Microcom 438T User manual

MODEL 438T
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 880051-0102
January 3, 2019 CPC
Copyright © 2019 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

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.

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102i
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 Printer Power 3-2
3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface 3-2
3.3.1 RS-232 Serial Cables ...................................................................................3-2
3.4 USB Communication Interface 3-3
3.4.1 USB Driver Setup.......................................................................................... 3-3
3.6 Qualsoft Windows Driver 3-12
3.6.1 Installing the Windows Driver...................................................................... 3-12
3.6.2 Configuring the Driver................................................................................. 3-16
3.6.3 Printer Properties Page - General tab......................................................... 3-17
3.6.4 Printer Properties Page - Ports tab............................................................. 3-18
3.6.5 Printing Preferences - About tab................................................................. 3-19
3.6.6 Printing Preferences - Print tab................................................................... 3-19
3.6.6.1 Print tab - Advanced ................................................................................... 3-20
3.6.7 Print tab - Halftone Adjustment................................................................... 3-20
3.6.8 Print tab - Halftone Properties..................................................................... 3-21
3.6.9 Print tab - User Commands ........................................................................ 3-21
3.6.10 Printing Preferences - Paper tab................................................................. 3-22
3.6.10.1 Paper tab - Rotation................................................................................ 3-22
3.6.10.2 Paper tab - Units ..................................................................................... 3-22
3.6.10.3 Paper tab - Page Sizes ........................................................................... 3-22
3.6.10.4 Paper tab - Mirror.................................................................................... 3-22
3.6.10.5 Paper tab - Default.................................................................................. 3-23
3.6.11 Printing Preferences - Media tab................................................................. 3-23
3.6.11.1 Media tab - Settings ................................................................................ 3-23
3.6.11.2 Media tab - Feed Options........................................................................ 3-24
3.6.12 Printing Preferences - Presenter tab........................................................... 3-25
3.6.12.1 Presenter tab - Configuration .................................................................. 3-26
3.6.12.2 Configuration - Modes............................................................................. 3-26
3.6.12.3 Configuration - Advanced........................................................................ 3-27

ii 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
3.6.13 Printing Preferences - Modification tab .......................................................3-27
3.6.13.1 Modification - No of Labels......................................................................3-27
3.6.13.2 Modification - Print Speed (inch/s)...........................................................3-27
3.6.13.3 Modification - Disable Status...................................................................3-27
3.6.14 Printing Preferences - Save/Restore tab.....................................................3-29
3.6.14.1 Save/Restore - Restore settings from file….............................................3-29
3.6.14.2 Save/Restore - Save settings to file….....................................................3-29
3.6.14.3 Save/Restore - Restore factory defaults… ..............................................3-29
3.6.15 Status Messages.........................................................................................3-29
3.6.15.1 PRINTER_STATUS_WAITING ...............................................................3-30
3.6.15.2 PRINTER_STATUS_BUSY.....................................................................3-30
3.6.15.3 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_OUT.........................................................3-30
3.6.15.4 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_JAM .........................................................3-30
3.6.15.5 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_PROBLEM...............................................3-30
3.6.15.6 PRINTER_STATUS_USER_INTERVENTIO N.......................................3-30
3.6.15.7 PRINTER_STATUS_OFFLINE................................................................3-30
3.6.15.8 PRINTER_STATUS_OUTPUT_BIN_FULL .............................................3-30
3.6.15.9 PRINTER_STATUS_DOOR_OPEN........................................................3-30
3.6.15.10 PRINTER_STATUS_IO_ACTIVE ........................................................3-30
3.7 Cash Drawer Option 3-31
3.8 AUX Option 3-31
3.9 Loading Media 3-31
3.10 Print Button and Status Indicator Light 3-33
3.10.1 Print Button .................................................................................................3-33
3.10.2 Status Indicator Light ..................................................................................3-34
3.11 Printer Modes 3-34
3.11.5.2 Statistics Label ........................................................................................3-35
3.12 TOF Sensor 3-36
3.13 Media Roll Holder Option 3-37
3.14 Wristband Media Adapter Option 3-38
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).........................................................................................4-6
4.4.7 LCB (Label Control Byte)..............................................................................4-7
4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0)...................................................4-7
4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2) .....................................................................4-7
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)..................................................................................4-8

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 iii
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)................................................................................. 4-17
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)....................................................... 4-18
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 Black Box Reverse Video ........................................................................... 4-21
4.8.2 Auto Reverse Video.................................................................................... 4-22
CHAPTER 5 PRINTER COMMANDS 5-9
5.1 Special Printer Control Codes 5-9
5.1.1 Enquiry Responses..................................................................................... 5-11
5.2 Printer Configuration Commands 5-13
5.2.1 Software Switches ...................................................................................... 5-13
5.2.1.1 Software Switch #1..................................................................................... 5-13
5.2.1.2 Software Switch #2..................................................................................... 5-14
5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3..................................................................................... 5-15
5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4..................................................................................... 5-16
5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5..................................................................................... 5-17
5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6..................................................................................... 5-18
5.2.1.7 Software Switch #7..................................................................................... 5-22
5.2.1.8Software Switch #8..................................................................................... 5-23
5.2.2 Communication Port Configuration............................................................. 5-24
5.2.2.1 Baud Rate................................................................................................... 5-24
5.2.2.2 Set Serial Port Source Command (Non-volatile- ^D108) ............................ 5-24
5.2.2.3 Ethernet Option Board Configuration.......................................................... 5-25
5.2.3 Print Head Size Commands........................................................................ 5-26
5.3 General Purpose I/O 5-27
5.4 Specialized Print Modes 5-29
5.4.1 Synchronous Print Mode............................................................................. 5-29
5.4.2 USB Image Print Mode............................................................................... 5-31
5.4.3 Contrast Adjustment Commands................................................................ 5-32
5.4.3.1 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile - ^D36)................................................. 5-32

iv 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
5.4.4 Printer Restart / Reboot Commands...........................................................5-32
5.4.5 Registration Commands..............................................................................5-33
5.4.6 Auto-size Commands..................................................................................5-34
5.5 AutoLoad Media Commands 5-35
5.5.1 AutoLoad + Form Feed...............................................................................5-35
5.5.2 AutoLoad + Top-Of-Form............................................................................5-36
5.6 Printing Commands 5-38
5.6.1 Basic Printing Commands...........................................................................5-38
5.7 Label Header Parameter Override Commands 5-39
5.7.1 Serial Number Commands..........................................................................5-39
5.8 Text String Commands 5-41
5.9 Cutter Configuration Commands 5-43
5.9.1 Cutter Type .................................................................................................5-43
5.9.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands .............................................................................5-44
5.9.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode.......................................................................................5-44
5.9.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command .................................................5-44
5.9.3 Volatile Cutter Operation.............................................................................5-44
5.9.4 Cutter Hold-off.............................................................................................5-45
5.10 Dispensing Commands 5-45
5.10.1 Tag/Tear Operation.....................................................................................5-45
5.10.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation.....................................................................5-46
5.10.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Advance Delay.........................5-46
5.11 View Printer Configuration and Statistics 5-46
5.12 Memory Commands 5-46
5.13 Printer Code Update 5-52
5.14 Miscellaneous Commands 5-52
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS 6-1
6.1 FLASH Data Types 6-1
6.2 RAM Data Types 6-1
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility 6-1
6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure ...............................6-2
6.3.2 Printing the Graphic file.................................................................................6-3
6.4 Graphic Download Methods 6-3
6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads..............................................................6-4
6.4.2 Compressed Binary GRAPHIC Downloads...................................................6-4
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).............................................6-5
6.6 Downloadable Graphics Commands 6-5
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 FONTCV16.exe Program..............................................................................7-2
7.3.2 Compressed Binary Commands ...................................................................7-2
7.3.2.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127).....................................................7-2
7.3.2.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135)..................................................7-3

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 v
7.3.3 Save FONTS to FLASH (^D135) .................................................................. 7-3
7.4 Downloadable Font Command Summary 7-4
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 GS1 Databar, TCI 35....................................................................................8-3
8.1.11.1 GS1 Databar Omni-Directional.................................................................. 8-4
8.1.11.2 GS1 Databar Truncated............................................................................8-4
8.1.11.3 GS1 Databar Stacked ...............................................................................8-4
8.1.11.4 GS1 Databar Stacked Omni-directional ....................................................8-4
8.1.11.5 GS1 Databar Limited................................................................................. 8-5
8.1.11.6 GS1 Databar Expanded............................................................................8-5
8.1.11.7 How to Print an GS1 Databar Barcode...................................................... 8-5
8.1.12 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36................................................................................ 8-6
8.1.13 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37................................................................................ 8-7
8.1.14 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40 ................................................ 8-7
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 Datamatrix, TCI 47...................................................................................... 8-11
8.1.20 Intelligent Mail Barcode, TCI 48.................................................................. 8-16
8.1.21 Planet Code, TCI 49 ................................................................................... 8-19
8.1.22 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50................................................................................ 8-20
8.1.23 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51............................................................ 8-23
8.1.24 Aztec, TCI 52.............................................................................................. 8-24
8.1.25 QR Code, TCI 53........................................................................................ 8-26
8.2 Bar Code Rotation 8-28
8.3 Bar Code Human Readable Text 8-29
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.............................................................................................9-5

vi 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
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.............................................................................................9-9
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...........................................................................................9-13
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 Cleaning Card 10-1
10.3 Internal Cleaning 10-3
10.4 Print Head Maintenance 10-4
10.5 Replacing the Drive Roller 10-5
10.6 Adjusting Printhead Pressure 10-7
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 12-10
APPENDIX 13-1
Appendix A: Limited Warranty 13-1
Appendix B: RMA Procedure 13-3
Appendix C: ^D Command Summary 13-5
Glossary 13-21
Appendix D: User Notes 13-25

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 vii
Introduction
The Model 438T printer has been designed to provide solutions for the ticketing industry.
The printer uses the same reliable print mechanism found in the Model428M printer. The
lockable printer box not only houses the media but protects your ticketing investment as
well. The print mechanism has been designed with a 4” printhead capable of printing up to
8” per second and is available in 203 or 300 dpi. It incorporates the latest features of the
proven LDS software found in earlier Microcom Corporation printers.
438T Rear Side View
438T Front Side View

viii 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 1-1
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width* 8.5” (216 mm)
Height*11.7” (287 mm)
Depth*15.5” (394 mm)
Weight*22.2 lbs. (10.07 kg)
Electrical +24 VDC
Current 3 Amps maximum
Temperature** 40° F –122° F (5° C –50° 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 RS232, USB, Version 1.1 supported, and Ethernet Ports
Flow Control CTS/RTS Hardware
Baud Rate 115200
Parity Odd, Even, and None
Data Bits 7 or 8
Table 1-1 General Specifications
* NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
based on final configuration.
** NOTE: Higher temperature applications are possible; please contact your Microcom
Corporation Sales representative for more information.
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 203 DPI = 4.098” (104.10mm); 832 dots
300 DPI = 4.252” (108 mm); 1,280 dots
Maximum Print Length 25” (1,270 mm)
Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)
Table 1-2 Printing Specifications

Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1-2 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled
or fanfold
Maximum Media Thickness* .011” (.2794 mm)
Maximum Media Width 4.38” (111 mm)
*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.
Table 1-3 Media Specifications

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 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 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
·Planet Code
·Two-dimensional
·GS1 Databar
Omni-directional
Truncated
Stacked
Stacked Omni-
directional
Limited
Expanded
·PDF-417
·Data matrix
·QR Code
·Aztec
·Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and
270 º.
·Expandable in height and
width.

Features and Options Chapter 2
2-2 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
2.4 Special Features
·USB 1.1
·Easy print head cleaning
·Tool less platen roller replacement
·Adjustable media guides for easy label centering
·Automatically adjustable reflective blackline sensor in media guide
·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
·On-site programmable flash memory updates
·Autoload / Alignment of media
·Automatic stock ejects on paper-out
2.5 Options
·300 dpi print head
·Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter
·Ethernet Port (XPORT and Ethernet Option Board)
·Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly
·Low Paper Sensor Assembly
·Wristband Option
·Paper Supply Holders
·Media Catch Trays
·Cleaning kit

438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 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 438T 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 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
Figure 3-2 Printer Rear Panel
3.2 Printer Power
The printer has a universal auto-sensing internal power supply that operates in the 100-240
VAC; 50-60 Hertz range. The three-prong female end of the power cord plugs into the
mating connector located on the back of the printer.
3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface
The printer provides a 9-pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232 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 3-1 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 hardware handshaking enabled. The baud rate is user selectable from
110 to 115,200 and hardware CTS/RTS handshaking.
3.3.1 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.
Power
Connection
USB Port
AUX Port
Optional Cash
Drawer Port
RS232 Port
External Media
Entry Slot

Chapter 3 Getting Started
438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102 3-3
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 3-1 RS-232 Cable Configurations
3.4 USB Communication Interface
The 438T printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order to
communicate with the printer, the USB driver must be installed on the host computer. This
may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com/drivers.htm. The Windows combined
driver model (CDM) may be installed on XP, VISTA, Windows 7 or Windows 8 allowing
applications to access FTDI devices through either the D2XX DLL or a COM port without
having to change driver type. However, it should be noted that an application can only
communicate through one of these interfaces at a time and cannot send commands to the
D2XX DLL and the associated COM port at the same time.
3.4.1 USB Driver Setup
The Windows combined driver model (CDM) may be installed on XP, VISTA, Windows 7 or
Windows 8 allowing applications to access FTDI devices through either the D2XX DLL or a
COM port without having to change driver type. However, it should be noted that an
application can only communicate through one of these interfaces at a time and cannot
send commands to the D2XX DLL and the associated COM port at the same time.
If there is an available Internet connection, Windows will silently connect to the Windows
Update website and install any suitable driver it finds for the device once connected.If an
manual install is desired, follow the instructions below.
Run the CDM.exe driver to install the FTDI based USB.

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-4 438T Operator’s Manual - 880051-0102
Click “Continue Anyway” if this dialog box pops up.
The next step is to install the D2xx.dll. While this is a communication port (RS-232)
emulator, no configuration of the RS-232 port is required.
Once installed, the FTDI USB device will show up as a USB SERIAL PORT (COMx) listed
under the “COMM PORTS AND LPT” within Device Manager. The “x” indicates the COMM
port number this will be used for that USB port connection to the printer.
Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. If already
connected, disconnect USB and then reconnect the USB. The FTDI USB device should
now recognize and install.
3.5 Optional Ethernet Communication Interface
The printer provides two options to add an ethernet port to the printer. The printer Ethernet
port must be properly set up and the printer active port must be set to Ethernet, see the
^D108 command for more information.
The first option is a legacy option that uses an Xport converter that communicate like an
Ethernet connection but on a serial channel inside the printer. This means that the speed is
limited to 115200 baud rate.