Microcom 466 User manual

MODEL 466
THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Part Number 880015-0213
- Revised: March 21, 2001 MSG -
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Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1995-2001 Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio - All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.

466 Operators Manual
Table of Contents
List of Tables ..............................................................v
List of Figures ..............................................................v
Introduction ................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS .................................3
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES ............................................3
1.2 BAR CODES ...................................................3
1.3 FONTS .......................................................4
1.4 PRINTING .....................................................4
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS ...................................4
1.6 PHYSICAL .....................................................4
1.7 ENVIRONMENT ................................................4
1.8 ELECTRICAL ...................................................5
1.9 OPTIONS ......................................................5
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS ...........................................5
1.11 APPROVALS ...................................................5
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION ..............................................7
2.1 UNPACKING THE 466 PRINTER ...................................7
2.2 INITIAL POWER UP .............................................7
2.3 FRONT PANEL SWITCHES AND STATUS LIGHTS .....................7
2.3.1 NORMAL MODE ..........................................7
2.3.2 STATUS LABEL MODE .....................................7
2.3.3 PAPER-OUT MODE .......................................8
2.4 THE STATUS LIGHTS AND SOUNDS ...............................9
2.5 LOADING PAPER ...............................................9
2.5.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES ..........................10
2.5.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE ..............................10
2.6 PRINT HEAD SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT ............................10
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................11
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS .............................................13
3.1 CABLE PINOUT ...............................................13
3.2 PRINTER CABLES .............................................14
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ..................................15
4.1 CONTROL CHARACTERS .......................................15
4.2 GETTING STARTED ............................................15
4.2.1 PC CONNECTION (SERIAL) ................................15
4.2.2 PC CONNECTION (PARALLEL) .............................16
4.2.3 LEARNING LDS .........................................16
4.3 FORMATTING LABELS: AN OVERVIEW ............................17
4.4 LABEL HEADER ...............................................19
4.4.1 A SAMPLE SESSION (HEADER) ............................23
4.5 LABEL FIELDS ................................................24
4.5.1 BIT MAPPED TEXT, BAR CODE, AND GRAPHIC FIELDS .........24
4.5.2 LINES .................................................29

466 Operators Manual
4.5.3 A SAMPLE SESSION (FIELDS) .............................31
CHAPTER 5: PRINTER COMMANDS ..........................................33
5.1 SPECIAL PRINTER CONTROL CODES .............................33
5.2 PRINTER STATUS MESSAGES ...................................34
5.3 SENDING ^D PRINTER COMMANDS ...............................34
5.3.1 SOFTWARE SWITCHES AND NON-VOLATILE COMMANDS ......35
5.3.2 PRINTING COMMANDS ...................................42
5.3.3 AUTO-SIZING AND VALID GAP COMMANDS ..................43
5.3.4 REAL-TIME CLOCK ......................................45
5.3.5 SERIAL NUMBER COMMANDS .............................47
5.3.6 SAVING FORMAT COMMANDS .............................49
5.3.7 LABEL PRESENT SENSOR CONTROL .......................51
5.3.8 TEXT STRINGS COMMANDS ...............................52
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHIC IMAGES ..............................55
6.1 USING THE GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES ....................55
6.1.1 PCX2MIC.EXE PROGRAM .................................55
6.1.2 BMP2MIC.EXE PROGRAM .................................55
6.2 GRAPHIC IMAGE DOWNLOAD METHODS ..........................55
6.2.1 COMPRESSED BINARY IMAGE COMMAND (^D107) ..............55
6.2.2 UNCOMPRESSED IMAGE COMMAND (^D106) ..................57
6.3 DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS COMMAND SUMMARY ................60
CHAPTER 7: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS .......................................61
7.1 PROCEDURE FOR USING JET2466.EXE UTILITY ....................61
CHAPTER 8: BAR CODES ...................................................63
8.1 TYPES OF BAR CODES .........................................63
8.2 DESIGNING WITH BAR CODES ...................................71
8.2.1 BAR CODE HUMAN READABLES ...........................73
CHAPTER 9: SPECIAL EFFECTS .............................................75
9.1 REVERSED PRINT (WHITE TEXT OVER BLACK) .....................75
CHAPTER 10: OPTIONS ....................................................77
10.1 GRAPHICS CONVERSION UTILITIES ..............................77
10.2 DOWNLOADABLE FONT UTILITIES ...............................77
10.3 WYSIWYG SOFTWARE PACKAGES ...............................77
10.4 CLEANING KIT ................................................77
10.5 WINDOWS™ DRIVER ..........................................77
APPENDIX A: WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ..........................78
APPENDIX B: QUICK REFERENCE COMMAND SUMMARY ........................80
APPENDIX C: HARDWARE DIP SWITCHES .....................................90
Index ....................................................................91

Table of Contents
466 Operators Manual
List of Tables
Status Light ................................................................9
Serial Port Configuration .....................................................13
Print Speed ...............................................................21
Bitmapped Font Descriptions .................................................26
Bar Code Symbologies ......................................................27
Character Starting Positions ..................................................28
Status Messages ..........................................................34
Clock Field Parameters ......................................................45
UPC Zero Reduction Format .................................................63
Control Code Equivalents for use in Data Strings ..................................65
Code 128 Special Function Access ............................................67
UCC/EAN Application Identifiers ...............................................70
List of Figures
Front View .................................................................6
Rear View .................................................................6
Printer Parts ...............................................................7
Status Label ...............................................................8
Printer Feed Mechanism .....................................................10
Narrow Label Adjustment ....................................................10
Print Head Adjustment Screw .................................................10
Microcom Label ............................................................18
Label Header Parameters of a 4" X 3" Label .....................................19
Lines ....................................................................30
European Date Format ......................................................46
US Date Format ...........................................................46
Unmodified Date Format .....................................................46
Sample Graphic ...........................................................58
Bar Code Rotations ........................................................72
UPC-A Bar Code ..........................................................73
Bar Code Human Readables .................................................73
Reverse Video Sample ......................................................75

466 Operators Manual

466 Operators Manual
Introduction
The Model 466 is a Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer label printer with a high resolution (832
dots or 8 dots/mm), 4.09 inch wide print head. Through the use of dual processors, the printer
has the ability to handle a wide variety of labeling tasks.
The resident Label Design Software (LDS) is a powerful and easy-to-use package that allows
you to create personalized label formats. It can be driven from a PC, mini-computer,
mainframe, and most special purpose computers.
Among many other features, LDS supports downloadable graphics and fonts, multiple serial
numbering, and flexible character kerning. It offers many font sizes and all popular bar code
symbologies. Graphic images can be printed or stored in the printer's memory for future use.
Bitmapped Fonts, bar codes, and graphic images can be multiplied in size and printed in
0,90,180,270 degree rotations. Once the labels are designed, they can be stored in the printer
for high speed access.
The 466 is capable of printing on most types of label or fax stock. It offers operation in a
tag/tear, peel-and-dispense, or cut-off mode. It can handle blow-hole, black-line, label gap, and
continuous stock.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This
is not a problem for the 466 printer. Data may be changed without down-loading the same
fixed format, or fixed data fields, time after time. This, along with a greatly increased
communication speed, increases data access time and productivity.
Microcom also offers a line of software packages which allow quick and easy on-screen label
designing, along with database capabilities.

466 Operators Manual2

466 Operators Manual 3
CHAPTER 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Model 466 Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer printer is designed with many standard
features that are unique when compared to other printers. The 466 is built to meet the
demands of complicated applications and rigorous use.
1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES
!Direct thermal or thermal transfer tag/ticket feed operation
!Dot history temperature control
!Resolution of 8 dots/mm (.0049" per dot) and a print width of 832 dots (4.09")
!WYSIWYG software compatible
!Print speed up to 8.0 inches per second
!Slew speed up to 12.0 inches per second
!Internal media supply holds roll sizes up to 8 inches OD
!Prints on die-cut, continuous, fax, or preprinted labels up to 9.0 mil thick
!Software-controlled contrast adjustment
!Standard memory of 512KB ROM and 512KB RAM
!Internal date and time keeping
!Easy to load label path
!Detects label gap, black line, or blow-hole stock
!Internal statistical counter for inches and labels printed
!Downloadable bitmap fonts and graphics
!Field incrementing and decrementing
!Remote printer interrogation.
1.2 BAR CODES
!Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Code 93, Plessey,
Modified Plessey, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Postnet, MaxiCode, and PDF-417

Features and Specifications Chapter 1
466 Operators Manual4
1.3 FONTS
!Bitmapped fonts (normal/bold and OCR-A and OCR-B)
!Converted HP LaserJet™ or TrueType® font compatibility
!Fonts can be printed with proportional or non-proportional spacing
!All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width
!Printable in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations
1.4 PRINTING
!Optional peel function with take up motor and label present sensor
!Optional internal rewind
!Optional rotary cutter
!Batch and tag/tear mode advances label to the tear bar
!Label back-up prevents wasted media in tag/tear and peel modes
1.5 INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS
!Serial: RS-232C, 25-pin female D-Sub connector (DCE) and 2Kbytes buffer
-Flow control: XON/XOFF, CTS/RTS
-Baud rate: 110 to 38400, user-selectable
-Parity: odd, even or none
-Data bits: 7 or 8
!Parallel (optional): 25-pin female (also includes additional serial port)
1.6 PHYSICAL
!Rigid painted steel construction
!Height: 12" (304.8mm)
!Width: 11" (279.4mm)
!Depth: 18" (457.2mm)
!Weight: 40 LBS (18.14Kg)
1.7 ENVIRONMENT
!Temperature: 0"C to 40"C operating
!Humidity: 10-85% non-condensing

Chapter 1 Features and Specifications
466 Operators Manual 5
1.8 ELECTRICAL
!Voltage: 117 VAC nom.,60Hz
!Current: 3 AMPS maximum
1.9 OPTIONS
!Cutter
!Internal rewinder
!Parallel and second serial port
!Assorted printer cables
!On-screen label design PC software packages
!Windows™ 95/98/NT/2000 driver
!PCX/BMP to printer graphics conversion PC software
!TTF/SFP to printer font conversion PC software
!Battery backed RAM
!Additional RAM up to 2MB
1.10 PRINTER VARIATIONS
!230V European power supply
1.11 APPROVALS
!CUL (UL and CSA), CE, Complies with FCC class A

Features and Specifications Chapter 1
466 Operators Manual6
466 Printer
Front View
Figure 1
466 Printer
Rear View
Figure 2

466 Operators Manual 7
CHAPTER 2: BASIC OPERATION
2.1 UNPACKING THE 466 PRINTER
While unpacking the printer, please check all packing materials closely to avoid misplacing any
necessary parts. After the printer is removed from the box, verify that all parts are present and
in good condition (see Figure 3). All packaging material should be kept and used if the printer
is to be shipped. (Some parts shown are optional. Please refer to the packing list or order.)
Printer Parts
Figure 3
A.) Printer
B.) Operators Manual
C.) Power Cord
D.) Optional Cutter
E.) Optional Communications Cable
2.2 INITIAL POWER UP
Before connecting the printer to a power source, verify that the voltage printed on the rear
panel correctly matches the supply.
Plug the printer in and turn the power switch on. The front panel power LED should turn green.
If this does not occur, check the power source and if necessary call your service organization.
2.3 FRONT PANEL SWITCHES AND STATUS LIGHTS
The front panel switches perform several different functions depending on the printer mode:
2.3.1 NORMAL MODE
The "Label Print" button is used to issue a label request. If the button is pressed while the
printer is idle, the unit will print a label using the current label format. If the button is pressed
while a label is printing, the printer will enter pause mode.
2.3.2 STATUS LABEL MODE
To print a status label, hold the print button while turning on the printer. Release the button and
a test pattern with statistical information will be printed (see Figure 4). When a status label is

Basic Operation Chapter 2
466 Operators Manual8
created, the software dip switches are temporarily set to defaults. The printer will return to the
old settings, if different, after power down or a soft reset.
The printed labels and total labels represent the number of labels printed to date. The printed
labels and printed inches fields can be reset by the user while the total labels and total inches
cannot. Printed inches and printed labels are reset using the ^D29 command (see section 5.3).
Other useful information on the power-up label is the unit serial number, power-on hours,
previous serial parameters (not the default parameters caused by executing creating a status
label), and the revision number of the Label Design Software (LDS).
The switch bank settings reflect the contents of the four software dip switches that configure
the operation of the printer. See section 5.3, specifically ^D21, ^D22, ^D23, ^D24, ^D25, and
^D26, for more information on software dip switch settings.
Printer Serial #: 1234567890
Printed Labels: 8432
Total Labels: 8498
Printed Inches: 25296
Total Inches: 25494
Power On Hours: 897
Contrast Base: 100
Hard Switch Bank 1: 10100000
Soft Switch Bank 1: 10000001
Soft Switch Bank 2: 01010001
Soft Switch Bank 3: 00000000
Soft Switch Bank 4: 00000000
Soft Switch Bank 5: 10001011
Soft Switch Bank 6: 00000000
Gap Threshold Value: 92
Takeup Motor: Disabled
Comm1 Parameters: 9600-N-8-1
Comm2 Parameters: 9600-N-8-1
Parallel: ACTIVE
RAM: 524288
Optional ROM: NONE
Cutter Installed: NONE
Second Proc. Rev: 2.13
RAM Checksum: Enabled
466 REV 2.13 070171-0213 07/11/00
Status Label
Figure 4
2.3.3 PAPER-OUT MODE
When a paper out condition occurs, the printer will continuously beep and the red error
indicator will light. The front panel switch "Line Feed" serves to load and realign the new label
stock. Pressing the "Label Print" button will print a duplicate of the last label printed. The
previous label can be repeated until proper registration occurs. To return to the pre-paper out
condition, tap the button while the duplicate label is being printed. The red error light should go
out and normal printing may resume.

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466 Operators Manual 9
2.4 THE STATUS LIGHTS AND SOUNDS
The status lights have different functions depending upon the mode of the printer. The
following table explains the meanings.
Status Light
Color Sound Mode Meaning
Solid Green None All Power is on.
Solid Green Long Error All Memory operation unsuccessful.
Solid Green 3 Short
Beeps All Memory operation successful.
Solid Red Continuous Pulsed
Beep All
Printer error:
Caused by a paper-out, ribbon-out, take-up
full, or hardware failure. If an unexplained
condition persists, contact your service
representative.
Flashing Red Continuous Pulsed
Beep All
Spike or low voltage on the AC line. The
unit will remain in this mode until the
condition is removed and the printer is
powered off.
Solid Yellow N/A All Printer is On-Line.
Table 1
2.5 LOADING PAPER
The 466 can dispense labels in a many different ways. The following two sections explain the
dispensing modes. If narrow stock is used (3.5 inches wide or less), it may be necessary to
adjust the print head support screw (see section 2.6).
Thermal Transfer Note:
The 466 will, on power-up, automatically sense a loaded ribbon and select thermal transfer
mode. Please note that the printer will not select thermal transfer mode if the ribbon is loaded
after the printer is turned on. To correct the situation simply cycle the power once the ribbon
has been loaded.

Basic Operation Chapter 2
466 Operators Manual10
Printer Feed Mechanism
Figure 5
2.5.1 NORMAL AND TAG/TEAR MODES
Place the label roll on the internal supply shaft and adjust the paper width stop. Raise the print
head and feed the paper through the printer until it comes out of the front. Lower the print
head.
2.5.2 PEEL-AND-DISPENSE MODE (optional)
1. Follow the paper loading in the normal and tag mode directions.
2. Mount the peel plate adapter to the front of the printer.
3. Feed and remove enough labels to expose about two feet of backing paper.
4. Wrap the backing paper around the peel plate adapter and fasten it to the take up
spool.
5. If necessary, press the line feed button to properly align the labels.
(Avoid a paper jam, removing the labels as they start to peel.
6. Enable the peel-and-dispense mode using the ^A1^D98?.
*If the label height is over 2", a label support rack should be used. This rack will
support the peeled label until it is removed.
2.6 PRINT HEAD SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT
When using narrow media, less than 3.5" wide, it is possible to increase print quality and
prevent premature drive roller wear by correctly adjusting the print head support screw. To
make the adjustment, simply turn the head adjustment screw (see Figure 6) clockwise until the
print head is slightly lifted from the drive roller. Once the head has been lifted from the
roller(see Figure 7), verify that the print head has not been lifted too far by printing a test label.
If the print quality on the right side of the label appears weak, then lower the print head by
turning the screw counter clockwise until the print quality is corrected. If the quality problem
appears on the left side, turn the screw clockwise until the print quality is corrected.

Chapter 2 Basic Operation
466 Operators Manual 11
Narrow Label Adjustment
Figure 7
Print Head Adjustment Screw
Figure 6
2.7 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
The printer and print head should be cleaned every 5,000 labels, every two weeks, or between
label roll changes, whichever occurs first. A Microcom cleaning kit (part #040005-0000) should
be used for cleaning and maintaining a Microcom printer product. It is important to note that
the optimum print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head.
To clean the 466 printer:
1) Turn the printer off.
2) Lift the print head and remove any label stock.
3) Use the cleaning brush to sweep away all small label and adhesive particles that may
be in the area of the print head.
4) Moisten a cleaning swab with the cleaning solution and wipe away any adhesive from
the rollers or the peel bracket.
5) Dampen a swab with cleaning solution and gently wipe the underside of the print head.
Repeat if necessary (if swab is extremely dirty).
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRINT HEAD WITH ANY METAL OR SHARP OBJECTS

Basic Operation Chapter 2
466 Operators Manual12

466 Operators Manual 13
CHAPTER 3: COMMUNICATIONS
The 466 can be interfaced to PC's, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose
machines. It is capable of serial RS-232 or optional Centronics® parallel communication. The
following sections explain the communication interfaces.
Out of the box, unless otherwise requested, the 466 communicates using serial RS-232 at
9600 bits per second, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with both hardware and software
handshaking. This configuration may be changed as shown in Appendix C.
3.1 CABLE PINOUT
Table 2 shows the signals of the 25-pin RS-232 serial port configuration.
If serial RS-232 communication is selected and XON/XOFF hand shaking is used, the only
signals the 466 requires are the RXD, TXD, and GND signals. If hardware (CTS/RTS) hand
shaking is used, a RTS signal is provided. XON/XOFF may be disabled through software dip
switch #1 (see Section 5.3.1). The other signals are offered in the event the host computer
requires these signals.
Serial Port Configuration
25 TO 9 PIN 25 TO 25 PIN
State 466 Direction PC
HI 8 DCD ---->---- DCD 1
XX 3 TXD ---->---- RXD 2
XX 2 RXD ----<---- TXD 3
HI 6 DSR ----<---- DTR 4
LO 7 GND ---<->--- GND 5
HI 20 DTR ---->---- DSR 6
DC 4 CTS ----<---- RTS 7
XX 5 RTS ---->---- CTS 8
HI 18 +5V
DB-25 DE-9
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
State 466 Direction PC
HI 8 DCD ---->---- DCD 8
XX 3 TXD ---->---- RXD 3
XX 2 RXD ----<---- TXD 2
HI 6 DSR ----<---- DTR 20
LO 7 GND ---<->--- GND 7
HI 20 DTR ---->---- DSR 6
DC 4 CTS ----<---- RTS 4
XX 5 RTS ---->---- CTS 5
HI 18 +5V
DB-25 DB-25
DC = Do Not Care
XX = Indeterminate
Table 2

Communications Chapter 3
466 Operators Manual14
3.2 PRINTER CABLES
Warning: Connection of a serial 466 to a parallel port may result in damage to the printer
and/or computer. Connection of a 466 with a parallel board to a serial port may result in
damage to the printer and/or computer.
The printer cables needed for the 466 printer are standard and available through Microcom
Corporation. You will not need a NULL-modem cable because the printer is DCE equipment.
For parallel connection, use a standard 25 pin to 36 pin Centronics printer cable, connected
from the desired parallel port of the host computer to the 36 pin connector on the optional 466
parallel board.
For serial connection, (standard on the 466)
25 pin serial com port - Use a standard 25 pin female to 25 pin male serial cable.
9 pin serial com port - Use a 9 pin female to 25 pin male cable.
Note: NULL modem cable adapters are not necessary since the printer is DCE equipment.