................................................................................. 4-16
4.6.8 FJ (Field Justification) ................................................................................ 4-17
4.6.9 CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction) ....................................................... 4-17
4.6.10 CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction) ....................................................... 4-17
4.6.11 CS (Character Spacing) .............................................................................. 4-18
4.6.12 TSP (Text Starting Position)........................................................................ 4-18
4.6.13 ,,, (Reserved Spaces) ................................................................................ 4-18
4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number)................................................................................. 4-18
4.7 Line Draw ........................................................................................................... 4-18
4.8 Reverse Video.................................................................................................... 4-21
4.8.1 Reverse Video............................................................................................. 4-21
4.8.2 True Reverse Video .................................................................................... 4-22
CHAPTER 5 PRINTER COMMANDS........................................................5-1
5.1 Special Printer Control Codes .............................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Enquiry Responses ....................................................................................... 5-3
5.2 Printer Configuration Commands ......................................................................... 5-4

324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001 iii
5.2.1 Baud Rate..................................................................................................... 5-4
5.2.2 Software Switches ........................................................................................ 5-5
5.2.2.1 Software Switch #1 ................................................................................ 5-5
5.2.2.2 Software Switch #2 ................................................................................ 5-6
5.2.2.3 Software Switch #3 ................................................................................ 5-7
5.2.2.4 Software Switch #4 ................................................................................ 5-8
5.2.2.5 Software Switch #5 ................................................................................ 5-9
5.2.2.6 Software Switch #6 .............................................................................. 5-11
5.2.3 Set Communication Port Selection Commands .......................................... 5-17
5.2.3.1 Set Serial Port Source Command (Non-volatile-^D108) ..................... 5-17
5.2.3.2 Set Serial Port Source Command (Volatile -^D109) ........................... 5-17
5.2.4 Contrast Adjustment Commands ................................................................ 5-18
5.2.4.1 Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile -^D35)............................................ 5-18
5.2.4.2 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile -^D36) ......................................... 5-18
5.2.5 Slice Buffer Size and Set Starting Slice Number Commands ..................... 5-18
5.2.6 Printer Restart / Reboot Commands........................................................... 5-20
5.2.7 Registration Mark Threshold Commands.................................................... 5-20
5.2.8 Auto-Size Command................................................................................... 5-20
5.2.9 Auto-Header Commands ............................................................................ 5-21
5.3 Advanced Printer Configuration Commands ...................................................... 5-22
5.3.1 Print Head Size Commands........................................................................ 5-22
5.4 AutoLoad Media................................................................................................. 5-23
5.4.1 AutoLoad + Form Feed............................................................................... 5-23
5.4.2 AutoLoad + Top-of-Form............................................................................. 5-24
5.4.3 AutoLoad Commands ................................................................................. 5-25
5.5 General Purpose I/O .......................................................................................... 5-26
5.6 Synchronous Print Mode.................................................................................... 5-27
5.7 Printing Commands............................................................................................ 5-29
5.7.1 Basic Printing Commands........................................................................... 5-29
5.8 Label Header Parameter Override Commands.................................................. 5-30
5.8.1 Serial Number Commands.......................................................................... 5-30
5.9 Text String Commands ...................................................................................... 5-32
5.10 Cutter Configuration Commands........................................................................ 5-34
5.10.1 Cutter Type ................................................................................................. 5-34
5.10.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands ............................................................................. 5-34
5.10.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode ............................................................................... 5-34
5.10.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command.......................................... 5-35
5.10.3 Volatile Cutter Operation............................................................................. 5-35
5.11 Cutter Hold-Off................................................................................................... 5-37
5.11.1 Tag/Tear Operation..................................................................................... 5-37
5.11.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation..................................................................... 5-37
5.11.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Advance Delay......................... 5-38
5.12 View Printer Configuration and Statistics ........................................................... 5-38
5.13 Memory Commands........................................................................................... 5-38
5.14 Printer Code Update .......................................................................................... 5-44
5.15 Miscellaneous Commands ................................................................................. 5-45
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS........................................... 6-1
6.1 FLASH Data Types .............................................................................................. 6-1
6.2 RAM Data Types.................................................................................................. 6-1

iv 324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility ........................................ 6-1
6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure ............................... 6-2
6.4 Graphic Download Methods ................................................................................. 6-3
6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads.............................................................. 6-3
6.4.2 Compressed Binary GRAPHIC Downloads................................................... 6-3
6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers................................. 6-4
6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107)................................................. 6-4
6.5.2 Save Compressed Graphics to FLASH (D133) ............................................. 6-4
6.5.3 Binary Compression Algorithm...................................................................... 6-5
6.5.4 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)......................................................... 6-6
6.6 Graphic Image Data Format................................................................................. 6-7
6.7 Downloadable Graphics Commands .................................................................... 6-8
CHAPTER 7: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS..................................................7-1
7.1 FLASH Data Types .............................................................................................. 7-1
7.2 RAM Data Types .................................................................................................. 7-1
7.3 Using the Font Conversion Utilities ...................................................................... 7-1
7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program ................................................................................. 7-2
7.3.2 TTF2MIC.exe Program.................................................................................. 7-2
7.4 Font Download Methods ...................................................................................... 7-2
7.4.1 Compressed Binary Commands ................................................................... 7-2
7.4.1.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127) .............................................. 7-3
7.4.1.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135) .......................................... 7-3
7.4.2 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)......................................................... 7-3
7.4.3 Save FONTS to FLASH (^D135)................................................................... 7-4
7.5 Font Structure....................................................................................................... 7-5
7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary............................................................. 7-6
CHAPTER 8: BAR CODES ........................................................................8-1
8.1 Types of Bar Codes.............................................................................................. 8-1
8.1.1 Universal Product Code –Version A (UPC-A), TCI 12.................................. 8-1
8.1.2 Universal Product Code –Version E (UPC-E), TCI 13.................................. 8-1
8.1.3 Universal Product Code (UPC-E, send 6 digits), TCI 14 ............................... 8-2
8.1.4 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2 of 5), TCI 15 ................................................................ 8-2
8.1.5 Code 3 of 9 (Code39), TCI 16 ....................................................................... 8-2
8.1.6 European Article Numbering System 13 (EAN-13), TCI 20........................... 8-3
8.1.7 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21............................... 8-3
8.1.8 Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI 24.................................................................. 8-3
8.1.9 Modified Plessey (MSI 2), TCI 25.................................................................. 8-3
8.1.10 Modified Plessey (MSI 3), TCI 26.................................................................. 8-3
8.1.11 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36 ................................................................................8-3
8.1.12 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37 ................................................................................8-3
8.1.13 MaxiCode, TCI 38 ......................................................................................... 8-4
8.1.14 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40................................................. 8-6
8.1.15 Code 128 (Manual Compression), TCI 41..................................................... 8-7
8.1.16 Codabar (Rationalized), TCI 42..................................................................... 8-8
8.1.17 Code 93, TCI 43............................................................................................ 8-8
8.1.18 PDF-417, TCI 46 ........................................................................................... 8-8
8.1.19 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50 ................................................................................ 8-11

324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001 v
8.1.20 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51 ............................................................ 8-15
8.1.21 RSS-14, TCI 35........................................................................................... 8-15
8.1.21.1 RSS-14 Standard................................................................................. 8-15
8.1.21.2 RSS-14 Truncated ............................................................................... 8-16
8.1.21.3 RSS-14 Stacked .................................................................................. 8-16
8.1.21.4 RSS-14 Stacked Omni-directional ....................................................... 8-16
8.1.21.5 RSS-14 Limited.................................................................................... 8-17
8.1.21.6 RSS-14 Expanded ............................................................................... 8-17
8.1.21.7 How to Print an RSS-14 Barcode ........................................................ 8-17
8.2 Bar Code Rotation ............................................................................................. 8-18
8.3 Bar Code Human Readable Text ....................................................................... 8-20
CHAPTER 9 CODE PAGE SWITCHING................................................... 9-1
9.1 What is Code Page Switching?............................................................................ 9-1
9.2 Character Sets ..................................................................................................... 9-1
9.3 Code Pages ......................................................................................................... 9-1
9.3.1 Code Pages .................................................................................................. 9-2
9.3.2 Danish Code Page........................................................................................ 9-3
9.3.3 860 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-4
9.3.4 Spanish Code Page ...................................................................................... 9-5
9.3.5 850 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-6
9.3.6 German Code Page...................................................................................... 9-7
9.3.7 865 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-8
9.3.8 Swiss Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-9
9.3.9 852 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-10
9.3.10 French Code Page...................................................................................... 9-11
9.3.11 863 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-12
9.3.12 Swedish Code Page ................................................................................... 9-13
9.3.13 437 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-14
9.3.14 Italian Code Page ....................................................................................... 9-15
9.3.15 British Code Page....................................................................................... 9-16
9.3.16 USA Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-17
CHAPTER 10 PRINTER MAINTENANCE................................................ 10-1
10.1 Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Thermal Printer Card.......................................................................................... 10-2
10.3 Internal Cleaning................................................................................................ 10-4
10.4 Print Head Maintenance..................................................................................... 10-5
CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 11-1
11.1 Troubleshooting Tips.......................................................................................... 11-1
INDEX ....................................................................................................... 12-1
General Index ........................................................................................................ 12-1
List of Figures........................................................................................................ 12-7
List of Tables ......................................................................................................... 12-9
APPENDIX ................................................................................................ 13-1

vi 324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001
Appendix A: Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 13-1
Appendix B: ^D Command Summary ....................................................................... 13-2
Appendix C: Glossary............................................................................................. 13-18
Appendix D: User Notes ......................................................................................... 13-22

324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001 vii
Introduction
The Model 324M and 424M printers are high performance Direct Thermal open frame
printers specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. The only
difference between the two printers is the width of the print head: the 324M has a 3” wide
print head, and the 424M has a 4” wide print head. All other features are the same on both
printers.
Rear Side View
Front Side View

viii 324M/424M Operator’s Manual –880026-1001

324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001 1-1
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width* 8.53” (217 mm)
Height*4.00” (102 mm)
Depth*3.50” (88.9 mm)
Weight*4.16 lbs. (1.9 kg)
Electrical +24 VDC
Current 3 Amps maximum
Temperature 40° F –104° F (5° C –40° C) Operating
Humidity 10% –85%, non-condensing
SRAM Memory 512 K
Code Flash Memory 512 K
User Flash Memory 8 MB
Agency Approvals Designed to meet CUL, CE, and complies with FCC
Class A
Interface Communications RS-232 (9 pin D-Sub connector (DCE)), USB (version
1.1 supported), and optional 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Flow Control XON, XOFF, and CTS
Baud Rate 110 to 115200
Parity Odd, Even, and None
Data Bits 7 or 8
Protocols TCP/IP
NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
based on final configuration.
Table 1-1 General Specifications
1.2 Printing Specifications
Print Type Direct Thermal
Print Resolution 203 DPI (8 dots/mm = 0.0049” per dot)
300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot)
Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.)
Maximum Print Width
324M 203DPI = 3.152” (80.08 mm); 640 dots
324M 300DPI = 3.200” (81.28 mm); 960 dots
424M 203DPI = 4.098” (104.10 mm); 832 dots
424M 300DPI = 4.266” (108.37 mm); 1,280 dots
Maximum Print Length 50” (1,270 mm)
Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)
Table 1-2 Printing Specifications

Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled
or fanfold
Maximum Media Thickness .010” (.25 mm)*
Maximum Media Width 324M = 3.5” (89 mm)**
424M = 4.5” (115 mm)***
Table 1-3 Media Specifications
*NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the
material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom
Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of
thicker or rigid media types.
**NOTE: The 324M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 3.5” while the actual
printable width is 3.15” for the 203 DPI and 3.189” for the 300 DPI print head.
***NOTE: The 424M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 4.5” while the actual
printable width is 4.095” for the 203 DPI and 4.252” for the 300 DPI print head.
The printers may be optimally configured with fixed media guides to assist in the installation
of media.

324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001 2-1
Chapter 2: Features and Options
2.1 Fonts
7 (203 DPI) smooth bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts from 6pt to 14pt.
TrueType® font capability using Microcom Corporation utility program.
19 (203 or 300 DPI depending on the print head resolution) downloadable
standard font set.
All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width.
Reverse image printing.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.2 Graphics
Resident Lines feature.
Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non-
volatile FLASH memory.
All BMP files may be converted using a Microcom utility program.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.3 Bar codes
One-dimensional
Code 39
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128 (A, B, C and
Auto)
Code 93
Codabar
Modified Plessey
UPC-A
UPC-E
EAN 8
EAN 13
UCC/EAN 128
Postnet.
Two-dimensional
RSS-14
Standard
Truncated
Stacked
Omnidirectional
Limited
Expanded
PDF-417
Maxicode.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and
270 º.
Expandable in height and
width.

Features and Options Chapter 2
2-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001
2.4 Special Features
3 Serial Data inputs
RS-232D, up to 115,200 baud
USB 1.1
Rotating head mechanism for easy print head cleaning
Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or custom fixed guide
brackets
Software controlled contrast adjustment
Detects label gap, black line, and blow-hole using reflective and
transmissive sensors
Field incrementing, decrementing, and serialization
Downloadable fonts and graphics (with data compression)
Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed
Remote printer interrogation
Two types of mounting methods for kiosk installation flexibility
On-site programmable flash memory updates
Supports 203 dpi and 300 dpi print heads
Four +24VDC control INPUTS
Four +24VDC control OUTPUTS
Automatic stock eject on paper-out
2.5 Options
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full Cut Only, 170 g/m2
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full/Partial, 120g/m2
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Rotary cutter, Full Cut Only, 200g/m2
+24 VDC Universal 85W Desktop Power Supply for 70°C
+24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply
+24 VDC Universal 150W Desktop Power Supply with Hi-Temp Fan
Two reflective sensor inputs with indicator lights (Input 1 and Input 2)
Label Present Detector (LPD) reflective sensor with indicator light and
adjustable range
Printed Media Presenter (PMP)
10/100BASE-T Ethernet communications port
Remote print button and unit indicator light
Cleaning kit

324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001 3-1
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printer has been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage during
shipment.
Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the
shipping company immediately to file a damage claim.
After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list
are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 424M
printer, optional power supply, and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain
different items.
The foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped
at a later time. Additional shipping materials can be ordered by contacting the Microcom
Corporation Service Department.
Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001
3.2 Connecting the Printer
The printer’s may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose
machines using the available communications ports described in the following sections.
3.2.1 Printer Power
Microcom Corporation offers three (3) different “Desktop” universal power supplies as
options. Any power supply that conforms to the standard supply specifications listed in
Table 3-1 below may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC power supply that
operates in the 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4 Amps. The power supply should
operate in an “output foldback mode” during an overload situation rather than a shutdown
and restart attempt; sometimes referred to as a “Hiccup” mode. Contact your Microcom
Corporation representative for any questions regarding power adapter requirements and/or
specifications.
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~4.16A +/-5%
Power Rating: 100 Watts, no cooling, 40°C
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load: 12 cycles @ 2.1ms rep. rate;
35A, 650µs pulse
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-1 100 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 40°C
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~6.25A +/-5%
Power Rating: 150 Watts, internal fan cooling, 60°C
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load: 12 cycles @ 2.1 ms rep. rate;
35A, 650 µs pulse
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-2 150 Watt Power Supply, with Fan 60°C
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~4.16A +/-5%
Power Rating: 85 Watts, no cooling, 40°C
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load: 12 cycles @ 2.1ms rep. rate;
35A, 650µs pulse
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-3 85 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 70°C

Chapter 3 Getting Started
324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001 3-3
Figure 3-2 Optional Desktop Power Supply Output
Figure 3-3 Connecting the Power
3.2.2 RS232 Serial Communication Interface
The printer provides a 9-pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232D serial
communication. The printer is configured as DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment) so a
NULL modem cable is not necessary. A serial data cable is required to use serial
communications, refer to Table 3-4 below for correct cable configurations.
The factory settings, unless otherwise requested, are set at 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking enabled. The baud rate is
user selectable from 110 to 115,200 and uses software XON/XOFF flow control and/or
hardware CTS handshaking.
Note: Verify that the printer’s On/Off switch is switched “off” before
plugging in the power cord into the electrical outlet and the power
supply’s output cable into the printer.
AC Input
(115-230VAC)
DC Output
(+24 VDC)
On/Off Switch
+24V
+24V
GND
GND
View of Optional Desktop Power
Supply
Output cable connector

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual -880026-1001
If XON/XOFF handshaking is used, the only signals that the printer requires are the RXD,
TXD, and GND signals. If the hardware handshaking is used, then the CTS and RTS signals
are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would
require them.
3.2.2.1 RS-232 Serial Cables
The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable,
which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply
company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE.
For a 25-pin serial communication port –Use a 25-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
For a 9-pin serial communication port –Use a 9-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
9 to 9 Pin Cable 9 to 25 Pin Cable
State
DE-9
Pin #
Signals /
Directions
PC
DE-9
Pin #
State
DE-9
Pin #
Signals /
Directions
PC
DB-25
Pin #
XX 1 DCD DCD 1 HI 1 DCD DCD 8
XX 2 TXD RXD 2 XX 2 TXD RXD 3
XX 3 RXD TXD 3 XX 3 RXD TXD 2
HI 4 DTR DSR 4 HI 4 DTR DSR 20
LO 5 GND GND 5 LO 5 GND GND 7
HI 6 DSR DTR 6 HI 6 DSR DTR 6
DC 7 RTS CTS 7 DC 7 RTS CTS 4
XX 8 CTS RTS 8 XX 8 CTS RTS 5
HI 9 +5V +5V 9 HI 9 +5V -
DC = DO NOT CARE XX = INDETERMINATE
Table 3-4 RS-232 Cable Configurations
3.2.3 USB Communication Interface
A standard USB 1.1 connector is provided on the rear panel of the printer. The USB port
operates as a virtual serial communications port and requires the installation of the
Microcom Corporation supplied USB driver for proper operation. The USB cable must be
connected to a host PC that is already powered on before the printer is turned on. The
^D108 command is used to select the USB port and requires a power cycle to take affect.
CAUTION: Connection of a serial port to a parallel port may
result in damage to the printer and/or computer.