7197 Owner’s Manual Chapter 5: Communications
November 2002
61
Chapter 5: Communication
Communication Overview
In order for a receipt to be printed, a program must be in place that translates the data
from the host computer into a language that the printer can understand. This program
must tell the printer exactly how to print each character. This chapter describes how to
create such a program or modify an existing one.
Interface
In order for the printer to communicate with the host, a communication link must be set
up. The 7197 supports the industry standard RS-232C communication interface. This
interface has a protocol associated with it that the host computer must understand and
adhere. The priner also supports USB communications.
Only when the interface parameters are matched and the proper protocol is used will the
host and the printer be able to communicate. See the section, “RS-232C Interface” on the
next page for a description of the protocol associated with the RS-232C 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, but 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:
This sets the computer up such that the Hex code corresponding to any key that was
pressed would be sent to the RS-232C communication port COM1 when the COPY mode
is exited. If the printer is connected to COM1, then the data will go to the printer.
Exit the COPY mode by typing
CTRL Z
and then pressing the ENTER key. This directs the data from any print command to the
proper port, commands can be sent from any software program.
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