Printronix LQH-HWTM manual Alphanumerics, Incremental Fields, Using Incremental Alphanumeric Data

Chapter 2 Command Codes

Alphanumerics, Incremental Fields

Purpose The incremental fields feature updates alphanumeric (and bar code) data fields in a numeric or alphabetical manner automatically using just one set of data sent from the host computer. Incremental alphanumeric data fields can be applied to fixed (static) data (page 38), or dynamic data (page 40).

Mode CREATE (for fixed data) or EXECUTE (for dynamic data)

Note Throughout the discussion of incremental fields, the term “increment” or “incremental” means the field is automatically updated by a specified amount (or increment). The field can actually be increased/decreased in specified increments/decrements within the command.

Comments Incremental fields can increase or decrease, repeat at specified intervals before updating, and reset to the starting value after a specified number of increments. A maximum of 65,535 fields can print.

Using Incremental Alphanumeric Data

Incrementing is controlled with the STEPMASK and STARTDATA command parameters as described in Table 5. The parameters are part of the Incremental Alphanumeric Fixed Data command or part of the Execute command when using incremental alphanumeric dynamic data.

The STEPMASK parameter performs the following three functions:

1.Defines the increment amount (step);

2.Defines the number of characters allowed in the data field (STARTDATA); and

3.Provides a “mask” to link or unlink subfields of the data to be incremented independently. The data provided in the STEPMASK field combined with the data in the STARTDATA field determine the result of these functions.

The increment amount is defined by the numeric value of the STEPMASK data. For example, a STEPMASK value of 1 increments the STARTDATA by 1; a STEPMASK value of 2 increments the STARTDATA by 2.

The maximum number of characters allowed in the STARTDATA field is defined by the number of characters in the STEPMASK field; the STARTDATA field cannot contain more characters than used in the STEPMASK field.

34