2-2 Packet Reference Manual
Standard Syntax Guidelines
When creating MPCLII packets:
♦ Begin each packet with a start of header ({).
♦ End each packet with an end of header (}).
♦ Define no more than 1000 fields in a format. Each | indicates one field. However, options are
not counted as fields. The actual number of fields a format can have may be less, because the
number of fields is limited by the available memory.
♦ The field number (0 to 999) must be unique. Start at 1, instead of 0.
♦ Do not use a field number more than once per format.
♦ Define all fields in the order to image/print them. The printer does not print in field number
order.
♦ Separate all parameters with a Parameter Separator (,).
♦ End each field with a Field Separator (|).
♦ Enter all information in CAPITAL letters, except words or phrases within quotation marks.
♦ Include all parameters for a field unless documented as optional.
♦ Define non-printable text fields before the field to which they apply.
♦ Define options immediately after the field to which they apply.
♦ Multiple options can be used with most fields. Options can be used in any combination except
as noted with each definition. Options are processed in the order they are received.
♦ Keep in mind that proportionally spaced fonts need wider fields than monospaced fonts. For
variable field data, use a letter W to determine the maximum field size.
♦ Do not place a new line (return) or any other non-printing character within a field definition.
However, a carriage return or line break after each | makes formats easier to read.
T,1,20,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
T,2,10,V,50,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
♦ Spaces are ignored, except within character strings.
♦ Indenting options improves readability of formats.
T,1,18,V,30,30,1,1,1,1,B,C,0,0,0 |
R,42,1 |
♦ Use a tilde (~) followed by a 3-digit ASCII code in a quoted string to send function codes or
extended characters or send the 8-bit ASCII code.
Modify formats and fields with the optional entry method. See “Optional Entry Method
” in Chapter
6 for more information.
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