Section 6. Troubleshooting

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 RS232C 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 (20 hexadecimal) for the ID number, six “zero” characters (30 hexadecimal) in the Remaining Labels bytes and the 16 byte Job Name.

CANCEL (CAN)

If a CAN (18 hexadecimal) command is received , it will stop the print job and clear all data from the receive and print buffers. A delay of five milliseconds or more is required before any new data can be downloaded. The CAN command is effective immediately upon receipt, even if the printer is off-line or in an error condition. The printer will return an ACK (06 hexadecimal) if there is no printer error condition and a NAK (15 hexadecimal) if an error condition exists.

PRINT JOB

Upon receipt of a valid print job (<ESC>A . . . <ESC>Z), an ACK (06 hexadecimal) will be returned by the printer if there are no errors and a NAK (16 hexadecimal) if a printer error exists.

SATO M-84PRO

PN 9001105 Rev. A

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SATO M-84PRO manual Enquire/Ack/Nak, Enquire ENQ, Cancel can, Print JOB

M-84PRO specifications

The SATO M-84PRO is a high-performance thermal printer designed for industrial applications, known for its reliability and efficiency in various labeling tasks. This printer is a part of SATO's esteemed M-84 series, which combines advanced technology with user-friendly design to meet the demands of large-scale operations.

One of the standout features of the SATO M-84PRO is its fast printing speed, capable of producing labels at a rate of up to 8 inches per second. This rapid output makes it an ideal choice for environments that require quick turnaround times, such as warehouses, manufacturing lines, and logistics centers.

The M-84PRO employs a direct thermal or thermal transfer printing method, allowing for outstanding print quality. With a maximum print resolution of 305 dpi, it ensures crisp and clear text and graphics, which is essential for barcodes and detailed images on labels. The printer supports a wide range of media types, accommodating label widths from 0.75 inches to 4.1 inches, making it versatile for various labeling needs.

Equipped with SATO's unique Smart Technology, the M-84PRO offers enhanced control over label production. This technology includes automatic label detection and calibration, which minimizes setup time and reduces waste, thus improving overall operational efficiency. Additionally, the printer is compatible with various programming languages, including SAPscript and ZPL, ensuring easy integration into existing systems.

Durability is another hallmark of the M-84PRO. Built with robust materials, it can withstand the rigors of industrial environments, ensuring long-term performance. The printer also features a compact design, which is perfect for tight workspaces, while still being rugged enough to handle demanding tasks.

Moreover, the SATO M-84PRO boasts extensive connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and serial interfaces, which allow for seamless integration into any operational workflow. It also supports various operating systems, providing flexibility and ease of use when working with different platforms.

The printer’s user-friendly interface, highlighted by an LCD panel and multi-functional buttons, facilitates easy navigation and operation. Maintenance is also simplified, thanks to modular components that allow for quick and easy replacement of parts when necessary.

In summary, the SATO M-84PRO stands out as a leading choice in the thermal printer market, combining high-speed printing, excellent durability, and versatile labeling capabilities. Its advanced technologies and features make it suitable for a variety of demanding applications, ensuring that businesses can rely on it for their labeling needs.