Unisys EFP9800 manual Interfaces, Sending Commands, Using DOS to Send Commands

Section 5

Communication

In order for a receipt or slip to be printed, a program must be in place that translates the data from the host computer into a language the printer can understand. This program must tell the printer exactly how to print each character. This section describes how to create such a program or modify an existing one.

Interfaces

In order for the printer to communicate with the host computer, a communication link must be set up. The EFP9800 supports the following industry standard interfaces:

•RS-232C interface

•1EEE 1284 parallel interface

Sending Commands

Once the communication link is established, commands can be sent to the printer. This section describes how to send commands to the printer using DOS and BASIC. This section does not take into account the necessary protocol— it is meant as a general introduction to how the printer functions.

Using DOS to Send Commands

One way of getting commands to the printer is to send them directly from DOS. For example, the command:

COPY CON: COM1:

means that the hexadecimal code corresponding to any key that is pressed is sent to the RS-232C communication port COM1 when the COPY mode is exited. If the printer is connected to COM1 and the communications modes match, then the data will go to the printer.

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