Interfacing to the Printer, Interface Cables | Datamax Allegro 2

Setting Up Your Printer

2.2 Interfacing to the Printer

Depending on your application, the Printer can be set up in different ways. Table 2-1 lists the interface cables that should be used for each situation. If your application is not listed below, refer to Appendix B which contains the communications information necessary to connect the Printer to virtually any ASCII device.

Part Number	Description
556000	Printer to CRT Terminal (DB25P) RS-232
556001	Printer to PC 9 Pin (DB9S) RS-232
556002	Printer to PC 25 Pin (DB25S) RS-232
899516	Printer to PC Parallel Port (DB25P)

Table 2-1 Interface Cables

For most applications, the interface between the Printer and host device will be RS-232C. The cable necessary to connect the Printer to the host will be either a straight cable or a null-modem cable. This cable connects the DB-25 connector labeled ‘Serial Port’ on the back of the Printer to the serial data connector on the host device.

The pin configuration of the Printer for most descriptions of the RS- 232 interface on a DB-25 connector is Data Terminal Equipment, (DTE). Pin 2 is transmit, pin 3 is receive and pin 7 is ground.

The Printer supports both Xon/Xoff and CTS/DTR handshaking. Whenever the Printer is interfaced in a mode that does not use the CTS/DTR pins, a jumper should be placed on the PC side of the cable between pins 4 and 5 (CTS/RTS) to bypass the operation of those control lines. A custom cable must be obtained for this purpose.

For connection to most host systems, Xon/Xoff handshaking reduces the number of wires necessary in the interface cable. For interfacing RS-422 devices, the Xon/Xoff handshake is the only appropriate method.

Allegro2

17

Image 25

Datamax Allegro 2 manual Interfacing to the Printer, Part Number Description, Interface Cables

Contents

Allegro2 Operator’s Manual Part Number Revision A3 Agency Compliance and Approvals Page Important Safety Instructions Page Contents Maintenance Introduction Getting StartedUnpacking and Inspection Mechanism Detail Location of Parts on Your Printer Rear View Tear Bar Assembly Installation Tear- off Assembly Installation Buttons, Lights and Switches Using the Printer Control Panel Getting Started Paper/Ribbon SwitchLight Ribbon Installation Media InstallationLabels Label Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading Ribbon Loading Instructions To install a Memory Module Using the Printer OptionsAvailable Modules Cutter OptionsFont ROM Modules 256K and 512K RAM Modules Present Sensor Peel and PresentMedia Rewinder Getting Started Allegro2 Power Up Self-Test Setting Up Your PrinterChecking Voltage Selection Test Label Part Number Description Interfacing to the PrinterInterface Cables Connecting to a CRT Sample InstallationsConnecting to a PC Connecting to Your Non-ASCII Device Connecting to Your Minicomputer Switch Settings Switch Settings Baud 9600 4800 2400 1200 300 Test Setting the Baud RateBaud Rate Word Length Switch Settings and Functions Other Switches Immediate Commands Programming Commands Char Description Format System-Level Commands Batch, 1-Cutter Enable Description Format Label-Formatting Commands Special Label-Formatting Commands Programming Examples 10 Font-Loading Commands Example line Setting Up Your Printer Allegro2 Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Printer Used With a Link CRT Check Link CRT SettingsConnect Cables Batch System Initialization Function Default Settings Verify Setup, Power Up, and Load Media Available Fonts and Barcodes Formatting and Printing LabelsMenu Screens Function Keys Label Name NEW Label Name ALT-P Screen Print Parameters Description Default Range Other Important Keys Print Label Screen Header Create/Modify Label Screen Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Sample Label Format Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Invalid Font Type Smooth Font Information Smooth Font Valid BH Ranges Number OUT of Range Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Not Enough Room for Field Data Lines Lhhhvvv Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software = Day number 1 = Monday Time and Date Information Format Prints Sample Print Label Screen Print Label Screen Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software System Maintenance Menu System Maintenance Screen Copy Module Reset PrinterMetric Print Test Label Command Valid Inputs Create/Modify Label CommandsQuick Reference Listing Special Keys Print Parameters ALT-PKey Function Troubleshooting Controlling Print Quality Aligning the Printhead Mechanical AdjustmentsDirect-Thermal Stock Tag Stock or Stiff Media Printhead Alignment Label Stock Tracking Adjustment Printhead Alignment ProcedureRibbon Feed and Tracking Adjustments Fine Printhead Alignment Troubleshooting Allegro2 Printhead Mount Assembly Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support Unacceptable Print Quality TroubleshootingPrinter Does Not Print, or Prints Several Labels at once Ribbon Does Not Advance Erratic PrintingSkips Every Other Label Unable to print in rotation Printer fails to turn on Prints Light on the Right Side of the Label Interior and Exterior MaintenanceDrive Roller Area Method Interval Cleaning Schedule Cleaning the Printhead Cleaning the Printhead Maintenance Allegro2 Page Appendix a Ascii Control Code Chart Maintenance Allegro2 Char Hex Dec Page Table B-1 Baud Rate Appendix B Switch Settings and Cable InterfacingTable B-2 Word Length Table B-3 Options Table B-1 I/O Port Wiring Signal PinParamete Default Value Table B-2 Printer Default Communication Parameters Available Fonts and Barcodes Appendix CFonts Table C-1 Valid Human-Readable Font Ascii Characters Table C-2 Font Sizes Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase Available Fonts and Barcodes Barcodes Table C-3 Barcode Characteristics Hbic Barcode I Codabar Kmart NON EDI Lowercase Error CodesUppercase R Uppercase T Allegro2 Table E-1 Printer Interface Cables Appendix EPin Description Table E-2 Printer Pin Connections Straight Cable MXM PC DB25P to Printer Figure E-5 Centronics Parallel Interface Converter ∙ Parallel to Serial Adapter Part Number Printing Appendix F Barcodes Fonts Label Material Media Table F-1 Media Dimensions Label/Tag Media Specifications Lists of Approved Media Lights, Buttons, Switch and POTCommunications Interfacing Electrical Physical EnvironmentalOptions 256K Flash Eeprom Specifications Allegro2 Printer Appendix G Thermal Printhead Warranty Service Procedures Limitation of Liability General Warranty Provisions