Datamax A-4310 User Manual

Class Series Programmer’s Manual 253
Appendix O
Image Loading
The printer will accept four types of image files: .BMP, .IMG, .PCX and a special Datamax 7-bit ASCII
file (as defined in this section). Using the Datamax 7-bit ASCII format will require at least twice as much
data transmission time as the other formats, (see <STX>I). The Datamax ASCII image file format is
made up of a set of records with identical formats, each representing a dot row of the image; a terminator
follows the last of these records.
Dot-row record




Dot-row record
Terminator
Each dot-row record has the following format:
Syntax:
80nndd...d<CR>
Where:
nn
- Is the number of character pairs in dd...d, represented in ASCII hex.
dd…d
- Is dot data, character pairs, ASCII hex, 00-FF.
Duplicate records may be encoded using a repeat data record, following the data record that needs
duplicating. The repeat data record format is:
Syntax:
0000FFnn<CR>
Where:
nn
- Is the number of duplicates, ASCII hex, 00-FF.
The terminator, last record, at the image download is: FFFF<CR>

Datamax A-4310 Specifications

General

Print Resolution	300 dpi
Print Speed	10 ips
Storage Temperature	-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Print Technology	Thermal Transfer
Memory	16 MB DRAM / 8 MB Flash
Interface	Serial, Parallel, USB
Media Type	Labels, Tags, Tickets
Maximum Print Length	99 inches
Supported Barcode Types	Code 39, Code 128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, Postnet, PDF417
Operating Temperature	40°F to 104°F (4°C to 40°C)
Print Width	4.16" (105.7 mm)
Media Width	1.0" to 4.65" (25.4 mm to 118.1 mm)
Media Thickness	0.0025" to 0.010" (0.0635 mm to 0.254 mm)

Summary

Overview

Who Should Use This Manual

Identifies the intended audience for this manual, focusing on programmers creating label software.

Scope of the Programmer's Manual

Explains the manual's coverage of DPL commands for Datamax printers and firmware versions.

Control Code Command Functions

Attention-Getters Explained

Describes standard ASCII control labels representing one-character control codes for commands.

Alternate Control Code Modes

Explains available alternate modes for transmitting control codes when standard codes are unavailable.

Immediate Command Functions

SOH # Reset Command

Resets the printer to default settings, clearing buffers and DRAM memory.

SOH A Send ASCII Status String

Allows the host to check current printer status by returning an eight-character string.

SOH C Stop/Cancel Command

Clears the print buffer, pauses the printer, and illuminates the Paused/Stop Indicator.

SOH F Send Status Byte

Instructs the printer to send a single status byte representing printer status flags.

System-Level Command Functions

STX A Set Time and Date

Sets the printer's internal time and date, stored in the inch counter.

STX I Input Image Data

Precedes image downloading, allowing the printer to receive image data from a host.

STX M Set Maximum Label Length

Sets the media distance to search for top-of-form before declaring a paper fault.

STX Q Clear All Modules

Clears all Flash and DRAM modules, destroying all stored data.

STX W Request Memory Module Information

Requests a memory module directory listing, showing results based on printer class and firmware.