Section 6. Interface Specifications

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) OPTIONAL INTERFACE

A Local Area Network (LAN) interface is a Plug-In Interface Module that can be installed by the user. It requires a driver shipped with each printer that has the interface installed. The driver that must be loaded on your PC and the PC must be configured to support the TCP/IP network protocol using a 10/100BaseT LAN connection. Details for loading the LAN driver are contained in the LAN Interface Manual that is shipped with each printer with a LAN Optional interface installed.

BI-DIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

This is a two-way communications protocol between the host computer and the printer, thus enabling the host to check printer status. When Bi-Com 4 communications is selected, there is no busy signal from the printer. The host must request the complete status from the printer, including ready/busy. The host may request status in two different ways.

ENQUIRE/ACK/NAK

In the Bi-Com 4 mode, the host transmits an ENQ (05 hexadecimal) to the printer and the printer will respond with its status within five milliseconds. If printing, it will respond upon finishing the current label, then resume printing. In order for this protocol to work properly with an RS232 Optional Interface, pin 6 (DTR) and pin 5 (CTS) must be held high by the host. One way to ensure these pins are always in the correct state is to tie pin 20 (DTR) to pin 6 (DSR) and pin 4 (RTS) to pin 5 (CTS) at the printer end of the cable.

Enquire (ENQ)

Upon receipt of an ENQ command, the printer responds with 25 bytes of status information bounded by an STX/ETX pair. The Bi-Com protocol works only in the Multi Job Buffer mode. The status information is defined as follows:

<STX>{ 2 Byte ID}{1 Status Byte}{6 Byte Label Remaining}{16 Byte Job Name}<ETX>

ID - This is a two byte number identifying the current print job ID. The print job ID is defined using the <ESC>ID Job ID command transmitted with the print job (see Job ID Store in the command listing for more information on how to use this command). The range is from 00 to 99.

Status - A single byte defining the current status of the printer (see the Status Byte Definition table).

Label Remaining - Six bytes defining the number of labels remaining in the current print job. The range is from 000000 to 999999 labels.

Job Name - 16 bytes of ASCII characters identifying the name assigned to the job by the <ESC>WK Job Name command. If the Job Name is less than 16 characters, the field will be padded with leading zeroes.

If an ENQ is received after the print job specified in the ID bytes has been completed, or there is no data in the buffer, the printer will respond with two “space” characters

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SATO 408e manual Local Area Network LAN Optional Interface, BI-DIRECTIONAL Communications, Enquire/Ack/Nak, Enquire ENQ

408e specifications

The SATO 408e is a high-performance thermal transfer printer that stands out in the world of barcode and label printing, particularly known for its reliability and versatility. Designed for various industrial applications, this printer is well-suited for environments that require durable and efficient printing solutions.

One of the main features of the SATO 408e is its superior print quality. It utilizes advanced thermal transfer technology, allowing for crisp and clear printing at speeds of up to 10 inches per second. The printer is capable of producing sharp barcodes, text, and graphics, ensuring that labels meet high standards for readability and durability.

The SATO 408e supports a wide range of media types and sizes, accommodating labels from 0.63 inches to 4.1 inches in width. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail, where diverse labeling needs may arise. Whether you need labels for shipping, inventory management, or patient identification, the SATO 408e can handle it all.

Another significant characteristic of the SATO 408e is its user-friendly interface. The printer features an intuitive LCD screen that simplifies navigation through the printer’s settings. Additionally, it includes easy-to-access components for media and ribbon loading, allowing for quick replacement and minimal downtime. This ergonomic design caters to various user levels, from novices to seasoned operators.

Connectivity options are also a strong point for the SATO 408e. It comes equipped with multiple connectivity interfaces, including USB, Ethernet, and serial ports, providing flexibility in how the printer can be integrated into existing systems. This seamless integration allows for enhanced workflow efficiency and adaptability to different business setups.

Furthermore, the SATO 408e incorporates advanced monitoring and maintenance features. It supports real-time monitoring of printer status and media usage, enabling proactive management and reducing the risk of interruptions during print runs.

In conclusion, the SATO 408e thermal transfer printer is characterized by its high print quality, versatility in media handling, user-friendly design, and robust connectivity options. It is a reliable solution for businesses that demand precision and efficiency in their labeling processes, making it a leading choice among industrial printers in the market today.