7.3Character Dump Mode
The character dump mode is a useful tool for diagnosing various printer problems, communication problems, or DPL syntax errors. This procedure allows the user to input strings of data and compare them with the output from the printer. In many cases, the Programmer’s Manual is an essential reference. Also, as a final note, many of the software programs use bit mapping to construct the label, making a diagnosis difficult. Always contact a Technical Support Representative with any questions.
With the printer ‘Off’, print a Configuration Label using the power- up method:
nPress and hold in the Feed button while turning the printer ‘On’.
oRelease the Feed button when the printer display reads 'DYNAMIC RAM DIAGNOSTICS'...
pThe printer will print a set of Configuration Labels and then enter the Character Dump Mode.
Figure 7-1 shows a sample Character Dump Label. Send a label format to the printer. The hex code output will be immediate. This output can be can be used for debugging the label format. Also by repeatedly sending the format, this mode can uncover handshaking problems (if they exist). Handshaking problems are identified by sections of missing data in the character string.
Figure 7-1 ASCII Character Dump Label
;Note: To exit the Character Dump Mode, reset the printer by turning it ‘off’ and then ‘on’.
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