Printek Interceptor 800 Series User manual

Printek LLC
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-925-3200
www.printek.com
Printek, LLC. A Company.
Part Number 7436 Rev A
Interceptor 800 Series
Integrator’s Manual

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FCC Part 15 Class A
This device has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment emits radio frequency energy but the radiated power is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
To meet FCC RF exposure rules; do not co-locate or operate this product in conjuncture with another antenna or transmitter
and maintain 20 cm distance from body of user.
Part 15.21 Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Printek LLC could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, 2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Under Industry Canada regulations, this
radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the
transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary
for successful communication. Maximum power output plus maximum antenna gain of the EUT is: 4.5W/m2 ,
Limit is 10Wm2.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de
brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage
est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le
présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé
pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada.
Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir
le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas
l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante. La puissance de sortie maximale plus
gain d'antenne maximal du EUT est : 4.5W/m2 Limite est 10W/m2
Additional Regulatory Marks
ISO 7637-2-2004 Road Vehicle Transients Conducted on Power Lines
PITO AES 5 Issue 10
CE and e-mark
FCC Part 15, Class A
Battery Disposal
Only dispose of used batteries according to your local regulations. If you do not know your local
regulations, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit organization
created to promote recycling of rechargeable batteries. For more information visit www.rbrc.org.

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Acknowledgments:
Printek is a registered trademark of Printek LLC
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2015 By Printek LLC, 1517 Townline Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. All rights reserved.
Read all set up and operating instructions before proceeding with operation. Do not operate in an enclosure unless
properly ventilated. Do not operate near a heat source.
Lesen Sie vor der Inbetriebnahme die Aufbau- und Bedienungsanleitung Betreiben Sie den Drucker nicht in einem
kleinen, geschlossenen Raum, es sei denn dieser wird ordnungsgemäß belüftet. Nehmen Sie den Drucker nicht in der Nähe
einer Wärmequelle in Betrieb
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer service or repairs to a qualified service professional. Use of genuine Printek
replacement parts is required to warrant proper, safe operation. Any alteration or modification of this device voids the user
warranty and may make the product unsafe to operate. The print head and motors get hot during use. Wait until they cool
before touching them. Make certain the printer is disconnected from AC power before removing any covers or performing
any required cleaning or maintenance. Connecting this printer to an ungrounded receptacle can result in electrical shock.
Never place the printer near inflammable or explosive substances. Do not operate near liquid or spill liquid into the printer at
any time.
Enthält keine Teile, die vom Bediener instandgesetzt werden können. Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Instandsetzung oder
Reparatur an qualifiziertes Kundendienstpersonal. Die Verwendung von echten Printek Ersatzteilen ist notwendig, um
ordnungsgemäßen, sicheren Betrieb zu gewährleisten. Änderungen oder Modifikationen dieses Geräts machen die
Garantie ungültig und können den sicheren Betrieb des Produkts gefährden. Während des Druckens werden Druckerkopf
und Motoren heiß. Warten Sie, bis sich die Teile abgekühlt haben, bevor Sie sie berühren. Vergewissern Sie sich, dass der
Drucker nicht mehr an die Stromquelle angeschlossen ist, bevor Sie Abdeckungen abnehmen oder das Gerät reinigen bzw.
warten. Schließen Sie diesen Drucker nicht an eine ungeerdete Steckdose an; dies kann zum Elektroschock führen. Setzen
Sie den Drucker niemals in die Nähe von feuer- oder explosionsgefährlichen Stoffen. Betreiben Sie den Drucker nicht in der
Nähe von Flüssigkeiten und lassen Sie keine Flüssigkeiten in den Drucker gelangen.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
Printer Features...................................................................................................................................2
Quick Start Instructions........................................................................................................................3
A. Paper Load................................................................................................................................3
B. Printer Power.............................................................................................................................3
C. Control Panel.............................................................................................................................4
D. Performing a Printer Self-Test ...................................................................................................4
Configuration and Setup......................................................................................................................5
A. Device Settings .........................................................................................................................5
B. Black Mark Operation................................................................................................................7
Printing Modes.....................................................................................................................................8
A. ASCII Based Print Jobs.............................................................................................................8
B. Graphic Based Print Jobs..........................................................................................................8
Integrating the Printer into your Business Applications ........................................................................9
A. Windows Desktop Computers ...................................................................................................9
I. USB ......................................................................................................................................9
II. Discover Bluetooth................................................................................................................9
III. Bluetooth Windows 7 and above...........................................................................................9
IV. Wi-Fi –..................................................................................................................................9
B. Windows Tablets and Smartphones –.....................................................................................10
C. Android Tablets and Smart phones .........................................................................................10
I. Bluetooth.............................................................................................................................10
D. Apple Tablets and Smartphones –...........................................................................................10
Print Language Commands –ASCII Text-based Printjobs.................................................................11
Demo Programs, SDKs, and Drivers .................................................................................................18
Demo Programs and Apps.............................................................................................................18
Software Developers Kits (SDKs)...................................................................................................19
Drivers and Virtual Drivers .............................................................................................................19
Printek Technical Support..................................................................................................................21
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................22
Appendix ...........................................................................................................................................23
A. Appendix A –Printer Specifications.........................................................................................23
B. Appendix B –Supplies and Accessories..................................................................................24
C. Appendix C –Media................................................................................................................24
D. Appendix D –Print & Font Samples ........................................................................................25
E. Appendix E –ASCII Character Tables.....................................................................................27
Glossary of Terms.............................................................................................................................29
Index .................................................................................................................................................31

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Printek Interceptor 800 Series mobile thermal printer, also referred to in
this manual as the “I800”. The I800 prints on special thermal media supplied in roll form up to 8.5
inches wide, and includes “black mark” sensing capabilities. All models are equipped with a USB port
which supports cabled, serial communications. All models support an optional internal Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi interface. Complete specifications may be found in Appendix A –Printer Specifications.
The remainder of this manual focuses on the details of integrating the printer into your application,
explaining most possible use cases for the printer. For application scenarios not described in this
guide, please contact your dealer or Printek Technical Support.

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Printer Features
Your Interceptor 800 features:
8.5” wide or A4 width paper options with 100’ paper roll capacity
True drop in paper loading, fully self-contained unit
USB Plug-N-Play to Windows computers
Wireless options available
Fast print speeds up to 2 ips (11 pages per minute)
External power input 12 -24 volt DC, or optional internal battery
Driver for Windows, Android, and Linux computing hosts
Mounting options, in dash, vertical, horizontal, upside down
Compact, just 4.3”tall x 2.6” deep
For detailed specifications reference Appendix A –Printer Specifications.
Paper Door Lever
Paper Door
Indicator Panel

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Quick Start Instructions
A. Paper Load
Drop in paper with leader coming off top of roll as shown.
Extend paper past paper edge and close paper door.
Tear paper up or down against serrated tear edge.
Each printer comes supplied with a roll of standard media.
Note: For maximum performance and optimum print quality, use only genuine Printek media
in your I800.
B. Printer Power
I800 without Battery –Cable Installation
Note: Can be used with either 12V or 24V vehicle systems.
Snap on port cover after seating connectors for extra strain relief.
I800 with Optional Battery –Charging & Use
Charge before use via the printers’ USB port using a standard USB Micro-B charger.
3 hours charge time via Printek supplied USB wall adapter.
Approximate Battery Life of 100 pages from a full charge.
New batteries are shipped in a partially-charged state.
USB port is also “data in” port in normal cabled use
Pull up on paper door
lever to open paper
compartment door.
USB port
External Power input port

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Charge battery when battery and alert light are flashing indicating low power.
C. Control Panel
Indicator
Symbol
Type
Function
Power
Button
Turns printer power on or off. The
indicator will light when power is on.
Battery
Light
Indicates battery charging (solid)
operation and low battery (flashing).
Attention
Light
Indicates paper out, paper jam, or other
malfunction.
Paper Feed
Button
Advances paper set amount
(configurable).
Note: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Printers will include an additional button and indicator light for
wireless communication.
D. Performing a Printer Self-Test
1. Turn off printer.
2. Press and hold & .
Press and hold the power and paper feed buttons at the same time. Continue to hold until the
power LED turns on. In less than 8 seconds, the self-test configuration will print. Release the
buttons after the printout starts.

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Configuration and Setup
A. Device Settings
1. All printer configuration is done through the
Windows Printer Driver.
2. Open your Devices and Printers folder.
3. Right Click on the Interceptor 800 icon.
4. Select Printer Properties. The Interceptor
800 Properties window will open.
5. Select “Preferences…” under the General
tab.
6. Select the “Advanced…” button.

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7. This will open the Advanced Options:
Printer Configurable Features:
Top-of-Form Adjustment: (Default = No Adjustment)
Values: 0.50 in. higher to .050 in. lower
This setting is used in conjunction with the Start-of-Job Control and End-of-Page Control settings. If
one of those settings change from the default value, this setting can be used to fine tune the setting.
Print all Grays as Black?: (Default = No)
Values: No or Yes
If selecting “Yes” the Color Interpretation setting must be changed to Error Deffusion. Images will be
printed in black and white. No grayscale printing.
B and W Threshold / Halftone Density: (Default = 0 –Typical)
Values: -5 –Lighter to +5 –Darkest
This adjusts the contrast in your graphics printing.
Print Intensity: (Default = No Adjustment)
Values: 25% Lighter to 25% Darker
Adjusts the darkness of the print.
Start-of-Job Control: (Default = No Form Feed)
Values: Form Feed, No Form Feed, Feed 1 inch
Form Feed –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance paper to the black
mark before starting to print.*
No Form Feed –printer will start printing without advaning paper.
Feed 1 inch –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance to the black mark
then feed paper 1 inch before starting to print.*
*Top-of-Form setting can be used to further align the print to the top of the page.

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End-of-Page Control: (Default = Windows Paginated)
Values: Form Feed, Contigous, Feed 1 inch, Windows Paginated
Form Feed –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance paper to the black
mark after page has completed printing.*
Contigous –printer will not advance paper after page is printed.
Feed 1 inch –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance paper 1 inch pass
the black mark after page has completed printing.*
Windows Paginated –printer will advance paper according to the paper size selected in the
Paper Size setting.
*Top-of-Form setting can be used to further align the paper to the tear bar when using black
mark sensing.
End-of-Job Control: (Default = No Form Feed)
Values: Form Feed, No Form Feed, Feed 1 inch
Form Feed –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance paper to the black
mark after the print job has completed printing.
No Form Feed –printer will not advance paper after the print job is completed.
Feed 1 inch –when using a roll with black marks, the printer will advance paper 1 inch past
the black mark after the print job has completed printing.
Print Speed: (Default = 2.00 inches per second)
Values: 2.00 inches per second to Plot Mode.
Adjusts the speed paper advances through the printer.
B. Black Mark Operation
To use the Black Mark Sensing you will need to set the Advance Options in the Windows driver to
Form Feed at the end of each page:
1. Right click on the printer icon in your Devices and Printers folder
2. Select Printer Properties
3. Select the General tab
4. Select Preferences
5. Select Advanced
6. Change the End of Page Control to Form Feed
If using media with an appropriate black mark indicator, printer will now automatically advance paper
to the next black mark when it finishes a printjob.

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Printing Modes
There are two fundamental printing modes with mobile printers.
A. ASCII Based Print Jobs
The host sends the print job as a series of lines of characters, some of which represent the text
to be printed, while other portions are command codes which tell the printer which font to use,
where to locate the text, what barcodes to use, etc. These text-based files are encoded in a
print language specific to the target printer.
The I800 understands ASCII based jobs in its native print language, PCCS. Refer to the Section
Print Language Commands for the description of PCCS and how to use it to create an ASCII
text-based printjob.
B. Graphic Based Print Jobs
The host computer assembles the printed image as a series of dot lines, and transmits this
image as a sequence of data bytes that represent the dot patterns assembled. Often these jobs
or files have some control characters on the front end and / or rear end of the dot pattern bytes
to define their format, help control pagination, etc.
Windows drivers, in particular, encode the image as a graphic based print job for you, before it is
passed along to the printer. The difficult act of creating the image, and thus the printjob, is done
for you by the driver code.
In addition to accepting graphic jobs from its Windows driver, the I800 can accept and print
directly graphic images assembled specifically for it by other host types. This opens up the
option to print job images from a variety of devices for which drivers or print utilities don’t exist,
such as tablets and smartphones. In particular, the virtual printer driver “PrintekPrint” was
created for Android and iOS platforms to mimic the functionality found in the Windows desktop
world, making printing from your compatible app totally transparent to the user. Below is a
sample of screenshots from PrintekPrint for Android.
See the Section on Demos, SDKs and Print Drivers for further information, and visit our website
for information on how to download the software you need.

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Integrating the Printer into your Business Applications
Step by Step –Creating a Link from Host to Printer
A. Windows Desktop Computers
Print Drivers
You may download the appropriate Windows driver from our website. Install the printer driver by the
standard method for your version of Windows.
Alternatively, install the printer driver by running the installation program Printek Interceptor 800.exe;
this will install the driver in the manufacturer listing as “Printek Interceptor 800”.
I. USB
a) Install the printer driver Printek Interceptor 800.exe onto your host before connecting the
printer. Follow prompts displayed during installation.
b) Plug the printer into a USB port on your host system using a micro-USB cable.
c) The printer will appear in the unspecified devices as the drivers are loading. After the USB
driver completely loads, the printer will appear as “Printek Interceptor 800” under the
“Printers and Faxes”.
II. Discover Bluetooth
a) Turn on printer.
b) If the wireless LED is not on, push the wireless button to turn on the wireless interface. If
the wireless LED is flashing, this indicates the printer is in the discover mode. If the
wireless LED is solid, this indicates the printer is connected to a host.
c) Your host Bluetooth manager may automatically scan for new devices, or you may need to
tell it to scan. The discover name of the I800 printer will be “IN-XXXxxxxx”, where
XXXxxxxx = the Printer Serial Number.
d) For Pairing, the default passkey is 123456.
III. Bluetooth Windows 7 and above
a) Open the “Devices and Printers” folder.
b) Select “Add a Device”. The I800 printer will display using the discover name listed above.
c) Select the printer from the list of devices.
d) Select “Enter the Device’s Pairing Code”. The default pairing code is 123456.
e) A window will display informing you the device was successfully added, and the printer
name will appear in the devices list.
f) Right click on the printer name or icon.
g) Select Properties. A virtual com port number will be listed under the Services Tab –make
note of this. Use this Com Port number when setting up the printer driver, under the “port
settings”.
Note: Bluetooth host devices pair after discovery, but only connect to Bluetooth printers
when the host application has asked it to print.
IV. Wi-Fi –
This feature and/or specific directions for use were not available as of this printing.

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B. Windows Tablets and Smartphones –
This feature and/or specific directions for use were not available as of this printing.
C. Android Tablets and Smart phones
I. Bluetooth
a) Turn on printer. If the wireless LED is not on, push the wireless button to turn on the
wireless interface. If the wireless LED is flashing, this indicates the printer is in the
discover mode. If the wireless LED is solid, this indicates the printer is connected to a
host.
b) On Host, Select Settings –Bluetooth –Scan. The printer will be displayed using the
discover name "IN-XXXxxxxx", XXXxxxxx = Serial Number. Select the printer and enter
the passkey. The default passkey is 123456. The printer should appear in your paired
devices list.
Note: Bluetooth host devices pair after discovery, but only connect to Bluetooth printers
when the host application has asked it to print.
D. Apple Tablets and Smartphones –
This feature and/or specific directions for use were not available as of this printing.

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Print Language Commands –ASCII Text-based Printjobs
OVERVIEW
This document describes the Printrex Control Code Standard (PCCS) set of control codes. This
control code set is designed to work within a Windows® environment as well as other operating
systems.
There are four categories of control codes and they are Configuration codes, Command codes,
Custom codes and Manufacturing codes. Refer to the appropriate sections for detail on the specific
codes within each category and the usage of those codes.
NOTATION
Parameters are noted in the form of ‘ntt’, where ‘n’ is the parameter number and ‘tt’ is one of the
following parameter types (example, 2sw). The valid range of „tt‟ and the meaning of the value is
described in the description of the code where used.
CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
There are various control codes (Configuration Codes) that modify the printer parameters. These
Configuration Codes adjust for media coating characteristics, form characteristics (form size and
marker characteristics), DLA and operating system/application specific forms handling (to print
continuously over multiple pages).
DLA Control
Modified by using code: DLA Control
Different media have different friction characteristics and thickness. There are also minor differences
in platen characteristics (diameter and hardness). These factors can create minor changes in the
overall vertical resolution of the printer. To compensate for this, a DLA (Dot Line Adjustment)
parameter is included in the configuration block. The DLA is given in terms of adjusted raster lines per
6144 raster lines. Plot length increase = n/6144.
Example, n=63: 63/6144 = 1.0% length increase
EOJ Eject Control
Modified by using code: Forms Settings
This control determines if the printer will perform a form advance when an End Job (EOJ) command is
received.
FF Eject Control
Modified by using code: Forms Settings

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This control determines if the printer will perform a form advance when a Form Feed (FF) command is
received.
Form Length
Modified by using code: Forms Settings
This parameter establishes the length of the form. It is given in fundamental raster line units. This
parameter is used to compute the Top-of-Form location when the printer performs a form advance
when there are no form markers on the page. It is also used to compute the Top-of-Form location
when the distance from the print line to the form marker is greater than the distance from the print line
to the form marker sensor. If this value is changed from its previous setting, Top-of-Form is set at the
current location.
Form Marker Distance
Modified by using code: Forms Settings
This parameter is used to compute the Top-of-Form location when the printer performs a form
advance. It is the distance from the leading edge of the media Top-of-Form (perforation) to the center
of the form marker and is given in fundamental raster line units. If this value is changed from its
previous setting, Top-of-Form is set at the current location.
Form Marker Width
Modified by using code: Forms Settings
This parameter is used to compute the center of the form marker. It is the distance from the leading
edge of the form marker to the trailing edge of the form marker and is given in fundamental raster line
units. Markers wider than 254 dot-lines will be ignored.
Form Position
Modified by: Power Up, Door Open, using code Forms Settings
This value represents the current location on the form. It is used to determine when the printer is at
the top of the form. The value is forced to the Top-of-Form position at power up, after the door is
closed, or when either the Form Marker Distance or Form Length parameters change.
Linearity
Modified by using code: Print Characteristics
This parameter controls the burn energy transfer function between the two set points of White Level
and Saturation Level. This parameter is unit-less. A zero value takes on a straight line transfer
function between White Level and Saturation Level (a perfectly linear media coating). A maximum
value takes on an „S‟ shaped transfer function between White Level and Saturation Level (a very non-
linear media coating). This parameter is used for tonal printing only and has no effect for bi-modal
printing.

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Print Quality
Modified by using code: Print Quality
This parameter controls the print quality. This parameter establishes the interline cool down time and
effects the print speed. It is sometimes desirable to greatly reduce the print speed due to interface
bandwidth considerations; the range of this control is extended such that a ¼ print speed can be
established. It should be noted that print quality may not change appreciably throughout the range of
quality values depending on the amount of converted image.
Saturation Level
Modified by using code: Print Characteristics
This parameter establishes the burn energy required to achieve media saturation (e.g. black level for
B&W printing). It is unit-less and a zero value is factory set for a typical media. This parameter can be
adjusted up or down to allow for different media saturation levels. This parameter is used for tonal
printing and bi-modal printing.
White Level
Modified by using code: Print Characteristics
This parameter establishes the burn energy required to begin conversion of the media coating. It is
unit-less and a zero value is factory set for a typical media. This parameter can be adjusted up or
down to allow for different media white levels and should be adjusted to a point just before the
beginning of conversion. This parameter is used for tonal printing only and has no effect for bi-modal
printing.
CONFIGURATION CODES
Printout Characteristics
Code Sequence: Esc_P 1sb2sb3ub
Used to set parameters: Saturation Level, White Level, and Linearity

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Forms Settings
Code Sequence: Esc_F 1ub2ub3ub4uw5uw
Used to set parameters: FF Eject Control, EOJ Eject Control, Form Marker Width, Form Marker
Distance and Form Length
Speed Control
Code Sequence: Esc_Q 1ub
Controls the print speed.
DLA Control
Code Sequence: Esc_D 1sb
Used to set parameter: DLA Adjustment

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COMMAND CODES
Carriage Return
Code Sequence: CR
Prints any remaining data in the character line buffer while advancing the paper one character line
then returns the character pointer to the beginning of the print line. This code is ignored if paired with
an LF.
Line Feed
Code Sequence: LF
Prints any remaining data in the character line buffer while advancing the paper one character line
and leaves the character line pointer at its current position. This code is ignored if paired with a CR.
Form Feed
Code Sequence: FF
This command code works in conjunction with the current FF Eject Control data. The printer will first
print any remaining data in the character line buffer then if the FF Eject Control is enabled, will
advance to the next Top-of-Form. If the FF Eject Control is disabled, the printer will not perform the
ToF advance.
Raster Graphics
Code Sequence: Esc_R
This sequence is issued in a larger construct, as explained in detail below.
OVERVIEW
The printer uses a printer independent raster protocol. The protocol is graphic in nature to support the
direction of image printing technology.
The general protocol supports Black and White printers, grayscale printers, two color printers, and full
color printers (both three and four pen color devices). This is accomplished by incorporating two
parameters in the raster packet: number of pens, and resolution per pen. Since the Interceptor 800
series printers are Black and White thermal technology only, the user may disregard references to all
other forms of printing in this description.
The protocol is defined in terms of pixels (there are no units). It is required that the raster graphics
generator have knowledge of the printer resolution in order to properly scale the image, however there
is no constraint on the raster graphics generator output being tied to a specific printer resolution.
There is also no constraint on the image or page width. This means that a file generated for an 8 inch
200 dpi printer can be printed on a 2 inch 150 dpi printer.
The Printrex Raster Graphics Protocol is a raster-line based protocol. This means one entire raster
line is embodied in a single structured packet. All of the information required for printing the raster
line is included within the packet. Submitting multiple raster packets prints an entire image.

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The PackBits data compression technique is used to reduce the bandwidth requirements of the
physical interface to the printer. These techniques are easily incorporated into Windows drivers and
are also simple enough to use in embedded systems (for either compressing/encoding or
decompressing/decoding).
NOTATION
The following notation(s) apply throughout this document.
-Items enclosed in curly braces ‘{ }’ are required
-Items enclosed in braces ‘[ ]’ are optional.
-A range of values are indicated by indicate a range ‘a..b’, where a and b are the limits of the
range, all ranges are integral.
-The symbol ‘|’ indicates an ‘OR’ condition.
DEFINITION
ppir = {grfx_ctl_code}{num_pen_pkts}{pen_res}{pen1_data}
Printrex Printer Independent Raster: This is the general structure of one raster line of graphic data.
Where:
grfx_ctl_code = {1Bh 5Fh 52h}
Graphics Control Code: This value is always Esc_R. This control code indicates that the Printrex
raster graphics data structure follows.
num_pen_pkts = {01h | 02h | 03h | 04h}
Number of Pen Packets: The value indicates the number of sets of packed pen data included in the
raster command. This also indicates the number of pens associated with the raster line (01h = 1 pen,
the only case that is relevant to the Interceptor 800 printer).
pen_res = {01h | 04h | 08h}
Pen Resolution: This parameter is in bits per pixel. This value is used to apply the unpacked raster
pen data to pixels on the page. The values of 01h, 04h and 08h correspond to 1, 4 and 8 bits per pixel
respectively.
For multiple bits per pixel, consecutive bits of the unpacked pen raster data are grouped together to
formulate the pixel color weighting.
pen1_data = {pkd_size}{pkd_bits}
The pen data uses the PackBits compression method. The PackBits method uses a combination of
RLE and literal data representation. The basic structure of the pen data is a double-byte (word)
defining the number of bytes requiring unpacking, followed by the pen raster data to unpack. This
method is detailed as follows:
pkd_size = {0000h..FFFFh} Note: High byte first
Packet Size: This is the number of packed bytes requiring unpacking. This value is an unsigned
word, high byte first.
pkd_bits = {flg1, data1, flg2, data2.. flgn, datan}
Packed Bits: The packed bits are a series of flags coupled with data. The flag indicates the nature
of the data (literal or run data) as well as an associated count to be used with the data. For literal
data, the count identifies the number of bytes of literal data to follow. For run data, the count