® CX208/212 Desktop Printer Programming Guide
SATO America, Inc. 545 Weddell Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Main Phone: (408) 745-1300 Tech Support Hot Line: (408) 745-1379 Fax: (408) 745-1309 http://www.satoamerica.com © Copyright 2001 SATO America, Inc. Warning: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS CX200 PROGRAMMING GUIDE Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The SATO Programming Language. . . . . Selecting Protocol Control Codes. . . . . . Using Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rotated Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Command Default Settings . . . . . . . . . Printer Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . Label Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Command Code Page Reference . . . . . . Bar Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start/Stop Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expanded Memory Option Commands . . . . Clear Memory Area . . . . . . . . . . . . Fonts, TrueType Recall . . . . . . . . . . Fonts, TrueType Store . . . . . . . . . . Graphics, Custom Recall . . . . . . . . . Graphics, Custom Store. . . . . . . . . . Graphics, PCX Recall . . . . . . . . . . . Graphics, PCX Store . . . . . . . . . . . Initialize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slot Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CX208/212 PROGRAMMING GUIDE INTRODUCTION This section presents the commands that are used with the SATO CX208/212 printers to produce labels with logos, bar codes and alphanumeric data. The commands listed include all revisions of firmware up to and including P2.15.
CX208/212 Programming Guide {Command} {Parameter} {Data} Some commands can contain both Parameter and Data elements, such as “print a Code 39 symbol containing the data.” SELECTING PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES Protocol codes are the special control characters that prepare the printer to receive instructions. For example, the character tells the printer that a command code will follow. The Protocol Control Code set set is made up of six special characters.
CX208/212 Programming Guide 2. If you are using the printer’s RS232 interface, it is necessary to set the COM port on the PC such that the CTS and DSR signals will be ignored. Send your OPEN “COM” statement in the following way: OPEN “COM1:9600,E,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1 This sets the RS232 communication parameters of the host PC’s COM1 port for 9600 baud, Even parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and directing the port to ignore the CTS and DSR control signals. 3.
CX208/212 Programming Guide 40 PRINT #1,E$;"A"; Sends an “A” command code to Print Port #1 opened by statement 20 above. 50 PRINT #1, E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"WL0SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be to be placed 400 dots horizontally and 100 dots vertically on the label and printed in the “WL” font. 60 PRINT #1, E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print a quantity of one label. 70 PRINT #1, E$; “Z”; Tells the printer that the last command has been sent. The printer can now create and print the job.
The diagram below illustrates the maximum print area and a sample 2 inch wide by 3 inch long label placed within this area. As can be seen, your label will be oriented in the middle of the print head as viewed from the front of the printer. The normal reference point is located at the H1, V1 position of the print area in the normal print orientation (no rotation). Max Print Width Label Feed Direction Print Area Max. Print Length 2" 3" SATO CX208/212 Printers Your Label PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide ROTATED FIELDS The printers can rotate each print field in 90° increments using the Rotate command. There are two variations of this command. • % - The field rotates, but the base reference point for the field remains the same.
CX208/212 Programming Guide COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS There are some types of commands that must have a value specified before a label can be printed. If the data stream does not contain these commands, a “default” value is assumed.
CX208/212 Programming Guide LABEL SENSING The CX208/212 printers can use eye-mark (black bar), gap or notch label sensing. The gap and notch sensor is a transmissive or see-thru type with an infrared light source directed through the label/ribbon combination from above and detected by a separate sensor underneath the label. A reflective sensor is used to detect eye-marks printed on the bottom of the label liner or tag. The eye-mark must not reflect more than 12% of the light.
CX208/212 Programming Guide command stream will calibrate the printer in the thermal transfer mode for gap sensing: ACP1CI2CAZ When Auto-Calibrate is enabled, the printer will automatically attempt to calibrate when it detects an out-of-paper condition (10" of platen feed after a label is printed without detecting a label edge or sense mark). If the calibration is successful, the printer shall move paper to the next index mark and resume normal operations.
CX208/212 Programming Guide COMMAND CODE PAGE REFERENCE This section contains all the printer Command Codes. The commands must be sent to the printer in an organized fashion in order for the label(s) to print. The purpose of this section is to: 1. Explain the different commands and provide examples of their usage. 2. To provide a detailed reference for programming. Each command begins on a separate page with its own heading. A uniform layout is used to help you find key information about each command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Bar Codes Command Structure Command Function Page 11 1:3 narrow/wide bar ratio: Babbcccd 2:5 narrow/wide ratio: BDabbcccd 1:2 narrow/wide bar ratio: Dabbcccd a = Bar Code Symbol 0 Codabar 1 Code 39 2 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5) 3 UPC-A / EAN-13 4 EAN-8 5 Industrial 2 of 5 A MSI C Code 93 E UPC-E F Bookland G Code 128 I UCC 128 bb = Number of dots (01-12) for narrow bar and narrow space ccc = Bar height in dots (001-600) d UCC 128 only.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Input to Printer A H0025V0025B103100*CODE 39* H0155V0130XS*CODE 39* H0025V0200BD20210045676567 H0075V0310XM45676567 H0025V0375BD30215001234567890 H0025V0950BA03100123455 H0095V1060XS12345 H0025V1125BC03100081234ABCD H0080V1240XS1234ABCD H0525V0025B002100A12345B H0565V0135XS12345 H0475V0200BD303100
CX208/212 Programming Guide Printer Output Page 13 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide UCC-128 Without Incrementing A H100V100BI07150101234567000000001 Q2Z With Incrementing A H100V100F001+001BI07150101234567000000001 Q2Z Page 14 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. UPC and EAN bar codes are not affected by the different types of narrow to wide ratios. Instead, the D command adds descender bars to these codes where needed to meet UPC specifications. The BD command puts decender bars and human readable text below the symbol. 2. The Code 128, UCC 128, MSI, and Code 93 bar codes are not affected by the narrow to wide ratios. 3. The Codabar and Code 39 bar codes are affected by the Character Pitch command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Bar Codes, Expansion Command Structure BWaabbb aa = bbb = Expansion factor by which the width of all bars and spaces will be increased (01-12) Bar height by dot (004-600 dots) Example: BW02100 Placement: Immediately follows the BT command and precedes data to be encoded. Default: None Command Function This command works together with the BT command to specify an expansion factor and the bar code height for the particular symbol being printed.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Bar Codes, Variable Ratio Command Structure BTabbccddee a = Bar Code Symbol: 0 Codabar 1 Code 39 2 Interleaved 2 of 5 bb cc dd ee = = = = Narrow space in dots (01-99) Wide space in dots (01-99) Narrow bar in dots (01-99) Wide bar in dots (01-99) Example: BT101030103 Placement: Following print position commands and preceding the BW command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. This command must be immediately followed by the BW Bar Code Expansion command. 2. You may use only one variable ratio bar code per label. 3. If the data specified in this command is incorrect, the command is ignored and the ratio used will be based on the previous setting. Page 18 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Base Reference Point Command Structure A3H-aaaaVbbbb - Command Function = This character is optional. When present, it specifies the horizontal offset is in the negative direction. If it is left out the offset direction is positive.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. Use of this command will set the Vertical/Horizontal Offset setting of the printer configuration until a new Base Reference Point command is issued. 2. This command may be used more than once in a print job. 3. An alternative to using this command is to make changes to your current Horizontal and Vertical Print Position commands.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Characters, Custom-Designed Command Structure Store Command: Tabcc Recall Command: Kab90cc a = 1 2 b = Specifies the character encoding method for the data stream H Hexadecimal characters B Binary characters cc = Memory location to store/recall the character.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Printer Output Special Notes 1. When printing the custom character using the K Recall command, the character is affected by the following commands: Character Expansion Character Pitch Line Feed Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point 2. The characters are stored in volatile memory and must be reloaded if the printer power is lost. 3.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Character Expansion Command Structure Laabb aa bb = = Multiple to expand horizontally (01-12) Multiple to expand vertically (01-12) Example: L0304 Placement: Preceding the data to be expanded Default: L0101 Command Function To expand characters independently in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The command allows you to enlarge the base size of each font (except the vector font) up to 12 times in either direction.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes This command will expand the following fonts: 1. Fonts U, S, M, XU, XS, XM, OA & OB and fonts WB, WL, XB and XL. 2. This command will also affect the following commands: Character Pitch Characters, Custom-Designed 3. The Character Expansion value is in effect for the current print job until a new expansion command is specified. 4. The Line and Box command, if used within the data stream, may return all subsequent text to the default expansion of 1 x 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Character, Fixed Spacing Command Structure PR Example: See Above Placement: Preceding the data Default: The default is Proportional Spacing. Command Function To reset proportional spacing and place the printer back to fixed spacing. Printer Input A H0100V0050PS L0404XMPROPORTIONAL SPACING H0100V0180PR L0404XMFIXED SPACING Q1Z Printer Output Special Notes Page 25 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Character Pitch Command Structure Paa aa = Number of dots between characters (00-99) Example: P03 Placement: Preceding the text to be printed Default: P02 Command Function To designate the amount of spacing (in dots) between characters. This command provides a means of altering character spacing for label constraints or to enhance readability.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. This command is affected by the L Character Expansion command. The character pitch is actually the product of the current horizontal expansion multiple and the designated pitch value. Example: L0304 P03 Pitch = (03) x (03) = 9 dots 2. To avoid confusion, you may want to include the L Character Expansion command and this command together in your program. 3. This command affects fonts U, S, M, XU, XS, XM, OA & OB and fonts WB, WL, XB and XL.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Character, Proportional Spacing Command Structure PS PR Set to proportional spacing Reset to fixed spacing Example: See above Placement: Preceding the data to be proportional spaced Default: PS Command Function To specify the printing of proportional or fixed spacing for proportionally spaced fonts.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Clear Print Job(s) & Memory Command Structure *a a = Specifies the internal memory section to be cleared T To clear the custom character memory & To clear the form overlay memory X To clear all internal memory Example: * *& Placement: This command should be sent to the printer as an independent data stream. Default: None Command Function To clear individual memory or buffer areas of the printer.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Continuous Forms Printing Command Structure None The printer locates the end of an adhesive label by sensing the backing between labels or through the use of an Eye-Mark (black rectangle on the reverse side of the backing). It locates the end of a tag from a notch, eye-mark, or a hole between tags. Both sensors should be disabled when printing continuous forms by sending the CI0 command to disable the sensor.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Copy Image Area Command Structure WDHaaaaVbbbbXccccYdddd aaaa = bbbb = cccc = dddd = Horizontal position of the top left corner of the area to be copied Vertical position of the top left corner of the area to be copied Horizontal length of the image area to be copied Vertical length of the image area to be copied Example: WDH0100V0050X0600Y0400 Placement: Anywhere within the data stream, after specifying the location of the duplicate image.
CX208/212 Programming Guide 1. Use the Print Position commands (V and H) to locate the new area for the duplicate image. 2. Position of the new target area must not be inside the original image. 3. If you use the Rotate command, V, H, X and Y axis will be reversed. 4. If the reference area of the target image exceeds the print area, it will not be printed. 5.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Cutter Command Command Structure ~aaaa or aaaa aaaa = Number of labels to print between each cut (0001 to 9999) Example: ~0002 Placement: Fllowing the Q Print Quantity command Default: Cut after each label if cutter installed Command Function To control the cutting of labels when using a SATO cutter unit with the printer. This command allows the cutting of multi-part tags or labels at a specified interval within a print job.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Fonts U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS & XM Command Structure Command Function Font XU: Font XS: Font XM: Font OA: XU XS XM OA Font U: Font S: Font M: Font OB: U S M OB Example: See above Placement: Preceding the data to be printed Default: None To print text images on a label. These are eight of the built-in fonts available on the printer. All matrices include descenders.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the Character Expansion command. 2. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the Character Pitch command. The default is 2 dots between characters. It is recommended to use a spacing of 5 dots for OCR-A and 1 dot for OCR-B. 3. You may also create custom characters or fonts. See the T Custom-Designed Characters command. 4. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There is no default font.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Fonts WB, WL, XB & XL Command Structure Font WB: WBa Font WL: WLa a Command Function = Font XB: XBa Font XL: XLa Provided for compatibility with CL Printers. Can be either a 0 or a 1 Example: WB1123456 Placement: Preceding the data to be printed Default: None To print text images on a label. These are the four auto-smoothing fonts available on the printer.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. Characters may be enlarged through the use of the L Character Expansion command. 2. Character spacing may be altered through the use of the A Character Pitch command. 3. A font must be defined for each field to be printed. There is no default font. 4. The proportionally spaced fonts XU, XS, XM, XL and XB can be printed with fixed spacing using the PS Proportional Space command. Page 37 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Form Feed Command Structure A(space)Z Example: See above Placement: Separate data stream sent to printer Default: None Command Function To feed a blank tag or label, which is the equivalent of a “form feed” Input to Printer A(space) Z Printer Output Page 38 Blank label or tag PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Form Overlay, Recall Command Structure / Example: See above Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before the Print Quantity command (Q) Default: None Command Function To recall the label image from the form overlay memory for printing. This command recalls a stored image from the overlay memory. Additional or different data can be printed with the recalled image.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Form Overlay, Store Command Structure & Example: See above Placement: Must be preceded by all other data and placed just before the Stop command (Z) Default: None Command Function To store a label image in the volatile form overlay memory. Only one label image may be stored in this memory area at a time.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Graphics, Custom Command Structure Gabbbccc(data) a = Specifies format of data stream to follow B Binary format H Hexadecimal format bbb = Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks 001 to 104 ccc = Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks 001 to 178 (001 to 356 for Expanded Length) (data)= Hex data to describe the graphic image Example: GH006006 Placement: the May be placed anywhere within the data stream after necessary position commands.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Printer Output Special Notes 1. Do not use ASCII or characters (carriage return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as specified. 2. A custom graphic cannot be enlarged by the L Character Expansion command. 3. A custom graphic is not affected by either of the Rotation commands. Therefore, always design and locate your graphic image to print in the appropriate orientation. 4.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Graphics, PCX Command Structure GPaaaaa,(data) aaaaa = Number of bytes to be downloaded Example: GP32000, ... data... Placement: Anywhere within the job data stream Default: None Command Function To allow the creation and printing of graphic images using a PCX file format. Printer Input A V0150H0100GP03800,(...Data...) Q1 Z Printer Output Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Journal Print Command Structure J Example: See above Placement: Immediately following A Default: None Command Function To print text in a line by line format on a label. By specifying this command, you automatically select Font S with a Character Expansion of 2x2. You also establish a base reference point of H2,V2. The character pitch is 2 dots and the line gap is 16 dots. Simply issue an ASCII at the end of each text line.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Lines and Boxes Command Structure Line aa b FWaabcccc = = cccc = Width of horizontal line in dots (01-99) Line orientation H Horizontal line V Vertical Line Length of line in dots Box: FWaabbVccccHdddd aa = bb = cccc = dddd = Width of horizontal side in dots (01-99) Width of vertical side in dots (01-99) Length of vertical side in dots Length of horizontal side in dots Example: FW02H0200 Placement: Following the necessary positioning commands Default:
CX208/212 Programming Guide 2. The field ranges are: Page 46 LINE/BOX LENGTH CX208 CX212 Horizontal cccc 0001 to 0832 0001 to 1230 Vertical cccc 0001 to 4060 0001 to 3780 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Line Feed Command Structure Eaaa aaa = Number of dots (001-999) between the bottom of the characters on one line to the top of the characters on the next line Example: E010 Placement: Preceding the text that will use the line feed function Default: None Command Function To print multiple lines of the same character size without specifying a new print position for each line. With the Line Feed command, specify the number of dots you want between each line.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Media Size Command Structure A1aaaabbbb aaaa = bbbb = Command Function Input to Printer: Vertical Media Size in dots (0 to Vmax) Horizontal Media Size in dots (0 to Hmax) Example: A108323200 Placement: Separate data stream to the printer. Default: A108323200 for CX208 A108324800 for CX212 To set the size of the media. A A108323200 Z Printer Output: Ther is no printer output resulting from this command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Off-Line/Pause Command Structure @ Example: See above Placement: Anywhere in the print job between the A and Z Default: None Command Function To specify the printer to come to an off-line state. When used within a print job, the printer goes off-line after finishing the print job. Input to Printer A @...Job... Z Printer Output There is no printer output for this command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Postnet Command Structure BPn...n n...
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Darkness Command Structure #Ea a = Example: Print darkness value a = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 #E2 Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: 2 Command Function To specify a new print darkness setting. This command allows software control of the darkness setting for unique media and ribbon combinations.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Length, Expanded Command Structure EX0 Sets the print length to max AR Resets the maximum print length to 7" (178 mm) Example: See above Placement: Must follow the Start Code command and be in it’s own separate data stream. Default: AR Command Function To increase the maximum print length (in feed direction) for a label.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. EX0 is effective until AR is sent to reset the printer to its standard print length, or until the printer is repowered. 2. It may be included in an independent data stream to specify the size of the maximum print area: 3. This command cannot be used with the & Store Form Overlay command. 4. The maximum print lengths with this command are : Maximum Print Length CX212 CX212 4060 dots 20 in. 508 mm 3780 dots 12.6 in. 320 mm 5.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Position Command Structure Horizontal Position: Haaaa Vertical Position: Vbbbb aaaa = Number of dots horizontally from the base reference point See note 6 for allowable range bbbb = Number of dots vertically from the base reference point See note 6 for allowable range. Example: H0020V0150 Placement: Default: Preceding any printed field description of lines/boxes, fonts, bar codes or graphics.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. The print position of a field is affected by both the Rotate (R and A3) commands. 2. If any part of an image is placed past the maximum number of dots for standard length. 3. If any part of an image is placed past maximum allowable dots across the label, that part of the image will be lost. 4. If you attempt to print where there is no paper, you may damage the print head. 5. For these commands, the leading zeroes do not have to be entered.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Quantity Command Structure Qaaaaaa aaaaaa = Total number of labels to print (1 to 65535) Example: Q500 Placement: Just preceding Z, unless ~ Cutter command exists, then preceding that. This command must be present in every print job. Default: None Command Function To specify the total number of labels to print for a given print job.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Speed Command Structure CSa a = Designates the speed selection 2 = 2 ips (50 mm/s) 3 = 3 ips (75 mm/s) Example: CS3 Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: As previously set in the printer configuration Command Function To specify a unique print speed through software for a particular label.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Repeat Label Command Structure C Example: See above Placement: Must be placed immediately after A and immediately before Z in its own separate data stream Default: None Command Function To print duplicate of the last label printed Input to Printer A C Z Printer Output A duplicate of the previous label will be printed. Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Replace Data (Partial Edit) Command Structure 0 (zero) Example: See above Placement: Must follow A and precede all other print data Default: None Command Function To replace a specified area of the previous label with new data. This command will cause the previous label to print along with any changes specified within the current data stream.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. Specify the exact same parameters for the image to be replaced as were specified in the original data stream, including rotation, expansion, pitch, etc. This will ensure that the new data will exactly replace the old image. If the replacement data contains fewer characters than the old data, then the characters not replaced will still be printed. 2. This command will not function if the power has been cycled off and back on since the last label was printed. 3.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Reverse Image Command Structure (aaaa,bbbb a = b = Horizontal length in dots of reverse image area See note 6 for allowable range. Vertical height in dots of reverse image area. See note 6 for allowable range. Example: (100,50 Placement: be This command must be preceded by all other data and placed just before Q Default: None Command Function To reverse an image area from black to white and vice versa.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. A reverse image area is affected by the rotate commands. Therefore, always assume the printer is in the normal print orientation when designing and sending the Reverse Image command. 2. If using reverse images with the form overlay, place this command before the Form Overlay command in the data stream. 3. If the Rotate commands are used with this command, the V and H parameters are reversed. 4.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point Command Structure %a a = 0 1 2 3 Sets print to normal direction Sets print to 90°CCW Sets print to 180° rotated (upside down) Sets print to 270° CCW Example: %3 Placement: Preceding any printed data to be rotated Default: %0 Command Function To rotate the print direction in 90° increments without changing the location of the base reference point. The diagram below illustrates the use of the % Rotate command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. Do not combine this command and the R Rotate command in the same data stream. 2. The specified values are valid until another Rotate (%) command is received. 3. Receipt of a Stop Print (Z) command will reset the setting to the default value. Page 64 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point Command Structure Command Function Normal Direction: N Rotated Direction: R Example: See above Placement: Preceding any printed data to be rotated Default: N The R command rotates the printing of all subsequent images in a print job by 90° counterclockwise each time it is used. It also moves the base reference point to a different corner of the print area.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Special Notes 1. This command is provided for compatibility with other SATO printers. It is not recommended for new label designs and the % rotate command should be used. 2. Do not combine this command and the % rotate command in the same data stream. 3. A custom graphic is not affected by this command. Therefore, always design and locate your graphic image to print in the appropriate orientation. 4. See Rotated Fields, for more information. 5.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Sequential Numbering Command Structure Faaaabcccc,dd,ee aaaa = Number of times to repeat the same data (0001-9999) b Plus or minus symbol (+ for increments; - for decrements) = cccc = Value of step for sequence (0001-9999) ,dd = Number of digits for sequential numbering (01-99). The first incrementing character position starts after the positions exempted from sequential numbering as specified in ee. If these digits are left out, the default is 8.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Printer Output Special Notes 1. The value specified for Print Quantity should be equal to the number of different sequential values desired multiplied by the number of repeats specified. Example: To print 2 sets each of the numbers 1001-1025 on separate labels, we need 50 total labels. The commands would be as follows: A H0100V0100F002+001XM1001 Q50 Z 2. It is necessary to specify the print position for each sequential field on a label. 3.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Start/Stop Label Command Structure Start Command: A Stop Command: Z Example: See above Placement: A must precede data Z must follow data Default: None Command Function For all print jobs, the Start command must precede the data, and the Stop command must follow. The print job will not run properly if these are not in place.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Option Commands These commands require the Expanded Memory Option. The first 2MB of Expanded Memory installed is designated as memory area CC1. If 4MB of Expanded Memory is installed, second 2MB (i.e. the area above the first 2 MB) is designated as memory area CC2. Page 70 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Clear Expanded Memory Command Structure *a,bb a = bb = Memory section to be cleared G To clear SATO graphic files from expanded memory P To clear PCX graphic files from expanded memory F To clear formats from expanded memory O To clear TrueType fonts from expanded memory Expanded Memory section to be cleared (00 to 99). Example: *O,17 Placement: Immediately following the CC Memory Area Select Command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Fonts, TrueType Recall Command Structure BJT,aa,bb,cc,dd,ee,ffff,gg..g aa = bb = cc = dd = ee = ffff = gg..g= Font ID (00 thru 99) Horizontal Expansion (01 thru 12) Vertical Expansion (01 thru 12) Character Pitch (01 thru 99) Reserved (always 00) Number of characters to be printed using the font Data to be printed Example: BJT,11,02,02,01,00,0004,SATO Placement: Immediately following the CC Memory Area Select command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Fonts, TrueType Store The conversion from a TrueType font to a format that can be downloaded to the printer is very complex and requires the use of a TrueType Download utility program. This process requires the Expanded Memory option and a copy of the TrueType Download utility is provided with the Expanded Memory Option. Page 73 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Graphics, Custom Recall Command Structure GRaaa aaa = Graphics storage number (001-999) Example: GR111 Placement: The Recall command is sent in a secondary data stream to print the graphic, and follows any necessary position or size commands. Default: None Command Function Use the Recall command any time you want to print a graphic image on a label along with other printed data.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Graphics, Custom Store Command Structure GIabbbcccddd{data} a = bbb = ccc = ddd = {data}= Specifies character format of the data H Hex data B Binary data Number of horizontal 8 x 8 blocks (001 to104) Number of vertical 8 x 8 blocks (001 to178) Graphics storage number (001 to 099) Hex or binary data to describe the graphic image Example: See below. Placement: Immediately following the CC Memory Area Select command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Example of correct data stream: A GIHaaabbb001(DATA) Z A GIHaaabbb002(DATA) Z Example of incorrect data stream: A GIHaaabbb001(DATA) GIHaaabbb002(DATA) Z 5. Do not use ASCII or characters (carriage return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as specified. 6. The graphics storage number (ddd) must be specified with this command. Page 76 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Graphics, PCX Recall Command Structure PYaaa aa = Storage area number (001 thru 099) Example: PY001 Placement: This command must be placed within its own data stream specifying the placement of the graphic. Default: None Command Function To recall for printing a graphic file previously stored in a PCX format in the Memory Card.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Graphics, PCX Store Command Structure PIaaa,bbbbb,{data} aaa bbbbb {data} = = = Storage area number (001 thru 999) Size of PCX file in bytes Data Example: PI001,32000,{data} Placement: This command must be placed within its own data stream Default: None Command Function To store for later printing a PCX graphic file in Expanded Memory.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Initialize Command Structure BJFaaaaaaaa aaaaaaa = Eight character alphanumeric user ID Example: BJFsato Placement: Immediately following the CC Memory Area Select command. Default: None Command Function This clears all of the data from the specified Memory Area and prepares the area to accept data. Input to Printer A CC2BJFsato Z Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Area Select Command Structure CCa a = Section Select 1 Section1, first 2MB of Expanded Memory 2 Section 2, second 2MB of Expanded Memory Example: CC1 Placement: Immediately following the A Start Code. Default: Last selected Memory Area. Command Function Selects the section of Expanded Memory to be used for following commands.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Expanded Memory Function Status Command Structure BJS Example: BJS Placement: After the CC Memory AreaSelect command. Default: None Command Function Casues the printer to print the card status. Printer Input A CC1BJS Z Printer Output Special Notes Page 81 1. This command requires the Expanded Memory option. See your SATO representative for more information PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Two-Dimensional Symbols The following commands are used to create the two-dimensional symbologies supported by the printers. Page 82 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Two-Dimensional Bar Codes Maxicode Command Structure BVa,b,c,ddddddddd,eee,fff,gggg..... a = b = c = ddd..ddd eee = fff = gg..g = Position of Maxicode symbol within the set, when used in a structured append format 1~8. Total number of Maxicode symbols in the set, when used in a structured format 1~8. 2 For Mode 2 Structured Carrier Message for Domestic U.S.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Printer Output Special Notes 1. Please refer to UPS Publication “Guide to Bar Coding with UPS Online - Version 5” for the UPS secondary message data format requirements and the latest format requirements. 2. This command implements Maxicode AIM I.S.S. (UPS Version 3.1) symbol. 3. represents Hex 1E, represents Hex 1D, represents Hex 04, represents Hex 1B and represents Hex 20. 4.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Two-Dimensional Bar Codes PDF417 Command Structure BKaabbcddeeffffnn...n aa = bb = c dd = = ee = ffff = nn...n = Minimum module dimension (03-09 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02 or greater than 10 are specified. Minimum module pitch dimension (04-24 dots). Will not print if values of 01, 02, 03 or greater than 25 are specified. Security (error detection) Level (1-8). Code words per line (01-30).
CX208/212 Programming Guide 2. If the product of the values entered for “dd” and “ee” are not equal to or less than the value of “fff” (i.e.,“ffff” is greater that “dd” x “ee”), an error will occur and the symbol will not be printed. It is recommended that these values each be set to “000” and the printer be allowed to automatically calculate the optimum values. 3. The values for “dd” and “ee” need to be made larger if the security level is increased. 4.
CX208/212 Programming Guide CONFIGURATION COMMANDS The following commands are used to set the operating parameters of the CX208/212 printers. The settings currently active in the printer can be determined by printing a Test Label, either by using the CT Print Test Label command or by pressing the READY Indicator and FEED buttons on the front panel (see Page 9 of the CX208/212 User’s Guide). Page 87 PN 9001092 Rev.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Auto-Calibrate Command Structure CFa a = 0 1 Disable Auto-Calibrate Enable Auto-Calibrate Example: CF1 Placement: This command should be sent in a separate data stream. Default: Enabled Command Function To enable/disable the Auto-Calibrate function. Input to Printer A CF1 Z Printer Output Theres is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Backfeed Enable Command Structure CEa a = 0 1 Disable Backfeed Enable Backfeed Example: CE1 Placement: This command should be sent in a separate data stream. Default: Last setting Command Function To select the top-of-label sensing method. Input to Printer A CE1 Z Printer Output Theres is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Calibrate Sensor Command Structure CA Example: CA Placement: This command should be sent after the sensor type has been selected with the CI command. It should not be included with print job commands. Default: Command Function Input to Printer There is no default for this command. To adjust the label sensor for unique media and ribbon combinations. A CI2 CA Z Printer Output There is no printer output for this command.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Custom Protocol Command Codes Download Command Structure LD,a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i a b c d e f = = = = = = g = Replacement character for STX in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for ETX in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for ESC in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for ENQ in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for CAN in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for NULL or ~ in ASCII or hex format Replacement character for OFFLINE in ASCII
CX208/212 Programming Guide 2. This command must be sent as an independent data stream immediately following the A Start code and immediately preceding the Z Stop code. No other commands can be included in the data stream. 3. If more or less than nine commas are included in the command, the entire command sequence will be ignored. The command must contain exactly nine commas. 4. If two characters are specified for a parameter, it will be interpreted as a hex value.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Label Tear-Off Command Structure Command Function Input to Printer CBabb a = bb = + to move the print line down from the top edge of the label - to move the print line toward thetop of the label Distance moved in millimeters (00 to 98) Example: CB+03 Placement: This command should be sent in a separate data stream. Default: Last valid setting. To adjust the location of the first print line on the label.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Darkness Range Adjustment Command Structure CDaaa aaa = Print Darkness Adjust (0 to 400) Example: CD250 Placement: This command should be sent in a separate data stream Default: Prink Darkness = 200 Command Function To make fine adjustments for best print quality for unique media and ribbon combinations. Input to Printer A CD200 Z Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Print Test Label Command Structure CT Example: CT Placement: This command should be sent in a separate data stream Default: There is no default for this command. Command Function To print a test label Input to Printer A CT Z Printer Output Special Notes Page 95 1. The Test Label can also be printed manually by simultaneously pressing the FEED and READY INDICATOR buttons.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Set Print Mode Command Structure CPa a = 0 for Direct Thermal Printing (without ribbon) 1 for Thermal Transfer Printing (with ribbon) Example: CP0 Placement: Must precede all other commands in the data stream. Default: 0 for DT Models 1 for TT Models Command Function To optimize the print head heat management algorithms. Input to Printer A CP0 Z Printer Output There is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Set RS232 Parameters Command Structure CRaaaaa,b,c,d aaaaa = b = c = d = Baud Rate (2400, 4800, 9600,19200 or 38400) Parity (N for None, O for Odd, E for Even) Number of data bits (7 or 8) Number of stop bits (1 or 2) Example: ESC>CR9600,N,8,1 Placement: Must be sent in a separate data stream.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Set Sensor Type Command Structure CIa a = 0 1 2 Disable Sensor Reflective (Eye-Mark ) Sensing Transmissive (Label Gap or Notch) Sensing Example: CI1 Placement: This command should be sendt in a separate data stream. Default: CI2 (Transmissive Sensing) Command Function To select the top-of-label sensing method. Input to Printer A CI2 Z Printer Output Theres is no printer output as a result of this command. Special Notes 1.
CX208/212 Programming Guide Enable Options Command Structure CLa a = 0 1 Disable Dispenser Option Enable Dispenser option CKa a = 0 1 Disable Cutter Option Enable cutter option Example: CL1 Placement: stream. This command should be sendt in a separate data Default: CL0 (Dispenser Disabled) CK0 (Cutter Disabled) Command Function To select the top-of-label sensing method.
CX208/212 Programming Guide MODE Label Tear-Off Dispense Cut Page 100 Dispenser Cutter Backfeed CL CK CE 0 1 0 0 0 1 Quantity Q Cut ~ ACTION 1 3 2 Prints 6 labels, forward feed for tear, backfeed before next job. 0 3 2 Batch mode, prints 6 labels, no forward/backfeed 1 3 None Prints 3 labels, forward feeds for tear, backfeed before next job. 1 3 2 Prints 1 label, forward feeds, wait for label taken sensor, backfeed, repeat cycle 2 more times.
