Zipher Text Communications Protocol v1.34
Zipher Text Communications Protocol v1.34
Abstract
This document describes the text communications protocol that can be used with Zipher machines.
The protocol is intended to allow simple communication between Zipher machines and other
devices.
Revision History
1.32 Aniebiet 10th June 2021 Added DEL and GLS commands, added LSC
Akpan async notification. Also updated Async
notifications table.
1.33 Phil Hart 13th August 2021 Added PRN and PPR command for pallet
labellers.
1.34 Jeff Froggatt 6th November 2021 Use of new Leader/Follower Terminology
throughout.
Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................ 1
Table of Contents ................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 6
Conventions Used in this Document ......................................................................... 6
Running the Text Communications system .................................................................... 7
CLARiTY Configuration manager Settings ................................................................... 8
Communications Sessions ........................................................................................ 9
The Job Select Commands (SEL and SLA/SLI) ............................................................ 12
The Line Assignment Command (LAS) ..................................................................... 13
The Clear Line Command (CLN) ............................................................................ 14
The Stop Line Command (SLN) ............................................................................. 14
Interactive Job Selection (IJS) ............................................................................. 14
The Job Data Update Commands (JDU and JDA/JDI) ................................................... 15
The Job Data Update with Save Commands (JDUS and JDAS/JDIS) ................................... 16
Line Data Update Command (LDU) ........................................................................ 17
Line Select Command (LSL) ................................................................................. 17
The Print Command (PRN) .................................................................................. 18
The Test Print Command (TPR) ............................................................................ 18
Force Micro Purge command (FMP) ........................................................................ 19
The Set State Command (SST).............................................................................. 19
The Get State Request (GST) ............................................................................... 20
The Get All Faults Command (GFT)........................................................................ 20
The Get All Warnings (GWN) ............................................................................... 21
The Clear All Faults Command (CAF) ...................................................................... 22
The Clear All Warnings Command (CAW) ................................................................. 22
The Clear Single Error (CEM) ............................................................................... 23
The Get Counts Command (GPC) .......................................................................... 23
The Set Counts Command (SPC) ........................................................................... 24
The Clear Queue Item Command (CQI) ................................................................... 24
The Get Time and Date Command (GTD) ................................................................. 25
The Set Date and Time Command (TAD) .................................................................. 25
The Get Job Name Command (GJN) ....................................................................... 26
The Queue Size Command (QSZ) ........................................................................... 26
The Get Job List Command (GJL) .......................................................................... 27
The Get Job Fields Command (GJF) ....................................................................... 28
The Get Current Job Data Command (GJD) .............................................................. 28
The Delete Command (DEL) ................................................................................ 29
The Device Specific Commands and Requests (CMD) .................................................... 30
The Set Print Density command (SPD) .................................................................... 31
The Get Print Density command (GPD) ................................................................... 32
The Serialisation Header and Data command (SHD)..................................................... 33
The Serialisation Header Only command (SHO) .......................................................... 33
The Serialisation Data only command (SDO) ............................................................. 33
The Serialisation Change Field Data (For non-serialised fields) (SCF) ................................ 34
The Serialisation Record Count command (SRC) ......................................................... 34
The Serialisation Clear Buffer command (SCB) .......................................................... 35
The Serialisation Indexed Data command (SID) .......................................................... 35
The Serialisation Free Space command (SFS) ............................................................ 35
The Serialisation Next Record Index command (SNI) .................................................... 36
The Serialisation Last Record Index command (SLR) .................................................... 36
The Serialisation Set Maximum Records command (SMR)............................................... 37
The Serialisation Get Maximum Records command (SGM) .............................................. 37
The Set Encoder Direction command (SED)............................................................... 37
The Get Encoder Direction command (GED) ............................................................. 38
The Get Consumable Levels command (GCL) ............................................................ 38
The PackML Commands and Requests (PML) ............................................................. 39
The Get Last Scanned Barcode command (GLS) – applicable to 9550 LPA only...................... 42
Introduction
This document describes the text communications system that can be used to communicate with a
Zipher printer. The text protocol works over RS232 connections and (in software releases from
June 2006) TCP/IP connections. The protocol is Leader-Follower with the host machine considered
as the Leader, and responsible for initiating any communications.
Binary values are not used in this communications system; sending the string “65” means sending
the character for ‘6’ followed by the character ‘5’.
The term “PackML” in this document refers to the “Automatic Mode Machine States Definition
Version 2.1” by the OMAC Motion for Packaging Working Group, PackML Subcommittee. This
document is available from http://www.omac.org/.
0. Deactivated
1. Text Communications System
2. Binary Communications System
Care should be taken if CLARiTYConfig is connected via a serial cable, as it is possible to shut out
the CLARiTYConfig connection by changing it to “Deactivated” or “Text Communications System”.
If this happens and it is not possible to reconnect by other means (Ethernet or the other serial port)
the serial port settings can be restored to their default values (ComPort1 = Binary Communications
System, ComPort2 = Deactivated) via the CLARiTY user interface. To do this, enter the Tools
screen, then press the Setup button followed by Control, Communications and finally Reset serial
ports.
Running the text communications system on both serial ports at the same time is not supported and
attempting to do so may cause problems with CLARiTY.
When connecting a device to the text communications system, the first thing to ensure is that the
serial port of the device to be connected is configured to match the configuration of the serial port
on the CLARiTY unit. The settings should be:
If necessary, the Hyperterminal program, which ships with most versions of Microsoft Windows, can
be used to test the text communications system.
The text communications system works best as a request/response protocol, where the device
connected to the CLARiTY unit sends a command to the unit, and then waits for a response before
sending another command. In some cases it is possible to send a command before the previous
command has completed, but in most cases this will result in the second command failing.
To ensure that the commands you need are available and that the correct protocol mode is in use
enter the Tools screen, the press the Diagnostics button followed by Control, Communications and
finally select the Communication port that is set to use Text Communications.
The Text Comms Protocol item will now display the mode in use and installed version of the Text
Comms Protocol. For example Zipher ASCII Comms, the version 1 ASCII protocol or Zipher UNICODE
Comms v2, the version 2 UNICODE protocol. To determine which commands are available in the
installed version of the protocol see the table below.
To switch between ASCII and UNICODE modes use CLARiTY Configuration Manager to set
System/TextCommsParameterFile to the file name for the protocol definition file, either
ZipherASCIICommsProtocol.xml or ZipherUNICODECommsProtocol.xml.
More recent software releases (from June 2006) also support the Text Communications Protocol via
TCP/IP. This can be activated by using CLARiTYConfig to set the
System/TCPIP/TextCommunications/NetworkPort parameter to a non-zero value. The Text
Communications system will then wait for connections on the TCP port specified. Take care to
avoid using the same port number as other services that may be in operation, such as Binary
Communications (usually port 3001) or Leader/Follower mode (usually port 3002).
System/TCPIP/TextCommunications/IncompleteCommandTimeout
This option will output a NACK message if the command is incomplete (without a CR). The timeout
can be set from 1 to 20 seconds while 0 disables the function.
System/TCPIP/TextCommunications/NACKReplyOnUnknownCommand
No is disabled
Yes is enabled
This option will output a NACK message if the command is unrecognised or otherwise malformed or
unknown.
Note that only one NACK will be sent until the parser is either
1. reset using a <CR>
2. a valid command is received
3. there is a timeout (if the IncompleteCommandTimeout option is used).
System/TCPIP/TextCommunications/JobSelectionMode
0: Normal
1: Selection Per Print
Normal is to be used as the default running mode. If you are not experiencing any issues
running in this mode then this does not need to be changed.
Selection Per Print should be selected when SLI commands are being sent to the printer
with an allocation of one, i.e. for each print there is a job selection. This mode switches
off-loading and saving of job parameters.
System/TCPIP/TextCommunications/NetworkPort
This option sets which port number is used for the text communications. A non zero value enables
text communications via TCPIP. Typically it is set to 3003. Take care to avoid using the same port
number as other services that may be in operation, such as Binary Communications (usually port
3001) or Leader/Follower mode (usually port 3002).
System/TextCommsParameterFile
Selects ASCII, Unicode or other protocol files. Set to the file name for the protocol definition file,
either ZipherASCIICommsProtocol.xml or ZipherUNICODECommsProtocol.xml. See above.
System/TextCommsAsyncNotificationsEnabled
Communications Sessions
A communications session comprises a set of commands or requests and responses. The carriage
return character (ANSI character code 13 decimal / 0x0D hexadecimal) terminates each command
or request, and also has the function of resetting the parser. This means that the carriage return
character will stop parsing the current data even if the data has partially matched a command or
request. The Carriage Return-Line Feed sequence ( 0x0D 0x0A ) is also accepted as a terminator;
the line feed character will simply be ignored.
Henceforth in this document, the carriage return character will be written <CR>
Most commands return either the default success response or the default failure response
depending on whether or not the command was successfully executed.
The default success response is:
ACK<CR>
The default failure response is:
ERR<CR>
The examples given below use the character » to indicate data sent to the printer, and « to
indicate data being received from the printer.
For example:
»CAF<CR>
«ERR<CR>
means “the string ‘CAF<CR>’ was sent to the printer, which responded with the string ‘ERR<CR>’”.
Because the carriage return character resets the parser, it is recommended to send the
carriage return character before each communications session in order to clear any unwanted
data which may be in the parser’s buffer.
This example sends the parser reset character before sending two commands to the printer:
»<CR>
»JDU|data|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»PRN<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The commands and requests accepted by the Zipher Text Communications Protocol are as follows:
The following commands require Version 10 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
SPD Set Print Density (Leader and Follower version)
GPD Get Print Density (Leader and Follower version)
The following commands require Version 11 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
SHD Serialisation Header and Data
SHO Serialisation Header Only
SDO Serialisation Data Only
SCF Serialisation Change Field Data (For non-serialaised fields)
SRC Serialisation Record Count
SCB Serialisation Clear Buffer
SID Serialisation Indexed Data
SFS Serialisation Free Space
SNI Serialisation Next Record Index to be printed
SLR Serialisation Last Record Index printed
SMR Serialisation Set Maximum number of Records
SGM Serialisation Get Maximum number of Records
SED Set Encoder Direction
GED Get Encoder Direction
GCL Get Consumable Levels
DFS Determine Free Space
The following commands require Version 12 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
GHR Get Horizontal Registration Command
GVR Get Vertical Registration Command
SHR Ser Set Horizontal Registration Command
SVR Set Vertical Registration Command
The following commands require Version 13 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
QLN Gets the size and status of the update queue, including the current allocation.
The following commands require Version 14 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
VER Gets the version of the text comms supported by the printer.
The following commands require Version 15 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
DEL Deletes file(s) from the internal database
LSC Async send of last scanned barcode
GLS Get last scanned barcode
The following commands require Version 16 or greater of the Text Communications Protocol
PRN Print command with Print Apply sequence parameter
PPR Pallet Present command
Syntax
SEL|<jobname>|<data>|…|<CR>
SLA|<jobname>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
SLI|<jobname>|<allocation>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success, SEL and SLA return the default success response, SLI returns an ID for the item placed
in the job queue by this command. On failure, the default failure response is returned. If the
command succeeds, the response is sent immediately.
Details
The difference between SEL and SLA lies in the way values for variable fields are matched to field
names. SEL assigns consecutive values to fields named “VarField00”, “VarField01”, “VarField02”
etc.; SLA allows the field name to be specified in the command, useful if the job has fields which
are not named “VarField00” etc. or if only a few fields need to be updated and using SEL would
require the inclusion of values for fields that do not need updating. If the SEL command is to be
used, care should be taken when designing the job that the fields to be updated have the correct
names. SLI is similar to SLA except for the additional allocation parameter and the return id value.
Date Fields
Date fields are updated as for normal fields, but the correct format must be used. In the case of a
User Entered Date, the correct format is:
dd/mm/yyyy
In the case of a Calculated Date, the correct format is:
ddd/mmm/yy
with negative values permitted for any of the components.
Notes: 'Default Offset' in the Date Field needs to be 0.
Whatever the concession range is can be updated, outside the concession range are ignored.
A Calculated Date depends on an underlying date calculation, and that it is this that will be
updated by the command. If the job contains several Calculated Dates which obtain their value
from the same date calculation, all of these will be updated.
Counter Fields
These are handled as normal fields.
Price Fields
These should be entered as decimal values. The decimal separator may be the point (.), comma (,)
or centre dot (·). The value will be interpreted according to the number of decimal places specified for
that field. For example, if the field has the default number of decimal places (2), the value “15” is
interpreted as “15.00”, the value “15.5” as “15.50”, the value “15.076” as “15.07”, the value “.99” as
“0.99” etc.
Allocation
This integer value will determine the number of prints allocated for the selected job.
The most likely reason for a failure on this command is trying to select a job which does not exist in
the database. Specifying an invalid field name for a variable field or using an inappropriate format
for a date field is not considered an error; the value will simply be ignored.
Examples
»SLA|DateTest|OffsetDate=-010/002/00| <CR>
«ACK<CR>
Selects the job “DateTest” and sets the field “OffsetDate” to be two months minus ten days after
its reference date.
»SLA|DateTest|AbsoluteDate=24/05/2003| <CR>
«ACK<CR>
Selects the job “DateTest” and sets the field “AbsoluteDate” to the 24th of May 2003.
Syntax
LAS|<jobname>|<line>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success LAS returns the queue item identifier for the line assignment item generated by the
command. On failure the default failure response is returned. The response is sent immediately.
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured.
This has an absolute maximum of 16. Out of range values will cause a default failure response.
Allocations are not currently supported in Line Select mode. The LAS command is otherwise
identical to SLA in terms of its field names and data values.
Examples
»LAS|DateTest|8|OffsetDate=-010/002/00| <CR>
«ACK<CR>
Assigns the job “DateTest” to line 8 and sets the field “OffsetDate” to be two months minus ten
days after its reference date.
Syntax
CLN|<line>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured.
This has an absolute maximum of 16. Out of range values will cause a default failure response.
Examples
»CLN|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Assigns the Non Printing job to line 1.
Syntax
SLN|<line>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured.
This has an absolute maximum of 16. Out of range values will cause a default failure response.
Examples
»CLN|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Assigns Production Disabled job to line 1.
Syntax
IJS|<line>|<jobname>|<allocation>|<CR>
Return Values
On success an interactive job selection will be initiated. Failure modes may be indicated by a
message on the printer screen or by the standard error result or by no response and no interactive
job selection being triggered.
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured. If
no lines are configured this values should be 0 or left blank e.g.
IJS||<jobname>|<allocation>|<CR>.
Out of range values for line assignment will give the default failure response.
Examples
»IJS||TestJob||<CR>
Triggers Interactive Job Selection of the Job ‘TestJob’, with no allocation limit, when not in Line
Select Mode.
»IJS|1|TestJob|100|<CR>
Triggers Interactive Job Selection of the Job ‘TestJob’, with an allocation of 100, allocated to the
first line (Line 0), in Line Select mode.
Syntax
JDU|<data>|…|<CR>
JDA|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
JDI|<allocation>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success JDU and JDA return the default success response JDI returns a queue item identifier for
the job update item generated by the command. On failure the default failure response is
returned. If the command succeeds, the response is sent immediately.
Details
The commands JDU, JDA and JDI work in the same way as SEL, SLA and SLI respectively, except
that they do not select a new job, but update variable fields and allocations in the currently
selected job.
The most likely reason for a failure on this command is trying to update fields when no job is
selected. Specifying an invalid field name for a variable field is not considered an error; the value
will simply be ignored.
Examples
The Job Data Update with Save Commands (JDUS and JDAS/JDIS)
These commands cause the variable fields on the currently selected job to be updated and
corresponding changes to be saved permanently. These commands are not available when Line
Selection is enabled. Please see Line Data Update below.
Syntax
JDUS|<data>|…|<CR>
JDAS|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
JDIS|<allocation>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success JDUS and JDAS return the default success response. JDIS returns a queue item identifier
for the job update item generated by the command. On failure the default failure response is
returned. If the command succeeds, the response is sent immediately.
Details
The commands JDUS, JDAS and JDIS work in the same way as JDU, JDA and JDI respectively, except
that they save the job changes permanently. The printer will remember the values of the fields
updated by this command upon re-start at the printer.
The most likely reason for a failure on this command is trying to update fields when no job is
selected. Specifying an invalid field name for a variable field is not considered an error; the value
will simply be ignored.
Notes:
This command should be used judiciously as excessive use can drastically reduce the life of the
internal memory card.
Examples
Updates variable fields on the current job; sets the field “Line 1” to the value “First Line” and the
field “Line 4” to the value “Fourth Line” and save these changes to the internal memory card.
Syntax
LDU|<line>|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success LDU returns a queue item identifier for the line update item generated by the
command. On failure the default failure response is returned. The response is sent immediately.
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured.
This has an absolute maximum of 16. Out of range values will cause a default failure response.
Allocations are not currently supported in Line Select mode. The LAS command is otherwise
identical to JDA in terms of its field names and data values.
Examples
»LDU|8|OffsetDate=-020/003/00|<CR>
«1<CR>
Updates variable fields on the job assigned to line 8; sets the field “OffsetDate” to be three months
minus twenty days after its reference date.
Syntax
LSL|<line>|<CR>
Return Values
On Success LSL returns the default success response, and on failure it returns the default failure
response. The response is sent immediately.
Details
The line value is a number between 1 and the number of lines for which the printer is configured.
This has an absolute maximum of 16. Out of range values will cause the default failure response.
Examples
»LSL|5|
»ACK<CR>
Sets line 5 to be the active line. A Job Select for the job assigned to Line 5 will be added to the job
selection queue.
Syntax
PRN[|<printapplysequence>|]<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after the job has been printed.
Details
Printapplysequence Optional print and apply sequence number only supported by 9550 pallet
labeller. Set to a value of 1 to trigger Apply sequence 1 and 2 to trigger
Apply sequence 2. Note if omitted on a 9550 pallet labeller apply sequence
1 will be triggered.
Examples
»PRN<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The current job was successfully printed.
»PRN|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»PRN|2|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The current job was successfully printed and applied in both positions for a 9550 pallet labeller.
Syntax
TPR<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after the job has been printed.
Details
The TPR command attempts to print a test print. It works in the same manner as pressing the test
print button on the Clarity screen.
Note: This command behaves differently depending on the state of the EnableTestPrintLastImage
parameter. If the EnableTestPrintLastImage is set to yes, an exact copy of the last job printed is
printed. If EnableTestPrintLastImage is set to no, the current job is printed in the same way as the
PRN command works.
Examples
»TPR<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The test print is successfully printed.
Syntax
FMP<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after the micro purge has completed.
Details
Examples
»FMP<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SST|<desiredstate>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after the state transition has taken place.
Details
The SST command attempts to set the overall state. Valid values for desiredstate are:
0 Shut down
1 Starting up
2 Shutting down
3 Running
4 Offline
The most likely reason for a failure on this command is trying to perform a state transition which is
not supported. Please refer to Appendix 1 for the state transition diagram showing the permitted
state transitions.
Examples
»SST|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Starts up the printer
»SST|0|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
An attempt to shut down the printer. The error is caused because it is not possible to enter state 0
directly, the printer must be moved into state 2 to shut down the printer.
Syntax
GST<CR>
Return Values
STS|<overallstate>|<errorstate>|<currentjob>|<batchcount>|<totalcount>|<CR>
Returns immediately.
Details
overallstate
The overall state of the printer, as described for the SST command.
errorstate
The error condition of the printer. This will be one of the following:
0 No errors
1 Warnings present
2 Faults present
currentjob
The job selected in the printer. This will be empty if no job is selected.
batchcount
The printer’s batch count.
totalcount
The printer’s total count.
Examples
»GST<CR>
«STS|3|0|Default 4 Line Text|4345|8253|<CR>
The printer is running, there are no errors present, the currently selected job is “Default 4 Line
Text”, the batch count is 4345 and the total count is 8253.
»GST<CR>
«STS|4|2||0|8253|<CR>
The printer is offline with a fault, there is no job selected, the batch count is 0 and the total count
is 8253.
Syntax
GFT<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the total count of the number of faults followed by a list of current faults. On
failure, returns the default failure response.
FLT|<count>|[<nnnn>|<clearable>|<title>|]<CR>
Details
count
The total number of faults.
nnnn
The error number (the 4 digit “E” number as displayed on the printer message area)
clearable
Indicates if the fault is clearable
0. Not Clearable
1. Clearable
title
The textual title of the fault as displayed on the printer message area.
Note that the repeating part of the return string (fault number, clearable and title) is of fixed
format and cannot be changed via the protocol definition file, although the separator ‘|’ may be
changed as required.
Examples
»GFT<CR>
Indicates there are 3 faults at the printer all of which are not as yet clearable.
Syntax
GWN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the total count of the number of warnings followed by a list of current
warnings. On failure, returns the default failure response.
WRN|<count>|[<nnnn>|<clearable>|<title>|]<CR>
Details
count
The total number of warnings.
nnnn
The error number (the 4 digit “E” number as displayed on the printer message area)
clearable
Indicates if the warning is clearable
0. Not Clearable
1. Clearable
title
The textual title of the warning as displayed on the printer message area.
Note that the repeating part of the return string (fault number, clearable and title) is of fixed
format and cannot be changed via the protocol definition file, although the separator ‘|’ may be
changed as required.
Examples
»GWN<CR>
«WRN|0|<CR>
Syntax
CAF<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after all faults have been cleared.
Details
The CAF command attempts to clear all faults present in the printer. Each fault will only be cleared
if it is user-clearable (i.e. if it could be cleared using the user interface). The most likely reason for
this command failing is the presence of a non-user-clearable fault. If there are no faults present,
the success response is immediately returned.
Examples
»CAF<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
CAW<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after all warnings have been cleared.
Details
The CAW command attempts to clear all warnings present in the printer. Each warning will only be
cleared if it is user-clearable (i.e. if it could be cleared using the user interface). The most likely
reason for this command failing is the presence of a non-user-clearable warning. If there are no
warnings present, the success response is immediately returned.
Examples
»CAW<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
CEM|<number>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
The CEM command attempts to clear a specific error (fault or warning) present in the printer. If an
error with the given number is not pre-set then it returns the default failure response. The error
will only be cleared if it is user-clearable (i.e. if it could be cleared using the user interface). The
most likely reason for this command failing is the presence of a non-user-clearable error or an
incorrect error number. If there are no errors present, the success response is immediately
returned.
Examples
»CEM|1005|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
GPC<CR>
Return Values
Returns immediately.
Details
success prints
The number of successful prints since start-up
fail prints
The number of failed prints since start-up
missed prints
The number of missed print signals since start-up
remaining prints
The number of prints left in the current allocation
Syntax
Return Values
Details
success prints
The number of successful prints since start-up
fail prints
The number of failed prints since start-up
missed prints
The number of missed print signals since start-up
Syntax
CQI|<item number>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
The CQI request removes the numbered item from the job queue. The item number to use is that
returned by the command that added the job to the queue.
If the command is issued with no queue item number all items are removed from the queue.
It is possible that a queue item existing at the time when the command is issued will have reached
selection or been removed from the queue by other means before the CQI command is processed
causing it to fail. This is expected behaviour.
Examples
»CQI<CR>
«ACK<CR>
All queue items successfully cleared
»CQI|3|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Item with id 3 (Not necessarily the third item) successfully removed from the queue.
GTD<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the date and time of the printer in the following format:
TAD|DD/MM/YYYY HH:MM:SS|<CR>
Details
The GTD command gets the current date and time of the printer.
Examples
»GTD<CR>
«TAD|09/05/2011 10:00:00|<CR>
TAD|DD/MM/YYYY HH:MM:SS|<CR>
Return Values
On success, sets the printer time and date and returns the default success response. On failure,
sends the default failure response.
Details
The TAD command sets the time and date on the printer to the time specified. If the time is sent in
any other format the command will return the default failure response.
Examples
»TAD|09/05/2011 10:00:00|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»TAD|09/05/2011|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
»TAD|09/05/2011 10:00|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
GJN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the name of the current job in the printer in the following format :-
Line number is set to a dash “-“ if the printer is not currently in line select mode.
Details
The GJN command gets the name of the job current set on the printer and the selected line if in
line select mode.
Examples
»GJN<CR>
«JOB|Counter_Test|-|<CR>
»GJN<CR>
«JOB|Counter_Test|2|<CR>
Indicates that the job called “Counter_Test” has been loaded from line 2.
QSZ<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the size of the update queue at the printer and the queue status in the
following format :-
QSZ|<nn>|<s>|<CR>
Where
0. queue empty
1. queue low
2. queue high
3. queue full
4. queue state intermediate
Details
The QSZ command returns the size of the update queue at the printer and the queue status. A
queue status of high is only returned if the queue sizes rises above the pre-set high threshold, it is
not returned when the queue size is falling. Similarly, a queue status of low is only returned if the
queue size is falling. The queue state intermediate indicates that the queue is neither empty, full
or at the pre-set low or high thresholds.
Examples
»QSZ<CR>
«QSZ|0|0|<CR>
»QSZ<CR>
«QSZ|2|1|<CR>
Indicates that the queue size is 2 and has triggered a queue low indication.
»QSZ<CR>
«QSZ|7|4|<CR>
Indicates that the queue size is 7 but this is not low enough to have triggered a queue low
indication or high enough to have triggered a queue high indication.
Syntax
GJL<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the total count of the number of Jobs followed by a list of the names of the
Jobs in the printer in the following format :-
JBL|<count>|[<jobname>|]<CR>
Details
count
The total number of jobs.
jobname
The name of the job.
Note that the repeating part of the return string is of fixed format and cannot be changed via the
protocol definition file, although the separator ‘|’ may be changed as required.
Examples
»GJL<CR>
«JBL|3|ApplesJob|OrangesJob|BananasJob|<CR>
Indicates that there are 3 jobs in the database called ApplesJob, OrangesJob and BananasJob.
Syntax
GJF|<jobname>|<CR>
Where <jobname> is the name of a Job at the printer (obtained from a GJL command for example)
Return Values
On success, returns the total count of the number of fields in the Job followed by a list of field
names in the following format :-
JFL|<count>|[<fieldname>|]<CR>
Part within square brackets repeats for each field present. The list of fields are not returned in any
particular order.
Details
count
The total number of fields in the job.
fieldname
The name of the job field.
Note that the repeating part of the return string is of fixed format and cannot be changed via the
protocol definition file, although the separator ‘|’ may be changed as required.
Examples
»GJF|OrangesJob|<CR>
«JFL|2|Field00|PriceField01|<CR>
Indicates that there are 2 fields in the job called “OrangesJob” which are called “Field00” and
“PriceField01”.
Syntax
GJD<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the total count of the number of fields in the currently loaded Job followed by
a list of field name and value pairs in the following format :-
JDL|<count>|[<fieldname>=<value>|]<CR>
Details
count
The total number of fields in the job.
fieldname
The name of the job field.
value
The value of the job field.
The values will be those supplied when the user selected the job (SEL, SLA, SLI command) but will
be unaffected by changes to the printing fields made by JDU, JDA or JDI commands. Also real time
incrementing fields such as counters and elapsed times will remain as entered at job select.
Note that the repeating part of the return string (fieldname, assigner symbol, value) is of fixed
format and cannot be changed via the protocol definition file, although the separator ‘|’ and
assigner “=” may be changed as required.
Examples
»GJD<CR>
«JDL|2|Field00=Apples|PriceField01=$2.00|<CR>
Indicates that there are 2 fields in the current job, “Field00” which is text field having a value of
“Apples” and “PriceField01” which has a value of “$2.00”.
Syntax
DEL|<file-extension>|<filename-format>|<CR>
Return Values
Details:
file-extensions
Supported file extensions that can be deleted are: CIFF, BMP and TTF.
filename-format
Can be the name of a single file or a formatted filename (ie. including an asterisk (*)).
Supplying an asterisk (*) as the filename format removes all contents of the corresponding
folder for the given type.
Examples
»DEL|CIFF|AJob|<CR>
«DFC|1|<CR>
»DEL|TTF|AFont|<CR>
«DFC|1|<CR>
»DEL|CIFF|*|<CR>
«DFC|5|<CR>
»DEL|CIFF|Job*|<CR>
«DFC|3|<CR>
Deletes all job files starting with the three letters “Job”, 3 files in this case (similarly if ‘*’ is at
the end or in the middle).
Syntax
CMD|<devcommand>|<CR>
Return Values
The CMD commands all return the default success response if the syntax is correct and the printer
supports the command. The default failure parameter is returned if the syntax is invalid or the
printer does not support the command.
Details
Send a CMD command. The command is specified in the devcommand parameter; valid values for
this parameter for the videojet 8610 printer are:
COP
Causes printers which implement this command to open the cap covering the print head.
CCL
Causes printers which implement this command to close the cap covering the print head
BWE
Causes printers which implement this command to enable warming of the print head.
Examples
»CMD|COP|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The caps are opened
»CMD|CCL|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The caps are closed
»CMD|XXX|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
The CMD sub command XXX is not defined.
Syntax
SPD|<d>|<CR>
or
SPD|<d>|<lf>|<CR>
where <d> is a numeric value between 0 and 100% and is the required print density
where <lf> is the Leader and Follower selector with a value from 1 to 15 as follows :-
<lf> values other than 1 can only be sent to a Leader printer. If <ms> is omitted then it is
equivalent to an <lf> value of 1 i.e. just the local or Leader printer.
Other numerical values of <lf> can be used where the Leader or Followers affected is determined
by the binary equivalent of the number e.g. 9 will update the Leader and 3rd Follower only.
For a non Leader Follower configuration the second parameter must be 1 or omitted.
The command will set the Print Density to the nearest supported value on the Leader and Followers
selected. For the 2300 series the supported values are 100%, 70%, 50%, 33% and 25%.
The command will return an error if the values are out of range or an update is requested on a
Follower printer which is either not currently configured or connected.
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Examples
»SPD|33|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»SPD|75|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»SPD|70|15|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Sets the print density to 70% on the Leader and all 3 Follower printers.
»SPD|150|1|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
»SPD|100|20|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
Fail because the printer is either not in Leader-Follower configuration or the Follower is not
configured or disconnected.
Syntax
GDP<CR>
or
GDP|<p>|<CR>
0 Read the printer value (or the Leader value only in a Leader/Follower configuration)
1 Read the value at the 1st Follower (if enabled)
2 Read the value at the 2nd Follower (if enabled)
3 Read the value at the 3rd Follower (if enabled)
If <p> is not present then the value at the local printer is returned.
Return Values
On success, returns
DEN|<d>|<CR>
Where
<d> is a numeric value between 0 and 100% and is the current print density. Or -1 if a
Follower printer is not currently connected.
Examples
»GDP<CR>
«DEN|50|<CR>
Indicates that the current Print Density for the Leader printer is is 50%
»GDP|1|<CR>
«DEN|100|<CR>
Indicates that the current print density at the first Follower is 100%.
»GDP|2|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
Syntax
SHD|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Where
<fieldname> is the name of the field to be updated.
<data> is the data that will be used to update the <fieldname> field.
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response
Example
»SHD|fieldName1=myField1|fieldName2=myField2|fieldName3=myField3|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SHO|<fieldname>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response
Details
fieldname
The name of the job field.
Example
»SHO|myField1|myField2|myField3|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SDO|<data>|…|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SFS|<s>|<CR>
Where
<s> is the number of available bytes in the serialisation buffer.
Details
data
The field data supplied in the order of field names supplied in SHO command.
Example
»SDO|myData1|myData2|myData3|<CR>
«SFS|951744|<CR>
Syntax
SCF|<fieldname>=<data>|…|<CR>
Where
<fieldname> is the name of the non-serialisation field to be updated.
<data> is the data that will be used to update the <fieldname> field.
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response
Example
»SFC|fieldName1=myField1|fieldName2=myField2|fieldName3=myField3|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SRC<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SRC|<c>|<CR>
Where
<c> is the number of records in the serialisation buffer.
Example
»SRC<CR>
«SRC|25|<CR>
Syntax
SCB<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Example
»SCB<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SID|<recordindex>|<data>|…|<CR>
Where
<recordindex> is the ID or serial number of the record.
<data> is the field data to be used for each field.
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Example
»SID|6|myData1|myData2|myData3|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
This command gets the amount of free space in the serialisation buffer.
Syntax
SFS<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SFS|<s>|<CR>
Where
<s> is the number of available bytes in the serialisation buffer.
Example
»SFS<CR>
«SFS|952368|<CR>
Syntax
SNI<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SNI|<i>|<CR>
Where
<i> is the next index to be printed.
Example
»SNI<CR>
«SNI|7|<CR>
Syntax
SLR<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SLR|<i>|<CR>
Where
<i> is the last index printed.
Example
»SLR<CR>
«SLR|7|<CR>
Syntax
SMR|<r>|<CR>
Where
<r> is the maximum number of records allowed in the serialisation buffer.
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Example
»SMR|120|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SGM<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
SGM|<r>|<CR>
Where
<r> is the maximum number of records allowed in the serialisation buffer.
Example
»SGM<CR>
«SGM|120|<CR>
This command sets the encoder direction. Thermal Inkjet printers only (8510, 8610).
Syntax
SED|<d>|<CR>
Where
<d> is the encoder direction:-
N – Normal direction
R – Reverse direction
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Example
»SED|N|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»SED|R|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
GED<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns
GED|<d><CR>
Where
<d> is the encoder direction:-
N – Normal direction
R – Reverse direction
On failure, returns the default failure response or -1 if SED/GED are not supported on this device.
Example
»GED<CR>
«GED|N|<CR>
»GED<CR>
«GED|R|<CR>
GCL<CR>
Or
GCL|<id>|<CR>
Where
<id> is the Follower id of the printer you wish to view the consumable levels of, for
example:-
0 gets the consumable levels of the Leader printer.
1 gets the consumable levels of the first Follower printer.
2 gets the consumable levels of the second Follower printer.
3 gets the consumable levels of the third Follower printer.
Return Values
This command will return the values of the consumables currently in use for the printer specified.
GCL|<c>|…|<CR>
Where
<c> is the consumable level
Details
This command will return all of the consumable levels that are in use for the connected printer, for
example, an 8510 printer might return 1, 2, 3 or 4 different consumable levels depending on how
many print heads are connected.
If a GCL command is sent to a Leader printer enquiring about one of its Followers and the Leader is
only configured as ‘Group Job Select’ then an ERR will be returned.
Example
»GCL<CR>
«GCL|20|50|<CR>
»GCL|2|<CR>
«GCL|35|40|<CR>
Syntax
PML|<packmlcommand>|<CR>
Return Values
The PackML commands all return the default success response on success and the default failure
response if the command was rejected. The return values for the PackML requests are described
below.
Details
Sends a PackML command or request. The command or request is specified in the packmlcommand
parameter; valid values for this parameter are:
PRE
Sends a PackML Prepare command, which represents the PackML state transition from
STA
Sends a PackML Start command, which represents the PackML state transition from
STP
Sends a PackML Stop command, which represents the PackML state transition from
STARTING/HELD/READY/STANDBY/PRODUCING to STOPPING or ABORTED to STOPPED. In
CLARiTY terms it is equivalent to clearing any faults and then pressing the button while
the system is in the Offline, Starting up, or Running states, or equivalent to clearing any
faults while the system is in the Shut Down state and a fault has occurred. The success
response is sent when the system state reaches the target state. The failure response is
sent if the state transition is rejected. If the system is already in the target state when the
command is received, a success response is immediately sent without performing any
action. If the system is in a state other than the source or target states for this transition,
the command is immediately rejected. This command may fail if there are faults present
that cannot be cleared.
HLD
Sends a PackML Hold command, which represents the PackML state transition from
ABT
Sends a PackML Abort command, which represents the PackML state transition from
STARTING/HELD/READY/STANDBY/PRODUCING to ABORTING. This command causes an
Abort fault to occur, thus setting the error state to Fault Present. The success response is
sent when the system state reaches the target state. The failure response is sent if the
state transition is rejected. If the system is already in the target state when the command
is received, a success response is immediately sent without performing any action. If the
system is in a state other than the source or target states for this transition, the command
is immediately rejected.
GST
Gets the PackML State as a decimal integer, with the following possible values:
0 STOPPED
1 STARTING
2 READY
3 STANDBY
4 PRODUCING
5 STOPPING
6 ABORTING
7 ABORTED
8 HOLDING
9 HELD
The command response string is:
<packmlstate><CR>
GSX
Gets the PackML State as a string, with the following possible values:
STOPPED
STARTING
READY
STANDBY
PRODUCING
STOPPING
ABORTING
ABORTED
HOLDING
HELD
The command response string is:
<packmlstatestring><CR>
Examples
»PML|GST|<CR>
«9<CR>
The printer is in the HELD state.
»PML|GSX|<CR>
«HELD<CR>
The printer is in the HELD state.
»PML|ABT|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The PackML Abort command was successfully executed.
»PML|GSX|<CR>
«ABORTED<CR>
Confirmation that the printer is now in the ABORTED state.
»PML|PRE|<CR>
«ERR<CR>
The PackML Prepare command was unsuccessful because the printer is in the ABORTED state.
»PML|STP|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The PackML Stop command successfully cleared the Abort error and moved the printer to the
STOPPED state.
»PML|PRE|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The PackML Prepare command successfully moved the printer to the READY state.
»PML|STA|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The PackML Start command successfully moved the printer to the STANDBY state.
»PML|HLD|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The PackML Hold command successfully moved the printer to the HOLDING state.
»PML|GSX|<CR>
«HELD<CR>
The printer is in the HELD state.
The Get Last Scanned Barcode command (GLS) – applicable to 9550 LPA
only
Syntax
GLS<CR>
Return Values
LSC|<last-barcode(s)>|<CR>
Where
<last-barcode(s)> is the last barcode scanner read.
Example
»GLS<CR>
«LSC|321232325638831|<CR>
Syntax
PPR|<palletpresent>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response. If
the command succeeds, the response is sent after the job has been printed.
Details
PalletPresent The desired state of the pallet present input.
The PPR sets the state of the pallet present input. The 9550 Pallet labeller will automatically
increment the SSCC and any other counts on the label when print and apply sequence 1 is trigger (if
the printer has printed this image at least once). To disable this automatic behaviour the Pallet
Present input needs to be set to 1 before the first print and apply sequence is trigger for the pallet
and the set to 0 after the last apply sequence on the pallet (at which point all of the counts on the
label with be updated). The example below shows the intended command sequence for a 2 position
apply on a pallet.
This command is required if a different sequence of print and applies are used for each pallet that
passes the machine (e.g. Apply sequence 1 and 2 for pallets from line 1 and Apply sequence 2 only
for pallets from line 2).
Example
»PPR|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»PRN|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»PRN|2|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»PPR|0|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
The current job was successfully printed and applied in both positions for a 9550 pallet labeller and
the counts updated after the pallet present input was set back to 0.
Async Notifications
The Async Text Comms is provided on the same port as the existing Text Comms.
After upgrade to Version 6 of Text Comms or initial delivery of a printer all notifications are
completely disabled and all parameter changes will be ignored.
The notifications can be enabled or disabled from Clarity config via the TextCommsAsyncEnables
parameter. This parameter sets the default for the notifications. Upon restarting the printer or
starting a new Text Comms session this default will be reloaded.
Various Text Commands are provided to temporarily change the enable or disable state of each of
the notifications.
The following values can be enabled for notification via the Async Text Comms
Syntax
STS|<n>|<CR>
Details
The values of the states (<n>) are as defined in the SST (State Set Command) and GST (Get State
Request) text commands. i.e.
0. Shutdown
1. Starting Up
2. Shutting Down
3. Running
4. Offline
Examples
«STS|0|<CR>
Syntax
PRS<CR>
Syntax
PRC<CR>
A queue status of high is only returned if the queue sizes rises above the pre-set high threshold, it
is not returned when the queue size is falling. Similarly, a queue status of low is only returned if
the queue size is falling.
Syntax
OUT|QEMPTY|<CR>
OUT|QFULL|<CR>
OUT|QHIGH|<CR>
OUT|QLOW|<CR>
Syntax
ERS|<n>|<CR>
Details
The values of the states (<n>) are as defined in the existing GST (Get State Request) text
commands. These are as given below.
0. No errors
1. Warnings present
2. Faults present
Examples
«ERS|2|<CR>
Syntax
JOB|<name>|<line>|<CR>
Details
The name of the new job is sent (<name>) and if in line select mode, the name of the job and the
new line number is sent (<line>).
Examples
A new job was loaded called “Cartridge Test Image”, while not in line select mode.
«JOB|Counter Job|2|<CR>
A new job was loaded called “Counter Job” for line select 2.
Syntax
SAN|<bbbbbbbbbbb>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
It takes a binary value to define a set of binary flags. Each bit is defined as follows :-
If Bit 3 is not present then all I/O Output change notifications are disabled, otherwise Bits 7 to 10
allow individual outputs to be enabled or disabled.
The default value for these flags will be stored as a parameter in the printer which will be
remembered across a comms link restart and printer reboot. This parameter can be edited from
CLARiTY Config System/TextCommsAsyncNotificationsEnabled parameter.
Note the change is not saved across a comms link restart and printer reboot, the value will revert
to that from the value set in CLARiTY Config.
Examples
»SAN|10101|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
GAN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns binary value to define a set of binary flags. Each bit is defined as for the SAN
command.
On failure, returns the default failure response.
Examples
»GAN<CR>
»SAN|000000010001|<CR>
Indicates that reporting of only error state and overall state is enabled.
Syntax
Examples
EAN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Examples
»EAN<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Switches off all Async comms messages and prevents the sending of all notifications.
Equivalent to SAN|0|
Syntax
DAN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Examples
»DAN<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
DPN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Examples
»DPN<CR>
«ACK<CR>
Syntax
SNO|<name>|<b>|<CR> or
SNO|<nn>|<b>|<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
The set single notification command takes either a number (<nn>) of the bit as given for the SAN
command or a name (<name>) corresponding to one of the bits as below
It also takes a second parameter <b> to indicate the required new value.
0. Disabled
1. Enabled
Examples
»SNO|4|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»SNO|ERS|0|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
»SNO|OUT|1|<CR>
»SNO|QEM|1|<CR>
«ACK<CR>
If the value is changed or if the new value is the same as the current value then acknowledge (ACK)
is returned otherwise an error (ERR) is returned.
Note the change is not saved across a comms link restart and printer reboot, the value will revert
to that from the value set in CLARiTY Config (see below)
Return Values
LSC|<last-barcode(s)>|<CR>
Where
<last-barcode(s)> is the barcode(s) data from the last scan.
Example
»GLS<CR>
«LSC|321232325638831|<CR>
Indicates that one barcode was scanned containing data 321232325638831.
GCS<CR>
Return Values
This command will return the cartridge status information for the cartridges currently in use for the
printer.
GCS|[<inktype>|<expdate>|<firstuse>|<lastuse>|<batch>|<ID>|]<CR>
Part within square brackets repeats for each Printhead in use.
Details
inktype
The type of ink in the cartridge, or if the cartridge is non authentic.
expdate
The expiration date of the ink cartridge.
firstuse
The date the cartridge was first installed.
lastuse
The date the cartridge was most recently installed.
batch
The ink batch number of the ink in the cartridge.
ID
The ID number of the cartridge.
This command will return all the cartridge status values for all the heads that are in use for the
connected printer. For example, an 8520 printer might return 1, 2, 3, or 4 different sets of values
depending on how many printheads are connected.
If the cartridge is non authentic, the ink type, expdate, firstuse, and batch will returned as “N/A”
and the ID will return “0”.
Example
>>GCS<CR>
<<GCS|Premium Black|04/08/2018|04/08/2017|04/08/2017|123456789BV|06054625C38|N/A|N/A|N/A|04/08
/2017|N/A|0|<CR>
Syntax
GHR[|<ph>|]<CR>
Details
ph
Optional printhead number for bark (8510/8610/8520) and hydra (2120) printers (defaults
to 1 if not present)
Return Value
DHR|<value>|[<ph>|]<CR>
Details
value
Syntax
GVR[|<ph>|]<CR>
Details
ph
Optional printhead number for bark (8510/8610/8520) and hydra (2120) printers (defaults
to 1 if not present)
Return Value
DVR|<value>|[<ph>|]<CR>
Details
value
Syntax
SHR|<value>|[<ph>|]<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
value
ph
Optional printhead number for bark (8510/8610/8520) and hydra (2120) printers (defaults
to 1 if not present)
Syntax
SVR|<value>|[<ph>|]<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the default success response. On failure, returns the default failure response.
Details
value
ph
Optional printhead number for bark (8510/8610/8520) and hydra (2120) printers (defaults
to 1 if not present)
QLN<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the size of the update queue, including the currently-selected job if its
allocation is not yet complete, and the queue status in the following format :-
QLN|<nn>|<s>|<CR>
Where
<nn> is the size of the queue, including the currently-selected job if its allocation is incomplete
0. queue empty
1. queue low
2. queue high
3. queue full
4. queue state intermediate
Details
The QLN command behaves similarly to the QSZ command. However, while the QSZ command
returns only the size of the image update queue, the QLN command will also incorporate the
currently selected job in the returned count. As such, in cases where a job is selected and its
allocation is either unlimited or incomplete, the size returned by the QLN command will equal that
returned by the QSZ command plus one, with both commands returning identical data otherwise.
Note that the result of this command is invalid in cases where no job is currently selected.
Examples
»QLN<CR>
«QLN|1|0|<CR>
Indicates that the queue is empty, with a job selected for which the allocation is unlimited or has
not yet been completed.
»QLN<CR>
«QLN|16|3|<CR>
»QLN<CR>
«QLN|2|1|<CR>
Indicates that the total size is 2 and has triggered a queue low indication.
»QLN<CR>
«QLN|7|4|<CR>
Indicates that the total queue size is 7 but this is not low enough to have triggered a queue low
indication or high enough to have triggered a queue high indication.
VER<CR>
Return Values
On success, returns the version of the text protocol supported by the printer, followed by the
currently selected protocol type (ASCII or Unicode) in the following format :-
VER|<nn>|<type>|<CR>
Where
Example Code
The following code is a simple Visual Basic program to send a series of commands to the printer via
COM1. The code assumes that there is a job in the printer’s database called “Default 4 Line Text”
and that it has variable text fields named “Line 1”, “Line 2”, “Line 3” and “Line 4”.
Shut Down
Offline
Running
Note that any state transition may be blocked by the printer if it would be unsafe or inappropriate
in the current circumstances. For example, if no job is selected the printer cannot be placed in the
Running state.