Datamax A-4310 User Manual

Immediate Command Functions
10 Class Series Programmer’s Manual
SOH A Send ASCII Status String
This command allows the host computer to check the current printer status. The printer returns a
string of eight characters, followed by a carriage return. Each character (see below) indicates an
associated condition, either true (Y) or false (N). Byte 1 is transmitted first. See <SOH>F.
Syntax:
<SOH>A
Sample:
<SOH>A
Printer Response:
abcdefgh<CR>
Where:
Possible Values Interpretation Byte Transmit Sequence
a - Y/N Y = Interpreter busy (imaging) 1
b - Y/N Y = Paper out or fault 2
c - Y/N Y = Ribbon out or fault 3
d - Y/N Y = Printing batch 4
e - Y/N Y = Busy printing 5
f - Y/N Y = Printer paused 6
g - Y/N Y = Label presented 7
h - N N = Always No 8
Table 3-1: ASCII Status Bytes
SOH a Send ASCII Extended Status String
This command allows the host computer to check an extended current printer status. The printer
returns a string of seventeen characters, followed by a carriage return. Most characters (see below)
indicate an associated condition, either true (Y) or false (N). Byte 1 is transmitted first. See <SOH>F.
Syntax:
<SOH>a
Sample:
<SOH>a
Printer Response:
abcdefgh:ijklmnop<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.