Monarch 9400 Series manual Overview

2. Overview

The 9400 Series Thermal Printer can receive print data online from a host computer. During online communication, the host computer treats the printer as an RS-232 type printer. For the printer to communicate online, you will need an RS-232 cable. For mainframe communication, you may need a protocol converter.

To transmit data from the host computer requires communication controls for the download operation. Refer to the next section, "Communication Requirements."

Three types of data can be transmitted:

Format data The user-designed layout for online formats. These formats are used by online batches for printing.

NOTE: These online formats can also be used offline. However, formats created offline cannot be used online.

Batch data Contains the format number and actual data to be printed on the supply. Batch data is downloaded to the printer and combined with a format stored in the printer.

Graphic data Contains the actual pixel data which forms a graphic image.

NOTE: Format, batch, and graphic data are stored when you turn the power off.

Format and graphic data may be sent at any time.

Since batch data is combined with a format for printing, the format and graphic data for a batch must reside in the printer before sending the batch.

Overview

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